Unfortunately, this isn't the imperial palace. You can't protect him here, Emperor Xian of Yan sneered inwardly.
He had deliberately chosen to strike during the mausoleum rites far out in the suburbs, precisely to avoid that guardian.
Once he finished off Emperor Jing and reclaimed the throne, however, even the guardian would have to accept the accomplished fact.
"You are not my father." Emperor Jing, who had remained silent all this time, finally spoke.
"You are nothing but a remnant soul-a cuckoo occupying a magpie's nest. How dare you impersonate the late emperor?" Emperor Jing said coldly.
"You unfilial son! This is treason of the highest order! Kneel and confess your crimes now, and for the sake of our bond as mother and son, I will spare your life," the Empress Dowager said harshly.
"And you, you venomous woman-you are not my mother either. Did you think I didn't know?" Emperor Jing snorted coldly.
An uproar swept through the officials.
"Is what His Majesty said true?"
"Which emperor are we supposed to obey?"
"It seems I can no longer hold back. I must personally put an end to you, you unfilial son." Emperor Xian of Yan snorted coldly and struck out with his palm again.
"Let's see how many of my attacks you can block!" Those words were meant for the guardian far away in the imperial palace.
This time, however, the force of his palm strike dissipated into thin air halfway to its target.
Emperor Xian of Yan stared at his hands in astonishment. The circulation of power within his body had become terribly sluggish.
What is happening? Impossible! Why? Who tampered with this? Panic stirred in his heart. Then he shouted,
"Imperial Guard, heed my command! Yan Xun has been deposed! Seize the false emperor at once!"
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