Inside Yang Jian's bedchamber in the Sui Palace.
Ever since Yang Jian had fallen gravely ill, Yang Guang had gradually stopped pretending. After seizing control of the court, he had slowly returned to his extravagant ways. He even dared to indulge in debauchery in broad daylight inside the palace, growing so brazen as to set his sights on Yang Jian's consorts!
Unfortunately, there were no walls without ears in the palace. The news soon reached the gravely ill Yang Jian.
Yang Jian flew into a rage!
He immediately ordered someone to leave the palace and summon Yang Yong.
But by now, the Sui Palace, inside and out, was already in Yang Guang's hands. Yang Jian's messenger had barely left before Yang Guang arrived at the bedchamber.
When he pushed the door open, Yang Jian thought Yang Yong had come.
"Is... is that you, Yong'er?"
Yang Jian's voice was weak and breathless.
Yang Guang's voice rang out. "If Father Emperor is looking for the Crown Prince, your son is here. If Father Emperor is looking for your son, your son is here too. Why bother summoning someone else?"
"...Father Emperor, Eldest Brother can't come!"
The moment Yang Jian heard Yang Guang's voice, his eyes flew wide. Trembling, he turned to look toward the Grand Hall.
Yang Guang came around the screen and walked toward him at an unhurried pace.
"You... you?"
"How could it be you? Where is your elder brother?"
"I... I clearly sent someone to fetch him! Why hasn't he come yet?"
As Yang Guang listened to Yang Jian's questions, his gaze grew darker and darker. Only after Yang Jian had finished speaking did he draw a deep breath and ask, "Father Emperor, have you finished asking? Can you give your son a chance to speak now?"
"You..."
Yang