Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

When the Chu Emperor's dragon chariot slowly drove into the palace gate, the morning sun had already passed over the eaves of the Taiji Hall.

The secret conversation at the old Prince Qin's residence just now had left deep furrows between his brows, and the hem of his casual clothes embroidered with a five-clawed golden dragon was still stained with the morning dew from the palace garden.

When the eunuch chief, Zhao Ming, reported in a low voice, "All the gentlemen have arrived at the Taiji Hall to await the emperor's arrival," the Emperor of Chu's fingers suddenly tightened on the armrests—the carved sandalwood railings creaked under the weight.

"Who are they?" The Emperor Chu's voice was colder than Qiu Shuang's.

Zhao Wuji's Adam's apple rolled. "Your Majesty, the Censor Jiang Tong, the Deputy Minister of Rites Zhou Mian, the Junior Minister of the Imperial Household Du Heng... a total of twenty-seven people."

Every time a name was announced, the gloom in Emperor Chu's eyes grew heavier.

These names are like a string of pearls, and ultimately point to the old man who is currently imprisoned in the Sky Prison - Taifu Dugu Xin.

When the dragon chariot stopped in front of the Danchi, the King of Chu suddenly stopped the eunuch who wanted to support him.

He looked at the towering Taiji Hall, its glazed tiles glowing blood-red in the morning sun.

"Your Majesty has arrived——"

Amidst the sharp cries of "hello", the Emperor of Chu stumbled slightly as he entered the hall.

Twenty-seven officials fell to their knees like a flock of startled crows.

The Emperor of Chu glanced at the drooping official hats and found that the peacock feather patches on the front row were missing for three whole rows - none of the six ministers were there, and even the Left Censor-in-Chief, who had always been on good terms with the Grand Tutor, had taken sick leave.

"My dear ministers, you have come in good order."

The King of Chu's voice was hoarse like Su Weimian's, and he deliberately emphasized the word "neat".

Jiang Tong, the Censor kneeling at the front, suddenly raised his head, his three long beards trembling violently: "Your Highnesses and I have heard that at noon..."

He swallowed the words that were on the tip of his tongue and changed them into a more tactful way: "I heard that the Grand Tutor was in trouble, so I came to ask Your Majesty for your judgment."

The dripping sound from the copper leak in the corner of the hall suddenly became harsh.

The King of Chu looked at the frayed cloud goose patch on Jiang Tong's official robe - this censor, who came from a humble family, was recommended to the court by the Grand Tutor himself.

Now all the officials in the court are silent, but these minor officials of the fifth and sixth ranks are willing to take the risk.

"Everyone, get up." When the King of Chu raised his hand, a corner of yellow silk fell out of his sleeve.

The sharp-eyed Du Heng immediately recognized that it was the secret decree that the Crown Prince had ordered the Imperial Guards to deliver to the old Prince Qin's mansion last night.

Everyone exchanged glances, signaling the other to stand up and speak first. Although they came here, most of them had no confidence in rescuing the Grand Tutor.

At this moment, Jiang Tong suddenly kowtowed heavily: "Your Majesty! The Grand Tutor is a veteran of three dynasties. When he put down the rebellion in Youzhou..."

"then?"

The King of Chu interrupted with a sneer, "Alright, there's no point in talking about what happened back then. You should know better than I do what kind of person the Crown Prince is."

A gust of wind rushed into the hall, and everyone felt a chill even though it was not yet winter.

The King of Chu looked at the ministers in front of him and said in a deep voice, "It's better to find a way to rescue the Grand Tutor. It will be too late if we are late."

"Robbing the execution ground!"

Wang Huan, the director of the Military Affairs Department, suddenly raised his voice: "I know someone in the Western Camp..."

"shut up!"

Jiang Tong shouted, "Do you think General Zhao Yu's White Horse Cavalry is just for show?"

As he turned to the Emperor of Chu, his white hair beneath his official hat was ruffled by the wind. "Your Majesty, I ask you to lead us in kneeling to welcome the Crown Prince."

The whole hall was in an uproar.

The fifth-rank Imperial Household Secretary threw his tablet down on the spot and asked, "Is Censor Jiang asking Your Majesty to bow to the Crown Prince?"

Before he could finish his words, Du Heng covered his mouth.

How can you say such a thing to my face? Your Majesty, don't you have any dignity?

The Chu Emperor's fingertips dug into his palm.

He certainly understood Jiang Tong's deeper meaning: while publicly pleading for mercy would undermine the emperor's dignity, it would also be putting the prince on the spot. If the prince insisted on carrying out the execution, he would be guilty of "tyranny and unfilial piety."

"Report—" Chief Eunuch Zhao Ming rushed into the hall: "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince's carriage has passed the Anshang Gate!"

The King of Chu stood up suddenly, and his vision went dark.

He saw Jiang Tong quietly grabbing several young officials who wanted to rush out, and saw Du Heng tearing his official uniform - this was a precursor to the scholar-officials' death-defying remonstration.

Further away, several civil servants were hiding their inkstones in their sleeves, while Wang Huan's right hand was always on the ceremonial sword that he never let go of.

"Bring me my plain clothes." The King of Chu suddenly said.

When the eunuch brought the linen clothes, suppressed sobs filled the entire hall.

The Emperor of Chu allowed them to remove his dragon-patterned jade belt. Suddenly, he looked at Jiang Tong and said, "Lord Jiang, you will take the lead. Do you understand what I mean?"

Jiang Tong's pupils suddenly contracted.

He knew that the emperor was still a little embarrassed to save face and needed someone to take the lead.

"Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my best to help you!" Jiang Tong nodded in agreement.

The shadow of the sundial gradually pointed to noon.

As the Emperor of Chu led the group of green-robed officials toward the palace gate, a dull drumbeat was heard from the tower of Xuanwu Gate.

This is the sound of drums as the prince’s guard of honor leaves the palace!

Suddenly, Jiang Tong rushed forward a few steps and knelt on the Panlong Imperial Road in the middle of the palace gate.

The sunlight stretched his thin figure very long, like a sword drawn from its sheath, stabbing straight at the prince's ceremonial procession that was getting closer and closer.

Chu Ning's carriage slowly stopped in front of the palace gate. The guards of honor stood solemnly on both sides, their swords and spears shining coldly.

He lifted the curtain of the carriage and calmly swept his eyes over the ministers kneeling on the ground and the only standing figure - his father, the Emperor of Great Chu.

The autumn wind blew up the fallen leaves, swirling around under everyone's feet.

There was no joy or sadness on Chu Ning's face, as if everything before him was within his expectations.

He slowly got out of the car, his black python robe fluttering slightly in the wind, and the sword at his waist tapped lightly with his steps, making a dull sound.

Jiang Tong knelt at the front, his forehead touching the ground. His voice was hoarse but firm: "Your Highness! Grand Tutor Dugu Xin assisted three dynasties, formulated national policies, and ensured the people's livelihood. His contributions are for the country!"

"Now that he is old and seriously ill, the imperial physician has declared... he only has about six months left. I beg Your Highness to show mercy and allow him to live another six months. This would be a fulfillment of the duty between the ruler and his subjects!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the other officials kowtowed in agreement, and cries of grief were heard everywhere.

"Your Highness, the Grand Tutor has dedicated his entire life to the country. Please consider his contributions and spare his life!"

"Your Highness is kind and benevolent, why rush into this?"

"The Grand Tutor is already in his twilight years. I beg Your Highness to have mercy on me!"

Chu Ning's gaze swept across everyone and finally landed on the emperor.

The father and son looked at each other, and the air seemed to freeze.

Finally, Emperor Chu slowly raised his hand and bowed to Chu Ning.

This gift is not the emperor's majesty to the crown prince, but a father's request to his son.

"Ning'er..." The Emperor of Chu's voice was low and hoarse. "Just consider it as a plea from me to show some mercy."

The wind suddenly stopped and there was dead silence all around.

Chu Ning stood quietly, her eyes as deep as the abyss.

He was not surprised by the scene before him.

When the Embroidered Uniform Guard reported to him that the Emperor of Chu was going to see the old King of Qin and summoned all the ministers, he had already anticipated this scene.

After all, the Taifu had made contributions to the State of Chu, and the ministers in front of him were also Taifu's disciples and former officials.

Out of emotion, reason, public and private considerations, these people will stand up and plead!