Xie Jiayan’s gaze quietly fell upon Emperor Yong’an. His life had been consumed by the pursuit of imperial power, a constant web of schemes.
He had even orchestrated so many absurdities to ensure the Crown Prince’s smooth ascension.
Yet, he hadn’t anticipated that the one who would demand his abdication would be his most beloved son.
Emperor Yong’an indeed faltered for a moment. His position was meant for his son, and all his machinations were for him.
But he hadn't expected his son to plead for his abdication for the sake of irrelevant people.
Emperor Yong’an’s cold gaze fixed on Xie Jiayan, blaming him for corrupting Che’er.
“Rise!” Emperor Yong’an commanded.
Xiao Che did not rise, remaining kneeling.
“I said, rise!” Emperor Yong’an roared, disregarding the sword tip that grazed his neck.
Noticing his father’s injury, Xiao Che quickly said, “Young Hero Hua, I will let you go. Please sheathe your sword.”
“Your Highness the Crown Prince should have the archers outside stand down first, otherwise, I truly cannot trust you,” Hua Zhaofei sneered.
He trusted no one.
If he sheathed his sword, the dog emperor would likely break his word and take Jiayan’s life in the next instant.
Xie Jiayan wasn’t refusing to release them, but he was waiting.
Prime Minister Mo and the others should be arriving soon.
No matter what, today he had to ensure the ministers petitioned for the Crown Prince’s enthronement and Emperor Yong’an penned the abdication decree.
Since he wished for the Crown Prince to be widely accepted, his wish would be fulfilled.
“I will not go back on my word. Their arrows, however fast, cannot be faster than Young Hero Hua’s,” Xiao Che pleaded.
Swords and blades were blind, and his father was agitated. He feared his father might accidentally injure himself.
Though he had committed wrongdoings, everything he did was for his father, and he had treated him exceptionally well. Anyone could blame him, but not his son.
“Rest assured, as long as your men do not move, my sword will not take his life for now,” Hua Zhaofei said with a cold smile, looking at Emperor Yong’an on the throne.
As long as he behaved, and released Jiayan, he was willing to spare his life, given his appearance, he wouldn’t live much longer anyway.
Soon, movement was heard from outside. Xie Jiayan guessed that Prime Minister Mo and the others had arrived.
Prime Minister Mo was indeed Prime Minister Mo. As long as the Sage did not abdicate, perhaps one day he would extend his influence to the Mo family. After all, the Gu family was a cautionary tale.
Uncle Gu had been the Sage’s companion reader, yet the Sage showed no mercy.
However, Prime Minister Mo would not resort to a forceful coup.
Therefore, he had to be the one to initiate this.
He did not fear being branded a traitor; nor did he wish for Great Wei to fall into internal strife. The current moment was the most opportune for the Crown Prince’s enthronement.
Prime Minister Mo’s heart tightened upon seeing the sword suspended before the Sage and the body of Song Wei on the ground. Hadn’t they agreed to avoid bloodshed, why…
Xie Jiayan gave Prime Minister Mo a look that said, “calm down.” Prime Minister Mo’s anxious heart settled somewhat.
Others might harbor ambitions, but Xie Jiayan was trustworthy, otherwise, he wouldn’t have sent him a message in advance.
That person must be Hua Zhaofei, the master of Fengming Tower. They were said to be sworn friends, and it seemed true.
“Your subject and others arrived late to protect Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please forgive us.” Prime Minister Mo and the others bowed.
“Protect?” the Sage sneered. “Prime Minister Mo, how many troops have you brought?”
“The Northern Army is outside the palace,” Prime Minister Mo stated, having come prepared.
Feng Qirui was a shrewd individual. He had previously courted the Yao family. When that didn’t work out, he sent his daughter to the Eastern Palace. Later, seeing his daughter was unable to succeed, he turned to him again before the imperial grandson was even born.
Given Prime Minister Mo’s caution, his directness today indicated he no longer feared the Sage suspecting their relationship.
In any case, the situation was decided. Today, the Sage had to write the abdication decree and let the Crown Prince ascend the throne.