Soon, three cannon shots rang out. Prince Lu wore the Nine-Tassel Crown, a crimson gauze robe, and a green lower garment, with a knee-covering apron, as he received the imperial envoy. Watching Eunuch Zhao enter with armored soldiers, his heart could not help but pound in waves of dread.
However, seeing that Eunuch Zhao had not brought many armored soldiers, Prince Lu felt slightly reassured. He subconsciously searched for Gui Junxi, only to discover that Gui Junxi was not among the crowd.
As the incense table had been hastily prepared in the main hall and the imperial envoy had already approached, Prince Lu could only compose himself and step forward. Once Eunuch Zhao had taken his place facing south, Prince Lu performed the grand rite of three kneelings and nine kowtows. "This son, Prince Lu, respectfully asks after Father Emperor's well-being!"
"His Majesty is well." Eunuch Zhao glanced at Prince Lu, expressionless, and merely unfolded the imperial decree. As it opened, Prince Lu felt a suffocating terror slowly unfurl before him. Yet he could only suppress his palpitations and kneel to receive the command.
This is bad.
At this moment, Gui Junxi was not merely absent from the crowd—he had even left the courtyard. He hid in a room in another courtyard, leaning against the tightly shut door, his face flushed red.
Turning around, he looked out through the window and could see Prince Lu already kneeling. Eunuch Zhao, who had come to deliver the decree, unfurled the imperial edict and began to read.
"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Prince Lu is of improper character. From this day forth, strip him of his princely rank, reduce him to a commoner, and confine him to his residence. Without permission, he is not to leave the estate. Respect this!"