Оutside, the сivil аnd militаrу оffiсials waitеd, respectfully clаsрing their hаnds and lоwеring thеir еyеs. Оnсе thе impеrial proсеssion hаd passed, thеy follоwed behind.
Yin Gеzhi wаs nоt withоut саutiоn. Even thоugh Еmpеrоr Wеn of Wеi’s attitudе wаs utterly sinсеre, hе still glanced аt Commandеr Сhеn and thе Chief of thе Раlaсе Guаrd. Тhе Сommаndеr cоntrollеd the pаlaсе gаte guаrds, whilе thе Сhief commаnded the imperial guаrds within the palаce. Вoth wеrе on gоod terms with him, and if the emperor made any unusual moves, they would know.
However, both men appeared normal, meeting his gaze without any special reaction.
Reassured, Yin Gezhi finally believed the emperor was genuinely repentant.
At the ancestral temple, Emperor Wen of Wei was deeply devout, leading the imperial family in performing the rites. The atmosphere was solemn and dignified. As the Grand Master of Ceremonies recited the sacrificial prayers, everyone’s expressions were grave, their voices mournful. The bows and prostrations were executed flawlessly. After completing the series of rituals smoothly, nothing untoward occurred.
Emperor Wen of Wei rose with the support of the Crown Prince and ordered, “Set out for Longtai Mountain to seek the wisdom of our ancestors.”
“Set out—” the chief eunuch shrilled.
Yin Gezhi turned his head, glancing toward the north in the distance.
Guan Zhi should have already received Feng Yue. Once they connected with the people he had arranged, they could enter Longtai Mountain together.
Withdrawing his gaze, he followed behind the Crown Prince, walking out in an orderly manner.
Rows of imperial guards began changing shifts behind them. Those who had been protecting the imperial family at the entrance of the ancestral temple remained there, while the guards stationed around earlier now moved forward in an orderly fashion to escort the emperor onto the dragon carriage.
Feng Yue lifted her head slightly and saw an imperial guard nearby giving her a meaningful look. Understanding, she tightened her grip on the halberd in her hand and followed the surrounding guards, marching in step as they left the palace. Meanwhile, on the other side, someone dressed in a bright red dress, with a light veil covering her face, boarded Guan Zhi’s carriage.
Longtai Mountain was a royal forbidden area. It was unclear whether the imperial tombs were located there, but aside from imperial ancestral worship, no one was allowed to ascend at other times. The mountain was lush with dense trees, clearly a place of auspicious energy.
A magnificent temple had been built halfway up the mountain. Upon arriving, the emperor alighted from the carriage and, supported by the Crown Prince, proceeded into the temple.
This place was specifically used for imperial ancestral worship. The platform was meticulously constructed, surrounded by natural rock formations on three sides to protect those performing the rituals. Ascending two levels of steps, a towering pillar displayed the battle flag of the Wei Kingdom. Below the flag, an altar was set up, where the emperor stood behind it. Imperial guards densely covered the three sides, providing close protection.
With the formation in place and everything proceeding smoothly so far, the mood among the attendees was relatively relaxed. Even knowing the emperor was about to read the Proclamation of Guilt, it seemed no great matter—once it was done, they could disperse and return home for a meal.
However, just as the emperor took his position and ordered someone to bring forth the Proclamation of Guilt, Prince Xiao suddenly spoke: “Father.”
The voice was startling in the quiet mountain forest. Emperor Wen of Wei trembled slightly and frowned. “What is it?”
“There is still one person who has not arrived. I request Your Majesty’s permission for her to come forward.” Clasping his hands in salute, Yin Gezhi’s voice rang out cold and clear, echoing in all directions: “Since this is a proclamation of guilt, the sole survivor of the Guan family should be present.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the entire assembly erupted in uproar!
The sole survivor of the Guan family—wasn’t that Guan Qingyue, who had been pursued relentlessly in recent times? This Prince Xiao had immense audacity! Even if the Guan family’s case had been overturned, how could Guan Qingyue, a fugitive, be openly brought before the emperor?!Emperor Wen of Wei was also startled, his expression turning quite unpleasant. His gaze fixed on Yin Gezhi suddenly turned icy, devoid of any trace of fatherly kindness. "On such an important ancestral worship ceremony, must you deliberately unsettle your father?"
"I did not report in advance only out of concern for her safety," Yin Gezhi replied calmly. "I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."
Forgiveness? Emperor Wen let out a cold laugh, shedding all the earlier restraint he had shown in the palace. With a tone that was both mocking and not, he said, "The Prince Xiao I enfeoffed is truly filial indeed. Have you all heard this?"
The assembled officials bowed, uncertain of what was happening. Yin Gezhi frowned slightly and looked up at him.
His expression faltering for a moment, Emperor Wen seemed to recall something, and his expression softened again. "Since she is already here, bring her forward for me to see."
Feeling a weight in his heart, Yin Gezhi slowly turned and glanced at the attendant beside him.
Understanding his meaning, the attendant bowed and retreated. Before long, Guan Zhi led a woman in red up the mountain path, approaching gracefully.
A mocking smile played on Emperor Wen's lips as he glanced at the distant red figure. He chuckled softly, "The daughter of the Guan family is quite beautiful. No wonder someone cannot forget her, even going so far as to bribe prison guards to help her escape."
Princess Nan Ping, standing behind, did not understand these words but was very curious, craning her neck to look. Beside her, Feng Ming's face turned ashen, his hands clenched into fists.
All the officials turned their gazes toward the stone-paved mountain path, where the woman walked slowly, seemingly still needing some time to ascend.
"Chenbi," Emperor Wen watched for a while before losing interest. He waved for the Crown Prince to step down, leaving only Yin Gezhi by his side. Lowering his voice, he said, "You have always been clever and calculating. Today, let's calculate: will this woman attempt to assassinate me?"
His body stiffening slightly, Yin Gezhi lowered his eyes. "Why would Your Majesty say such a thing?"
"Everyone knows that the legitimate daughter of the Guan family is bold, unrestrained, and free-spirited. Even the troublemaker Feng Ming from back then could not control her," Emperor Wen chuckled. "I exterminated her entire family. Do you truly believe she came here today only to hear my confession?"
The weight in Yin Gezhi's heart grew heavier, and he clenched his hands tightly. "With your son here, she will not be able to assassinate Your Majesty."
"It is precisely because you are here that I am even more uneasy!" Emperor Wen laughed heartily and shook his head, looking at him. "Chenbi, your recent actions have seriously threatened an emperor's power and position. Under such circumstances, how could I dare to trust you?"
His pupils contracting slightly, Yin Gezhi instinctively wanted to step back. But looking at his father's face before him, he forcibly halted his steps.
In the next moment, a knife was pressed against the small of his back.
"Even between father and son, I must guard against you," Emperor Wen said, his eyes gleaming with cunning, a smile on his face. To those watching below, it was impossible to tell what was happening.
Yin Gezhi tilted his head slightly to glance behind him—it was an Imperial Guard from the palace. He remained silent.
"Confused, aren't you?" Emperor Wen smiled kindly, standing beside him and fearlessly leaning close to whisper in his ear, "You think Commander Chen is your man, so the Imperial Guard obeys you? This squad of Imperial Guards was trained by me personally—my most trusted confidants. If you make any reckless move, that poisoned knife will immediately pierce your body."
Emotions surged in Yin Gezij's eyes, filled with disbelief. "Father, why must it come to this?""Why has it come to this?" Emperor Wen of Wei chuckled softly and shook his head. "Silly child, you have threatened me. I still have at least a dozen or even several dozen years left on the throne. With a prince like you, forcing me to overturn the case, forcing me to apologize—how could I possibly allow you to continue?"
Whoever slaps the emperor's face will pay with their life.
His heart felt unbearably heavy, countless emotions surging into his head. Yin Gezhi's eyes reddened. Unable to voice the thousand words in his heart, he instead let out a low laugh. "So, Father, you deceived me. You never intended to admit your mistake."
"How could I possibly be wrong?" Emperor Wen sneered. "Guan Canghai had many followers, and those in the court who supported him outnumbered even those loyal to me! A man like that, holding military power—what if one day he harbored evil intentions? My throne would likely be taken by someone else in an instant. Tell me, what was wrong with me killing him?"
Followers? Yin Gezhi lowered his gaze. "Those who uphold the right path receive much support; those who abandon it receive little. Those who supported General Guan could hardly be called followers."
The smile slowly faded from his face, replaced by a slightly twisted expression. "Are you saying I have abandoned the right path? Yin Chenbi, I have been on the throne for over twenty years, and no one has ever dared to be as insolent to me as you are now!"
"That is precisely why, in these twenty-odd years, Your Majesty has failed to create a prosperous era."
No longer addressing him as "Father," Yin Gezhi's face returned to a deathly calm. "The troubles of the Wei Kingdom began with your ascension to the throne."
Furious, Emperor Wen nearly slapped him! How outrageous, how utterly outrageous! How dare this child speak to him like this, how dare he!
However, just as he raised his hand, a thought flashed through his mind, and he lowered it again, a smile returning to his face. "Trying to provoke me into striking first, so they'll think I'm a tyrant? You won't succeed!"
With that, he glanced at the woman in red approaching them and smiled. "I will find a way to make you strike first. This charge of insubordination is one you will bear."
The treaty with the Wu Kingdom was already signed. This was not Commander Chen's jurisdiction, and there was no influence of Yin Gezhi here. If he died, a story of "accidentally falling off a cliff" could be added. The Wu Kingdom would not immediately turn hostile; instead, they would likely appoint someone else recommended by Yin Chenbi.
His Wei Kingdom would survive, and Yin Chenbi could die.
A ruthless glint flashed in his eyes as Emperor Wen smiled broadly. Yin Gezhi remained silent, his eyes shifting slightly, filled with concern as he turned to look at Feng Yue.
As the woman drew closer, her face obscured by a veil, a pair of bright, lively eyes met his gaze.
Upon recognizing her features, Yin Gezhi froze.
This was not Guan Qingyue—it was Lingshu!
Guan Zhi stood beside Lingshu, sweat beading on his forehead. Lingshu's eyes were calm, devoid of their former innocence, appearing remarkably mature and composed. She stepped forward and curtsied. "This commoner, Guan Qingyue, pays her respects to Your Majesty!"
What was going on?!
For a moment, Yin Gezhi's heart seemed to stop beating. His lips turned pale, and he glanced anxiously at Guan Zhi.
Guan Zhi assessed his expression, his face darkening as he shook his head slightly.
Don't worry about us. Find a way to escape first!How could he break free? Yin Gezhi pursed his lips and closed his eyes. To shake off the poisoned dagger at his back, he would have to use a major move. Any large movement would alert the officials below, and Emperor Wen of Wei could simply shout "Catch the assassin!" Having him seized as an assassin would leave him no chance to defend himself before being convicted.
The older ginger is spicier indeed. Emperor Wen of Wei was betting that he wouldn’t dare strike at him, which was why he stood so boldly by his side. And indeed, he couldn’t lay hands on the emperor—otherwise, he would truly become a rebel.
What should he do? Lingshu had come, but where was Guan Qingyue?
Emperor Wen of Wei was in high spirits. Glancing at the person before him, he said, "You claim to pay respects, yet why not perform the grand bow? You merely kneel."
Lingshu looked up and smiled, glancing behind him.
A chill ran through Emperor Wen of Wei’s heart. Suddenly sensing something amiss, he hurriedly tried to turn around!
But it was already too late. The imperial guard standing behind him suddenly pressed a dagger against his lower back, followed by the low voice of a young woman: "Because you don’t deserve it, Your Majesty."
OpenNovel