Chu Hanlin cast an approving glance at Chu Yan.
In moments of urgency, keeping a steady mind was crucial.
If Elder Cao had concrete evidence from the start, he wouldn’t have wasted so much time on accusations.
Clearly, this was a trap—baiting the father and son into a confession.
Elder Cao glared at the two and bowed to Emperor Muwu.
"Your Majesty, this humble subject speaks not a word of slander. The evidence will appear shortly. I ask for your patience."
Prime Minister Lu, unaware of Elder Cao’s schemes, suggested, "Old friend, have you been deceived? Are you making a mistake?"
This was an olive branch for Elder Cao—an invitation to admit fault and apologize to end the matter.
Elder Xu chimed in, "Elder Cao, don’t jump to conclusions without clear proof."
Annoyed, Elder Cao waved his sleeve. "I said the evidence will arrive soon!"
Emperor Muwu laughed, "I’ve never heard of evidence delivering itself to the scene."
But as soon as the words left his mouth, black clouds obscured the sun outside, and a chilling wind arose.
No, it wasn’t clouds—it was malevolent black mist!
The crowd turned to see the mist surge into the Qianlong Palace.
The black mist dispersed, its impact sending people tumbling to the ground. Only Chu Hanlin and Chu Yan remained standing firm.
Naturally, Emperor Muwu, seated on the dragon throne at a distance, was shielded by Imperial Guards. Their weapons bore protective talismans that kept the black mist at bay.
Elder Cao, ignoring his pain, scrutinized the scene and immediately recognized Qi Hong.
"Evidence! The evidence is here! He is Emperor Qi! He is Emperor Qi!"
"They’re biological brothers! He’s here to rescue Chu Yan!"
All eyes shifted to Qi Hong.
Chu Hanlin’s face turned pale, nearly fainting from anger.
Why had this fool shown up? He really delivered the evidence on a silver platter!
Chu Yan, equally shocked, stared at Qi Hong, his mind utterly blank.
Qi Hong instantly realized it was a trap. He had been outmaneuvered!
With the situation beyond redemption, he decided to take A’Yuan away—whatever happened to the Chu family was no longer his concern.
Reaching for Chu Yan’s robes, he prepared to spirit him away.
Elder Cao had anticipated this and shouted, "Seize them! Don’t let these two members of Qi Nation’s royal family leave Qianlong Palace! Arrest the Duke of Anguo as well!"
The palace doors were sealed with a talisman array. Imperial Guards blocked every exit, advancing steadily.
Aside from Prime Minister Lu, the other officials’ gazes shifted from shock to disdain and fury.
The three were cornered, seemingly with no escape.
From the dragon throne came an enraged shout:
"Damn you, Emperor Qi! So, you’ve discovered that Chu Yan is my illegitimate child and came all this way to use him against me!"
"I have only this one son left! Whatever you want, just name it, and I’ll grant it!"
Emperor Muwu stood atop the steps, his expression dark, his tone desperate.
Things had been under control, but Qi Hong’s sudden arrival ruined everything. Left with no options, he had to employ the tactic taught by his ninth brother—acknowledge the son.
His words stunned the entire hall.
Even the Chief Eunuch stumbled backward, falling beside the dragon throne.
Everyone shifted their gaze between Emperor Muwu and Chu Yan, utterly dumbfounded.
Elder Cao reacted swiftly, shouting, "Your Majesty, what nonsense are you spouting? Chu Yan is clearly Emperor Qi’s brother, not your illegitimate son!"
Emperor Muwu barked, "How could I not know my own son? Back then, to avoid a conflict with the Empress, I entrusted Lord Chu to adopt him!"
"Absurd! Utterly absurd!" Elder Cao screamed, his voice hoarse.
"Your Majesty, to protect the Chu family and Chu Yan, you spew such lies! How can you face the ancestors of the Ye Clan?"
Emperor Muwu hesitated briefly but recalled his ninth brother’s words that their ancestors had long reincarnated. Pressing his hand to his chest, he declared resolutely:
"I swear upon the ancestors of the Ye Clan—Chu Yan is my son!"
"Emperor Qi, if you’ve risked infiltrating the palace, you must have a demand. State it clearly, and I’ll comply!"
Elder Cao felt as though Emperor Muwu had gone mad. Furious, he bellowed, "No! I orchestrated this, leaking Chu Yan’s danger to Emperor Qi and sabotaging the array temporarily. That’s why Emperor Qi managed to enter the palace—he’s here to save his brother!"
The emperor and his minister were at odds, each standing their ground.
Qi Hong observed the chaos, assessing his options.
However, due to his presence, numerous Imperial Guards had arrived, their swords engraved with exorcism talismans.
Elder Cao, now supported by his disciples, added, "Capture Emperor Qi! Once we use the Blood Enchanting Bug, we’ll prove they’re brothers!"
Chu Hanlin’s heart tightened as he shot a glance at Qi Hong.
The Blood Enchanting Bug would expose everything.
Elder Xu, finding Emperor Muwu’s claim preposterous, nodded.
"Since Emperor Qi is here, let’s confirm it. If he bears the Qi Nation bloodline, we’ll decide accordingly."
A lower-ranking official added, "Even if Chu Yan isn’t Emperor Qi’s brother, capturing him allows us to negotiate with Qi Nation."
In any case, Qi Hong seemed doomed.
Chu Yan, worried, whispered, "Go! Leave now!"
Hearing this, Qi Hong’s heart softened. Just those words were enough for him to die without regret.
A lifetime of brilliance—apart from being outmatched by Ye Siheng and Nanli in war and martial prowess, he had never considered anyone his equal.
Yet today, an old schemer had trapped him, jeopardizing both the Chu family and A’Yuan.
Turning to Emperor Muwu, Qi Hong sneered,
"Your Majesty, would you truly do anything for this lowly illegitimate son of yours?"
Emperor Muwu sighed in relief, thinking Qi Hong finally wanted to negotiate.
"Of course! State your demand!"
"Then I want—" Qi Hong’s voice turned icy, "your life!"
He waved his sleeve, unleashing a storm of black mist within the hall.
Many who had risen were struck down again, their lifeblood drained.
The first victim was Elder Cao.
Feigning compliance, the black mist wrapped around Chu Hanlin and Chu Yan as well, though their talismans shielded them from harm.
Qi Hong, however, surged toward the dragon throne.
"Protect His Majesty!"
Imperial Guards encircled Qi Hong, but he pressed forward, determined to claim Emperor Muwu’s head.
Emperor Muwu fell back onto the dragon throne in terror.
Was Qi Hong truly intent on slaughtering everyone in the hall?
But Chu Yan, his reconstructed body swift and agile, darted to the throne and shielded the emperor with his own body.
"Stop! What are you doing?"