The Emperor squinted his eyes at Elder Wu, letting out an extremely gloomy aura.
Elder Wu shouted, "This is slander! I have been accused, Your Highness! I am an elder of three generations, I know what I should do and what I shouldn't. As for the golden robe appearing in Jiuchong Hall, I heard of it purely out of coincidence, I did not probe with intentions! Even if I am given the courage, I dare not interfere with the imperial family's matter. Since the Third Prince is so concerned about this, it must be due to the fact that the news is real, Your Highness!"
"Ah Jue, I am giving you one last chance." The Emperor walked over and landed his gaze on the black package, he then said with a heavy tone, "Tell me, what was originally inside this package?"
Baili Jia Jue's face was icy-cold when he raised a brow. "Father, rather than asking irrelevant questions, why not ask Elder Wu what is the punishment for accusing a prince of treason and how should he be punished for his crimes?"
"Third Prince!" Elder Wu bellowed, looking exasperated, "His Highness is kind enough to give you another chance, why are you not cherishing it? What reasons do I have to accuse you? I only spoke facts! Otherwise, why did you not send in reinforcements to fight off the rebellion outside the palace?"
Baili Jia Jue lowered his head, his calm gaze was locked at Elder Wu before his thin lips curled into a unique smile. His smile was fluttering with elegance yet there was an endless coldness from it, "Who said that I did not do anything about the rebellion army?"
What does he mean?!
Elder Wu was petrified, his heart sank and his legs started to turn to jelly.
Impossible!
This is impossible!
He was here at Chaoyang Palace all this time, how did he manage to call in reinforcements?
A loud bang went off outside right when Elder Wu blinked!
It was as if something had exploded!
The fire and smoke rising to the sky were even visible from the hall!
Elder Wu looked over immediately but another bang went off before he could say anything!
A second loud explosion echoed across the sky!
Baili Jia Jue stood in the smoke with a smile on his face. The lights reflected in his eyes were like shattered diamonds, so sharp that they could penetrate through one's heart!
"Report!" The leader of the imperial army outside the hall rushed in and knelt on one knee as he gave the fist in palm salute. "Your Highness, reinforcements are here right outside the hall. The reinforcement army had surrounded the rebellion and they are forced to a dead end. It is only a matter of time before they are completely wiped out!"
There are really reinforcements?!
Elder Wu widened his eyes, his body quivered and his lips were pale as paper.
Besides, there was nothing for him to be panicked!
Since the Third Prince had sent out reinforcements, he would have to resolve to his second plan!
Although it might not be as smooth as the first plan, it could still doom Baili Jia Jue!
The coup was suppressed.
The Emperor heaved a breath of relief, but a reluctant emotion rose in him at the same time. He raised his brow and asked, "Where did the reinforcements come from?"
"Well... Your Highness, I don't know either." The leader of the imperial army hesitated, he looked at Baili Jia Jue beside him before he said, "But by the looks of it, they are mostly here because of the Third Prince."
The Emperor furrowed his brows tightly. "What do you mean that they are here because of the Third Prince by the looks of it? Didn't you find out what flag the reinforcement army was carrying?"
"I… I…" The leader of the imperial army did not know what he should tell the Emperor. The group of reinforcement army moved quick and clean just like the wind, fights followed wherever they went. There were not many of them but every single one of them carried a weird weapon and one of them could easily rival a dozen of the imperial army. More importantly, they did not carry any army flag. Therefore, the imperial army did not know where the reinforcement army was from.
Elder Wu seized the timing and said, "Your Highness, I'm afraid that you won't get any answers from Leader Zhang here. The only army closest to the palace is the city watch guards that Your Highness commands. However, Leader Zhang here said that the reinforcement army showed up because of the Third Prince. Well… This is the first time that I've heard that a prince ascending to the throne has the power to command the city watch guards. The more I think about the Third Prince, the colder I feel. He can even influence the city watch guards! I suppose Your Highness can see through the real situation here without any more words from me. Should I say that the Third Prince exposed himself because he tried to save his skin?" Elder Wu turned around and locked gaze with Baili Jia Jue. "Your Highness, how did you command the city watch guards to do at your bidding? Shouldn't you explain yourself?"
The palace defense army was the reserved army commanded by only the Emperor himself.
Even the Retired Emperor could not do anything, let alone the prince with a s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e identity.
If the prince really commanded the city watch guards, he would certainly be doomed!
Chapter 562 - His Highness Coaxed Wei Wei
"Why are you not speaking, Your Highness?" Elder Wu exerted more pressure, "Don't know what to say?"
Baili Jia Jue lowered his head, his bangs covered his long narrow eyes which were gleaming with coldness.
Elder Wu saw his reaction and thought that the Third Prince was speechless.
A loud bang was heard right when he was about to add on!
The door of the Chaoyang Hall was kicked open!
A person was holding something similar to a long black pipe. The person had long and slim legs and there was a smile on her face. With her fair and beautiful skin, it could only be one person, Helian Wei Wei.
Her lips were half-curved as she leaned against the door. She stood not far away from Baili Jia Jue and her eyes were filled with sneers, "Elder Wu, who told you that we are the city watch guards?"
"You… You… !" Elder Wu would never have thought Helian Wei Wei would come back like this. He thought that she had returned to Jiuchong Hall due to an unwell condition.
Helian Wei Wei placed her fingers on her lips, her actions were sharp and valiant when she let out a loud whistle.
A dozen black figures came down in a synchronized movement but every one of them was unique in their own way.
All of them had excellent physiques. Some were buffed, some were handsome and some were showing a smile on their faces. They had white bandages coiled up on their arms as each of them was holding machine guns and snipers. Their presence was unusual, amid the cool fierceness was a heavy bloodthirsty aura!
The leader of the imperial army let out a cry of realization as he pointed at the men, "Your Highness! It's them, it was these 20 or so people who stopped the rebellion army!"
About 20 of them stopped the fierce rebellion army??!!
That sounds impossible!
How did they do it?
The crowd was looking at them who stood in a straight line. Their gazes were showing indescribable interest.
"Well then." Helian Wei Wei walked over to Baili Jia Jue and widened her smile at Elder Wu. Her gesture had an inexplicable arrogant and domineering bearing, "Tell Elder Wu and the Emperor who you people are."
"Yes, Young Master!" The men's reply in unison was so loud that it almost shook the entire Chaoyang Hall, "We are the General's hidden army from Helian manor!"
What?!
The hidden army?!
Elder Wu faltered to the back. He felt a chill down his spine as if he was splashed by a pail of cold water from head to toe!
Everyone present in the hall knew about the legends of the hidden army!
Many of them once hoped to catch a glimpse of the strongest and most valiant troops in the history of the War Dragon Empire!
However, the hidden army seemed to have disappeared after Old Master Heli
an's passing.
The people had doubts about it although there were people saying that Helian Wei Wei had gained the recognition of the hidden army a while ago.
They had not seen the hidden army before, so it was nothing but rumors to them.
But now!
The hidden army appeared right before their eyes!
"Your Highness." Helian Wei Wei curled her thin lips. "I suppose you don't have any reason to suspect the Third Prince anymore. He did not command the city watch guards but us, the hidden army, to protect the palace and your safety. After all, there are a lot of eminent monks that came into the palace, it's not that surprising if someone used the opportunity to cause trouble. It was unfortunate that Your Highness did not trust the Third Prince nor I. Since Elder Wu here is allowed to slander as he wished, it is difficult for us to make it in time, hence granting the rebellion army the window of breathing. Your Highness is sagacious, I suppose you won't blame us for coming late for the rescue, right?"
Helian Wei Wei's words to the Emperor was like a fishbone in his throat, every single word that came out of her mouth was like slapping the Emperor's face.
No emperor would criticize a person with merit in front of the public!
It would not only make him look despicable to the public, but his act would also be written down in the history books.
He could not allow himself to bear the title of a fatuous ruler!
Therefore, no matter how unhappy the Emperor was, all he could do was to endure it. He grabbed the arm of his dragon throne tightly and forced a generous smile on his face, "Eunuch Gao!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Eunuch Gao could not grasp the Emperor's emotion anymore, he quivered when he was summoned.
The Emperor looked at Helian Wei Wei as he tightened his grip on the arm of the dragon throne. "Send my words out, the Third Princess Consort has performed meritorious service for protecting the Emperor and will be heavily rewarded!"
"Yes, Your Highness." Eunuch Gao looked down and stepped away.
Helian Wei Wei smiled, "Your Highness, don't be such a hurry with rewards. You still haven't dealt with Elder Wu's huge crime of accusing the prince."
After hearing what she said, the Emperor's smile sank. His eyes were glued to Helian Wei Wei but he did not say anything, it was obvious that he was disconsolate.
But it was her particular temper that shielded her shortcomings perfectly.
As a father, he had to frame his own son of treason so that he could protect his throne and reputation.
Such a father was not fit to be a human being!
As if the little face of hers was too misanthropic, Baili Jia Jue reached out and hugged her back, he whispered, "Wei Wei…"
Helian Wei Wei glanced over him and comforted him, "Don't worry, with me around, you shall take no grievance from anyone!"
He actually wanted to tell her to leave the rest up to him. If he was the one who would deal with the matters, the others around him would be tortured even more.
However, His Highness was shameless in this particular field.
He complied to Helian Wei Wei's suggestion and continued.
Although his tone was a little lighter, it sounded like he was sighing, "I guess that's what happens when one is not adored since he was young. I got used to the matters similar to today's, it's just that it's a little hard on the feelings. Can you accompany me tonight for a drink?"
"Of course!"
Helian Wei Wei would definitely agree!
She would even brew the liquor herself for His Highness, let alone have a drink.
"But don't feel too bad about it."
In terms of comforting people, our beloved queen Wei Wei had always been on the weaker side. She allowed His Highness to halt her movements as he exerted most of his strength on her, causing her shoulders to be a little shaky.
Helian Wei Wei thought that he was having a difficult time. She comforted him even more with an awkward posture but unknown to her, His Highness was actually smiling brightly with a sly expression.
Nangong Lie was the closest to the two of them. Of course, he saw everything that happened. His mouth had been twitching the whole time.
Even if he was His Highness' brother who grew up together, he had to criticize him!
Ah Jue is really, really, really shameless!
Elder Wu must have hit his head on something. Why would he frame Ah Jue and not someone else?
Baili Jia Jue also looked up at the moment. His eyes were as still as dead water but there was a bewitching delight. It made Elder Wu felt worse than death.
Doomed!
Not even the Emperor could protect him this time ...
Chapter 563 - I Am Teaching Him How To Play Chess
"How dare you! " The Emperor who was still maintaining his majesty started coughing violently after he said those words.
It was for no other reason, but only because the man who was standing in front of him was Baili Jia Jue.
His son who he feared all along.
He just looked at him and said nothing.
It reminded the Emperor about what happened seven years ago. When Baili Jia Jue was not a grown-up yet, he stood in the deep part of the palace eerily after the fire. He was staring at him with his left eye wrapped with gauze.
His gaze was condescending with an ominous sense.
The Emperor could not even imagine that it was a look from a child.
Therefore, he had never been close to this child.
No one knew better about the ruthlessness and cruelty of his third son than him and such a man would definitely seize his throne sooner or later!
The Emperor shut his eyes tightly but he had to suppress his anger because he knew better than anyone that his son was never a good target to provoke.
It was because he understood him that he wanted to get rid of him...
However, he could not get rid of him right now.
It was not a good time as there was a rebellion outside and the ministers were inside.
The Emperor sank his eyes and glanced over Elder Wu who was distracted. He then waved his long sleeve and said, "Old Wu, look out for yourself!" It seemed that he did not want to listen to Elder Wu's explanation again because no matter what he was going to say, he was only going to remind him that his image as the emperor was spoiled hard this time.
"What's next?" Eunuch Gao had been the Emperor's serf for many years so he could always guess the Emperor's thoughts correctly. He also knew that he had to give the Emperor a chance to extricate himself from the awkward position.
As the Emperor strode forward, he dropped a sentence, "Everything will be handled by the Third Prince." He then disappeared into the palace door, leaving only small flames of his anger.
However, his rage did not affect Baili Jia Jue at all.
Thud!
Elder Wu could not stand the coldness coming from the bottom of his heart anymore. He fell on his knees with sweat on his forehead, his hands were shaking violently. He still could not understand why he lost!
As if he could see through his thinking, Baili Jia Jue extended his hand to grab his collar and pulled him up. He said with a low voice which could only be heard by the two of them, "Do you really think that the doors of the palace are so easy to open?"
"You… You!"
How did he know!
No!
If he knew that earlier, why did he overlook them deliberately and let them attack the palace?
"Why! Why on earth is this!" He could have just stopped them from the beginning!
Baili Jia Jue lifted his thin lips and smiled, "Why? You have involved so many eminent monks to take away my most beloved prey. Just to let you lose, would be too small a lesson and it would not be enough. Also, the Emperor…"
"The Emperor? What does this have to do with the Emperor?" Elder Wu was getting even more confused. He did not understand, what benefits would the person in front of him get if the matter became serious?
Baili Jia Jue raised his
cool gaze. "Nothing much. I just wanted to teach this so-called Emperor a lesson. Do you really thought that you could attack the palace by your own ability?"
"You, the person that you're actually against is actually…actually…!" Elder Wu's eyes widened but he felt a tremor in his c.h.e.s.t before he could finish his sentence. He coughed out blood from his extreme anger!
How could he accept that!
Everything carefully planned by him was just a chess piece played by the other party!
"I have to thank Elder Wu for that." His Highness had always been a malevolent man who could make others die of anger without any guilt. He lifted his thin lips. "If it's not for the trouble caused by Elder Wu, I will need to consider the rules and reputation in order to teach my father a lesson. Although I have never cared about how the world thinks of me, there is still someone who cares. I don't want to be a demon with blood-stained hands in her eyes. It's better this way. With the cooperation of Elder Wu, the people who should be taught will be taught, and the people who should be killed will be slaughtered into pieces. But Elder Wu, I have to tell you that I have never seen a person as st*pid as you for a long time."
"You! You! " Elder Wu pointed to Baili Jia Jue with trembling fingers, looking like he was about to die of a heart attack.
Baili Jia Jue straightened his posture, his voice was as noble and sharp as a blade, "Take him away."
The three simple words had a commanding momentum that could shake the world.
"Yes, Tour Highness," said the shadow guards.
Elder Zhan was thankful that he only agreed with Elder Wu's suggestion but he did not really participate in it.
Imagine the consequences if he got himself involved...
Elder Zhan did not dare to think about it anymore, hence he shut his eyes. He only wanted to hide in the crowd.
However, his fingers paused when Baili Jia Jue walked toward him and stopped before him. He was unsure whether it was an intentional move.
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