Concubine Yan slapped Yu He hard. “I won’t allow this!”
Yu He suddenly reached out to strangle her. “Won’t allow? Who are you to allow or not? I crippled [1] myself, put up with humiliation, willingly let myself become a despicable rock for you to step and trample on so that you could climb higher. But what did I get in return? Your betrayal!”
Concubine Yan was stunned as she flared at Yu He. Both her hands grabbed onto his as she tried her best to pry his off her neck. She was extremely regretful. She should not have fought. Because of her ambition, she grew Yu He’s excessive greed and it eventually ruined her.
“What is Prince Zhou? He is just the grandson of the Great Sui’s Emperor. He even has our enemy’s blood flowing through him! I am a prince of Great Sui! My Fu Shui is a blood descendant of our Great Sui’s Emperor! His blood is more precious than Prince Zhou’s. He should rightfully be the new emperor of Great Sui! We don’t need you or Li Shimin’s son!” Yu He’s eyes were red as he bellowed, strangling Concubine Yan.
Concubine Yan’s struggles slowly weakened as her face turned from red to white. Her veins burst as her shoulders sagged.
Yu He did not notice that Concubine Yan had stopped breathing and continued to shake her. “I am the true prince of Great Sui! My son has the true royal blood of Great Sui!”
Chief Cao notified him, “She is dead.”
Yu He’s consciousness returned as he saw Concubine Yan’s pale face. He released his hand and Concubine Yan fell to the ground lifelessly. His breath was urgent as he looked annoyed. He bent down and reached out to touch Concubine Yan’s face.
Chief Cao suddenly kneeled in greeting, “Congratulations, Your Highness. You have overcome the last obstacle to help Fu Shui obtain the throne. Fu Shui is brilliant in many ways, brave and firm. He will become a mighty ruler and bring back Great Sui’s glorious days.”
Yu He’s movements paused as his eyes filled with greed once more. “Yes, Fu Shui will become a mighty ruler. This kingdom does not belong to her son but my son. It should have been this way. It should have been!”
It was his sister’s fault. She was too selfish and only thought of her own son. She had never cared about Great Sui’s future! The married woman has returned home. He did not need to feel guilty! Great Sui belongs to the Yang, not the Li!
* * *
1. chopped his dick to be a eunuch
Chapter 98.1: Return (Final)
Prince Zhou stood in a defensive position with a longsword in his hands. Behind him, the Crown Prince and Prince Han followed closely. The Crown Prince was carrying their sleeping father on their back. In their efforts to be filial to their father, the three brothers were finally united.
Prince Zhou could sense the movements around them and looked back. He saw Prince Han shove a snack in his mouth and could not help but laugh. “Prince Han, how can you still eat while you move?”
Prince Han spoke as he ate, “Why don’t you try eating half a bowl of porridge for every meal?” He suddenly stared at the Crown Prince’s back. He rushed over emotionally, “Imperial Father has awoken!”
The Crown Prince let the Emperor down and Prince Zhou walked back quickly.
The sight of the Xuanwu Gate, towering mightily, appeared in front of the Emperor.
“Xuanwu Gate?” He struggled to say these few words.
Prince Zhou explained, “Chief Cao and Yu He has control of the imperial guards now. They are searching for us everywhere. This area has the weakest security. Imperial Father, rest assured. We will bring you out safely.”
Prince Han mumbled, “This Xuanwu Gate is too crazy. Back then--”
The Crown Prince cut him off, “Back then, Imperial Father, you ruined Crown Prince Yin’s scheme to harm you. This time, you will also be able to avert disaster.”
Prince Han quickly agreed, “Yes, yes. Heaven has chosen Imperial Father, Imperial Father will enjoy never-ending longevity.”
The Emperor looked at the Crown Prince and did something he hasn’t done in a long time. He smiled knowingly.
The Crown Prince carried the Emperor once again and ran towards the stone steps of the Xuanwu Gate. Prince Han ran forwards two steps but saw that Prince Zhou was not following them. He turned to rush him.
Prince Zhou drew out his sword and said sternly, “They are about to catch up. You all should go ahead first.”
As soon as he finished speaking, imperial guards appeared on the other side of the square. Yu He and Chief Cao were behind them.
Prince Han narrowed his eyes as he saw what Yu He was wearing. “Isn’t that the dragon robe from the Sui Dynasty? Prince Zhou, I don’t think they will spare you. You should run with us.”
Prince Zhou suddenly dashed towards the imperial guards and shouted, “Go first! I will follow behind. We have to protect Imperial Father!”
Prince Han saw how Prince Zhou quickly got rid of a few guards and was surprised, “Okay, then you can help to slow them down. When you can no longer hold them back, hurry and run.” He then turned and ran after the Crown Prince.
Yu He fumed, “Li Ge, you are asking for death, don’t blame me for being heartless. Imperial Guards, Prince Zhou, Prince Han and the Crown Prince are colluding to kill the Emperor. Concubine Yan has ordered to kill them for the greater good, there is no need to spare anyone.”
Even more imperial guards surged forwards and surrounded Prince Zhou.
Chief Cao praised Yu He, “Your Highness has indeed inherited the decisiveness of the late Emperor. The Imperial Guards obey Concubine Yan. We cannot let them know of her death and affect their emotions.”
Yu He nodded.
Prince Zhou guarded while looking at how the situation was at the Crown Prince and Prince Han’s side. He saw that they were about to reach the stone steps of the Xuanwu Gate. He did not even have time to celebrate before he saw them running down. The imperial guards at the Xuanwu Gate were also their enemy.
Prince Zhou broke through the guards surrounding him and met up with the Crown Prince and Prince Han at the stone stairs. The Crown Prince let the Emperor down and instructed Prince Han, “Take care of Imperial Father.” He then ran down, intending to fight side by side with Prince Zhou even if he was unarmed.
Prince Zhou slashed out and managed to get a sword from one of the guards. The Crown Prince took it. “Thanks.”
“You are welcome.”
Prince Zhou’s sword slashed out again, helping the Crown Prince defend a sneak attack to his side. The Crown Prince collaborated well and moved to where Prince Zhou was, taking down another man.
Prince Han did not notice the rapport between the Crown Prince and Prince Zhou. He was comforting the distressed Emperor, “Imperial Father, don’t be anxious, Heaven will help the worthy. Assistance will always come at the most critical point. When I was surrounded by Prince Zhao’s army, that scene was much scarier than this. I thought that I was sure to die…” Light flashed in the corner of his eye but he saw that the Crown Prince and Prince Zhou was at a disadvantageous position and they were forced to retreat slowly. It looked as if they were about to be taken down. Prince Han spoke quickly, “At the last critical moment, Chumu came…...Wah! Wah! Wah!”
Prince Han shot up in delight as he pointed to the sky. “He’s here! Chumu is here!”