"Father, haven't you made up your mind yet?" Ji Mohan asked the old emperor coldly.

"You unfilial son! Even if you seize the throne, do you think the court officials will agree to your ascension?" the old emperor shouted angrily. He had killed many who coveted the throne, including his own brothers, but unexpectedly, it was his eldest son, whom he had always ignored, who seized it. It was truly karma.

Ji Mohan said sarcastically, "Whether the ministers will agree or not is none of Father's concern. Besides, I have plenty of ways to make them submit." Ji Mohan looked at the old emperor's heaving chest, who seemed furious. But Ji Mohan didn't care about his anger. He stepped forward, placed the tray in front of the old emperor, and said coldly, "Father, draft the decree. From now on, you will be the retired emperor. You have dealt with the affairs of the court for most of your life; it's time for you to rest."

Bang! The old emperor raised his hand and knocked over the tray that Ji Mohan had placed in front of him, angrily saying, "I will never pass the throne to you, so give up on that idea!"

Ji Mohan was stunned for a moment, then threw his head back and laughed, saying, "It seems that Father Emperor still can't see the current situation clearly. Song Jue, come in." Ji Mohan had long anticipated that the old emperor would not willingly pass the throne to him, and he had been prepared for this.

Song Jue came in from outside, holding someone under his arm.

The old emperor looked up and exclaimed in shock, "Sheng'er, how could you..." Then, as if he had just realized something, he glared angrily at Ji Mohan, "What do you mean by this?"

"Of course, that's what Father sees now. Since Father is unwilling to pass the throne to me, then I can only kill all my brothers. In this way, I can rightfully inherit the throne. Now, let's start with the Crown Prince, whom Father loves the most." Ji Mohan said coldly. He had to obtain the throne. Only by obtaining the throne could he expand his territory. If Yan Wan returned, no matter where she was, he would know her whereabouts.

For some reason, he had a feeling that Yan Wan would come back. Ji Mohan shook his head. Maybe it was because he missed her a little.

No, Ji Mohan clenched his fists tightly; he should hate her.

“Royal brother.” Ji Mosheng looked at Ji Mohan with some disappointment. Since his sister-in-law left, his brother’s behavior has become increasingly strange, even somewhat insane. His brother is now like a taut string, which may break if he is not careful.

"What? The Crown Prince is unwilling to help me with this favor?" Ji Mohan said, looking at Ji Mosheng, the younger brother he had envied since childhood. He easily possessed the Emperor's trust, the Empress's love, the brothers' respect, and the court officials' submission. He had everything he longed for.

He had never owned anything since childhood except Yan Wan. He thought she was his salvation and that she could accompany him for life. However, she also abandoned him.

"Brother, you can have the throne if you want it. But you must be a good emperor after you become emperor," Ji Mosheng said indifferently. He was designated as the crown prince from birth. He never thought he would have a choice. Now that someone wants the throne, it is a blessing for him.

In that case, could he then pursue Jing Xi? He could give her the freedom that Jiang Bai had given her.

"Sheng'er, you..." The old emperor was furious at the conversation between his two rebellious sons. This was the throne, not a cabbage! Besides, he was still the emperor, and these two had chosen the successor to the throne right in front of him. He wasn't even dead yet!

"I'm losing patience, Father, write!" Ji Mohan rubbed his temples in frustration. His head ached slightly. He hadn't had a good night's sleep in a long time. As soon as he closed his eyes, Yan Wan's image appeared in his mind, haunting him. Every time he fell asleep, he saw the image of Yan Wan dying in his arms. He was startled awake countless times at night and couldn't fall back asleep. His back was always soaked with cold sweat.

Seeing that everything was already set in stone, the old emperor sighed. "So be it, it's all fate." He slowly raised his hand and began to draft an edict. Ji Mohan had gone too far, and the departure of that child had dealt him a heavy blow.

Originally, the old emperor wanted to find some time to talk to Ji Mohan about Consort Xue, but when he looked up and saw Ji Mohan rubbing his temples wearily, he thought, "Never mind, we can talk about it another time."

"Han'er, the imperial edict has been drafted. Your father is getting old. After you ascend the throne, do not follow in your father's footsteps. Be diligent in governing and love your people, and be a good emperor." The old emperor seemed to have come to terms with it. He handed the imperial edict to Ji Mohan. He had fought for the throne his whole life, but in the end, he was betrayed and abandoned by everyone. This was his retribution.

Ji Mohan seemed surprised that the old emperor addressed him that way. He paused for a moment, then a look of disgust appeared on his face. He took the imperial edict and said coldly, "Don't call me that."

He had never received a single ounce of fatherly love before, and he would never need or want it again.

After getting what he wanted, Ji Mohan left. Seeing his lord leave, Song Jue followed suit.

"Song Jue, give the order that we will depart for the capital tomorrow," Ji Mohan said, tilting his head slightly.

"Yes, Your Highness."

The capital has been peaceful for too long; this time, it's time for a change.