Protect Our Patriarch

---

Commandery Prince Kang's Residence.

In the early morning, while the sky was still dark, the servants of the residence had already risen early to start their busy day.

Deep within the residence, in the luxuriously decorated main courtyard bedroom, Commandery Prince Kang and his wife had also risen early.

Commandery Prince Kang stood by the bed with his arms outstretched as Zhao Yijing skillfully assisted him in donning his court attire, fastening a jade belt around his waist and placing a jade crown upon his head.

According to the national system of the Great Qian, for a royal family member to obtain the title of Commandery Prince, it was not only required to reach the Purple Mansion Realm in strength but also to earn enough military merits on the battlefield to be eligible for the title.

Even if the title of Commandery Prince was inherited, the same rules applied.

Thus, there were few useless Commandery Princes in the Great Qian; the vast majority were strong individuals with real talent and learning, capable of holding their own in their respective regions.

The court attire of a Commandery Prince was naturally designed to be grand, with a blue-gold base color and a golden three-clawed azure dragon pattern, which greatly accentuated a man's heroism and majesty.

In terms of appearance alone, Commandery Prince Kang was quite outstanding, with a tall and upright figure and a dignified demeanor. After donning his court attire, he appeared even more handsome and imposing.

However, for the past two days, Commandery Prince Kang had been feeling a sense of foreboding.

Today was the day of the grand court meeting, yet the "Old Xin" and the Wu brothers sent to the Changning Wang's Clan had not returned any news, and the ominous feeling in his heart was like a mold spreading and fermenting.

Moreover, Gongyang Ce, who was tasked with intercepting Zhao Zhikun and his wife, should have completed his mission and returned yesterday, but there had been no news, as if he had vanished into thin air, adding to the gloom.

"My husband, I heard that during this grand court meeting, His Majesty will commend you for your military merits on the outer region battlefield," Zhao Yijing softly said as she carefully arranged his majestic court attire. "With such merits, you will surely gain more support from the royal family."

Merits!

Indeed, Wu Chengsi had risked his life on the outer region battlefield, earning countless merits. Compared to the merits His Majesty had earned during the Imperial Heir Struggle, his were more than double.

These were genuine merits, confirmed and stamped by the military marshal himself.

And what had Wu Mingyuan done? He had merely jumped around like a clown, launching some "Dala Great Desert Reclamation Plan," which had only just begun a year ago and had yet to show results.

Within Prince Dexin's faction, a meeting had already been held. During this grand court meeting, the high-ranking officials in the military who supported him would assist him in launching a military campaign against the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan.

As long as he could seize the territory of the troublesome Southern Barbarian Gu Clan, it would be a monumental achievement. What could Wu Mingyuan possibly use to compete with him? Not to mention him, even if Commandery Prince Hao were alive and returned, he would be no match for Wu Chengsi.

The Imperial Heir Struggle had its own criteria for evaluation, and it wasn't about who was better at flattery. Even His Majesty's opinion only carried more weight and could not be the sole deciding factor.

With this thought, the gloom in Commandery Prince Kang's heart vanished. Wu Mingyuan, oh Wu Mingyuan, do you think you are worthy of competing with me, Wu Chengsi, for the position of Imperial Heir?

---

At the same time, while Commandery Prince Kang was preoccupied with thoughts of Gongyang Ce.

The Yun Yao flying boat was taking a shortcut, soaring over towering mountains.

After leaving the Great Qian, heading east for several thousand miles, one would reach the vast expanse of the Storm Ocean.

In the Storm Ocean, the winds howled, and the waves surged, with countless powerful sea beasts lurking, making it a perilous journey. Without exceptional cultivation, entering it recklessly would likely lead to an unknown death.

Upon entering the Storm Ocean's range, for safety, the Yun Yao flying boat ascended further, entering the high-altitude astral wind layer. From the sea surface looking up, the Yun Yao flying boat appeared as a mere dot.

At this height, it was far beyond the normal flying altitude of birds. Only a few types of flying fierce beasts with high growth potential could reach it. The Yun Yao flying boat, with its unique construction, could safely traverse it.

This was why the Yao Clan could monopolize the long-distance air transport business with the Yun Yao flying boat and earn a fortune.

Inside the Yun Yao flying boat.

Yao Chengchao estimated the distance and, seeing that the time was about right, entered the hidden compartment where Gongyang Ce was held.

In the dark compartment, Gongyang Ce wore alloy shackles on his hands and was tightly bound with a Beast Binding Rope, resting against the chair with his eyes closed. Even when he heard the door open, he remained motionless, not even opening his eyes, pretending not to hear.

"Young Master Ce, since you're here, you might as well make yourself comfortable. Don't act as if you've suffered a great humiliation. Life is full of ups and downs; consider this a life experience," Yao Chengchao said with a smile. "Besides, a guest is a guest. Since Young Master Ce boarded the Yun Yao flying boat, you're a guest of the Yao Clan. I've provided you with good food and drink along the way, haven't I?"

Hearing this, Gongyang Ce opened his eyes, glaring at him with hostility. "Now that you're in control, and I'm at your mercy, do as you please. Why bother putting on an act in front of me?"

"Yao and Young Master Ce have no grievances or enmity; why would I kill you?" Yao Chengchao replied with a helpless smile, feigning great injustice. "This time, it's because we lost the Changning Wang's Clan's goods, and the Yao Clan had to cooperate as compensation. Now that I've fulfilled my promise to Wang Shouzhe and repaid the Wang Clan, the rest is none of my business."

With that, he released the shackles on Gongyang Ce's hands and untied the Beast Binding Rope from his body, gesturing outside. "From now on, Young Master Ce is free. If you wish to leave, you can do so at any time. I won't stop you."

Gongyang Ce looked at him suspiciously, took a tentative step outside, and seeing that Yao Chengchao indeed had no intention of stopping him, he quickly headed for the door.

After all these days, the effects of the high-grade anesthetic had long worn off, and Gongyang Ce's strength had naturally recovered. Without the constraints of the Beast Binding Rope and alloy shackles, with his strength, crossing the Storm Ocean was still dangerous, but it was possible.

Once he returned to the Great Qian, he could inform Commandery Prince Kang of Zhao Zhikun's betrayal and expose the shameless schemes of Wang Shouzhe and Commandery Prince An.

Gongyang Ce had it all planned out.

However.

Moments later, at the rear cabin door of the Yun Yao flying boat, Gongyang Ce looked at the open door but had no intention of stepping out. Instead, he stared blankly outside, speechless for a long time.

"Wasn't Young Master Ce in a hurry to leave? Why not go now?" Yao Chengchao leisurely followed behind, smiling as he spoke.

"Why ask when you already know the answer?" Gongyang Ce shot him a dark look. "You released me because you knew I couldn't cross the 'Shenwu Heavenly Abyss.'"

At this moment, the Yun Yao flying boat was swiftly traversing the astral wind layer.

Behind it, a massive energy vortex stretched across the sky and earth, with unimaginable terrifying power roaring, rolling, and surging within it, exuding an unimaginable oppressive force.

It was a terrifying force akin to the might of heaven, making it impossible to fathom what kind of situation could create such a fearsome vortex.

Even the aftermath of this vortex was terrifying, and the Yun Yao flying boat dared not approach, relying only on the airflow of the astral wind layer to bypass it from the high-altitude side.

This energy vortex, known as the "Shenwu Heavenly Abyss," was located in the middle of the Storm Ocean and was one of the main barriers preventing communication between the Immortal Dynasty and the Great Qian.

It was precisely because of its existence that the Storm Ocean was perpetually filled with howling winds and towering waves.

Even the powerful fierce beasts that roamed the Storm Ocean were related to the endless, vast energy constantly escaping from the vortex.

If not for this vortex, the interaction between the Immortal Dynasty and the Great Qian would not be as difficult as it was now.

To date, only the Yao Clan's Yun Yao flying boat could take a shortcut, flying close to the vortex from a high altitude. Other means of reaching the Immortal Dynasty required a long detour from the north or south, which was not only far and slow but also much more dangerous.

Thus, anyone who had been to the Immortal Dynasty knew about the "Shenwu Heavenly Abyss." The reasons for its formation were varied, and there was no definitive conclusion.

Gongyang Ce only realized why Yao Chengchao had released him when he saw the vortex.

His Golden-winged Harrier had been taken by Wang Shouzhe and his group. Even if it hadn't been taken, the Golden-winged Harrier wouldn't have the ability to cross the Shenwu Heavenly Abyss! With its strength, it would likely be torn to shreds just by approaching the Shenwu Heavenly Abyss!

The same fate awaited him!

"Wasn't Young Master Ce in a hurry to return?" Yao Chengchao said with a smile. "We've just passed the Shenwu Heavenly Abyss, and we're not far from the Eastern Qian Kingdom. You can take a detour, and in a year or so, you'll reach the Eastern Qian Kingdom."

A year or so?

Gongyang Ce's face darkened, and he almost spat blood in anger.

The Yun Yao flying boat made the round trip between the Great Qian and the Immortal Dynasty about once every six months. If he took a year or so to detour back, he might as well wait until he reached the Han Yue Immortal Dynasty and take the next Yun Yao flying boat back!

This Yao Chengchao, was he deliberately trying to provoke him? Gongyang Ce's head spun, and he felt dizzy.

"Since Young Master Ce isn't in a hurry to return, enjoy the journey," Yao Chengchao said with a smile. "Wang Shouzhe has already paid for your ticket, so we'll make sure you're well taken care of."

"Hmph!" Gongyang Ce flicked his sleeve and had no choice but to retreat back into the cabin. For now, he couldn't return, and Commandery Prince Kang, oh Commandery Prince Kang, he hoped you would take care of yourself.

In this way, Gongyang Ce's mindset gradually began to change.

---

Meanwhile.

The Imperial Palace.

Ding Qian Hall.

As the venue for the grand court meeting, Ding Qian Hall was the largest palace in the imperial palace, not only grandly constructed but also covering a vast area.

Inside Ding Qian Hall, there was a massive main hall that could accommodate over a thousand people for court meetings. On either side, there were several side halls for royal family members and ministers to use while waiting for the grand court meeting to begin.

Outside the hall, there was a massive square known as "Ding Qian Square."

On the steps in front of the square, there were large reliefs depicting the scene of the founding Emperor Ziwei Xuandu and the first-generation Lord of the Holy Land, Lingyun Zhenjun, joining forces to slay the Demon Emperor, commemorating the founding emperor's great achievements.

Ding Qian Square was vast enough to accommodate an army of over ten thousand soldiers in formation.

During the centennial military review ceremony, the army with the most military merits on the battlefield could be granted an audience with the Emperor here. For military officers, this was the highest honor, a glory to be proud of for a lifetime.

At this moment, as the sky began to brighten, figures began to appear on the square in front of Ding Qian Hall, all officials who would attend the grand court meeting.

According to the Great Qian's system, only officials of the fourth rank and above were eligible to attend the grand court meeting. Most fourth-rank officials were Purple Mansion Realm experts, with only a few exceptions for those with special talent and bloodlines.

Therefore, those who could be present were almost all high-ranking figures, and none were weak.

As the ministers ascended the steps, familiar officials gathered and couldn't help but engage in low-voiced conversations.

In recent days, the political landscape in Shangjing City had been turbulent, and they had accumulated a lot of things to say with no one to confide in. Now that they had the rare opportunity to gather, they naturally began to chat.

"To speak of Commandery Prince An, he is indeed formidable. Zhao Zhikun, after all, was the carefully cultivated successor of the Zhao Clan, yet he was dismissed just like that," an elderly minister remarked with a sigh. "However, Zhao Zhikun truly crossed the line. I understand the need to gather support and resources for Commandery Prince Kang, but smuggling and colluding with the enemy is too much. As an official of the Great Qian, one must have a bottom line."

"Indeed."

The other elderly ministers nodded in agreement.

The Southern Qin had been at war with the Great Qian for many years, and such acts of aiding the enemy were intolerable to anyone.

"In recent years, Commandery Prince An's side had been quiet, and his influence was completely suppressed. I thought he had given up on competing for the position of Imperial Heir, but he seems to have risen in the past two years. With the Zhao Clan's reputation taking a hit, Commandery Prince An's reputation has soared, giving him a chance," an elderly minister, who appeared to be the oldest, commented.

"Old Qiao, in your opinion, what are the odds for both sides now?" the others couldn't help but ask.

"Sixty-forty," Old Qiao stroked his beard, pondering for a moment before answering, "Commandery Prince An has forty, Commandery Prince Kang has sixty."

Seeing the others' expressions of doubt, he reminded them, "This time, Commandery Prince Kang's military merits in the outer regions are outstanding, bringing much glory to the Great Qian in front of the Immortal Dynasty. And don't forget, Commandery Prince Kang has a heavyweight supporter on his side. With his support, Commandery Prince Kang's support among the military and martial families won't be low. Several old princes will also give him some face."

Upon hearing this, the others realized.

Indeed, it had been so long since that person had returned that they had momentarily forgotten.

As they spoke, they reached the top of the steps, and not far ahead was the side hall, where the crowd was gradually increasing. The elderly ministers naturally fell silent, blending into the flow of people.

As the civil and military officials gathered for the court meeting.

Prince Dexin, Prince Yong'an, and Commandery Prince Kang arrived together, followed by seventeen or eighteen Commandery Princes, forming a large group.

The number of Commandery Princes in Prince Dexin's faction was even greater, but some were occupied with important duties or were not in Guilong City, unable to attend this grand court meeting.

Even so, the number of "noble speakers" in Prince Dexin's faction was quite formidable. Don't think they were just background figures behind Prince Dexin; each Commandery Prince was a major figure in their own right, wielding considerable power.

In fact, several Commandery Princes in Prince Dexin's faction held important positions in the military, with significant influence.

The imperial power of the Wu Clan was evident here, with each outstanding Commandery Prince, Prince, and royal bloodline descendant wielding significant power. With a single command from the Emperor, orders were executed without question.

Even without considering the second-grade and third-grade families, the strength of the royal family was absolutely formidable.

Emperor Longchang was not a solitary figure, nor a lone commander. He firmly controlled the nation's foundation through the family structure. The other families and the royal family had a semi-dependent, semi-cooperative relationship. The stronger the family, the more they could share in the power and benefits of the Great Qian.

Thus, the grand appearance of Prince Dexin's faction immediately drew much attention. Many civil and military officials who were friendly with them came forward to greet and exchange pleasantries, creating a lively atmosphere.

This showed that even though Prince Dexin's faction's prestige had recently suffered, it didn't mean they had lost all support. In fact, many family and power representatives still favored Commandery Prince Kang's victory in the Imperial Heir Struggle.

Even among those families, there were some with interests tied to Commandery Prince An.

However, these interest groups would not suffer losses if Commandery Prince Kang came to power. When signing investment contracts, it was made clear that this was purely an interest investment and did not involve taking sides in the Imperial Heir Struggle.

In fact, some families were hedging their bets, observing the changing winds.

Prince Dexin seemed to have shaken off the gloom, striding with confidence, his face glowing with vitality, as he exchanged pleasantries with various civil and military officials, as well as other Commandery Princes and Princes, exuding an air of control over the situation.

Prince Yong'an, however, was much more low-key, with a reserved smile, maintaining a humble yet regal demeanor in his interactions.

As for Commandery Prince Kang, he appeared approachable and graceful, treating peers with warmth and elders with respect, embodying the model of an excellent quasi-Imperial Heir.

The group conversed as they made their way toward Ding Qian Hall.

At this moment, Prince Deshun's faction appeared. For this grand court meeting, Prince Deshun's faction seemed to have come out in full force, with nine Commandery Princes following the prominent quasi-Imperial Heir, Commandery Prince An.

They were all descendants of Prince Deshun, naturally standing on the same side as direct descendants.

The overall strength of Prince Deshun's faction was not weak, almost equivalent to an ordinary third-grade family. However, compared to Prince Dexin's faction, their momentum seemed much weaker.

Nevertheless, Prince Deshun's aura was not diminished, exuding an air of vitality like an old tree in spring, engaging with everyone to build connections and openly seeking support for Commandery Prince An.

"Hmph!" Not far away, Prince Dexin snorted in dissatisfaction. "Deshun, that old thing, is becoming more shameless with age. This prince is ashamed to be associated with him."

With a wave of his sleeve, Prince Dexin, with an air of arrogance, led his descendants into Ding Qian Hall first.

Once inside Ding Qian Hall, everyone fell silent, each wearing a solemn expression as they took their places according to rank, awaiting the start of the grand court meeting.

Various factions arrived one after another.

In no time, all those who were supposed to attend had arrived, numbering no less than five or six hundred people.

However, the spacious interior of Ding Qian Hall did not feel crowded.

Everyone waited in solemn silence, and after a quarter of an hour, with Old Yao's loud announcement, "His Majesty arrives."

"Welcome, Your Majesty." The participants of the court meeting bowed in unison, their voices resounding. In this Basalt world, kneeling was not the norm.

Accompanied by elite inner guards, Emperor Longchang walked steadily into Ding Qian Hall, ascending the Azure Dragon Throne, with Old Yao following closely behind.

Unlike in ancient China, most imperial thrones were not called dragon thrones, nor did they have dragon-shaped decorations. However, the Great Qian's imperial lineage was somewhat special, with their main bloodline being the Azure Dragon, so they held the Azure Dragon in high regard.

However, other emperors might not necessarily respect dragons.

The reason was simple: what kind of person was the Lingxu Emperor? Most dragons were no match for him, and only a few ancient dragons had the qualifications to challenge Emperor Longchang.

Emperor Longchang, unlike his usual casual demeanor in Zhuozheng Pavilion, was now dressed in a majestic imperial robe, his expression solemn and stern. His gaze swept over the assembly, exuding an overwhelming and intangible pressure that enveloped everyone present.

It was as if to declare that the Emperor, though old, was still the Emperor.

Only after he sat on the imperial throne did he wave his hand, saying, "Enough, let's begin the meeting."

The domineering pressure dissipated into nothingness.

The prelude to the court meeting was clear and simple.

Immediately, an official stepped forward to report, "Your Majesty, this spring, continuous heavy rains upstream of the An River have caused severe flooding in Tianfu Commandery, Lingbei Commandery, and Longzuo Commandery, especially in Lingbei Commandery..."

"Handle it according to precedent," Emperor Longchang decided with a wave of his hand.

After a series of reports and resolutions, another major issue was brought up, leading to discussions, arguments, and even accusations and insults among the ministers, before the Emperor made the final decision.

Matters brought to the grand court meeting were not trivial and had already become contentious, requiring debate before the Emperor's final decision.

Even Commandery Governor Taishi Ankang of Longzuo Commandery took the opportunity to join the fray, "Your Majesty, this is the grand development plan for Longzuo Commandery..." Unfortunately, before he could finish, Emperor Longchang interrupted, "Put it on hold for now; we'll discuss it when I have time."

It was evident that this proposal had been set aside by Emperor Longchang as a "weapon" against Wang Shouzhe. As long as Wang Shouzhe behaved and complied, the Emperor would speak kindly.

After all, he would see Wang Shouzhe today, so there was no rush.

After dismissing Taishi Ankang, Emperor Longchang transmitted a message to Old Yao, asking, "By the way, where is Wang Shouzhe?"

"Your Majesty, before dawn, Little Xiangzi took the imperial edict to summon Wang Shouzhe. According to protocol, he should be waiting in the side hall for your summons," Old Yao replied via transmission.

"Very well, let him wait a bit. After dealing with the miscellaneous matters, we'll call him in," Emperor Longchang, in a good mood, couldn't help but feel a bit smug. Wang Shouzhe, oh Wang Shouzhe, you who often criticize me in private, will now experience the Emperor's majesty.

Whenever I wish, I can summon you at will. Do you think you can contend with me? Hehe~~~

As one matter after another was swiftly resolved, it was time for commendations.

According to the prior arrangement, two outstanding individuals were to be commended today.

The first to be commended was, of course, Commandery Prince Kang, who had achieved extraordinary military merits on the outer region battlefield. Regardless of other circumstances, Commandery Prince Kang's merits in the outer regions were genuine honors.

Emperor Longchang naturally commended and encouraged him, then announced his achievements to the world, praising Commandery Prince Kang's accomplishments.

The civil and military officials cast admiring glances at Commandery Prince Kang. After this, his momentum and prestige would increase significantly, minimizing the previous unfavorable impact.

After all, the Great Qian highly valued military merits.

Some civil and military officials began to calculate in their minds. Once this national commendation was announced, the original sixty-forty odds between Commandery Prince Kang and Commandery Prince An might shift to eighty-twenty.

The momentum that Commandery Prince An had painstakingly built would be significantly weakened.

The faces of those in Commandery Prince Kang's faction lit up with joy.

At this moment, Commandery Prince Kang stepped forward with his head held high, saluting, "Your Majesty, inspired by your past glorious achievements, I have spent ten years with the military to draft a strategic military plan for your review."

Emperor Longchang took the memorial and saw that it was titled [Southern Barbarian Gu Clan Extermination and Southern Expansion Plan]. His expression momentarily froze, then he quickly scanned it, becoming somewhat excited. "Chengsi, if your plan is implemented, it holds great promise."

The Southern Barbarian Gu Clan had always been a thorn in Emperor Longchang's side.

That region was fertile and resource-rich, yet it had been inhabited by the Southern Barbarian Gu Clan since ancient times. Shortly after ascending the throne, Emperor Longchang coveted the vast lands southeast of Tianfu Commandery.

Unfortunately, several military campaigns resulted in the deaths of many Gu Clan members and their experts, and the temporary occupation of the Southern Regions.

However, due to the Gu Clan's expertise in using Gu and poison, and their reliance on the complex terrain for guerrilla warfare, they inflicted heavy casualties on the Great Qian's army.

Reluctantly, they had to withdraw, and the repeated failures became a thorn in Emperor Longchang's heart.

However, Commandery Prince Kang's plan included tactics developed in collaboration with the Holy Land and the military to counter the Gu and poison of the Southern Regions, appearing highly feasible.

Having fought for a lifetime, Emperor Longchang, a military genius, quickly grasped the advantages of Commandery Prince Kang's plan.

Commandery Prince Kang saluted again, "Your Majesty, the Southern Regions are vast, and only by completely exterminating the Gu Clan can we gain at least one commandery's worth of land. The resources are abundant, making it an ideal commandery for agriculture. I am confident that within fifty years, we can begin developing the Southern Regions, strengthening the Great Qian's national power."

"Under your wise leadership, I am determined to expand into the Southern Regions."

"Good, good, good." Emperor Longchang, delighted by this unexpected joy, beamed with satisfaction. "Chengsi, you truly understand my intentions. This could fulfill a major wish before I die."

Although the plan was proposed by Commandery Prince Kang and executed by him, the achievement would ultimately be credited to Emperor Longchang during his reign. The main credit would be recorded in history under Emperor Longchang's name.

Prince Dexin's faction immediately congratulated the Emperor, their voices filled with endless praise.

Many neutral ministers began to ponder, realizing that the situation seemed unfavorable for Commandery Prince An. Commandery Prince Kang's Southern Expansion Plan was clearly aimed at countering Commandery Prince An's Dala Great Desert Reclamation Plan.

Not only would it yield quick results, but it would also fulfill the Emperor's wish.

If Commandery Prince Kang succeeded, there would be no place for Commandery Prince An.

"Chengsi, you are fully responsible for this matter. Submit a more detailed battle plan within three months," Emperor Longchang said, his eyes gleaming. "I will fully support your military campaign and expansion plan."

"Yes, Ancestor." Commandery Prince Kang replied with composure and confidence, "I will not disappoint your expectations."

His eyes were filled with confidence, not only in winning this battle but also in crushing Commandery Prince An.

As a result, those in Commandery Prince Kang's faction wore expressions of joy, while the supporters of Commandery Prince An's faction were worried. How could they resist such an overwhelming situation?

If Commandery Prince Kang succeeded, even if Commandery Prince Hao returned alive, he would be no match.

In his joyful state, Emperor Longchang remembered the other person to be commended, Wang Shouzhe, and immediately signaled Old Yao, smiling, "Summon Wang Shouzhe for an audience."The initial excitement upon seeing Wang Shouzhe was significantly dampened by the Southern Border military plan, as the latter had been a thorn in his heart for many years.

"Summon Wang Shouzhe for an audience," Old Yao called out, his voice echoing into the side hall.

After a short while.

Wang Shouzhe did not appear. Instead, Little Xiangzi, who was responsible for delivering the decree, rushed in with a pale face. "Your Majesty, Wang Shouzhe defied the decree!"

"What?"

Emperor Longchang's smiling face froze and gradually turned cold. "What did you say!?"

"Your Majesty, Wang Shouzhe defied the decree and refused your summons," Little Xiangzi repeated.

In an instant, Emperor Longchang's expression darkened, and a wave of imperial anger surged forth. Wang Shouzhe, who do you think you are?

When I hinted at you before, you ignored it, fine.

But to defy a direct summons?

As the words were spoken, the faction of Prince Dexin felt a wave of delight. They had initially thought that at such a critical moment, the cunning Wang Shouzhe would pull some kind of nasty trick.

But who would have thought that Wang Shouzhe would be so foolish as to court disaster? To defy the Emperor's summons?

Well, well, well, this is arrogance born of favor, a self-destructive act. One of the things His Majesty detests most in his life is arrogance born of favor.

The supporters of Prince Deshun's faction were equally shocked. Had Wang Shouzhe gone mad? If he wanted to ruin himself, so be it, but was he also going to drag Commandery Prince An down with him?

Oh Wang Shouzhe, how foolish you are.