Chapter 628: Trapped Like a Turtle in a Jar

The Imperial Hospital Director's face changed, and he hastily said, "Everyone at the Imperial Hospital is dedicated to their duties and would never dare to be negligent in the slightest. How could any medicines have been lost?"

Cheng Xiong rolled his eyes. What was the point of such platitudes? Everyone knew that officials in the Imperial Hospital, like those in any other government office, often embezzled funds. People usually turned a blind eye. He certainly wouldn't expose them. "Ahem, Master Ma, please don't misunderstand. The main reason is that there were assassins in the palace tonight, and so many imperial guards were injured. The assassins must also have suffered many injuries. If any of the guards haven't escaped, they would surely seek medicine to treat their wounds. So, I want to investigate from this angle, to prevent any assassins from hiding in the palace and disturbing the nobles."

"Those assassins tonight were truly formidable; many palace guards couldn't even stop them. So, if any medicine from the Imperial Hospital was stolen, it wouldn't be your fault," he added.

The Imperial Hospital Director finally breathed a sigh of relief. "I see. General Cheng, please rest assured. Everyone at the Imperial Hospital will fully assist you."

He then summoned a few subordinates to inventory the medicines in the storeroom. Cheng Xiong didn't send anyone to accompany them; after all, every government office had its own secrets, and he wasn't there to investigate the Imperial Hospital, so he naturally didn't want to offend the officials.

Soon, someone came back to report, "No medicines have been lost."

Cheng Xiong was surprised. "That quickly?"

He became hesitant. The inspection was too quick. Could these individuals really have created a massive deficit? He wondered whether to verify it himself. After all, capturing the assassins was a pressing matter. Such a major incident in the imperial palace meant a serious dereliction of duty for him as the General of the Left Guard. If he couldn't quickly uncover something useful, his future might be ruined.

The Imperial Hospital Director explained, "Mainly, first the Sixth Young Master of the Shi family came for treatment due to a critical injury, and then a large number of injured imperial guards arrived. My subordinates were constantly entering and exiting the storeroom. If anything had been lost, it would have been discovered long ago."

Cheng Xiong felt relieved. After thinking for a moment, he asked, "Who has come to get medicine during this period? Are there records?"

The assassins had entered the palace too easily this time. He suspected there was an inside accomplice in the palace, who might have helped the assassins obtain the medicine.

"Of course, there are records; that's the rule," the Imperial Hospital Director motioned, and soon a subordinate brought a thick ledger. "This is the detailed record of everyone who has collected medicine from the Imperial Hospital in recent days."

Cheng Xiong quickly took it and began to flip through it. However, after checking for a long time, he couldn't find anything unusual.

Suddenly, his gaze fell on the most recent entry. "Oh, the Crown Princess took some Five Essences Mysterious Ganoderma?"

"Yes, the Crown Princess had just left when the General arrived," the Imperial Hospital Director replied.

Cheng Xiong hummed in acknowledgment and dismissed it from his mind. He wouldn't dare suspect the Crown Princess, no matter who else he might consider.

Just then, the Imperial Hospital Director beside him suddenly remarked, "Speaking of which, it's strange. Before the Crown Princess arrived, Golden-Badge Embroidered Uniform Envoy Master Eleven also came requesting this same medicine. What a coincidence."

"Master Eleven?" Cheng Xiong frowned, recalling the person he had seen in the Imperial Study. "What is this medicine used for?"

The Imperial Hospital Director replied, "It has remarkable effects on nourishing the spirit and can also heal internal injuries. It's a rare and potent healing elixir."

Cheng Xiong's expression changed. He remembered encountering that person in the Imperial Study. His steps were light and his breathing even; he didn't seem injured. So why would he take this medicine?

He suddenly recalled something else. When he was about to catch the female assassin, a mysterious figure unexpectedly appeared and rescued her. Although the area was filled with fire at the time, he vaguely remembered seeing a corner of the person's sleeve.

At the time, he hadn't thought much of it, but now connecting the dots, that clothing resembled the uniform of an Embroidered Uniform Envoy.

Realizing this, he could no longer sit still. He abruptly stood up and strode out, signaling his subordinates to follow. "Come with me."

Watching them leave in a hurry, the Imperial Hospital Director's lips curled into a slight smile. However, noticing other imperial physicians approaching, his expression immediately became serious, and he reverted to his usual demeanor.

Meanwhile, after bidding farewell to the Crown Princess, Zu An returned to his residence. Upon opening the door, he found the room empty. His heart immediately skipped a beat. "Sister?"

But he searched for a long time and couldn't find anyone; her whereabouts were unknown.

For some reason, he felt a bit dejected. He sat on a stool and muttered unhappily, "She left without a word, how heartless."

"Who are you calling heartless?" A teasing voice came from above him.

Zu An looked up in surprise and delight, finding a beautiful woman leaning against a ceiling beam, her long, waterfall-like hair hanging down casually. Her posture was both graceful and effortless.

He couldn't help but marvel that some women truly seemed to be blessed by heaven, effortlessly creating a peerless image of beauty by simply leaning there.

"How did you get up there?" Zu An asked, looking displeased. "I was just looking for you everywhere; why didn't you answer me?"

"Last time you went out, you brought back Zhu Xie Chixin. This time, who knows who you might bring back, so of course, I had to hide first," Yun Jianyue said, gracefully leaping down from the beam as lightly as a feather. "As for why I didn't answer you, it's because I wanted to see your reaction."

"Did my reaction satisfy the Cult Master?" Zu An snorted.

Yun Jianyue's lips curved slightly upward. "Seeing you so anxious you were almost crying, I seem to be in a much better mood."

Zu An was speechless.

"You think too highly of yourself. Even if a pet cat or dog suddenly went missing, I'd frantically search for it, let alone a person."

This time, it was Yun Jianyue's smile that froze. After a long pause, she snorted, "You're quick-witted with words."

"Oh, how did you know?" Zu An widened his eyes.

Yun Jianyue instinctively took a step back, feeling there was some inexplicable meaning in his words.

"Did you find the medicine?" Feeling a bit uncomfortable, she directly changed the subject.

"Yes, I found it. It's the Five Essences Mysterious Ganoderma, but I don't want to give it to you," Zu An said, taking out the jade box, shaking it in front of her, and then putting it back into his arms.

Yun Jianyue glared at him irritably. "Has anyone ever told you that you're asking for a beating?"

Zu An hummed. "If you want the Five Essences Mysterious Ganoderma, beg me."

Yun Jianyue's expression suddenly turned dangerous. Before she could speak, Zu An's face changed.

"What's wrong?" Yun Jianyue noticed something amiss and quickly asked.

Zu An said in a low voice, "A large detachment of imperial guards is coming. The leader is... oh, General Cheng Xiong of the Left Guard."

Ever since he was almost caught off guard by Zhu Xie Chixin, he had become more cautious, using his jade cong to control nearby small animals as scouts, allowing him to prepare for any danger in advance.

"Are you sure they're coming for us?" Yun Jianyue asked. After all, with assassins being hunted throughout the palace, it was normal for guards to pass by.

Zu An nodded. "They've already surrounded the courtyard."

"Have they discovered me? That shouldn't be possible," Yun Jianyue said, puzzled.

Zu An said, "They're most likely coming for me. My visit to the Imperial Hospital for medicine just now must have been noticed by someone with ill intentions."

Just then, a knock sounded from outside. "Routine inspection! Please open the door!"

Zu An's mind raced. He feigned a weak voice. "I'm currently recovering from injuries. What is it?"

The imperial guard outside said, "There were assassins in the palace, disturbing the Empress and the Crown Prince. For the safety of the nobles in the palace, we must thoroughly search every area to ensure no one slips through."

Zu An said unhappily, "Are you blind? This is the residence of a Golden-Badge Embroidered Uniform Envoy! What assassin could hide here? Get lost!"

Yun Jianyue secretly nodded. This guy wasn't stupid; he knew how to use the special status of an Embroidered Uniform Envoy.

At that moment, Cheng Xiong's voice rang out. "Master Eleven, please forgive me. I am under imperial command to thoroughly investigate all remaining assassins in the entire palace. Every courtyard must be searched; this is not aimed at any specific individual. Even Grand Commander Zhu Xie has agreed to my searching his courtyard. I hope Master Eleven will not make things difficult for me."

Zu An fell silent. Now that the other party had said this, what excuse could he use to stop them? Once they entered, Yun Jianyue would be exposed.