The monk looked up at Zhu Bai, his lips moved and he wanted to say something, but he couldn't. He vomited blood and fell forward.
With an arrow stuck in his back, he struggled, grabbed Zhu Bai's shoes, and wanted to ask for help, but then stopped moving.
Blood spread on the ground, soaking Zhu Bai's shoes.
Zhu Bai's eyes widened and he looked stiffly at the person who was talking to him just now but was now lifeless.
Zhu Ming stood by the door not far away with a cold expression on his face, holding a bow.
Zhu Bai didn't dare to move.
He did not allow Zhu Xi to kill the monk to protect him, or to silence him.
If he was silenced, Zhu Xi's next arrow would be aimed at him.
He had seen Zhu Xi's speed and accuracy in nocking and releasing arrows, and he would never let him have time to take aim.
Zhu Xi threw away his bow, came over and hugged Zhu Bai: "Twelfth brother, are you okay? This demon monk did not hurt you."
"Your Highness." Fugui called loudly and ran in.
Zhu Bai's tense body suddenly relaxed, his heart was beating wildly, and his back was wet with cold sweat.
Commander Qian Du followed Fugui nervously, but when he saw the dead monk on the ground, his expression relaxed.
When Zhu Zhen came in, he was so frightened by this scene that he turned pale and did not dare to come close. He only murmured: "Second brother, why are you here?"
Zhu Xi stood up and said, "This monster monk just wanted to hurt his twelfth brother. Fortunately, I caught him, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous."
Everyone looked at Zhu Bai.
Zhu Bai had no expression on his face and didn't speak.
Everyone thought he was scared.
Fugui said: "Your Highness, return to the palace, return to the palace."
Then he didn't care about etiquette, took Zhu Bai's hand and left.
Zhu Ping said: "I will take you back."
Fugui couldn't help but tighten his grip on Zhu Bai's hand.
Zhu Bai glanced at him.
Fugui bowed his head in a hurry.
Only now did Zhu Zhen come back to his senses: "Yes, go back, go back."
Zong Lai came in with a group of monks just now. They were all horrified when they saw the dead people on the ground.
Zong Long murmured absently: "I'm done waiting for my life."
Zhu Bai didn't say anything along the way, and Zhu Zhen kept asking Zhu Zhen questions.
For example, when did you come out, who did you meet, how long did you stay there, and when did you come to Tianjie Temple.
Zhu Zhen thought that he just wanted to know the whole story and cared about them, so he answered all questions.
Only Zhu Bai knew that Zhu Ping was trying to find out if anyone had seen him meet the monk just now.
Zhu Zhen said that they had been drinking tea and Zhu Bai was sleeping. He probably woke up and slipped out to play and bumped into the monk in the backyard. They also rushed over after hearing the noise.
Although he was answering Zhu Xi's question, he didn't mention a word about his encounter with the monk in the backyard of the restaurant earlier.
Zhu Bai secretly sighed: All of Lao Zhu's sons are indeed human beings. Zhu Zhen is also much deeper than he looks.
Only then did Zhu Xi feel completely relieved, and regretted that he had murderous intentions towards Zhu Bai just now.
After all, Zhu Bai was kind to him.
Zhu Fang touched Zhu Bai's head: "Brother probably scared you. Sorry, second brother just wanted to save you, but I didn't want to scare you."
Zhu Bai secretly clenched his fists and resisted the urge to dodge.
He knew that Zhu Xi was no threat to him now, but he couldn't control the fear and disgust from his heart.
After entering the palace, Zhu Ping said: "You guys have a good rest. Don't think too much about today." Then he walked away.
Zhu Bai waited for his figure to disappear, and immediately grabbed Zhu Zhen's hand and told Fugui and the others to guard it and not let anyone get close.
Zhu Zhen didn't know what he was going to do, so he just followed silently.
Zhu Bai walked to a remote place and said, "Brother Six, tell me honestly, did the monk say something strange to you in the backyard of the restaurant today."
Zhu Zhen hesitated for a moment and nodded.
Zhu Bai added: "You have never seen this monk before, and you don't know his existence."
Zhu Zhen said: "We only know that there are monks who are cheating around the temple, but we have never caught them."
Zhu Bai said: "There must be something weird in this. If Sixth Brother doesn't want to be implicated, come out of the palace with me now and ask the money commander to come over and ask questions."
Zhu Zhen looked at the sky: "It's less than half an hour before the palace gate closes. I'm afraid it's too late. We'll go there early tomorrow morning."
Zhu Bai pursed his lips and nodded: "Okay, we will go after the court tomorrow morning. We must be quick."
------
Zhu Bai changed into a pair of shoes and hurried to the imperial study to greet Zhu Yuanzhang.
In fact, someone has already reported today's incident to Zhu Yuanzhang.
At this moment, Lao Zhu saw Zhu Bai with mixed feelings: It was another thrilling day when father and son were almost separated from each other. I just heard that my heart was beating wildly and my palms were sweating, but this kid seemed fine.
I don't know if he is stupid or scared, or if he is really that calm.
Zhu Yuanzhang asked: "Is there anything special happening today?"
Zhu Bai tilted his head and thought for a while, then said, "The roast chicken at Chengnan Restaurant is particularly delicious. Master Zong Lai is back and promised to help me write scriptures. My land is so big, I'm so happy."
What a mess.
Zhu Yuanzhang didn't know whether to laugh or cry, and waved his hand: "Go back and rest. You are tired too."
Zhu Bai then bowed and retreated.
Returning to the palace, Fugui closed the door and asked Zhu Bai in a low voice: "Your Highness, are you okay?"
As expected, Fugui also saw Zhu Ping's murderous intention.
Zhu Bai nodded slightly: "Not bad."
Fugui asked again: "What exactly are you sending?"
Zhu Bai shook his head slightly: "I won't know until I ask tomorrow."
Fugui bowed to Zhu Bai and said, "Your Highness, spare this slave. From tomorrow on, don't run away alone again. Today I was so frightened that I almost died."
The corner of Zhu Bai's mouth twitched: "Okay. I'm sorry to make you worried."
He won't change it anyway, just don't worry Fugui.
If he had it to do over again today, he would still go to see the monk alone, otherwise how would he know about this huge trap.
-----
After the court ended, Zhu Yuanzhang patiently waited for Zhu Yuanzhang to finish his explanation. Zhu Bai quickly took Zhu Bai away.
The two of them went straight to the Nancheng Military and Horse Division.
Commander Qian Du felt uneasy when he saw the two princes arriving so early.
Zhu Bai stood in the lobby of the Military and Horse Department with his hands behind his back. Although he was shorter than Zhu Zhen beside him, his calm and powerful aura was unparalleled.
All people have the illusion that there is something wrong with their eyes. The person standing here now is not the playful and smiling child of yesterday, but a scheming adult.
Zhu Bai raised his chin to the person at the door.
The man quickly closed the door.
Zhu Bai asked Commander Qian Du in a deep voice, "Tell me, what happened to the monk yesterday?"
Qian Du directed the salute: "I don't understand what His Highness King Xiang said."
Zhu Bai tilted his head and looked at him: "I know that this matter has nothing to do with you. If you tell the truth, I might be able to save your life. If it's too late, even the gods can't save you."
Qian Du commanded and knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, please spare my life. I really know that the monk is not a good person, but I don't dare to arrest him. He is a monk after all. If he makes a mistake..."
