Chapter 354 (1/2)

Chapter 354: Falling

The fifth prince pontificated about his plan to the couple dressed in dragon robe and phoenix dress, his voice dripping with venom. “You brought this to yourselves! Western Que should've been mine, but what did you do? You insisted on pa.s.sing the throne to the little boy! How is he a better candidate?

He let out a peel of unhinged laughter. “Since you won't let me take the throne, I'll destroy it! What I cannot gain, others won't, either!”

“Western Que is doomed! So are you! This is the end of everything!”

The fifth prince's voice grew hoa.r.s.e. He stared at the man on the throne, his face contorted in hatred.

“You heartless monster!” The man in dragon robe growled. The fifth prince huffed and slapped the man in the face. He was starting to forget himself.

The woman dressed in phoenix robe charged at him with a fierce expression. Caught off guard, the fifth prince was knocked to the floor. He narrowed his eyes at the woman and grabbed her hair. Things went a little hectic after that.

The fifth prince had forgotten that this was merely for show. He shot the couple a hateful glare as the man dressed in dragon robe s.h.i.+elded his wife with his body, keeping a silent eye on the fifth prince. Then, a young boy ran out of the secret chamber.

Jun Huang widened her eyes, confusion lifted from her expression. She tried to move forward, but the maid's grip tightened around her wrist. She couldn't break free.

Jun Huang looked at her in shock. The maid's unwavering gaze and impa.s.sive expression made her even more befuddled.

“Let go of Royal Father and Mother!” Jun Hao's eyes were bright and piercing. It was as if he could see through one's soul.

The fifth prince stopped to look at Jun Hao and scoffed. With big strides, he marched toward Jun Hao.

The boy knew this was a show, but he couldn't help feeling scared when he saw the fifth prince's eyes. He tried his best to tamp his fear down. This was for Jun Huang's sake.

He balled his hands into fists like he'd done in his memory. The fifth prince couldn't help the resentment growing in his heart. He seized Jun Hao's arm in a viselike grip. The boy struggled but failed to break free.

The fifth prince picked up a dagger and threatened, “Give me the imperial seal. Then I may spare your lives. Otherwise, I'm not going to show you any mercy.”

“No, he can't have the seal.” The woman grabbed the man in dragon robe by his arm and shook her head, her tears falling like a cut pearl necklace. “You mustn't, Your Majesty. The seal is a sign of authority. It can only be given to those with integrity and wisdom. Heartless men like him will end up ruining the nation. If Hao'er has to be sacrificed for Western Que's sake, he'll… it'll be…”

The woman couldn't finish her sentence. Her entire body trembled as she sobbed.

The fifth prince's expression darkened. He threw Jun Hao to the floor and, when the boy was still recovering, picked up a long sword, seemingly intending to kill Jun Hao.

The couple couldn't bear to watch their son get killed, but there was nothing they could do. The man held the woman tight and squeezed his eyes shut. Jun Huang felt as if her heart had been cut open. It was unbearably painful.

Without thinking, Jun Huang charged at the fifth prince. This time, the maid didn't stop her. Jun Huang didn't have the time to question that. Her only thought was to keep Jun Hao safe.

Before the fifth prince could attack Jun Hao, Jun Huang hurriedly stepped between him and the boy and picked up a sword to defend her brother.

A malicious idea took root in the fifth prince's mind. Although Nan Xun had agreed to let him live, Jun Huang wouldn't allow that to happen. He was going to die even if he cooperated. It was better that he fought Jun Huang for real and killed her. Then he would think about escaping.

He raised his sword and marched toward Jun Huang. Nan Xun could no longer stay on the sideline. He was about to make a move when Yin Yun showed up and kicked the fifth prince away. While the prince was struggling to get up, Yin Yun led both Jun Huang and Jun Hao outside.

The fifth prince covered his chest with one hand and punched the floor with the other. He knew he had to keep playing his role as per Nan Xun's instructions.

He took a deep breath. He only had a chance to kill Jun Huang if he lived. He mustn't grow impatient and expose his true intention.

He resumed his role and got to his feet, ordering the soldiers to give chase.

Jun Huang looked at Yin Yun, then at Jun Hao, who had fainted from a fit of panic. She could hear soldiers closing in on them. Her forehead was covered in sweat, but she forced herself to calm down.

She knew the fifth prince and his soldiers would catch up with them if they did nothing. She came to a halt. Yin Yun stopped to look at her questioningly, holding Jun Hao in his arms.

“Take Jun Hao and go, Yin Yun.”

“What?” Yin Yun questioned.