Prince Shu had been watching and waiting, but Prince Qi moved like thunder and lightning. By the time Prince Shu received word that he had gone to the Imperial Palace, Prince Qi had already arrived before the palace gates. As expected, though it was deep into the night, the gates had unusually not been locked. Palace lanterns hung everywhere, their light bright and clear.
"Move aside!" Prince Qi shouted furiously when guards carrying lanterns tried to stop him.
The guards blocking him did not dare move aside. One of them said with a bitter face, "Your Highness, without His Majesty's decree, you truly cannot enter... Agh!"
Prince Qi lashed him directly with his whip, bringing it down hard before striding inside in great steps. His long boots clinked against the blue bricks as he walked faster and faster.
"Your Highness! Your Highness!" Seeing Prince Qi like this, how could the other guards dare stop him again? Could they really come to blows with Prince Qi?
This was a prince—the Emperor's son. Back in the founding Emperor's day, Prince Quyang had furiously killed an official in the street. His punishment had been no more than a year of confinement and three years' forfeiture of salary.
The whipped guard was also a Hundred-Household Officer. His face darkened as he dispatched someone to hurry inside and report.
No one dared obstruct Prince Qi along the way. Only when he stormed outside Diligent Splendor Hall did several warriors step forward and block him again.
"Your Highness, please stop."
"Move aside!" Prince Qi roared.
"Your Highness, this is Diligent Splendor Hall, the vital hub that governs all affairs of state. His Majesty is also inside. If you insist on forcing your way in, then forgive this subject for being discourteous."
Prince Qi shuddered, suddenly realizing