1738 The Truth 2
Lord Huai was already crowned as the King, and the Crown Prince was not going to be the future King. He might even get eliminated by the new King.
That was what an imperial family was like – a King could have nine sons, but only one was able to make it to the throne. The others were just useless.
The guard continued, “Lord Huai has become the King, and General Liu is defending him. He is also the Head of the Shadow Door who is equally capable as the army of the court. The Crown Prince, it is all settled. We are in a very dangerous situation. We are surrounded by the imperial army, and hidden guards from the Shadow Door have long been watching us. We can’t move at all, let alone take the throne!”
” “…”
“The Crown Prince, we need to think about what to do with our life. The King doesn’t share the same mother as you, and he has been your enemy. He may want to get rid of us!”
” “…”
“He has just become the King, and for now, he may not be able to touch us directly. However, once this period of celebration and auspiciousness passes…” the guard’s voice trailed off, filled with concern.
Zhou Huailing’s fear intensified as he absorbed the guard’s words. He realized the harsh reality of his situation. Despite his father’s affection towards him, he had been deprived of any real authority. He was merely a figurehead, kept under strict control and even grounded to prevent any possibility of rebellion.
Though the Crown Prince still had a small number of loyal soldiers at his disposal, their strength was meager. With the majority confined within the mansion, they were unable to exert any significant influence to change the current circumstances.
The thought struck him like a bolt of lightning—was Zhou Huaijin planning to eliminate him? Zhou Huaijin, known for his lack of mercy, had displayed brutal actions in the past, even going so far as to sever the head of a minister’s wife who had provoked him. Zhou Huaijin’s disdain for the Crown Prince was apparent.
If Zhou Huaijin intended to eliminate him, there was a high possibility that he would resort to lethal means. After all, if Zhou Huaijin had ascended to the throne, he would have undoubtedly removed any potential threats.
Zhou Huailing’s mind raced, grappling with the gravity of the situation. What options did they have? What actions could they take to ensure their survival?
In his panicked state, Zhou Huailing’s thoughts fixated on Junyi. Junyi possessed sharp wit and resourcefulness, qualities that had proven invaluable in the past. If there was anyone who could devise a plan to keep them alive, it was Junyi.
“Junyi! Where is Junyi? Bring him here!” Zhou Huailing exclaimed, his focus solely on finding Junyi. He believed that Junyi’s practical nature and problem-solving abilities would be their greatest hope in this dire situation.
The guard quickly went to locate Junyi, aware of the urgency of the matter. However, Junyi had been confined within the mansion, completely cut off from information about the outside world.
As the guard relayed the news to Junyi, his complexion turned pale, the weight of the situation sinking in.
So many events have transpired in such a short span of time. Junyi thought to himself, his mind racing to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
And now, after just a few days, a new King had emerged in the capital. Junyi realized with a heavy heart that he was not the Crown Prince’s strategist, nor was he involved in the new King’s court.
Had he been mistaken all along? Was his dream of becoming the strategist of a great ruler now shattered?
It felt as though their fate was sealed. It was doomed. He understood that he would have to wait for the next opportunity, but his aging master would not be able to witness the realization of his lifelong dream.
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