The Valued Lady is Truly Dominant

From the moment they heard the royal summons from the Emperor, Prince Xiao and the others had only one thought in their minds: It’s over, they must have fallen into a trap set by their father and Prime Minister Song.

Their father delayed coming out, waiting until they were about to break into the palace, then leisurely announced he’d meet them. Isn’t this just watching them perform like monkeys?

Even with a thousand galloping horses stamping in their hearts, Prince Xiao and the others had to brace themselves to meet the Emperor, not forgetting to glance at Song Zhiyuan, whose gaze...

Complete disaster.

They had completely offended Prime Minister Song. He would surely make things difficult for them in front of their father later.

Song Zhiyuan smiled faintly: Sorry, but I’ve already sabotaged you before this. If the Emperor still appoints you as the heir, I’ll admit defeat.

Seeing this smile made Prince Xiao and the others’ hair stand on end; it was the sly smirk of a fox, revealing some insidiousness, feeling ominous.

Inside the hall, Emperor Chu sat wearing the dragon robe on the golden dragon chair, his face somewhat pale, yet his spirit barely holding up.

Everyone noticed, their hearts mixed with emotions they couldn’t quite distinguish—some were excited and some disappointed—as they knelt one by one, proclaiming long live three times.

”Rise.” Emperor Chu spoke calmly.

The group stood up, shuffling.

”What urgent matter could be so pressing that you disregarded my decree, breaking into the palace just to see me?” Emperor Chu spoke coldly: ”Will you bring troops to the palace to force my hand next time?”

The rebellion accusation was truly frightening, causing the crowd to kneel again, repeatedly saying they were guilty.

”Father, your son was worried about you. I came several times seeking audience without luck, unable to eat or sleep, today I dared to be presumptuous, please punish me.” Prince Xiao knelt sincerely: ”It’s my lack of composure as the eldest brother that encouraged Prince Wu and the other brothers to come. Now that you’re well, I am willing to shave ten years off my life to reassure the heavens.”

”Oh? Your filial piety touches the heavens, yet why do you treat my decree as mere wind passing by? Didn’t Prime Minister Song convey my decree that I’m unwell and won’t meet anyone? Ignoring my decree, is this your filial piety?” Emperor Chu sneered.

Cold sweat dripped onto Prince Xiao’s forehead as he trembled: ”If you’re unwell, Father, I am willing to share your pain, offer to serve you medicine.”

”Is that so? What I have is an epidemic, or else why wouldn’t I dare to meet people?”

Upon hearing this, everyone was shocked.

Several princes instinctively shifted their knees, wanting to retreat, but reconsidered, suddenly not daring to move, feeling chills down their spine.

An epidemic? It could be contagious.

Emperor Chu watched their reactions, a hint of disappointment and sorrow in his eyes.

These are his sons, yet upon learning of his epidemic, their fear and cowardice were evident to him.

They are afraid!

Afraid the epidemic might spread to them, haha.

Emperor Chu glanced at Song Zhiyuan, appreciating this mere minister, who had stayed by his side since the moment he fell into a feverish coma, unafraid of infection, shielding him from external chaos.

What Song Zhiyuan said relied entirely on him, which is probably correct.

He wouldn’t wish to see any mishap befall him.

As for these few sons, they were merely staring at the golden dragon chair he sat upon, wishing he’d die soon.

”Father, how could it be an epidemic? What does the Imperial Physician say? Prime Minister Song, how could you keep this from us, Father...”

”Enough!” Emperor Chu interrupted Prince Zhou sharply: ”My illness is gradually improving, your schemes are in vain. You’ve seen me now, get out, I don’t want to see you.”

Prince Zhou and the others turned pale.