"We advise the Emperor not to let them disgrace themselves. If I'm not mistaken, the person we kicked away was the commander of the Imperial Guards. Do you think those mere soldiers are a match for us? I won't hide it from you, we were personally trained by the Third Prince, and there are many more like us." The Third Prince could endure his grievances, but they couldn't. They had suffered enough over the years, and this throne rightfully belonged to their master. If not for the late Emperor's constant obstruction and their master's magnanimity, how could he possibly be on the throne?
"Are you trying to rebel?" the Emperor's face darkened. While he was reluctant to admit it, he knew they were telling the truth. These people were formidable, each one more so than the last. Judging by their words, the Third Prince seemed to have trained quite a few capable individuals. Truly, his good brother, who appeared detached from worldly affairs on the surface, was secretly making preparations.
"Your Majesty exaggerates. We heard on our way that Your Majesty wished to invite my master for a drink, and promised that whatever happened after drinking would be forgotten. We didn't expect you to change your tune so quickly and try to take his life. We are all orphans with no parents, and it was my master who saved us and gave us life. Today, we will protect him no matter what."
The Emperor felt utterly humiliated. He clenched his fists, his heart churning, tasting blood in his throat.
Wei Jin and Wei Mu exchanged glances and stopped paying attention to them. They helped their master leave in full view of everyone, and no one dared to stop them.
Seeing how little they regarded him, the Emperor's anger reignited. Fearing they would witness his vulnerability, he waved his hand, signaling them to leave, and then hurried towards his sleeping quarters.
Closing the door of his chambers, he suddenly spat out a mouthful of blood. The Empress, who had been by his side, was startled and shrieked, "Your Majesty, what is wrong?"
"Don't make a fuss. Help me lie down," the Emperor said weakly, wiping the blood from the corner of his mouth.
The Empress immediately followed his command, staggering as she helped him to the bedside. Once he was lying down and covered with the quilt, she said with concern, "Your Consort will summon the Imperial Physicians."
"No need. I'm fine. You and I know about me spitting blood today, but let no third person know. You may leave now. I wish to be alone."
"Your Imperial health is paramount..."
The Empress stopped mid-sentence, her words caught in her throat as she met the Emperor's piercing gaze. She quickly lowered her head and said guiltily, "Yes, Your Consort obeys."
When he was finally alone in the room, the Emperor said bitterly, "Come out!"
As soon as he spoke, a figure in black emerged from the inner chamber and knelt before the Emperor's bed, guiltily saying, "Your servant deserves death."
"You indeed deserve death. I trusted you so much and gave you this task. I never expected you to let him return alive. And how could you have never told me about the many people he has cultivated over the years? Even a mere servant by his side can bully me. What is the point of me being Emperor?" As he spoke of this, the Emperor couldn't help but choke up. Though the throne was desirable and power captivating, thinking of the sleepless nights he'd endured throughout his reign, he felt a pang of grievance.
He recalled how, when he first ascended the throne, no one accepted him, and many resented his decision to banish the Third Prince to the imperial mausoleum. It had taken him immense effort to appease them and make them serve him. Just as things were improving, unrest erupted at the borders again. Although there were no major wars, skirmishes were constant. Gradually, the politics became clearer, and there was peace and prosperity, and then the Third Prince returned.
The black-clad man had been placed in the Third Prince's entourage by the Emperor. However, the Third Prince had always been well-guarded over the years, and it had been difficult to act against him, especially since those around him were no ordinary individuals.
Fortunately, the Emperor had provided him with sufficient manpower. Through overt and covert means, he had orchestrated many schemes, causing the Third Prince to fall ill several times.
The most recent instance was five years ago. The Emperor had someone bring a miraculous medicine from the Western Regions, which the Empress secretly added to the Third Prince's food. Despite his elixirs neutralizing any poison, his health deteriorated day by day. The physicians were helpless, and seeing his ashen complexion, could only advise them to prepare for the worst, as he likely wouldn't survive.
The Third Prince's people had even prepared white shrouds, but unexpectedly, after just one night, he began to recover. Even more terrifying was that from then on, no poison seemed to affect him, no matter how much was administered. Every time this was reported to the Emperor, he would disbelieve them and angrily declare, "Since you are so incompetent, I shall reward each of you with a silken noose."
"Yes." Having long anticipated this day, tears still flowed uncontrollably. With a sense of tragic resolve, he stood up. That very night, in a remote palace, dozens of eunuchs simultaneously hanged themselves. Only when they were confirmed dead did the eunuchs guarding outside enter, remove their bodies, and transport them away, as if nothing had happened.
Wei Jin and Wei Mu faithfully escorted the Third Prince back to his residence. In front of everyone, they laid him on the bed, covered him with a quilt, and instructed, "You may all withdraw. My brother and I will stand guard tonight."
"Yes." Everyone quickly bowed their heads and exited, closing the door behind them.
The two of them went through the motions of tidying up, and only then did the eavesdroppers outside leave. With beaming smiles, they approached the Third Prince.
"They're all gone now. Third Prince, you don't need to pretend anymore," An Jin said softly.
"Be careful, walls have ears." The Third Prince, who had appeared unconscious just moments ago, now opened his eyes. Reflecting on the events of the night, he sneered, "You two should also conserve your strength. The Emperor will likely make a big move soon, as he was quite frightened tonight."
"What? He's still not giving up? Do those people truly believe they can challenge us? Isn't that wishful thinking?" Wei Mu, though he hadn't fought them directly, knew they were all show.
"Caution is the mother of safety. Never underestimate the enemy." Gao Zimu, seeing that the two were already getting carried away after a minor victory, quickly warned them.
"Yes." The two admitted their mistakes with good grace. Although they harbored some skepticism, the Third Prince was their eternal god, and if he said so, there must be a reason. They would simply obey.
As expected, the next afternoon, the Emperor summoned him to the palace again. Upon meeting, the Emperor smiled and said, "It was my oversight. For so many years, I haven't been able to find a suitable woman from a noble family for my brother, leaving you middle-aged and alone. Are there any young ladies from the families of our civil and military officials that you fancy?"
Would the Emperor be so benevolent? The Third Prince looked at him with a half-smile.