Prince An's expression darkened when he saw Wang Qinian's private soldiers. "Wang Qinian, have you lost your mind? Do you think protecting him will spare you? Lin Taichu has all the evidence of your crimes!"
"That's none of your business!" Wang Qinian shouted coldly. "Even if I'm guilty, it's not your place, a rebel, to lecture me! Today, I'll protect Your Majesty and redeem myself with your head!"
Both sides' private soldiers were elite troops, and the battle was exceptionally fierce. Amid flashing blades and sword shadows, screams rose and fell as people continuously collapsed.
Although Wang Qinian's private soldiers fought bravely, Prince An's men had spent years committing evil alongside him and possessed greater combat experience. For a time, neither side could gain the upper hand.
Wang Qinian himself retreated to Your Majesty's side and instructed his trusted subordinates, "Watch over Your Majesty. Under no circumstances can anything happen to him!"
Your Majesty watched the battle before him, then glanced at Wang Qinian. His expression eased somewhat. "Wang Qinian, you have rendered great service in protecting me today. I can let bygones be bygones regarding your previous offenses."
Wang Qinian bowed. "Thank you, Your Majesty! This subject will do everything in his power to ensure Your Majesty's safety!"
Meanwhile, Lin Taichu remained where he was and did not rashly intervene, merely observing the battle with cold eyes. He had long anticipated that Prince An would make a desperate last stand. That was precisely why he had deliberately chosen to expose everything during the Ancestral Worship Ceremony.
If this had taken place in the imperial palace, Prince An's influence would have been everywhere. Once he made his move, he might well have seized control of the palace and killed Your Majesty outright.
But the Ancestral Worship Ceremony was held at