Everyone was aghast. Only Kong Changyu cupped his hands and stepped forward. "May I ask whom you wish to kill, Your Highness?"
The Prince of Badong pointed at Li Jingxuan. "Him, of course."
Li Jingxuan froze like a wooden chicken!
Earlier, when he had said, "If you doubt Jingxuan, please kill me at once," he had merely meant to declare his loyalty, retreating in order to advance. He had never imagined those words would be taken literally!
He had already calculated that even if the prince rejected his proposal, he would not kill him. He might even offer some encouragement; at worst, there would be a mild punishment. But whether rewarded or punished, he would have distinguished himself in the prince's eyes.
Never had he imagined that all his elaborate scheming would lead to this!
The others were stunned at first, then either delighted or regretful.
Only Kong Changyu remained expressionless.
He was still waiting for the outcome.
Sure enough, the Prince of Badong suddenly grinned at Li Jingxuan.
"Scared witless, were you?"
Li Jingxuan had felt the sky collapse upon him, his back drenched in cold sweat. At the prince's question, understanding dawned instantly. He hastily forced himself to look composed.
"I knew Your Highness was a heroic ruler of our age, and would not kill me."
The Prince of Badong smiled. "Then why has your face gone white with fright?"
Li Jingxuan spread his sleeves, brought his hands together, and raised them above his forehead, hiding his slightly embarrassed expression. Bowing low, he kowtowed.
"Your Highness's majesty is like heaven, your words like thunder. How could I not tremble?"
The Prince of Badong burst into ringing laughter!
"Rise! If this plan succeeds, you will be my Zhang Liang. How could I bear to kill you?"
Li Jingxuan's voice