“I was simply telling the truth. The emperor may have suspected the same thing before. He can easily find out what Nan Xun and Qi Yun have been doing. He’s a mistrustful man. His doubt toward his own blood will be his downfall.”

Prince Duan spoke slowly, deliberately, which made him sound eerie. Qi Chen shuddered but remained quiet.

Prince Duan didn’t intend to continue with this conversation. The eunuch outside was urging him to leave. He changed into his court attire and followed the eunuch to the palace.

The emperor had been on edge since last night and only relaxed when Prince Duan arrived. He hurried to Prince Duan to help him up and invited him to take a seat.

“What has Your Majesty summoned me for?” Prince Duan put on an innocent look, hiding the gears turning in his head. He snuck the emperor a glance and noted how tired he looked. He lowered his eyes bemusedly.

The emperor had summoned Prince Duan for advice. He didn’t...