Chapter 637: Destroy Everything the Emperor Cares About
"You’ve committed such a grave error. It is already an act of mercy that I have not had them executed," the Beili Emperor said, his expression cold.
Seeing not a single trace of tenderness in his eyes, Consort Yuan’s heart sank. ’Emperors truly are heartless!’
Sang Zhi struggled but couldn’t break free. His rage gave way to a chilling laugh. "You want the map to Penglai Mountain? Well, I refuse to give it to you."
The Queen’s eyes flickered. ’The map to Penglai Mountain?’
’The Eighth Prince has the map?’
The Beili Emperor hadn’t expected him to have a public outburst and mention this. He roared, "Everyone who isn’t involved, get out!"
"Emperor..."
"Get out."
The Queen had just opened her mouth to speak when the Beili Emperor’s roar cut her off.
The Queen had never heard the Emperor speak to her like that. Though her mind was filled with questions, she didn’t dare to linger and hastily left with her retinue of palace attendants.
"Take the Crown Prince out as well," the Beili Emperor said.
A Hidden Guard stepped forward and picked Sang Qi up.
Sang Qi’s shoulder was in agony, and he didn’t really understand what was happening with Penglai Mountain. "Imperial Father, I..."
He wanted to say something in his mother’s defense, but the words died on his lips when he met his father’s gaze.
In an instant, the only ones left in the courtyard were the Beili Emperor, Consort Yuan, Sang Zhi, Du Yi, and seven Royal Hidden Guards.
Now that they were alone, the Beili Emperor’s voice was low. "Eighth, do not test my patience again and again."
"If you have the nerve, then kill me." Sang Zhi was utterly unafraid, a hint of madness in his eyes.
"Don’t think you can act so recklessly, banking on some legend about Penglai Mountain. We don’t even know if it’s real or not."
"Real or fake? Who asked you to believe me?" Sang Zhi’s tone was manic and mocking. "You want it, but I have no intention of letting you have your way. If you’ve run out of patience, then go ahead and kill me. But as long as you can’t let it go, you’ll have to put up with me. When I’m satisfied, maybe I’ll give you the map to Penglai Mountain. But if I’m not... I’d rather die in glory than live in shame."
The Beili Emperor’s face twitched. He was boiling with rage, yet utterly helpless. ’Kill him? I can’t.’ Judging by his son’s manic state, getting him to hand over the map willingly would be next to impossible.
"Emperor, don’t believe him! That Penglai map is fake! My senior brother’s words aren’t necessarily true," Consort Yuan cried out.
"Guards, take the Eighth Prince away." True or not, the Beili Emperor had already dispatched men to East Shu to investigate.
"Let go of me," Sang Zhi struggled.
"Emperor, how shall we dispose of this man?" a Hidden Guard asked, forcing Du Yi forward.
The Beili Emperor glanced at him, then his gaze shifted to the bodies littering the courtyard. "Kill him."
"He’s my guard!" Sang Zhi roared. "I dare any of you to lay a hand on him!"
"Your guard?" The Beili Emperor was incredulous. He looked at the Hidden Guard. "Who is this man?"
"Reporting to the Emperor, this man is a personal guard to Ye Qianning of the General’s estate."
’Ye Qianning’s man?’
The Beili Emperor’s gaze fell on Du Yi. The man’s eyes were filled with killing intent. ’He charged into the Imperial Palace and killed so many of my guards... Is he trying to avenge his Family Head?’
"This man is defiant and untamable. He isn’t fit to serve by your side."
"I will only have Du Yi as my guard. Send anyone else, and I’ll kill them. Try me, if you don’t believe it," Sang Zhi snarled, glaring at the Beili Emperor with bloodshot eyes.
A dark look passed through the Beili Emperor’s eyes, but he said nothing. With a wave of his hand, he gave his tacit approval.
The Hidden Guards released Du Yi.
"Take your man and get out," the Beili Emperor said.
Du Yi, heavily injured in several places, staggered a few steps before steadying himself. He then turned his head to glare fiercely at Consort Yuan.
"Du Yi."
Sang Zhi called out his name.
Du Yi pulled his gaze away, clutching his wounds as he walked toward Sang Zhi.
Without so much as a bow, Sang Zhi turned and walked toward the courtyard gate. ’There’s still plenty of time,’ he thought. ’I have all the time in the world to destroy everything the Emperor holds dear.’