and painless death. You should be very clear that there are many ways in this world that make it difficult to even die."Zhao Ze You, upon hearing this, looked at Li Chen with cold eyes, seeming to moc...Chapter 351: Caught Like a Turtle in a Jar

The two of them argued and talked all the way to the back garden.

The Grand General's mansion garden, of course, couldn't compare to the East Palace or the Imperial Garden, but it was still well-maintained. Even in the depths of winter, some ordinary flowers and grasses managed to bloom, giving off a hint of lush greenery.

“These were all taken care of by me personally.”

Su Jinpa's tone was rather smug and boastful as she said, "When I have nothing to do, I like to spend time with these flowers and plants. I find them simple and uncomplicated, unlike dealing with people. For example, you."

Su Jinpa always liked to subtly dig at herself, and Li Chen didn't mind her antics. He said, "If you like it so much, just move everything to the Eastern Palace later, so you won't be bored."

Su Jinpa was speechless for a moment, she stomped her feet angrily, but there was nothing she could do to Li Chen.

Just when Li Chen was still flirting and cultivating affection with Su Jinpa at the General's Mansion, a group of people outside had already set their sights on him and started making meticulous arrangements.

A commonplace, unremarkable alleyway. A man dressed like an ordinary citizen hurried by, glancing around to make sure no one was watching. Only after confirming that the area was clear did he push open the door and enter.

As soon as I stepped inside the gate, the atmosphere instantly turned grim.

Seven or eight men and women stood in the courtyard, each diligently polishing their weapons. Their eyes gleamed with a fierce light, and their temples pulsed prominently, indicating that they were all masters of martial arts.

This man walked through the yard and into the living room.

In the living room, a holy maiden veiled in light gauze sat at the head of the table. Beneath her sat an elderly woman leaning on a cane, and two men, one fat and the other thin, who stood out conspicuously.

"Holy Maiden, Meng Po, the two Hall Masters."

"My subordinate has just received intelligence from Zhao Wangfu and gone to the site to verify it."

This man reached into his bosom and pulled out an extremely detailed map. He spread it out and, pointing to the locations of the East Palace and the Grand General's Residence, which were specially marked on the map.

"Now the Crown Prince has arrived at General's Mansion. According to the plan, and based on the intel provided by Zhao Wangfu, the Crown Prince will have to leave General's Mansion in about two hours."

"Because tonight is New Year's Eve, according to the rules, the prince needs to lead all the princes and princesses, along with the empress leading the court ladies, to Qianyuan Palace to pray for the comatose emperor."

After the blessing ceremony, a banquet will be held to celebrate the New Year.

And this time, just like always, the Crown Prince left the palace in his regular clothes. His entourage consisted entirely of covert guards, and there weren't many of them. This was a prime opportunity for us to strike.

The saintess didn't speak, but the short, stout man spoke up and asked, "Is the route confirmed"

This man answered, "Yes, this is the way."

"He drew a line on the map with his finger, tracing the path. "Every time," he said, "the prince traveled this route, without fail."

Several people studied the map for a while. The short and fat man said to the old woman and the saint, "Saintess, Madam Meng, I think this is the best place for our ambush."

He pointed to a tavern on the map and said, "This tavern is right by the road. The road below is narrow, which will be helpful for us to conceal ourselves. There's only one entrance point from the road leading to the General's Mansion, and another exit that leads to the official road. As long as our people set up an ambush beforehand, then the prince will be trapped like a turtle in its shell!"all because of your momentary impulse!"Zhou Ping'an answered softly, "Your Highness, what I have done was not a rash decision, but a result of careful consideration."Li Chen said nothing, just looked...