The assembled ministers stared at the Xuan Emperor on the dragon throne, shock all over their faces.

And the Xuan Emperor gave a cold laugh.

"Beloved ministers, Ning Chen has risen against his sovereign, and the Eldest Prince is his accomplice... Don't any of you forget, this is not the first time the Eldest Prince has rebelled."

The ministers were brought up short. That's right. The Eldest Prince has rebelled once before.

The Xuan Emperor said coldly, "Ning Chen, this emperor has treated you well... Why would you help the Eldest Prince rebel?"

The Eldest Prince said loudly, "My lords, don't believe a word he says... He is not Father Emperor at all."

The Xuan Emperor gave a cold snort. "Unfilial wretch. This emperor should have had you beheaded back then... Who would have thought you would turn out this pig-headed, and die sooner than admit a fault. This time don't blame this emperor for forgetting that a father owes a son anything!"

As the Xuan Emperor's words fell, a body of imperial guards came charging into the great hall.

At their head, of all people, was the Grand Commandant.

The Grand Commandant came forward and went down on his knees. "Your subject came too late to the rescue. I beg Your Majesty's pardon!"

The Xuan Emperor said with a smile, "Beloved Minister, you have come at exactly the right moment... Take these traitors and rebels, every one of them, for this emperor. Any man who resists is to be cut down where he stands!"

The Grand Commandant got to his feet and looked at Ning Chen, pleased with himself.

"Prince Who Holds the Realm, Eldest Prince... with this old man here, you can forget about touching a hair on His Majesty's head. Now put up your hands and be taken!"

The Eldest Prince's face went white.

The civil and military officials were at their wits' end too.

Ning Chen swept an indifferent glance over the Grand Commandant. "You old rogue, at your age, and still dreaming of power?"

"Ning Chen, with death this close, you still dare to be…