In the Grand Hall, Yuwen Huaji stood with a large group of court officials and Imperial Guards Generals, watching Yang Jian seated high upon the throne.
At that moment, Yang Jian was both enraged and shocked.
"Yuwen Huaji! You dare rebel? You faithless, unfilial traitor!"
Yuwen Huaji watched Yang Jian curse him from the throne and gave a cold laugh. He drew the sword at his side and said, "Your Majesty, save your strength. I'm afraid you'll need it more than I do. I have no choice but to do this, but for the sake of the Great Sui Under Heaven, I must ask Your Majesty to abdicate!"
"Just try it!"
Yang Jian roared.
He stood up and glared at Yuwen Huaji. "This realm was founded by Gaozu and unified by the Former Emperor! It is mine!"
"And what right do you have to stand there shouting about doing this for the sake of the Great Sui Under Heaven?"
Seeing Yang Jian like this, Yuwen Huaji had no interest in speaking with him any longer. "Will Your Majesty do it yourself, or shall I do it personally? If I do it... I'm afraid it won't be pretty."
As soon as he said this, Yang Jian, who had just been furiously berating Yuwen Huaji, immediately stumbled backward several steps.
"You... really mean to kill me?"
"Why wouldn't I?"
Yuwen Huaji countered. "In this realm, everyone wants you dead. What difference would one more make?"
"No..."
"I don't want to die! I can't die!"
"Yuwen Huaji..."
"General Yuwen! You want the Great Sui Under Heaven. I can still be useful to you! I'm the emperor! I can be a Sui King—no... the Marquis of Jiangdu! A County Marquis, even! A County Marquis will do!"
Seeing Yang Jian's fury vanish, leaving only panic