Dark Night at Tang Palace - Chapter 7
“Li Bi?” Song Xuance gasped, his heart racing. Although Li Bi is a prime minister, he is humble and deeply loved by the people. Assassinating him would certainly cause great turmoil in the court. But who was behind this plot?
White Feather, seeing the shock on his face, sneered, “Are you scared now? This is an order from the higher-ups. If you lack the courage, you should leave the Shadow Unit immediately!”
Song Xuance feigned calmness and said indifferently, “It’s just assassinating a prime minister. I’m just curious why the higher-ups suddenly decided to take action against him.”
White Feather leaned in her voice a conspiratorial whisper “Li Bi may appear gentle but he’s been scheming in the shadows. Recently he’s been in a close relationship military commander Guo Ziyi, forming a faction that has angered the higher-ups” She looked around and leaned close to Song Xuance’s ear, “Moreover, I heard that the higher-ups also suspect that he has private meeting with the Crown Prince.”
A chill ran down Song Xuance’s spine. The Crown Prince Li Shi always had a close relationship with Li Bi. If White Feather’s words held any truth, this assassination plot could entangle not just the prime minister but also the struggle for imperial power!
“So, when will the mission be carried out?” Song Xuance suppressed his shock and asked in a low voice.
“In three days, Li Bi will go to Xingguo Temple outside the city to pay respect to his deceased mother. That will be when security is at its weakest, and it will be the best time to strike,” White Feather said coldly.
Song Xuance nodded, “Okay, I’ll be there on time.”
Yet, his heart was filled with doubts. What was the true motive behind the assassination of Li Bi? Who was pulling the strings? He knew he must tread carefully, unraveling the truth before making any moves.
Three days later, Song Xuance arrived at Xingguo Temple. Incense was burning in the temple, and monks were chanting sutras. Outside the temple, teams of soldiers were on high alert, guarding the area strictly. Li Bi, dressed in plain clothes, walked slowly towards the main hall, surrounded by several attendants.
Hidden behind an ancient tree Song Xuance’s gaze was fixed on Li Bi. Suddenly he spotted White Feather and several black – clothed men stealthily weaving through the crowd closing in on Li Bi.
“If I act now, it will definitely cause chaos. But if I stop them, I will inevitably expose my identity…” Song Xuance pondered over various possibilities. Just as he was hesitating, a soft whizzing sound came from the woods—an arrow shot straight at Li Bi’s chest!
“Not good!” Instinct kicked in as Song Xuance leaped forward drawing his dagger just in time to deflect the arrow. Panic erupted around them and Li Bi’s entourage quickly formed a protective circle around him. White Feather’s eyes blazed with fury as she spotted Song Xuance. She charged towards Li Bi, her dagger flashing dangerously. However, Song Xuance stood in front of her, unsheathed his long sword, and said coldly, “White Feather, stop!” White Feather was furious, “Black Snake, how dare you betray the Shadow Unit!” With a cold smile Song Xuance retorted “You betrayed me first. ”
The two of them fought fiercely with swords flashing. Song Xuance’s swordsmanship was exquisite, but White Feather’s movements were as elusive as a ghost, and for a while, neither of them could gain the upper hand.
“Damn it!” White Feather gritted her teeth, suddenly jumped back, and disappeared into the forest with incredible speed. Song Xuance knew that if he chased after her, he would inevitably fall into her ambush, so he did not pursue.
Li Bi looked at Song Xuance in shock and asked, “Who are you? Why did you save me?”
Song Xuance took a deep breath and bowed, “I am Song Xuance, sent to investigate the conspiracy of the ‘Shadow Unit’. Saving your life today was unintentional.”
Li Bi frowned, “The Shadow Unit? Are things really this complicated?” He pondered for a moment, then suddenly said to Song Xuance, “This is not a good place to stay. Let’s get back to my residence.”
Song Xuance nodded and followed Li Bi’s group back to Chang’an. Along the way, his mind racing: by saving Li Bi, he had exposed his identity, and White Feather would certainly seek revenge. And the truth behind this failed assassination was probably even more confusing.