Chapter 272: Confrontation
"Uncle Ge, with the Xue Ye Emperor seriously ill and rumors about the imperial succession spreading unrest in Tiandou City, what are your plans?"
Dugu Feng sat candidly with Ge Long and his father, cutting straight to the point.
Ge Long thought to himself that Dugu Feng's visit at this sensitive time must have a purpose.
He considered and said, "As a military marshal, maintaining stability is my duty. The more critical the moment, the easier other forces can take advantage.
Nephew, feel free to share your thoughts!"
Dugu Feng did not hold back: "Uncle Ge, I just left the Crown Prince's residence.
The Dugu family supports the Crown Prince's succession.
These street rumors infuriate me—claiming the Emperor is poisoned. My father inspects the Emperor monthly; no poisoning is confirmed.
The Emperor's health has declined over ten years. If he were poisoned, symptoms would have erupted long ago.
Someone is stirring trouble, defaming the Crown Prince.
I suspect a royal faction coveting the throne wants to weaken the Crown Prince.
Currently, internal conflict in the royal family cannot be allowed; the Crown Prince's ascension is most suitable—never giving the Xingluo Empire or Martial Soul Hall an opening!"
Dugu Feng spoke with anger.
The rumors questioned the Dugu family's poison authority, which was hateful.
Dugu family had loudly declared no poisoning; then there was none.
"Brother Feng, calm down. Prince Xue Xing is confused. The Emperor's illness isn't recent.
Doctors, including Sect Leader Ning, have treated him. The prince just won't believe it and is paranoid!"
Ge Ying sided with Dugu Feng.
He trusted Dugu Feng's words.
Dugu family had no reason to harm the Emperor.
They never meddled in politics and wouldn't conceal the Emperor's illness for Xue Qinghe.
Ge Ying couldn't understand why the prince doubted the Crown Prince.
In his mind, the Crown Prince was qualified.
Besides the Crown Prince, no one else deserved the throne.
Ge Long nodded slightly.
Though less naive, he knew that Tiandou couldn't afford chaos.
Dugu Feng's stance represented that of the Dugu family and the Seven Treasure Glazed Tile Sect.
Sect Leader Ning Fengzhi was also the Crown Prince's teacher.
For Prince Xue Xing to challenge the Crown Prince was overambitious.
"What are your plans, nephew?" Ge Long asked.
"Prince Xue Xing relies on commanding troops. I hope you can stabilize the military. Without the Crown Prince's orders, it's a mutiny!" Dugu Feng struck directly at the root.
Ge Long was relieved it wasn't a direct challenge to Prince Xue Xing.
The Ge family differed from other soul master forces—they were closely tied to the royal family.
Most of their soul masters held military or royal regiment posts.
He had a good relationship with Prince Xue Xing and didn't want him to end badly.
Ge Long sighed, "I won't let the prince command the troops!"
Satisfied with this, Dugu Feng felt reassured.
"Report! Marshal, Prince Xue Xing is mobilizing heavy infantry!"
Suddenly, a soul master in general's uniform entered.
Ge Long's expression darkened.
He just mentioned the prince, and the prince took action.
"What is he up to?" Ge Long barked.
"Prince Xue Xing says His Majesty was poisoned with Seven-colored Splendor. He demands to arrest Yang Wudi of the Po clan to cure the Emperor!" the general continued.
"Still blind stubbornness!" Dugu Feng coldly retorted.
"Let's see who dares move without my orders!"
Ge Long headed out, followed by Dugu Feng and Ge Ying.
Outside the Ge estate, tension thickened.
Rows of massive crossbows gleamed coldly, aimed at the gates—ready to fire.
Armored infantry surrounded the estate tightly.
Other city guards extended beyond sight.
This was the second siege of the Strength Clan.
Tai Tan, Bai He, and Niu Gao nervously negotiated with Prince Xue Xing.
They hadn't expected the prince to act decisively.
They hoped to stall—if the Emperor died, the crisis might end.
Instead, the prince brought a large force.
"Prince, when Yang Wudi refined medicine, he was injured by poison and unstable.
It's not unwillingness to cooperate; since you arrived, you may inspect personally!"
Tai Tan offered a weak excuse.
Heading strained with the prince present, so they had to accept Yang Wudi's injury.
Prince Xue Xing flew into a rage: "His Majesty's condition is critical, and the poisoner is of the Po clan!
As clan leader, how dare Yang Wudi evade responsibility?
If he's alive today, he will come with me to the palace!
I count to three; if he doesn't appear, he'll suffer consequences!"
Prince Xue Xing was resolute.
Tai Tan grew anxious—there was no more time to delay.
"If the Emperor's condition worsens, I'll have Yang Wudi come out!" Tai Tan admitted defeat.
The prince was unreasonable; scholar meets soldier.
He immediately sent his son Tai Nuo to fetch Yang Wudi.
Only then was the prince satisfied, eager to show his strength.
But his joy was short-lived.
Chaos erupted behind the city guards.
"The Crown Prince arrives!"
Qian Renxue came with a large retinue, including troops and the royal soul master regiment.
"Let him through!" Prince Xue Xing shouted coldly.
Beside him stood Dugu Bo.
That was his backing.
With Dugu Bo on his side, what could Xue Qinghe do?
The guards parted, letting Qian Renxue approach.
"Uncle, why cause such a stir? How will Tiandou City's soul masters regard the royal family? Who will still serve us?
I know you worry about father's illness, but you can't act recklessly!" Qian Renxue smiled bitterly.
"Qinghe, will you stop me? I want to arrest Yang Wudi, whose clansman Yang Wushuang poisoned your two brothers and the Emperor.
Now I need him to cure the Emperor!"
Prince Xue Xing tossed down accusations mercilessly.
He wouldn't believe Xue Qinghe dared disobey and prevent Yang Wudi's cure under watchful eyes.
(END CHAPTER)
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