Chapter 309: Of No Avail
Chapter 309: Chapter 309: Of No Avail
Upon hearing this, the Emperor and Zhi Ye both turned to look.
When they saw the two men who had entered, their expressions were filled with astonishment.
This was especially true for the Emperor.
His eyes were fixed on the man behind Shen Congrong.
His gaze held surprise, shock, and a scrutinizing edge.
He had just watched everyone collapse with his own eyes, including this very son.
Yet now, his son showed no signs of being poisoned whatsoever.
"Hongyuan, you... how are you unharmed?" Although he asked the question, the Emperor already knew the answer in his heart.
The man behind Shen Congrong was indeed Prince Gao Yang, Xuanyuan Hongyuan.
Prince Gao Yang’s eyes flickered. He stepped forward and knelt before the Emperor. "Father, I didn’t drink much tonight, so the poison’s effect was not severe. Fortunately, Commander Shen revived me, which is why I’m unharmed."
The Emperor heard this and nodded faintly. "You are fortunate."
Prince Gao Yang glanced at his father’s face, unable to guess what he was thinking.
He lowered his head, saying with a look of relief, "Thank goodness you’re all right, Father. Otherwise, I would have been consumed with guilt for the rest of my life."
"Why would you be guilty? Could it be that you conspired with traitors to set this trap? All to usurp my throne and the Great Chen Kingdom?" the Emperor said gravely, his authoritative eyes scrutinizing the son before him.
Prince Gao Yang’s heart skipped a beat. He said awkwardly, "Father, you jest. How could I... how could I possibly do such a thing...?"
"Emperor, Prince Gao Yang’s virtue and ability make him more than capable of shouldering this great responsibility," Shen Congrong cut in, kneeling on one knee. "I implore you to abdicate the throne to Prince Gao Yang, lest it fall into the hands of a lowly brigand and destroy the centuries-old foundation of our Great Chen!"
Seeing his self-righteous act, Zhi Ye could no longer contain himself and let out a cold laugh.
By now, how could he not see Shen Congrong’s rapacious ambition?
Shen Congrong had been using him from the very beginning.
Shen Congrong wanted to install Prince Gao Yang on the throne simply because the prince was easier to control.
And he had been completely deceived by Shen Congrong, believing that Shen Congrong, like him, was singularly focused on avenging his father.
For so many years, he had trusted him completely. He had listened to Shen Congrong’s talk of overthrowing the Dog Emperor, plundered wealth in Jiangnan, and supplied him with provisions. And for what...
Zhi Ye narrowed his eyes and said sarcastically, "Shen Congrong, I think the one who really wants the throne is you, isn’t it?"
Shen Congrong rose to his feet and glanced at him with contempt. "A lowly brigand like you? What right do you have to stand here?"
Enraged, Zhi Ye raised his sword and lunged at him.
But just then, his body faltered. He lost his grip on his sword, and it fell to the ground with a CLANG. He then lost his footing and collapsed.
He was horrified. He tried to get up but found he had no strength at all.
Shen Congrong sneered, walking over to stand before him. He looked down at Zhi Ye condescendingly. "Daring to assassinate my Emperor. Your crime is punishable by ten thousand deaths!"
Zhi Ye was both shocked and furious. "You... When did you dose me with Soft Muscle Powder?"
Shen Congrong scoffed. Instead of answering, he raised his sword.
Seeing this, Zhi Ye’s expression darkened. He already knew the answer.
It must have been when he tried to assassinate the Emperor. Shen Congrong had pretended to block him, using the opportunity to sprinkle the powder.
Zhi Ye was filled with anger and regret.
But it was too late.
Shen Congrong’s sword plunged toward his heart without a moment’s hesitation.
THUNK!
The sound of the sharp blade piercing flesh echoed in the tent.
As Shen Congrong pulled his sword free, bright red blood sprayed from Zhi Ye’s chest.
Zhi Ye stared at Shen Congrong, death in his eyes. "You... are ruthless!" With that, his head lolled to the side, and he breathed his last.
Shen Congrong sneered. Without a second glance at the body, he walked toward the Emperor, his sword still dripping with blood.
"Emperor, this traitor disrespected you, so I have executed him."
The Emperor’s expression showed no sign of pleasure.
He looked up at the head of the Imperial Guards before him and said suddenly, "Shen Congrong, how long have you been by my side?"
Shen Congrong paused, seemingly lost in thought. After a long moment, he said faintly, "Almost twenty years, I believe."
The Emperor nodded. "It’s a wonder you remember. Do you also remember when you were starving to death by the roadside, and it was I, traveling incognito, who happened to find you and take you in?
I was the one who raised you up from a complete nobody to become the head of the Imperial Guards.
I trusted you more than my own sons.
And how have you repaid me?"
Shen Congrong snapped out of his reverie and said coldly, "Every man for himself, or heaven and earth will strike him down. Besides, your own position as Emperor was stolen through unsavory means.
I am merely taking back what was lost."
The Emperor was shaken. He stared at him, his eyes filled with scrutiny. "You... are King Jin’s son?"
Shen Congrong didn’t answer, his expression unreadable.
The Emperor’s heart sank. He narrowed his eyes. "So, you collapsing by the roadside all those years ago... that was deliberate? You knew I would be traveling incognito and would pass that way? You have incredible forbearance! To lie in wait by my side for so many years, earning my trust step by step, all for this day?"
Shen Congrong snorted impatiently. "Enough nonsense. You should hurry up and write the edict of abdication. I will be sure to assist Prince Gao Yang in making the Great Chen Kingdom even more stable and prosperous!"
"And if I refuse?" the Emperor said, his face darkening.
"I’m afraid you don’t have a choice." With that, Shen Congrong pressed the blade of his sword against the Emperor’s neck. "My men are everywhere outside. You will write it whether you want to or not. Besides, Prince Gao Yang is your son. What difference does it make if you pass the throne to him instead of another Prince?"
Hearing this, Prince Gao Yang immediately stood up and chimed in, "Rest assured, Father. I will rule the kingdom well and will not disappoint you." He paused, then walked to the tent flap and pulled it aside. "To ensure your safety, Father, Commander Shen has already assembled his men to stand guard outside."
Seeing the sea of soldiers outside, the Emperor was so furious he began to laugh. "Protect my safety? It’s clear to me you’re coercing me!"
"I wouldn’t dare," Shen Congrong said, though the sword at the Emperor’s throat didn’t move an inch.
Prince Gao Yang met the Emperor’s authoritative gaze and flinched. He let the tent flap fall and said awkwardly, "I wouldn’t dare."
"Emperor, why delay any further? I have the entire hunting ground surrounded. No one is coming to save you. Even Lu Zhan, the one you rely on most, has been incapacitated by my poison.
A wise man knows when to yield. You are getting on in years, Emperor. Why cling to the throne and refuse to step down?
You need only write Prince Gao Yang’s name on the edict of abdication, and you will become the Supreme Emperor. You can live out the rest of your days in leisure, attended to by Prince Gao Yang. Isn’t that a better alternative?"
The Emperor’s gaze fell heavily upon Prince Gao Yang. "Hongyuan, is this what you think as well?"
Prince Gao Yang had always been afraid of his father. Even now, with a sword at his throat, the Emperor’s authority had not diminished, and it still struck fear deep into his heart.
But things had already come this far. There was no turning back.
’Besides,’ he thought, ’Father never truly considered me his son.’
’First it was the Crown Prince, then Prince Rui.’
’Even though I am the eldest, I was never favored because of my mother’s humble birth.’
’Once I ascend the throne, who will dare to look down on me then?’
At this thought, he no longer hesitated. He declared loudly, "Yes! I am your son, too! Why can’t I inherit the throne? Please, Father, write the edict at once." With that, he strode forward, picked up the writing brush, and forcefully shoved it into the Emperor’s hand. "Please make your decision quickly, Father. If those soldiers were to storm in, I wouldn’t be able to hold them back."