Lu Fan’s expression grew solemn, “The Zhao family can be ruled out. As for the other two major families, I can’t see through who it is!”
“The waters in this imperial city are indeed deep. If you hadn’t mentioned it, I would have thought it was the Zhao family’s doing!” Duan Tianya realized with a start.
Just then, outside the inn, Lin Guoping entered. Upon seeing Lu Fan, he asked with concern, “Brother Lu, are you alright? I only just received the news!”
“I’m fine!”
Lu Fan smiled lightly, “Brother Lin, there’s no need for such a special trip!”
“Brother Lu, as the驸马, you were targeted for assassination. How could I not come and visit!”
Lin Guoping said repeatedly, “The Zhao family truly has wolfish ambitions, to stoop to such acts!”
“Brother Lin, why do you say that!”
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, “We still don’t know who is responsible!”
“It was my mistake!”
Lin Guoping quickly said, “Last time at the ancient battlefield, Zhao Tianyun gave you so much trouble,驸马. I thought it was the Zhao family’s doing, but that’s just speculation!”
“Our Zhao family will not take the blame for this!”
As they were talking, a voice rang out. Zhao Tianyun arrived with a group of Zhao family experts, looking imposing.
“Brother Zhao, you still dare to show yourself after such a major incident!”
Lin Guoping chuckled, “Did Elder Zhao not warn you?”
“I truly never imagined that despite our good relationship, you would plot to harm me!”
Zhao Tianyun said coldly, “The assassination of the驸马 was not done by the Zhao family. In the imperial city, only the three major families would dare to do something like this. Now that you are here, it can only be you!”
“What do you mean by that?”
Lin Guoping smiled, “Are you implying that I sent people to assassinate the驸马 and then frame the Zhao family?”
“Otherwise?”
Zhao Tianyun said coldly, “I misjudged you back then. To think I would believe someone as insidious as you!”
“Brother Zhao, don’t say the驸马 doesn’t believe it. Even people from the Zhao family wouldn’t believe this was my doing,” Lin Guoping sneered. “If it truly were me, I would never appear here at this time!”
Zhao Tianyun didn’t argue. Instead, he looked at Lu Fan, “Although I have had some disputes with you, our Zhao family can guarantee that this matter was definitely not done by the Zhao family!”
“Young Master Zhao, when did I ever say this matter was related to the Zhao family?”
Lu Fan narrowed his eyes, “If you are so agitated, does it mean this matter really has something to do with the Zhao family?”
“Even if you don’t say it, you must be thinking it in your heart!”
Zhao Tianyun stated directly, “But this matter was definitely not done by me! I’m not here today because I fear you, but simply to prevent the Zhao family from being implicated!”
Lu Fan smiled faintly, not taking it to heart. Even if this matter wasn't the Zhao family's doing, Lu Fan certainly didn't like Zhao Tianyun.
“Brother Zhao, with such a grand show of force, outsiders might think you’re here to cause trouble for the驸马!” Lin Guoping chuckled.
“I will investigate this matter thoroughly, and the Lin family’s true colors will surely be revealed then!”
Zhao Tianyun snorted coldly and turned to leave. He knew very well that anything he said now would be useless.
“Brother Lu, do you think this was the Zhao family’s doing?” Lin Guoping asked, surprised, as Zhao Tianyun departed.
“How would I know!”
Lu Fan shook his head, “Does Brother Lin have any insights?”
“I actually think this was not the Zhao family’s doing,” Lin Guoping said directly, “If it truly were the Zhao family, why would Zhao Tianyun come here!”
“You’ve hit the nail on the head!”
Lu Fan chuckled, “Since it wasn’t the Zhao family, could it be, as Zhao Tianyun suggested, the Lin family?”
Lin Guoping trembled slightly, “Brother Lu, please don’t joke. How could the Lin family attack Brother Lu!”
“I was just saying, Brother Lin, please don’t mind,” Lu Fan waved his hand.
Lin Guoping smiled, but his heart was stirred. Lu Fan’s words were perfectly timed.
After everyone had left, Duan Tianya said, “Your Excellency, who do you think is responsible?”
“That’s not important!”
Lu Fan shook his head, “My purpose in coming to the imperial city this time is not to be the驸马!”
“Your Excellency is planning to take action?” Duan Tianya smiled.
“I will enter the palace tomorrow,” Lu Fan stated directly, “After I understand the situation, I will look for the whereabouts of the Spirit Gathering Bottle.”
“Your Excellency, have you considered the royal family’s reaction after you obtain the Spirit Gathering Bottle and leave?” Duan Tianya asked gravely, “The royal family’s pursuit will surely be even more dangerous then!”
“With that old man around, no one dares to trespass into the Sword Furnace!” Lu Fan shrugged, having found a good backing.
Duan Tianya chuckled awkwardly and didn’t say much more.
Meanwhile, in a tavern opposite the inn, Bai Hu took a drink and sneered, “I didn’t expect such a good show to unfold in this imperial city!”
“Young Master, who do you think is responsible?” Elder Tian inquired, looking somewhat surprised.
“Whether it’s the Zhao family or the Lin family, it’s all good for us!” Bai Hu sneered coldly, “I was originally planning to deal with this brat, but it seems I don’t need to make a move!”
“In that case, do we still need Qing Long and the others to come to the imperial city?” Elder Tian asked.
“Of course, we do!” Bai Hu said softly, “If the three major families can’t get rid of him, then I will!”
“Young Master, he is the驸马 now!” Elder Tian said with a serious expression, “If anything happens to him, it will implicate the Eight Princes’ Estate, which could cause immense trouble!”
“It’s alright!” Bai Hu waved his hand, “If this brat isn’t eliminated, I won’t feel at ease!”
Elder Tian stood by, lost in thought.
The next morning, Lu Fan arrived at the imperial palace and headed towards its depths. He hadn’t paid much attention last time he was in the palace, but this time, he intended to observe it thoroughly. As long as he found the Spirit Gathering Bottle, he could leave the imperial city and avoid the marriage. This would at least bring him some peace of mind. If he were to truly marry Princess Linglong, Lu Fan would feel guilty, as the spirit realm placed great importance on marriage, especially when it involved a princess of a dynasty.
After walking through the imperial palace for a long time, Lu Fan finally arrived beside a palace. This palace looked magnificent and out of place compared to the others.
“Treasure Gathering Hall!”
Lu Fan glanced at it and smiled. He hadn’t expected to find it so easily.
“Isn’t this the驸马?” A sarcastic voice echoed as Lu Fan was about to enter.
Lu Fan stopped and turned to look, “It’s Steward Li.”
“This is the Treasure Gathering Hall,” Steward Li said with a smile, “Why is the驸马 here instead of going to the princess’s residence?”
“I’ve just arrived at the palace and am not very familiar with it,” Lu Fan said with a wry smile, “Where does the princess live? I came to the palace to find her!”
“Turn left from the Treasure Gathering Hall and you’ll reach the Princess’s Palace,” Steward Li smiled, “驸马, you should be more careful next time. The Treasure Gathering Hall is a restricted area, even the princess wouldn’t dare to intrude without permission!”