Pruning the Wings

Why hadn't he thought of this before?

Yes, he had assumed Father Emperor was simply favoring Su Ziji. Even after he had people blow up Shunan Prefecture's diversion canal and dikes, unleashing rampant floods, he still had not stopped Father Emperor from wanting to acknowledge Su Ziji.

But after hearing Wang Sheng's words, he suddenly felt that something really was amiss.

The timing was far too coincidental. Father Emperor did not seem like someone in such a hurry. Since Father Emperor had originally sent Su Ziji to Shunan Prefecture with the air of wanting to see whether he was a mule or a horse, it was unlikely he would change his mind for no reason.

Could it be that Father Emperor had already lost faith in him and intended to support a new imperial force, using it to form a balance against the other adult princes?

Had he become Father Emperor's discarded son?

As he thought this, a surge of fury rushed to his head. He gritted his teeth and quickened his steps, but just then, someone else hurried over, whispered something in his ear, and handed him a secret letter.

"Hm?" At those words alone, Prince Qi's expression turned somewhat dazed. Clenching his jaw, he scrutinized the secret letter. Still trying to maintain his composure, he reached tremblingly for his tea and took a sip. But he drank too quickly and immediately choked. With a sweep of his hand, the teacup crashed to the floor with a sharp crack, shattering into pieces.

"Bastard! Is this how you serve tea? Are you trying to scald me to death?"

"Someone, drag her away and beat her to death."

At the command, two guards seized the maid serving tea without another word and dragged her away. Her cries could initially be heard,