The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 492 The sea is open to all rivers
The Empress gave birth to a prince around the Mid-Autumn Festival, and not only did the capital city of Bianjing celebrate for several days, but congratulatory messages poured in from all over the country. Both the Emperor and the General knew that the Prince of Qin's great cause had been succeeded, and they were all overjoyed.

However, before the officials could even arrive at the palace to offer their congratulatory gifts, the King of Qin's edict had already reached various places, explicitly prohibiting the giving of gifts and severely condemning extravagance.

So, amidst this joyous occasion, as the Mid-Autumn Festival drew to a close in late August, the weather cooled down, and the long-dormant grand court assembly was finally restarted.

As dawn broke, the outline of the imperial city appeared somewhat solemn against the backdrop of the sky. In the square before the Jiao Lan Hall, a dense mass of civil and military officials stood, arranged according to rank. Night watchmen stood guard, halberds in hand, their armor gleaming coldly in the dim light, lending the imperial city a rare air of solemnity.

It was still early; the emperor had not yet arrived, nor had the King of Qin attended court.

The voices of hundreds of people surged through the ranks like a tide, creating an irrepressible buzzing echo. Naturally, everyone's topic revolved around the infant's cry that had echoed throughout Bianliang from the Qin Prince's residence a few days prior.

"I heard that His Highness the Crown Prince's cries were loud and clear, full of vigor. It is truly a blessing for the Great Liang... uh, a blessing for the world and a fortune for the nation!" A scarlet-robed official whispered to his colleague beside him, almost mispronouncing the word, but quickly corrected himself.

"Lord Han, Lord Jing, congratulations! With His Highness the King of Qin having an heir, the foundation of the state is secure, and the hearts of the people will soon be won over!"

Many more people, such as Zhou Xiang, Zhang Ge, Xu Geng and other former officials of Qi and Shu, gathered around Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang and other important officials of Tian Ce Mansion, speaking earnestly and beaming with joy, as if they themselves had a son.

Now that generals such as Wang Yanzhang, Yuan Xingqin, Tian Daocheng, and Yu Zhong have not returned to the capital, Li Si'an is the leader among the military officers. He has the loudest voice, and although he lowers it slightly, it still attracts attention from those around him.

"I've said it before, His Highness Prince Qin is a true dragon. How could a dragon's offspring be anything less than exceptional? The Crown Prince will surely become another mighty ruler who sweeps across the land! Perhaps I can even teach the young prince a few martial arts techniques..."

The generals beside him, such as Wang Jingren and Xie Yanzhang, either looked down on him or echoed the dragon's words, but they were quite noisy and disorderly, which was really unbecoming compared to the civil officials.

Yang She stood at the front of the civil and military ranks, listening to the commotion behind him and gazing at the majestic Jiao Lan Palace, his eyes slightly moist. He straightened his clothes, suppressing his excitement, and his surging emotions finally turned into a long sigh.

At three-quarters past Chen hour, the drums and music at the palace gates subtly changed. The officials immediately noticed, their conversations quickly subsided, and their ranks became more orderly. All eyes turned in unison towards the direction leading out of the palace.

Surrounded by a large group of officials from the Tian Ce Mansion, as well as Li Maozhen, Wen Tao, Shangguan Yunque, and others, Xiao Yan finally appeared. He was not dressed in military uniform or imperial robes, but only in casual clothes, with a golden crown binding his hair. He walked steadily across the square's passageway, his hand on his belt, as he slowly approached.

Wherever he went, officials bowed and paid their respects, a thousand times more so than when they met the emperor. They addressed him as "Your Majesty" or "Your Highness," and there was not a sound of noise in the room.

Xiao Yan remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the crowd. He merely nodded slightly in response. His dark, angry eyes revealed little emotion, but those with a keen eye could notice the slightly relaxed lines between his brows, a relief that was hard to conceal when someone was overjoyed. With the birth of his eldest son, the Prince of Qin was clearly visibly delighted.

He walked to the front of the officials and stopped, but did not wait long. He immediately entered the hall, and the civil and military officials quickly filed in according to their rank, lining up in both sides. The atmosphere inside and outside the Jiao Lan Hall became completely quiet because of Xiao Yan's arrival. An invisible pressure and expectation permeated the air, and even the sound of the wind seemed to have subsided.

At the exact hour of Chen (7-9 AM), bells and drums resounded. The Grand Eunuch Ding Zhaopu, leading several adopted sons, entered through a side passage. After bowing and requesting permission from Xiao Yan, he withdrew and announced to the assembled officials, "His Majesty has arrived!"

Immediately, Zhu Youzhen, dressed in a slightly oversized imperial robe, emerged unsteadily from behind the screen in the passageway, supported by several eunuchs. His face appeared even paler in the shadow of the tassels, his eyes darting around, and his movements as he sat on the dragon throne were stiff. He dared not look at the figure standing before the officials; at this moment, that supreme position felt to him as if it were filled with sharp needles, making him extremely uneasy.

"Rise, my lords." Zhu Youzhen tried his best to calm his fearful state of mind and spoke in a dry voice with a slight tremor.

The rustling of robes filled the hall, and the officials straightened their backs. A brief silence passed quickly as everyone looked at each other in bewilderment.

Zhu Youzhen unconsciously gripped the armrest of the dragon throne, his gaze darting away, not daring to meet any eyes below, especially the towering figure at the very front.

Finally, as if he had exhausted all his courage, he spoke with difficulty, his voice weak: "I... heard that the King of Qin has been blessed with a son, and that both mother and child are healthy, which is truly... a blessing for the nation. I wonder if the heir has been named?"

In his speech, he barely dared to look at Xiao Yan, his gaze fixed only on the imperial desk.

These words finally broke the awkward silence, and the atmosphere in the hall instantly became excited.

Before Xiao Yan could answer, Han Yanhui stepped forward first and said loudly, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. The birth of the Crown Prince is accompanied by auspicious omens, a blessing from Heaven for our China. We, your subjects, congratulate His Highness Prince Qin!"

After saying that, he naturally bowed deeply to Xiao Yan.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, King Qin!"

"May the Crown Prince be blessed, and may the foundation of the nation be forever secure!"

The courtiers immediately followed suit, and waves of congratulations surged forth, instantly engulfing the entire Jiao Lan Hall. For a moment, everyone bowed their heads. Then, the civil officials quoted classical texts to praise the birth of the crown prince as an omen of divine mandate; the military generals also tried to be as tactful as possible, using elegant language to express that the crown prince would surely inherit his father's will and usher in an era of lasting peace.

At this moment, the emperor on the dragon throne seemed to have become an insignificant backdrop, and no one cared.

Xiao Yan turned around, smiled calmly at the assembled officials, and raised his hand in a gesture of restraint. The clamor quickly subsided, and all eyes were focused on him.

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty, and thank you all for your kindness." He smiled calmly. "My son has been named 'Mingzhao,' that is, Li Mingzhao. May his heart be as clear as a mirror, able to distinguish right from wrong, understand the suffering of the people, and act in broad daylight."

“…Great! Great name!” Li Si’an exclaimed without hesitation, then realized his mistake and quickly shut up, but the excitement on his face was still evident.

The ministers nodded in agreement and praised the event, and the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became lively, as if it were not a solemn court assembly but a grand banquet.

Zhu Youzhen watched the scene below, his fingers digging even tighter, his face growing increasingly ashen and embarrassed. This lively atmosphere had nothing to do with him; it felt like a silent, agonizing torture, each cut slowly slicing through his body.

But he dared not harbor any resentment. He simply took a deep breath, forced a smile, and then, as if using all his strength, suddenly stood up from the dragon throne and staggered down the steps.

His personal attendants tried to help him up, but he pushed them away.

As the courtiers quieted down and watched, the man walked up to Xiao Yan and pulled out a scroll of bright yellow silk from his wide sleeves. He held it high with both hands, almost raising it to Xiao Yan's eyes.

"Your Majesty! I...I am of meager virtue and limited talent, unworthy to occupy the throne. I have failed to secure the ancestral temples above, nor have I been able to comfort the common people below...leading to the collapse of the empire and the tarnishing of the imperial regalia...Fortunately, Your Majesty has emerged, sweeping away the chaos and bringing peace to the world. Your achievements are unparalleled, and your benevolence extends to all living beings. Recently, auspicious omens have frequently appeared, and the hearts of the people are with you. This is clearly the Mandate of Heaven upon Your Highness. I...am willing to emulate the ancient sages and abdicate the throne to Your Highness, so that the empire may be at peace and the people may prosper! I hope Your Highness...will prioritize the well-being of the nation and will not refuse! This is my...and the wish of all the people!"

Zhu Youzhen's voice was already distorted due to extreme tension, even carrying a sob and obvious fear. When he spoke the last few words, his whole body trembled. As soon as he finished speaking, his body went limp, and he actually wanted to kneel down in front of the court officials.

Xiao Yan stepped forward and caught Zhu Youzhen's elbow, preventing him from kneeling. He took the abdication edict but did not unfold it. Instead, he casually stretched it out. Several eunuchs who followed Zhu Youzhen turned pale and dared not take it. Fortunately, Ding Zhaopu reacted quickly and stepped forward to accept it with both hands.

Xiao Yan looked calmly at Zhu Youzhen and simply said in a low voice:
"Your Majesty's words are unacceptable to me. I rose from the ranks of the army and devoted myself to the royal family. My purpose was to eliminate traitors, quell rebellions, and bring peace to the people. How could I dare to covet the throne or overstep my bounds? Your Majesty was personally enthroned by me and the officials. You should be diligently governing the country. I should also wholeheartedly assist you and work together to achieve peace. This matter concerns the dignity of the nation and is no child's play. Your Majesty, please be careful with your words and do not bring it up again."

His words were crisp and clear, his tone devoid of any hint of joy or anger, more like a calm response following a predetermined procedure. However, the imposing presence beneath his calm demeanor as soon as he spoke left Zhu Youzhen speechless, unable to utter a single word, only a slight tremor running through his body, and he stammered incessantly.

Sure enough, a low commotion arose among the officials, and calls for the emperor to ascend the throne resounded. However, upon seeing Xiao Yan's indifferent expression, they quickly bowed their heads again.

After all, everyone knows that the King of Qin is not Zhu Wen, who was so eager to ascend the throne that he didn't even wait for the proper procedures of being granted a great state, receiving the Nine Bestowments, and receiving special honors. This led to the collapse of etiquette and the bloody changes of power that would last for the next half-century. The King of Qin clearly disdained to be as impatient in taking the throne as Zhu Wen.

Since Xiao Yan declined, Zhu Youzhen dared not plead again. The court meeting then discussed some trivial matters and ended hastily in this extremely peaceful yet eerie atmosphere.

Even before Ding Zhaopu had finished announcing the end of the court session, Zhu Youzhen, surrounded by eunuchs, had already run into the rear hall as if fleeing.

As soon as Xiao Yan left the palace, he was immediately surrounded by layers of civil and military officials.

"Your Highness! The will of Heaven cannot be defied!"

"The custom of declining three times is an ancient tradition. Your Highness has already declined two of them, which demonstrates your humility! However, the people's will is what Your Highness should follow!"

"Jiangnan is not yet pacified, and a false emperor has usurped the throne. Your Highness is needed to ascend the throne to command the world and complete the unification!"

Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, Yang She, Zhang Wenwei, and others formed the innermost circle, speaking earnestly. Surrounded by them, Xiao Yan slowly walked out of the hall, offering no clear response to the urging voices around him to ascend the throne. He merely nodded slightly occasionally, and boarded the carriage under the protection of Wen Tao and others.

Having escaped the entanglement of the officials, Xiao Yan returned to the Qin Prince's mansion at nearly 11:00 AM. As he approached the mansion, he reached out and patted Bago on the shoulder.

But the latter just puffed out her cheeks and shook her head, then quickened her teasing movements, and finally raised her head with satisfaction at Xiao Yan's strange expression. She first made a swallowing motion, then slightly parted her lips and gestured to Xiao Yan.

Seeing Li Cunren sitting upright with his face turned to the side, his ears completely red, Xiao Yan couldn't help but chuckle. He called Li Cunren over to straighten his robes and then ordered the carriage to go directly into the palace.

By the time they reached the inner chambers, Xiao Yan was no longer flushed or his heart was racing. Although the Empress appeared weak after childbirth, her complexion was rosier than it had been a few days prior. She was leaning against a soft couch, covered with a thin blanket. Ji Ruxue sat beside the couch, doing small needlework.

Qianwu was quietly directing a maid to fetch another storybook to tell. Jiangchen stood with his arms crossed beside the cradle, head bowed, hair hanging down, seemingly carefully examining the sleeping baby inside.

Xiao Yan walked in, and seeing all the women looking at him, his expression softened, and a slight sense of guilt washed over him. "You're back?" The Empress raised her eyes, a faint smile playing on her lips.

Ji Ruxue put down her needlework and rose to greet him. Qianwu and the maids bowed silently. The surrendered minister also raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the cradle before returning to it as if it were just a casual glance.

Xiao Yan walked to the cradle and leaned down to look at his sleeping son inside. The little guy's cheeks were rosy, his breathing was even, and his tiny fists were clenched. He reached out and gently touched the baby's cheek, and an indescribable warmth surged in his chest.

"She just finished feeding and is sleeping soundly," the Empress said softly, her gaze falling on the child with tenderness.

“More like you,” Xiao Yan said softly, his tone unusually relaxed.

After a brief chat about everyday matters, the atmosphere in the room became warm and harmonious. Xiao Yan sat down on the edge of the couch, naturally took the warm water that Qian Wu handed him and drank a sip. He took Xue'er's hand beside him, pondered for a moment, and then said as if casually mentioning it, "News has come from the northern desert that Shuliduo has initially sorted out the government affairs in the past two months. She will arrive in Bianjing with Yelü Yaoguang soon."

He paused for a moment, his gaze sweeping over the Empress, Ji Ruxue, and the surrendered officials, before calmly saying, "Once she arrives, I intend to formally take her into my household and grant her the title of Consort. She has made contributions to stabilizing the northern frontier and integrating the Han and non-Han peoples, so she deserves this position, which will also reassure the hearts of the tribes in the northern deserts."

As soon as the words were spoken, there was a moment of silence in the room, and the women all looked at each other in an instant.

The Empress slightly raised her phoenix eyes, pondered for a moment, her expression calm and undisturbed, and slowly nodded: "My husband's considerations are thorough. Empress Dowager Shuli is no ordinary woman; she possesses strategic acumen and is adept at assessing situations. If we can use this title to win her sincere allegiance, it will indeed benefit my husband's great cause and the long-term peace and stability of the grasslands. Taking her as a concubine will not only demonstrate the magnanimity of our Central Plains but also reward her for her achievements. I believe it is feasible."

Seeing Xiao Yan looking at her, Ji Ruxue hesitated for a moment, but when she caught the Empress gently shaking her head at her, she said softly, "From both a public and private perspective, she is indeed good... However, Ao Gu is currently still in the villa in the mansion. If her mother is taken as a concubine, what should be done about her status? Will it attract criticism from the court and the public?"

The surrendered official chuckled, glancing down at the nail polish on his fingernails, feigning indifference but with a hint of smugness: "Oh, this is quite a sight. Mother and daughter together... uh, since they're not officially married, it's not really... In short, His Highness Prince Qin's residence truly has gathered all the most formidable women in the world."

Qianwu simply listened quietly to their conversation, but remained silent while smiling at Xiao Yan.

Xiao Yan coughed lightly, not paying any attention to the surrendered official's teasing, and simply looked at the Empress.

The Empress then picked up where Ji Ruxue left off, laughing as she said, “Aogu is simple and honest by nature, but her status is special. Since her mother is a concubine, she is naturally still the princess of the Northern Desert and the Great Shaman. We can treat her with courtesy. As the ruler of the world, my husband need not be too bound by worldly views. Perhaps in the future… she will also have her own destiny.”

Since the Empress had spoken, the others didn't say anything more. Xiao Yan did indeed think it was better to point out that Shuliduo had already gone south than to surprise the women later. Moreover, everyone knew his intentions, so after nodding, they didn't say anything more and focused on accompanying their wives and concubines.

Thus, the people in the room reached a superficial consensus on the matter; what they truly thought in their hearts was another matter entirely.

------

While Xiao Yan was enjoying the pleasures of having multiple wives in the Qin Prince's mansion, Zhu Youzhen, distraught, returned to her cold bedchamber, only to be overwhelmed by waves of immense fear.

Abdication was inevitable. Even though Xiao Yan had not made a clear statement, the officials of Tian Ce Mansion, as well as Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and others, had reminded and warned him many times.

But what happens after the abdication? Throughout history, how many rulers who lost their kingdoms met a good end? Xiao Yan needs this fig leaf now, but once the leaf is torn off... Zhu Youzhen dared not think any further, the more she thought about it, the more frightened she became.

He paced back and forth in the empty palace, not daring to sit down. Suddenly, he stopped abruptly, as if struck by a flash of inspiration, and urgently said to his trusted eunuch beside him, "Go, go and fetch Commander Li! Go quickly!"

Before long, Li Mang, the scout in charge of guarding the palace, walked in expressionlessly. After glancing around the hall with his sword in hand, he cupped his hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty has summoned this humble general. What are your orders?"

Zhu Youzhen quickly forced a smile that looked more like a grimace, and said in an almost pleading tone, "Minister Li... I... I wish to go to the Great Xiangguo Temple to visit... to visit the Emperor Emeritus. Filial piety is a duty that should not be neglected. Furthermore, I also wish to pray for the Crown Prince and for the world before the Buddha. I beg you to do me this favor and inform His Highness Prince Qin."

Li Mang remained expressionless, only lowering his eyes: "Your Majesty's filial piety is commendable. I will go and request the imperial decree immediately." Without waiting for Zhu Youzhen's reaction, he turned and left, his movements swift and decisive.

Zhu Youzhen didn't dare to say much, but paced back and forth for a long time, waiting anxiously.

Fortunately, the request was quickly answered. It is said that the King of Qin even specially assigned more men to "protect" Zhu Youzhen and let the Zhu father and son catch up. Zhu Youzhen couldn't care less about anything else for the moment and immediately prepared to leave the palace.

In the afternoon, the sun was a bit scorching.

Outside a secluded Zen monastery on the back mountain of Daxiangguo Temple, security was tight. Zhu Youzhen's carriage stopped at the gate. He didn't dare bring any eunuchs and entered the small courtyard alone, accompanied by Li Mang and a dozen night watchmen.

The Zen temple is serene and quiet, with ancient trees reaching for the sky, yet it exudes an indescribable sense of loneliness, almost like an empty courtyard.

Pushing open the door to the meditation room, a strong smell of medicine and incense wafted out. Zhu Wen, who had been forced to abdicate more than a year ago, was now only wearing a gray monk's robe. He didn't look thin at all, still quite pot-bellied. But his ruthless face, which had killed countless people and treated human life as worthless, appeared even more humble.

However, at this moment, perhaps knowing that Zhu Youzhen was coming, he simply sat on the prayer mat and coldly watched his eldest son walk in.

"You've come. To see if I'm dead yet? Too bad, I'm still breathing."

Zhu Youzhen felt extremely uncomfortable under his gaze. Suppressing her nausea, she dismissed the two young monks who were ostensibly serving her but were actually spying on her. Li Mang and the others also retreated to the outside of the door, which was ajar, allowing them to hear what was happening inside while still providing a semblance of privacy.

"Father... Your son has come to visit you..." Zhu Youzhen said dryly, and found a stool a little away from Zhu Wen to sit down.

"Visiting?" Zhu Wen's face twitched. Perhaps due to the elixir he had borrowed, his complexion had improved considerably. He merely sneered, "You've come to laugh at me, haven't you? You're just handing over the empire your father worked so hard to build? What a fine son you are, so filial..."

Zhu Youzhen's face turned pale and then red, and he couldn't help but sneer: "When Yang Shihou was beheaded, wasn't Father so frightened that he wet his pants in front of the Prince of Qin? Don't think I've forgotten. Circumstances are stronger than people. The Prince of Qin is powerful, with well-trained troops and ample supplies, and the people are loyal to him. If I don't abdicate, am I supposed to wait for the executioner's axe to fall on my head? At least I can still keep my life. Look at my second brother (Zhu Youwen)... isn't he doing very well under the Prince of Qin now? He commands the night scouts and wields considerable power! If I... if I behave myself in the future, I can go and beg my second brother again, and maybe I can still have a peaceful end!"

"Zhu Youwen? That wretched wretch!" Zhu Wen spat, his eyes flashing with malice, and he couldn't help but lower his voice a few notches. "After he was released, he was nothing more than a dog that Xiao Yan used to bite people. You think he can protect you? Fool! Naïve!"

He leaned forward abruptly, gripping the edge of the table, his voice suddenly becoming more urgent and low, "You think you can live by abdicating? Dream on! Do you know who he is? He's Li Ye's son! That little brat who should have died in Luoyang! He's back! We slaughtered all his brothers and uncles, and massacred the Li Tang imperial family! Do you think he'll let any member of the Zhu family off the hook for this blood debt? He won't, he'll definitely uproot our Zhu family! Slaughter them all! You, me, none of us can escape! None of us can escape!"

These whispers struck Zhu Youzhen like a thunderbolt. His eyes widened, his blood seemed to freeze, and his face turned deathly pale. His lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a sound. Overwhelmed by fear, he almost fainted.

Seeing his son's pathetic state, Zhu Wen's mockery deepened, mixed with a hint of pleasure, as if dragging everyone down to hell would give him final satisfaction.

But after a brief silence, Zhu Youzhen jumped up like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. He pointed at Zhu Wen and suddenly screamed, completely forgetting that there were people outside the door.

"It was you! It was all you! You murdered the emperor and usurped the throne! You were the one who massacred the entire Li Tang imperial family in the capital! And my second brother, when he was imprisoned by that idiot Zhu Yougui, it was you who, knowing the truth, pretended not to know because that stand-in served you well and was even willing to give you my second brother's wife. Don't think I don't know! If the Prince of Qin and my second brother are going to hate anyone, it's you! What does it have to do with me?! I don't know anything! If anyone should die, it's you! Why drag me into it?! Why?!"

His screams were hysterical, desperate, and terrified, as if he had been scared out of his wits.

Zhu Wen was taken aback by his retort, then flew into a rage, struggling to stand up from the prayer mat: "You unfilial son, how dare you speak to me like that! Without me, could you be emperor? You've enjoyed so many years of wealth and honor, and now you want to distance yourself from me? Too late!"

"It's all because of you! It's all your fault!" Upon hearing these words, Zhu Youzhen completely lost control. His pent-up fear and resentment erupted at this moment. He rushed forward and actually raised his hand to slap Zhu Wen hard across the face.

Inside and outside the meditation room, a sudden, sharp cracking sound rang out, particularly jarring.

Zhu Wen's head snapped to the side from the blow, a red mark instantly appearing on his fat face. He was momentarily stunned, seemingly unable to believe that his usually timid son would dare to lay a hand on him.

Immediately, boundless rage overwhelmed him. He roared, and despite his sixty-something-year-old stout body still having the strength to spare, he lunged at Zhu Youzhen without regard for anything else, his hands aimed straight for Zhu Youzhen's face: "You beast, I'll beat you to death, you unfilial son!"

Zhu Youzhen never expected that the old bastard Zhu Wen would dare to fight back. Caught off guard, he was knocked back and staggered. His face stung with pain, but this only fueled his ferocity, and he retaliated wildly, yelling, "You old scoundrel! Die! Die!"

The father and son, the once-powerful Emperor and the Retired Emperor of Liang, were now wrestling like shrewish women in the quiet Buddhist temple, tearing at each other, cursing, and panting, as if they had gone mad.

The table was overturned, and the prayer cushions were kicked everywhere. What was supposed to be a brutal fight turned into a desperate brawl, with both sides wishing they could kill each other on the spot.

The door was pushed open with a bang.

Li Mang stormed in with two night scouts, staring expressionlessly at the appalling scene before him. It turned out that Zhu Youzhen was truly pathetic, being ridden and beaten by Zhu Wen, who was nearly thirty years his senior and had been under house arrest for over a year. His clothes were disheveled, and he looked utterly wretched.

Speechless, Li Mang didn't hesitate at all. With a wave of his hand, two night scouts stepped forward and unceremoniously separated the Zhu family father and son who were wrestling. Although the father and son were momentarily frightened, their desire to fight was so intense that the night scouts had to be extremely rough to pull them apart.

Zhu Youzhen's hair was disheveled, his clothes were rumpled, and there were several bloodstains on his face. He was panting heavily, his eyes filled with madness and lingering fear. Zhu Wen, on the other hand, was being held down by a night watchman, struggling and cursing incessantly. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his eyes were filled with resentment, as if he only regretted not beating this rebellious son to death earlier.

Li Mang glanced coldly at the two men, his voice devoid of any emotion: "Your Majesty, Emperor Emeritus, please show some restraint. If you harm each other, I will not be able to explain to His Highness Prince Qin."

Zhu Wen, who was still insulting Zhu Youzhen's mother and cursing her ancestors for eighteen generations, heard this and looked at the hideous scars on Li Mang's face. In the end, he dared not say anything more and could only let Zhu Youzhen be taken away by them.

(End of this chapter)