The ruler of Great Han had fallen unconscious. This was an event momentous enough to overturn everything.
In this age, the reach of an emperor's life and death, likes and dislikes, was difficult to imagine.
Liu He, who had been keeping his eyes fixed on the Imperial Palace, naturally received the news at once.
First came profound astonishment, then his brows drew together slightly in sorrow, and finally, irrepressible joy.
He knew his opportunity had arrived!
His imperial father had suddenly collapsed. Judging by past experience, he probably did not have long to live, and the process of deposing the Crown Prince could go no further!
That meant he was still the rightful Crown Prince, entitled to inherit the entire empire.
Once he ascended the throne, everything would be settled. Who would dare overthrow an emperor?
What he needed to do now was enter the palace!
And take control of the situation inside!
He immediately gave orders in the Crown Prince's Palace. "Have the death-sworn men don their armor, and the soldiers of the Crown Prince's guard as well. Select skilled fighters to follow me into the palace and see how my imperial father is doing."
"Yes!"
The officials of the Crown Prince's Palace looked quite excited. Truly, just when the mountains and rivers seemed to leave no road ahead, beyond the dark willows and bright blossoms lay another village!
Liu He was remarkably decisive. He immediately mounted a horse himself and, partly armored, rode straight for the Imperial Palace. When he reached the Palace Gate, the Imperial Guards guarding it saw the Crown Prince arriving in armor and asked rather nervously, "What brings Your Highness here?"
Liu He immediately thundered, "Here is my entry token! Must I report to you when I enter the palace?"
Liu He knew perfectly