Chapter 789: Twelve-Character EvaluationChapter 361: The Saintess Who Was Pitted Badly

First came the lockdown, then the searches.

The original lively atmosphere of the Lunar New Year festivities instantly vanished.

The common people are alright, they can't escape or resist anyway, so they just cooperate.

But some officials in the imperial court, with guilty consciences, were terrified, thinking that the East Palace would take this opportunity to carry out a major purge.

Among them were some who, emboldened by their power and status, resisted. Immediately, the Imperial Guards summoned officials from the Dongchang. At the sight of the Dongchang officers, they all became obedient.

Those who haven't held official positions have nothing to fear from the Dongchang.

Moreover, today's Dongchang has the East Palace crown prince backing them up.

A bloody example is right before our eyes. The crown prince in the Eastern Palace has a mountain of severed heads of court officials on his hands, too many to count with one hand.

And at this moment, in a remote shack within an ordinary dwelling in the capital city.

"Wow!"

Elder Meng coughed up a mouthful of blood, her voice as thin as a thread as she said to the saintess who was tending to her wounds behind her: "Saintess, I am ashamed before you."

The saint said calmly, "Now is not the time to speak of these things."

"Grandmother Meng looked utterly despairing and said, 'Everyone else has either fled or died. Right now, with so many soldiers chasing us outside, there's no way to escape. Holy Maiden, my time is running out. Why don't we go to the city gate I can fight those soldiers to the death, buying you time to escape.'"

The Saintess peered through the gaps in the dilapidated window, watching the howling wind and swirling snow outside. "This time, our efforts have failed. I fear the Prince will be furious and has already placed heavy defenses at all the city gates."

"Although my light work is passable, I've also suffered some losses at the hands of the Three Treasures before. As you saw earlier, the Imperial Guard brought out the God Machine Crossbow used on the battlefield. That crossbow can shoot me within fifty paces, and there's no guarantee I could escape."

Not to mention, if they delayed even a moment, with San Bao's abilities, he could appear anywhere in the capital city. Then it would be truly hopeless.

The more Meng's mother-in-law heard, the more desperate she became. She said sadly, "What can we do about this"

The Saintess said, "Right now, we can only hide temporarily... But staying here is not a long-term solution. Judging by how the soldiers are searching house by house, they will find us soon enough."

"Grandmother Meng, do you still have the strength"

Mrs. Meng gritted her teeth and propped herself up, saying, "This old woman will certainly not be a burden to the Holy Maiden."

Shaking her head, the saint said, "Grandmother, you need not worry so. Within the sect, only you and I have the best relationship. I consider you an elder, and under no circumstances would I abandon you as a burden."

"Since you can still move, Mother-in-law, we should go to the safest place immediately."

"Where" Old Mrs. Meng asked hurriedly.

"East Palace!"

......

The Imperial Palace's Inner Court.

At this moment, the news of the prince's assassination was under tight lockdown and hadn't reached here.

Outside the Qianyuan Palace, Zhao Qinglan wore a crimson phoenix brocade cloak. A white fur collar surrounded her exquisite beauty, making her appear breathtakingly stunning.

And behind her stood all the concubines of the palace.

Some young princes and princesses, who were still too young to understand, were led by their mothers. The older ones waited beside them.

And because Li Yinhǔ had already been crowned king, he stood alone on one side.

Outside the Qiany Qing Palace, dozens of people stood inside and out.

They are all waiting for one person, Crown Prince Li Chen.

Without the prince, the New Year's Eve ceremony of paying respects to the emperor cannot proceed.

Zhao Qinglan frowned slightly and said, “Where is the Crown Prince”ne like Xu Junlou around, Master Hou is bound to suffer losses."Hou Yushu let out a cold snort and said, "Xu Junlou's recent scandal has been widely circulated. Which scholar in the capital looks down...