"Grateful?"
After hearing Verdant Green Maiden's words, Li Yuan looked astonished, as though he had heard the greatest joke in the world. "Goddess, your words are truly laughable! I am the Emperor, yet you want me to surrender my throne and appoint Second Young Master as Crown Prince. If that isn't a joke, what is?"
"The eldest brother is the Crown Prince!"
"Second Young Master will forever be nothing more than the King of Qin! On this matter, Zhen will never change!"
Li Yuan was not like Ying Zheng. Though he held some respect for Verdant Green Maiden, he would not simply follow her orders. His words even carried a streak of defiance.
"Goddess, please return."
Li Yuan cupped his hands toward Verdant Green Maiden, then turned and headed for the exit of Taiji Hall. Hong Luan's gaze turned cold as she moved to raise a hand and stop him, but Li Yuan showed not the slightest fear. He turned back to Verdant Green Maiden and asked in a deep voice, "Though Goddess is the Goddess of Mount Tai, Zhen is also a Mortal Emperor. Goddess... do you intend to kill Zhen?"
Verdant Green Maiden's gaze fell upon him. She waved a hand at Hong Luan and said, "Make way."
Hong Luan stepped aside.
After pushing open the doors and stepping out of Taiji Hall, Li Yuan suddenly turned back and said to Yuan Tiangang, "Yuan Tiangang! Zhen wants you to come see Zhen later—alone!"
With that, he flicked his sleeve and departed.
The ministers outside the hall also hurried after Li Yuan.
"Heh..."
Verdant Green Maiden smiled.
"Does he think he looked cool just now?"
Hong Luan walked to Verdant Green Maiden's side and nodded. "Mm. I think that's exactly what he thinks."
"He is merely an emperor who