Not sign?

Jing Yi said, “Is Father Emperor waiting for Jing Rong?”

Eh!

Indeed!

Emperor Qizhen’s complexion grew even more deathly pale as he looked at this beast of a son with his wolfish, predatory appearance.

“Father Emperor probably doesn’t know yet—during these few days when you’ve been gravely ill and unable to rise, a major event occurred in the capital. That extraordinarily intelligent Teacher Ji who repeatedly solved extraordinary cases was… publicly beheaded four days ago.”

“Eh? You… what did you say?”

“Father Emperor heard correctly. That Miss Ji who disguised herself as a man and committed the crime of deceiving the sovereign has lost her head. Jing Rong harbors guilt for his inability to save her. Now he lies bedridden, already half a cripple. Moreover, inside and outside the palace are all this son’s men. Even if Jing Rong sprouted wings, he probably couldn’t fly to Father Emperor’s side to rescue you. And if Father Emperor doesn’t sign and seal this imperial edict, then don’t blame this son for giving the command to conduct a massacre within the palace, leaving not a single one of those ministers loyal to Father Emperor.”

Not a single one.

Murderous intent surged.

Emperor Qizhen was so angry his entire body trembled. His eyes filled with blood vessels, his teeth grinding audibly.

“Beast!” He cursed.

Jing Yi wasn’t bothered. He looked on sinisterly, pressing forward several steps, continuing, “At that time, this son will pin the blame on Jing Rong, killing all the people of Prince Rong’s Manor under the crime of treason. Father Emperor, you will continue to lie ill in bed, only waiting for your departure. The throne of Great Lin will still be this son’s. But if Father Emperor signs and seals this imperial edict, this son guarantees not to harm a single court minister. Jing Rong will also remain unharmed. Not only that—once this son ascends the throne, this son will bestow additional titles and honors upon him. Father Emperor can also be Grand Emperor, with no worries at all.”

This transaction seemed quite worthwhile!

Emperor Qizhen propped himself up on the bed with one hand, clutching the bedsheet with the other. His lips trembled for a long while before he burst into loud laughter. “Our fine son! What a fine son!”

Tears filled his eyes.

That weathered, deep voice echoed through the inner chamber of Fuyang Hall.

Outside, the sound of rain grew heavier. Dawn was also approaching.

Jing Yi’s patience was nearly exhausted.

He raised his hand, signaling to the guards beside him. Looking at the emperor before him whose life was nearly spent, his brow furrowed high. His eyes narrowed as he said, “This son has already given Father Emperor a chance. It is now the second quarter of the mao hour. If the edict is not completed, this son can only… order the massacre.”

That raised palm was gradually pressing downward.

At the same time, everyone in the inner chamber held their breath, all gazes fixed on Jing Yi’s commanding hand.

At the very last moment—

Emperor Qizhen spoke, “We will sign.”

In his voice was helplessness and compromise.

A triumphant smile slowly spread across Jing Yi’s lips. He lowered his hand.

The young eunuch by the bed extended the tray in his hand forward.

Emperor Qizhen stared at the yellow imperial edict on it for a long time… before feebly picking up that brush, dipping it in ink. With the brush tip trembling, he wrote his name on the edict, then picked up the imperial seal and pressed it down heavily upon it.

The edict of succession was complete!

Consort Xiao beside him was more excited than anyone. She snatched up the edict to examine it carefully. Every word and sentence was clear and distinct.

My son will finally become emperor!

“Cough, cough…” She coughed from excitement, her body nearly unstable. Fortunately, Sang Lan beside her supported her.

Consort Xiao then handed the edict to Jing Yi.

Jing Yi spread it open to look. He was extremely satisfied.

He immediately cupped his hands in gratitude. “This son thanks Father Emperor for granting this.”

Hmph!

Emperor Qizhen waved his hand forcefully, sweeping away the tray in the young eunuch’s hands. Fortunately, that eunuch was quick-handed and caught the imperial seal, though the brush and inkstone were knocked to the ground.

Crash and clatter.

The inkstone overturned, ink splashing onto Jing Yi’s damp robes.

He wasn’t bothered either and dismissed it with a smile.

He then commanded the Cabinet Minister: “Trouble the Cabinet Minister to go out and announce that His Majesty is gravely ill and has established an imperial edict. During the morning court session shortly, someone will be ordered to read the edict aloud.”

The Cabinet Minister: “Yes.”

And so he went out.

Emperor Qizhen flew into a great rage. His heart blazed with anger. Combined with having already consumed the medicine Consort Xiao had added to the white fungus soup, at this moment he seemed near death. He spoke with difficulty, “We have now agreed to your demands. We hope you will keep your word and not harm the innocent.”

Jing Yi: “This son obeys the decree.”

However, that barely visible smile at the corner of his mouth betrayed him.

Someone like him naturally wouldn’t allow a bomb to remain by his side. Once he ascended the throne, the first person he would kill would be Jing Rong.

He waited quietly in the room, but outside, the Cabinet Minister’s voice never came.

Hm?

Why no sound?

The rain wasn’t that heavy either!

Jing Yi looked out through the carved openwork window. The firelight outside seemed even brighter.

His brow furrowed. He ordered someone to go out and investigate.

But the person who went out seemed to vanish as well, never returning to report the situation.

What was going on?

He suddenly felt somewhat uneasy. His expression tightened sharply. He hurried out.

The moment he stepped out of Fuyang Hall’s main entrance, the fiery red light outside stabbed his eyes so he could hardly open them. He immediately averted his eyes. After adjusting for a moment, he looked carefully.

Only then did he discover…

The court ministers and guards who had originally followed him into the palace were all no longer present. Standing before him was another group of people entirely.

Leading them was Lang Bo!

Eh!

Jing Yi was astonished. In that instant, his palms suddenly grew cold. He stared wide-eyed at all this, unable to believe it. “How can this be?”

Standing in the fine drizzle, Lang Bo gripped his long sword, raised his brows, and grinned broadly. “Prince Yi, didn’t expect this, did you? Look around you. Right now, you’re a cornered beast fighting for survival.”

All around were people seeking his life.

He narrowed his sinister eyes and said viciously, “You’ve broken into the palace—that’s nothing but seeking death.”

“Does Prince Yi still not realize that the forces you deployed within the palace have long since surrendered?”

“Impossible!”

Heh heh.

Suddenly, Commander Xiao led a contingent of troops hurrying forward. He stood beside Lang Bo and said, “The southern and northern palace gates have been opened. The last contingent of troops has entered the palace. All the traitors have also surrendered.”

“Thank you, Commander Xiao.”

“Protecting His Majesty’s safety and the palace’s security is my duty to begin with.” Imposingly mighty.

Jing Yi was stunned, then filled with immense fury. His fists clenched tightly. “Commander Xiao? You dare betray this prince!”

He shouted loudly.

Commander Xiao naturally carried a rigid, unyielding aura. He stepped forward, his face cold, and said, “Prince Yi, the situation is now settled. The troops you ordered me to deploy within the palace have all been withdrawn. Now within the palace are all Prince Rong’s people. You’re now backed into a corner—you should turn back.”

“Turn back?” He laughed coldly, gritting his teeth. “Right now, inside and outside the capital, this prince has already deployed everything thoroughly. The city gates were closed last night—no one can enter. If the third quarter of the mao hour arrives and Ji Siyin still hasn’t received this prince’s order to withdraw troops, he will lead his army into the palace. All of you will become nothing but bleached bones within the palace.”

He hadn’t lost yet!

However—

A voice suddenly emerged from the crowd.

“The third quarter of the mao hour will be the moment of your defeat!”