Chapter 184: Fighting for the Seal
“The messenger from the Northern Protection General’s camp has returned safely,” the sentry’s distant shout was much faster than the arrival of the “messenger” himself, echoing through the central tent but failing to garner the attention it deserved.
Inside the tent, chaos reigned.
Zhang Yanghao, Xie Ying, and Ding Hui each brought a attendant, forcing Prince Donghai back into the central tent. Zhang Yanghao shouted sternly, “Prince Donghai, if you want to seize the seal and rebel, you must get past me first!”
Prince Donghai staggered back several steps, angrily retorting, “What nonsense are you spouting?” His heart sank, realizing he had fallen into a trap. Given Zhang Yanghao and the others’ status, they had no right to stand guard outside the central tent—they were clearly let in by Chai Zhi.
The three subordinates lifted the curtain, and Zhang Yanghao loudly declared, “Prince Donghai, upon hearing about troubles in the court, you harbored treacherous thoughts, intending to seize the Grand Marshal’s seal and lead the Northern Army soldiers back to the Capital to seize power. Is this true or not?”
Outside the tent, numerous officers, guards, and subordinates were startled by the shouting inside, exchanging glances but not daring to make a sound or move.
Prince Donghai laughed bitterly in his fury, “You have quite the nerve, don’t you? Do you even know your place? Even if I did intend to do something, what makes you think you could interfere? Get lost!”
Having grown up in the aristocratic circles with the status of a prince and supported by the Cui clan, Prince Donghai had never been defied. Zhang Yanghao and the others naturally feared him and instinctively recoiled at his rebuke.
Ultimately, Zhang Yanghao, bolder than the rest, glanced at Chai Zhi inside the tent, drew his sword, and said, “Prince Donghai, your usual arrogance is one thing, but seizing the seal and rebelling is treasonous…”