The Imperial Censor was enraged. He pointed at Dugu Xuancheng behind Dugu Tianxiong's back and shouted, "Traitorous minister! Everyone has the right to kill him!"
Some people, their faces pale, advised, "Your Highness, why do this? Surrender now, and you might still be able to save your life!"
Upon hearing this, Dugu Xuancheng burst into laughter, his face contorted with rage and a ferocious expression. "Surrender? You're all prisoners now, yet you still dare to be so shameless and arrogant."
What I despise most is your hypocritical and treacherous faces!
And you, Dugu Tianxiong, you pride yourself on being filial, but now this old man's life or death rests in your hands.
As he spoke, the blade moved downwards, causing even more blood to gush from the Empress Dowager's neck.
Dugu Tianxiong stepped forward anxiously, heartbroken, "Dugu Xuancheng, you've gone mad! She was my birth mother, but she's also yours! The crime of matricide means that even if you become emperor, you will be condemned by the world!"
"Shut up!" Dugu Xuancheng was furious and embarrassed. "I've gone mad! When the late emperor favored me as his adopted son, and this old woman took everything that rightfully belonged to me by saying that I was the eldest son, I went mad!"
That old hag doesn't even treat me like her son, so why should I respect her as my birth mother?
Her blood deserves to be the stepping stone for my ascent to the throne. Enough talk, are you going to write it or not?
"Heh heh." Dugu Xuancheng chuckled smugly. "I've already rebelled, so naturally I'm not afraid of any criticism or insults. Let them all come at me. But Dugu Tianxiong, don't you pride yourself on being a wise ruler? If you remain stubborn and force this old woman to her death, how do you think future generations will write about you in their history books?"
He's the epitome of "I'm shameless and invincible."
None of the officials, members of the imperial family, or other officials in the palace could do anything about him.
Dugu Tianxiong looked pained, his body and mind feeling as if they were being boiled in flames, struggling to breathe.
At this moment, Dugu Ran, who was behind him, stepped forward and said, "Uncle, please let Grandmother go. I am willing to exchange myself for Grandmother. You can take me hostage as well."
"Ran'er... what are you doing?" Dugu Tianxiong was taken aback.
Not only him, but many ministers in the hall were also astonished. Dugu Ran was usually quiet and obedient, like an invisible person. At this moment, he actually dared to stand up and negotiate with the obviously crazy Dugu Xuancheng. This was something that no one expected.
Although his proposal was not feasible, Dugu Xuancheng knew that the emperor would not stand by and watch the empress dowager die, so he used this to coerce him. How could he possibly change it?
However, the second prince's filial piety is truly rare.
Everyone's impression of Dugu Ran changed drastically; they even felt that his thin, slightly limping back seemed to have grown much taller.
"Uncle, Father only has two sons, the Crown Prince and me. Why don't you try switching?" Dugu Ran further threatened and tempted.
However, they did not notice that Dugu Xuancheng's expression was extremely violent!
Suddenly, with a flick of his sleeve, he stopped Dugu Ran, "Get out! You piece of trash, who told you to join in this fun?!"
He then suddenly sheathed his knife, scraped the blade against his hand, and squatted down to sow discord between himself and the Empress Dowager, saying, "Old woman, do you see? This is how your self-proclaimed good son disregards your life and death! Fine, I guessed that one person wasn't enough. Guards, bring the others up with you."
"Today I'll see, as these people die one by one before you, Dugu Tianxiong, will you protect them or your throne!"
As soon as Dugu Xuancheng finished speaking, soldiers escorted several people forward.
It was clearly Dugu Jue holding a child, along with Dugu Yue and Consort Chen, who had been captured from Baohua Palace.
Upon seeing these four people, Dugu Tianxiong's eyes narrowed sharply, and his heart ached terribly. "Dugu Xuancheng, you are far too despicable!"
“Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. What is despicable? I can do even more despicable things!” With that, Dugu Xuancheng strode toward Dugu Jue. He thought that the person standing in front of him was still the overly gentle and even cowardly Crown Prince, and reached out to snatch the swaddling clothes from Dugu Jue’s arms.
But just as his fingertips touched the bright yellow fabric of the swaddling clothes, Dugu Jue suddenly looked up, his sharp eyes like those of a hawk, a cold and chilling light flashing in them, "Take your hand away!"
In an instant, it was as if a thousand troops were charging straight at Dugu Xuancheng's face.
Caught off guard, Dugu Xuancheng was taken aback by the imposing aura and instinctively took a step back.
Realizing what had happened, he was still furious and felt even more embarrassed that he had been intimidated by a junior. He took off running again, but when he met Dugu Jue's unparalleled gaze, he couldn't help but feel weak in the knees.
With a flash of insight, he wisely abandoned his idea of snatching the child. Instead, he hastily placed the large knife in his hand on Dugu Jue's shoulder, turning around with a hint of guilt but forcing himself to remain calm. He threatened Dugu Tianxiong, "How about this? Now your good son, good daughter, good grandson, and beloved woman are all gathered together, plus this old hag. Five people, is that enough to exchange for an abdication edict?"
It's ridiculous, really. He's gone mad like this, trying to kill his mother in front of all the civil and military officials, yet he still clings to the so-called abdication edict.
Or rather, everyone here today will die after he receives the abdication edict.
At that time, he only needs to re-appoint officials, and then announce to the world that the late emperor suddenly fell ill and passed the throne to him before he passed away.
They really have a brilliant plan!
As everyone pondered this, they were all filled with fear. In the face of life and death, who could truly remain calm?
Then, whispers arose. Some people were cursing Dugu Xuancheng for being inhuman, some were muttering to themselves about their bad luck, and some were already considering persuading Dugu Tianxiong.
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