Chapter 376: Where the Sun Cannot Reach

The hall erupted into chaos, and the civil and military officials retreated a step, looking at the King of Xu State with eyes as if seeing a ghost.

“Ah, this… this this…”

Li Zhongxin was so frightened that his soul seemed to have left his body. He pointed his horsetail whisk at the King of Xu State, stuttering for a while but unable to utter a complete sentence.

King of Qi State and King of Ji State widened their eyes, their voices trembling.

“Elder Brother, what… what are you doing?”

“Quick… let go of the Third Prince…”

Two guards of King Liangzhou rushed forward, only to be blocked by King Xu’s personal guards.

Weapons were forbidden inside the Imperial Palace, but King of Xu’s two personal guards quickly drew daggers from their short boots.

Two streaks of silver flashed, and the two personal guards of King Liangzhou’s were already splattered in blood.

“Ah!”

“Oh my god!”

Piercing screams erupted in the hall.

“Ah!” The Imperial Noble Consort screamed, her voice trembling as she called loudly outside the hall. “Someone! Quickly, someone, hurry!”

Upon hearing the Imperial Noble Consort’s cries, the heavy palace doors were suddenly pushed open. A fully armed squad of the Imperial Army marched in. The leading Commander wore bright armor, a precious sword at his waist.

“Commander Yu, quickly seize the King of Xu!” The Imperial Noble Consort, seeing salvation, hurriedly ordered.

However, Commander of the Imperial Army remained still, a strange smile appearing on the corner of his lips.

With a wave of his right hand, the Imperial Army immediately dispersed and surrounded the vassal kings.

“Forgive me, Your Highness,” Commander Yu clasped his fists in salute, his voice cold as ice, “I am under orders from the Prime Minister to maintain order in court.”

“What?” The Imperial Noble Consort’s face turned pale, her shocked gaze flickering between Commander Yu and Mr. Wei. She staggered backward, “You… you…”

Before she could finish, several Imperial Army members had already stepped forward, suppressing the King of Qi State, King of Ji State, and King Liangzhou to the ground.

The three vassal kings cursed loudly, and the King of Xu approached, delivering a slap to each one before stepping onto King Liangzhou’s abdomen, laughing up to the sky.

“Hahaha… curse if you wish! If you want to die, just keep cursing! Don’t say I’m not generous; once you finish cursing, I’ll execute you.”

The three vassal kings immediately fell silent, their eyes wide as they looked at this “Emperor” before them.

Born in the royal family, they knew better than anyone the heartlessness of imperial families.

Before the throne, familial affection, brotherhood, were mere jokes.

For that supreme position, the King of Xu would resort to a palace coup; executing them wouldn’t be a game.

Faced with the sudden coup, she turned to flee but was stopped by two Imperial Army members.

“Your Highness, please stay,” Commander Yu’s voice came from behind.

At that moment, Mr. Wei, who had been resting with eyes closed all this time, slowly opened his eyes. He leisurely stroked his beard, his gaze sweeping over the people in the hall, finally resting upon the King of Xu.

“Prince. No, Your Majesty. You can release King Liangzhou now,” Mr. Wei’s voice was old yet powerful.

The King of Xu snorted coldly and withdrew his foot. King Liangzhou lay on the ground, grimacing and coughing violently, his neck marked with five bruises.

The hall was deathly silent. The civil and military officials looked at each other, none daring to speak.

Minister of War, Cao Ge, his eyes shifting, suddenly stepped forward and knelt.

“Minister Cao Ge pays respect to the new emperor! The King of Xu possesses great talent and intelligence, destined by heaven!”

The Minister of Personnel also stepped forward to kneel: “I pay homage to the new emperor. A monarch should have the power of the King of Xu, and I shall serve diligently.”

Following this, the Ministry of Revenue, Ministry of Justice also knelt in submission.

A court is like a miniature world. Anyone who can survive in the court is naturally skilled.

The Imperial Army, Ministry of War, Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Revenue, and Ministry of Justice had all sided with Mr. Wei and the King of Xu; they had no other choice.

Other ministers were unwilling, but circumstances forced them to comply. Otherwise, they might not leave the Imperial Palace today.

Their kneeling was like toppling the first domino.

The Minister of Revenue, Assistant Minister of Rites, and other officials followed, kneeling and acclaiming.

“Long live the emperor, long live the emperor, long live the emperor!”

The King of Qi State and the King of Ji State exchanged a glance, reluctantly flipped over to kneel, shouting: “Greetings to the new emperor, we shall follow His Majesty.”

The King of Xu slowly turned his head, his cold eyes fixed on King Liangzhou, who shivered.

He quickly lowered his eyes, hiding the unwillingness in them, struggling to kneel to the ground.

“Your servant…” King Liangzhou gritted his teeth, forced to touch the ground with his head, “Your servant greets the new emperor.”

Seeing the most rebellious King Liangzhou finally bow his head, King of Xu let out a light hum, his lips curled, standing with hands behind his back, secretly pleased in his heart.