The crown prince takes the reins

"Why did you kill him?" Xue Qinghe asked, his expression darkening.

"To root out future trouble, obviously. Why else? It was all for you, my dear crown prince."

Dongfang Yu answered lazily. Still a woman at heart—far too softhearted.

Of course, Xue Beng posed no threat to him now, but what about the future? What about later? Who could guarantee that with absolute certainty?

To leave no loose ends, Dongfang Yu had no choice but to play the executioner himself.

"That may be true, but I promised..."

Before he could finish, Dongfang Yu cut in. "I know you promised the emperor you wouldn't kill him. But trading Xue Beng's life for a secure position seems like a good deal, doesn't it? If you're worried about explaining it, just pin all the blame on me. This is about all I can do for you as your brother."

"What are you saying?! Fine, fine. I'll shoulder this myself." Moved by his words, Xue Qinghe decided to bear the infamy himself. He would not be able to keep up his identity as the crown prince for much longer anyway.

He had already granted Dongfang Yu a princely title despite his not being of royal blood. There was no harm in doing him another favor.

With that, all four of Xue Ye's sons had died because of him.

"Let's go."

The next day, at court.

Xue Qinghe read out the imperial edict appointing him regent, instantly stirring an uproar.

Although Xue Ye was in poor health, he was not about to die anytime soon. It was not that everyone opposed letting the crown prince govern in his stead now.

It was simply far too sudden. They had been given no warning at all.

"Your Highness, may I ask what His Majesty's condition truly