Talking is simple.
Everyone present, every single one of them, was going to die.
The reason for their demise was simple.
It was the Sixth Prince, colluding with the Southern Yue and Jiao Ren people, who used the guise of offering tribute to attempt an assassination. The Crown Prince and the Empress, in their efforts to save Emperor Qi, both perished in the attack. As for the others, they had to die for knowing the royal secrets!
At that point, what if some court officials objected?
Emperor Qi was dead, his two most capable sons were dead, and he would be the sole heir.
Anyone who opposed would be dragged out to be buried with the late Emperor. Executing three to five loyal and upright individuals would ensure no one dared to utter another word.
He had meticulously planned everything for everyone, but in the eyes of Feng Jinlin and the others, he was simply foolish.
Without the Duke of Wei, he was like a brainless beast.
What did it matter if thousands of soldiers followed him?
He was still foolish enough to come alone, believing he had arranged everything.
Su Cheng coughed at an inopportune moment, interrupting the somber atmosphere.
He felt no embarrassment, instead saying,
"What a coincidence. In a few days, it will be Brother Feng's wedding. Mu Qian and I were out hunting for something to give him as a wedding gift when we stumbled upon your private soldiers plotting to enter the city. So, this young master's hands got itchy. I sprinkled some powder in the air and blew it onto them. Now, let's see if they're starting to develop a rash, shall we?"
"You!"
The Ninth Prince had never expected them to be discovered beforehand. He pulled up his sleeves and looked. Indeed, it had been fine just moments ago. How could it suddenly be covered in such a dense rash? It didn't bother him much when he didn't touch it, but once he did, it felt like an itch deep in his bones.
"Such low-class tricks, you use them so often!"
"Heh heh, I am a low-class person. Thank you for the compliment, Ninth Prince."
The sound of weapons clattering to the ground could be heard from outside, followed by hushed shouts.
"Where's the antidote?"
"I don't have that. But I heard from the start that this thing has no antidote, and it will only lead to scratching oneself to death."
Upon hearing this, the Ninth Prince could no longer tolerate it.
The private soldiers he brought numbered less than three thousand. Half remained outside the city to provide support, and the other half were secretly infiltrated into the palace.
They had used the secret passage of the former court, so no one discovered them.
This poison was something that Consort Wei had learned about inadvertently when she was alive, and it had proven to be of great use.
He surveyed the surroundings. With Emperor Qi now in his grasp, forcing Su Cheng to produce an antidote was the real objective.
He refused to believe that there was no antidote!
Thus, he rushed towards Emperor Qi with the utmost speed. At this moment, the Crown Prince could not let him gain any advantage and immediately shouted,
"Mother, take Father away!"
He then charged forward, positioning himself to "protect" Emperor Qi.
This was not the first time the Crown Prince had risked his life to protect his father. Emperor Qi was deeply moved. Fortunately, he still had a son who was wholeheartedly devoted to him!
However, this was not the time to dwell on their father-son affection.
He grabbed the Empress and retreated!
Unfortunately, the Empress's court robes had a long train. They accidentally stepped on it and fell to the ground.
Lin Wang and Feng Jinlin stepped forward, joining the Crown Prince in a fierce struggle against the Ninth Prince.
His martial arts were good, but how could he withstand fighting three people simultaneously? In desperation, he hurled the sword in his hand towards Emperor Qi. Just as it was about to pierce his back, it was struck down by an arrow from behind, falling to the ground.
The tip of the sword had even shaved off a strand of Emperor Qi's hair, causing everyone to cry out in alarm.
"Mu Qian!"
It was Xiao Mu Qian, leading a contingent of Imperial Guards, who had rushed in. Those outside were firmly controlled, and the Ninth Prince, due to his exhaustion, was kicked to the ground by Feng Jinlin. The Crown Prince stepped forward and stomped fiercely on his chest.
He wished he could crush the Ninth Prince's bones with this kick. The Ninth Prince, unable to bear the pain, spat blood from his mouth.
"You dare! This is the second time you've tried to kill Father!"
As he spoke, he increased the pressure of his leg, and the First Prince could hear the faint sound of bones cracking, yet he showed no intention of letting go.
Su Cheng, meanwhile, was holding onto the assassin in black. The assassin had intended to escape in the chaos or commit suicide, but Su Cheng had him tightly guarded.
This was a person the Prince had specifically requested, far more important than those who attempted regicide and usurpation.
Moreover, this entire spectacle was meant to pave the way for him and Xiao Mu Qian. With the merit of saving the Emperor, they would have a foundation for their future careers in court.
Therefore, it was natural for everyone to have a role to play.
Otherwise, a mere Ninth Prince could be defeated by Lin General, or even by Feng Jinlin alone.
Emperor Qi looked at the short strand of hair and suddenly began to laugh foolishly.
He muttered incessantly, "Dead, dead, Father is dead. Mother, Father is finally reunited with that bitch! Hahahahaha."
The Empress naturally understood what he was referring to. This involved the grievances of the previous generation of the royal family. If all of it were revealed, it would lead to great chaos.
She then decisively said,
"His Majesty is shocked and has developed a madness. Quickly, have someone escort him back to Changle Palace and summon the imperial physicians!"
She then said to Lin Wang, "General Lin, please assist the Crown Prince in handling matters here. Such rebellious traitors deserve to be punished by everyone. Whether to kill or dismember them, the Crown Prince shall decide. There is no need to consult His Majesty or this Empress."
"Yes!"
Next, she turned to the pale-faced palace servants beside her and said.
"Are you all dead? Hurry and help His Majesty back to Changle Palace!"
"Yes... yes..."
Then, the servants rushed forward in a flurry, some helping, some running.
This night had been so terrifying that it had nearly scared them to death. They had better leave quickly, as the remaining matters were beyond their control.
After everyone had departed, the Crown Prince looked at the Ninth Prince.
His eyes held no trace of the pity he had shown the Sixth Prince. He ordered someone to bring over the broken sword and, without even giving the Ninth Prince a chance to speak, plunged it directly into his chest. Not only that, but he twisted it violently until he saw the throbbing heart shatter into several pieces before he stopped.
"This time, I'll see how you plan to return from the dead!"
He threw the sword aside and issued his orders.
"General Lin, convey my command: hang all of them at the entrance of the marketplace, so the common people can see the consequences of attempting to assassinate His Majesty!"
"Yes!"
"General Xiao, you are responsible for capturing all the rebel troops brought by the traitor Xiao Yunli. Those who resist will be killed!"
"Yes!"
"As for the two Lords Feng, you two should return to your residences first. Tomorrow in the grand hall, you will both be needed to testify and explain tonight's events to the court. I want to see who among them has eyes but fails to recognize the situation and secretly supports others!"
"Yes!"