Chapter 206: Son Li Sui Begs the Father‑Emperor for a Death Sentence

Donglin County.

Inside the Grand Camp.

Anger.

An indescribable anger.

Prince Qin clutched the envelope in his hand tightly, his eyes filled with uncontainable anger.

There were his supporters in the court.

Almost immediately, they informed him of this matter.

The Twelve Great Scholars of the Censorate jointly impeached him, and the Ministries of Personnel, Rites, War, and Justice also came to impeach him.

How could Prince Qin endure this? The Ministries of Personnel and Rites belong to the Crown Prince, while the Ministries of War and Justice do not, yet this shows that they have chosen neither the Crown Prince nor himself.

Moreover, the Twelve Great Scholars of the Censorate themselves impeached him—a precedent never seen since the founding of the Da Xia Dynasty.

But none of these are the source of his anger.

It is the burning resentment and grievance.

In this Donglin County affair, he almost gave his life for righteousness, paying an enormous price. Though the mountain fire was extinguished thanks to Gu Jin Nian, he also suffered a great cost; even if we look at it from a far distance, he may have no credit but certainly endured hardship.

Prince Qin has already prepared to return to the capital to receive his reward, and even if he forgoes the reward, it would not trouble him.

The Da Xia Dynasty being stable makes him naturally happy.

Moreover, his elder brother performed exceptionally well in Longxi County, surpassing him; although he does not want to admit it, he does.

What he did not expect was.

The imperial edict that arrived was not a commendation, but a letter like this.

It ordered him to return to the capital.

It detained him.

The Suspended Lantern Department, the Provincial Administration Department, the Imperial Clan Office, and the Great Justice Hall all examined him together.

Is he willing?

He is not willing.

Is he angry?

Extremely angry.

He is a prince, the Da Xia prince, the biological son of the Great Emperor Yongsheng, who went to the battlefield in his youth, shedding blood to slay enemies and suppress internal unrest for the Da Xia Dynasty.

Although he wishes to become Crown Prince, he seeks it step by step through legitimate means.

Why does being a few years older give one the right to decide everything? "Every day you spout benevolence and morality, praising elder brothers and belittling younger ones, yet you never thought to treat me like this."

"Regarding the disaster in Donglin County, I may have no merit, but it shouldn't be taken to this extreme; you have already benefited in Longxi County, so why do you still harm me?"

"Crown Prince, do you truly intend to force me onto this path?"

Prince Qin roared with anger in his heart; given what happened, he had no reason not to suspect the Crown Prince.

The Twelve Great Scholars of the Censorate.

The Ministries of Personnel, Rites, Justice, and War—so many forces joining to impeach him—who can influence them?

Only the Crown Prince.

Only the Crown Prince can achieve that.

"Your Highness, I report."

"The Ministry of Justice has sent someone, saying there is an urgent matter to see Your Highness."

At that moment, a voice sounded outside the tent.

It informed Prince Qin that the court officials had arrived.

The action was swift.

Even faster than the speed of disaster relief.

"Let them wait outside."

Prince Qin spoke, his voice ice‑cold.

"Prince, the Ministry of Justice says there is an imperial decree."

The officer spoke, reminding Prince Qin.

"I have said, let them wait outside."

Prince Qin emphasized the sentence; the other dared not say anything and hurried to inform.

Inside the Grand Camp, a middle‑aged man standing beside Prince Qin couldn't help but frown and speak.

"Prince."

"This matter right now is extremely troublesome; if mishandled, Prince, I fear—"

He is Prince Qin's strategist; he looked at Prince Qin, unsure what to say.

"Fear what?"

Prince Qin looked at him and asked directly.

"Only fear falling into the disaster of imprisonment and being demoted to a commoner."

He sighed, but spoke frankly, offering no further explanation.

"The disaster of imprisonment?"

"On what grounds?"

Prince Qin's eyes hardened as he asked the other.

"Prince."

"The Twelve Great Scholars impeach you for three major crimes, and you have actually committed all three."

The latter, gritting his teeth, said so.

When those words were spoken, the Qin King's eyes widened immediately.

"When did I ever commit such a heinous act?"

He was a bit annoyed and also puzzled; he hadn't done such a thing himself, who would know?

"Prince, please recall: when you first arrived at Donglin Commandery, you dispatched 140 soldiers to rescue a mother and child. Do you still remember that?"

The other party opened, questioning the Qin King.

"Remembered."

The Qin King replied.

"All 140 soldiers perished, and the mother and child also died in the mountain fire; that is the fact."

The strategist spoke, somewhat helplessly.

Upon hearing that, the Qin King instantly became angry.

"You're spouting nonsense."

"First, the fire was not fierce at the time; after the soldiers entered, the flames suddenly grew, aided by mountain winds. At most, it was my misjudgment. Moreover, the child was still in swaddling clothes, so naturally we had to rescue them."

"Unfortunately I didn't arrive immediately; otherwise I would have stepped forward."

"Is that also a crime?"

The Qin King was dissatisfied.

"Prince, who would believe what you say?"

"You are right, but who can testify for you? Everyone is dead."

"Furthermore, Prince, setting aside other matters, the first‑arriving medicine was indeed ours; the seizure of the medicine is hard to speak of."

The strategist lowered his head and said.

"But once I learned of it immediately, I stopped it and distributed it; those who seized the medicine were beaten with military rods."

The Qin King continued to explain.

"Yet Prince, at that time you were merciful and soft‑handed, not killing them; a few blows with a rod, what does that amount to? Now the whole court uses this as a pretext, and Prince cannot defend himself."

"Also, that sentence you truly said was that even if you die, you must die in Donglin Commandery."

The strategist was truly helpless; the other side was indeed taking things out of context, yet they cut it so well.

"Nonsense."

"When I say this, I mean I want the whole city's people to trust me; I will never flee the battlefield. If the great fire engulfs Donglin Commandery, I will die there, and I hope the people will think so as well."

"How did it become that I am threatening the people?"

The Qin King, hearing this, was even more enraged.

"Prince…"

"It's still that phrase: it's not what you said, but what people heard. The evidence lies before them; calling it ironclad proof would not be excessive."

The latter, with a mournful face, said so.

Upon hearing this, the Qin King felt a chill.

"Then I will return to the capital and see who dares to target me."

"True gold fears no fire."

The Qin King spoke; a fire smoldered in his heart as he headed back to the capital to cause trouble.

"Prince."

"They have already started to target us—the Censorate, the Ministry of Rites, the Ministry of Personnel; some matters my subordinates cannot state plainly, but someone is targeting the Prince. The Prince is now surrounded by enemies, and at present there is only one method that can resolve the crisis."

"Otherwise, no matter how eloquent the Prince is, he cannot refute the fabricated charges."

The other side spoke, having thought of a solution.

"What solution?"

The Qin King steadied his breath, awaiting the other's scheme.

"Find the Heaven's Mandate Marquis."

"Only the Heaven's Mandate Marquis can resolve this matter for you, Prince."

The latter spoke.

Indeed, this is a way out: find Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, the Qin King fell silent; he instantly approved the plan, but he knew that Gu Jin Nian was meditating on the Sacred Dao in Wen Palace, and he felt somewhat embarrassed to disturb Gu Jin Nian over his own affairs.

"Is there any other way?"

"Jin Nian is currently contemplating the Sacred Dao; I, the King, should not disturb him."

The Qin King spoke.

The greater Gu Jin Nian's prestige, the less likely he would let Gu Jin Nian assist him, for such a bond can only be called upon once, and this time he wants to use it at the most crucial moment.

Not now.

But in the future.

"Prince, if we do not seek the Heaven's Mandate Marquis, I truly would not know whom to look for."

The other side lowered his head.

Gu Jin Nian is the only hope, for the current Qin King can be described as being mired in a swamp.

If even a small matter is not handled properly,

that would become a huge trouble.

"Prince."

"The Ministry of Justice people, press them again."

A voice sounded outside the camp.

The disturbed Qin Wang felt vexed and uneasy.

"Let them wait."

"If you dare to chatter again, I will not spare you lightly."

Qin Wang roared, "At this time, still here nagging, what's the rush?"

"As you command."

The latter dared not anger Qin Wang, hastily rose and left.

But after a while.

Another voice sounded outside.

"Your Highness."

"A guest has come, saying they can help you resolve your troubles."

As a voice sounded.

Causing the expressions of the two inside the camp to shift slightly.

At this critical juncture, someone shows up at the door—can they solve my troubles?

"Your Highness, why not meet them? Since you're not seeking the Heaven's Mandate Marquis, you might as well take a look."

Qin Wang's strategist spoke up.

"Coming to see me at this time, they likely harbor ill intentions."

Qin Wang appeared calm; although he said he was deep in a mire, he said he was upright and feared no crooked shadow; furthermore, stepping back, if he truly sacrificed soldiers' lives for merit, his old father merely forced him to go to a fief.

Did he really kill his own son? His old father is no sage, and what of emperors? It's merely a show of strict punishment, roughly the same, just to send him off to a fief.

Besides that, what else can be done?

Moreover, I haven't done such a thing, so I'm not desperately seeking a cure.

"Your Highness, regardless of their intentions, it's always good to meet them."

"After all, the Heaven's Mandate Marquis is contemplating the sage's path; you shouldn't disturb him."

The other party spoke up, still advising Qin Wang not to meet.

"Alright."

"Let them in."

Qin Wang, without further chatter, calmed his anger and sat upright in his chair.

Not long after.

A figure approached.

It was Chang Yun Tian's figure.

"Student Chang Yun Tian greets Your Highness, Prince Qin."

Chang Yun Tian spoke.

As soon as he entered, he was strikingly conspicuous; his appearance alone increased favorability.

"Chang Yun Tian?"

"I remember you, during Da Xia's heavenly disaster, you seemed to have produced half a volume of the Heaven's Mandate Sage's scriptures, is that right?"

The name Chang Yun Tian is hardly remembered by the common folk, yet all major powers still recall him, for half a volume of the Heaven's Mandate Sage's scriptures is no trifling matter.

Moreover, Chang Yun Tian did good deeds and did not linger in the Da Xia Capital, which inspires admiration.

However, no one knows what Chang Yun Tian truly thinks; most people subconsciously don't delve deeper, after all, with nothing to do, who would study someone utterly unrelated?

Furthermore, that day Gu Jin Nian shone brightly, and no one paid attention to Chang Yun Tian.

"Your Highness praises me; I merely fulfill my virtue."

Chang Yun Tian smiled faintly.

"I have not praised you; I merely recall this matter."

Qin Wang appeared very calm; although Chang Yun Tian is excellent, compared to Gu Jin Nian, what is he? Of course the visitor is a guest, also a role, he could not possibly say such a thing.

Listening to Qin Wang's words, Chang Yun Tian felt a bit embarrassed, could only force a smile.

"Speak, what do you have to resolve my predicament?"

Qin Wang spoke, without further chatter; his impression of Chang Yun Tian was merely average, after all he knows Gu Jin Nian, in the Confucian Dao he only acknowledges Gu Jin Nian, and rejects anyone else, especially those who might threaten Gu Jin Nian.

Qin Wang didn't care at all.

Seeing Qin Wang's reaction, Chang Yun Tian also appeared calm, he bowed with clasped hands and then spoke.

"Your Highness."

"Given the present situation, Your Highness has surely seen it—someone is secretly targeting you; I, as a student, do not know who."

"But given the current situation, the dynasty is essentially under attack from front and back; the Censorate, Ministry of Rites, and four ministries jointly impeach—even if Your Highness had a hundred mouths, you could not offer an answer."

"The worst part is that this matter has spread throughout the Da Xia Dynasty; now, for the common folk, public opinion has formed—everyone knows that, to become heir apparent, Your Highness learned that the Prince governed Longxi Commandery well."

"Thus, in his fury, for the sake of political achievement he does not spare soldiers' lives, and even imprisons the populace, acting tyrannically and arbitrarily."

"Once such public opinion forms, even if Your Highness explains clearly, it will likely have no effect; to the myriad peoples, Your Highness has already lost, and lost utterly."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, explaining these matters.

Upon hearing this, the fire of anger in Qin Wang's eyes could not be contained.

His true point of anger is actually this; he fears neither the Ministry of Justice, the Censorate, nor the Imperial Clan Office, for being upright he fears no crooked shadow.

Since I have not done these things, no one should try to pin a crime on me.

But even if the court's internal affairs are settled and my name cleared, it's useless; the folk rumors and gossip are what's truly terrifying and frightening.

Once public opinion forms, no matter how you explain it, it's useless—words can be fearsome, many mouths can melt gold; this is no idle talk.

These days, there is no shortage of conspiracy theorists.

The common folk also take every rumor as fact.

"Then what method do you have to resolve these rumors?"

Prince Qin spoke, questioning the latter.

"Your Highness, the public's opinion, the student cannot change."

"But we can do something for Your Highness that would allow you to receive divine favor."

The other party replied.

He spoke the truth: no one can solve the public's opinion unless an extremely prestigious figure steps forward to speak.

Otherwise, no matter who speaks, it is useless; after all, however you explain, to the people a single statement like "a father still feels his son's pain" can dismantle any explanation.

You can never awaken a person who pretends to be asleep; this principle applies everywhere.

"Receive divine favor?"

Prince Qin became curious.

Chang Yuntian did not hold back and informed Prince Qin of the matters in the Jiangnan region.

Of course, he could not disclose the specific deeds of the Jiangnan merchants; the overall meaning was that the Jiangnan merchants' association was rather stingy, had donated little before, and now regretted it.

They are willing to step in to aid the Da Xia Dynasty's disaster relief and aftermath, intending to donate to Prince Qin, who will deliver it to the Da Xia court; they will not give anything to anyone else who comes to solicit donations or borrow silver.

Upon hearing this, Prince Qin's eyes lit up.

His strategist beside him felt the same.

Rescuing from disaster is not easy.

The aftermath is even harder.

Especially being in Donglin County, they know even more that rebuilding homes requires an exaggerated amount of manpower and resources.

Seriously, at least several million to tens of millions of people are needed to complete the aftermath work.

And the money required would be astronomical.

If the wealthy merchants of Jiangnan truly gave the donated silver or massive supplies to themselves to then hand over to the court, it would indeed be a great merit.

"What scheme do you all have?"

Prince Qin's voice rang out.

It was somewhat cold.

For such a good matter, the other party approaching you cannot claim to have no purpose.

As a Da Xia prince, Prince Qin is not foolish; he understands this kind of benefit exchange best.

Any deal can be made, but it depends on what one must give; if the cost far exceeds the gain, the deal cannot proceed.

"Prince."

"The student will not beat around the bush either."

"Why choose the Prince? There are only three reasons."

"First, the Crown Prince shines like the sun; his faction's members are all high officials. If Jiangnan merchants align with the Crown Prince, not to mention whether the Crown Prince would agree, even if he did, the ministers would refuse, looking down on those merchants."

"Second, aligning with the Crown Prince would merely be embellishment for him now; if a need arises, his faction might sacrifice the merchants as a mere achievement, resulting in a loss."

"Third, for His Highness Prince Qin, if they align with Prince Qin, it is like sending charcoal in snow, a gamble; should Prince Qin later ascend the throne, not to mention becoming a dragon minister, at least he would become richer, and the merchants only want money, not power."

"The student believes that Prince Qin will certainly not care about this amount of silver; after all, decades later the Da Xia Dynasty, thanks to the five great oases, will be so prosperous that a handful of silver is trivial. Moreover, they are conducting legitimate business and will not act recklessly; how could Prince Qin be unwilling?"

Chang Yuntian gave a reply, outlining these three points.

Each sentence was reasonable.

But Prince Qin's expression did not change at all; he remained utterly indifferent.

"I give you one final chance."

"What exactly have they done that requires my protection?"

"Do not use these things to deceive me."

"If you continue to hide and conceal, leave immediately."

Prince Qin spoke; he believed everything the other side said, yet he knew this was not the main reason for the Jiangnan merchants.

Jiangnan's wealthy merchants are renowned across the world; it is impossible to claim that this force is not greedy.

But as mentioned earlier, business is judged by how much one gives versus how much one receives.

To claim such a huge merit for oneself, would one truly want it for free?

Just because they donated little silver? Want to lessen the impact? It's like fooling a three‑year‑old.

Upon hearing this, Chang Yuntian was not embarrassed, but fell slightly silent.

Obviously, with a strategist present, he could not speak plainly.

"Prince, I will take my leave first."

The latter also realized this and spoke immediately.

"Stay here; no need to leave."

Prince Qin saw the other's meaning, yet he did not let his strategist depart.

Do not doubt the doubtful; trust those you employ.

What can even the biggest secret do? Watching this scene, the strategist felt a warmth in his heart, while Chang Yuntian bowed to Prince Qin.

"Prince, you truly are extraordinary."

"Then the student spoke plainly."

"In this Da Xia disaster, the Jiangnan wealthy merchants have already calculated that the Da Xia Dynasty cannot endure, so they have contacted some enemy states; if these matters were exposed, it would be a capital crime, which is why they are terrified."

Chang Yuntian spoke.

He still wouldn't tell the truth; he's not stupid—if he spoke the truth, the Qin King would certainly not agree.

But once he said that,

the Qin King said expressionlessly,

"See them off."

His demeanor was calm, exceedingly cold.

"Your Highness?"

This time Chang Yun Tian frowned a bit; the reason was absolutely fitting, but he hadn't expected the Qin King to be so decisive.

"Do you really think this King is a fool?"

"The Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce wants to seek the King's protection, just to cover up their own scandals?"

"The Donglin Commandery sent a batch of medicines, utterly inferior; after applying them to the wounded, they only worsened the condition, killing over a thousand people."

"Longxi Commandery, Nanyue Commandery—there are similar incidents to varying degrees; you think this King doesn't know?"

"Do you want the King to clean up after them?"

"Hiding here in secrecy."

The Qin King spoke, directly berating the other side.

When those words were spoken, Chang Yun Tian's expression changed; he truly hadn't expected the Qin King to have guessed this matter.

This Qin King is not as simple as imagined.

"Your Highness."

"Regarding this matter, the students didn't know; they hadn't told the students before either."

Chang Yun Tian immediately spoke, trying to wash away his involvement.

"Stop putting on airs here."

"If you truly dared to speak of this matter just now, this King would indeed look at you differently; now it seems you're no better than that."

"This King originally thought Gu Jin Nian had met a rival; after all, you are so young yet already a Great Scholar, with an extraordinary bearing, and can casually produce half a scroll of Heaven's Mandate Sacred Scripture—your backing must be substantial."

"What I didn't expect is that you underestimated this King and overestimated yourself; at this level, you are fundamentally unfit to be compared with Gu Jin Nian."

"Get out."

"Regarding this matter, I will inform Gu Jin Nian, so that the merchants in the Jiangnan region will honestly wait to be killed."

"I remind you, do not flee; years ago the Jiangnan area already issued a military order strictly controlling these merchants. Those who sneak away and get caught—none survive."

"Tell those vermin again, profiteering from national disaster—die all! Even if I relinquish the throne, I will never let such maggots harm Da Xia."

"I am Da Xia's Prince, royal blood flowing in my veins; if you aim to strike at my head, you are seeking death."

The Qin King scolded Chang Yun Tian.

In fact, after Chang Yun Tian appeared and informed him that the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce was willing to unconditionally support him, he grew suspicious.

Moreover, he had long known about the inferior medicines issue and had even told Gu Jin Nian.

It was just that at the time, to extinguish the fire and for various reasons, everyone had no time to attend to it; now Chang Yun Tian's arrival has let him see through everything.

Facing this choice, the Qin King resolutely refused; even if he is now mired in a quagmire, so what?

He is of Da Xia's royal family, the son of Yong Sheng Great Emperor.

Relying on Jiangnan wealthy merchants, he indeed gained more confidence and could contend with the Crown Prince, yet he would not do so.

To contend.

To contend with integrity.

To fight.

To fight with a breathtaking, soul‑stirring vigor.

These conspiracies and schemes disgust him.

"Your Highness."

Chang Yun Tian stammered a bit when speaking.

"Get out!"

"You cannot affect Gu Jin Nian, but this King doesn't mind removing some minor obstacles for Gu Jin Nian."

The Qin King spoke again, his gaze icy, murderous intent fully revealed.

At that moment, Chang Yun Tian dared not babble, lowered his head and left directly.

Immediately, Chang Yun Tian left, his expression extremely displeased.

He had thought that after his speech, the Qin King would gladly agree; even if not gladly, he would happily consent.

But he didn't expect to end up like this.

This is very shameful.

Extremely shameful.

But the most mortifying reason was the Qin King's words, which demeaned him as worthless while elevating Gu Jin Nian.

If it were any other person, he wouldn't be angry, but comparing himself to Gu Jin Nian, he couldn't bear it.

Chang Yun Tian left.

But along the way, his gaze remained icy, murderous intent evident, fists clenched with hatred.

"The shame of today, I will make you pay a hundredfold price."

"Qin King, this is self‑inflicted."

Chang Yun Tian murmured to himself.

Within the camp,

The Qin King's strategist fell silent for a moment, then couldn't help but speak.

"Prince."

"If we can gain the support of all merchants in Jiangnan, that is indeed a good thing; this force is no weaker than the support of two of the Six Ministries."

He spoke, speaking from a rational standpoint.

But upon hearing this, King Qin inhaled deeply.

"First, I do not approve of what they do."

"Moreover, Gu Jin Nian's relationship with me is excellent; they value that. If Gu Jin Nian learns of this, he will surely fly into a rage and severely punish them. What should I do then?"

"If I help them, I will trap Gu Jin Nian in inhumanity and injustice; if I do not help them, I will be setting myself on fire."

King Qin spoke.

In fact, it is entirely about Gu Jin Nian.

King Qin could see that they found him because of Gu Jin Nian, but as a brother, he does not want Gu Jin Nian to get involved in this trouble at all.

"Alas."

"If the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate knows the Prince is like this, I suppose the Marquis will certainly help the Prince."

King Qin's strategist spoke, not knowing what to say.

At that moment.

A voice sounded from outside.

"Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Punishments He Weihua, please have the Prince leave the camp for an audience; there is an imperial decree."

As the voice rang out,

King Qin stepped out of the main camp directly.

Soon, officials from the Ministry of Punishments appeared before his eyes.

Seeing King Qin, He Weihua immediately produced the imperial edict and spoke.

"By the mandate of Heaven."

When the words fell, King Qin's expression was exceedingly calm.

"I will now return to the palace; no more chatter."

King Qin said, intending to go back himself.

"Prince, the decree orders your detention in the capital; please forgive this, Prince."

He Weihua spoke; naturally he dared not offend King Qin, but the decree was as such, and he had to obey.

"No one can detain me."

"I will meet the emperor in person and explain everything clearly."

King Qin said, and after finishing, he mounted his warhorse and galloped toward the capital.

"Prince."

"Impossible; His Majesty's decree is here. By acting thus, the Prince is defying the decree."

Hearing this, He Weihua immediately spoke, his face looking rather ill.

"Prince, you must not defy the decree; do not act rashly."

Even King Qin's strategist could not help but speak; this was already a problem, and if the King acted this way, it would be pouring oil on the fire.

"Isn't this creating an opportunity for criticism?"

However, King Qin ignored it, and rode his warhorse, speeding toward the capital.

He is the Prince.

He has his proud backbone.

Sit in a prison cart? He refuses.

He will not agree.

Watching King Qin disappear, the strategist felt extremely helpless; finally he immediately ordered a warhorse to be arranged to give chase.

But rather than pursue King Qin, he went into Wen Palace, summoned Gu Jin Nian to appear, while King Qin was holding his breath.

If, according to King Qin's temperament, a major incident were to erupt, only Gu Jin Nian's appearance could resolve it.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

Four hours passed.

The matter of King Qin defying the decree had already reached the palace; the Censorate and the Ministry of Rites naturally took up the case immediately.

Defying the decree.

This is no small matter.

Even King Qin cannot defy the decree.

This is the rule; King Qin should especially obey it.

Inside the Yangxin Hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng, upon hearing King Qin's defiance, could no longer remain calm.

"Rebel son!"

"Indeed, a rebel son."

Emperor Yong Sheng raged; at this critical moment, King Qin's defiance was plainly opposing him. Even if he wished to shield him, how could he?

This is a mistake upon mistake.

"Your Majesty, calm down; Prince Qin may have acted in a moment of anger, not with intent to defy the decree."

Wei Xian immediately spoke, kneeling on the ground as he said.

"Can a momentary anger justify defying the decree?"

"Do we still want Da Xia's power? Do we still want Da Xia's law?"

"It's a rebellion, truly a rebellion."

"Defying the decree is disrespectful; that's a death sentence. As my son, does he not know that?"

"Do you really think I wouldn't dare to kill?"

"Do you truly think I simply wouldn't kill?"

Yongsheng Great Emperor was also furious and flustered; King Qin's actions were entirely embarrassing for him, and the whole world was watching this matter.

Originally, King Qin was supposed to return honestly; regardless of how this matter turned out, he had already decided to let King Qin go to his fief.

Resolving this matter would be enough.

But they didn't expect King Qin to dare this; it gave him no face at all, and now the entire court's civil and military officials are focusing on this issue.

If I were to indulge King Qin, does that mean the royal family can arbitrarily trample the law? Today it's King Qin, tomorrow King Wei? The day after tomorrow King Jin?

This not only challenges Da Xia law, it also challenges his authority, the emperor's authority!

"Huh."

He inhaled deeply, then exhaled a long breath.

Yongsheng Great Emperor walked straight out of the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

"To the Heavenly Prison."

Having said that.

Half an hour later.

Deep within the Heavenly Prison.

Footsteps sounded in waves, and soon the sides were filled with people from the Hanging Lantern Department.

They held torches, illuminating the Heavenly Prison.

And inside the Heavenly Prison, Li Shan sat quietly.

Originally at noon, she should have been beheaded, but Yongsheng Great Emperor changed his mind at the last minute, delaying it by a day.

The Heavenly Prison opened.

Yongsheng Great Emperor's figure walked straight in, and the members of the Hanging Lantern Department immediately left, daring not to stay there.

After everyone had left.

Yongsheng Great Emperor looked at Li Shan, who was cross‑legged on the ground, and said expressionlessly.

"I will ask you only one question."

"Is the matter of King Qin part of your plan?" "If you answer truthfully, I will spare you and give your whole family a way to live."

Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke.

Regarding King Qin's matter, he sensed a problem, because everything seemed so reasonable, clearly indicating someone wanted to trouble King Qin.

But whether King Qin actually did this, he was uncertain.

His own son, he knows, acts aggressively; he doesn't say he definitely won't act, nor does he say he definitely will.

Precisely because of this indecision, Yongsheng Great Emperor set his gaze on Li Shan.

There are some matters Li Shan certainly knows more about than he does.

Facing Yongsheng Great Emperor's questioning.

Li Shan fell silent briefly.

After a moment, Li Shan slowly spoke.

"When three dragons appear in one day, trouble will inevitably follow; is this matter, possibly a frame‑up, really that important?"

"Does Your Majesty not know that even if King Qin is reduced to a fief, he is still a calamity?"

Li Shan spoke; this was his answer, not explicitly telling Yongsheng Great Emperor, but what he said was not wrong.

If King Qin is not reduced to a fief, then he constantly threatens the Crown Prince's position; consequently, some officials in the court become fearful and will try every means to target King Qin.

Thus the Crown Prince would also be implicated.

Unless he truly intends to make King Qin the heir, otherwise letting King Qin be reduced to a fief is a good thing, a great boon for the court.

"I ask you."

"Just give me an answer."

Yongsheng Great Emperor's gaze was fierce; he was too lazy to listen to this, he only needed to know whether this matter was part of their plan.

Everything else doesn't matter.

"Your Majesty."

"What is owed must be repaid."

Li Shan spoke, his tone calm.

"Guards!"

"Drag Li Shan to the Vegetable Market Gate and execute his entire clan!"

Yongsheng Great Emperor rose and left directly.

Since Li Shan wouldn't speak, he sent Li Shan on his way, thus cutting the debt of gratitude.

He owes Li Shan nothing.

Never owed.

He has done everything a ruler should.

"Your Majesty."

"A father will have a son like himself; to keep this empire steady, one must be a solitary ruler."

Li Shan's voice rang behind him.

This statement can indeed be called a great act of treason.

But so what? Li Shan is a man on the brink of death.

He fears nothing.

Moreover, these words also count as a reminder, but Great Emperor Yongsheng is now extremely angry.

Very soon.

He emerges from the Heavenly Prison.

The Deputy Commander of the Hanging Lantern Department also arrives before Emperor Yongsheng at once.

"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned and is waiting in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart."

"King Qin has half an hour left before reaching the Capital; the Ministries of Punishments and War have sent men to block him, but they cannot match King Qin's ferocity and have injured many."

The latter speaks, informing Emperor Yongsheng of this matter.

King Qin defied the edict and entered the capital; the Ministries of War and Punishments could not refrain from sending troops to suppress him, yet they dare not harm King Qin and can only symbolically impede him.

"Transmit my decree: detain him upon entering the capital, but do not harm him."

Emperor Yongsheng speaks with a cold expression.

Having said this, he heads straight toward the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Soon.

He returns to the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

The Crown Prince had been standing outside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart early on; upon seeing Emperor Yongsheng return, Crown Prince Li Gao steps forward at once.

"Father."

"Your son begs your mercy; my second brother acted out of momentary confusion, defying the edict without ill intent. Please grant clemency beyond the law; I am willing to bear punishment for my brother."

Li Gao speaks.

After hearing accusations against King Qin in Longxi County, he rushed back to the capital at once.

Especially upon learning that King Qin defied the edict, he galloped without pause to seek Emperor Yongsheng.

He knows how delicate the current situation is.

【444】 Matters of the Da Xia royal family are no trivial affair; mishandling them could exacerbate the conflict, and the greatest issue is familial discord.

Moreover, these words count as a warning, but Emperor Yongsheng is now extremely angry.

"Stop playing the innocent here."

"With so many accusing the second son at once, you, the Crown Prince, truly have no involvement?"

Seeing the Crown Prince plead, Emperor Yongsheng lashes out, refusing to believe the matter and claiming the Crown Prince knows nothing.

Hearing this, the Crown Prince's face turns ashen; he then kneels, looking at Emperor Yongsheng and says.

"Father."

"Your son is wronged."

"Your son truly knows nothing; even if I were foolish, I would not at this moment seek to frame my brother."

"Please, Father, see clearly."

Li Gao bursts into tears at that moment; he never imagined his father would suspect him of scheming behind the scenes.

Such a grave injustice—how could he endure it?

Seeing Li Gao like this, Emperor Yongsheng grows angrier, strides into the Great Hall and roars.

"When your second brother arrives later, I will see whether that second brother will acknowledge you, his elder brother."

Emperor Yongsheng sits on the Dragon Throne, his expression dark and terrifying.

Inside, it feels as if a volcano is about to erupt.

He cannot be sure whether someone is sowing discord, but the various signs indicate that someone is deliberately targeting King Qin.

Moreover, whether King Qin's actions are factual remains another question.

Ministry of Punishments, Ministry of War, Ministry of Rites, Ministry of Personnel.

The Censorate jointly impeaches; the evidence is laid out, ironclad as a mountain. One side possesses iron evidence; the other has no proof of innocence.

How can he judge?

Yet King Qin's behavior is clearly enraged; if King Qin truly acted, how could he dare such a thing? Conversely, could King Qin have acted deliberately? Moreover, did the Crown Prince partake at all?

If so.

His heart would truly turn cold.

A father's own sons fighting each other is something no father wishes to witness.

Especially, if it truly were the Crown Prince, how ruthless must he be to put his own younger brother in mortal danger? If not, then—

Regarding King Qin's case, who stands to benefit the most?

Isn't it the Crown Prince who benefits most?

Without cause, who would trouble King Qin?

Who could gather so much evidence?

Only court officials could achieve this; if it were the Great Jin Dynasty or the Fuyu Dynasty sending spies, they could not.

This is why he went to the Heavenly Prison to question Li Shan.

At this moment.

Emperor Yongsheng is agitated, his heart a coiled fire.

Later.

Almost half an hour later.

A figure appears.

"Your Majesty, King Qin has been captured outside the capital, detained outside the palace. Shall we bring him into the hall?"

"Bring it."

Emperor Yongsheng opened his mouth.

About a quarter hour later.

The roar had already sounded, but the person hadn't appeared; the sound was deafening.

"On what grounds do you capture this king?"

"On what grounds do you (all) have?"

"I won't accept!"

"I don't accept."

The Qin King's roar sounded.

Soon, the Qin King, bound with the Five‑Flower Bind, appeared outside the great hall.

His hair was disheveled, and there were some bloodstains on him, but they were all from others.

At this moment, the Qin King's gaze was filled with fury.

He toiled painstakingly in Donglin County, only to receive not a reward but a false accusation as a crime.

He would not endure the humiliation of having a prison cart take him back to the capital.

So he rode straight into the capital, but he didn't expect to be captured, bound with the Five‑Flower Bind, and the entire capital's populace saw it.

His original fury grew ever stronger, ever more terrifying.

Now, outside the Yangxin Hall, when he saw the Crown Prince kneeling on the ground, the Qin King's roar could not help but sound.

"What are you kneeling here for?"

"Is the cat crying over the mouse, feigning compassion?"

"All you want is to come see my joke."

"Crown Prince."

"You are remarkable."

"You are lofty."

"At this time, you still want to watch my joke, still put on a charitable front, hoping the old master will recognize you, hoping to wash away your crimes?"

"I admire you, younger brother admires you."

The Qin King's eyes were almost about to split; he was initially aggrieved, then enraged, treated as a criminal, and after being seized into the capital, his fury became boundless.

The gazes of the common folk could not be erased from his mind.

As Chang Yuntian had said, he had completely become a prince who harmed the people, seeking merit while disregarding the lives of his troops.

Such a reputation, even if altered, he could not change.

The fury in his heart was almost enough to burn him completely.

"Second brother."

"I."

Feeling the Qin King's predatory gaze, Li Gao didn't know what to say; indeed, he had grievances he couldn't voice.

"Close your mouth for me."

At that moment, inside the Yangxin Hall, Emperor Yongsheng's roar sounded.

He stepped out directly, his gaze fixed dead on the Qin King.

In an instant, the Qin King calmed slightly, but the fear in his heart was still provoked.

Facing his own father, the Qin King truly could not muster any malice.

"Look at yourself now; do you look like a prince? Like the Da Xia royal family?"

"You are like a madman."

"I ask you, what gives you any reason to be angry?"

"What gives you any reason to be angry?"

"The matter of Donglin County, have you resolved it? Look at these evidences yourself; there are testimonies, physical evidence, all the statements are laid out here, each signed and sealed."

"Look at your elder brother; what do you have to compare with him, what qualification do you have to compare? Longxi County at least remains peaceful."

"Allowing you to return to the capital was a favor I gave you; you not only refuse it, you dare defy the edict—are you rebelling against Heaven?"

Emperor Yongsheng almost roared, staring at the Qin King as he spoke.

Listening to these roars.

The Qin King lowered his head, merely panting, breathing heavily; his heart was stifled, extremely suffocated.

But facing his own father emperor, he said nothing, only remained silent.

"I ask you, to die even in Donglin County—was that what you said?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, looking at the Qin King and asking.

"The original meaning of this sentence is."

The Qin King opened his mouth, wanting to clarify.

"I ask you, is it or is it not? Have you ever said this sentence?"

Emperor Yongsheng directly cut off the Qin King's words.

He asked directly, is it or is it not.

"Yes!"

The Qin King roared, answering with a roar.

After receiving this answer, Emperor Yongsheng took a deep breath.

"Now I ask you again, did your subordinates seize the medicine? Is it or is it not?"

He asked.

"Yes."

Prince Qin gritted his teeth and still answered.

"You really are a beast."

"I will beat you to death."

The next moment, Emperor Yongsheng kicked Prince Qin squarely, a heavy blow that sent Prince Qin crashing to the ground.

"Your Majesty, you must not!"

"Your Majesty, Prince Qin is just momentarily confused, utterly confused; you must absolutely not do this."

At this moment, Wei Xian and Liu Yan immediately knelt on the ground, clasped Emperor Yongsheng's legs, crying and shouting, begging Emperor Yongsheng not to do this.

And the Crown Prince also knelt before Emperor Yongsheng at once.

"Father Emperor."

"These matters may not be Second Brother's true intention; please, Father Emperor, investigate thoroughly—Second Brother is not like this, he would not be like this."

The Crown Prince spoke, tears streaming down his face.

Emperor Yongsheng, his anger blazing, glared at Prince Qin and roared.

"Someone like you still wants to be emperor?"

"What kind of emperor are you? Do you even have shame?"

"You act cruelly, you don't think; compared to your elder brother, you aren't even a tenth as good."

"How could I have begotten a beast like you?"

"And you still dare to be regent?"

"Get out and go to your fief; what regent are you? This country under your regency will surely perish."

"Seeing you makes me nauseated, makes me hate you."

Emperor Yongsheng was also furious, each of his words harsher than the last.

Each word was like a knife, viciously stabbing into Prince Qin's heart.

It was every word.

Every word pierced his heart.

Perhaps that's just how it is.

"Hahahaha."

"Hahahahaha."

"Hahahahahaha."

At that moment, a burst of laughter rang out, the loud laughter coming from Prince Qin.

He lay on the ground, gazing at the azure sky, bursting into laughter.

Everyone looked at Prince Qin, not understanding what he was laughing at.

"What are you laughing at? Do you still have the face to laugh?"

"Do you really think I dare not kill you?"

Hearing Prince Qin's laughter, Emperor Yongsheng involuntarily roared.

"What am I laughing at? I laugh at myself."

"I laugh at myself for being a fool, an idiot."

"Father Emperor, how many years have you deceived me?"

"These years, you had me work diligently, you delegated authority to me, you even let me serve as regent; I truly thought you wanted me to be crown prince, or at least to contend for it."

"I naively thought that if I performed well and had ability, you would choose me as crown prince."

"Only now do I realize that all of this was a deception."

"Yes, I act cruelly, I act without thinking; I am indeed a beast."

"Since I, your servant, am so hateful to you..."

Prince Qin said this, then he exerted all his strength, almost hysterically roaring.

"Your servant begs Father Emperor."

"Please, Emperor of Da Xia."

"Please, Emperor Yongsheng."

"Please, O Supreme Sovereign."

"Grant your servant the death penalty."

"Your servant has committed countless evils, is cruel and inhumane, seeking political gain without regard for the lives of soldiers."

"Furthermore, please, Your Majesty."

"Grant death."

A cold voice sounded.

Carrying anger, carrying hatred, carrying utter despair.

He realized it.

His own father emperor had never intended to pass the throne to him, never at all.

He fears neither beating nor punishment.

But he fears.

He fears these words from his father emperor.

Each and every word is like a knife, piercing his heart.

All the effort of these years.

All the expectations of these years.

Everything has vanished like smoke and clouds.

He knew his father the emperor wanted to prove himself, so he exerted endless effort, just to help his father the emperor prove himself.

But he also wanted to prove himself.

To prove he could be emperor.

To prove he could be emperor.

Even if he couldn't become emperor, what then? At least he had gained his father's approval.

But looking at it now.

Hahaha, it's a joke; it turns out in his father's eyes he is so contemptible, so disgusting.

Then it would be better to...

Just go die.

The Prince of Qin's voice spread throughout the palace, even reaching outside.

This ferocious voice, this arrogant voice.

In a moment, it provoked endless controversy.

Inside the Nurturing Heart Hall, the Eternal Prosperity Emperor nearly fainted from anger.

The Prince of Qin speaking like this is just forcing himself.

Moreover, he spoke so loudly—what is he trying to do? Is he really going to rebel? 'Beast.'

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor directly shoved Wei Xian aside, drew the sword from the guard beside him, his eyes filled with killing intent, with murderous intent.

He wanted to kill the Prince of Qin.

"Father Emperor."

But the next moment, the Crown Prince appeared before the Prince of Qin, he reached out and blocked the sword, blood instantly flowing from his palm, his eye sockets reddened.

"Please, Father Emperor, forgive my younger brother."

"Your subject wishes to relinquish the crown prince position; please, Father Emperor, show mercy."

"Even a tigress does not eat her cub; how could Father Emperor act this way?"

The Crown Prince knelt on the ground, he was truly heartbroken, his father's disbelief, his younger brother's refusal to acknowledge him, he truly no longer wanted the crown prince position.

And facing all this,

The Prince of Qin's face was expressionless; he was now heartbroken beyond grief.

Seeing the Crown Prince like this,

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor took a deep breath.

His heart was both angry and sorrowful.

"Someone come."

"Imprison the Prince of Qin in the heavenly prison, strip his rank, demote him to commoner."

"Have the Ministry of Justice, the Lamp Surveillance Office, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Imperial Clan Office thoroughly investigate the Prince of Qin's case; if true,"

"deal with it according to law, execute immediately."

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor spoke.

He put down the sword, slowly turned away, took a deep breath, calmed his emotions, then spoke lightly.

"Father Emperor."

The Crown Prince spoke again, but the Eternal Prosperity Emperor's voice also sounded.

"Confine the Crown Prince within his residence; before the Prince of Qin's case is concluded, the Crown Prince may not leave."

Having said that, the Eternal Prosperity Emperor walked toward the Nurturing Heart Hall.

But after walking two steps, the Prince of Qin's voice also sounded slowly.

"Father Emperor."

"From today onward, the father‑son bond of kindness and righteousness is severed."

"I hereby swear by cutting off this hair."

A faint voice sounded.

These were the Prince of Qin's words.

These words are grossly treasonous, but now everyone takes them as the Prince of Qin's angry talk; even so, hearing such talk, the Eternal Prosperity Emperor still startled, yet he said nothing and continued walking toward the Nurturing Heart Hall.

Wei Xian hurriedly followed, while Liu Yan continually urged the Prince of Qin.

But at this moment the Prince of Qin was completely numb, not uttering a word.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince truly didn't know what to say.

Soon, the Prince of Qin was taken away, and the Crown Prince was also taken away.

"Attendant Liu, send someone to Wen Palace to find Jin Nian; only he can resolve this matter now."

The Crown Prince spoke.

He knew his younger brother wouldn't listen to him, his father wouldn't pay him any attention lately, and the only person who could resolve this matter was Gu Jin Nian alone.

"This old servant understands."

"Please, Crown Prince, rest assured."

Liu Yan spoke, immediately agreeing.

Thus.

In less than half an hour, the affairs within the palace spread instantly.

But the news that spread was extremely strange; at first it seemed fine, but gradually it turned into the Qin King being at fault, refusing to admit it, and finally, under ironclad evidence, the Qin King, enraged and losing his mind, also confessed his crimes.

Emperor Yong Sheng, upholding great righteousness by eliminating his own kin, seeks justice.

Regardless of any rumor, they all essentially confirm one thing: the Qin King indeed committed numerous evils.

The terrifying reputation was already present; now it merely adds an even stronger piece of evidence.

It can never be completely washed clean.

Moreover, some very odd discussions have also arisen.

To be precise, it is a controversy.

Whether the Qin King will die or not.

Some think that a just emperor might practice great righteousness by eliminating his own kin, but more people think that a minor punishment and a great admonition are about enough.

After all, it's his own son; how many fathers in the world would practice great righteousness by killing their own child? The controversy was fine at first, but as a certain speculation arose, it attracted many approvals.

That is, when such a thing occurs in the Da Xia royal family, the Qin King certainly cannot die, yet at present there is no way to step down, so a person must be found to provide a way out for both sides.

And that person is Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian has a good relationship with the Qin King and is also of the royal family; although he is a man of Confucian and Daoist ways, he is ultimately not a saint, and will lessen the impact of this matter, thereby applying a minor punishment and a great admonition.

Gu Jin Nian steps forward again to clarify that the Qin King's actions were not meant that way, or perhaps to find a few scapegoats to take the blame, then restore the Qin King's throne, and let the Qin King return to his fief.

Stay away from the capital; after ten or twenty years, it will be more or less over.

After all, such a matter won't be remembered by so many people; if it truly were remembered, the court would also have people control speech.

Furthermore, Gu Jin Nian now has immense prestige and indeed great influence; the common folk will also give face to Gu Jin Nian.

After this speculation emerged, it instantly gained the approval of countless people.

They deem it reasonable.

But immediately, a new controversy appears.

That is, Gu Jin Nian is indeed not a saint, but now he is a Great Scholar of Heaven and Earth, and should act with conscience; if Gu Jin Nian shields the Qin King, does that mean he lacks saintly virtue? Hence many scholars argue that Gu Jin Nian would never shield him, and the Qin King must surely die.

But the common folk think those scholars are foolish; after all, it concerns state affairs, and in such a huge matter, it's unlikely the emperor truly killed his own son. Morality is morality, but it must also be based on actual circumstances.

The frightening point of this debate does not lie in who is right or wrong.

Rather, everyone fails to realize that the issue is no longer whether the Qin King actually did it.

It has instead become.

If Gu Jin Nian steps forward to help the Qin King and the Qin King does not die, then Gu Jin Nian has violated morality and is not a saint.

If Gu Jin Nian does not step forward, or the Qin King dies, Gu Jin Nian still retains saintly character.

In other words, after these remarks ferment and endless speculation.

Everyone shares a subconscious consensus.

That is, the Qin King indeed did these things; he was not wronged.

It's only a matter of how the court will handle it.

This is the horror of rumors, and also the horror of reputation.

When a person's reputation is poor, no matter what they did, malicious thoughts arise.

No one cares about the truth.

Because they only believe the truth they think.

Of course, two main reasons determine all this: first, it cannot be baseless; the Twelve Great Scholars, together with the Ministry of Rites and three other major ministries, jointly impeached, proving such a matter exists.

Second, the Qin King confessed.

No one knows the Qin King's mindset; they only know the Qin King has confessed.

After some dramatization, making this confession seem reasonable, then he has indeed confessed.

And within the capital.

The Qin King's strategist has already arrived at the Wen Palace.

Da Xia Wen Palace.

It is immensely magnificent.

But the Wen Palace cannot be entered; guards stand watch, and even if the Qin King's strategist explains his identity, the guards will not let him pass.

Gu Jin Nian has already said, there's nothing of cosmic importance, don't call out to him.

To enter, it must be the emperor, or the crown prince, or the Qin King himself; even if the crown prince and the Qin King come, it's still useless.

Without His Majesty's imperial edict, they will never allow passage.

Lest anyone disturb Gu Jin Nian's enlightenment.

Gu Jin Nian's enlightenment is no small matter; no one dares to bear such responsibility.

Therefore, the Qin King's strategist tries every method, yet cannot get in.

And within the imperial palace.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

An hour has already passed.

Emperor Yong Sheng stands alone in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, quietly standing for an hour.

The Qin King's words just now are vivid in his mind.

Speaking frankly, as a father, seeing his son's numb and desperate gaze, how could Emperor Yong Sheng not be moved?

He already somewhat believes that the Qin King did not do these things.

But the dignity of an emperor prevents him from bowing his head.

The dignity of being a father makes it impossible for him to admit fault.

Especially, the Qin King's final words, severing the father‑son bond with him, made him angry and devastated.

Between father and son, it has come to this.

This is the failure of being a father.

His own son makes him grant himself death.

This is also the failure of being a father.

Tears fall.

Emperor Yongsheng is ultimately a mortal; he is not a god; facing this, he also suffers.

But he knows he must do this.

Because what Li Shan said is correct.

The Prince of Qin must go to his fief.

Already having come to this point, he clearly understands in his heart.

His son has completely lost hope in him, without any expectations.

Not saying they are enemies, but from now on they are absolutely not a father-son relationship.

The rupture has ultimately broken, and it cannot be mended no matter what.

He only hopes that, in the future, the Prince of Qin will understand his intentions.

The difficulty of being a father.

The difficulty of being an emperor.

There is only one future emperor, and that person can only be the crown prince.

"Convey my edict."

"Let the Minister of Rites, So Title: Minister of Personnel, Minister of Punishments, Minister of War, and the Twelve Great Scholars of the Censorate enter the palace to see me."

Light and shadow are dim.

The voice of Emperor Yongsheng sounds, appearing hollow and low.

"Your servant obeys the edict."

Liu Yan speaks, then after finishing rises.

However, Emperor Yongsheng continues to speak.

"Do not disturb Jin Nian."

"This matter, I have decided."

His voice is calm.

He just heard the crown prince's voice, and also knows what the crown prince wants to do.

At this time, he does not want to disturb Gu Jin Nian.

This is their family affair, and also does not need Gu Jin Nian to handle it.

"Obey the edict."

The latter was startled, but still answered honestly.

Meanwhile.

In the heavenly prison.

The Prince of Qin sits on a pile of straw, his gaze dull; no one knows what he is thinking.

Moreover, his hair is disheveled, like a madman.

"Your Highness."

"Just lower your head and admit your mistake."

At this moment, his strategist appears, using connections to gain an audience with the Prince of Qin.

He sheds tears, advising the Prince of Qin.

However, the Prince of Qin did not respond; instead, he broke his finger, and despite numbness, wrote three characters on the wall.

【Long Cloud Heaven】

Afterward, he again smeared out those three characters.

He remained silent.

The strategist behind him was startled.

But also fully understood the Prince of Qin's meaning.

Thus.

The next day.

The sky had not yet brightened.

A bell toll rang out abruptly.

From the Da Xia Capital.

It sounded inside the Wen Palace.