Those Who Talked Back to Li Chen Never Came to a Good End! (Please Subscribe and Vote with Monthly Tickets)

Outside Small Stone City, the hunting parties returned one after another.

Some strutted with their heads held high; others hung their heads in dejection.

Liu Hao had performed well this time, his spoils piled high on his warhorse. Li Ling had also enjoyed good "luck," returning with a rich haul thanks to Chen Xuannan's help.

The Ministry of Rites officials were counting and recording the catches. The Minister of Rites, Yan Hai, had just seen Heaven-Topping High Person being escorted away under guard and knew His Majesty had won this time.

His feelings were complicated. Along with relief came a touch of melancholy.

His Majesty's victory in this round meant the political situation would remain stable.

The Second Prince had suffered a complete defeat. If he had escaped capture, he certainly would not show his face again anytime soon.

As for whether His Majesty would settle accounts with him, that remained unknown.

He had done everything he could. The rest was up to fate.

Inside the Imperial Capital, Lin Yue'e had received the news and was already leading a team to arrest the remnants of the Second Prince's faction.

Last time, Li Xian had merely run his mouth at the Imperial Court. This time, his rebellion was an established fact.

That day, the Imperial Capital's County Yamen was packed with detainees, and everyone who had once belonged to the Second Prince's faction feared for their own safety.

Outside Small Stone City, Li Chen sat on a finely constructed platform covered with soft cushions, with food and wine arranged on the table before him.

Court officials lined both sides. Those permitted to sit were all influential ministers and powerful dignitaries.

The men standing behind them also wore armor and carried themselves with imposing bearing.

Li Chen received the register handed over