Chapter 167: Chu Yu actually managed to find a loophole.
The sword's edge brushed against his skin, a chill running through him, but Xiao Dingshan didn't even flinch, instead scoffing:
"Your Highness, do you think that killing me alone will silence the public? Do you think you can kill all the ministers who oppose you?"
His words were eloquent, his eyes sharp, and he looked at Chu Yan as if he were looking at a clown.
"You can kill civil officials and control military generals? All 100,000 border soldiers are loyal to the imperial family. Do you think you can make them submit by force?"
"you……"
Chu Yan was utterly enraged by his unwavering attitude, her reason crumbling, her eyes bloodshot. Her voice sounded like it was being squeezed out through clenched teeth.
"So what? Anyone who dares to disobey, I will kill! I will kill until no one dares to speak out! Do you really think I wouldn't dare to touch you!"
As he spoke, the sword in his hand moved even closer, and blood slowly flowed down Xiao Dingshan's neck, staining his collar red.
"Your Highness, you mustn't! Spare his life!"
At the critical moment, Minister Du rushed forward, grabbed Chu Yan's arm tightly, and advised:
"Your Highness, please calm down and reconsider! Marquis Yongning cannot be killed now!"
He lowered his voice and quickly explained to Chu Yan, "Your Highness, the 100,000 border troops only recognize the Marquis of Yongning. The Marquis has extremely high prestige in the army. If we kill him now, the border will surely be in turmoil! At that time, the morale of the army will be unstable. If an enemy country takes the opportunity to invade from the south, internal and external troubles will arise at the same time, and the situation will be out of control, Your Highness!"
Minister Du's words barely managed to bring Chu Yan back to his senses.
The northern army is indeed the biggest threat at present, and if not handled properly, it could really lead to disaster.
Chu Yan took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and slowly moved the sword away from Xiao Dingshan's neck, but his eyes remained cold.
"Fine! What a fine Marquis of Yongning!" Chu Yan gritted his teeth, trying to save face.
"You have shown me great disrespect today, roaring in the court and showing contempt for the emperor's authority. You should be severely punished, but considering your past service to the court, you may be spared the death penalty, but you will not escape punishment!"
He paused, a calculating glint in his eyes: "Effective immediately, strip Yongning Marquis of all his posts in the court and temporarily detain him in a separate camp in the hunting grounds, awaiting further orders. As for your military power in the northern border, to avoid turmoil, hand over your tiger tally."
Chu Yan's goal was simple: even if he couldn't kill Xiao Dingshan for the time being, as long as he had the military seal, he could slowly deal with him and his old subordinates later.
The tent was silent, and all eyes were on Xiao Dingshan.
Just then, a clear yet authoritative voice came from outside the tent, accompanied by the sound of horses galloping on the ground.
"Then I'm afraid you'll be disappointed."
"Protect the Emperor!"
Chu Yan's guards reacted quickly, shouting and drawing their swords with a clang. Several elite guards quickly surrounded Chu Yan.
But just then, a soldier covered in blood, his helmet askew, scrambled in and reported in a panic:
"Your Highness! Something terrible has happened! A large army has suddenly arrived outside the camp, carrying... carrying His Highness the Crown Prince's banner! They have broken through the outer defenses and are fighting their way in!!"
"W-What?! Your Highness!"
Chu Yan's pupils constricted sharply. "Impossible! The Crown Prince is crippled in both legs and can't even stand up. How can he lead troops? It must be..."
Before he could finish speaking, Chu Yan suddenly thought of something, and his expression changed instantly.
Damn it!
Chu Yu actually managed to find a loophole.
At this moment, deafening shouts of battle and the clashing of swords erupted outside the tent. In an instant, the entire hunting ground seemed to boil over.
Upon hearing this news, all the officials were filled with surprise and uncertainty.
Officials who had previously supported Chu Yan's faction turned ashen-faced and trembled like leaves.
"The Crown Prince? He's alright?"
"His Highness the Crown Prince is wise and powerful. He must have foreseen the rebel king's plot in advance and secretly transferred troops from elsewhere."
"Great! The Great Chu's empire is finally saved!"
"..."
While the courtiers were still discussing the matter, Chu Yan pushed aside the guards, picked up his sword, and walked out.
The hunting grounds were in complete chaos, with fires raging and smoke billowing everywhere as two groups of people were locked in fierce combat.
On one side were the private soldiers of King Cheng, whom Chu Yan had recruited, and the elite troops he had secretly cultivated.
On the other side, the army was well-disciplined and launched a fierce offensive. The banner at the head of the army prominently displayed the character "Chu" and the emblem of the Eastern Palace.
What made Chu Yan's eyes widen in fury was that beneath that banner sat a person dressed in light silver armor and covered with a black cloak. Although he looked travel-worn, he could not hide the noble air between his brows.
It was none other than Crown Prince Chu Yu, who should have been 'crippled in both legs'.
Chu Yu had obviously seen Chu Yan rushing out of the tent. His gaze was like lightning, locking onto Chu Yan. His eyes were no longer gentle as usual, but only filled with cold killing intent and determination.
Without wasting a word, he raised his hand, took a powerful bow from the guard, nocked an arrow, and drew the string in one smooth motion!
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Three arrows were fired simultaneously, whistling through the air with a sharp whooshing sound. Each arrow targeted one of Chu Yan's three vital points!
Chu Yan was shocked and, relying on his years of martial arts training, he quickly dodged to the side and back.
"Pfft!"
The arrow grazed his face, leaving a trail of blood, before finally piercing the chest of a trusted confidant behind him who was unable to dodge in time!
The confidant screamed and died on the spot!
Chu Yan was still in shock, her face burning with pain, and she was even more horrified.
Chu Yu's archery skills were so precise and ruthless, and the fighting ability of the men he brought far exceeded his expectations.
Seeing that their own troops were already in retreat, many began to flee.
Chu Yan was both shocked and furious. He immediately turned to his trusted confidant Wu Tie and ordered, "Go to the Jing Si Pavilion and invite the Emperor Emeritus over! Quickly!"
The only way to turn the tide right now is to use the retired emperor as a hostage.
Then he turned to Li Long, the commander of the Imperial Guards, who was standing to the side.
"Commander Li, what are you still standing there for?"
He pointed at Chu Yu not far away: "That's a traitor impersonating the Crown Prince! The Crown Prince is already seriously injured and crippled. How could he ride a horse and lead troops? He must be a stand-in hired by someone to plot a rebellion! Quickly! Lead the Imperial Guards and capture this scoundrel for me. I will reward him handsomely!"
Chu Yan was furious and tried to confuse the situation.
However, upon hearing this, Li Long did not obey orders as usual.
He stood there, his hand on the hilt of his sword, his face still expressionless, but his eyes were as sharp as a hawk's.
Chu Yan sensed that something was wrong.
The next second, Li Longyi raised his hand, and all the imperial guards around him turned their spears and pointed them at Chu Yan and his confidants.
In an instant, Chu Yan, Minister Du, Shen Moyan, and others were all surrounded.
This includes some ministers who sided with Chu Yan.
"Li Long! What...what do you mean by this?"
Some ministers, realizing what was happening, hurriedly shouted.
"How dare you betray the Prince! Have you forgotten what you promised him?"
Li Long stepped forward, neither humble nor arrogant, and said to Chu Yan, whose face was ashen, "This humble general only knows that his duty is to guard the safety of the imperial city and protect His Majesty's well-being!"
"This humble general is loyal to the land of Great Chu. Now that His Highness the Crown Prince has come in person, it is difficult to distinguish between the real and the fake. His Majesty's safety is unknown, and there are many doubts about the abdication. Before things are cleared up, this humble general must see with his own eyes that His Majesty is safe and sound."
His words were forceful and his stance was clear.
"You...you..."
Chu Yan was so angry that he trembled all over and almost vomited blood.
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