The Changes
The Changes
"What did my brother ask you to ask from me?" Prince Ji Shao Yang asked unhurriedly. He had guessed that the only person who could see through his ploy would be someone like Prince Ji Sheng. The two of them were smart and knew how to utilize their people around them to the fullest, so he guessed that the one who asked her to come would be Prince Ji Sheng.
"His Highness Prince Ji Sheng wished for your help to confront Prince Ji Shu," Wei Liuying replied unhurriedly.
Prince Ji Shao Yang arched his eyebrows. Very blunt and straight to the point, which was totally unlike the usual conversation. However, he liked this better than circling around before talking to the point.
"And what's in it for me?"
"You'll be the Emperor."
Hearing that, Prince Ji Shao Yang paused for a moment. He looked at the young girl before him with an incredulous expression. However, the solemn expression on her face told him that she was serious.
A deal with him being the Emperor should they succeed?
A smirk was formed on the corner of his lips.
"Continue."
…
In the end, Prince Ji Shao Yang listened to everything that Wei Liuying said. He decided to come and help Prince Ji Sheng because the offer that they gave him was one that he couldn't possibly say no.
"Will you give up the seat, Ji Sheng?"
"It's not my position to take it in the first place. I'll be content as long as I can stay at the north," Prince Ji Sheng replied. He glanced at Prince Ji Shao Yang. "Or you're also paranoid like our fourth brother?"
"I can't say that I don't have the thoughts, but if you're willing to give it up, I'll also not interfere with what you want," Prince Ji Shao Yang responded.
"That's good."
"If I happen to take back my words, what do you plan to do?"
"There'll be the biggest internal war happening. I'm sure that there are several influential figures on your side who might not even support you if that should happen, Prince Ji Shao Yang."
Prince Ji Shao Yang clicked his tongue, but he didn't give his answer. He knew what Prince Ji Sheng said was true. There were several officials under him who actually prefer neutrality. Should he declare war against Prince Ji Sheng, he knew that there would be a lot of them who rise up and voiced out their complaint.
In the end, he might even lose support.
"You're very meticulous, Third Brother."
"I have to if I wish to survive," Prince Ji Sheng responded and walked up. They were heading to the palace through the main route. Some people were looking at them from their windows, but they didn't dare to come out.
Prince Ji Shao Yang chuckled and chose not to comment. From their position, it was clear that they have to be careful because even a small mishap might seal their fate and took their lives.
"And if it will help you to erase suspicion, Imperial Father had already decreed for me to stay at north for the rest of my life once the battle of succession is over." Prince Ji Sheng smiled faintly. That ridiculous Emperor thought that with such a message, he would never step back to the Capital City.
Unfortunately, Prince Ji Sheng didn't care much for that order nor the decree. Though, it was within his intention to stay at the north as he never had any interest for the throne.
Prince Ji Shao Yang arched his eyebrows then chuckled lightly. "Right, as the Emperor, I could simply decree for you to stay at the North. It'll be a bit of a waste of your talent, though."
"What would it be waste when I'm only good at military?" Prince Ji Sheng sneered. "Just stay here obediently with your wives and concubines. I'll be waiting at a distance away. If you're bored with the throne, feel free to give it up. The official would be happier than to see you wither slowly with power."
"You must be joking, my good Imperial Brother." Prince Ji Shao Yang narrowed his eyes. "Would you like to not be able to step in the Capital City anymore?"
"It didn't matter."
The two Imperial brothers didn't say anything else.
"We've arrived," Yang Xian reminded the two prince. He was still wondering why they couldn't stop talking even when the situation was this dire.
"Tell Liuying to come when she had finished."
"Yes."
Wei Liuying directed the soldiers first before coming here. After all, they have to make sure that the citizen was not completely disturbed by the change that would occur in the capital city. Aside from a lot of officials would be facing their death, many other officials who were hiding would come out and help out.
Yang Xian stepped to the side and allowed the two princes to come inside. He ordered the soldiers to sweep the area and cleared the soldiers who were unwilling to give up along with the officials who were trying to run away. The rest would be handled by the two princes.
It didn't take long for the palace to be filled with the smell of blood.
Slash!
"This woman should be Baili Lin, right?" Prince Ji Shao Yang asked as he looked at the woman he killed.
"Yes."
"That disgusting Baili Family is still trying to use underhanded method? I have underestimated them a bit."
Prince Ji Sheng paid no heed to the woman. He knew that the Baili Family was one of the few influential family in the capital city. However, their deeds were quite disgusting when he heard them. They often made use of their women to get close to officials and gained their foothold. While it was a normal practice, the two princes disliked the idea of sacrificing so many women just to get what they wanted.
"Is your fiancée still alive?" Prince Ji Sheng asked.
Prince Ji Shao Yang arched his eyebrows. "You mean my wife. I have married her just a few days before our fourth brother made his move. I know that you didn't come to the wedding, but you need to remember that point."
"Right."
"She's in the cold palace. I arranged my people to protect her in case that crazy Imperial Concubine Xu came."
Prince Ji Sheng furrowed his brows when he thought of that imperial concubine. He turned his head to the back. "Let's go and find her."
"Where?"
"The cold palace."
Prince Ji Shao Yang was stunned. There were only those who were abandoned staying in the cold palace. Why would that crazy imperial concubine would even head there?
"Do you think she's searching for your mother?"
"It's possible."
"Even after knowing that your mother tried to kill you several times ever since you were a baby?"
Prince Ji Sheng chose not to comment and walked to the hall. He noticed that Yang Xian had already cleaned up most of the servants and soldiers who were siding with Ji Shu. When the two of them saw each other, they nodded.
"To the cold palace."