729 Brotherhood

The eldest prince leaned wearily against the dragon throne. The once golden throne now seemed to have lost its former majesty and splendor. His five meridians were destroyed, and he lost all his power, becoming like an ordinary mortal, no longer able to display his former domineering aura and majesty.

Alone and isolated, the eldest prince felt utterly alone, deeply experiencing the desolation of being at the top.

Sitting alone on that high dragon throne, looking back, those steps that were once easily climbed now seem so far away.

In the past, he could sit steadily on the dragon throne with just a few light steps, enjoying the humble respect of the eunuchs behind him.

However, now, this dragon throne, which is only three feet tall, seems to have become an insurmountable mountain.

It took all my strength and all my power to barely step onto this once-familiar spot.

Even now, a desolate atmosphere permeates the air, as if every corner of the palace is telling of the eldest prince's loneliness and helplessness.

The dragon's aura is gone; it seems even the eldest prince has fallen from his pedestal!

The eldest prince sat alone on the dragon throne, a sense of indescribable sorrow welling up in his heart.

The former eunuch Liu, and those little eunuchs, are nowhere to be found now. They deserve to die!

The eldest prince's murderous intent remained undiminished. "These damned lackeys, I'll make sure you suffer a horrible death!"

Unconsciously, he recalled the past glory and honor, and thought of the ministers and eunuchs who had once loyally followed him when his father was alive, but now they had all disappeared without a trace. It was truly despicable.

The prosperity was like fleeting clouds, leaving behind only endless sorrow and lament.

The eldest prince's eyes were slightly bloodshot, his anger undiminished, and he showed a hint of determination!

As the fourth, fifth, sixth, and seventh princes arrived in succession, the atmosphere in the palace became increasingly tense.

Each of them entered alone, while their attendants stood about ten feet away outside the door!

The eldest prince decreed that no one other than princes was allowed to enter the main hall.

The Imperial Guards received the order, though somewhat bewildered. However, the Crown Prince's command seemed to be legitimate, and besides, the Crown Prince was the heir apparent, so the Imperial Guards' orders were strictly enforced!

Although the prince's attendants had their own opinions, at this moment, hearing the terrifying footsteps of the imperial guards around them, the sound of swords clashing, and the clanking of armor, their blood surged like a raging torrent, like dragon energy rolling thousands of feet high, with the roars of dragons and tigers echoing from within.

Immense pressure came from all around.

A thunderous roar erupted from outside—the battle cry of the Imperial Guards: "No one is permitted to walk within a hundred paces! Violators will be executed!"

Everyone silently stepped aside, calming their minds and waiting!

When the prince arrived, everyone had a different expression, but their faces were filled with solemnity, unease, and barely concealed excitement!

It was as if I had a premonition of a major event that was about to happen!

The Ninth Prince slowly entered the hall. Although his steps were steady, there was an uncertain light in his eyes. Clearly, this was a moment that could determine his fate!

Eunuch Liu followed the Ninth Prince cautiously until they reached the area where the Imperial Guards had blocked their way. Unable to advance any further, his face was filled with tension, anxiety, guilt, fear, and reluctance. After a difficult decision, he finally made his choice.

The inner struggle seemed to say, 'I just want to have descendants, that's all. Why can't I have descendants? I have no choice!'

She cautiously stole a glance at the First Prince, who was nowhere to be seen in the main hall. Even from such a distance, she was afraid that a small movement or a single word from her might touch his taut nerve.

His hands were clasped tightly together, his palms already damp with cold sweat, revealing his extreme unease.

The eldest prince was deposed, and for some reason, the ninth prince found out about it first. He had just been out preparing to do some business when the ninth prince invited him over. He had secretly adopted the son, and he had no choice in the matter!

I've confessed everything I needed to, and now I can only accept my fate and go down this dark path!

Moreover, the Ninth Prince himself agreed, and I couldn't help but feel a little secretly pleased.

I still remember what the Ninth Prince said: 'Eunuch Liu! Of the three unfilial acts, the greatest is to have no offspring. Eunuch Liu's actions show great filial piety!'

A reward is due!

These few words greatly relieved Eunuch Liu of a great weight on his mind!

A somber atmosphere permeated the palace, as if a meteorite had struck the heavens, and the world itself was mourning.

Outside the main hall, followers from various factions were blocked off, with the Imperial Guards maintaining a tight security, preventing them from entering.

Inside the main hall, the group was divided into three factions, each forming its own group, but there was an unusual sense of unfamiliarity between them, as if they were three steps apart.

I dare not get too close. In my eyes, the accomplice I was once most familiar with is now the one I fear the most. Too many of my secrets have been discovered by my colleagues!

The eldest prince's calm gaze, undisguised in its coldness, swept over his brothers who had once been respectful to him.

At this moment, their expressions varied, and although they tried their best to conceal it, the smugness in their eyes could not be completely hidden. The obvious change, which had been anticipated, was like a sharp knife piercing the heart of the eldest prince, igniting his rage.

I used to treat them quite well, but now they seem to care about me no matter what. It's a great irony.

He couldn't help but think of his second brother, who also yearned for martial arts and studied incredibly hard. He thought to himself, 'Perhaps my second brother is a better choice.'

Clenching my fist, on any other day, such a clenching motion would send gusts of wind through my skin, like tiny, winding snakes crawling under my skin.

The force of the punch was so strong that it blasted the surrounding air apart!

Now, however, my fists feel weak, as soft as cotton!

Deep down, the Crown Prince was filled with hatred, yet his expression remained increasingly serene, as if it were a choice made out of utter helplessness.

The hatred he inhaled filled his lungs, making his chest brimming with anger and resentment, but at this moment his expression became increasingly peaceful.

Seeing his brother like this for the first time, I felt extremely distressed. A brother who betrayed me, a brother who was hypocritical and greedy, with a calm face and a scoundrel's eyes.

A sinister smile, twisted by resentment, lingered in his heart. At this moment, there was no mercy or pity left, only a thirst for revenge and an obsession with power.

He thought to himself, 'Since you've chosen to be driven by greed and desire, wanting to extract more secrets from yourselves, then I'll tell you. I hope you won't regret it!'

Seeing his brother discover this shortcut, he faced a choice: 'Blood and slaughter, or mercy?'

Seeing everyone remain silent, the eldest prince spoke slowly, his tone low, roguish, and weak.

"My dear brothers, I had originally planned to gather with you all in a few days, but it's been moved up tonight!"

Although his voice was low and weak, there was still a hint of pessimism, helplessness and bitterness in it!