The soldier reacted in a flash, instantly twisting his wrist.
The sharp blade changed course, carving a bone-deep gash into Mu Qing's arm.
Pain shot through Mu Qing, forcing her to release her grip.
The soldier lunged with the dagger toward Princess Ningyang again, but he had already missed the perfect moment to strike.
By now, everyone had snapped back to their senses and sprang into action. Elder Zhong'an and the Left and Right Ministers shielded the Little Emperor and Princess Ningyang, while two military generals lunged forward to subdue the assassin disguised as a wounded soldier.
The assassin was pinned to the ground, his hands bound behind him.
He struggled to lift his head and flashed Princess Ningyang a savage grin.
"The blade is poisoned. Whoever is struck by it will surely die!"
With that, he bit down on a poison sac hidden between his molars.
