Li Yuanzhao grinned, speaking in a hushed tone, “I have urgent business with you! Clear everyone out of this room immediately, not a soul left!”

“This…” Guo Tianyang hesitated, looking at Li Yuanzhao.

Then he lowered his voice, “Your Highness can speak freely here. It’s just the two of us, no one else can hear.”

Hearing this, Li Yuanzhao’s eyes widened, and he huffed angrily, “What! Are you questioning my authority now? This is a matter of utmost importance. Clear everyone out at once!”

Guo Tianyang was visibly conflicted, looking at Li Yuanzhao with uncertainty.

“Stop dithering! What are you waiting for? I want to get back to sleep after this!” Li Yuanzhao continued to press.

Guo Tianyang gritted his teeth, “Very well! Please wait a moment, Your Highness. This old servant will clear everyone out now!”

Shortly after, Guo Tianyang returned, panting. He looked at Li Yuanzhao ingratiatingly, “Your Highness, we’re alone now. You may speak freely.”

Li Yuanzhao nodded with satisfaction, “Well done!”

Then he resumed his secretive manner and said in a low voice, “It’s not a trivial matter. You’re aware I’ve been running a newspaper recently, correct?”

“Yes, indeed,” Guo Tianyang nodded repeatedly.

“Our reporters have uncovered something alarming from the common people. There’s a rumor that Imperial Father’s current seal has been switched! They claim it’s no longer the original!”

“Supposedly, the genuine seal has a scratch on the dragon’s tail! I’m here to verify this personally.”

“If Imperial Father is indeed using a counterfeit seal, it would be disastrous if word got out. Quick, let me examine it!”

Guo Tianyang was visibly shaken, “What! That’s preposterous! Since the founding of our great Jing Dynasty, the imperial seal has never been altered!”

He then shook his head vigorously, “Impossible! Absolutely impossible! This old servant inspects it daily! The seal is undoubtedly authentic!”

“These are mere baseless rumors, Your Highness. You needn’t concern yourself with such nonsense!”

Li Yuanzhao sighed, “Yes, that was my initial thought too. But for such rumors to circulate among the people, there must be some cause for concern!”

“I can’t dismiss this lightly. I’ve come to you to verify it before it reaches others’ ears. If there’s no issue, I’ll have the newspaper publish an immediate clarification!”

“If this rumor continues to spread, it could seriously damage Imperial Father’s reputation!”

Guo Tianyang relaxed slightly and agreed, “Your reasoning is sound, Your Highness. You’ve considered this thoroughly. I’ll show you the seal right away.”

With that, he began to lead Li Yuanzhao.

They swiftly arrived at the place where the imperial seal was kept. Guo Tianyang opened the box and carefully lifted out the Emperor’s jade seal, placing it on the table.

“See for yourself, Your Highness! As I said, it’s merely a rumor. There’s no scratch to be found!”

Li Yuanzhao picked up the jade seal, examining it meticulously, unconsciously licking his lips, “Indeed! You’re right! It is just a baseless rumor. Now I can put this matter to rest.”

Guo Tianyang said proudly, “Your Highness need not worry about such matters in the future. With this old servant on duty, there won’t be any mistakes!”

“Wait, there’s someone behind you!”

Guo Tianyang turned back without hesitation.

“Thud!” With a dull sound, Guo Tianyang’s vision went black, and he collapsed!

Li Yuanzhao held the Emperor’s seal with both hands, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

Those street fighting skills from Banshan District finally proved useful! Not too hard, not too soft, just perfect!

Then Li Yuanzhao set down the seal and began rummaging through drawers and cabinets.

Without much effort, he found several blank imperial edicts, then returned everything to its original place.

Afterwards, he went to the entrance of the Shangbao Palace, cautiously peeking out to summon Liu Jin and the two guards.

Seeing Guo Tianyang lying unconscious on the ground, the three immediately fell into a panic.

Liu Jin’s legs trembled, his eyes unfocused, “Adoptive father… adoptive father…”

Li Yuanzhao faced the three and said coldly, “Carry him to my bedchamber!”

“If Imperial Father learns of this, it would be a capital offense! If you value your lives, follow my instructions to the letter! Is that clear?”

The three nodded in unison.

At this point, being inexplicably dragged into the Crown Prince’s scheme, what choice did they have?

“Just support him as you walk. I’ll lead the way. If anyone asks, keep your mouths shut. I’ll do the talking.”

After saying this, Li Yuanzhao stuffed the blank imperial edicts into the clothes of the three, took the jade seal himself, and strode confidently out of the Shangbao Palace.

As soon as they exited, a eunuch noticed the two guards supporting the unconscious Guo Tianyang and rushed over.

He hurriedly asked, “Your Highness! What has happened to Eunuch Guo?”

Li Yuanzhao feigned concern, “Ah! He’s not as young as he used to be, and suddenly fell ill! We were in the middle of a conversation when he suddenly fainted! I’m taking him to see the imperial physician now.”

“All of you, return to your duties! Don’t spread this around. I’ll inform Imperial Father when I pay my respects.”

The few eunuchs who had gathered looked on anxiously but nodded in reluctant compliance.

On their way, they encountered two palace guard patrols but managed to pass through using the same excuse.

The four successfully arrived at the Crown Prince’s bedchamber.

Inside the room, Guo Tianyang was placed on the bed, sleeping peacefully.

Liu Jin and the other two guards stood in the room, terrified and at a loss.

Li Yuanzhao instructed the two guards, “You two, watch him carefully. Find some rope to tie him up and gag him! Wait for my return to deal with this. If anyone discovers him, well… you know the consequences.”

“Liu Jin, accompany me to pay respects to Imperial Father.”

Liu Jin hesitated, “At this late hour, wouldn’t His Majesty be resting?”

“Don’t worry! I know for certain that Imperial Father is in the Imperial Study right now, wide awake!”

Then he led Liu Jin to the Imperial Study.

Outside the Imperial Study, Li Yuanzhao glanced at Liu Jin.

Seeing him trembling uncontrollably, he couldn’t resist giving him a swift kick in the backside.

“Stop that incessant shaking! Shake any more and I’ll have you cut! Not even your precious magnifying glass will save you then!”

Liu Jin swallowed hard, forced a smile, and visibly tried to compose himself.

“This servant is ready, Your Highness!”

Li Yuanzhao nodded with satisfaction and ordered someone to announce their arrival to Emperor Jing.

Emperor Jing was somewhat surprised to see Li Yuanzhao, “What brings you here at this hour?”

Li Yuanzhao grinned, “I realized I forgot to pay my respects to Imperial Father, so I’ve come, albeit a bit late.”

Emperor Jing smiled, “Is that so? I thought perhaps you were harboring a grudge and didn’t wish to see me.”

“I wouldn’t dare! After some reflection, your son realized that Imperial Father’s words earlier today were quite wise. The world is indeed a grand chessboard, where moving even a single piece affects the entire game.”

“So, your son holds no grievances.”

Hearing this, Emperor Jing was visibly pleased and said approvingly, “It’s good that you can understand my perspective. In the future, you should pay more attention and learn during court sessions.”

“Then, Imperial Father… when do you think Old Fang might return? Is there any chance he could come back sooner?” Li Yuanzhao probed cautiously.

Emperor Jing’s face immediately hardened, “Absolutely not! Miaohan also approached me today about this matter. Can none of you function without Fang Zheng?”

“He caused such a significant disturbance, it’s impossible to allow his return anytime soon! This extended absence is for his own good as well.”

“What!” Li Yuanzhao exclaimed in surprise, “Even Miaohan pleaded on his behalf? In that case, perhaps it’s best if he remains in Jianjiang indefinitely!”