Chapter 2586: Three Days and Nights Without Sleep

Even if the Emperor is jealous of the War Prince, he shouldn’t make jokes about national affairs.

"Where is the War Prince? Why haven’t I seen him?"

"What would it matter if you did see him? The Emperor doesn’t allow him to go to war; the War Prince can’t just brazenly go to the battlefield himself, can he? What charge would the Emperor pin on him then?"

"Indeed! This time, the Emperor has gone too far."

Standing by, waiting, the common people were discussing with concern for their future.

Whether the country will remain peaceful or fall into chaos, it all depends on this battle. How could they not worry?

Just then, the Third Prince and Second Prince appeared riding high horses, clad in armor, weapons in hand, exuding an aura of power, followed by a long procession.

"Hey, what’s going on? Isn’t this the Imperial Guards? Aren’t they supposed to guard the Forbidden City? Why are they going to war?"

"The Emperor... isn’t this a mess?"

The troops led by the princes were indeed the Imperial Guards. The common people were gossiping even more, feeling that the Emperor, driven by jealousy of the War Prince, had acted irrationally, and at the jeopardy of the Capital’s safety, was deploying the Imperial Guards to the battlefield. Was the Emperor tired of his role? Did he want to give it up?

At this moment, a horse galloped up from behind, carrying a Little Eunuch who was shouting repeatedly, "Princes, wait a moment, the Emperor has words for you."

"Whoa...!"

The Second Prince and Third Prince pulled their reins, turning around...

It turned out to be Xiao Shunzi, the Personal Eunuch by the Emperor’s side.

The Third Prince asked gruffly, "Eunuch Qian, why are you here?"

The Little Eunuch said, "The Emperor asked me to convey his message to you: to achieve a swift victory and not to delay too long. The safety of the Capital also depends on you!"

The Third Prince was a bit displeased and grumbled, "What use is the War Prince sitting in the Capital? Can he not ensure its safety?"

The Little Eunuch glanced around, noticing the common people staring at him predatorily, so he quickly jumped off the horse, stepped closer, and whispered, "That’s exactly what the Emperor is worried about. He fears the War Prince has treasonous intentions and might rebel, which is why he wants you to achieve a swift victory and return to the Capital. Only with you by his side can the Emperor sleep and eat well!"

"Oh, so that’s it!"

The Second Prince and Third Prince exchanged glances, saying, "Report back to our imperial father that we will do as he wishes."

"Understood!"

"Farewell, Eunuch Qian!"

"I wish the Princes a swift victory and triumphant return!"

"Hmm!"

The troops quickly advanced again, and the Little Eunuch stood watching for a while until the troops gradually vanished at the City Gate Tower before mounting his horse and returning to the Imperial Palace. The Emperor was waiting for him to report; he dared not dawdle.

At the War Prince’s Mansion.

"Today is the day the Second and Third Princes left the Capital, but why hasn’t the Prince returned yet?" The steward paced nervously at the entrance.

Just then, a luxurious carriage appeared around the corner of the street.

"Clip-clop clip-clop...!"

The crisp sound of horse hooves echoed clearly.

"Ah, the Prince has returned. Quick, quick, open the gate." Seeing this, the steward hurriedly instructed the guards at the entrance to open the main gate widely; he had just come out from the smaller entrance. Given the Prince’s high-class status, he naturally should use the main entrance.

"Whoa!"

As the carriage came to a halt, Long Rui stepped down from it, looking utterly fatigued. Even with a mask on, it was clear to see a thick area of black beard at his chin.

"Oh my, why does the Prince look so weary?" The steward approached him.

Long Yi handed the reins over to him, saying, "The Master hasn’t slept for three days and nights; how can he not be worn out?"