After so many days, Empress He Lian had more or less figured it out.

The sleep-aid incense Zhang Shihao provided really had a problem.

However, a thought often surfaced in her mind: "How great would it be if Zhang Shihao wasn't a eunuch?"

Seeing Zhang Shihao, just because of her words, "Bian'er is back in the palace, but His Majesty doesn't like Bian'er, nor is he willing to look at Bian'er much. If only Bian'er could spend more time with His Majesty," he actually prepared an unprecedented and extremely delicious barbecue feast for her.

Now, seeing Liu Hong even praise Liu Bian, Empress He Lian's favorable impression of Zhang Shihao soared once again.

Looking at Zhang Shihao busily and earnestly flipping the barbecue, for some reason, Empress He Lian's mind suddenly replayed the scene of Zhang Shihao diligently massaging her that day.

"Alas, it's just a pity, he's a eunuch, and he doesn't understand..."

The barbecue continued, and wisps of aroma wafted in all directions. Zhang Rang, Chun Ying, Jian Shuo, and others serving nearby, as well as the eunuch guards and palace maids standing guard around them, all stared enviously at the barbecue grill and at Liu Hong, the Empress, and Prince Bian, who were devouring the barbecue.

It was truly too fragrant.

Looking at how Liu Hong, the Empress, and Prince Bian were wolfing down the barbecue, it must be delicious, right?

However, unfortunately, Zhang Shihao had said in advance that the barbecue seasoning was extremely rare, and every bit used meant one less bit. Therefore, it was only for His Majesty and the Empress to enjoy. Now, seeing that Liu Hong didn't even suggest sharing a little barbecue with them to taste.

Clearly, he had no intention of sharing it with them.

"This Xiao Haozi is too strange. How does he always come up with these unorthodox methods to please His Majesty and the Empress?"

Zhang Rang's eyes flickered with uncertainty as he watched the busy Zhang Shihao, feeling a sense of threat.

Zhang Shihao's methods for pleasing Liu Hong and the Empress were simply endless.

Thump, thump, thump~

Suddenly, Zhang Shihao, who was making barbecue, abruptly stopped his hand movements. His ears twitched, as he heard a different kind of footsteps.

Ever since he obtained Li Cunxiao's physical talent, his, Zhang Shihao's, abilities in all aspects had greatly evolved, making him different from ordinary people, and his hearing was no exception.

These footsteps were light, and the sound seemed to come from... the rooftop.

Zhang Shihao suddenly looked towards the rooftop of the Changle Palace hall.

In the evening, as the sky gradually darkened, seven or eight figures in black, each holding a long sword, were seen rapidly approaching, stepping on the roof tiles. Three of them, holding bows and arrows, had already drawn their bows and aimed at Empress He Lian and First Prince Liu Bian.

However, Zhang Rang, Jian Shuo, and the other eunuch guards had not yet noticed, still staring enviously at the turning barbecue.

"This..."

Seeing that assassins had appeared, Zhang Shihao subconsciously wanted to shout "Assassins!" and protect the emperor. However, Zhang Shihao still held back, holding the iron tongs used for barbecue. He subtly turned his body, quietly moving closer to Empress He Lian and Prince Bian.

"Why is this dog emperor here too? Never mind, first kill that bitch Empress, and also kill the First Prince to make way for the Little Prince!"

The rooftop was not far from the barbecue grill, only about thirty or forty steps. Zhang Shihao noticed from the corner of his eye that the leading assassin seemed a little surprised to see Liu Hong's figure. The low voice of his command, though quiet, was still heard by Zhang Shihao.

These assassins want to kill the Empress and Liu Bian?

Make way for the Little Prince?

Liu Xie?

"Ding! Mission triggered: Protect the Emperor. Save the Empress and Liu Bian, accumulate merits for saving the emperor, enhance your reputation and prestige, and make a name for yourself. Rewards: One Yang Youji's Unrivaled Archery card, one Zhua Huang Fei Dian (Yellow Claw Lightning) horse, one Sky Dragon City-Breaking Halberd divine weapon, and one reward transformation card."

The mission prompt sounded, and Zhang Shihao's spirit suddenly shook, his face instantly showing joy.

Another mission was triggered!