Chang’an Small Restaurant

Chapter 102.2 Attack on Tavern

The waiter presented the menu, and as the Emperor flipped through it, he faintly indicated his selections, including the milky broth pot, lamb slices, fish, and tofu. The waiter bowed respectfully and took the menu downstairs.

Perhaps due to the previous exposure of his identity, the Emperor chose not to remove his hat and cloak.

Downstairs, the scholars had already taken their seats, eagerly awaiting the start of the banquet while playfully jesting with one another.

"Today's guests at the ‘Attaining Ding Banquet’ are all future formidable officials," one of the performers said.

Another performer added, "I’m quite formidable (in weight) myself, not much lighter than a millstone." He gestured to his waist.

"...What I meant was, they are all ding dignitaries."

Another performer hesitated before saying, "Ah, I suppose I’m like this milky broth…"

The entire room erupted in laughter, including the Emperor.

At that moment, Qiao Hai signaled with a wave of his hand.

A long throwing weapon flew toward the Emperor—only to be deflected by another arrow that flew in from the beams above.

Qiao Hai’s heart jolted.

In an instant, those hidden in the hall on the first floor and the second floor sprang into action. The assassins concealed in the private rooms surged out, but more "guests" drew their swords and either formed a protective circle around the Emperor or engaged Qiao Hai’s men in combat.

The private rooms that Qiao Hai had previously surveyed—occupied by both old and young, wealthy and noble—now spilled out more people, blocking Qiao Hai’s men at the doors of the private rooms. Among them, a "young lady" wielded a long sword with both speed and ferocity, while a gaunt middle-aged scholar, resembling a consumptive specter, unleashed a punch that cut through the air with tremendous force.

How could Qiao Hai not realize what was happening? They had fallen into an ambush!

A merchant dressed in Hu attire, who had been sitting near the Emperor, barked at the panicked crowd, "Capture the traitors! Non-combatants, stay to the side and keep low!"

The ordinary diners, who had been dazed and confused, took to heart the merchant’s command as if they had received divine guidance. They scrambled to hide behind tables, walls, and counters, seeking refuge from the chaos.

The Emperor stood silently in place, his expression unreadable, while Qin Xiang positioned himself protectively in front of him, ready to defend against any threat alongside the other guards, forming a resolute line of defense.

Observing the evident disadvantage of his own side, Qiao Hai understood that there would be no favorable outcome today. In such a scenario, success relies heavily on strategy. The adversaries had anticipated this confrontation, positioning skilled archers in the rafters, and had hidden a force several times larger than Qiao Hai’s in the private rooms and scattered seating areas. They used the terrain to their advantage, ambushing Qiao Hai’s men and trapping them in the private rooms, effectively sealing them off and securing the upper hand. How could he possibly emerge victorious?

Qiao Hai cast a sharp glance at the ‘Hu merchant,’ trying to discern which general from the court had orchestrated this defeat. The ‘Hu merchant’ met his gaze and signaled. A group of people began to converge on Qiao Hai.

"Duke Qiao, to the window!" Qiao Hai’s remaining trusted aides continued to fight desperately to protect him.

But how could he escape?

The enemy’s sword was already pressed against his neck. Qiao Hai’s quick glance around revealed that his own men were all but gone.

Moments later, the tavern settled into an uneasy silence, the dust drifting down like a shroud over the scene. The person in command reached up to tear away his false beard and eyebrows, revealing strikingly refined features. Though still clad in a fur-lined Hu outfit and hat, Qiao Hai immediately recognized him as Lin Yan, the Deputy Minister of capital!

A grim smile crept across Qiao Hai's face as he realized that he had unwittingly followed in the footsteps of Zheng Two and others who had met their downfall in similar fashion…

Lin Yan stepped forward and bowed to the ‘Emperor’. "Apologies for the disturbance, Vassal King."

"Deputy Minister Lin, there's no need for such formalities. I haven't experienced anything this entertaining in quite some time." 

Qiao Hai widened his eyes. Of course, since this was a carefully orchestrated trap, the real Emperor would never take such a risk. It had to be a stand-in.

And the one who would speak in such a manner could only be the unrestrained Prince of Heyang.

The Prince of Heyang wore a subtle smile, exuding a refined grace in his silence. Among the members of the imperial clan in the capital, he was a unique figure—his status as the emperor's only living fully biologically-related brother set him apart. His character was notoriously extravagant, known for his multitude of male companions,with rumors saying that the most favored was a vendor of roasted flat cakes, leading to the amusing saying in the capital: "A daughter may become a consort, but a son is equally welcome." Moreover, the censors had compiled a stack of impeachment reports against him that reached one meter in height, yet this prince continued to live his life in carefree abandon, free and unfettered.

Despite his notorious habits, the Prince of Heyang held great respect for scholars and officials like Lin Yan. Some individuals were simply too significant to be taken lightly. As he regarded the man before him, the Prince of Heyang mused that if they were to become entangled, he would likely end up being the one at a disadvantage... Such individuals were better suited for his brother to manage in the imperial court.

Lin Yan's chamberlain presented a canteen to the Prince of Heyang. With a furrowed brow, the Vassal King splashed some of the chicken blood onto his chest, tilting his head to glance at Qin Xiang. A mischievous impulse struck him, and he playfully smeared Qin Xiang's face with the liquid.

Qin Xiang, smiling helplessly, allowed the gesture. "Please, allow this subordinate to assist you, Vassal King."

After witnessing the deft execution of the ambush, Qin Xiang turned to Lin Yan with a smile. "I leave this place in your capable hands, Deputy Minister Lin."

Lin Yan nodded solemnly and cupped his hands as he saw them off.

Qin Xiang had never held a fondness for the court ministers, particularly those of noble lineage, who exuded an air of inherent superiority. In their eyes, individuals like him, no matter how high-ranking, barely registered as significant—almost as if they were mere dirt beneath their feet. However, in the case of Deputy Minister Lin, he found his perception shifting. Yes, there was a certain arrogance, but it was tempered by genuine warmth, thoughtfulness, and a grounded nature that made him stand out amidst the haughty elite.

As the battle subsided and the spectating crowd remained in shock, the figure who had been posing as the Emperor clutched his chest and, accompanied by the Imperial Guards, made his exit.

Watching the retreating figure of the Prince of Heyang, Qiao Hai despaired, closing his eyes. The ethnic minorities waiting in ambush would likely meet a grim fate, and those he had positioned within the palace walls to execute the final strike, if the Emperor survived and returned, would also be in peril. The enemy seemed to have anticipated every move. He could only hope that Sir Four managed to escape.

Lin Yan approached slowly, a faint smile on his face as he inquired, "Are you the junior brother of the ‘Illustrious Sage of Great Virtue and Clear Guidance,’ Duke Qiao?"

Qiao Hai's eyes widened in shock.