Yi Long was about to dismiss his court when heavy steps from the door made him pause. A bloodied imperial guard rushed into the hall and bowed before him, gasping for breath. "Your Majesty," he croaked,."We have caught the false eunuch."
Yi Long's brow furrowed in confusion. "False eunuch?"
His son, stepped forward. "Imperial Father," he said. "Last night one of the palace eunuchs was found unconscious, his robes and token missing. This son suspected that the thief intended to use these items to infiltrate this courtyard, so he ordered the imperial guards to inspect everyone entering and leaving. It seems this son's suspicions were correct."
The imperial guard nodded, adding. "We apprehended him as he was attempting to leave, Your Majesty. He fought like a demon, with a pair of daggers. He injured several of our men before we could subdue him. He is still alive, but unconscious."
"Daggers?" Two voices echoed the word, one male and one female. Yi Long recognized them as the marquess and the Miss Liu, the only woman in the hall. "Marquess, Miss Liu," Yi Long said "you seem to know something of this."
The Marquess was the first to answer, his voice tinged with shock. "Your Majesty, one of the assassins who attacked this subject at the river wielded a pair of daggers. He was the one who wounded this subject's daughter."
A murmur of surprise rippled through the court at this revelation. Yi Long turned his attention to Miss Liu, who looked equally stunned. "And you, Miss Liu? Do you know this man?"
She hesitated, her eyes darting to her father. He gave her a gentle nudge, and she spoke. "Your Majesty, the person who saved this one last night also fought with a pair of blades."
Yi Long was puzzled. "Why would the same man who tried to assassinate a court official also save a fair maiden from harm?"
The whispers among the officials grew louder, their confusion matching Yi Long's own. The Crown Prince stepped forward again, bowing low. "Imperial Father, let this son question this man and uncover his true identity and his intentions."
Yi Long nodded. "Very well. You are already in charge of the investigation into the Marquess's ambush. It is only fitting that you handle this man as well." He waved his hand, signaling the end of the court session.