Chapter 123: I Want His Life!

Late at night, the National Lord's bedchamber.

The old National Lord gently stroked the portrait on the table, a trace of tenderness in his eyes, gazing at it in silence.

After looking for a long while, his face grew melancholy, and he let out a long, quiet sigh.

"I never expected that Old Five had already grown to such a degree. It seems I truly am old, only just now noticing all this."

"But rest assured, Ning'er, I will definitely protect Old Two."

Outside the bedchamber.

The little eunuch guarding the door scurried over to the Eunuch Chief.

"Master, it's late at night and the National Lord still hasn't retired. How can his dragon body bear it? There's Early Court tomorrow."

Chief Zhao quietly scolded the little eunuch.

"The National Lord is in a foul mood right now — are you asking for punishment?"

Having said that, he glanced up at the night sky, then looked back at the bedchamber bright as day, shook his head, and let out a long sigh.

Ever since Noble Consort Ning passed away, every year on her death anniversary the National Lord was like this. He had advised him many times, but when had the National Lord ever listened?

At this moment, a little eunuch carrying a Soup Cup walked over. He first glanced at the tightly shut bedchamber door, then looked at Chief Zhao with a pleading gaze.

"Chief Zhao, today's Ginseng Soup is ready, this…"

Looking at the Ginseng Soup, and recalling that the National Lord had barely eaten at dinner, and now it was already deep into the night.

Chief Zhao clenched his teeth.

"Come, this old one will take you in. But don't blame this old one for not warning you — do everything according to his expression. What you shouldn't look at, don't look; what you shouldn't say, don't say!"

"Otherwise, watch your little life!"

The little eunuch looked at him with gratitude, nodding hurriedly in assent.

"Yes, yes, yes. Thank you, Chief Zhao, thank you, Chief Zhao."

Chief Zhao took a deep breath, then raised his hand and gently knocked on the door.

"National Lord, it's late. Have some Ginseng Soup to warm your body."

Having said that, he held his breath, not daring to take so much as a single deep breath, and just stayed by the door, listening intently to the sounds within.

After waiting a while, an aged voice faintly came from inside.

"Bring it in."

Only then did Chief Zhao lead the little eunuch inside. The few of them walked with light steps to the old National Lord's side.

He tested for poison with a Silver Needle, then took a sip with a special small spoon, and only then dared to present the Soup Cup.

Watching from the corner of his eye as the old National Lord drank the Ginseng Soup, the little eunuch holding the Tray finally lowered his head.

After the old National Lord drank half a cup, he waved his hand, telling them to withdraw.

"All of you, leave."

Chief Zhao had no choice but to lead the others back outside the hall to stand guard.

Before closing the door, he glanced at the National Lord's aged, lonely figure, and silently shook his head.

Here, the old National Lord mourned the woman who had passed many years ago — the only one who had ever truly moved his heart. Added to that, the recent covert struggle between his two sons, the Second Prince and the Fifth Prince, left him deeply worried and unable to sleep all night.

And sharing his sleeplessness were the Second Prince and the Fifth Prince.

Second Prince's Residence.

Shang Xiao Hui had sent for Gu Family's father, the Minister of War Gu Hong, as well as the Gu Family's eldest son, the Right Commander of the Imperial Guard Gu Tangping, through the night.

"Summoning my father-in-law and Big Brother here so late at night is truly presumptuous of me, but the matter is urgent. Please forgive me."

Father and son of the Gu Family exchanged a glance, and Gu Hong spoke.

"We're all family — no need for such formality."

They were unlike those former court officials who had supported the Second Prince.

The Gu Family had long been tied to the Second Prince on the same boat — they had no choice.

If the Second Prince fell, the Gu Family would certainly have no easy days ahead either!

After the three sat down, Gu Hong looked at Shang Xiao Hui and asked.

"What is the Second Prince's plan?"

Shang Xiao Hui did not answer directly, but merely dipped his finger in tea and wrote two characters on the table.

Seeing this, father and son of the Gu Family sharply inhaled a breath of cold air, their faces turning pale with shock.

"This…"

Gu Tangping first glanced at his own father.

"When does the Second Prince plan to act?"

Shang Xiao Hui's gaze grew sharp.

"Tonight!"

Gu Hong advised with a worried expression.

"Isn't it a bit too rushed?"

Shang Xiao Hui continued.

"Today is the day Father Emperor is most off guard. I have already secretly arranged for someone to Poison Father Emperor. When the poison takes effect, that will be the best moment!"

"Poisoning?!"

Father and son of the Gu Family could not help crying out in alarm.

"But the National Lord's food and drink are all personally inspected by Chief Zhao, and personally tasted for poison, before they can reach the National Lord's mouth."

"Won't it be discovered?"

"If it were poison, naturally it would be discovered. But what if it were merely an ingredient?"

Shang Xiao Hui's face was full of confidence.

"Father Emperor has been obsessed with taking Elixirs these past years. The Daoist I planted among them has long been secretly adding Slow Poison to the Elixirs. We're only missing one Medicinal Primer, and we can trigger the Elixir Poison!"

The Gu Family father and son exchanged a glance upon hearing this, both shocked in their hearts.

The Second Prince is ruthless enough!

Suddenly, Shang Xiao Hui stood up, raised his hand, and gave a slight bow to the Gu Family father and son.

"I'm counting on the two of you."

"If this great undertaking succeeds, the Gu Family will be the greatest meritorious subjects. In the future, titles and prime minister positions — this realm, this Imperial Prince is willing to share with the Gu Family!"

Hearing his words, the Gu Family father and son first held their breath, then grew so agitated that their breathing became increasingly rapid.

Gu Hong extended both hands forward and held Shang Xiao Hui's elbows.

"Imperial Prince speaks too gravely. We shall naturally do our utmost."

At this moment, a Personal Guard ran over hurriedly to knock on the door.

"Imperial Prince, word has come from the Imperial Palace — the National Lord has already drunk that bowl of soup!"

Shang Xiao Hui's expression turned solemn.

"Quickly gather the Residence guards!"

"In that case, we shall head back first to prepare."

The Gu Family father and son took their leave hurriedly.

After leaving the gates of the Second Prince's Residence, Gu Tangping hesitated somewhat.

"Father, are we really going to follow the Second Prince and…"

Force the Palace and rebel?

Gu Hong's eyes widened, and he swiftly raised his hand to cover his mouth.

"Silence!"

"You fool! Can such matters be spoken of casually outside?"

Gu Hong irritably hauled his troublesome son onto the Horse Carriage.

"No wonder after all these years, you're still just a Right Commander of the Imperial Guard!"

All day long you only know how to ask these meaningless pointless questions!

Having said that, he sighed heavily.

"Now whether we help or not is no longer something we can decide."

"The Second Prince is determined to rebel. If he succeeds and we don't help now, we'll definitely be called to settle accounts afterward.

"And if he fails, do you think we, as in-laws, can escape?!"

Listening to his father's analysis, Gu Tangping's expression also grew solemn. He clenched his fist tightly, his jaw set firm, and he ground his back molars.

Both angry and helpless.

Angry that the Second Prince so brazenly schemed against them.

But, despite everything, they still had to obey the Second Prince's arrangements!

"Then I'll go prepare right now!"

Gu Hong nodded.

"Go. I also need to visit a few old friends."

If tonight's matter succeeds, tomorrow's Early Court will surely be very lively. He must first get word to several important court officials.

And at this moment, inside the Second Prince's Study.

"Imperial Prince, five hundred guards, one hundred Personal Guards, and twenty Dead Soldiers are already waiting in the Backyard, awaiting your order!"

Shang Xiao Hui had already changed into Armor by now.

"Very good!"

"Before that, take a few men and quietly go fetch something."

The Dead Soldier knelt on the ground.

"Please give your orders, Imperial Prince!"

Shang Xiao Hui's tone was filled with viciousness and killing intent.

"Go to the Fifth Prince's Residence."

"I want his life!"