What is everyone doing, have they become dead men?

Such a loud noise, can't you hear it?

At the same time, County Governor Zhong Yao's eyes flashed sharply, and he quickly took out an exquisite Imaging Stone from his Storage Bag.

He first adjusted the angle to ensure he could capture the full view of the battlefield, then deliberately pointed the lens at himself, cleared his throat, and instantly entered into character.

"Whew... whew..." Zhong Yao suddenly bent down, feigning being out of breath.

Facing the Imaging Stone, he solemnly said, "Your Majesty, Minister Zhong Yao reports to you that we are doing our utmost to eradicate the criminal from the Golden Thunder Sect who killed the Fifth Prince and Lady Imperial Concubine Ying..."

As he spoke, he secretly circulated his Spiritual Power, forcing himself to sweat profusely, soaking a large patch of his robe's back.

"The Golden Thunder Sect resists stubbornly, activating the Blood Sacrifice Array..." Zhong Yao's voice trembled, "But please rest assured, Your Majesty, we vow to seek justice for the Fifth Prince and Lady Imperial Consort even at the cost of our lives!"

As he said this, he discreetly turned the Imaging Stone towards Xiao Ji.

Xiao Ji watched in amazement—was this really Lord Governor, who usually commanded nine large mansions with such authority?

When he saw Zhong Yao's subtle wink, Xiao Ji instantly understood.

He bit his tongue hard, forcing out a mouthful of blood, then "wow" sprayed it out, staggering and kneeling on one knee.

"Lord Xiao!"

Zhong Yao exclaimed, his voice full of "shock" and "concern," yet his hands steadily holding the Imaging Stone to ensure perfect capture of the scene.

Xiao Ji shakily raised his blood-stained hand, weakly said, "Loyal... loyal to Your Majesty... I, your humble servant... die with no regret..."

After speaking, he coughed "weakly" twice, blood nicely seeping out the corner of his mouth.

Zhong Yao immediately supported him, choking with emotion, "Lord Xiao, hold on! Your Majesty will surely appreciate your loyal bravery!"

He then secretly transmitted, "Old Xiao, too much blood, hold back a bit!"

Xiao Ji understood, immediately adjusted his state, switched to a "struggling with injury" look, and said shakily, "Lord Zhong... don't worry about me... it's important to eliminate the criminals..."

Zhong Yao nodded, then stopped recording.

Xiao Ji quickly got up and wiped his mouth, looking odd, "Lord, isn't this a bit exaggerated?"

Zhong Yao waved his hand, lowered his voice, "Don't worry, what does this little drama matter? Next, we're going to personally go to the capital to face the Emperor."

His eyes flashed sharply, transmitting, "Lord Xiao, do you know what the current Emperor cherishes most?"

Xiao Ji paused, "Naturally, it's the truth..."

"Wrong!" Zhong Yao interrupted him, gently tapping the Imaging Stone with his finger, "Besides the truth, more importantly, it's the attitude of the ministers!"

He glanced around, continued transmitting, "With the fall of the Fifth Prince, at first, the Emperor might be heartbroken, but as time goes on..."

Zhong Yao paused meaningfully, "If he truly cared, why didn't he personally come to Lingyun Mansion?"

Xiao Ji was silent upon hearing this, a trace of realization flashed in his eyes.

Zhong Yao continued, "The current Emperor is inherently suspicious, even if Princess Consort Ying has fallen, he has other consorts, other princes, and may have more in the future."

"You have been in the local area for a long time, unfamiliar with the situations in the capital."

Zhong Yao lowered his voice, "What the Emperor truly cares about is the fate of those who challenge his authority, and who among the civil and military officials sincerely relieves his worries!"

Xiao Ji nodded thoughtfully.

"Remember," Zhong Yao patted his shoulder, "sometimes attitude is more important than the truth!"

As for their somewhat exaggerated performance just now, Zhong Yao had his own plans in mind.

The sequence and angle of presenting the Imaging Stone were quite deliberate.

Thinking of Lei Wuji who could slaughter the Liu Family all by himself, their small "injuries" seemed quite reasonable.

Not far away, Zhou Qing watched all this, observing everything clearly.

He shook his head lightly, sighing in a low voice, "It's not easy for any of them!"