Hand her over to Concubine Wu for care?
Shangguan Wan Ning sneered inwardly, this was exactly what he wanted.
When Shangguan Yue learned that Shangguan Wanning had fallen into Xiao Beiming's hands, he immediately came to Prince Ming's Mansion, wanting to take Shangguan Wanning back.
"Your Majesty, Ning'er is young and ignorant, or..."
"I know what you are thinking." Xiao Beiming interrupted Shangguan Yue, "You can rest assured that as long as I succeed and can ascend the throne smoothly, your daughter will be fine."
"You have served me for these years, and have made contributions and worked hard. Even if she refuses to marry me, I will not kill her. Now you just need to work for me with peace of mind, and don't worry about other things."
Shangguan Yue sighed helplessly and began to wonder how he could bring Shangguan Wanning back to his side.
He knows his daughter's personality very well.
They have a deep affection for each other, and she would definitely not let her mother die in such a miserable way.
"My Lord, this is bad."
The guard came in hurriedly, sweating profusely and looking extremely panicked.
"What's the matter?" Xiao Beiming asked with a frown.
"I just received a tip-off that the people we...eh, were seriously ill with have stabilized, and some have recovered. Now the rumors are spreading that the emperor has received heaven's permission. He is the true emperor."
Xiao Beiming's expression suddenly changed.
This was the most important part of his plan to win over the people, but it was cracked by Xiao Yujue.
He immediately thought of Shangguan Wanning and cast an angry look at Shangguan Yue.
Shangguan Yue was shocked.
He sensed that Xiao Beiming was already murderous.
"Your Highness, there is news from the palace that the Emperor has issued an edict, instructing the Imperial Astronomical Observatory to hold a ceremony to offer sacrifices to the heavens and pray for the people."
Isn't he afraid of problems if he holds such a major sacrificial ceremony at this time?
Xiao Beiming winked at Shangguan Yue.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I will go to the Imperial Observatory to get the news right away. But..."
"Humph, you don't have to worry. Now that things have come to this, as long as you stand on my side, Shangguan Wan Ning will be fine."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Shangguan Yue retreated, but still couldn't be completely relieved.
After thinking it over again and again, he took the opportunity to go to the palace to report on something and quietly went to Concubine Wu's bedroom.
"Why are you here?"
When Concubine Wu saw how haggard Shangguan Yue looked, she couldn't help but feel distressed.
She dismissed all the eunuchs and palace maids, and came forward to help Shangguan Yue sit down. "Have you eaten yet? I'll have someone prepare some for you?"
"No need. Where's Ning'er?"
"She is resting in the west wing."
Shangguan Yue was full of thoughts. He held Concubine Wu's hand and said, "Over the years, I have done my best for you and your daughter. I am so old now and I have nothing else to ask for. Please make sure to save my daughter's life and don't let anyone hurt her."
Concubine Wu looked at Shangguan Yue, and scenes from the past came to her mind.
She suddenly discovered...
They really can never go back.
Even if Xiao Beiming ascended the throne, they could not be together openly. After all, there was someone else in this man's heart.
"Okay. I will do my best to protect her."
"Thanks."
Shangguan Yue patted the back of Concubine Wu's hand, stood up and walked out.
He walked back with a heavy heart, and when he looked up, he saw a thin figure standing at the end of the corridor.
The moment their eyes met, they were filled with emotion.
“Ning’er…”
"Dad, there is something I want to ask you on behalf of mom."
Shangguan Wanning walked step by step to her father. This man who loved her so much made her feel so strange.
"Just ask." Shangguan Yue's mood calmed down the moment he saw his daughter.
"Mom has been with you for more than 20 years. Have you ever truly loved her?"
Shangguan Yue lowered his head, took a deep breath, and said, "I respect her and pity her, but... I have never loved her. Ning'er, one day you will understand that when you have someone in your heart, there will be no room for others..."
"So, you knew she was the one who forced mother to death, but you were able to forgive her? You also turned a blind eye?"
Shangguan Wanning turned around angrily before tears fell.
The grand ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven is scheduled to be held ten days later.
Xiao Beiming received news that the local garrisons supporting Xiao Yujue were already ready to move, and some had even set out for the capital, obviously intending to protect the emperor.
The forces of both sides have turned their covert fight into an open one, and everyone knows that this is a life-and-death contest.
Within these ten days, officials of all ranks in the court took sides and gambled their entire fortunes and lives.
The ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven was held as scheduled. Xiao Yujue, wearing a dragon robe, walked towards the platform step by step.
Just as he finished offering incense and was about to insert the incense into the incense burner, the table with the offerings in front of him suddenly collapsed.
"Protect the emperor!"
The eunuch chief shouted in panic, and the imperial guards immediately drew their swords and protected Xiao Yujue in the middle.
"Your Majesty, it seems that even the heavens are unwilling to accept your worship. Shouldn't you...reflect on this?"
"Uncle, I'm afraid someone did this on purpose?"
Xiao Beiming smiled coldly. He no longer pretended and walked onto the platform surrounded by his trusted guards.
"If you say so, then so be it. Your Majesty, the Xiao family's kingdom should be ruled by capable people. If you care about the people, you should abdicate and let the wise take over."
"The virtuous man the emperor is talking about, could it be me?"
Xiao Beiming walked up to Xiao Yujue and whispered, "If you order your resignation now, I can still spare your life and give you a place to live out the rest of your life. But if... you insist on not changing your ways, don't blame me for not caring about our blood relationship."
"Is the Emperor's uncle so confident that he will win?"
"What else do you think?"
Xiao Beiming waved his arm, and a large group of imperial guards surrounded Xiao Yujue. Dozens of archers drew their bows and were ready to fire.
"As long as I give the order, you will be shot out of the hedgehog."
"I'm afraid not."
As soon as Xiao Yujue finished speaking, several loud "boom" noises were heard in the distance.
Xiao Beiming frowned and his expression changed slightly.
"Do you think you are safe if you guard the gates of the capital? Now, the Prince of Zhennan has led his troops to bombard the city gates, and it won't be long before they attack the palace. The people you arranged... are waiting for you on the Yellow Spring Road now."
"Do you think I will believe you?" Xiao Beiming scolded, "Shoot the arrow and kill him."
"I want to see, who dares?"
Xiao Yujue is full of confidence with Mu Jingrui as her backer.
He glanced around with a sharp gaze and scolded, "Think clearly, I am the ruler of a country. Now, the Prince of Zhennan has taken control of the capital. If you kill me, not only will your lives be in danger, but even your family members will be implicated."
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