Chapter 353 - 353: Current Situation in the Palace

Translator: Dragon Boat Translation Editor: Dragon Boat Translation

Upon hearing Emperor Qi Ming’s voice, Wang Kun quickly responded, “In answer to Your Majesty, King Cheng and the Great General are guarding the main entrance of the Qianqing Palace. Those outside cannot enter.”

Hearing this, Emperor Qi Ming heaved a sigh of relief.

However, thinking of the situation outside, his eyes were filled with gloom.

“This bastard dares to commit patricide and regicide.”

To this, Wang Kun found no words to reply.

At the main entrance of Qianqing Palace.

There were the most soldiers at the main entrance.

Xiao Nanye and Jiang Changbai stood at the main entrance, looking at the people outside, both of their expressions were grim.

“Your Highness, the number of people outside is increasing. It seems that Prince Rui has persuaded the commander of Jiucheng. If this continues, I fear the imperial guards won’t be able to hold them off.”

Observing the scene outside, Jiang Changbai whispered to the man beside him.

Xiao Nanye, dressed in white but covered in bloodstains, calmly said, “As long as we hold out for another hour, everything will be fine.”

Seeing Jiang Changbai’s puzzled look, Xiao Nanye continued, “This is a golden opportunity for my remaining nephews. They won’t miss this chance.”

As he spoke, Xiao Nanye’s eyes were filled with mockery.

Hearing this, Jiang Changbai remained silent, his eyes filled with anger.

News of the palace being besieged had spread throughout the capital.

But there was no movement from the residences of the other princes.

Jiang Changbai could guess the thoughts of these princes: they were merely waiting to see the outcome.

If Emperor Qi Ming were overthrown, they would pledge allegiance to the new ruler. If Prince Rui failed, they would come to the rescue.

After all, the law doesn’t punish the masses. Even if Emperor Qi Ming was angry, he couldn’t possibly execute all the princes.

“What are you fools doing? Make way for me!”

Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves was heard.

Jiang Changbai saw Prince An riding towards them.

Following Prince An was a group of cavalry.

Although Prince An’s Mansion was the closest to the palace, Xiao Junmo arrived the fastest. Seeing this, Jiang Changbai felt somewhat relieved.

Among these princes, there were still some with good intentions.

“Imperial uncle, I am here to help!”

Seated on his horse, Xiao Junmo, although young, already exuded a certain dominance.

Standing atop the city wall, Xiao Nanye, hearing Xiao Junmo’s voice, smiled slightly.

“Open the city gate, let Prince An in!”

“Yes.”

Upon hearing Xiao Nanye’s command, Han Feng quickly set off.

As Prince An, protected by his personal guards, slowly approached the gates of Qianqing Palace, a figure descended from the sky, blocking his way.

“Thirteenth brother, I never expected you to be the first one to come.”

“Imperial Brother Rui, how could you commit such a heinous act? Lay down your arms and apologize to our imperial father. Considering the bond of father and son, he surely won’t…”

“Thirteen, you’re almost an adult now. Why are you still so naive?”

Before Prince An could finish, Prince Rui interrupted him.

Seeing the bewildered look in Prince An’s eyes, Prince Rui continued, “Considering our father’s temperament, do you really believe he would spare me if I laid down my arms now?”

“Death is inevitable either way. Why not fight for it? After all, I have no way out now.”

“Imperial Brother Rui?”

“There’s no need to say anymore!”

“Thirteen, you brought this upon yourself. Don’t blame your brother.”

As Prince Rui’s words trailed off, he ordered, “Capture Prince An!”

With Prince Rui’s command, soldiers immediately advanced towards Prince An. Seeing this, Prince An froze in shock.

However, at that moment, the city gate opened. The first to rush out was Han Feng. He raced to Prince An’s side and yelled, “Protect Prince An!”

Under Han Feng’s protection, Prince An and his guards retreated into the Qianqing Palace.

Watching the gates close, fury burned in Prince Rui’s eyes. He asked coldly, “Have you still not captured Queen Cheng?”

“The soldiers of the general’s mansion are fierce. We haven’t been able to capture her.”

“Fools! Send more men.”

“It’s already arranged.”

The conversation was a bit distant from the city wall, but Xiao Nanye’s exceptional hearing allowed him to eavesdrop clearly.

Spotting Prince Rui, Xiao Nanye quickly drew his bow. As Prince Rui sensed the impending threat, he hid behind a soldier, who was shot dead by Xiao Nanye’s arrow.

Their eyes met with mutual hostility.

Prince Rui shouted, “Imperial Uncle, why waste your effort? If you open these gates and acknowledge me as the new emperor, I will give you even greater power than you have now. You–”

His words were interrupted as Xiao Nanye’s second arrow struck him in the arm. Soldiers quickly dragged Prince Rui away, but not before he shot a venomous glare at Xiao Nanye, “Imperial Uncle, you’ll regret opposing me!” At the General’s Mansion:

“Ye Xiao?”

“My Queen, you’re awake.”

Jiang Peihuan had just spoken when Ye Xiao approached.

“What’s that noise outside?”

Hesitating, Ye Xiao finally whispered, “We’re surrounded. The enemy have at least three thousand soldiers outside.”

“Help me change.”

Upon hearing her words, Jiang Peihuan immediately sat up.

But Ye Xiao protested, “My Queen, your health?”

“I’m fine. Trust me, I can hold on.”

She felt somewhat rejuvenated after resting. As Jiang Peihuan reached the mansion’s front door, she saw numerous bodies. Jiang Songbai, dressed in white, was now stained red with blood.

Seeing her, he exclaimed, “Eldest sister, why are you here? You should rest!”

But Jiang Peihuan smiled, patting his shoulder reassuringly, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

“Deputy General Liu?”

Jiang Peihuan’s words were interrupted by screams. Turning, she saw an arrow had pierced through Deputy General Liu’s shoulder.

“Ye Xiao!”

Hearing her call, Ye Xiao immediately began treating Deputy General Liu.

“Eldest Sister, be careful!”

Just as Jiang Peihuan was about to move forward, Jiang Songbai grabbed her. She then saw a volley of fireballs hurled into the general’s mansion.

In no time, the entire mansion was ablaze.

Seeing this, a fierce anger ignited in Jiang Peihuan’s eyes..