Zhou Tianyi remained deep in thought, his chin resting lightly on his palm as his mind wandered to the assassination plan Minister Lin was set to launch in three days' time.
From all the stories and films he had ever known, there was one thing that always remained the same—whenever enemies begin to make their move, there will surely be spies planted deep within your own grounds. And in this case, that place was none other than the East Palace, the official residence of the Crown Prince.
These people must be very close to me, he thought, tapping his fingers gently and rhythmically against the table.
They are watching every single action I take. Even the words I speak and the places I visit are all being reported back. They are so skillful that even my most trusted people have failed to notice them at all. Perhaps some are only doing this out of fear and threats… or maybe they truly hold hatred for me deep within their hearts.
But either way, it no longer matters now, he let out a soft, amused snicker.
Suddenly, his eyes lit up as a brilliant idea crossed his mind. He leaned forward and sat straight up, excitement clearly showing on his face.
That is right! I have my Appraisal Eyes, and now it has even gained new features that can clearly show a person's level of loyalty. Checking everyone one by one will be the easiest task. I will inspect every single servant, maid, guard and eunuch working in this palace thoroughly.
"What a perfect plan," he murmured, a confident smirk appearing on his lips, shining brightly along with his amber eyes.
He then raised his voice and called out clearly.
"Zhong Yi."
Moments later, the door opened and Zhong Yi stepped inside, bowing respectfully.
"Your Highness, you called for me?"
Tianyi stood up slowly, his expression calm yet filled with determination.
"Listen closely. Gather every person working within the East Palace—all servants, maids, guards and eunuchs. Assemble them all in the outer courtyard within one hour. No one is exempted, and no one is permitted to leave or hide away."
Confusion flashed across Zhong Yi's face for a brief moment, but he dared not question the order. He had already come to understand that every decision made by His Highness always held a deeper purpose.
"Understood. May I ask for the reason behind this gathering, Your Highness?"
Tianyi walked closer and gently patted his shoulder, maintaining that mysterious smile on his face.
"We are simply conducting a routine inspection. After all, how can we defend ourselves against enemies outside if problems already exist right beneath our own roof?"
He turned his gaze and looked out the window, where the sky was slowly turning dark with the coming night.
They think they are so clever with their schemes and tricks. But what they do not know… is that I come from a world where I have learned thousands of strategies far sharper and wiser than theirs. This is only just the beginning.
"Let them continue believing that I know nothing. When they come to take my life three days from now… they will realize that they have already walked straight into my trap, long before they even made their first move."
This game began, with the hunt for hidden spies starting right inside the palace grounds.
Moonlight poured down upon the residence, illuminating every corner as all the staff were gathered in one place. Whispers and soft gossips spread among them, wondering why they were summoned in the middle of the night and what important matter the Crown Prince could possibly have.
Soon, Zhou Tianyi arrived and stood before them all. Under the bright moonlight, his figure was clearly visible, and his glowing amber eyes held such captivating charm that no one could look away.
He tapped the armrest of his chair with his fingers, his expression turning cold and sharp.
"I have called all of you here tonight, simply to search for some little mice that have been hiding within my residence. There could be one, or perhaps ten… what do you all think?"
He swept his gaze across the crowd, and his sharp eyes made everyone lower their heads in silence.
As a soft light glowed within his eyes, Tianyi began observing every single person one by one—maids, eunuchs and guards alike. He successfully identified every hidden spy in the palace. However, pushing his ability to check everyone thoroughly caused great strain. His eyes began to throb with pain and slowly turned deep red as exhaustion took over his body.
He slowly stood up and spoke, "Zhong Yi, I need to rest now. I have already found them all. I will tell you everything in detail once we are inside, but first…"
A wave of dizziness washed over him. "I think… I am going to faint…"
Before he could say more, his vision blurred and his body collapsed beside the chair. Zhong Yi quickly rushed forward and caught him safely in his arms. He lifted Tianyi up gently and carried him back into the inner quarters. Turning to the two personal maids, he gave instructions to continue keeping watch and managing matters just as His Highness had ordered.
They soon reached His Highness's private chambers. Zhong Yi carefully laid him down comfortably on the soft bed and immediately sent someone to call for Imperial Physician Gu.
A while later, the doctor arrived and began checking Tianyi's condition. Zhong Yi stood nearby, his face still carrying that usual composed and stern expression, though worry could be seen deep in his eyes.
"What happened to him, Doctor?"
The physician checked his pulse carefully and observed his complexion before answering.
"Rest assured, His Highness is safe and there is no serious illness. However, his inner energy has been completely drained and exhausted. He must have focused deeply on something or used too much strength all at once, causing his body to become weak and unsteady."
"Then how long will it take before he wakes up?" Zhong Yi asked.
"I believe he will regain consciousness by tomorrow morning," Physician Gu replied while stroking his long beard gently. "But please take note, he needs full rest. He must avoid anything that will consume his inner energy for the time being, otherwise his recovery will take much longer."
"I understand clearly," Zhong Yi nodded.
"May I know what caused him to use up so much of his inner energy suddenly?" the doctor asked curiously.
"I am not sure myself. I only noticed that he felt weak right after finishing the gathering in the courtyard," Zhong Yi answered truthfully.
Physician Gu let out a soft sigh and nodded understandingly.
"I see. If His Highness chooses not to speak about it, then it is not our place to ask further. I will take my leave now, Young Master Yi."
"Thank you very much, Doctor Gu," Zhong Yi said as he bowed respectfully.
"Yes, yes. Just call for me immediately if he still shows no sign of waking up by tomorrow afternoon," the doctor reminded him before walking out of the room
Watching the doctor leave, Zhong Yi let out a soft breath and immediately walked back towards the bed where Zhou Tianyi was resting peacefully.
Under the soft glow of the lamp, Tianyi looked even more gentle as he slept soundly, his breathing calm and steady. Seeing him like this, all the worries in Zhong Yi's heart slowly melted away.
Instead of calling the maids to assist, Zhong Yi decided to do it himself. He carefully and gently began to remove Tianyi's outer garments one by one. As the layers of clothing were taken off, his fair skin was slowly revealed under the warm light.
A look of deep affection mixed with hidden desire crossed Zhong Yi's face. There was a burning longing in his eyes, filled with both admiration and strong possessiveness, as he gazed at the person who belonged only to him. A faint shade of red crept up to his ears and cheeks as he neatly folded and placed all the clothes aside.
He slowly leaned closer, his face only inches away from Tianyi's. His heart was beating fast, and for a moment, he almost lost control and wanted to seal those soft lips with his own. But he stopped himself just in time.
No… I cannot do that yet. He should be the one to take the first step. I do not even have his permission. I can only wait patiently, he told himself, though his eyes still shone with intense love and longing.
He lowered his head and placed a soft, tender kiss gently on Tianyi's cheek instead.
"Good night… my only love and my greatest hope," he whispered softly, as he pulled the blanket carefully to cover him properly.