Yan Xingzhou never expected that he would wake up again.
He vividly remembered the pain of the poisoned wine burning his intestines. He instinctively clutched his lower abdomen, only to find himself in an unfamiliar place.
"Your Highness, you're awake!"
Upon seeing the familiar face, Yan Xingzhou was stunned for a moment, then pinched himself hard before realizing that what he was seeing was not a dream!
He is really still alive!
Filled with doubt and shock, he pressed his confidant for an explanation.
The confidant stammered, "This was His Majesty's order. At the time, there was irrefutable evidence that His Highness had attempted to assassinate His Majesty, and the entire court demanded that His Majesty punish him. Due to external pressure, he couldn't protect you. However, His Majesty also knew that His Highness had been framed, so he resorted to this desperate measure and staged his death..."
The poison could induce a state of suspended animation for several hours. Emperor Chongde used this time difference to switch him with another person on the way to the imperial mausoleum.
Yan Xingzhou was deeply moved. He hadn't expected his father to value him so much that he would go to such lengths to protect him!
Thus, Yan Xingzhou was forced to begin a life of hiding his identity. He woke up a thousand miles away from Yanjing, as Emperor Chongde intended to handle the matter flawlessly.
Having spent so long away from home, Yan Xingzhou's resentment and hatred compelled him to return and seek revenge.
Facing his father's wrath, Yan Xingzhou lowered his head in shame: "This matter is my fault, please forgive me, Father."
Emperor Chongde scrutinized him, his gaze carrying a hint of gloom: "Why are you hoarding so many weapons without permission?"
He was completely unaware of this matter, so his shock and anger after the truth came out were not fake!
Does the fact that the Third Prince secretly hoarded so many weapons prove that he had long harbored rebellious intentions?
If that's the case, then wasn't it a mistake to spare his life?
Yan Xingzhou's expression stiffened, knowing that if he didn't answer this question well, his father would definitely harbor resentment.
His eyes flickered, and he looked up at him, explaining weakly, "Most of those weapons were bows and arrows, originally intended for hunting. But halfway through their making, I suddenly remembered that the Princess has a Qianlin Guard..."
Upon hearing this name, Emperor Chongde narrowed his eyes.
Yan Xingzhou's expression was earnest, his eyes filled with worry: "Father has released my aunt, but she may not know how to be grateful. What if one day she mobilizes the Qianlin Guard to do something that harms Father? Wouldn't we be unable to defend against it? So I had these weapons made, thinking of taking precautions in advance..."
His attempt to shift the blame was not clever. If he was trying to guard against the Princess, why didn't he report to the Emperor beforehand?
Doesn't this still prove that he has ulterior motives?
However, he did hit the nail on the head regarding Emperor Chongde's concerns. For so many years, he had not dared to touch the eldest princess precisely because of the Qianlin Guard under her command.
Emperor Chongde gave him a deep look: "So, you've put your heart into this."
Yan Xingzhou lowered his head in shame: "Your subject dares not claim credit; I still messed things up."
Emperor Chongde's expression calmed down: "Although your intentions were good, your actions were too impulsive. If my men hadn't arrived in time, the fact that you're still alive would have become common knowledge!"
Yan Xingzhou's movements were a little too forceful, and his face turned deathly pale with pain. He bit his lip and asked, "Father, what should we do now?"
A glint of ruthlessness flashed in his eyes, but he said casually, "Chi Yan seems to have discovered that I am still alive. If he spreads this news..."
Emperor Chongde glared at him irritably: "Take good care of your injuries. I have my own plans for this matter!"
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