One by one, the princes took the test. However, none of their blood mixed with the emperor’s. The onlookers sucked in a breath. The emperor felt his blood boil.

Worried, the royal doctor rushed to the emperor and helped him breathe. He didn’t expect that none of the princes was the emperor’s. His fingers trembled slightly.

The son of the most favored consort could barely believe his eyes. He stared at the bowl. The two drops of blood refused to mix, illustrating their lack of biological connection. His clothes were drenched and his face was pale.

After a pause, he looked up. Before anyone could react, he grabbed a guard’s sword and attacked the emperor. His intention was clear.

The emperor was quick enough to react, catching a glimpse of the blade from the corner of his eye. He raised his sword to block the attack and kicked the prince in the stomach. The prince fell to the floor. The guards quickly restrained...