Chapter 98
At this time, the noise outside the hall had subsided.
Liu Che waved his hand, and the guards took Zhao Fan's body out and opened the palace door. Liu Ju glanced sideways and saw the body lying on the ground in all directions, with so many wounds on the body that it would not be an exaggeration to say that it was like a hornet's nest.
All of them were killed, no one survived, the entire army was annihilated.
As for the other remnants who did not follow Zhao Fan to Shanglin Garden, although they were not his confidants, they were all captured one by one, including Sang Zhu, who was hiding behind the scenes and only appeared as a businessman.
Liu Ju withdrew his gaze and looked up at Huo Qubing on the beam. His eyes narrowed with a subtle expression. He said nothing, yet it seemed as if he had said everything.
People who are familiar with him can almost read the complete words from his expression: Did you go a little too far in grabbing the kill just now?
Before this, Liu Ju had Huo Qubing hide in the beams of the house, just in case, as a last line of defense. This so-called last line of defense should only appear after all their efforts had failed.
But just now, when he was about to succeed and the tip of the knife was only a split second away from piercing Zhao Fan's body, he came here to die? What was he doing?
Huo Qubing rubbed his nose awkwardly. "Well... I've always been the one protecting His Majesty, so I just reacted subconsciously. Seeing him about to attack His Majesty, I immediately shot the arrow. My actions were faster than my thinking. It really wasn't intentional."
Liu Ju: ...Haha, guess whether I believe it or not.
"Are you really retaliating against me out of anger?"
Why revenge? There is a reason for this.
Previously, when Liu Ju was making the plan, he asked Huo Qubing to do a lot of things and made him run around in circles. When it came to the critical link of closing the net in the end, he felt that Zhao Fan was just a mere case and did not need the intervention of the Marquis of Guanjun. He also wanted to see what the three of them, Huo Guang and Wei Buyi, could do, so he did not let Huo Qubing intervene.
Huo Qubing scolded him for crossing the river and destroying the bridge, but he agreed to it quietly.
Huo Qubing raised his eyebrows, turned away from Liu Ju, and looked at Liu Che with an innocent face: "Your Majesty, I am innocent."
Liu Ju rolled his eyes and didn't argue with him anymore. After all, it was not the right occasion, so he should get down to business first.
Liu Che shook his head helplessly, glanced at Liu Hong, who was already in a state of disarray, and said, "Except the Crown Prince, everyone else, leave."
Huo Qubing frowned slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but Liu Ju gave him a look and he shut up instantly. He took Huo Guang, Wei Buyi and the guards out of the hall, and gently closed the door, but deliberately left a small gap, and chose a place to stand guard.
Cleverly ensure that you cannot hear the sound inside, but can see the scene inside, so that you can take timely action in case of unexpected situations.
Although he didn't think that Liu Hong, a child of six or seven years old, could do anything to Liu Che and Liu Ju, it always helps to keep a trick up your sleeve.
Only the father and his two sons were left in the hall.
Liu Che glanced over, showing no obvious emotion, but the coldness in his eyes had already made Liu Hong tremble with fear. He knelt and crawled forward tremblingly: "Father, I... I was wrong, I didn't mean it, I didn't..."
Before he could finish his words, Liu Che raised his leg and kicked him over.
"Not what? Not going to kill the prince? I saw with my own eyes you pick up a pillow and try to smother the prince, and you actually dare to quibble and claim it wasn't intentional!"
Liu Hong had no way to defend himself and could only shake his head desperately: "I... I have my own difficulties. I didn't want to do this, but I had no choice. Father, please listen to my explanation. I..."
Liu Che leaned forward, grabbed Liu Hong's neck, and pushed him in front of the mirror. "Look at yourself now. You are out of your mind, crying and sobbing. Weren't you so arrogant before you did this? You even dared to speak harshly in front of the prince's bed.
"Now that your deeds have been exposed, you act like a stray dog, without a trace of dignity or integrity. Just now, when Zhao Fan entered the hall, he was in such a mess, yet he still maintained some decency and didn't even ask for mercy. What about you? You're even worse than Zhao Fan!
"How could I have a son like you!"
Bang.
Liu Che directly threw Liu Hong out, furious and extremely disappointed.
How could he have thought that this child was intelligent, kind, righteous, filial, and had the demeanor of his own son? He was clearly vicious, cruel, and devoid of any dignity and character. How could he compare to his own son?
He gritted his teeth, unable to accept that he had been deceived by a child for several years!
Liu Ju glanced at him and stepped forward to appease him, "You can't blame your father. He may have been acting with care, but he treated him like a child, and even more so, like a beloved son, which is why he neglected him. But if I'm right, he may be young in body, but he has the mind of an adult."
Liu Che was shocked: "Wh...what do you mean?"
"Maybe he's from another world."
Another world...
Before Liu Che could recover, Liu Hong seemed to finally see the reality. After being thrown and kicked, he knew he was completely defeated. He hit his head on the ground, the pain was severe. After struggling to get up, he looked at Liu Che and Liu Ju with a look of despair.
"I do come from another world. That world is like a wonderland, with technology you can't even imagine, and a civilization you can't even reach. In every aspect, it's incomparable to you!"
Liu Hong let out a cry, laughing like a madman, and then burst into tears. "To that world, you are just a bunch of primitive people. White jade paper, snow mountain salt, crystal sugar, these are just commonplace things in my world, things that can be seen everywhere, but you treat them as treasures.
"You know what? You're working so hard for a gunpowder bomb here, but over there, gunpowder bombs are nothing. We have more powerful weapons that can easily destroy a city or even a country.
"Even if I tell you, you still won't understand. With your vision and experience, you will never know how powerful and beautiful that world is."
Liu Hong didn't care and vented his anger and cursed at others, as if this could give him a sense of superiority to offset the panic in his heart.
Suddenly, a calm question came from above: "If that world is so good, why did you come to Dahan?"
Liu Hong paused and looked up at the speaker.
Liu Ju's expression was indifferent. "Because the 'Fairyland' is not a world of peace and harmony, the people in the 'Fairyland' are also divided into rich and poor. Some are extremely wealthy and prosperous; some are powerful and high above; and you are ordinary and worthless.
"You have no extraordinary talent, no exceptional gifts, and you are not willing to put in multiple times the effort. You can only live a mediocre life, just one of the millions of marching ants, busy every day, day after day.
"You're not willing to be an ant; you want to be someone superior. So when you get this opportunity, you immediately and eagerly accept it. So isn't this your own choice? It's your own greed and delusion."
Liu Hong's pupils trembled: "You...you know? How could you know!"
"I don't know." Liu Ju shrugged. "I guessed. But judging by your reaction, I guessed right."
Initially, Liu Ju thought Liu Hong also had barrages or something similar. Later, he discovered that this was not the case. Liu Hong's behavior was more consistent with the "time traveler" described in the barrages.
Thinking of this, Liu Ju subconsciously looked up into the air, but there was nothing.
Barrage hasn't appeared for a long time. When did it start?
It seemed that since Liu Hong's first heart attack, the "restrictions" on him seemed to have loosened slightly. Even if it was only a little, it was enough for him to use it flexibly.
For example, even though he had said these words in a subtle way and didn't mention any sensitive words, he wouldn't have been able to say them in the past, but now he could. Liu Ju had a feeling that this had something to do with Liu Hong.
Liu Che was greatly shocked when he heard this. He knew that Juer had been to the "fairyland" and had such a wonderful experience, but he did not expect that Liu Hong was also related to the "fairyland", or even that he was a person from the "fairyland".
Liu Che's expression changed constantly, his eyes becoming darker and darker. "So you are not my son?"
These words were like a thunderclap hitting Liu Hong's forehead, slowly waking him up from his frenzied state. When he looked up, he met Liu Che's gaze.
That look contained many complex emotions, and Liu Hong couldn't make them out clearly at the moment, but he could clearly see a hint of murderous intent, which made him feel cold all over and terrified.
Looking at Liu Ju again, Liu Ju looked as usual, with a faint smile on the corner of his mouth.
At this point, how could he not understand that this was all Liu Ju's strategy.
Zhao Fan was captured, and he could have been taken away directly, so why did he have to be brought to the palace?
Liu Ju had done this on purpose, using Zhao Fan to attack him. Even if Zhao Fan hadn't attacked him immediately, Liu Ju would have found a way to kill him on the spot, thus further infuriating his already panicked mind.
Liu Che saw with his own eyes that he wanted to kill Liu Ju, and in his rage he would definitely attack him, which Liu Ju had long anticipated. The combination of these factors directly broke down all his psychological defenses.
Then Liu Ju took the initiative to speak, leading him to talk about things in the other world, speaking without thinking.
Everything is waiting for now.
Even if he made a big mistake, he was still a prince after all. Even if Liu Che was angry, he might just lock him up in the palace or trap him in the imperial tomb, and he would not necessarily take his life.
But now it's different. If he wasn't Liu Che's son...
Liu Hong shuddered and said anxiously, "No! Father, I am your son. Even if... even if I do come from another world, I am still your son. At most... at most, it's just that I forgot to drink Meng Po soup when I was reincarnated. I have been your son since I was born, absolutely genuine, Father."
He knelt and crawled forward again, but forgot how Liu Che knew who Meng Po was.
Boom, as expected, he was kicked away again.
Liu Che sneered.
This lonely ghost, evil spirit, demon, and monster who came from nowhere dared to claim to be his son. As for whether the so-called "fairyland" was from an immortal or fairy child, Liu Che did not think so at all.
Is Liu Hong worthy of this title based on his character? At best, he is the scum of the "fairyland".
Didn't you hear my daughter say that even in "Fairyland" people are divided into rich and poor? So naturally, there are good and bad people. Liu Hong must be the "bad" one.
"Father, please believe me. I don't have a father in this other world, and you gave me the fatherly love I always dreamed of. I never thought of hurting you. I am sincere to you, I..."
Liu Che's eyes were sharp as a knife: "You haven't thought of hurting me, so you can hurt the prince! The prince has been so kind to you all these years, and you treat him like this!"
Liu Hong swayed, shook his head frantically, and opened his mouth as if to say something, but was interrupted by Liu Che: "Tell me! What is the system?"
He heard the word "system" from Liu Hong twice today.
One was when he attacked Liu Ju, and the other was when he was trying to argue just now.
The system may be the key here.
Liu Hong's lips moved as he finally said, "Your Majesty, you can understand it as a divine weapon. It has no form or shape, and can only be understood, not expressed in words."
Liu Che looked at Liu Ju, who nodded. Liu Che murmured softly, "Immortal weapon..."
"Yes. It is a magical artifact that knows everything from astronomy to geography, and has vast magical powers and is omnipotent."
At this point, Liu Hong's mind flashed with inspiration, as if he saw a glimmer of hope, and he became excited, "Father, the power of the immortal weapon is enormous. The prince is only lucky enough to see the tip of the iceberg, and he will be able to gain a lot and make a series of magical items.
If we can merge and restore the system, our Han Dynasty will surely become the world's hegemon, lasting for eternity."
Liu Che keenly grasped a few words: "Merge and restore?"
"Yes. The system is my companion. It was supposed to be born with me and used by me. But something went wrong when it was born, causing it to be split in two. The main part is in me, and the secondary part is in my prince brother."
Liu Che was so smart, how could he not see what he was trying to do?
"So you want to tell me that the purpose of killing the crown prince was to return the clone to the main body, complete the system, and use it to benefit the Han Dynasty and complete the Liu family's eternal legacy?"
Liu Hong's throat trembled. He knew this explanation was untenable, but the others were even less so. This was the only possible explanation.
Therefore, he could only bite the bullet and hold on: "I don't want to either. But only when the prince is gone can the clone come back. I have no choice. I..."
The words stopped abruptly. Liu Che drew out the long sword from the rack and approached Liu Hong's neck. In just a moment, a bloody mark was cut on Liu Hong's neck.
"Should I thank you for thinking about the foundation of the Han Dynasty? Since the system has half in each person, killing you and letting your half return to Juer, wouldn't it be better?"
Liu Hong's pupils trembled, and he shouted at the top of his lungs, "No, Father, that's not the case. I am the host of the system. Immortal artifacts recognize their masters, and they can only recognize their masters once in their lifetime. If I die, it will disappear from the world and cease to exist.
"If...if I could give it to my prince, I would naturally...be willing. But I can't. Father, I am telling the truth, absolutely true."
Liu Che's expression flickered: "Really?"
"Yes. I swear, if what I said is false, may I be struck by lightning and die a miserable death. I will have no place to be buried, my soul will have no place to rest, and my descendants will have a rough life, suffer hardships, and die young."
This oath was truly poisonous. Liu Che's eyelashes twitched slightly, his expression remaining relatively unchanged. After a moment's silence, he finally retracted his sword.
Liu Hong was already drenched in sweat. Just as he thought he had escaped death and wanted to breathe a sigh of relief, Liu Ju beside him spoke again: "You said the system is incomplete because there was a mistake when you were born. What mistake?"
Liu Hong's heart rose to his throat again.
Liu Ju, damn Liu Ju. Ever since the others had left the inner hall, leaving only the father and son, he'd spoken very little, but every word he'd said hit home. It was clear they'd done it on purpose, wanting him dead!
Liu Hong secretly hated it, but he also knew that he must not show it on his face at this moment.
He took a deep breath and said, "When the system and I landed, Mother was in the pond garden and happened to collide with you. An accident occurred. My mind became unstable, and the system was also affected. As a result, it shifted and a part of it was brought into your body."
Liu Ju raised his eyebrows: "Is that all?"
Liu Hong gritted his teeth and said, "Yes."
"But why do I feel differently from what you said?"
Liu Che glanced over, and Liu Ju responded, "Father, do you remember that I had a high fever and nightmares and convulsions? I don't know what happened, I just felt like something was breaking into my body and trying to squeeze me out.
"It was a terrible feeling, very painful and suffocating. I almost thought I was going to die. I struggled and bit him desperately, and it took a lot of effort to seriously injure him and drive him out.
"I originally thought it was just a weird dream caused by a 'strange encounter'. But now that he's put it that way, it seems more like someone wants to expel me, take over my body, and become me."
Liu Che's face turned pale, his eyes wide open, and he glared at Liu Hong: "So you wanted to kill Ju'er from the beginning!"
"No, I..."
As soon as he opened his mouth, Liu Che threw out his sword, which shot straight from the air like a sharp arrow.
Liu Hong screamed in fear, instinctively ducking his head. The longsword's sharp edge grazed his skull, piercing the wooden pillar behind him and slicing off a strand of hair. Blood trickled down from his hairline, streaking across the bridge of his nose and dripping into his hand.
Liu Hong trembled all over, and in shock, fear and pain, he closed his eyes, tilted his head, and fainted.
Liu Che's expression became increasingly gloomy.
Look, he only has ambitions, but his methods are not good, his character is not good, he is not only spineless, but also courageous. Yet he still dreams of becoming Liu Che's beloved son and establishing the eternal foundation of the Han Dynasty?
Oh!
Liu Che withdrew his gaze in disgust, took two steps forward, and shook Liu Ju's hand: "It's all right. My son Ju is a lucky man, blessed by heaven. Nothing happened to him before, and nothing will happen to him in the future."
Liu Ju nodded: "With the protection of my father's dragon energy, I will naturally be able to turn misfortune into blessing and danger into good fortune."
Liu Che couldn't help but laugh at the fact that he could still compliment her at such a time.
Liu Ju glanced at Liu Hong and asked, "What does your Majesty intend to do with me?"
Liu Che fell into deep thought. After a while, he asked, "Do you think what he said is true?"
"It's half truth, half lie, and a bunch of lies, but we've almost exposed the falsehoods, so the rest should be true."
Should, also means not necessarily. Especially even if it is true, it does not represent everything.
Liu Che patted Liu Ju's hand and said, "You have worked hard for most of the day. Rest now. I will leave the rest to my father."
Liu Ju opened his mouth and wanted to say something, but Liu Che said, "Don't worry, your father knows what's going on."
After these words were spoken, Liu Ju could no longer speak. Especially since Liu Hong's identity was sensitive, even if he captured the soul of the other world, he could not directly kill him.
He opened his mouth several times but hesitated to speak. Finally, Liu Ju held back and chose to believe Liu Che, believing that his so-called knowing what he was doing would not let him down.
Seeing Liu Ju nod in agreement, Liu Che stood up and walked out, ordering people to take Liu Hong away and imprison him in another palace.
This is the palace where Liu Ju lived in Bowang Garden. How could Liu Hong be allowed to disturb Liu Ju's rest here?
Seeing the guards busy, Liu Che called Huo Qubing aside and said, "Spread the word that the Second Prince has suddenly fallen seriously ill and is recuperating at home. He should not see anyone."
"yes."
"Prepare a dark room for me."
Huo Qubing paused, puzzled: "A dark room?"
"Yes, I am of great use."
A cold light flickered in Liu Che's eyes, and his thoughts were in turmoil.
He remembered that last year his son had suggested to Zhang Tang a method of interrogation in a dark room. He had not paid much attention to it in the past, but now he wanted to give it a try.
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