Chapter 52: The Struggle for the Dragon
Within half a day, the entire capital was filled with rumors of an incarnation of the imperial mandate achieving eternity. Although no one understood what this meant, it was clear that someone was stirring the pot behind the scenes; otherwise, how could such news spread so quickly?
“Damn it! How dare he do this? Truly outrageous!”
Crown Prince Wang Fu swept the objects on the table to the ground and smashed a few porcelain pieces before he finally paused, panting slightly.
“Well, it’s better that he’s dead, better that he’s dead.” Wang Fu looked at the mess on the floor and sighed in relief as he sat back down in his chair.
If the emperor were to achieve eternal life, then this prince would forever remain sidelined.
Few knew about Emperor Li’s intention to cultivate spiritual beings for longevity; apart from the top-ranking officials, only the crown prince and a few favored princes and princesses were in the know, and they all kept it tightly under wraps, never intending to disclose it.
As for whether it was true or not?
Wang Fu was sure it was true. He had consumed the spiritual nourishing food granted by Emperor Li, and after ingesting it, he felt completely refreshed, as if all his old ailments had vanished.
In his view, even without nurturing spiritual beings, merely swallowing these nourishing items daily could potentially see Emperor Li outlast all his offspring.
Thus, he decided to go all out, instructing the assassin he positioned by Emperor Li’s side to carry out the assassination.
But now there was a small issue; the assassin he placed, a Yellow Gate attendant, hadn’t had the chance to act before someone else had already gotten to it. His original intention was to make his move in the palace.
Previously, the assassin had reported the entire situation to him through a hidden letter, so he naturally understood the backstory, including the current rumors of the incarnation of the imperial mandate achieving eternity—this rumor was certainly orchestrated by Wang Li, all for the sake of preserving his life.
If Wang Li had merely engaged in some minor activities, Wang Fu might have regarded him, being an uncle and having served that immortal, as someone to send to the outskirts of the capital to live as a wealthy lord. But Wang Li seemed to be doing something clandestine, especially regarding the immortal who was unwilling to let go.
In Wang Fu’s eyes, the throne was assuredly his; in the absence of an imperial decree, it was a foregone conclusion that he, the crown prince, would ascend the throne. Moreover, what truly attracted him was not the throne, but eternal life.
Besides, as long as he secured the support of that immortal, how could he fear instability of the throne?
“Your Highness, someone from the clan house has come, requesting you to go to the Hall of Supreme Harmony for a meeting.” Outside, the steward from the Eastern Palace spoke up after sensing that Wang Fu’s outburst had ceased.
Hearing this, Wang Fu’s face lit up with joy.
A meeting? What else could they possibly discuss but his ascension?
“Prepare the palanquin; I’m heading to the palace immediately.” Wang Fu, without giving it much thought, simply adjusted his attire before stepping out with his guards.
Wang Fu continually adjusted his mindset; he was pleased but must not show it.
Although the Great Li did not govern with filial piety, some semblance of decorum still had to be maintained.
Three hundred meters away from the Eastern Palace, servants were carrying the palanquin, surrounded by guards in a very tight formation.
The leading official from the clan house kept his eyes flickering, constantly inspecting the surroundings when suddenly he noticed a window on a building overhead opening with a soft click.
Then came a series of almost imperceptible sounds, and upon witnessing this, the official immediately leaped from his horse, rolling awkwardly as he dove into a nearby shop on the street.
Rolling stumbled into the shop beside the street in a somewhat awkward manner.
The guards and servants hadn’t even reacted to what was happening when they heard the explosive sound of crossbow bolts slicing through the air.
These guards could be considered strong, but because they were in the capital and were close to Prince Wang Fu, they rarely encountered danger. So while their physical strength might be impressive, their experience was lacking greatly.
Bolts pierced through their bodies, leaving no chance for resistance; they were shot full of arrows like hedgehogs.
Prince Wang Fu, who was in the sedan chair, was naturally affected, but the first wave of attacks wasn’t aimed at him, so his injuries weren’t severe.
However, even so, he was still greatly frightened.
In the midst of the chaos, he seized the moment to burst out of the sedan chair, looking for a place to hide.
But fate was not on his side; just as he rushed out of the sedan, before he could find cover, a barrage of crossbow bolts came pouring in, turning him into a hedgehog beneath the rain of arrows.
The intense pain erupted instantly, and Wang Fu stumbled and collapsed on the ground, blood flowing from numerous arrow wounds all over his body.
“I’m not resigned, I… can’t accept this.” As he coughed up blood, his life faded away in a blaze of anger.
After confirming Wang Fu’s death, the group immediately retreated, heading towards another powerful prince.
“Yi’er, I didn’t expect you to hide so deeply. It seems I underestimated you, my nephew.” Wang Li said while sipping tea in the Third Prince’s residence.
The Third Prince Wang Yi chuckled lightly, “You’re too kind, it’s still you, Uncle, who is impressive. What I did just now, you came knocking at my door right afterward; that’s something else.”
Wang Li’s expression turned cold, “It seems you had this all planned out in advance.”
“Uncle, you’re being too formal. This isn’t a scheme; I’m just looking out for you, aren’t I?” Wang Yi replied.
Hearing this, a sudden smile bloomed on Wang Li’s face, “That’s natural. After all, my wife is your mother’s sister, making her your aunt. I suppose the matter of Immortal Fuyao was also something revealed to you by your aunt. He truly cares for you.”
Wang Yi showed no unusual reaction to Wang Li’s words and instead poured him more tea, “You’re right, Uncle. Since my aunt hasn’t given birth to any children in your residence, she must consider me as her own. But you have your intentions as well, don’t you?”
“Perhaps, but if time is calculated correctly, the Crown Prince is already dead,” Wang Li said, lifting the cup of hot tea to drink it all in one go. This made Wang Yi stiffen; he hadn’t expected the other party to know.
“You’re still a bit too naive. As the Third Prince, you have no power or influence. Aside from your aunt becoming my wife, your maternal family has little strength. If you want the throne and longevity, you have to be ruthless and patient. You’ve done quite well in that regard, but there’s one thing you got wrong.”
“And that’s thinking you’re the only clever one in this world.”
Upon hearing this, Wang Yi found it hard to grasp Wang Li’s intentions for a moment.
“Best to inflict some injuries; I’ll resolve this matter for you. After all, we are quite close,” Wang Li said after placing down his teacup.
Wang Yi firmly nodded, “Thank you, Uncle.”
He clearly understood that Wang Li had seen through his ruthlessness. If he could kill the Crown Prince, he would definitely have to eliminate other princes to pave the way for himself.
And now, he was the last remaining heir.
(End of this chapter)
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