The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 794 Going Astray

"Commander Zhao, are you really planning a rebellion?"

Commander Zhao gave a cold laugh: "Rebellion? No! You're wrong. I just want to get rid of you, this tyrant, for the sake of all the people and the common folk!"

Commander Zhao's sudden appearance instantly froze the tense atmosphere in the court. Zhu Xiong Ying's smile vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression. He narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Commander Zhao as if assessing his strength.

"Minister Zhao, what are you doing? I have treated you well, why do you betray me?" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was low and cold, carrying a hint of warning.

Commander Zhao sneered, pointing his long sword at Zhu Xiong Ying: "Betrayal? Your Majesty, you are incompetent and tyrannical, persecuting loyal officials and have long lost the hearts of the people! What I am doing today is for the sake of the people and for the sake of the Ming Dynasty!"

"What a high-sounding reason!" Zhu Xiong Ying laughed angrily. "I'd like to see what real skills you have that dare to be so insolent before me!"

No sooner had he finished speaking than Zhu Xiong Ying vanished from his spot. The next moment, he reappeared in front of Commander Zhao and struck him in the chest with a palm.

Commander Zhao was prepared and dodged Zhu Xiong Ying's attack by sidestepping, while simultaneously swinging his sword towards Zhu's neck.

Zhu Xiong Ying dodged Zhao's fierce attack with a swift movement. The two engaged in a fierce battle in the court, their figures clashing and sword energy crisscrossing, dazzling the onlookers.

The ministers were so frightened that they all hid to the side, fearing they would be drawn into the battle.

"His Majesty is so unfathomable!"

"Commander Zhao's strength should not be underestimated!"

"This...what the hell is going on?"

The crowd was abuzz with discussion, their hearts filled with doubt and fear.

Zhu Xiong Ying and Commander Zhao were evenly matched, and for a time it was impossible to determine a winner. They exchanged blows, each strike potentially fatal, leaving the onlookers trembling with fear.

"Minister Zhao, do you really want to be my enemy?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked coldly as he attacked.

"Your Majesty, you have gone astray, and I must stop you!" Commander Zhao did not back down, and the long sword in his hand became even sharper.

"Hmph! Since that's the case, then don't blame me for being impolite!" A murderous glint flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes, and his attacks became even more ruthless and fierce.

The battle between the two intensified, and a chilling atmosphere permeated the entire court.

Suddenly, Zhu Xiong Ying seized an opening and struck Commander Zhao in the chest with a palm strike.

Commander Zhao let out a muffled groan, flew backward, and crashed heavily to the ground, spitting out a mouthful of blood.

"Commander Zhao!" Upon seeing this, Fang Xiaoru rushed forward and helped Commander Zhao up.

"Cough cough..." Commander Zhao coughed a few times, his face pale and his breath weak.

Zhu Xiong Ying slowly walked up to Commander Zhao, looking down at him with disdain in her eyes.

"Zhao Aiqing, you have lost."

Commander Zhao struggled to stand up, but his body was too weak to support him.

"Your Majesty...you...you..."

"I know you are loyal, but you can't see the situation clearly," Zhu Xiong Ying sneered. "I am the Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, and no one can change my decisions!"

“You…you’re tyranny!” Commander Zhao said through gritted teeth.

“Tyranny? Perhaps.” Zhu Xiong Ying shrugged indifferently. “But I don’t care. As long as I can achieve my goal, I will stop at nothing!”

As he spoke, he raised his right hand, preparing to deliver the final blow to Commander Zhao.

At this moment, a voice suddenly sounded: "Stop!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the sound and saw a man dressed in a dragon robe slowly walk into the court.

"Your Majesty... Your Majesty?" Zhu Xiong Ying looked at the newcomer, his eyes filled with shock. The newcomer was none other than the retired Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang!

Zhu Yuanzhang walked up to Zhu Xiong Ying, his eyes blazing, his tone authoritative: "You unfilial son! You dare to plot against a loyal and virtuous man, and intend to overthrow the Ming Dynasty!"

"Grandfather, I..." Zhu Xiong Ying tried to explain, but was interrupted by Zhu Yuan Zhang.

"Shut up! I don't want to hear your excuses!" Zhu Yuanzhang roared. "Guards, seize this rebellious son!"

Several imperial guards immediately stepped forward and subdued Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying dared not resist and could only let them tie her up.

"Grandpa, please let me explain, I..."

"Explanation? What explanation do you have?" Zhu Yuanzhang sneered. "I have seen everything you have done! To achieve your own goals, you have not hesitated to harm loyal officials and frame righteous ministers. You are simply insane!"

"Grandfather, I was really thinking of the Ming Dynasty!" Zhu Xiong Ying cried.

"For the sake of the Ming Dynasty? Hmph! Do you think I would believe your nonsense?" Zhu Yuanzhang rebuked angrily, "Everything you have done is for yourself! You are greedy for power and will stop at nothing to achieve it. You are not worthy to be the emperor of the Ming Dynasty!"

"Grandfather, I was wrong, I know I was wrong!" Zhu Xiong Ying knelt on the ground, weeping bitterly.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Zhu Xiong Ying kneeling on the ground, his heart filled with disappointment. He had originally placed high hopes on this grandson, hoping that he could become a wise ruler and lead the Ming Dynasty to prosperity.

However, he never expected that this grandson would disappoint him so much, that he would not hesitate to harm loyal officials and frame loyal ministers in order to achieve his own goals.

"Guards, throw this rebellious son into the imperial prison to await his fate!" Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, his tone icy.

Several imperial guards immediately stepped forward and dragged Zhu Xiong Ying away.

As Zhu Yuanzhang watched Zhu Xiong Ying being dragged away, his heart was filled with sorrow.

He had originally thought he could enjoy his old age in peace and watch the Ming Dynasty prosper. However, he never expected that he would encounter such a thing.

"Grandfather..." Fang Xiaoru walked up to Zhu Yuanzhang, wanting to say something.

Zhu Yuanzhang waved his hand, signaling him to be quiet.

"Minister Fang, you have suffered." Zhu Yuanzhang looked at Fang Xiaoru and said gently.

Fang Xiaoru shook his head: "I am fine."

"I know you have always been loyal and devoted to the Ming Dynasty." Zhu Yuanzhang patted Fang Xiaoru on the shoulder. "I am very pleased."

"I dare not take credit," Fang Xiaoru said modestly.

"Alright, you may go and rest," Zhu Yuanzhang said. "I am tired."

Fang Xiaoru bowed and turned to leave the court.

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the empty court and felt utterly exhausted.

He slowly walked to the dragon throne and sat down.

"Sigh..." He sighed deeply and closed his eyes.

He didn't know what the future held for the Ming Dynasty.

He only hoped that the Ming Dynasty could continue to prosper.

Just then, a eunuch rushed into the court.

"Your Majesty, something terrible has happened!" the eunuch exclaimed in a panic. "His Highness Prince Qin... His Highness Prince Qin... he has rebelled!"

(End of this chapter)