A Lamb to the Slaughter
He remembered. Of course he remembered. How could he forget?
"Son remembers!"
"Then what did We say to you?"
Jing Hua muttered to himself for a moment, then sat upright. "That day was Mother's birthday. Imperial Father conferred Son the title of Crown Prince in front of all the civil and military officials. Imperial Father said that for the peace of the nation and its people, justice must come first, then happiness. Only then can life be as smooth as a boat. Son must not create chaos for chaos, and must not commit treachery for treachery. There are many good and virtuous officials, and Son must learn from them."
That year, during Empress Xuanshu's birthday banquet, Qi Zhen Emperor raised his cup and personally conferred the title of Crown Prince to the ten-year-old Jing Hua in front of all the Great Lin court officials.
Qi Zhen Emperor also said these words to Jing Hua in front of all the officials.
More than ten years had passed, but Jing Hua still remembered it. He recited it without missing a word.
After Qi Zhen heard this, he nodded and said, "Yes, you still remember."
How gratifying!
Jing Hua's chest sank as soon as he finished speaking.
He was still struggling and hesitating!
He clenched his fists on his knees, the veins on the back of his hands bulging. His beautiful satin was twisted into an ugly fold.
Hidden in the shadows, Qi Zhen coughed twice and asked, "Jing Hua, you grew up by my side. We know your temperament better than anyone else. You have a pure and kind nature, and you don't like to fight. This is where you differ from Jing Yi and Jing Rong. Although they are intelligent, and the officials of the imperial court believe that they are part of the Dragon Riders, we feel that as an Emperor, what we lack is your temperament. Even after so many years, we still feel this way."
What a big bowl of chicken soup!
Jing Hua seemed to have been brainwashed. He raised the bowl of chicken soup and was about to put it into his mouth.
But …
Just as he was about to speak, he stopped.
"Imperial Father, Son can't turn back."
Jing Hua hung his head, his tone filled with helplessness.
Qi Zhen Emperor didn't respond, calmly looking at him.
Jing Hua pushed the bowl of medicine in front of him towards Qi Zhen Emperor, not daring to look at him.
"Imperial Father, please don't make things difficult for Son. Son promises to be a good Emperor."
He steeled his heart and finally made a decision.
At this time, Zhang Quan hurriedly stepped forward and said, "Crown Prince, the Emperor is your Imperial Father. It's not too late to turn back now."
"It's too late." Jing Hua stood up and took a few steps back.
"Crown Prince …" Zhang Quan's face scrunched up in a frown as he bowed to the Crown Prince.
But the Crown Prince was determined.
Qi Zhen Emperor also stood up, his hands on the table. Panting, he asked Jing Hua with difficulty.
"You still don't know your mistake?"
"Wrong?" Jing Hua smiled, but his eyes immediately darkened. "Imperial Father, I remember everything you taught me. But today, I am forced by the circumstances. You taught me the way to rule the country, but you also taught me that I should only do things for myself. Anything that is disadvantageous to me is a threat. What I am doing today is in accordance with your teachings!"
"Unfilial son!"
Bang!
He slammed his fist on the table.
Qi Zhen Emperor was so angry that he spat out a mouthful of blood. Pointing at Jing Hua, he said, "We were wrong, really wrong to raise such an unfilial son. Even now, you still don't know how to repent."
Zhang Quan supported him from the side.
Jing Hua did not waver. "I gave Imperial Father a chance, but Imperial Father didn't want it. So, don't blame me for being ruthless."
As soon as he finished speaking, the tightly shut door was pushed open.
Jing Hua's personal guards rushed in with the East Palace guards. Each of them pointed their swords at Qi Zhen Emperor.
The sound of the Armored Soldiers resounded throughout Fuyang Hall.
The door opened, and light shone in from outside, illuminating the entire inner chamber.
Qi Zhen Emperor, who had been hiding in the dark, was reflected in the light.
Compared to two days ago, his face was much paler. His paleness was tinged with anger and disappointment.
It seemed a little morbid!
If not for Zhang Quan supporting him, he would have fallen to the ground.
The bowl of dark yellow medicine in front of him was stained with the blood he spat out. The white porcelain bowl was cold and glaring.
Of course, when the East Palace guards rushed in with their swords, the Crown Prince suddenly shouted.
"Put away your swords."
The East Palace guards obeyed and immediately sheathed their swords.
The Crown Prince said, "Imperial Father, the entire East Palace has been surrounded. It is all thanks to Imperial Father that I was able to break in. If you didn't arrange for my wedding today, Fuyang Hall wouldn't be so lax. Moreover, all the civil and military officials are gathered in the East Palace. No one knows about what happened at Fuyang Hall, so …"
He pointed at the bowl of medicine.
"If Imperial Father can follow Son's wishes and drink this bowl of soup, Son will announce to the public that Imperial Father has passed away due to illness. After Son ascends to the throne, Son will bury Imperial Father in a grand manner and confer Imperial Father a posthumous title."
What a good son!
Qi Zhen Emperor seemed to have no choice but to accept this compliment.
But …
Qi Zhen was furious. He supported his weak body and swept the bowl of medicine on the table to the ground.
Crash!
The medicine shattered into pieces.
Jing Hua knew that he had already taken this step, and there was no turning back.
He raised his hand and gestured to his guards.
"Fine. Since Imperial Father insists on not drinking this bowl of medicine, then don't blame Son for being ruthless."
He finished speaking!
Jing Hua moved his palm forward.
After receiving his order, the guards drew their swords once again and aimed them at Qi Zhen Emperor and Zhang Quan.
Qi Zhen Emperor's body suddenly fell backwards, sitting on the soft mattress behind him. Zhang Quan also knelt on the ground with his hands on his chest.
He pleaded, "Crown Prince, don't make the same mistake again!"
His voice was choked with desolation.
Jing Hua did not waver. His eyes were bloodshot.
He commanded, "Kill!"
The East Palace guards raised their swords and stabbed at Qi Zhen Emperor. However, when they were just a few steps away, the swords that were originally aimed at Qi Zhen Emperor suddenly changed direction and beheaded the guards beside him.
Without warning, the entire inner chamber was dyed red with fresh blood.
Half of the East Palace guards were killed, while the other half were killed!
The guards who had suddenly betrayed the East Palace turned their swords towards Jing Hua after killing the guards.
The scene in front of him was completely out of Jing Hua's control. At that moment, he was completely dumbfounded.
His eyes widened, and his legs went soft. Even his shoulders that were originally straight collapsed at this moment.
"You …"
Jing Hua pointed at the group of people in front of him.
Suddenly, Jing Yi's voice came from behind him.
"The Crown Prince is rebelling. Arrest him."
As soon as the order was given, the remaining half of the 'East Palace' guards stepped forward and grabbed Jing Hua. They pressed down on his shoulders and dragged him to the ground.
Jing Hua did not resist. He was completely stunned.
At that moment, he was like a lamb waiting to be slaughtered.
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