Chapter 243: Coup (1/2)

“Qi Chen's storming the palace tonight,” said Rou'er.

Jun Huang paused. “Tonight?”

Rou'er nodded. “Qi Chen has told you of his plan, but he hasn't told you when. To my knowledge, it's not because he doesn't trust you. He just worries that Prince Nan will break his promise.”

Jun Huang scoffed. “Even if they storm the palace today, Nan Xun is prepared. It'll be more worrying if he doesn't do anything.”

“The gentleman should inform the prince all the same,” Rou'er said worriedly. “This is a serious matter. Nothing can go wrong.”

Jun Huang nodded. After a pause, she continued, “Have you seen Prince Duan in their rank?”

Rou'er thought carefully and shook her head. “No.”

Jun Huang nodded. She ordered someone to take Rou'er back before going to Nan Xun. They went to the palace together.

Qi Chen's men were in high spirit after having some wine. Satisfied, Qi Chen led the soldiers towards the palace with great confidence.

He'd arranged for those loyal to him to guard the entrance today. They entered the palace without troubles. Qi Chen took a deep breath standing before the door to the emperor's bedroom and unsheathed his sword with a frosty smile. He charged inside with his men in tow.

The royal guards guarding the palace were his, but the guards stationed outside the emperor's chamber were loyal to the emperor. Met with a large group of intruders, the guards drew their weapons and fought them head on, but it was akin to knocking an egg against a stone.

Qi Chen killed his way to the emperor. The emperor jerked awake by the noises and propped himself up. He coughed and called out, “Guards! What's going on?”

“Who is Royal Father summoning?” Qi Chen approached his father with a smile, his sword dripping blood as he walked. The emperor froze. Even the densest man would have figured out what was happening.

He pointed at Qi Chen with shaky finger, his voice seized by anger and his face flushed. He swallowed down the lump of blood threatening to come up his throat.

Qi Chen smiled as he approached him, unperturbed by his fury. The young eunuch a.s.signed to guard the emperor couldn't possibly let his master be harmed. He tackled Qi Chen.

Qi Chen slit his throat easily, his eyes cold. The eunuch fell to the floor with wide eyes, his blood splattered all over the emperor's face. The metallic smell a.s.saulted his sense. During the decades he spent sitting on the throne, he'd never experienced anything like this. He almost lost conscious, and was only prevented from falling by the old eunuch at his side.

“Do… Do you know what you're doing?” the emperor demanded, pointing a finger at Qi Chen.

Qi Chen laughed mockingly. “Royal Father doesn't change the way you treat me even in this state. How hurtful.”

“This son knows exactly what I'm doing, but what other choices do I have?” he said softly, his tone gentle as if he didn't want to disturb the souls lingering in this palace. His eyes, however, were icy. His gaze was not one of a son looking at his father, but of a man looking at his worst enemy. “Royal Father should remember that I am the crown prince. The throne is meant to be mine. I just want to let Royal Father retire earlier. I'll take care of the mundane affairs.”

The emperor's heart seized up in fury, his face going red. Qi Chen continued laughing like he hadn't noticed.

The other people in the room dared not make a move recklessly. The trouble storm couldn't have pa.s.sed soon enough.

“You should surrender, Royal Father,” Qi Chen said as he approached, grinding his teeth together. “Haven't you sat on the throne for long enough? Or are you waiting for someone to save you?” An unhinged series of laughter escaped his mouth. “Don't think about it, Royal Father. No one is coming. We should end this ordeal sooner rather than later. I won't be so patient tomorrow.”

The guards couldn't wait anymore seeing the emperor in danger. Their duty was to protect the emperor. They couldn't possibly stay on the sideline while the emperor was threatened by a villain. They exchanged a look and drew their swords, intending to fight to their death.

Qi Chen was prepared for that. His men drew their bows and shot the guards in the hearts before they could react. They fell to the floor, their eyes wide.

“Fools,” Qi Chen spat, glancing at the dead guards.

The emperor sat frozen on his bed, his fingers cold. He was the emperor, but he'd led a luxurious and peaceful life so far. He'd never been subjected to such cruelty. Trapped in the web of his son's making, he slumped down in resignation and sighed. “Fine. If you want the throne so much, take it.”