"I?"
Upon hearing this, a hint of self-mockery flashed in Xiuli's eyes. He then gave Bill III a deep look and said quietly, "Father, have you forgotten my identity?"
"Uh..." Bill III's face stiffened, and he was speechless.
He was certain that Xiuli would not betray him because Hugh was Ashina Xiuli, the fourth son of Bill III, and also a rather outstanding son.
Because he was selected for the Royal Palace Guard Corps, Xiuli was castrated and is now unable to have any offspring.
To ensure the purity of this legion, the legion commander is usually castrated, so that he can only devote himself to the Frostwest Empire.
This program has even been given a sacred explanation—transcendence.
Remove the root of troubles, and you will be free from worldly worries, transcending the world and unaffected by external things. All you need to do is guard the palace!
The person chosen in this area was his third son Ashina Xiuli, so he was castrated and became the leader of the Palace Guard Corps.
Why!
Looking into his son's deep eyes, Bill III felt a pang of guilt and said with a wry smile, " Xiuli, you should know that this is not something your father can decide; it is the tradition of the Empire."
Every king needs to choose one person from his descendants to succeed him as Palace Guard Corps. You are the one chosen by the elders.
Of his sons, only his eldest and third sons were somewhat reliable; the other two died young, and the remaining two were utterly useless.
With the eldest son retained, the natural choice became the third son Xiuli.
Xiuli expressionless, as if he hadn't heard him, and said in a deep voice, " The Council of Elders will not agree to this order. It's simply too insane; the Frostwest Empire will descend into chaos."
In the Frostwest Empire, the emperor is not the only authority; there is also Council of Elders to keep him in check.
Although these old fellows don't wield much power, they enjoy immense prestige and still hold a significant position in the Frostwest Empire.
To make an emperor someone who is destined to have no heirs is undoubtedly absurd, meaning that once Xiuli, there is a 100% chance that civil war will break out a hundred years later.
The Frostwest Empire is likely to descend into a frenzied internal strife in its struggle for the throne, something they cannot accept.
He had a suspicion: was his father insane?
Bill III was about to continue speaking, but upon seeing his gaze, he immediately swallowed his words.
He frowned and said, "Think it over carefully. First, take care of the things I asked you to do, and I'll arrange everything else for you!"
"Your subject takes his leave!"
Xiuli gave him a deep look, nodded, and left, deep in thought.
Watching his retreating figure, a hint of desolation flashed in Bill III's eyes. He smiled bitterly and said, "Silly child, if the empire has a future, it naturally needs an heir. But does the Frostwest Empire even have a future?"
In the darkness, he stared at the empty hall for a long time, thinking about Xiuli's gaze earlier.
Son, there's resentment in your eyes!
Can I trust you?
" Old Cha'er!"
"Emperor!"
Suddenly, the throne cracked open, and a man stepped out and knelt directly before Bill III.
Bill III glanced at him and said in a deep voice, " Old Cha'er, now that the Prince Tiandu is plotting a rebellion, can I trust you?"
This person is my trusted confidant, who has been working in the shadows. Now I need his help to ensure everything goes smoothly.
His identity was quite simple; he was the father of Cha'er, who had previously been sent as an envoy to Great Liang, and his combat strength was no less than Cha'er's.
With him protecting me, I have a foolproof plan.
"Your Majesty, I swear to serve you to the death!"
Without hesitation, Old Cha'er knelt down on the ground, expressing his loyalty. His entire family was in the emperor's hands, and he had no choice but to help the emperor.
"Good!"
Bill III nodded slowly and said in a deep voice, "I want you to contact Great Liang. If anything happens, I hope Great Liang will come to our aid immediately!"
Upon hearing this, Old Cha'er was dumbfounded.
The Emperor just ordered the Third Prince to take action, and now he wants to go to Great Liang for help? The Emperor is inviting a wolf into the house.
Seemingly sensing his doubt, Bill III said in a deep voice, "The third brother can no longer be trusted. Without his approval, how could Tiandu have replaced all the guards at the front?"
"Your Majesty, are you saying that the Third Prince betrayed you?"
Old Cha'er's expression changed drastically. How could this be? The Third Prince was the Palace Guard Corps, how could he betray the king?
Why would someone without a son want to rebel and be infamous for eternity? Is he insane?
"Why!"
Bill III sighed deeply, a hint of melancholy flashing in his eyes, and said bitterly, "If I cut you off too, would you hate me?"
The third brother hates me! He hates that I chose him to be the commander of the Palace Guard Corps!
Click click click!
Upon hearing this, Old Cha'er subconsciously clenched his fists and also squeezed his legs together.
Even though this thing isn't very useful anymore, you still want to cut it off for me, even if you're the emperor, you can't do it. I might as well quit.
wrong!
Realizing what was happening, his face stiffened, and when he looked up, he met the Emperor's eyes, making him extremely embarrassed.
That was a lapse in composure.
"Your Majesty, please forgive me!" he quickly apologized.
Bill III waved his hand dismissively and said irritably, "Go on, do you think I'd really cut you up? Go and call the Net to rescue me!"
He knew in his heart that if he didn't leave now, he would inevitably find himself in an awkward situation.
If the third son can't hold out, or if he gets involved with Tiandu, he will surely die. His only chance is to escape.
"Yes, sir!"
Old Cha'er sighed, disappeared into the night, and headed outside.
On the other side, after Ashina Xiuli left, he went directly into a castle and, with the guards' permission, went straight into the main hall.
There, a young figure sat at the dining table, savoring the food before him.
Looking at Xiuli's figure, he laughed and said, "Well, Third Brother, you've finally figured it out. Only I can save the empire. Father is old and decaying!"
But you've come early today; the actual work isn't until the day after tomorrow!
This man was none other than Prince Ashina Tiandu!
There was no worry in his eyes, only composure and confidence, as if the situation was already settled.
Although his plans were thwarted today, his grand event is about to take place, and everything is still in accordance with the plan. As long as he ascends to the throne, the empire's future will surely be eternal.
"Snort!"
Xiuli merely frowned slightly at his words; he disliked the other man's confidence, which was often excessive.
He sneered, "You've been too careless. Do you know your assassination plot has been exposed? The old man ordered me to take care of you and Abaddon together!"