I took a deep breath. This plot development is too exciting, isn't it? Something happened in the palace? Could it be that the old emperor died? I secretly glanced at Li Rui and saw that his brows were tightly knitted and his face was terribly gloomy. It seems that things are not simple!

The guard trembled and said, "The emperor... the emperor... suddenly died!"

"What?!" I exclaimed. This was too sudden, wasn't it? Although I knew that the old emperor was in poor health, I didn't expect him to die so soon! I subconsciously looked at Li Rui, and saw that he was shaking, his face was as pale as paper, and he was obviously shocked by the news.

My heart skipped a beat. It was over. Once the old emperor died, the battle for the throne would officially begin! Li Chengqian, that lunatic, would definitely not miss this opportunity! And that Li Chengze was no pushover either! If these two brothers really started fighting, it would be a fight between gods and mortals would suffer!

I was just daydreaming when Li Rui suddenly grabbed my hand and said in a low, hoarse voice, "Qingya, follow me into the palace!"

I was startled by his sudden action, and before I could react, he pulled me out. I stumbled after him, feeling nervous. This ancient imperial palace was not a good place! Who knows what would happen if I went in!

After entering the palace, I found that the atmosphere was more solemn than I had imagined. The whole palace was shrouded in a sad and depressing atmosphere. The palace maids and eunuchs all lowered their heads, with sad faces, and dared not breathe loudly when walking.

Li Rui pulled me along quickly and soon we arrived at the imperial study. As soon as we reached the door, we heard a quarrel coming from inside.

"The emperor's body is still warm and you are already thinking about fighting for power. Do you have any filial piety at all?!" This was Li Rui's voice, with obvious anger.

"Third brother, stop pretending here! I was the one that father loved the most when he was alive, and the throne should be mine in the future!" This was Li Chengze's voice, arrogant and domineering.

"How dare you! Who do you think you are? Do you think you are worthy of being the emperor?!" Li Chengqian's voice also rang out, full of disdain and ridicule.

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. These two really know how to pick the right time to quarrel! The old emperor just left, and they started to fight for the throne. They are really inhumane!

Li Rui pulled me through the door and we saw the imperial study was full of people, including Li Chengqian and Li Chengze, the empress, the queen mother, and a group of court officials.

When they saw Li Rui coming in, everyone stopped arguing and all their eyes fell on us. My heart skipped a beat. It felt like a monkey in a zoo being watched by a crowd!

"Royal brother, you came just in time!" Li Chengqian spoke first, pointing at me and saying, "Who is this woman? Why did you bring her here?!"

I cursed in my heart. This Li Chengqian is really haunting me! I can see him wherever I go! I looked up and glared at him, and said unhappily, "Your Highness, you are so forgetful that you don't even remember me? I am the Lin Qingya who you hate so much!"

Li Chengqian's face changed, and he obviously recognized me. He gritted his teeth and said, "Lin Qingya, how dare you show up in front of the palace?!"

I sneered and met his gaze without fear: "What? Your Highness, are you trying to silence me?"

Before Li Chengqian could even open his mouth, Li Rui protected me behind him and said coldly, "Prince, Qingya is the guest of the King, it is not your turn to teach her a lesson!"

"Guest? I think they are more like an adulterer and whore!" Li Chengqian was furious, pointing at my nose and cursing, "Lin Qingya, don't think I don't know what you are up to! You want to take advantage of the third brother and climb onto the dragon bed..."

I was immediately mad at myself. This Li Chengqian's mouth was really stinkier than a toilet! I was about to speak back, but suddenly, I felt Li Rui's body stiffen. He looked down at me with a complicated expression in his eyes. His thin lips opened slightly and he slowly uttered a few words: "What did you say?"