Chu Minghao wanted to retort, but turning back, he saw his father's sharp, cold eyes.
This matter, if investigated further, would likely uncover more complex issues.
His father had already abandoned him.
"It was my fault, I... I was jealous of the Princess, wanting to find an opportunity to get rid of her, that's why I... committed this grave sin."
Gui Tong said nothing more.
With this matter settled, the Crown Prince was in despair, and so was he.
"If you wanted to get rid of me, there were plenty of ways. Why did you have to involve innocent civilians?"
Chu Qianli stared at his ashen face. Before Chu Minghao could speak, she suddenly looked at Chu Jiangnan and said, "Your Majesty, this matter may not be as simple as it seems. Perhaps we should postpone the trial."
"There's no need for further trial."
Chu Minghao slowly stood up.
As he stood, Yang Xun immediately stepped forward, just in case he attacked the Princess and the Emperor.
Chu Minghao stared at Chu Qianli and sneered, "You fake princess, colluding with Prince Bei Ming Xuan, Feng Ye Xuan, to seize my Nan Ming's empire."
"My desire to eliminate you is merely to remove a great scourge from Nan Ming!"
"She is a fake princess! Esteemed ministers, do not be deceived by her! Not only is she Prince Bei Ming Xuan's woman, but she is also a prince of Long Teng Kingdom. She has come to my Nan Ming to seize our empire!"
"Presumptuous!" the Emperor roared.
Yang Xun immediately stepped forward and restrained Chu Minghao!
"Your Majesty, you have been deceived by her too! Hmph! The collapse of the moat this time was done by Chu Qianli and myself, the Crown Prince. Chu Qianli is also a sinner for all time. Hmph, hahaha, hahahaha..."
Chu Minghao suddenly burst into mad laughter, appearing utterly deranged.
The ministers in the court exchanged glances, unsure of what to say, and remained silent.
Unexpectedly, after cursing the Princess, Chu Minghao turned his head and cursed Prince Yu, "Father... no, you are not my father! You have never had me as a son in your heart!"
"Whatever I do, you never support me. You have always suppressed me, never intending for me to inherit your military might!"
"I want to make a name for myself, to stand on my own, to do something that makes you see me in a different light! I even want to surpass you and take everything from you!"
"You are not my father. From this day forward, I have nothing to do with you! Sooner or later, I will defeat all of you! I must prove to everyone that I don't need Prince Yu to stand tall."
"Haha, hahahaha..."
"Your Majesty, please have him taken away first," Chu Qianli said indifferently.
Chu Minghao was feigning madness because he was threatened by Prince Yu, but now, whether he spoke or not, it wouldn't make much difference.
They had other matters to attend to.
The Emperor waved his hand.
Yang Xun immediately escorted Chu Minghao to the prison.
Along the way, Chu Minghao could still be heard shouting, "Ignorant ruler! I have committed such heinous acts, why aren't you beheading me immediately? What are you waiting for?"
"Ignorant ruler! Ignorant ruler! Chu Qianli, you demon! Demon..."
The man was finally taken away, but his seemingly mad, yet ultimately despairing curses seemed to linger in the hall.
Prince Yu's expression was grim, whether from grief or anger, it was hard to tell.
But for now, everything had settled.
Chu Minghao would not survive. There was no room for turning back from such actions.
He could only grasp at the last straw: "The Lingjiu Hall cannot be without a master. Your Majesty, if the State Preceptor is still alive, please summon the State Preceptor to reassure everyone!"