Even if the Princess of Zhen is killed, there is still Bai Jinxiu outside, along with the other young ladies of the Bai family. If the Princess of Zhen truly dies within Luohong City, Bai Jinxiu will surely attack Luohong City in fury. If the city falls, His Majesty would have no chance of survival, and as their servants, we also might not live for many days.
After a moment, Gao Demao withdrew his gaze, a green shadow before his eyes.
In his heart, Gao Demao made a secret resolution, a decision made in desperation to survive.
If the Crown Prince cannot persuade His Majesty, and His Majesty indeed wants to kill the Princess of Zhen, Gao Demao must find a way to ensure the Princess of Zhen’s survival, for only if she lives does he have a chance to live.
Gao Demao has served His Majesty for so many years and naturally does not wish to see the Jin Kingdom perish. But it is clear that the Jin Kingdom’s great strength has waned, and regardless of the Princess of Zhen’s fate, the Jin Kingdom is headed for destruction. If one cannot see this reality, only death awaits.
Gao Demao sighed and left slowly with the eunuchs.
Just after Gao Demao left, someone from the Crown Prince’s side came to summon Qin Shangzhi, saying that His Highness the Crown Prince requested Mr. Qin’s presence for an important discussion.
The Crown Prince had been indecisive outside the Emperor’s bedchamber until Quan Yu advised him to send for Qin Shangzhi to discuss the matter.
After meeting Qin Shangzhi, the Crown Prince informed him of the Emperor’s intention to take Bai Qingyan’s life when she arrives in Luohong City. Qin Shangzhi was shocked and hurriedly urged the Crown Prince to go before the Emperor to stop this absurd notion.
However, Qin Shangzhi also understood that the present Emperor cared about nothing but his Nine-step Terrace, his quest for the Immortal Pill, and eternal life, regardless of the Crown Prince or the vast kingdom.
Therefore, Qin Shangzhi advised the Crown Prince to focus his persuasion on matters of the Nine-step Terrace and elixirs when meeting the Emperor.
After constantly reiterating this to the Crown Prince, who memorized it repeatedly, Quan Yu accompanied him to see the Emperor.
The Emperor lounged under the gold-hooked yellow brocade curtains, his elbow resting on an armrest cushion to support his body. After swallowing the elixir with hot water, he took the handkerchief from the black lacquer and gold-painted tray held by a palace maid, wiped his mouth, and looked down at the Crown Prince: "There is no need to discuss this matter further."
The Crown Prince knelt before the pale Emperor, kowtowing in earnest: "I plead for the Princess of Zhen not for her sake but for the consideration of you, Father. If indeed the Princess of Zhen is killed, those generals from the Liang Kingdom may rebel directly. The Jin Kingdom will fall apart instantly, and how can Bai Jinxiu not seek revenge for the Princess of Zhen?"
Upon hearing the Crown Prince’s words, the Emperor frowned, lightly stroking the intricate embroidery on the armrest, pondering silently.
Seeing that the Emperor did not further chide him, the Crown Prince continued: "The soldiers within Luohong City today are nowhere near the battle-hardened troops under the Princess of Zhen. If anything happens to her, Bai Jinxiu will surely attack Luohong City within two days without regard for the Eldest Princess. By then, even we might not survive, Father."
Quan Yu, seeing that the Crown Prince had relayed all of Qin Shangzhi and the Crown Prince’s analysis to the Emperor, finally felt relieved.
The flickering candlelight cast the Crown Prince’s aged features in shadow; in just one month, he seemed to have aged ten years.
The Emperor waved dismissively, indicating the Crown Prince’s departure, and reclined weakly on the armrest, closing his eyes.
The Crown Prince paid his respects and withdrew; Quan Yu also bowed to the Emperor, following quietly behind the Crown Prince as they retreated.
The Emperor glanced at Quan Yu, his eyes narrowing.
Once outside the Emperor’s temporary bedchamber, the Crown Prince looked up at the glaring sun, its halo dizzying his eyes. He exhaled a long breath, descending the next step, as memories of the day he groveled at King Liang’s feet in front of the court, wetting his pants, haunted him with regret, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.
"Your Highness, be careful!" Quan Yu stepped forward to steady the Crown Prince, his voice gentle, "The sun is still fierce; do not strain your eyes by looking up like this."
The Crown Prince held onto Quan Yu’s wrist, his heart warmed by Quan Yu’s loyalty, having followed from afar from Dadu City. The Crown Prince gazed at Quan Yu, feeling a surge of warmth.
Regrettably, the Crown Princess Consort and little prince could not accompany him, and to this day, he has no news of the Crown Princess Consort and the little prince.
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