The imperial palace was struck by funeral bells that night. The Emperor had just been placed in his coffin when the surroundings changed. Without anyone knowing when, a contingent of dark guards, clad in armor and wielding swords, had infiltrated the palace.
"Father has barely passed, and Fourth Brother makes such a move. It seems this was premeditated," the Third Prince said meaningfully, looking at the newcomers. Fortunately, he had been prepared. No matter who ascended the throne, they would not let him go.
"The victor becomes king, the vanquished, a bandit. We are all sons of the Emperor, and all have the right to the throne. It depends on who is more capable. Father is already dead, and he was dissatisfied with you in life. If you were to ascend, I believe he would not rest in peace," the Fourth Prince thought with a pang of frustration. He was only two months younger than his brother, and yet that position was out of reach? He truly felt indignant.
"When did Father ever tell you he was dissatisfied with me? As far as I know, after Father suffered a stroke, he couldn't speak or write. He was utterly incapable of conveying his thoughts to anyone. You claim Father was dissatisfied with me at this time. This couldn't be your true inner thoughts, could it? Furthermore, why did Father's condition suddenly worsen today? I believe you've heard the news. If you wish to avenge Father, then find the real culprit. Why must you target me? If you want the throne, just say so. Why be so circuitous?"
"Yes, I want the throne, so what? I will show everyone my strength. You all don't think highly of me? I will make you regret it." The Fourth Prince glared fiercely at the ministers. Some time ago, he had tried to win them over, to have them on his side to counter the Third Prince. To his surprise, not a single one agreed.
This forced him to make a desperate gamble. He knew that even if the Third Prince ascended the throne, his own life would not be easy. Thus, he had conspired with his maternal uncle's family to orchestrate this event, aiming to catch the other party off guard. They had investigated beforehand and learned that the Third Prince, upon receiving the news, would rush here immediately, leaving him no time to prepare.
Before this, he had been quite confident. But now, with his own forces exposed and the Third Prince in a disadvantageous position, he remained calm and collected, not even his subordinates showing a ripple of unease. This made him feel something was amiss, and he suddenly wished to retreat. However, he was like a duck forced onto a shelf; there was no turning back.
The Third Prince ignored him and turned his gaze to the Fifth and Sixth Princes. With a blank expression, he said, "Fourth Brother has revealed his hand. Do you still intend to be the mantis, waiting to catch the cicada, with yourselves as the orioles?"
The Fourth Prince was momentarily stunned. What did the Third Prince mean? After a moment, he suddenly realized. Could it be that the Fifth and Sixth Princes, like him, had planned to catch the other party off guard? It seemed quite possible. He smacked his forehead in annoyance, thinking he had been too hasty. If he had been as patient as the Fifth and Sixth Princes, he wouldn't be the obvious target now. No wonder Father had always said he was rash and impatient, unfit for great responsibility. Back then, he thought Father was biased, but now he saw the truth in his words. But what should he do? He suddenly broke out in a cold sweat, unable to imagine his fate.
The Fifth and Sixth Princes wished they could shrink into the background and be forgotten. Upon receiving news of the Fourth Prince's actions, they knew their chance had arrived. The preparations had gone smoothly, perhaps too smoothly, making them uncertain, yet they didn't want to miss this opportunity.
Thus, they gambled, secretly biding their time to see the outcome of the confrontation between the Fourth and Third Princes. Unexpectedly, the Third Prince had already discovered their presence. Clearly, he must have been prepared all along. They realized their strength still fell far short compared to his.
After a moment's hesitation, the Fifth Prince clapped his hands. Immediately, a squad of archers appeared behind the Fourth Prince's men. His entourage panicked and quickly turned, drawing their swords against the newcomers, ready to fight at any moment.
The Sixth Prince, facing the Third Prince's piercing gaze, inwardly lamented. He reluctantly stamped his foot. Only after all his men had appeared did the Third Prince begin to circle them, looking at them with an expression of admiration.
"I never realized you had secretly cultivated so many forces. If I hadn't been clever, I might have fallen into your hands today. I know what you're plotting now – to unite against me. It's not that I look down on you, but from the beginning, I was aware of your plans and had devised counter-strategies. Haven't you noticed my lack of panic? That's because I was prepared. Don't believe me? Try me." The Third Prince said with unwavering confidence.
They looked at each other. They had been full of confidence at first, but after suffering a blow from the opponent, they were now dejected. Those who had harbored ulterior motives now found their spirits dampened. Seemingly, a few of them united could deal with him, but what would happen after they dealt with him? They would still face a tough battle. Moreover, it now seemed impossible to proceed. Since they hadn't made a move yet, perhaps the Third Prince would spare their lives. But if they fell into the hands of other princes, that was another matter entirely. Su Dan Fiction Network.
Wu Caiwei stood behind the Third Prince and saw that his back was drenched with sweat. She immediately stepped forward and shielded him completely. If the princes on the other side saw this, the situation would likely not remain so calm. She was somewhat surprised. Hadn't the Third Prince already made his arrangements? Why was he still bluffing them here?
As soon as the princes surrendered, the men behind the Third Prince stepped forward and bound them. When the Third Prince's true forces appeared, regret involuntarily showed on the faces of the princes. The three of them, by fighting, might have been able to defeat the opponent. Although there would be endless troubles afterward, they could have resolved the immediate crisis. Now, they had been intimidated and had fallen into his hands. Didn't they see the swords at their throats? It was too late to say anything now.
Although Sun Guotang didn't think highly of the Sixth Prince, it didn't prevent him from taking a gamble. The Sun family was at its wits' end, and no situation could be worse than this. He thought that with his support, perhaps the Sixth Prince could truly contend for the throne.
Before leaving, he had repeatedly instructed them not to reveal their forces unless absolutely necessary. Even if the situation became critical, they could ally with other princes against the Third Prince. As far as he knew, although the Third Prince currently held significant influence in the court, his manpower was limited. After all, he had been suppressed by the Crown Prince and the Second Prince from the beginning, leaving him no room to develop.
"My lord, must we really leave?" Madam Sun asked him with a distressed expression as she packed their belongings.