"My Uncle, framing a minister is a capital offense!"
The eunuch hurried down the steps, picked up the paper the Regent had thrown, and presented it to the Emperor. Ji Hong, reading at a glance, tore the paper into pieces in anger. Gripping the scraps, he leaned forward slightly, looking down at Ji Jinmo with furious eyes, and questioned him sternly.
Ji Jinmo fiddled with the corner of his robe, smiling coldly and contemptuously, "Your Majesty, how do you know these are fabricated charges by this King, and not proof of their deeds?"
"My Uncle, do not treat people as fools!"
Ji Hong balled the paper scraps and threw them fiercely at Ji Jinmo.
The paper ball fell through the air and rolled to Ji Jinmo's feet after hitting the ground. Ji Jinmo raised his foot and crushed the paper ball. "Whether it is true or not, a check will reveal it!"
"If Your Majesty fears unrest in the court, this King is willing to share Your Majesty's burden!"
"Coincidentally, various ministers are also coming to my manor to demand an explanation. Why not accompany this King back to his manor at this moment?"
"Your Majesty, please discern the truth!"
The ministers knelt, begging the Emperor to investigate. They prayed the Prince would not have his way and force them to accompany him back to his manor, for they feared they would never return. That place was not a prince's manor, but an abyss leading to hell. They absolutely could not go there!
"I believe in my ministers. They are all pillars of Lin Yuan, and I will not allow My Uncle to frame them in such a manner!"
Ji Jinmo tidied his sleeves and said carelessly, "Then I hope Your Majesty can protect them."
"What do you mean?"
"They had better never step out of the Imperial Palace in their lives!"
"Your Majesty!"
"Your Majesty, we are terrified!"
All the officials were frightened.
What did Ji Jinmo intend? Did he want to recreate the slaughter of that day, and pile the heads of officials high once more?
Just the thought of that catastrophe from years ago sent chills down their spines, their blood freezing. The fear in their hearts was like a monster, baring its teeth and claws, tearing open their hearts, crawling out from the fissures, and raging within them, crushing their livers, tearing their intestines, shattering their bones. Every inch of their cells screamed in agony.
It had been a long time since Ji Jinmo had displayed such a cruel demeanor, so long that they had almost forgotten what a bloodthirsty demon he was.
"Ji, Jin, Mo!"
Ji Hong exploded in fury, speaking each word deliberately, as if he wanted to swallow Ji Jinmo whole and chew him to pieces. The tyrannical aura surging from him instantly permeated the entire hall. A dangerous atmosphere steamed upwards, making everyone feel as if they were surrounded by barrels of explosives, and the fuses connecting them had already been lit by a fire starter. "Do you truly believe I fear you?"
"Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, and naturally, you cannot fear this King."
When Ji Jinmo said this, it sounded more like cold mockery. Who in this world didn't know that in the Lin Yuan imperial family, the Prince came first, and the Emperor second?
It was just that for years, whether it was for his reputation or a sliver of goodwill, he had not usurped the throne, allowing the Emperor a chance to bide his time and gradually create a situation of parity. But, in truth, whether it was officials of the court or mere vendors, they all feared the Prince more.
This one's fearsome reputation was built on killing!
Ji Hong's face turned ashen, his hands clenched into fists hidden in his wide sleeves.
"Summon guards, seal the palace city."
"Yes!"
The imperial guards stationed outside the Golden Dragon Hall were shocked, sensing something was terribly wrong. But without daring to hesitate, they loudly acknowledged the order.
The imperial guards sealed the imperial palace. Inside and outside the palace, not even a fly could get in or out.
In the hall, everyone was stunned by Ji Hong's order to seal the palace city, their hair standing on end. Was His Majesty going to move against the Prince? The ministers, who had long wished to get rid of Ji Jinmo, felt their hearts pounding violently. After a brief moment of shock and fear, a surge of righteous indignation rose within them. Could the scene they had fantasized about countless times finally come true today?
In this world, was there anything more exhilarating than this?
For these civil officials, there was not!
Even achieving historical renown was not as satisfying as witnessing Ji Jinmo's death with their own eyes.
The military commanders instantly moved closer to Ji Jinmo, prepared for the worst.
The atmosphere in the hall became tense. After sealing the palace city, the imperial guards entered the hall, protecting Ji Hong.
Mu Baiyu, holding the saber at his waist, stood opposite Ji Jinmo with a complicated expression.
A battle was imminent. Although the imperial guards and sentinels of the imperial city could overwhelm Ji Jinmo, no one present dared to relax – Ji Jinmo alone was worth ten thousand men.
"Does Your Majesty wish to keep this King, or kill this King?" Ji Jinmo asked.
His voice was sharp and devoid of any warmth, yet the corners of his mouth curved upwards, as if smiling yet not smiling.
Ji Hong did not answer.
"The Black Armored Army is not in the palace, is it?"
Ji Jinmo did not care about Ji Hong's answer; he seemed to be looking for a reason to commit regicide.
Everyone present heard this and their hearts skipped a beat.
His Majesty had sent out the Black Armored Army?
How could His Majesty send out the Black Armored Army!
Even if His Majesty were to dispatch the Black Armored Army, he should have hidden their movements and not let Ji Jinmo discover them!
His Majesty is muddled!
Ji Hong remained silent.
Ji Jinmo smiled, a laugh escaping his lips. "Your Majesty should know that this King's Demon Hunter Army is within the city, right?"
Everyone swallowed, growing even more fearful.
The civil officials' recent courage was doused with a basin of cold water, extinguishing the heat in their hearts and freezing their blood once more.
Your Majesty, perhaps it's best to forget about it!
"Is My Uncle threatening me, or does he truly intend to commit regicide?"
As soon as these words were uttered, the temperature in the hall instantly dropped to freezing point. The court officials did not want to stay in the hall for another moment. They wished they could transform into miners and dig a tunnel leading outside the palace.
Ji Jinmo remained silent.
But sometimes, silence is also an answer!
Mu Baiyu tightened his grip on the saber, his heart beating violently.
...
The morning court, which should have ended long ago, lingered on. The palace gates, which should have been opened long ago, remained shut. The Demon Hunter Army marched towards the imperial city.
Those with keen minds had already noticed the changes in the imperial city.
After apprehending the human traffickers and searching the entire residence, the Demon Hunter Army affixed a seal to the main gate and withdrew from the scene.
The residence was empty.
The rockery in the backyard suddenly trembled slightly, and a stone door appeared. From within the stone door emerged a man with a rough face and a hooked nose.
The man adjusted the corner of his robe, smiling with extreme mockery.
What Lin Yuan Regent? Just a fool he had easily deceived and played with. The man actually believed that ledger and the evidence of crimes. Now, with the imperial city sealed, it was likely connected to him.
The Lin Yuan Emperor and the Prince clashing head-on, the court in turmoil. This was the perfect moment for him to make his appearance!