It was already evening when Zhao Zhiyan went out.
The Imperial Guards arrived and took away the Eighth Prince's private soldiers. A young eunuch also came with them: "His Majesty requests that the Eighth Prince come to the palace."
He had no right to refuse.
They followed the young eunuch into the palace in a carriage.
The journey was quiet and peaceful.
Upon arriving at the Hall of State Affairs, Zhao Zhiyan saw the Northern Chu Emperor sitting unharmed on the dragon throne, with several officials kneeling inside.
"Your Majesty, I, your humble brother, pay my respects." Zhao Zhiyan knelt down and bowed.
The Emperor of Northern Chu raised his hand: "All of you may leave. I have some things to discuss with the Eighth Prince."
"yes."
After the hall was cleared of people, the Northern Chu Emperor looked calmly at Zhao Zhiyan. Their eyes met, and Zhao Zhiyan smiled slightly: "Your Majesty is unharmed, so I am relieved."
The Emperor of Northern Chu sighed. If Zhao Zhiyan had harbored any treacherous thoughts of regicide or refused to relinquish his military power, there would be no Eighth Prince today.
“Eighth Imperial Brother, this throne rightfully belongs to Yunke. I am merely returning it to its rightful owner.” The Emperor of Northern Chu stood up, descended the steps, and faced Zhao Zhiyan: “Eighth Imperial Brother, are you capable of assisting Yunke?”
Zhao Zhiyan pursed her lips.
He initially had no intention of seizing the throne, but recent events have pushed him into a deeper entanglement, ultimately forcing him to entertain thoughts he shouldn't have.
Seeing that he didn't speak, the Northern Chu Emperor smiled bitterly: "When my brother passed away, he entrusted the throne to you, but you refused. Yunke was critically ill at the time, so I had no choice but to ascend the throne. As a result, I have been burdened with the crime of being a tyrant and regicide for so many years."
"Does Your Majesty think Yunke has ever had any designs on you?" Zhao Zhiyan asked in return.
The Emperor of Northern Chu shook his head: "He never did."
“Without imperial power, how can he protect Song Yue? Even if he doesn’t want to, Princess Jiahua will not allow him to be a carefree prince. Your Majesty, I admit defeat this time, and I accept it wholeheartedly.” Zhao Zhiyan said calmly.
The Emperor of Northern Chu sighed again, then suddenly spoke: "I intend to personally lead an expedition to attack the Southern Frontier. Does my eighth brother have anything to say?"
The words "attack the southern border" flashed through Zhao Zhiyan's mind, and he nervously swallowed.
"Your Majesty..." Zhao Zhiyan swallowed the words of advice that were on the tip of his tongue, and said with a smile, "Your Majesty now holds great power and military authority. Even when you are on a campaign, Yunke is there to watch over you. You have fulfilled your regrets over the years."
The Emperor of Northern Chu gave Zhao Zhiyan a deep look: "You agree?"
"Of course!" Zhao Zhiyan cupped his hands in greeting: "Your Majesty, I congratulate you on your victorious return."
A hint of regret crossed the Northern Chu Emperor's face. He smiled slightly, nodded, and asked if there was anything he needed to be careful about: "Eighth Prince, why don't you come with me?"
"Your Majesty, I am ashamed. I have come to terms with this and no longer wish to be involved in any military power. I only want to be a carefree and leisurely prince. Now Your Majesty no longer needs my protection." Zhao Zhiyan appeared calm and composed.
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