20demayo Chapter 16 How could I possibly pass the throne to Huhai? Summon Huhai here!
Chapter 16 How could I possibly pass the throne to Huhai? Summon Huhai here!
The air in the main hall of Xianyang Palace had long since frozen into ice, and the entire hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
Only the candlelight flickered on the high platform, casting the figures of the court officials onto the bluestone slabs, creating an atmosphere of oppression and solemnity.
At the summit of the Dragon Platform, Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of Qin, stood majestically, his black dragon robe embroidered with a five-clawed azure dragon that seemed about to burst forth from his garment and writhe wildly.
An overwhelming imperial aura swept through every corner of the hall, forcing all the civil and military officials present to bow their heads and not even dare to breathe.
Those usually deep and intimidating eyes were now as dark as an abyss, filled with unbelievable rage and annoyance at their incompetence.
He suddenly raised his eyes and roared angrily towards the outside of the hall, a roar that shook the entire palace.
His voice, deep and resonant like a great bell, carried the earth-shattering rage of an emperor, soaring to the heavens: "Guards!"
The eunuchs guarding the palace gates trembled with fear at the angry shout.
He scrambled into the hall, prostrated himself before the steps, trembling all over, not daring to lift his head, and stammered, "This...this servant is here!"
Ying Zheng's face was ashen, his eyes cold as knives, and his words were firm and resolute, carrying the unquestionable authority of an emperor, as he sternly ordered:
"Go immediately to the side hall of the inner palace and bring the eighteenth prince, Huhai, to the main hall!"
Not a moment can be wasted! I must ask all the questions in front of the entire court!
He had to bring Hu Hai to him in person for a confrontation; he wanted to hear it for himself.
Is my beloved youngest son really as rebellious as Jiang Qing claims?
"Yes, Your Majesty! I will go immediately!"
The eunuch dared not delay in the slightest, and immediately kowtowed to receive the decree. After getting up, he ran all the way.
He hurriedly rushed towards the side hall of the inner palace, fearing that if he was even a step too slow, he would anger the First Emperor in his rage.
Inside the hall, all the civil and military officials kept their heads down and held their breath, none daring to utter a word.
Left Chancellor Li Si had a complicated expression, his brows were furrowed, and his eyes were full of surprise and doubt.
General Meng Tian, his eyes gleaming with authority, looked toward the palace gate, his heart heavy with apprehension.
Right Chancellor Feng Quji stood tall and straight, his expression solemn, awaiting how things would unfold.
Meanwhile, Zhao Gao, the Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office, who was huddled in the corner of the main hall, had already turned ashen-faced, his official robes soaked with cold sweat, and he kept his head bowed.
My body trembled slightly uncontrollably, and my heart was in my throat.
Prince Fusu remained kneeling in the hall, his expression sorrowful and forlorn, upon hearing that his father, the Emperor, had summoned Huhai.
He slowly closed his eyes, a bitter smile playing on his lips. His heart was filled with mixed emotions; he had to face the cruel truth that was already set in stone.
Only Jiang Qing remained seated on the side of the hall, her expression calm and composed, her eyes serene as she quietly observed everything that was happening inside.
At this moment, the side hall of the inner palace was completely devoid of the oppressive tension of the main hall; instead, it was filled with a relaxed and joyful atmosphere.
The eighteenth prince, Hu Hai, was wearing a magnificent brocade robe and squatting in the courtyard.
They were having a great time playing with the exotic birds in the cage, their faces full of innocent smiles.
He was always favored by Ying Zheng and kept in the deep palace, carefree and without having to concern himself with court affairs.
They don't have to worry about national affairs; they just eat, drink, and have fun all day long, living a carefree and leisurely life.
"Young Master! Young Master! His Majesty summons you to the main hall of Xianyang Palace immediately!"
The eunuch ran frantically, panting, until he reached the side hall courtyard. He bowed to Hu Hai, his tone urgent.
Upon hearing this, Hu Hai's eyes lit up, his hand that was playing with the birdcage stopped, and a bright smile instantly bloomed on his face, his heart filled with joy.
In his past memories, when his father suddenly summoned him, it was always because he was to be rewarded with something good.
Whether it's rare pastries or novelties, it's never a bad thing.
He didn't even consider the worst-case scenario. He excitedly dropped the birdcage, dusted off his hands, and straightened his brocade robe.
He said cheerfully, "I know, I know, Father is going to reward me again! Hurry up, hurry up, don't keep Father waiting!"
Hu Hai was overjoyed and skipped along with the eunuch towards the main hall.
All the way there, he was secretly wondering what kind of reward his father would give him this time, and he couldn't hide the smile on his face.
Little did he know that a raging inferno was waiting for him.
Before long, the eunuch led Hu Hai to the entrance of the main hall of Xianyang Palace.
Before even entering the hall, Hu Hai still wore a cheerful smile and stepped into the main hall with great anticipation.
But the next second, when he saw the scene inside the hall, the smile on his face froze instantly, and he stood there dumbfounded!
Inside the main hall, all the civil and military officials stood on both sides, heads bowed in solemn silence.
There was not a sound; the atmosphere was extremely oppressive, like the calm before a storm.
On the Dragon Platform, Emperor Ying Zheng stood majestically, his face ashen, his aura radiating murderous intent.
Those intimidating eyes stared intently at him, the anger in them seeming to want to burn him to ashes.
Gone was the usual doting and gentleness; only cold, furious anger remained.
This was the father emperor that Hu Hai had never seen before, and the atmosphere of the palace that he had never experienced before!
He stood at the entrance of the palace, unsure of what to do with his hands and feet, and the smile on his face vanished.
Instead, I felt completely lost and helpless, and a sense of dread inexplicably rose in my heart.
He instinctively wanted to retreat, but was firmly locked in place by the oppressive aura within the hall, unable to move.
He had no idea what earth-shattering event had occurred that could enrage his father so much and silence the entire court.
Before Hu Hai could recover and understand the situation, Ying Zheng on the Dragon Platform once again roared with deafening fury.
A voice, like thunder, boomed through the hall: "Huhai! Come before me!"
This furious roar, carrying the might of an unparalleled dragon, struck Hu Hai's heart with devastating force.
He was so frightened that his whole body trembled violently, his legs went weak, and he didn't have time to think or dare to disobey in the slightest.
With a "thump," he knelt on the bluestone slab in the hall, his heart filled with confusion and fear.
Hu Hai knelt on the ground, his body stiff, and looked up timidly at Ying Zheng on the dragon platform.
He still didn't understand what mistake he had made or why his father would suddenly attack him.
In his panic, he caught a glimpse of his elder brother Fusu kneeling not far away.
Fusu lowered his head, looking sorrowful and dejected.
Upon seeing this, a thought instantly flashed through Hu Hai's mind, and he secretly began to complain:
It must be that Fusu's elder brother has angered the Emperor, and in his anger, the Emperor even wants to summon him to be punished as well! This is truly unjust!
He didn't think about himself at all; he only felt that he was implicated by Fusu, and he was filled with grievances.
However, they dared not speak up in defense when Ying Zheng was furious, and could only kneel obediently, not daring to utter a sound.
Just as Hu Hai was filled with resentment and secretly complaining, Ying Zheng on the Dragon Platform had already reached the height of his anger.
He looked at Hu Hai, who was kneeling in the hall with a bewildered and innocent expression, and thought of the treasonous things Jiang Qing had mentioned.
Unable to contain his anger any longer, he suddenly reached out, grabbed the bamboo slips placed on the dragon table, and exerted force with his wrist.
It was hurled fiercely towards Hu Hai's face!
A bamboo scroll, carried by a strong wind, flew down the steps of the imperial palace and crashed heavily onto the bluestone slab in front of Hu Hai.
The bamboo slips scattered instantly, and the corner of one of them struck Hu Hai's nose.
"Hmm!"
A sharp, dull pain shot through him, and Hu Hai groaned in pain, instinctively reaching out to cover his nose.
My eyes instantly reddened, tears welled up, and I almost fell.
He raised his head with a pitiful look, his eyes brimming with tears as he gazed at Ying Zheng on the dragon platform.
A sharp pain shot through his nose, which was red and made him look extremely pitiful. He was filled with confusion, unable to understand why his father would treat him this way.
From childhood to adulthood, his father always doted on him, let alone throwing things at him.
He rarely utters harsh words, so his appearance today is truly terrifying!