The Imperial City, which had been sealed off since last night, was filled with an oppressive atmosphere.

It was as if a dark cloud was pressing down.

The entire Imperial House was under the control of the Sixth Prince's general, Yuan Zhong.

The commander of the Inner City Military Department had been captured, and the Sixth Prince was already sitting in the Hall of the People.

Behind the People's Hall was Emperor Chengping's resting chamber.

Imperial Consort Wei, the Sixth Prince, and the others were sitting by the bedside of Emperor Chengping, who was on the verge of death.

Before Xiao Bojian had even brought Chu Lian to the Wan Min Hall, Concubine Wei had already begun to 'earnestly persuade' him.

"Your Majesty, you have no other choice now!"

Concubine Wei waved her hand, and a young chamberlain walked to the side of the dragon bed with a tray. On the tray was an opened imperial edict in bright yellow.

The contents of the imperial edict had already been drafted and passed on to the Sixth Prince. The only thing missing from this imperial edict was the seal of the Imperial Jade Seal.

Emperor Cheng Ping, who was lying on the bed, was pale and haggard. His eyes, which were as sharp as an eagle's, had lost their former luster.

He glared at the mature woman with a hypocritical smile in front of him with endless resentment.

In the past, one look from Emperor Cheng Ping was enough to make Guifei Wei tremble. But now, Guifei Wei seemed to not notice it at all. Her smile grew brighter, and there was even some joy in the depths of her eyes.

She sweetly said, "If Your Majesty does not have the strength to stamp the jade seal, you can tell me where the jade seal is, and I will help you get it and stamp it."

Emperor Chengping seemed unwilling to see Guifei Wei's false appearance again. He closed his eyes and tilted his head.

The moment Emperor Cheng Ping closed his eyes, Consort Wei and the Sixth Prince's faces darkened.

The Sixth Prince waved his sleeves forcefully and walked out of the Inner Hall with a dark face. When the subordinates waiting outside saw the expression on their master's face, they knew that the matter had failed.

If the Great Wu Dynasty wanted to formally inherit the throne and become the legitimate dynasty, they needed two things. One was the imperial edict, and the other was the Imperial Jade Seal.

The imperial edict could be forged, but the Imperial Jade Seal could not.

He controlled the Imperial Palace, but he couldn't kill the Emperor because he hadn't obtained the Imperial Jade Seal yet!

"Has Xiao Wu arrived?" The Sixth Prince asked with a cold face.

Although he was only fifteen or sixteen years old, he was already full of ambition.

His subordinates had just received the news and were about to report it to the Sixth Prince when he personally came to ask about it.

"Your Highness, Lord Xiao has already arrived at the Supreme Harmony Hall. He visits the Myriad People Hall from time to time."

Hearing this news, the Sixth Prince was excited. "Is it done?"

"Lord Xiao sent news that everything is going well. He asked Your Highness not to worry."

The Sixth Prince couldn't help but let out a hearty laugh. Because of this news, the depression in his heart instantly disappeared.

"I knew Wujing wouldn't disappoint me."

In order to see Xiao Bojian as soon as possible, the Sixth Prince personally walked to the front of the Hall of the People to wait.

Xiao Bojian, who was leading a group of people toward the Hall of Ten Thousand People, saw the Sixth Prince's impatient figure in front of the hall. The corners of his mouth curled up, revealing a sinister smile.

In the rear hall, Concubine Wei, who was sitting by Emperor Chengping's dragon bed, suddenly revealed a strange smile. She leaned forward slightly and moved closer to Emperor Chengping. She lowered her voice and whispered into Emperor Chengping's ear, "It is fine if Your Majesty does not want to take out the imperial jade seal now. In a while, there will be a good gift for Your Majesty. Your Majesty must use the imperial jade seal to exchange for it!

Otherwise, Ye jiejie will not forgive Your Majesty in the underworld. "

While Concubine Wei's voice was soft, it was as terrifying as the tongue of a poisonous snake.

These words caused Emperor Chengping to be unable to keep up the pretense.

He suddenly opened his dignified eyes and stared tightly at Concubine Wei. At this time, there was no trace of illness in his eyes. He was clearly an enraged lion.

"What did you say!"

Concubine Wei, who had been arrogant, immediately seemed to have her throat grabbed. She didn't dare to say a word.

It was a while before she reacted. She stared at Emperor Chengping's ugly expression and remembered that the man lying on the bed was no longer the most honorable Son of Heaven in the world, but a sickly invalid who had been poisoned slowly and was beyond cure.

The fear that had just come out of her heart immediately dissipated.

She giggled. "This qie advises Your Majesty to save some strength. Otherwise, what would it be like not being able to see your and Ye jiejie's flesh and blood!"

In a moment, Emperor Chengping had readjusted his state of mind. After acting for so long, if he was exposed at this time, all his efforts would be for naught. After calming down, Emperor Chengping would once again become a sickly emperor.

As expected, it wasn't long before Chu Lian was brought in by the Sixth Prince and Xiao Bojian.

When Emperor Chengping saw Chu Lian being escorted, his eyes instantly "bulged."

Chu Lian had long since learned of the hidden identity of this body from He Changdi.

She was the same as He Changdi. She had never thought of using this identity of an imperial daughter to do anything, but those with ulterior motives did not think so.

She was not very surprised at this scene. She didn't even look at Emperor Chengping with much surprise.

The Sixth Prince was very satisfied with Fuhuang's attitude.

He snatched Chu Lian from Xiao Bojian's hands and held her in front of him. Then he held a dagger in his right hand and pressed it against Chu Lian's slender white neck.

"Fuhuang, if you don't want Imperial Sister to die so young, hand over the jade seal!"

Emperor Chengping was trembling with anger. If she wasn't being restrained and threatened, Chu Lian would definitely have laughed out loud.

Emperor Chengping wasn't poisoned at all. Back then, Doctor Miao had privately told the couple about Emperor Chengping's condition. The chronic poison that had accumulated in his body had been cured.

The Sixth Prince and Xiao Bojian stared at Emperor Chengping.

Emperor Chengping's eyes struggled for a long time. Finally, he let out a long sigh and closed his eyes. After opening them with difficulty, he waved at Eunuch Wei, who had been standing to the side. In a hoarse voice, he said, "Take it out …"

Eunuch Wei's face was full of shock. He opened his mouth as if he wanted to dissuade Emperor Chengping, but under the determined gaze of the emperor, he retreated in defeat. Sighing helplessly, he turned and went to a hidden place in the hall. He touched a switch and took out an exquisite bright yellow box from a hidden mechanism.

In an instant, the Sixth Prince's face flushed with excitement. He didn't even care about Chu Lian anymore. He let go and walked to Eunuch Wei in a few steps. He snatched the box from Eunuch Wei's hands and opened it impatiently. When he saw what was inside, he trembled with excitement.

It was the imperial jade seal, the real imperial jade seal!

Because they were of royal blood, every prince could distinguish the authenticity of the imperial jade seal.

The Sixth Prince was no exception.

Just as the Sixth Prince was overjoyed, fantasizing about ascending to the position that millions of people dreamed of, the item in his hand suddenly disappeared, and he was restrained.

He couldn't believe what had just happened.

His eyes almost popped out of their sockets.

When he discovered that the person who had ordered him to be restrained was his most trusted Xiao Bojian, he was so angry that he was like a wild dog that had gone mad.

"Xiao Bojian, what are you doing!

Have you forgotten who you are! "

The Sixth Prince was almost roaring. He shouted for his guards to come and save him, but no one moved.

He had lost his mind and was shouting like a madman.

The sudden turn of events left Chu Lian extremely shocked.

However, she didn't stay in a daze for long. She looked around and quickly found a secluded place to hide.

Although the rear hall was surrounded by Xiao Bojian's people and she knew that she couldn't escape, she could still reduce the risk and make herself safer.

Xiao Bojian squeezed the brocade box that Wei Jia had given him, which contained the Heirloom Seal of the Kingdom. He smiled coldly and picked his ear, as if he was annoyed by the Sixth Prince's noise. He gave the man in black who had restrained the Sixth Prince a look.

The black-clothed man raised his hand and the Sixth Prince fainted and fell to the ground.

When Emperor Cheng Ping found that Chu Lian was temporarily not in danger, he felt a bit more at ease. However, he didn't show it on his face and still looked as weak as before.

He stared at Xiao Bojian as if he couldn't believe what was happening.

Xiao Bojian seemed to be very satisfied with Emperor Cheng Ping's fearful and respectful gaze. He smiled and took two steps towards Emperor Cheng Ping.

"Your Highness, did you not think of all of this?"

Emperor Cheng Ping coughed and angrily asked, "Who are you and what is your purpose!"

Xiao Bojian laughed loudly. "Of course Your Highness doesn't know who I am, but Your Highness definitely remembers Xiao Rong!"

Emperor Cheng Ping's expression suddenly changed. This time, it wasn't an act. He was truly shocked.

Xiao Rong!

The name was so familiar in his memory.

He was once his best brother. In the Nine Dragons War for the throne, he was his right-hand man. When he ascended to the throne, he was his most trusted commander of the Brocade Guard. Unfortunately, what happened next?

This all-powerful man had his entire clan exterminated and disappeared forever in the dust of history.

"You … you are Xiao Rong's son!"

Once the truth was revealed, Emperor Cheng Ping found that the beautiful man in front of him did have a slight resemblance to Xiao Rong.

"Your Highness truly has a good eye!

It is no wonder that I have worked so hard for so long to finally avenge my father's death! "

Emperor Cheng Ping suddenly coughed violently.

Chu Lian watched from the side with a frown. She didn't know about the events that transpired so she was kept in the dark about Xiao Bojian's other identity. She didn't think that he would have such a grudge with Emperor Cheng Ping.

"Did you never think that there would be such a day?

Hahaha, today, you will not only use your life and the world to accompany my father and family in death, but you will also lose your most beloved daughter.

Aren't you very happy right now?

Don't worry, you won't be in pain for long. You will be able to see my father soon. "

Xiao Bojian said these words without any hesitation.

He took a short sword from Wei Jia and was about to stab Emperor Cheng Ping on the dragon bed.

Chu Lian jumped in fright but from her angle, there was nothing she could do. However, even if she was close, she still wouldn't be able to save Emperor Cheng Ping.

Just as Xiao Bojian was about to make his move, Wei Jia's ears twitched and he immediately stopped Xiao Bojian. With a serious expression, he said, "Master, there are people outside."

As soon as Wei Jia finished speaking, black-clothed guards rushed in from all directions. In the blink of an eye, Xiao Bojian, Wei Jia, and the rebels were completely surrounded!

Chu Lian had just taken a step back when she was pulled into a familiar, firm, and safe embrace.

Only when He Changdi held Chu Lian in his arms did he finally relax. Only the heavens knew that his heart had almost stopped beating on the way here.

He reached out and touched Chu Lian's cold hand. Then, he took off his black cloak and wrapped it around Chu Lian's cold body.

"Lian 'er," He Changdi called in a low voice.

Chu Lian pressed on his warm palm and replied in a low voice, "Don't worry, I'm fine."

With He Changdi by her side, Chu Lian wasn't afraid of anything.

After confirming that Chu Lian was safe, He Changdi left his wife in Lai Yue's care. Then, he followed the fourth prince and Prince Jin to Emperor Cheng Ping's bedside. He knelt down and asked for forgiveness.

"Your humble servant came late to save you. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Xiao Bojian looked at the hall full of Prince Jin and He Changdi's people. He couldn't believe that the situation had turned around like this.

He pointed at He Changdi and Prince Jin with a trembling finger. "You … you guys!"

Before Xiao Bojian could finish his shock, Emperor Cheng Ping, who was supposed to be terminally ill, sat up peacefully on the dragon bed.

His eyes were clear and his voice was full of energy. He didn't look like a dying old man at all.

Xiao Bojian's eyes widened again. "Lu Luan, you're fine!

You were faking it! "

Lu Luan was Emperor Cheng Ping's name. Ever since he took the throne, no one had dared to call him that for many years.

Xiao Bojian's guts were not small!

Wei Jia stood in front of Xiao Bojian with his sword, trying his best to protect him.

Emperor Cheng Ping helped Prince Jin and He Changdi up. He snorted coldly and said in a loud voice, "Capture the traitor!"

Immediately, the guards attacked Wei Jia and Xiao Bojian.

Wei Jia's martial arts were superb. Even though he was protecting Xiao Bojian, the guards couldn't get close to him.

He Changdi raised his sword and personally attacked. After fifteen minutes, he finally killed Wei Jia and captured Xiao Bojian.

At this moment, Xiao Bojian didn't look like a distinguished scholar anymore. He was in a sorry state and his black hair was disheveled. He stared at Emperor Cheng Ping angrily and scolded, "Lu Luan, you treacherous person! My father was so loyal to you, but you destroyed my family just because you feared his power!

You incapable ruler! "

He Changdi had already returned to Chu Lian's side. He held her in his arms as he watched this farce unfold.

Emperor Chengping walked to the side of Xiao Bojian, who was pressed to the ground by the guards. He looked down at him from above and snorted coldly.

"Didn't your father tell you the truth?"

Xiao Rong's death was purely self-inflicted.

He and Emperor Cheng Ping were good brothers, but a brother's wife shouldn't be taken advantage of. At that time, he fell in love with Ye Xun and had designs on her. Later, he tried to drive a wedge between Emperor Cheng Ping and the previous emperor. If Emperor Cheng Ping hadn't been on guard, he might have been killed by Xiao Rong.

Xiao Bojian didn't believe the truth after hearing it from Emperor Cheng Ping, but it was no longer important.

Emperor Cheng Ping first looked in Chu Lian's direction.

Meeting Chu Lian's unfriendly gaze, he was disappointed. In the end, he looked at Imperial Concubine Wei, who was curled up in a corner and wished she could become invisible.

The moment Imperial Concubine Wei met Emperor Cheng Ping's gaze, she trembled.

Then, she prostrated on the ground and knelt before Emperor Cheng Ping. She cried and begged, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please spare my life. I was forced by Lord Xiao and the Sixth Prince!"

Emperor Cheng Ping sneered.

Imperial Concubine Wei trembled. "Your Majesty, even if you hate me, you have to spare my life for Princess Leyao's sake!"

"Drag her away."

Emperor Cheng Ping no longer paid attention to the kneeling woman in front of him. Imperial Concubine Wei's mouth was quickly gagged and dragged away.

The imperial city, which had been surrounded by three layers of people, retreated within an hour.

The majestic abdication was like a joke.

Even though Emperor Cheng Ping urged her to stay, Chu Lian still left the palace and returned to Marquis Anyuan's estate.

After all, she had just given birth not long ago. After experiencing such a change, her body was already exhausted.

Little Shitou was immediately brought back to the estate.

Whether it was Count Jing 'an and his wife, the matriarch, Prince Wei and his wife, or Princess Duanjia, they all came to Marquis Anyuan's estate to see Chu Lian and the newborn Little Shitou.

He was the first great-grandson of the He Family, and the older generation wanted nothing more than to hold Little Shitou in the palm of their hands.

Little Shitou's great name was bestowed by Emperor Cheng Ping. He Yan, the pine and crane prolong life, derived from the meaning of longevity.

The Sixth Prince attempted to force the abdication of the throne, so he was bestowed with poisoned wine, and Imperial Concubine Wei was bestowed with white silk.

Xiao Bojian conspired to seize the throne, and at the same time colluded with outsiders. He was immediately beheaded at the Meridian Gate.

The Duke of England and Imperial Consort Wei's younger sister, Wei Fengzi, were both beheaded. The Duke of England stripped them of their titles and iron certificates. They were demoted to commoners and sent to the border.

Two days later, He Changdi's subordinates found the corpses of Chu Yuan and her maidservant, Xiaoqin, in a remote farmhouse. After investigating, they found out that it was Xiao Bojian's people who did it.

Little Shitou had just turned one month old when he was conferred the title of heir. After a hundred days, the matriarch's health deteriorated day by day.

In the late spring of the next year, the matriarch passed away.

He Ying and her mother, who were far away in a remote manor, finally had to make a trip back to Shengjing. After the matriarch's funeral was completed, He Ying and her mother were sent back to Siyang by Count Jing 'an.

In the fifth month of that year, the fourth prince, Prince Jin, was conferred the title of heir. The wedding was set for the eighth month, and the crown princess was Sima Hui, who came from a noble family in Shandong.

In the sixth month, Emperor Cheng Ping decreed the marriage between Princess Duanjia and He Erlang.

Three months after the crown princess married, Emperor Cheng Ping announced his abdication. Before he abdicated, he wanted to confer the title of princess to Chu Lian, but she refused.

In Chu Lian's heart, she was merely Emperor Chengping's hope for Ye Xun. Moreover, she was indeed not Emperor Chengping's real daughter. She did not deserve such an honor.

Two years after Prince Jin ascended the throne, He Changdi entered the cabinet at the age of 25 and became the youngest cabinet chief in the court.

This year, Chu Lian became pregnant again.

In Shengjing, Chu Lian had a lover, good food, and good friends. Time passed peacefully and beautifully …