Chapter 392: “Victory in Hand”

An empty dragon throne stood in the Golden Hall¹. A few steps below it, an elderly man with a head full of white hair stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

The white-haired elder wore a deep purple official robe, embroidered with auspicious beasts and cloud patterns. The cuffs and hem were edged with gold thread, a luxurious design that highlighted his high status in the imperial court.

At this moment, the civil and military officials present all bowed their heads, waiting for the elder to speak.

Cough, cough~ cough, cough! The white-haired elder’s complexion was somewhat sallow, clearly the result of long-term overwork leading to illness. Once he started coughing, he couldn’t stop.

Opposite him, the Fifth Prince, now dressed in a resplendent cyan robe, spoke with concern, “Grand Preceptor Ran, I have a physician in my household skilled in treating consumption. Why not summon him to tend to your condition?”

Cough, cough! Cough, cough!

“No need to trouble the Fifth Prince. This is an old ailment—whether treated or not makes little difference.”

As he spoke, the white-haired elder accepted a cup of water from a young eunuch, took a deep gulp, then let out a long breath. “Fifth Prince, I must ask you—did the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye truly collude to threaten and plot against you?”

The Fifth Prince replied solemnly, “That is indeed the case!”

Hearing this, a trace of doubt flashed in the elder’s eyes. “Then why is it that you have returned, while those who allegedly conspired with demons are missing?”

“Grand Preceptor Ran, are you implying that I, the prince, am lying?” The Fifth Prince’s gaze turned sharp, his voice cold. “I already explained before—if not for the aid of an immortal, I would never have made it back alive!”

“It is not that I doubt the Fifth Prince,” the elder replied, “but before departing on your quest to seek immortals, both you and the Third Prince swore upon the fate of the nation. Should there be fratricide, the very destiny of Great Wu would collapse instantly!”

“Both princes bear Great Wu’s national destiny. Yet now, after setting out together, the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye are missing, while you alone have returned.”

“As the Grand Preceptor, it is my duty to investigate this matter thoroughly.”

“This is for the sake of the court and for Great Wu itself. I hope the Fifth Prince will understand.”

Pausing, the elder continued, “Furthermore, what you described earlier was too extraordinary. As a mere mortal, I find it difficult to digest in such a short time.”

“You have traveled far and nearly lost your life. Your health is clearly in a frail state. Why not return and recuperate first?”

“Once I have thoroughly investigated the matter and confirmed that the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye have perished, we shall then officially welcome the Fifth Prince to ascend the throne… What do you think?”

“Hmph!”

The Fifth Prince snorted coldly. “Great Wu is already teetering on the brink of collapse. The Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye’s collusion with demons has only worsened the crisis!”

“Were it not for Great Wu’s lingering fortune, which allowed me to receive an immortal’s aid and eradicate the demons, giving me a chance to survive, none of you would even be standing here questioning me!”

At these words, Grand Preceptor Ran bowed. “Please quell your anger, Fifth Prince. We, as ministers, act only for the good of Great Wu. I ask that you return to the palace and rest for now. I will do my utmost to resolve this matter swiftly!”

With this statement, the civil and military officials in attendance, regardless of their allegiance, knelt in unison. “Fifth Prince, please quell your anger! We shall assist the Grand Preceptor in uncovering the truth as soon as possible!”

“Good! Good! Good!”

Gazing at the gathered officials, the Fifth Prince’s face flushed red with fury. Even the scabs on his face cracked open, seeping fresh blood. “Since you all want to investigate, then investigate to your heart’s content!”

“As long as Great Wu remains without an emperor, chaos will persist. If this nation crumbles because of your investigations, you will all be cursed for eternity!”

After venting his anger, the Fifth Prince limped out of the Golden Hall.

Shortly after his departure, Grand Preceptor Ran turned to the court officials and let out a long sigh. “What do you all think?”

Not a single person responded.

At this moment, anyone who dared to speak—regardless of their stance—would undoubtedly be in the wrong. For all they knew, voicing an opinion now might result in their heads rolling before the day was over.

With the emperor absent, Grand Preceptor Ran held the greatest authority in the court. Were it not for his unwavering loyalty to Great Wu, it wouldn’t be impossible for him to stage a coup and take the throne himself.

“What, none of you dare to speak?” Grand Preceptor Ran’s voice was low as his clouded eyes swept over the assembled officials, making them feel as though needles were piercing their backs.

After a long silence, he finally exhaled and said indifferently, “Increase the search efforts. Do whatever it takes to locate the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye.”

“Send envoys to the immortal sect and request an audience with Young Lady Ye. As a member of the immortal sects
, she must know what truly transpired that day.”

“Furthermore, if the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye are indeed dead… then let the Fifth Prince ascend the throne.”

“This Great Wu can no longer endure more turmoil…”

Seeing that the Grand Preceptor was about to leave, the civil and military officials all bowed and said, “We respectfully send off the Grand Preceptor. May the Grand Preceptor live a thousand years, a thousand years, ten thousand years!”

In a corner of the Golden Hall, Gu Ning’an stood side by side with Heaven Arbiter Ashen. The latter turned to Gu Ning’an and asked, “Mr. Gu, this Fifth Prince clearly colluded with the Flood Dragon Emperor himself, yet he blames his elder brother and uncle… Is this mortal world not filthy?”

Gu Ning’an replied indifferently, “Still cleaner than you.”

“Heh…” Heaven Arbiter Ashen pretended not to hear the remark, then after a moment of thought, said, “The Third Prince and his group are truly fortunate—they actually managed to hold on and make it back.”

“They have about half a month left before they reach the capital.”

“Looks like the Fifth Prince only has half a month of peace left.”

He clicked his tongue before adding, “But it doesn’t matter. No matter who becomes emperor, they are all my chess pieces. Whoever wins makes no difference.”

Half a month later, Royal Prince Ye and the Third Prince were found unconscious at the city gates.

Strangely, their return was identical to the Fifth Prince’s.

Despite the capital having dispatched countless soldiers to search for them—nearly digging three feet into the ground—they had vanished without a trace.

Yet, in the end, they inexplicably broke through the “search perimeter” and appeared at the city gates.

Like the Fifth Prince, their conditions were even worse. When several imperial physicians examined their bodies, they couldn’t help but shake their heads and click their tongues in astonishment.

During this time, the Fifth Prince—having recovered his strength—would go every day to check on his brother and uncle’s condition, only to be stopped by the guards placed there under the Grand Preceptor’s orders.

No matter how much the Fifth Prince reprimanded them, or even when he took up a blade and killed a few of the guards, the remaining ones refused to yield even an inch.

It was clear that the Grand Preceptor, along with the entire court, feared that the Fifth Prince might take advantage of their unconscious state to finish them off.

After being strictly guarded for half a month, the Third Prince and Royal Prince Ye finally stepped into the Golden Hall—to confront the Fifth Prince before the assembled court officials.