Hua Ziqing’s eyes flickered with coldness. Hua Zirong is really delusional. Does he honestly think that he can escape like this?
“Your Majesty, have you forgotten the promise with Prime Minister Wen?” Hua Ziqing reminded with a gentle gaze.
Hua Zirong’s heart grew cold. How did he learn about that? It’s supposed to be a secret between Prime Minister Wen and myself.
“I don’t understand what you mean, Prince Qing. However, why did you pass on a fake edict?” Hua Zirong’s piercing gaze was suffocating, as if his rancour was about to explode.
None of that was effective against Hua Ziqing who counted down silently in his heart.
Three. Two. One.
A wave of dizziness assailed Hua Zirong. Eventually losing consciousness, the guard from behind immediately helped him inside.
“Prince Hao, Princess Consort Hao, and the Western Region King, as you have seen, our Monarch has yet to recover, and is not in the best state of mind.” A faint smile hung at the tip of Hua Ziqing’s mouth.
“Prince Qing, the Monarch of Xiliu hasn’t issued any order. That is to say, you are the one responsible for everything.” Du Ling ridiculed him.
Su Xi-er’s eyes dimmed. “A-Jing, does Xiliu not care about diplomatic relations? Are they trying to start a war?”
She might have been talking to Pei Qianhao, but the derision in her words were crystal clear to everyone present.
Pei Qianhao’s gaze deepened. “We’ll accept their challenge then.”
Upon seeing how things were not progressing as planned, even Hua Ziqing lost his composure for an instant. However, he quickly recovered before responding with a smile.
“The fireworks palace banquet is about to start. Why don’t we discuss this matter again after the banquet? Someone, come and send Prince Hao, Princess Consort Hao, and the Western Region King to rest at the Taohua[1] Palace.”
Hua Ziqing left after giving the order, and Li Zikang was about to follow when Du Ling’s guards stopped him.
“Western Region King, what do you mean by this? We are in the imperial palace.” Rage burned in Li Zikang’s eyes.
Du Ling mocked. “We haven’t resolved the matter yet. Where were you thinking of going?”
“General Li, were you the one who pierced through Yu Xiao’s collarbone?” Su Xi-er’s icy voice rang in his ears while Pei Qianhao’s stare shot into his head.
“That was a misunderstanding. I had received news of the Western Region King’s disappearance before going to search for him, but I didn’t expect that he would misunderstand me.” Li Zikang looked as if he had been wronged.
Watching his act, the mockery at Su Xi-er’s mouth became more evident. We still have a long way ahead of us. I will make you pay back all of Yu Xiao’s sufferings.
“Since Xiliu’s Monarch didn’t issue an edict, doesn’t that mean that General Li passed on a fake edict?” Du Ling sneered.
Even if I don’t kill you, I’m going to peel off your skin.
Li Zikang’s heart trembled for a moment. Xiliu’s palace is still under Master’s control. Hua Zirong is nothing but a puppet.
“Our Monarch was almost assassinated, and is currently not in the best state of mind. Even if you gave me a few more hearts, I wouldn’t have the courage to pass on a fake edict.” Li Zikang’s sincere tone made it sound like he had been falsely accused.
Du Ling’s gaze turned ice-cold. “Spare me the antics; you acted with such confidence when you were about to catch me just now, so if I don’t get an explanation, I’ll be taking your head instead. Nobody can say anything if that happens.”
With his stance made clear to Li Zikang, the latter began to conjure up a method to escape.
1. ’Taohua’ refers to peach blossoms.
