Chapter 1297: Chapter 1133: Victory or Death

"Who do you think it might be?" Zhang Chongjing looked at Shen Shikang, though he already had someone in mind.

"First to be excluded is Prince Gong; after all, he has already rebelled, no need to do this! To him, a child poses no threat yet. Prince Jing is possible, but he is too far from the Capital, and moreover, his foundations are still shallow; he probably wouldn’t act so soon. That leaves only the Third Prince."

Shen Shikang stroked his chin, thinking the Third Prince was the most suspicious. Does the Third Prince think that by hiding in Bao En Temple, the aristocratic families in the Capital wouldn’t keep a close watch on him?

Once such a noble identity, now fallen to dust, could he truly let go?

For more than two years, the other party hasn’t moved, but they don’t believe the Third Prince has given up or seen through worldly matters, leaving behind such ties.

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have come when the late Emperor passed away. If he wants to sever ties, he should have done so more thoroughly.

"But it also can’t be ruled out that other aristocratic families in the Capital might have taken action. In recent times, our Shen Family has indeed been too prominent. It’s possible these people feel threatened and aim their arrows at our Shen Family using this incident. Moreover, if we can find out about the Emperor being poisoned, other aristocratic families in the Capital might have also gotten the news."

Speaking of the Emperor’s poisoning, Shen Shikang felt regretful as well. Before, he truly assisted the Emperor with heart and soul, fighting for power and benefit but never harbored rebellious thoughts against the Emperor.

But upon learning the Emperor was poisoned, he couldn’t help but have other ideas. Our Shen Family had offended quite a few ministers because of choosing sides. If the Emperor really had some mishap, what would become of our Shen Family in the future?

He had thought about assisting the Eldest Prince Zhao Guangye, but the Eldest Prince is ultimately too young. Moreover, several other princes are eyeing the throne covetously; assisting a young emperor is indeed challenging. Given that, it might be better for the Shen Family to take that position.

"You are right, but the suspicion still largely falls on the Third Prince. The Third Prince is quite close to Princess Rong Jia of Duke Qin Mansion. Though nothing unusual has been found, Princess Rong Jia often visits Bao En Temple, which is suspicious."

"Princess Rong Jia is just a woman; what climate can she form? The Eldest Princess and the Emperor are siblings. Could the Eldest Princess really rebel against the Emperor? It’s unlikely. Even if the Eldest Princess knows the Emperor doesn’t have much time, Duke Qin Mansion should support the Eldest Prince, assisting him to the throne!"

Shen Shikang didn’t agree; the Eldest Princess and the Emperor are deeply affectionate siblings. Recently, when the Emperor was assassinated, the Eldest Princess even shielded the Emperor from the sword. The sibling bond is profound, so how could the Eldest Princess betray the Emperor?

"The Eldest Prince is too young, and before he ascends to the throne, many things might happen. Moreover, don’t you remember? There’s also the Prince Consort involved! As for Duke of Qin, you know his nature."

With this reminder, Shen Shikang acknowledged some truth in that.

"Discussing this now is useless. Initially, I wanted to find out the mastermind and clear our family’s name. As for other matters, if we can delay, we will. But now, the Emperor might already know about our behind-the-scenes machinations. Whether the Eldest Prince’s drowning was by our Shen Family’s hand is no longer important. To deter others and warn, the Emperor won’t let the Shen Family off easily."

Shen Shikang furrowed his brows, it was too late! The Emperor doesn’t have much time left; he acts without any consideration and won’t hold onto old sentiments.

"What do you mean by that?" Zhang Chongjing looked at Shen Shikang in shock, filled with panic. Surely the lord hasn’t already taken action?

"That’s right! Palace coup!" Shen Shikang struck his palm on the desk; there was now no choice but to stake everything on one throw.

"My Lord!" Zhang Chongjing was horrified beyond measure; he didn’t know the lord had such plans.

"My Lord, it’s not without a turnaround, you must not act impulsively!"

"It’s already urgent, where’s the turnaround? Sooner or later rebellion is inevitable; might as well seize the opportunity now, for if later, the Emperor will not give the Shen Family another chance!"

Seeing Zhang Chongjing wanting to persuade further, Shen Shikang quickly interrupted, "Everything is ready, just waiting for the Emperor to send for me to enter the palace. Holding the Emperor hostage is our best shot!"

The Shen Family’s foundation is unstable; though they’ve allied with the North City Military Department and Capital Guard Command, the precariously appointed commanders have attitudes hard to decipher.

Their alliance is not solid. Shen Shikang feared these two might betray him at the last moment. Although he had contingencies, he worried they’d cause issues, so direct hostage-taking of the Emperor seemed more reliable.

Though he didn’t want to, as he was the Emperor’s uncle, for the sake of the clan, he had to harden his heart.

"Since you’ve decided, I shall not persuade further. Now, it’s truly like an arrow on the bowstring, unable not to be released." Zhang Chongjing knew persuasion was now futile and could only sigh.

"My Lord! Eunuch Quan is here; the Emperor summons you to the palace for discussion!" The steward’s voice announced from outside; inside, the two exchanged a glance, knowing the moment had come.

"My Lord, this journey admits no turning back. I wish you victory!" Zhang Chongjing bowed deeply, knowing this journey would be one of success or sacrifice!

Without an imperial summons, one cannot enter the palace. To hold the Emperor hostage, Shen Shikang must risk his life. He had everything arranged in the palace, now entering first to probe the situation.

Shen Shikang nodded, took a deep breath, and walked out.

A luxurious carriage housed an elder and a youth, the elder spoke first: "You shall accompany me into the palace, hide the tooth card, and act according to my signal. If something appears amiss, release the signal arrow! If the Emperor does summon me, just wait! Only act after meeting the Emperor, that would be best!"

Shen Shikang repeatedly instructed; although he could choose not to go, ultimately he wasn’t assured. If summoned by the Emperor and he didn’t come, the Emperor would have even more cause to charge him with treason.

"Grandfather, rest assured! Your grandson is prepared, you’ve instructed me three times already!" Shen Mingkang knew his grandfather was nervous, hence the repeated cautions.

He felt chaotic inside; with his grandfather’s constant reminders, he grew more nervous.

"Alright! Since you understand, I won’t repeat again. But remember, this must be foolproof, and speed is crucial. Once we seize the Emperor, that’s success!"

At this moment, Shen Shikang also felt excitement; if successful, their Shen Family would become the Emperor’s Dragon Vein; how could that not excite him?

"But outside the palace and at home, might there be unforeseen changes?" Shen Mingkang felt hesitant, his heart uneasy.

"That’s not for you to worry about. I’ve prepared everything; you need only focus on your task. Once inside the palace, follow my orders. Don’t show off, don’t act rashly, just send the signal!"

Shen Shikang felt uneasy too; although this grandson was talented, his temper could occasionally be too impulsive.

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