Xu Zizhou and Zhao Shucheng waited outside the Imperial Study. Compared to Xu Zizhou's composed demeanor, Zhao Shucheng was visibly panic-stricken.
The Emperor arrived quickly, and upon seeing the two, he stepped over the threshold of the Imperial Study and asked, "What brings My Aides here in such urgent haste? Has some grave matter occurred?"
Zhao Shucheng fell to his knees with a "thump," trembling uncontrollably, "Your Majesty, a great matter has indeed arisen."
Xu Zizhou glanced at Zhao Shucheng, then slowly knelt down as well, his voice calm, his enunciation clear, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince personally led men to ambush Helmsman Ling on Lostan Street. By the time Lord Zhao and I, together with the Jingzhao Prefecture and the Warhorses Bureau officials, arrived, Helmsman Ling had already been stabbed in the heart and was in critical condition."
"What?" The Emperor was taken aback, incredulous, "What did you say?"
