Chenggan Palace.
Only after the Martial Saint's spirit manifestation vanished did the frozen atmosphere inside Chenggan Palace slowly thaw.
Ji Mingyuan looked utterly lost. At a wave from Ji Minghao, two golden-armored imperial guards supported him as he withdrew in dejection.
He knew his dream of becoming emperor had been shattered completely. What awaited him would likely be a long life of confinement-or a cup of poisoned wine in the dead of night.
As these thoughts flashed through his mind, he looked at the eighth prince, Ji Minghao, with hope in his eyes.
Ji Minghao took a deep breath, forcibly suppressed the turmoil in his heart, and walked toward Jiang Ning.
Then he bowed solemnly. "Brother Jiang, I will remember what you did for me today until my dying breath!"
Jiang Ning smiled. "Your Majesty should be using the imperial 'we' now."
Ji Minghao shook his head earnestly. "I cannot overstep the bounds of propriety. I am still only a prince, so how could I use the imperial 'we'? Even after ascending the throne, how could I presume to do so before you? Without your help today, how could I have gained this good fortune? Everything I have achieved is thanks to you. Please accept another bow from me!"
With that said,
Ji Minghao clasped his hands and bowed toward Jiang Ning.
Watching Jiang Ning calmly accept the bow, Shen Xiao could not help furrowing his brow.
The next moment,
Jiang Ning caught Ji Minghao, preventing him from bowing farther. "Your Highness gives me too much credit. Everything I did today was the fruit of the seeds you once sowed. You earned this yourself."
Then he paused and looked at Shen Xiao. "Great General Shen, I will leave the rest to you. Assist His Highness in stabilizing the situation, reassuring