"Seventh Brother, the way you're saying this makes me wonder if you have some kind of deal with those people outside the pass. Otherwise, how come the crisis in the border town was resolved after you went there?" the Third Prince said, seemingly puzzled.
Xiao Rui remained unfazed. "Third brother, I cannot agree with your statement. The victory in the border battle was the result of General Lu leading the border troops in arduous fighting, and it has nothing to do with me."
If my brother intends to rebel, why would he return to the border city when he is already there?
"Is there even a need to say that?" the Fifth Prince chimed in. "Seventh Brother, you fought your way from the border to the capital; I can't even imagine the difficulties you faced. But if you can gain Father's trust, then..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was clear. Emperor Jingxuan felt a chill run down his spine upon hearing this and stared at Xiao Rui, asking, "Xiao Rui, what else do you have to say?"
"Father, do you really want to listen to the words of a villain and conclude that your son is plotting a rebellion without any evidence?" Xiao Rui looked at Emperor Jingxuan with extreme disappointment.
Emperor Jingxuan's face was grim, and he had already made up his mind. "Guards," he said coldly, looking at Xiao Rui on the ground, "take Xiao Rui to the imperial prison!"
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned for a moment. After a short while, the eldest prince and the others looked at Xiao Rui with feigned pity.
Xiao Rui stopped defending himself and let the Imperial Guards take him away. Before leaving, he glanced at everyone in the hall and felt utterly hopeless about the court.
No sooner had Xiao Rui been taken away than someone rushed in, sweating profusely, to report, "Your Majesty, Prince Yong has rebelled! He's leading an army of 200,000 men toward the capital..."
Outside the main hall, Xiao Rui, whose hands were tied behind his back, heard the news and a look of surprise flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.
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