Shen Tangning ignored him, quietly closed her eyes, and fainted in his arms.
He composed himself and then noticed that her cheeks were flushed an unnatural red and her forehead was burning hot.
——
Emperor Chongde lay on the steps, blood still flowing from his abdomen, but his expression remained calm and composed, even as someone pointed a sword at his neck.
Yan Jue stared at him expressionlessly: "Over the years, has Father ever felt even the slightest remorse?"
Emperor Chongde mocked his naiveté: "Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. One who values sentimentality cannot be a qualified emperor!"
Yan Huai glanced at him, a hint of emotion flickering in his eyes.
Emperor Chongde noticed his gaze and softened his voice: "Xingjian, you have been studying the art of rulership since childhood. You should understand this principle: indecisiveness will not lead to great things. Kill them, and your father can pass the throne to you with peace of mind."
Yan Huai took a few steps forward, and Yan Jue looked up at him, his tone laced with sarcasm: "You believe this old man's nonsense?"
Emperor Chongde's face turned ashen. In an instant, another sword was pointed at him. Yan Huai's eyes were always gentle. He used to think that his eldest son lacked ruthlessness, but now he felt a sense of dread.
After all, who can be gentle forever?
Yan Huai gazed at him tenderly: "My father taught me that those in power must be ruthless and decisive, without hesitation or soft-heartedness. Therefore, the first person I should aim my sword at is you."
Emperor Chongde's breath hitched, but then he saw him smile and say, "Killing your father and fratricide, isn't that how you got here? Have I learned it well?"
The emperor's pupils dilated slightly, and a sense of absurdity arose in his mind.
The pieces he used to fight each other have strangely united into a battle line, all pointing their weapons at him outside the cage.
Yan Mingyi seemed to have seen something amusing and sneered without any restraint: "It seems that as a father, my elder brother is really quite a failure."
Her magnificent skirt trailed behind her as she slowly approached him, looking down at him. Cold words escaped her red lips:
"Brother, you have lost."
Emperor Chongde stared at the absurd scene before him, remained silent for a long time, and then suddenly sneered: "Do you really think you can win?"
"The 50,000 garrison troops are all under my command. With just one order from me, we can completely surround this place, and none of you will leave alive!"
Yan Mingyi's Qianlin Guard only numbered 20,000, so he wasn't afraid at all!
But Yan Mingyi remained calm, looking at him with a playful expression: "Is that so? Then wouldn't I be doomed?"
"It's good that you know!" Emperor Chongde narrowed his eyes, regaining his air of complete control. "Guards!"
The palace gates were kicked open, and a figure walked in, a sword casually tucked at his waist, his silver mask gleaming coldly.
"Your Majesty, I am too late to save you."
Chi Yan's lazy voice came from under the mask. He took off the mask and played with it in his hand. His eyebrows were deep and handsome, and a smile was on his lips.
Yan Huai's pupils contracted slightly, and his breathing became erratic.
Emperor Chongde was even more incredulous: "Chi Yan, aren't you dead?"
Chi Yan raised an eyebrow slightly, speaking in a nonchalant tone: "There was a slight accident. I didn't die. Did I disappoint Your Majesty?"
Emperor Chongde's eyes darkened, but he quickly composed himself: "You've come at the right time. Take down these treacherous officials for me!"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
