Emperor Youning spoke first, his voice carrying implicit authority: “Xiao Juesong.”

“It’s been a while, Your Majesty.” Xiao Juesong showed no signs of weakness; in fact, his face was glowing and his eyes were bright with vigor – the effect of taking powerful stimulants.

“Release the Seventh Prince. Whatever you want, just name it,” Emperor Youning said straightforwardly.

“Hahaha, what do I want?” Xiao Juesong laughed. “How generous. I wish Your Majesty wouldn’t return today, after all…” He paused meaningfully before continuing, “Your Majesty personally delivered the Crown Prince into my hands.”

“Since you’re using the Seventh Prince to negotiate with me, you must have demands. Surely you didn’t arrange this meeting just to spread malicious rumors,” Emperor Youning naturally denied Xiao Juesong’s accusations.

“Demands?” Xiao Juesong shook his head with a smile. “I have no more demands. I came today to let your officials and your subjects see what a despicable and shameless person you truly are!”

As soon as Xiao Juesong finished speaking, rustling sounds could be heard as numerous civilians inexplicably came running from afar. The military guards hidden in the shadows immediately sent leaders to block them.

However, food was more important than anything else. The civilians were rushing for a year’s worth of provisions. Few had extra money, and most relied on this food for survival. When they saw government officials blocking their way, they became desperate and clashed with the guards.

Under normal circumstances, these soldiers would have killed a couple of people to establish authority. But with Emperor Youning right ahead, how dare they use real force? They found themselves at a disadvantage and were broken through by these civilians.

Seeing this, Xiao Juesong’s smile grew even more satisfied. “That year, you killed your brother to seize the throne, intending to frame me for it and have me eliminated as well. You forced me to flee the imperial city and spend these years in hiding.”

Xiao Changqing and Xiao Changying’s bodies trembled. They had never imagined that the death of Prince Chen twenty years ago might have been a plot set by His Majesty to seize power. They weren’t the only ones who had never thought this way – the military commanders hidden in the shadows, ready to protect the emperor at any moment, were also incredulous. While most didn’t believe Xiao Juesong’s words, some of Prince Chen’s former subordinates fell into deep contemplation as they recalled the events of those years.

Shen Xihe raised her eyes, looking across the suspension bridge and flowing river at Xiao Huayong on the opposite shore. His scheme had reached this point, with the ultimate goal of shaking the loyalty of Prince Chen’s former subordinates.

Twenty years had passed, and perhaps many would think that past connections had faded. But what if these people, because they were once Prince Chen’s followers, had suffered numerous injustices over the past twenty decades? How would they feel now?

Their resentment would only grow stronger. Perhaps right now they only felt resentment, but once Xiao Huayong’s identity was exposed in the future, he would only need to raise the call, and these people would surely respond in unison.

No matter how well Xiao Huayong cultivated his power base, he could not escape His Majesty’s eyes. Building influence within the military was his greatest weakness. If he could compensate for this deficiency, even if he had to openly oppose His Majesty, he would have a much greater chance of success.

He was paving a very long road.

“You fled because you were guilty,” Emperor Youning tightly gripped the jade ring on his thumb.

“Fled because I was guilty?” Xiao Juesong gave a light snort. “You are the Emperor, naturally whatever you say goes.”

He glanced at the approaching civilians and spoke loudly: “You won’t admit to killing your brother, but what about killing your son? Even tigers don’t eat their cubs, yet Your Majesty could harm your son. Or perhaps the Crown Prince isn’t…”

“Xiao Juesong!” Emperor Youning coldly interrupted.

Xiao Juesong fell silent. The civilians who had rushed over stood frozen in place, realizing these were no ordinary officials. The words “Your Majesty” were enough to make their legs weak – commoners had an innate reverence and fear of the royal family.

They had heard everything – heard someone say their Emperor had killed both his brother and son. Every word made their ears ring, frightening them into standing rigidly in place, not daring to breathe.

“It would be extremely simple for Your Majesty to prove the Crown Prince’s identity,” said Xiao Juesong as he beckoned.

The men restraining Xiao Huayong pushed him forward. One stood behind Xiao Huayong, shorter than him, preventing any archers from getting a clear shot. After they had taken just three steps, Xiao Juesong ordered someone to strike the suspension bridge with the back of a blade. Though the bridge wasn’t cut, it shook violently, causing Xiao Huayong to stumble several times.

Xiao Changying’s gaze was sharp. When Xiao Huayong lunged for the bridge ropes again, he suddenly drew his crossbow and fired, precisely killing the man behind Xiao Huayong.

Before Xiao Huayong could step forward, arrows shot from behind him, each landing at his feet, preventing him from moving. These weren’t missed shots – they were deliberately blocking his path.

With Xiao Huayong on the bridge blocking the way, those on this side didn’t dare shoot freely. If they fired and Xiao Juesong killed the Crown Prince, wouldn’t they be guilty of conspiring to harm the heir apparent?

Emperor Youning wouldn’t give the order, because Xiao Juesong had already implied that Xiao Huayong wasn’t his son. Disregarding Xiao Huayong’s safety now would confirm the accusation. If Xiao Huayong died, it might not matter even if people understood everything, since these supporters hadn’t yet turned disloyal. However, regarding the Empress Dowager…

Emperor Youning felt the Empress Dowager might truly hang herself at the palace gates. This wasn’t just about his reputation – it could shake the foundations of the imperial court. The empire’s scholars would surely condemn him with bitter criticism. Powerful officials who commanded troops, like Shen Yueshan and Bu Tuohai, could use this to rebel and win popular support.

“Your Majesty, are you worried about the Crown Prince?” Xiao Juesong smiled sinisterly and confidently as his men continued damaging the bridge. Wooden planks could be seen coming loose and being washed away by the river. Xiao Juesong said, “If Your Majesty comes personally to receive him, I promise not to destroy the bridge.”

“Your Majesty must not!” Marquis Pingyao and others could no longer hide, springing forward to stop him.

Not destroying the bridge didn’t mean there wouldn’t be treacherous arrows.

Emperor Youning barely hesitated, his face cold: “The Crown Prince is my flesh and blood. I am his father – how could I leave my son in danger?”

With so many civilians watching and so many officials listening, Emperor Youning had to let the whole world know that Xiao Huayong was his flesh and blood. If Xiao Huayong wasn’t His Majesty’s son, why would His Majesty make him Crown Prince?

There was only one possibility – that Prince Chen had indeed been killed by His Majesty back then, and making Xiao Huayong Crown Prince was the condition for the Empress Dowager’s compromise.

Shen Xihe raised her eyes to look at Xiao Huayong, who was carefully holding onto the bridge ropes. He called out earnestly: “Your Majesty, your son doesn’t believe the nonsense of these villains! Your Majesty has always shown me a special favor. Please don’t come over – don’t fall into these scoundrels’ trap!”

He seemed to have been drugged, unable to muster much strength. His steps had been unsteady earlier. Several times he tried to jump down but was prevented by Xiao Juesong’s men shaking the bridge.

Shen Xihe watched quietly. After this incident, Emperor Youning would surely show even more favoritism toward Xiao Huayong and wouldn’t dare test him so easily again. One misstep and the emperor’s authority would crumble completely.