Jin Dongxing strode up to the Third Prince, Jin Tiancheng, and fixed him with a piercing stare.

It was the first time the Third Prince had ever felt that kind of pressure coming off Jin Dongxing, who was always so gentle and well-mannered.

The Third Prince's expression went stiff. "Y-Your Highness, why are you looking at me like that?"

Jin Dongxing's face was grim. He said it slowly, one word at a time. "Did you do this?"

Something flickered across the Third Prince's face, but he forced himself to stay calm. "What is Your Highness talking about? Your imperial brother doesn't understand."

Jin Dongxing's voice was low. "Do you really not understand, or are you just pretending? Among all the princes of the Gaoli Kingdom, apart from this crown prince, you're the only one who can command any troops at all, isn't that right, old Third?"

The Third Prince waved both hands. "Watch what you say, Your Highness! Father Emperor never gave me any military authority. How could I command troops? Imperial Brother, what you're saying sounds a lot like an accusation that your imperial brother is plotting rebellion. That's a charge I'd never survive."

Jin Dongxing gave a cold snort.

In a royal house, brothers fought openly and in secret over that dragon throne. It was the normal way of things.

But of all the princes, the greatest threat to him was the Third Prince, Jin Tiancheng.

Jin Tiancheng's mother, the Consort, came from a powerful family that held military power... Those troops weren't his, but he could use them.

So the Third Prince was the only one who could have pulled this off.

Jin Dongxing glared at him, beside himself. "You can deny it all you like, but let me tell you this... You've brought down a catastrophe this time, and no one can save you.

Never mind sixty thousand dead Great Xuan soldiers. If it were six men, Ning Chen would never let it rest.

Nanyue's army is strong and its horses are fit, and Ning Chen still took its imperial city... If we don't give Ning…