The words fell, and his sleeve was lightly tugged from behind. Ye Tinglan lowered his gaze and silently clasped the slender fingers.
He looked up at the Emperor and said, "If Father is not at ease, your son can swear now, never to contend for the throne with Tingyun."
The supreme throne, the ultimate power, these he never cared for.
For years, Consort Rong's one-sided wish to control him had been overwhelming. He detested fratricide, so from a young age, he had thrown himself onto the battlefield, far from courtly disputes.
At first, the Emperor had praised his divine might, but gradually, "renowned prestige," "powerful military strength," these had become seeds of the Emperor's deepest fear.
From the day his engagement to Feng Yinwan was bestowed, he knew that sooner or later, these seeds would sprout, growing into the sharpest thorns.
He was not unaware of the Emperor's intentions in this chess game. However, Ye Tingyun's heart was pure, capable of being a benevolent ruler who cared for his people. Therefore, he was willing to be the blade, clearing the obstacles in the court for him.
Yet, despite all calculations, there was still an oversight. The Moon Kingdom's sudden invasion forced him to abandon his plan of faking his death to escape and lead his troops out to battle once more.
He knew this matter could not be hidden from the Emperor, but how could a general bear to see the territory he had defended for years trampled, the lives devastated, the people displaced?
Moreover, he had his own private concerns.
The fingertips lying in his palm were excessively warm. He tightened his grip slightly, and that warmth flowed into his heart through their connected skin.
At this moment, he thought, remaining in the palace as a hostage was not a matter of consequence.
The Emperor's expression shifted slightly at his words, his gaze fixed on Feng Yinwan behind him, narrowing with a profound meaning.
"I can agree to your request and release the Duke of Zhenguo and his son, but she must remain in the palace with you."
What kind of force the Xuanmen represented, he had already fully witnessed.
Such a person, such a force, must be used by him, for Jingguo, and absolutely must not be allowed to return to the Moon Kingdom!
"Impossible!"
Almost the moment the words fell, Ye Tinglan coldly refused.
His gaze met the Emperor's, his tone firm and unyielding, "She must return to the Moon Kingdom."
The Emperor's face immediately sank. "Lan'er, do you still think you are in the army! I am not discussing this with you!"
"Your son is also not discussing with Father."
Pausing slightly, he said, "Father might as well turn and look outside the city."
The Emperor turned his head to look. That glance made his pupils contract, and his face instantly changed dramatically.
Within his sight, silver armor surged like a tide, rushing towards them. Where they passed, hooves thundered, the earth shook, intent on destroying the city.
He abruptly turned to look at Ye Tinglan, his eyes finally filled with suppressed hatred.
"You rebellious son, you truly harbor intentions of treason!"
Ye Tinglan's expression remained stern. "Your son has already said, as long as Father is willing to let her return to the Moon Kingdom, and in the future, cease to trouble the Duke of Zhenguo and his son, your son will voluntarily withdraw from the succession and remain in the palace as a hostage forever."
"Presumptuous!"
The Emperor pointed at him, his voice roaring with fury. "You are threatening me!"
"If Father says so, then so be it."
He averted his gaze, his eyes calmly resting on the cavalry below the city walls. "As long as Father agrees, your son will immediately order them to disperse and never return to the capital for eternity."
The armored cavalry was his last remaining safeguard, and he had already made arrangements for their future whereabouts.
Once this matter was settled, he should have no further worries.
He turned his gaze to the woman behind him who had repeatedly attempted to make a move, only to hear the Emperor coldly rage, "Do you think I am so useless!"