Sima Han spoke, looking directly into Sima Hao's eyes, then continued, "My request is that I want the military power from Prince Duan."
When this sentence was uttered, it seemed to have taken a great deal of Sima Han's strength. After finishing, he paused for a moment before continuing, "Your Imperial Majesty, do not say that you are in a difficult position, or that you cannot make decisions. I understand all of this very clearly, otherwise, I would not have made this request. The military power in Zheng Xiang's hands belongs to you. Even if Sima Zhu ascends the throne, that power will still be in your hands. As long as you are willing to approve, no one else can make the decision."
The smile on Sima Hao's face gradually disappeared with Sima Han's words. He looked at Sima Han with slightly sinister eyes and asked, "How did you know this?"
"Naturally, it was this Grand Tutor who told me," Yizixie suddenly said lazily from the side.
Upon hearing this, Sima Hao did not doubt further. Yizixie indeed knew about this matter.
"What do you want the military power for?"
This was what Sima Hao cared about most.
Currently, Sima Han was merely a prince without real power, and he didn't even receive the treatment he deserved.
If he could obtain military power, then he would no longer have to look at anyone's face.
Sima Hao's wariness was evident to Sima Han.
"Didn't Your Imperial Majesty just say that if you have it, and I want it, you will give it to me? Why is it like this now? Are you reluctant?"
Sima Hao looked deeply at Sima Han upon hearing this, but did not reply.
Just then, the main door was suddenly violently kicked open, and a group of soldiers rushed in, surrounding everyone in the room.
Shen Xiaoyan looked towards the door and saw Grand Princess Zande enter with her elegant demeanor.
She carefully observed Grand Princess Zande from head to toe and realized that her attire today was truly magnificent and extraordinary.
It was only logical. She was a princess, the Emperor's paternal aunt. Now, her own daughter was in the Emperor's harem and was pregnant.
With such a status, on a day like today, she naturally had to be dressed splendidly.
Grand Princess Zande's face was expressionless as she walked steadily towards Sima Hao.
When she reached Sima Hao, she slowly bowed and said, "Greetings, Your Imperial Majesty."
It was then that Shen Xiaoyan noticed that Baili Hao, dressed in black, was silently following behind Grand Princess Zande.
Unfortunately, he was masked in black, making him appear ominous.
Standing with Grand Princess Zande, he looked less like a couple and more like a guard protecting a princess.
Perhaps Shen Xiaoyan's gaze was too obvious, as Baili Hao subtly turned his head and looked at Shen Xiaoyan.
Shen Xiaoyan felt no fear towards Baili Hao, so she curved her lips and gave him a big smile.
Just then, Shen Xiaoyan suddenly heard a crisp slap. Turning her head, she saw that it was Sima Hao who had fiercely slapped Grand Princess Zande.
Looking at Grand Princess Zande's somewhat shocked expression, Shen Xiaoyan's lips revealed a trace of a mocking smile.
To be surprised now about why someone hit you is foolishness.
Did you expect to come here to commit fratricide and have the other person thank you?
It was only after Grand Princess Zande removed her hand from her face that Shen Xiaoyan was truly surprised.
She never imagined that Sima Hao, at his age, was still so swift in his actions.
The bright red five-finger print that stood out vividly on Grand Princess Zande's face looked as if it had been pasted on.
No wonder Grand Princess Zande had that expression just now.
As the old saying goes, one does not strike the face, and one does not expose shortcomings when scolding.
For Sima Hao to not only hit her face but to do so so loudly was indeed something that not just anyone could accomplish.
"Imperial Brother."
"Do not call me Imperial Brother. I cannot bear it," Sima Hao said coldly.
Grand Princess Zande, however, chuckled softly, "Imperial Brother jokes. We have been siblings for decades, both with one foot in the grave. How can you not bear it? In the past, when my sister was bullied, I was fortunate that Imperial Brother stood up for me. Later, you entrusted me with important responsibilities, otherwise, how would I have today's good life?"
Shen Xiaoyan listened to Grand Princess Zande speak with a tone of emotion and could barely refrain from laughing aloud.
Anyone who didn't know would think Grand Princess Zande had come to repay a debt of gratitude and reminisce!
But she was clearly here to kill!
To whom was she putting on such an affectionate display?
Seeing that Sima Hao remained cold-faced and silent, Grand Princess Zande paid no mind and continued, "Imperial Brother is unwell and has abdicated in favor of the virtuous. This was originally a good thing. Young Zhu is also filial. In the years he has been Emperor, he has not only been extremely filial to Imperial Brother but has also been good to all of us."
"This was originally a matter of two good things coming together, but Imperial Brother, why are you unwilling to let go?"
"Dynastic change is a natural occurrence. Since Imperial Brother has abdicated, should he not recuperate well and live out his old age in peace?"
"In recent years, Imperial Brother has made constant moves, both overt and covert. That's passable. Young Zhu is filial and did not hold it against Imperial Brother. However, you are now enlisting the Grand Tutor, Prince Duan, and even bringing A'han back. What is Imperial Brother trying to do?"
Grand Princess Zande's long speech was impassioned, as if she were pointing at Sima Hao's face and accusing him of plotting to usurp the throne.
If it were anyone else, they might have been intimidated by Grand Princess Zande's demeanor.
But who was Sima Hao?
Sima Hao chuckled coldly, "What? Has Grand Princess Zande's tongue become so nimble that she can now lecture her Imperial Brother? What have I been doing recently? I want to take back what belongs to me, is that also wrong?"
Grand Princess Zande's face darkened.
She had thought that by appealing to reason and emotion, and by making Sima Hao understand his current situation, he would obediently submit and no longer cause trouble, living out his old age peacefully.
This way, she would not have to commit fratricide.
Even if she found the best excuse to explain it later, others would still gossip about her behind her back, which would be extremely detrimental to her future plans.
But who knew that Sima Hao, old as he was, was still so unyielding.
No matter how much she said, it was all in vain.
Her expression grew slightly colder, and Grand Princess Zande said again, "Imperial Brother's words are mistaken. What belongs to you? This empire is the empire of Great Chu, and the one in charge is our Shui imperial family, not just you, Imperial Brother. Since ancient times, the throne has belonged to the capable. Imperial Brother is old and should naturally abdicate in favor of the virtuous. Do you, Imperial Brother, still want to monopolize it?"
"If words do not align, there is no need for further discussion. Since Grand Princess Zande has already made her choice, let us not speak further."
Sima Hao had no intention of wasting more words with Grand Princess Zande. No matter how much he said, he knew he had no choice.
He turned to look at Sima Han, whose expression remained calm, and said with heartbroken grief, "A'han, you see, your aunt and your brother, they want to treat your Imperial Father like this. Are you going to just watch me die?"