Chapter 22 Chapter 21

King John walked into the hall proudly, followed by more than twenty guards in shining armor.Liane and Rachel made a formal curtsy, bowing their heads as they waited for the king to grant them parity.Reki stole a glance at John, a little surprised that he was just a normal-looking guy of average height. The three barons bowed to the king, and when John gave them their peace, Ever flattered: What a surprise, Your Majesty. indeed.John said.You're playing tricks again, Ever.He spoke slowly, with a smile in his tone. No tricks.Ever assured him.Why is His Majesty here? I'm not here to see you.said John impatiently, turning and crossing the hall.

Liane and Reki suddenly stare at a pair of shiny boots.Flat body.John said. They stand up.Reki looked the king in the eye, but hurried to follow Liane's head when she saw Liane still bowing her head. Which one of you is Leanne? I am Miss Leanne, Your Majesty.she answered. Ever came running.Your Majesty, what can you do with my ward? your ward?Have I given you custody of her? Lian slowly raised her gaze, her ecstatic green eyes and delicate facial features made the king gasp in surprise.What a beauty, why hasn't she entered Gongjin to meet me? I thought you wouldn't want to see a murderer's daughter.Ever said.As you know, I firmly believe that Liane's father was involved in Anna's murder and the theft of the treasure box.I thought the sight of Leanne would remind you of that tragedy, so I did not bring her to court with you.I don't think you deserve that pain.

John narrowed his eyes.right.You've been a thoughtful friend, Ever. Ever nodded.Liane had been living in the North of England with her uncle, Lord Chamoken.She has only just returned to Denhamshire.I'm going to tell her to go upstairs so you don't see her again. no need.You go sit with Hu You and De Wen, I have something to talk to the two ladies in private. Ever dare not argue.He glared at Liane before going to join his friends.The three of them couldn't sit still, and all stretched their ears to hear what the king had to say. Where?John asked Leanne eagerly.Do you have Anna's treasure box?

Not there, Your Majesty, but I think I know where it is hidden. you think?He repeated, his face began to turn red, as if he was about to throw a fit at any moment.You can't be sure?I'd be very upset if I made this trip for nothing. I haven't had time to look it up, but I'm sure it's here in Denham.Just a few steps away. Her explanation calmed him down.You must understand that if the treasure box is found, it will prove that your father was involved in Anna's death. She couldn't help but defend her father.I heard and believed that my father was a gentleman and would never kill innocent women.

I also thought your father was a loyal minister until he betrayed me. I can't believe he really betrayed you.she whispered.My mother had just died and my father was in mourning.Right here in Denhamshire. I know he wasn't at the palace when Anna was killed, but Ever thinks he was in collusion with someone else.The man killed Anna and gave the treasure box to your father.If the treasure box is here, it proves Ever's reasoning is correct. I don't know how to convince you that my father is innocent. We'll soon have evidence of whether he has a vicious heart.If you conceal the whereabouts of the treasure box, I can never be sure that your father betrayed me.Why did you send someone to tell me?

Ever took Uncle Moken as a hostage and forced me to go to the highlands to find my sister.Ever thinks the treasure box is in her hands, and I must go and bring her and the treasure box back to save my uncle's life. Ever's enthusiasm for helping me find the box has not diminished over the years, and I can't blame him for taking such extreme measures.John explained with a smile like a doting father.But he has his flaws, and greed is one of them.I believe he forced you to retrieve the box in order to return it to me for the reward.It would be the same for me, wouldn't you too?

Your Majesty, I don't want a bounty.I only ask you to protect my Uncle Morken, who is your loyal subject. John's demeanor suddenly became amiable.Although she had heard about his moodiness, she was caught off guard. I just had a long talk with Moken.He said. How is he?she asked tremblingly. He's old and tired, and he's made a lot of outrageous accusations, but he's fine.You can meet him soon. Tears welled up in her eyes.Thank you, Your Majesty.I know you're eager to find out if the box is here, but if I'm wrong and the box isn't here, please don't take it out on Uncle Morken.He has nothing to do with this matter, and I am willing to take full responsibility.

John sighed.Fifteen years of waiting has left me with mixed feelings about the imminent return of the property to its rightful owner.I am not in a hurry because the disappointment that may come will be very painful to me.As for Morken, I promise you that even if the box is not here, I will still protect him, and you.Do you think I'm an ogre?I will not hold you responsible for the crimes your father committed. She knew that he was speaking from the bottom of his heart at the moment, but she also knew that he was moody, so she didn't dare to put her hopes on his promise. You are very generous, Your Majesty.

I can be magnanimous now and then.he said haughtily.Now answer my question.Did you marry a blond, shawl-shaven, heavyset barbarian named Lord Boobody? Liane swayed a little.I am indeed his wife, my lord.He's here have you seen him? I have seen him.He and two other Highland lords besieged Denhamshire. Reki gasped, drawing the king's attention.I've ignored you for too long, honey.Forgive my faux pas and tell me who you are. She's a good friend of mine, Leanne said.It's called Ke Leiqi. Reki smiled at the king, who immediately smiled back.Ah, you are the lady Lord Xin is looking for.

I am his people, my lord.Reki spoke softly, nervous at the king's attention.I'm one of his many loyal fans, but he doesn't come all the way just for me. The king laughed aloud.Judging by his swearing at me, I think you're wrong.I must admit that Highlander is daunting.When I saw them I wanted to go back to London to bring in more troops, but then the three lords came after me single-handedly and stopped me.It seems like they've just learned that the two of you are in town, and they're pretty thrilled.I order them to stay outside the city, and I want to tell you that I am very upset that Lord Mai dared to argue with me.I told him that you sent someone to find me, and that I would never let you suffer any harm, so they reluctantly agreed to wait outside the city.Why did you come all the way here, Reki?

Leiqi looked at Lian with a troubled expression on her face.Liane answered for her: Baron Ever thought Laiqi was my sister. But she is not.said the king. We deceived Baron Ever.Reki blurted out.But Liane said I must not lie to you, Your Majesty. Her honesty seemed to amuse the king.She was right.Then he turned to Liane.Where is your sister? She will never come back to us, Your Majesty. John nodded, accepting her words.Ever interrupted their conversation to say that the banquet was ready. I'll eat with you when I get back. Come back, Your Majesty?Ever asked. Yes.John replied.Lian wants to take me to find Anna's treasure box. If I don't go and see it myself, I have no way of knowing whether it is in the place Lian thinks it is. Ever stepped back, gesturing for Holler to come over. John smiled at Leanne.let's go?He stepped back and stretched out his arms. She put her trembling hand on the king's arm.John patted the back of her hand lovingly and told her not to be afraid of him.He noticed that Ever, as he was whispering to Holler, turned abruptly and scolded Ever for his lack of manners.Ever apologized quickly. What are you discussing?John asked.That thing must be important to you, or you wouldn't be so rude. Holler is one of your most loyal soldiers, and I'm telling him I'm going to ask you if you agree to let him and three other soldiers escort you and Liane. John shrugged in agreement.We won't be there for long.Then he gave orders to his Praetorians.You all stay here.No one is allowed to leave the hall until I return.Lei Qi, can you wait here? As I command, Your Majesty.she answered. May I go with you?Ever asked. sit down. Ever didn't hear the warning in the king's tone, so he dared to ask again. Annoyed, John decided to give Ever a hard time.You can't follow.He said.When Liane and I go for a walk, I advise you, Devin, and Huyou to stay away from open windows. Ever looked blank, and John chuckled.Did I forget to mention that Denham is surrounded by Highlanders?Ah, I can see from your expression that I forgot, how careless I was. The savage is here?Ever's eyes popped, and he swallowed hard to overcome his shock. Didn't I just say that?You know why they're here, don't you?John asked. Ever played dumb.How would I know? John grinned.Shall I tell you what they came all the way for? if you are willing to.Ever said tactfully. They want to kill you.Let me recall what they said.Ah, I remembered.The tallest one is named Mai, he told me that he will use his hands to dig out your heart and stuff it down your throat.Isn't that interesting?With his size, I think he can do it.He chuckled and continued.These three lords are arguing in front of me over who has the right to kill you. Ever forced a smile.It's really interesting. De Wen, Hu You, they also threatened to kill you.The cloth lord believes that one of you beat Miss Leanne, and he now thinks he has the right to cut off the wretch's hands.Oh, and he mentioned cutting off your feet, Ever. You should kill the barbarians who terrorize your friends.Ever yelled.Aren't we loyal to each other?You and I have been through many difficult times, and I have always stood by your side against your enemies, including the Pope.kill them.he demanded loudly. don't want!Liane yelled. John patted her arm.See how your words trouble the dear lady.Come on, Leanne.This matter can be discussed when we return, but I assure you, I have no intention of killing the three lords.Even I knew that would bring all the Highlanders to my door.My country already has enough internal troubles, and there is no need to add foreign troubles. The guards opened the door for them.Lian lifted her skirt and lowered her head as she stepped down the doorstep. When she looked up again, she screamed and stopped abruptly. Ian, Lacey and Boddy in full armor stood in the middle of the courtyard.Bodie was watching her intently, his eyes burning with rage.She couldn't help staring at him, and he looked as if he couldn't wait to do something to her. John had previously ordered the three lords to wait outside the city, so their presence made him wonder what to make of it.How did they get in?He glanced at Lian with three points of anger and seven points of curiosity and asked: Are you willing to marry that lord? Yes, Your Majesty.she answered.I love him deeply. In this way, love is indeed blind. Not knowing whether the king was joking, she had to keep silent.When she approached Bodie, he spread his legs twice as wide.Ian and Lacey immediately followed suit.Their message was clear: they wouldn't let Liane through.Liane knew that if the king and she tried to make a detour, they would stop them.The Praetorians in the courtyard held their swords tightly and waited for John's order.The three lords didn't seem to care about the actions of the Imperial Guards at all, which made Lian even more worried about their safety. Step aside.John ordered. Your Majesty, may my husband accompany you?Liane asked softly.I haven't seen him for a long time, and I wish I had him by my side. Really?John grinned again.He doesn't seem very happy to see you, Leanne.In fact, he had that look of a husband wanting to hit his wife. No, he would never do that.she assured him.No matter how angry he was, he never thought of hurting me.All of them are gentlemen. John stopped in front of Boddy and looked up into his eyes.Your wife wants you to walk with us. Birdie didn't say a word, but moved back to let John and Liane pass.Her hand brushed his, a deliberate touch she couldn't resist.She knew Birdy was right behind her, and her heart was filled with conflicting emotions.She wanted to throw herself into his arms and tell him she was sorry for putting him in danger, but at the same time she wanted to yell at him for cheating on her and putting his own safety on the line for revenge. The king let go of her arm, and they walked side by side across the barren courtyard.She saw Holler pick three soldiers, and that made her very uneasy.If only John hadn't said yes to Ever's request.Ever's men trailed behind the king, and Birdy followed her.His back was exposed to the attack, and it terrified her.Out of the corner of her eye she caught a glimpse of another group of Ever's soldiers running up the doorstep and into the castle. Where are you taking me?John asked her. The old yard, your lord, is just behind the new yard that Ever took over the back of Denhamshire. Why didn't he send someone to tear down the old stalls and rebuild them on the spot? superstitious.she answered. Explain what you mean, and tell me how you figured out where the treasure box was hidden. Lian started talking about the night her father was killed, and she just finished talking when she arrived at the ruined temple. The king orders one of the soldiers to fetch a torch, and John reminds Liane while they wait.You haven't explained what you mean by superstition. Soldiers were afraid of Aite after he went mad.They thought Ater was possessed by a demon and dared not touch him or his belongings for fear that his soul would be taken away and he would become as crazy as he was.Aite wandered around during the day and slept in the corner of the barn at night. You describe my soldiers as superstitious fools, but if your guess is correct, their fear has kept my Ana's box intact for so many years. The soldier brought the lighted torches, and John ordered him to go in first.Liane was suddenly paralyzed by panic.She prayed to God to keep the treasure box inside.Feeling Bodie's hand on her shoulder, she leaned back against him.She only stopped for two seconds, but that gave her the comfort and courage she needed to follow the stall.When the king reached the middle of the passage, he stopped and beckoned her to lead the way. in the corner.She walked quickly to the end of the corridor, noting the rotting boards and rusted nails under her feet. When she reached the last stable, she turned slowly, looked around the corner, and let out a cry.There, Art's backpack is still hanging from a hook on the wall. Let's see if the treasure box is inside.John whispered. He removed his filthy backpack, kicked the stones out of the way, and knelt on the floor.Liane stood beside him in silence. Is the treasure box here, Your Majesty?Holler asked aloud. Without answering, John gently poured out the contents of the backpack.First a rusted iron hinge rolled out, then various shapes of stones and clods of mud.The king cried out.A ball of cloth fell to his lap.He opened the fabric and gradually saw that it was a man's blouse.Open the last pleat, and what appears in front of you is the shining gemstone on the lid. Recalling his loving time with Anna and the grief of losing his beloved, John bowed his head in tears with tears in his eyes. Your Majesty, have you found the treasure box?Holler asked again loudly. John was too excited to notice the arrogance in Holler's tone.But Birdy noticed.Holler gestured to the other soldiers as Birdy turned his back on Leanne and John.His three accomplices immediately spread out in a semicircle in front of Birdy.All that stood between them and the King was a Highlander, foolish enough to believe that they were outnumbered. Birdy was well aware of their plan.He whispered in disgust: Your king has no arms. John, still kneeling on the ground, looked up just in time to see the soldier draw his sword.He opened his eyes wide in disbelief, thinking for a moment that it was the Highlanders who were trying to harm him.Then he saw Birdy's hands still hanging at his sides, the sword still in its sheath.So where does the threat that makes soldiers draw their swords lurk? John temporarily forgot about the treasure box and stood up.Where is the danger?he asks. The soldier was silent. Liane, tell your king that his soldiers intend to kill him.Boddy said. Holler smiled.We will be respected for it.Yes, John, we're going to kill not only you, but the Highlander and his wife.He nodded to Boddy.Of course, you will be the scapegoat. It was only when John reached for his sword that he realized he was unarmed.I only need to call out, and my men will come. You'll be dead by the time they get there.Huo Zhu mocked. Boddy shook his head.I can't let you kill your king because it would make my wife sad.Don't even try to touch my wife's hair.Am I clear enough? The four of them swarmed up, but because of a misjudgment, Birdy took advantage of it, and they crashed into a ball in a hurry.Bodie's movements were as fast as lightning, and those who attacked him only saw a blurry figure and a sword blade gleaming with cold light.While killing two soldiers, he kicked a third soldier's arm off.Then Boddy ducked to dodge the last soldier's attack, smashing his jaw with his elbow. Liane grabs the king's arm in an attempt to drag him to safety, but John heroically pulls her behind him to protect her.Before she could scream, two of the four soldiers were killed and two injured.Bodie was unscathed.He nonchalantly wiped the blood off the blade of a dead man, then put the sword back into its sheath.He couldn't help being surprised when he turned to see the king protecting Liane. John stared dumbfounded at the traitor, then at Birdie.One hits four.Great, my lord. Boddy shrugged.You haven't seen what is great. A torch fell to the ground behind them and burned.John knelt down again, held up the treasure box with both hands, and carefully pressed the secret mechanism one by one, and the box opened with a snap.He stared at the contents of the box silently, and after a moment he let out a pained growl from the back of his throat. The howls of grief shook Liane, and the heartache, betrayal, deceit and fear suddenly became too much for her to bear.She seemed to be back at the top of the steep stairs of the secret passage in her memory, and the monster jumped out of the wall and pushed her and Li Ting down the dark abyss.She became a frightened, lonely little girl again.The screams of pain echoed in her ears, and she saw her father looking at her with sad and regretful eyes.He couldn't save her, she held out her hand and Boddy suddenly appeared in front of her calling her name.Leanne, look at me. His gentle voice and touch reached her through the fog of fear, and she fell into his arms with a sob.I want to go home!she shouted. Soon.He promises.Now get behind me. His sharp order brought her back to her senses, and she did as he said, for she could hear the shouting soldiers running towards the barn.The smoldering smoke must have alarmed them.With the fire growing behind her, she knew the Janissaries would attack Birdie when they came running in and saw the body. She turned to the king, and saw him wipe the lid of the box and wipe it away.He wrapped the box in his clothes and stuffed it into his backpack, then stood up staggeringly, walked over and stood beside Birdy.He raised his hand when the Praetorians entered. Whose men are these?Boddy asked. mine.The king replied, in a strangely calm tone.follow me.He ordered Birdie, and then left the stall first. Boddy dragged Lian to the courtyard.He blew his whistle, and Di Liang and Lauperzer stepped forward. Di Liang, take her out of here.Robert, take Reki away when she comes out. Before she had time to express her opinion, Di Liang carried her on the horse's back, and he lightly pinched the horse's belly to urge the horse to run fast. Let the highlanders in.John ordered the guards, then motioned for Ian and Lacey to follow Boddy and him into the hall. Ever was not idle while he waited.He took advantage of that time to call in more soldiers, for there were now more than a dozen soldiers gathered near the storage room.Birdie and Ian stand behind the king, but Lacey walks up to her when she sees Reki sitting in the corner.He grabbed her hand and pulled her to stand up, dragging her outside without saying a word. She dared not speak to him, she had never seen Lacey so angry.He also handed her to Lauber without a word, then turned and walked back with bowed head. When Lacey returned to the hall, he just heard the king ask Ian if the kidnapped was his son, and Ian nodded sullenly.The king held out his hand.Can you lend me your sword? Ian reluctantly handed him the sword.Holding a sword in one hand and a backpack in the other, John slowly turned and walked towards Ivor who was at the table.Ever tried to stand up, but John told him to sit.Today is full of disappointment.said John, in a voice as cold as a winter night. So, the treasure box still hasn't been found?Ever asked, a faint smile in the corner of his eye. John didn't answer, but put the backpack on the table in front of Ever.Open it. Ever empties the contents of the backpack, and the box rolls out of his clothes. John told him what was in the box.My dagger is at the bottom.Above my dagger is a lock of Anna's blond hair.Tell me, Ever, what's that on top of that lock of blond hair? I don't know.Ever stammered. Of course you do.your dagger. No, the dagger is not mine!Ever called. John began to walk slowly around the table.isn't it?Your emblem is engraved on the handle of the dagger. Someone stole my dagger, it must be Liane's father. John snapped: Her father is not in the palace, but you are.You killed her. I don't John pounded the table with his fist.Tell the truth if you want to live. survive If you tell me the truth, I will spare your life.John promised.I want to know what happened, but you have to confess first.You killed her, didn't you? She is going to betray you.Ever stammered.She won't listen to my advice and she's determined to drive a wedge between you and your advisor.I just want to protect you.Power drives her crazy because she knows she can control you. I want to know the details.The king's voice trembled with anger. I went to her room to advise her, but she sneered at me, really, my lord.Your squire brings in the box and places it on the table.The lid is open, and your dagger is inside.The attendant didn't see me, and after he left the room, Anna cut off a lock of hair with your dagger, and she put the dagger and hair in the box Then you continue to persuade her?John asked. Yes, but she won't listen.She vowed not to let anyone get in her way.She attacked me and I had to defend myself. So you cut her throat. That was an accident.I admit I panicked.Your squire came back and knocked, and without thinking I threw my dagger into the box and closed the lid.I'm going to tell you, really!Ever yelled. Since you have the key to the room, escaping is not difficult.You lock the door and take the box back to your room.Right, Ever? right. And then you comforted me when I found the body. You were my best friend. I was going to tell you, but you were heartbroken, so I decided to wait a while. No, you decided to blame Lian's father. Yes.Ever tried to speak in a contrite tone.He came to my estate to discuss our shared land.He burst into the hall and pretended not to see the box, but he stole it as soon as I turned my back on it.He wants to keep it for himself. Bullshit, you knew he was going to hand the box back to me, right?So you lay siege to Denham and kill people. I had to kill Ana, Ever repeated.She will destroy you. ruin me?John yelled.He can't play this game anymore.He stood behind Ever, raising Ian's sword.Damn you!He screamed and thrust his sword into Ever's back. Ever bowed and fell forward slowly.John backed away, his chest heaving violently with anger.In the dead silence, he picked up the box and walked towards the door. Your son's revenge has been avenged.He says that to Ian, and then motions for his soldiers to follow him. Hu You, who was hiding behind the soldiers, shouted: Your Majesty, Dewen and I did not participate in the rebellion of Ever. John ignored it.When he passed by the three lords, he said: Those two men will be handed over to you. The gate closed, and Ian, Lacey, and Birdy moved forward slowly.