"That heaven-defying bastard! He insults me again and again!"
"Meng Heng, Meng Heng, I will avenge you! I swear I will slaughter him with my own hands!!"
In the bedchamber of the Prince's Mansion, the Second Prince's hair hung disheveled, his hatred surging to the heavens.
Meng Heng, the Prince's Mansion Chief Secretary, had been more than the Prince's Mansion's steward. He had been a trusted confidant for eight long years, only to die so horribly in Rongguo Mansion.
"Why? I am a son of Great Qian's heavenly sovereign! How can the countless people tolerate the imperial bloodline being bullied by the vicious dogs of imperial power!!"
The Second Prince's eyes nearly split with rage. Not only had he failed to wash away his humiliation, but his face had been viciously trampled on again. Had the world turned upside down?
"Your Highness."
Two Python-Robe Eunuchs entered the bedchamber and announced in measured tones:
"His Majesty's verbal decree: you are to appear before him immediately."
"Get out!" the Second Prince roared.
The eunuchs delivering the decree bowed respectfully and withdrew.
The Second Prince stood motionless for half the time it took to drink a cup of tea, forcibly suppressing his unruly emotions before ordering his maids to dress him.
A quarter of an hour later, clad in a princely robe embroidered with clawed pythons and wearing a black crown, he boarded his carriage.
He arrived at the Imperial Study.
"Father." The Second Prince walked with stately, measured steps, a humble smile appearing on his face.
Emperor Jingde sat upon the Imperial Throne, staring unblinkingly at him. He slowly rose and said:
"Come here."
The Second Prince obeyed and walked over beside the Imperial Throne.
Emperor Jingde suddenly swung his arm in a full arc and delivered a heavy, full-force slap.
Bam!