In the Imperial Court, the gathered officials looked at Prince Qi, whose fury blazed sky-high.
Surprise showed on every face.
They all quietly turned their eyes toward Zeng Shilin.
At that moment, Zeng Shilin's face bore not the slightest expression.
He wanted to give Emperor Jianhong and the officials time to digest this.
First of all, most people in court knew that Prince Jiang and Prince Qi were born of the same mother.
And indeed, Prince Jiang was merely a prince who was not particularly favored.
Why would disciples of the Profound Formation Division collude with him?
It made no sense.
Unless someone was behind him...
Of course, that was all speculation running through the officials' minds.
What mattered most was what His Majesty thought.
"Your Majesty, that Zeng is purely slandering me."
Prince Qi's face had turned dark red, his eyes nearly splitting with rage. As he glared at Zeng Shilin, an exceedingly dense killing intent unconsciously rose from him.
In an instant, an unbearable pressure filled the entire Golden Palace Hall.
"Hmph!"
A voice sounded from beside Emperor Jianhong.
The voice was unhurried, carrying a trace of chill.
"Thud, thud—"
Prince Qi's body involuntarily staggered back two steps, a flush flashing across his face.
Then, somewhat lacking in confidence, he glanced at the plain-looking eunuch beside Emperor Jianhong.
"Disregarding the sacred majesty of the Imperial Court—if His Highness Prince Qi does not wish to live, next time this servant will help you pick out a burial plot."
The eunuch's face remained expressionless, his voice neither cold nor warm.
Yet the utter seriousness in his tone made everyone's hearts shudder.
Clearly, if he said it, he could truly make it happen.
"Huff—"
Prince Qi took a deep breath. No longer daring to act recklessly, he fixed his gaze on