The carefree sixth prince, my father respectfully invites me to ascend the throne.

"By the way, someone from the imperial court should be coming in the next few days. Have our people keep an eye out for them."

Upon hearing Yang Ling's words, An Yu, who was standing behind him, relaxed her brows slightly.

"Your Highness, please rest assured, I will keep a close watch on things at all times."

Yang Ling nodded and then walked towards the residence.

……

“My son is becoming more and more capable. He was able to make the State of Chu surrender in such a short time. I am increasingly gratified.”

At this very moment, in the capital city of Liang, the Emperor of Liang heard the news from the front lines and felt a strange sense of joy.

However, this feeling was very complicated and contradictory. Thinking back on his previous attitude towards Yang Ling, Emperor Liang felt a blockage in his heart.

"Your Majesty, I have heard that the Ninth Prince has a large number of firearms. Should we concentrate all of these firearms in the hands of the imperial court?"

The eunuch beside him bowed his head. As someone close to Emperor Liang, he knew all too well that the Ninth Prince possessed such a powerful weapon, and Emperor Liang, as the ruler, would naturally not feel at ease.

Even if that person is your own biological son.

As expected, Emperor Liang smiled slightly when he heard what the eunuch beside him said.

"You truly understand me best. However, now that the Ninth Prince's power has matured, I'm afraid he won't hand over the item so easily."

Emperor Liang naturally knew that this matter was not as simple as he thought, but he could not let Yang Ling go so far.

He was an emperor, and the emperor's majesty could not be challenged by anyone.

"This servant believes that the Ninth Prince is a smart man. Since the Ninth Prince is so smart, he must know what he should and should not do."

When the eunuch said this, his expression was also very serious. The Ninth Prince was indeed somewhat unexpected, but he was, after all, just a human being, and every human being has flaws.

Upon hearing the eunuch's words, Emperor Liang said nothing more, his gaze fixed quietly on the pond not far in front of him, where a lotus flower bloomed in the center.

After a long while, Emperor Liang finally let out a heavy sigh, as if he had made some important decision.

"By imperial decree, summon the Ninth Prince Yang Ling back to court for an audience!"

Upon hearing this, the eunuch serving Emperor Liang was stunned. He had not expected his emperor to make such a decision.

"Your Majesty, are you sure?"

The eunuch beside him couldn't help but ask.

He knew that Yang Ling had offended far too many people in the Liang Kingdom's capital. If the Ninth Prince returned to court at this time, he might be in danger.

"I am the supreme ruler! Since I have allowed that rebellious son to return to the palace, how could I possibly let anything happen to him?"

A smile appeared on Emperor Liang's face; he naturally knew what the eunuchs around him were worried about.

As an emperor, Emperor Liang naturally had his own methods. Yang Ling was indeed threatening him, but as a father, Emperor Liang also had his own considerations.

He needed Yang Ling's firearms to bring more benefits to the Liang Kingdom. If he allowed Yang Ling to continue developing in the military camp, things might not go well.

……

Just as news spread through the Liang capital that the Emperor had summoned the Ninth Prince back to the palace, Crown Prince Yang Shan could no longer sit still.

At this moment, Yang Shan paced anxiously back and forth in the Crown Prince's residence.

No matter what, Yang Ling cannot be allowed to return to the capital. If my ninth brother were to return, it would definitely not be a good thing for me.

"No, I absolutely cannot let my ninth brother return."

Thinking of this, Yang Shan's expression became very serious.

"Someone, quickly go and invite Lord Wang over."

Yang Shan's order was quickly given, and the servant beside him responded and hurriedly went out.

Soon a middle-aged man arrived at the Crown Prince's residence; it was none other than Lord Wang!

When Yang Shan saw Lord Wang appear in front of him, he immediately walked over quickly.

Have you heard about the recent news?

Yang Shan's face was somewhat grave; he knew very well just how important this matter was.

Now, his ninth brother Yang Ling has become his biggest threat, and this time Emperor Liang actually wants to send his ninth brother back to the capital. He absolutely cannot let him go back!

Having finally gotten rid of that troublesome person, how could we possibly let him come back so easily?

"Your Highness, in my humble opinion, we should simply take action and ambush them on the way!"

A ruthless look appeared on Lord Wang's face. As a subject of the Liang Kingdom, he knew very well what he should do at this moment.

"Ambush?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Shan frowned slightly. He was worried that if he took direct action, it would be like the last time, where everyone he sent failed.

"Your Highness, we have already gathered several experts from the Western Regions. With these people, we are confident that we will succeed this time!"

Lord Wang knew what Yang Shan was thinking, so he directly stated his own thoughts.

"Alright, you can handle this matter! No matter what, you must not let Ninth Brother return to the capital."

"Otherwise, I fear my position as Crown Prince will be in jeopardy!"

Crown Prince Yang Shan's face was heavy. Now that he had come this far, he absolutely could not allow any accidents to happen!

Upon hearing Yang Shan's words, Lord Wang smiled slightly and quickly went out.

……

"What? The Emperor Liang wants to see me?"

Upon hearing this news, Yang Ling frowned slightly. He hadn't expected that the Liang Emperor would summon him back to the palace so soon after he had just conquered the Chu Kingdom.

"Your Highness, we absolutely cannot go back now!"

An Yu's face showed a worried expression. Going back now would be like a lamb entering a tiger's den.

“Yes, Your Highness, we have already offended the Crown Prince, and you were not well-received in Chaozhong before…”

"Going back like this might be dangerous!"

The people around An Yu immediately chimed in with their opinions.

"This matter is not that simple!"

Yang Ling was well aware of her situation, but she absolutely could not refuse at this moment.

"Don't worry, since Emperor Liang has issued the decree, he will naturally not let anything happen to me. Besides, I also want to return to the capital. There are some things that need to be settled."

Yang Ling's lips curled up slightly, and a smile appeared on his face.

"Your Highness..."

"Don't worry, everything's fine!"

Just as An Yu was about to say something, Yang Ling interrupted her directly. Now that Emperor Liang had issued an edict ordering her to return, refusing would be tantamount to disobeying the emperor, which could lead to a great disaster.

Besides, now that I hold something so important in my hands, why would I hesitate or be timid?

Thinking of this, a smile appeared on Yang Ling's face.

"An Yu, have someone pack our bags and prepare to return to the capital."

"Yes."

Hearing Yang Ling say this, An Yu was still a little worried, but she still responded.

Since His Highness has made this decision, he must have his own reasons!