I was to be executed by Zhu Yuanzhang, and Empress Ma smashed Zhu Yuanzhang's jade seal.

Flying fish suit!

Embroidered Spring Blade!

The gleaming blade was so bright it blinded people.

The civil and military officials in the main hall were all so frightened that they fell silent, not daring to even raise their heads.

They knew that the emperor was serious this time and was going to kill his son!

Anyone who dares to plead for mercy will die along with them!

Xu Da and Chang Yuchun clenched their fists so tightly that their nails dug into their flesh.

Their eyes were all red.

They wanted to rush up.

But they dared not.

Behind them stands their entire family.

If they make a move, their entire clan will be wiped out!

They could only watch helplessly as the Imperial Guards walked step by step toward the young man they had watched grow up.

It’s over.

Everything is over.

Just as the cold blade was about to touch Zhu Muying's body.

"Let's see who dares!"

A clear, yet furious shout suddenly rang out!

"Clang!"

A clear, crisp dragon roar.

A sword light as fast as lightning flashed past everyone's eyes!

The two Imperial Guards at the forefront didn't even have time to react before they screamed as their wrists, which were gripping their swords, were severed!

Blood gushed out instantly!

It dyed the smooth, mirror-like gold bricks of the Fengtian Hall red!

Everyone was stunned.

They looked in the direction of the sound and saw a person standing in front of Zhu Muying.

The man was tall and slender with a gentle face.

But he was wearing a suit of bright armor, the kind that is only worn on the battlefield!

On his head, he wore a purple-gold crown, symbolizing his status as the crown prince!

In his hand, he held a sword, still dripping blood, the emperor's personal sword!

It's the Crown Prince!

Zhu Biao!

He actually wore military uniform and drew his sword to injure people in the Fengtian Hall!

The entire Fengtian Hall was deathly silent.

Everyone was frozen in place, staring blankly at the figure standing there in full military attire, sword in hand.

There was only one thought in their minds.

crazy!

The crown prince has gone mad!

In the Fengtian Hall, in front of the emperor, a man dressed in military armor drew the sword bestowed by the emperor and wounded the emperor's most trusted Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard)!

How is this any different from treason?!

"Biao'er! You..."

Zhu Yuanzhang was also dumbfounded.

He watched as his most beloved and valued eldest son, known for his kindness and gentleness, suddenly became like a fierce tiger protecting its cub, standing in front of that rebellious son.

His face, which had been flushed with anger, turned deathly pale in an instant.

He felt as if his heart had been stabbed.

It hurts even more than hearing about the defection of 100,000 troops!

"Biao'er! Do you know what you're doing?!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's voice was trembling.

"Your subject understands."

Zhu Biao turned around to face his father.

His gentle and refined face was now devoid of its usual elegance and deference; instead, it displayed an unprecedented firmness and resolve.

His gaze met Zhu Yuanzhang's murderous eyes without flinching.

"Father,"

He slowly raised the sword in his hand, its tip pointing straight to the sky. "This sword was given to me by you yourself back then."

"Tell your son that this sword can slay treacherous officials above and sycophantic ministers below!"

"You said that as long as I believe it's right and for the good of our Great Ming Dynasty, then I can act first and report later!"

Zhu Yuanzhang's lips trembled, and he couldn't utter a single word.

Of course he remembers.

That was a gift he specially bestowed upon Zhu Biao when he appointed him as crown prince, in order to demonstrate the majesty of the heir apparent.

But he never imagined that the first time this sword was drawn would be to protect a rebellious younger brother, and to target him, the emperor's henchman!

"Father!"

Zhu Biao's voice suddenly rose, echoing in the empty hall, "Today, your subject will use this sword to demand justice from you!"

"I demand justice for my fifth brother, Zhu Muying!"

"justice?"

Zhu Yuanzhang was so angry that he laughed again, "Good! What a fair argument!"

"He's leading troops in a rebellion, and he's about to march on Yingtian Prefecture! What justice are you asking us for?!"

"Your subject does not believe it!"

Zhu Biao's tone was resolute: "My fifth brother would never rebel!"

"There must be a tremendous injustice involved! There must be a villain framing us behind this!"

"Your Majesty, I implore you to quell your wrath and give my fifth brother a chance to prove his innocence!"

"Give your son a chance to find out the truth!"

After saying that, he knelt down on one knee with a thud.

But the sword in his hand remained raised high.

That was a resolute stance of retreating in order to advance.

If you do not agree, I will kneel here forever!

If you dare to kill my fifth brother, this sword of mine will never allow it!

"You...you..."

Zhu Yuanzhang pointed at him, trembling with anger, unable to utter a single word.

He felt like he was about to be driven to his death by his two sons!

One, treason.

One, a coup!

it is good!

What a good son he is!

Just as the father and son were locked in a tense standoff, swords drawn and no one could back down.

"Big brother is right! We don't believe him!"

"Fifth brother, I will never rebel!"

"Father! Please investigate this matter thoroughly!"

Zhu Di, Zhu Su, and Zhu Zhen, these princes who had just been paralyzed with fear on the ground, were now getting up one by one.

They exchanged a glance, made up their minds, and walked in unison behind Zhu Biao.

"Thump! Thump! Thump!"

Following Zhu Biao's example, they knelt on one knee and shouted in unison, "We beg Your Majesty to investigate!"

"We are willing to share the blame with our fifth brother!"

boom!

This time, the entire Fengtian Hall was truly about to explode!

If we say that the Crown Prince drew his sword alone, it could be attributed to his deep love for his younger brother and a momentary impulse.

Now, all the princes have stood up and are using this almost military coup to defy the emperor's decree!

That completely changes the nature of the situation!

This is no longer a simple family conflict.

This is a challenge to imperial power by the crown prince and the vassal kings joining forces!

"You...you..."

Zhu Yuanzhang looked at the row of sons kneeling in front of him.

He felt dizzy and disoriented.

What he was so proud of—filial piety and brotherly love—became a huge joke at this moment!

It turns out they were all in cahoots!

They had already conspired together!

Today, we're here to force him, his father, to step down!

"Rebellion! Rebellion! They've all rebelled!"

Zhu Yuanzhang, as if possessed, suddenly drew a golden-sheathed sword from his waist!

That's his sword!

He followed him all the way from Haozhou City to Yingtian Prefecture, wielding the butcher's knife that would destroy the Ming Dynasty!

"You unfilial sons! Since you're so eager to die with him!"

"Then, today, we'll grant your wish!"

"We'll clean house ourselves! We'll kill all of you disloyal and unfilial beasts!"