The unappreciated puppet emperor, usually silent, silently observed the verbal sparring between Jiang Chengdao and Empress Zhao, exchanging words like swords, mutually probing.
With her understanding of Empress Zhao, she must have some unknown cards up her sleeve. Hastily taking action might not kill her, but could potentially leave hidden dangers.
After all, the Empress was still the Empress, and the Prince of Qin was still the Prince of Qin.
Taking action now wasn’t the best choice.
Therefore, impatience wasn’t advisable at the moment. It was better to proceed cautiously, forcing the Empress to reveal her vulnerabilities and then counterattacking.
At this moment, Empress Zhao suddenly took a deep breath. She first glanced at Jiang Chengwan, then clenched her fist, and coldly said to Jiang Chengdao, “Your Highness, can you tell this palace how you managed to quietly bring these mysterious armored soldiers to the Purple Extremity City? So this palace can understand.”
It seemed as if everything had fallen into place.
After generations of guarding the holy realm and fighting against demons, the elite Xuanwu Guards of the King’s army launched a fierce attack. Including the Feather Guards and various skilled warriors, most of the Empress’s men were already dead or injured. Purple Extremity City was completely under Jiang Chengdao’s control.
At this point, Empress Zhao was trapped, seemingly unable to break through the encirclement of the Xuanwu Guards.
With a single command, the Xuanwu Guards could launch a final assault, killing the nearly exhausted Golden Armor Guards, capturing Empress Zhao, the Prince of Qin, and several important members of the Zhao family, subject to his disposal.
It seemed that Empress Zhao had already resigned herself, now seemingly only wanting to understand how she had lost to avoid a regretful death.
However, at this moment when she should have been triumphant, possibly gloating over her defeated enemy with pride, Jiang Chengdao calmly shook his head.
“I have no obligation to tell you, nor do I have a habit of divulging secrets.”
Hearing this, Empress Zhao couldn’t help but show a look of astonishment.
Even at this point, he hadn’t become overconfident?
It was a pity…
Empress Zhao collected herself, then a glint of insight flashed in her eyes, and she seemingly accepted her fate, saying to Jiang Chengdao, “So, how do you intend to deal with me?”
As she spoke, Jiang Chengdao felt several gazes turn toward him.
However, his expression remained unchanged. He locked eyes with Empress Zhao and said calmly, “While there might be suspicions of power-grabbing on your part, you have labored for the people of the world for many years. Despite not achieving merits, you’ve endured hardships. Therefore, I will arrange an excellent place for your retirement. You won’t need to be bothered by court affairs as you were before. You can peacefully enjoy your later years.”
With that, Jiang Chengdao extended his hand and gestured to the surrounding Xuanwu Guards.
In the next moment, the Xuanwu Guards’ gazes focused, and they slowly advanced.
A trace of disappointment appeared in Empress Zhao’s eyes. Clearly, Jiang Chengdao’s measured response wasn’t what she had hoped for.
“Your Highness is truly benevolent.”
Empress Zhao squinted her eyes, observing the approaching Xuanwu Guards, a mocking expression forming on her face.
“However, this palace can only appreciate Your Highness’s intentions. For the remainder of this palace’s life, there’s no need for Your Highness to worry.”
As she spoke, she suddenly raised her hand, revealing a hand from the wide sleeve.
To her hand was attached a blood-red scroll that had already been opened.
Suddenly, she forcefully tossed the open scroll into the air. The scroll hovered mysteriously, eerie and unnatural.
Evidently, this was Empress Zhao’s last resort, something that could prevent her from being manipulated.
However, as Jiang Chengdao watched this scene, although his facial expression changed momentarily, deep within, he remained remarkably calm.
Clearly, he had foreseen this development.
After all, Empress Zhao had controlled the world for six years, accumulating numerous treasures, among which there must be items like secret scrolls.
Given her shrewdness and extreme caution, she would surely have left herself a fail-safe.
While everyone’s attention was involuntarily drawn to the Empress’s action, Jiang Chengwan subtly tightened her grip on something concealed within her robe. With a thought, a flash of gold appeared in her originally dark pupils.
In the next moment, an invisible force quietly surged from her.
Immediately after, under the influence of this force, the bloodstained patches beneath the corpses scattered throughout the hall began to move unnaturally. They churned like water brought to a boil, quickly forming a dreadful blood mist that rapidly converged towards the suspended scroll above.