A Proclamation to the Realm, Denouncing the Liang Emperor (Part Two)

A faint fragrance drifted through the seventh floor of Chenhan Hall. The calming tribute incense sent by the Celestial Master Sect burned slowly in a bronze furnace, its smoke mingling with the plain-colored curtains.

Whenever the Crown Prince came here, he felt an indescribable oppression.

Given time, once he inherited the throne and ruled all under heaven, he would certainly not live in Chenhan Hall.

"The Crown Prince has arrived."

The reigning Emperor of Great Liang had a cold temperament. There were never any palace servants within his bedchamber, and his voice passed through layer upon layer of curtains, sounding somewhat ethereal.

"Yes, Father Emperor."

The Crown Prince answered carefully.

"Were you speaking with Jia'an downstairs just now?"

The Crown Prince knew that his father had cultivated for many years. Though he did not know what realm his father had reached, the Emperor was undoubtedly sharp-eared and keen-eyed. His conversation with Jia'an below could not have escaped him.

"Jia'an asked about the affairs in the north..."

"She is a thoughtful one."

The soft rasp of straw sandals sounded over the dark purple-gold flooring. A light breeze stirred the curtains apart, and the Crown Prince finally saw his father. The Emperor wore an ordinary cotton robe, with a wooden hairpin in his hair and no other adornments on his person. His eyes were thick with bloodshot veins.

There was also a faintly sickly look on his face.

The Emperor appeared to be only a little over thirty. Compared with the Crown Prince's features, this Father Emperor actually looked younger.

"Father Emperor's health..."

Rumors within Jiankang City claimed that the Emperor was merely feigning illness and neglecting court affairs in order to keep Wei Huaiwen from returning south.

But the Crown Prince knew that was most likely a rumor deliberately spread by