The Empress Dowager's gaze fell upon him, and she said with sorrow, "Your Majesty, do not persist in your folly."
The officials also bowed their heads in unison to advise, "Your subjects implore His Majesty to reconsider!"
The cavalry and soldiers beneath the city walls knelt in unison. Hearing the multitude of voices intertwined, the Emperor knew clearly that by this moment, he had lost all support and could do nothing to Night Listening Lan.
His vision began to darken, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood, his body uncontrollably toppling backward.
Seeing this, Night Listening Yun rushed forward.
"Father Emperor!"
The Emperor fell into his arms, as limp as a parched, cracked piece of deadwood, only a sliver of vitality remaining in his eyes.
He raised his trembling hand and said to Night Listening Yun, "Help me return to the palace."
All the surrounding clamor seemed to dissipate with these words. Night Listening Yun met his clouded gaze and nodded vigorously.
"This son will escort Father Emperor back."
With that, he firmly helped the Emperor up, and as he looked up, he met Night Listening Lan's complex gaze. His throat constricted slightly, and he softly called out, "Third Brother."
The Emperor's eyes, which had been closed, suddenly snapped open at this address. He looked at Night Listening Lan, a hint of helplessness now in his gaze.
"All of this is my fault. If you must resent someone, resent me. Do not vent your anger upon Listening Yun."
Even at this moment, he was still thinking of explaining for Night Listening Yun. His usually dominant demeanor had become pitifully humble.
As no response came from before him, the Emperor seemed to resign himself to fate, withdrew his gaze, and gestured for Night Listening Yun to continue supporting him forward.
As the two sides crossed, the figure in black finally spoke again.
"This son has never intended any harm to Listening Yun. If Father Emperor had harbored less suspicion, things would not have become so complicated, and our father and son would not have reached such a state."
The Emperor's body suddenly froze at these words.
He opened his lips as if to say something, but after a long pause, no words came.
Night Listening Lan's eyes darkened silently, and he continued, "What this son has said has never been false. In the future, I will do my utmost to sincerely assist Listening Yun. Father Emperor can rest assured."
His tone was not heavy, yet this sentence felt like an extremely strong promise, causing the Emperor's body to tremble, and something within his heart was utterly shattered.
Night Listening Yun helped him descend the city walls. The figures of the two grew further and further away, eventually becoming two blurred silhouettes.
Night Listening Lan withdrew his gaze. A silent, gentle yet firm strength landed on his forearm, causing his heart to stir, then instantly dispelling the gloom.
On the other side, Old General Feng and Feng Jing Yuan had already been released. Feng Yin Wan rushed forward urgently, and then, seeing the Empress Dowager turn to look at him, she instructed Night Listening Lan, "Leave the matters here to you. I will return to the palace first."
She was still injured, and it was already difficult for her to last this long. Seeing Night Listening Lan nod, she led the officials behind her back.
The surrounding guards also returned to the palace with them. In an instant, the clamor receded, leaving only the army stationed outside the city.
Night Listening Lan ordered the city gates to be opened, and Song Qing An and the Prince of Ding Nan led their troops into the city.
As Feng Yin Wan walked over with Old General Feng and Feng Jing Yuan, she heard him giving orders to disperse the cold armor cavalry.
The cavalry who had been standing beneath the city walls turned their heads one after another, then silently and noiselessly rode away in the direction where the setting sun was falling.
Night Listening Lan turned his head to look over, his gaze meeting hers, seemingly holding the bright afterglow of the setting sun. With a slight leap, he then turned and descended the city walls.
The evening wind was low, and his black robe fluttered noisily.
Feng Yin Wan looked up and saw that his posture was still upright, and even the silhouette cast on the city wall was exceptionally tall and slender.