"Our Great Jin was founded on benevolence and filial piety. Now, the First Prince has not only murdered his father but also attempted to usurp the throne. He is truly unfit for the responsibility. If His Majesty were in heaven, he would surely not bear to see the empire fall into such hands. Therefore, this old man declares here that even if my entire Wei clan were to perish, we would never bow down to such a new emperor."
His stance was so resolute that it was tantamount to a complete break with the First Prince.
Wherever his gaze fell, everyone lowered their heads, not daring to meet his eyes. Even those who had strongly supported the First Prince moments ago now showed hesitation.
Murdering one's father and usurping the throne were two grave offenses.
Even if the First Prince ultimately seized the throne, he would likely be scorned by the entire populace.
Such a court situation would be difficult to sustain, and a slight misstep could lead to his downfall.
If the pretext for rebellion were to "remove the corrupt officials around the emperor," then they would be the first to be dealt with.
They had committed their entire families to supporting the First Prince, but now they had to consider the well-being of their families. Could this support still hold?
The First Prince watched as the officials who had been speaking with him one by one fell silent.
He felt both anxious and desolate.
The interests of the royal family were so fragile. It was a pity he had no powerful maternal or paternal clan; otherwise, he would have contended with Duke Wei today.
Wei Dalang was now exceedingly arrogant.
Seeing that the First Prince was about to be defeated by them, how could he not be excited?
He glanced at the supreme throne. Although he would not be the one to sit on it, once the Ninth Prince ascended, he would be the new emperor's maternal uncle. With the merit of protecting the sovereign, he might even be granted a higher noble title.
The glory of the Wei clan was within reach. Looking at the First Prince again, he had never found him so displeasing.
The Ninth Prince was adept at seizing opportunities. He immediately stepped forward, his face a mask of sorrow and anger, and said to the First Prince:
"Brother, your actions are truly worse than that of pigs and dogs. For the throne, you did not hesitate to kill your own father and mother. If someone like you could ascend the throne, what would become of the prestige of the Xiao imperial family? The people's spittle would drown the imperial city."
"Stop your sanctimonious act. I do not admit to this! You colluded with Duke Wei and bribed General Meng, not only arranging everything in advance but also framing me. You were waiting for me to step down so you could take my place?"
The First Prince did not back down either. He immediately stepped forward and unleashed a torrent of accusations, sparing no words for the Ninth Prince.
Even if he could not leave this hall alive, he was determined to ruin the Ninth Prince's reputation.
An emperor, or an emperor propped up by the Wei family, could not go far without a good reputation.
The Prime Minister Bai and Grand Scholar Xu alone would not let them off.
That's right, Prime Minister Bai and Grand Scholar Xu were not present today. What was the reason?
If they were here, at the very least, his life would be spared.
So, he began to clamor:
"Since both sides have their own accounts, let us invite Prime Minister Bai and Grand Scholar Xu to investigate the truth of the matter. I wish to see whether evil can overcome good, or if the heavens are unjust!"
The Ninth Prince cast a sinister glance at the First Prince. Hmph, inviting Prime Minister Bai and Grand Scholar Xu was clearly an attempt to clear his name.
Dream on. They had already bought over the guards at the palace gates, front and back. The First Prince would not leave here alive.
Therefore, before Duke Wei could even give the order, he angrily shouted:
"Guards! Seize this traitor who murdered his father and usurped the throne! If there is any resistance, kill him on the spot!"
"Yes!"
Many soldiers in armor rushed in from outside, immediately surrounding everyone in the hall. Their faces were expressionless as they stared at the First Prince, as if ready to kill him the moment he made any move.
At this point, even if the First Prince's faction was unconvinced, they could only submit.
Humbly and subserviently, they approached the Ninth Prince and Duke Wei and said:
"Your humble servant obeys the commands of Your Highness and Your Grace."
One said so, and the dozen or so people behind him followed suit. Their submissive demeanor sent a chill down the First Prince's spine.
From the very beginning, he had been at a disadvantage because he lacked military power.
The Ninth Prince, however, had military experience and Duke Wei to support him in court. Thus, the swiftness of victory and defeat was astonishing.
It was also his own fault for not being more vigilant beforehand, which led him to be trapped in such a dilemma.
Unable to advance or retreat!
His dejected thoughts were evident. Duke Wei, with his sharp eyes, immediately stepped forward and rallied:
"Prince Ke has committed treason and rebellion. Not only did he kill His Majesty, but he is now attempting to blockade the city gates and declare himself emperor. How can such a disloyal, unrighteous, unfilial, and unbenevolent person be fit for the throne? I have served three emperors. Today, I will deal with this rebellious son and traitor on behalf of the late emperor, to comfort His Majesty's soul in heaven!"
With that, he waved his hand, and countless soldiers surged towards the First Prince, intending to capture him immediately.
Although the First Prince was not a capable man, the dire situation now ignited an immense strength within him. With a swift movement, he snatched a soldier's sword and struck down three men.
The former subordinates of the First Prince below dodged to the side, fearing they would be implicated.
It was the Ninth Prince who wished to engage him personally, but he was stopped by Duke Wei.
"Your Highness, the reputation of fratricide is not good."
The First Prince might be a villain, but for the Ninth Prince, who was about to ascend the throne, such a stain should be minimized.
Everything could be handled by him.
After a brief standoff, fists were no match for many hands.
Soon, the First Prince was subdued by the soldiers. His wounds were torn, and blood stained the bandages.
It must be said that at this moment, he possessed a certain heroic aura of a man at the end of his rope. However, no matter how brave he was, in the end, only a surge of hot blood remained.
With a sword at his throat, the Ninth Prince's eyes flashed with a sharp light.
The soldier quickly understood and was about to stage an accidental killing when a lone arrow suddenly shot in from outside the door, piercing his chest. By the time he reacted, he had already fallen.
He failed to kill the First Prince and instead lost his own life.
Following that, Xiao Muqian, leading the charge, entered the great hall and loudly rebuked the soldiers present:
"Rebels, surrender quickly!"
Then came another arrow, piercing another soldier who was holding down the First Prince.
It was also a fatal shot.
Help had arrived. The First Prince's first reaction upon breaking free was to rush towards Xiao Muqian.
With his protection, perhaps they could escape.
"Seize him!"
Duke Wei knew that the key to this matter was the First Prince. If they could keep him in their grasp, they would have a fallback.
Unfortunately, the soldiers' reaction was no match for Xiao Muqian's speed. The moment the First Prince stood up, he swiftly moved to support him.
The guards who followed him into the hall began to fight with Duke Wei's men.