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The Aloof Lord's Mysterious Wife-Chapter 475: "He Has Humiliated Me Three Times! I Was Laughed at by the Whole World!"
Chapter 475: "He Has Humiliated Me Three Times! I Was Laughed at by the Whole World!"
After Emperor Muwu finished speaking, he began to cough violently, and a strange redness spread across his face.
"Your Majesty." The eunuch chief manager was alarmed and hurried to assist Emperor Muwu in regulating his breath.
"Chief, let me help." Seeing the urgency, Qingyang stepped forward bravely and transferred a bit of his inner energy to Emperor Muwu.
Sure enough, Emperor Muwu soon regained his composure. However, after his outburst, his eyes grew even more clouded.
Qingyang, puzzled, asked, "Your Majesty, are you referring to the Prince of Wu’an? Is this Spring Sun Tea related to him? But ever since he was deposed, the prince has had people keeping a close watch on him, and nothing suspicious has been discovered."
Emperor Muwu shook his head lightly, "He has been closely monitored recently, but when my ninth brother was away from the capital, even though the prime minister and others were also watching, gaps could have been exploited."
Qingyang was secretly alarmed and remarked, "If that’s the case... the Prince of Wu’an has indeed grown more cunning."
Emperor Muwu’s expression was complex; he could only hope that this matter had nothing to do with Ye Chengyan. He commanded, "Go... prepare brush, ink, and paper."
The eunuch chief manager immediately complied, handling everything personally to avoid any leaks.
Emperor Muwu’s hands had lost much of their strength, but he still insisted on writing two imperial edicts.
One ordered the immediate capture of Ye Chengyan, to be killed on the spot if he resisted. The other was a decree of succession. As for the heir... Emperor Muwu hesitated and left the name blank.
The eunuch chief manager, understanding the gravity of the situation, quickly suggested, "Your Majesty, the situation is dire. Why not write the Ninth Prince’s name? The prince is righteous and will not mind."
"No, my ninth brother... my ninth brother is currently unconscious. If I name him, it will only bring harm to him!" Emperor Muwu replied coldly, then turned to Qingyang with a grave look in his eyes. "First, deliver the decree of succession to Lord Chu, and take the other edict to capture the Prince of Wu’an."
Qingyang accepted both edicts solemnly and nodded with a serious expression. "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will handle this matter properly."
Emperor Muwu thought for a moment and then handed over the Imperial Tiger Sigil, which commanded the capital’s garrison, and the Imperial Jade Seal to Qingyang.
Qingyang was stunned, feeling as if the items weighed a thousand pounds!
"Your Majesty! I can’t possibly accept these!" he exclaimed, as he was merely a bodyguard.
Emperor Muwu looked him directly in the eye. "You needn’t feel burdened. The Imperial Tiger Sigil may no longer be useful, but as for the Imperial Jade Seal, keep it safe for my ninth brother. Any decree not stamped with the Jade Seal will not be valid. Should anyone attempt to seize the throne, they will be illegitimate, and the vassal kings of Mu Nation will rise against them!"
If a coup were to occur, the Jade Seal must not remain in the palace. It would provide Emperor Muwu with a slim chance of survival.
In a brief moment, Qingyang understood everything. He carefully wrapped the items in cloth and tucked them into his robe. Then, kneeling, he said, "I understand."
Emperor Muwu waved his hand, his voice heavy. "Go quickly."
Qingyang rose, avoiding the main doors, and leaped out the window, blending into the snowy night.
All the palace gates were locked, and Qingyang, fearing an ambush, decided to scale the walls using his light-foot technique instead of exiting through the eastern gate.
The cold winter night was filled only with the sound of wind and snow. Qingyang, having scaled the palace walls, panted lightly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
His plan was to head first to the Mansion of Marquis Anyang, then to the Supervisory Office to mobilize the Black Armor Guard for the arrest. But at that moment, he sensed a murderous intent.
His face darkened, and he drew his sword.
The sound of arrows slicing through the air filled his ears. With swift swordsmanship, he deflected several incoming steel arrows.
Seeing the arrows, Qingyang’s face went pale.
How could they be the arrows of the Supervisory Office?!
Glancing around, Qingyang realized he was surrounded by archers. From up the road came the sound of marching troops and hooves.
Under the bright torchlight, Ye Chengyan appeared, dressed in a brocade robe and cloak, a smug smile on his face. He looked down at Qingyang with lowered eyes and said, "Qingyang Guard, the night is cold. Why not come to my manor and share a cup of tea?"
"So it’s really you!" Qingyang’s face grew even more somber as he glanced at the Black Armor Guard standing on either side. "You traitors! How dare you betray the prince!"
But the Black Armor Guard remained still, silent.
Qingyang felt something was wrong.
Ye Chengyan leaned forward slightly, more smug. "They haven’t betrayed royal uncle. They’ve been bewitched by the Enchanting Bug and now follow my orders."
"What?! You’ve colluded with the Border Nation!" Qingyang roared in fury. "You’re treacherous and unfilial! The emperor should never have spared you out of fatherly compassion!"
"Fatherly compassion?!" Ye Chengyan’s face twisted in anger as he glared at Qingyang. "He deposed me three times! Made me a laughingstock of the entire world!" His face distorted further, eyes filled with hatred. "Royal uncle controlled the Black Armor Guard, arrogant beyond measure. I wanted him to see them obey me now, but he’s conveniently fallen into a coma. What a pity."
"What have you done to the prince?!" Qingyang shouted, gripping his sword tightly, eager to rush forward and cut off Ye Chengyan’s head.
"You should worry about yourself first. Sneaking out of the palace like this, I assume Father entrusted you with something. Hand it over, and I’ll spare you a quick death," Ye Chengyan threatened.
Though Qingyang admired Emperor Muwu’s foresight, he now found himself surrounded. How could he, alone, possibly break through?
But the items he carried were crucial, tied to the very survival of Mu Nation. Even if it cost him his life, he had to escape!
"Traitor, you’ll never succeed."
Ye Chengyan smirked. "I’m only taking back what’s rightfully mine. How does that make me a traitor?"
His expression turned cold, and he ordered the Black Armor Guard, "Kill him."
At the command, a dozen Black Armor Guards attacked Qingyang.
Qingyang tightened his grip on the longsword, feeling a profound ache in his heart as he faced his own subordinates. The thought of having to fight against them was unbearable, yet he had no choice! He had to survive! He had to get the items delivered!
Though the Black Armor Guards were under the control of the poison insects, their skills remained intact. Qingyang managed to cut down a few, but for every one he killed, another would take their place. In this war of attrition, he was soon drenched in blood and on the verge of exhaustion.
Ye Chengyan watched with increasing satisfaction. He had lived too long in the shadow of his uncle, and while he couldn’t torment the uncle himself, tormenting those around him brought him a sense of relief.
Qingyang was kicked to the ground. Just as he fought to fend off the swords of the Black Armor Guards and protect his life, another guard lunged forward, stabbing him through the shoulder!
He grunted in pain, his vision blurring as the world twisted around him, the white snow blurring into a haze...
But then he heard an angry shout beside him: "Scoundrel! How dare you harm my good brother!"
Gathering his focus, Qingyang looked up to see -- a familiar figure emerging from the shadows. It was Qing Feng! But he was still quite far from Ye Chengyan.
Suddenly, another voice called out from that direction: "Yan’er, be careful!"
Qingyang blinked in surprise. Was that Xie Beihan? Did he already know about Ye Chengyan’s treachery and come to assist from the sidelines?!