Chapter 807 The Emperor, They All Disappointed Him

A few heavy coughs echoed from within the carriage.

Everyone’s hearts chilled, their emotions growing complex.

The Emperor’s health truly seemed to be failing.

Even those not trained as physicians could clearly hear the strain in his labored coughs.

Eunuch Qing returned to the carriage and whispered a few words before reappearing before the crowd.

He stated gravely, "No one is permitted to enter the Hall of Glorious Radiance. This is the Emperor's decree. Prince He's unauthorized entry is a grave disrespect! Immediately order the Shadow Killers to bring Prince He out, administer thirty strokes of the cane, and send him back to his manor!"

"Yes!"

A dozen more Shadow Killers swiftly entered.

The Empress grew anxious. "Your Majesty, He'er was injured recently and has not yet recovered. If he is beaten now, it may gravely harm his vitality! Your Majesty, He'er merely wished to help, to assist you. Your Majesty, please see the truth!"

The Emperor remained unresponsive. Eunuch Qing said expressionlessly, "Prince He's impulsiveness is inexcusable. Your Highness, thirty strokes is already the Emperor's mercy. Please do not trouble His Majesty further, or else..."

Eunuch Qing did not finish his sentence, but everyone understood its implication.

The last flicker of light in the Empress's eyes vanished as she lowered her gaze.

Could a person dead for so many years still hold such sway over him?

Even her He'er, one of the most favored candidates for the future crown prince, could not compare to the peace of that deceased person?

Her He'er was already so severely injured! How could he withstand thirty strokes?

The Empress clenched her palms tightly, her sharp fingernails drawing crimson marks on her skin.

He was biased!

He had been biased for a very, very long time!

Was Feng Ye Xuan already his chosen successor in his heart?

The Empress finally understood. The old man favored Feng Ye Xuan but feared the Xuan Prince's overwhelming power and lack of control, so he had "cultivated" Prince He.

And she and He'er were merely pawns in his hand to counterbalance Prince Xuan!

Soon, Feng Qi He was brought out.

The word "brought" was used because it was evident Feng Qi He was not lightly injured.

Already suffering from severe wounds, his condition worsened with the night's actions.

As a prince, his person was noble, yet now he was to be dragged away for caning.

Feng Qi He uttered not a word, gritting his teeth and enduring the beating without a whimper, his resolve unyielding.

The Empress, however, felt pain piercing her heart and soul.

Looking at the Emperor, he remained seated quietly in the carriage, uttering no sound.

As Prince He endured the caning, no one else around dared to speak.

Even Prince Yu, who appeared gentle but was known for stirring up trouble, remained silent, his feelings indescribably complex.

Father Emperor still doted on Consort Rong!

Then, as Consort Rong's son, was Prince Xuan still Father Emperor's most favored successor?

Suddenly, everyone felt a surge of mixed emotions, a profound sense of unease.

It turned out that after all the calculations and struggles, Father Emperor had long ago decided on his chosen candidate.

What was the point of everyone's competition?

Such an Emperor had disappointed all his sons.

Especially the Empress. When she finally took her son, who was in a daze and on the verge of losing consciousness from the beating, back with her, she forgot the proper etiquette in her haste and did not seek the Emperor's permission.

She ordered people to take her injured son and left directly.

Whether it was due to her urgent concern for her son's injuries or lingering resentment, no one knew.

After Feng Qi He left, the Shadow Killers quickly emerged.

Feng Ye Xuan tightened his grip on his palms, his gaze fixed intently on the Shadow Killers.