Chapter 349: Chapter 350: Proclaiming Oneself King

In Prince Jing’s Mansion.

A loud clang echoed through the air as Prince Jing glared at his son in front of him, his heart filled with pain and rage.

“How could you be so heartless? She was your own sister! How could you… how could you be so cruel as to kill her!” Prince Jing’s voice was filled with sorrow and regret.

Xia Zhaoshun’s gaze was cold and merciless, showing no regret for his actions.

On the contrary, he calmly analyzed, “Pei Jingyi has no advantage in the court, surely Zhaohe must have something on him. If Prince Jing’s Mansion falls under his control, then the fate of Prince Jing’s Mansion is sealed. We would be quickly destroyed.”

“Everything the son does is for the benefit of Prince Jing’s Mansion, I hope father can understand my painstaking efforts,” Xia Zhaoshun explained with a face both strange and familiar to Prince Jing.

Prince Jing looked at the son who had changed before him, his heart torn, unable to utter a word.

The son he once knew was supposed to be gentle and humble, kind to people, but now, he could no longer see the gentle smile on his son’s face.

“Rather than letting Zhaohe be manipulated by others, better for her to die like this,” Xia Zhaoshun said indifferently, staring at him.

Upon hearing this, Prince Jing furiously rebuked, “Absurd! You are utterly confused!”

He had never imagined his son would turn out this way; although he was not fond of Pei Jingyi, he was still a prince, and even being a concubine was better than marrying a commoner.

“Father, don’t you think there’s reason in what your son says? Although Pei Jingyi is a prince, he has no power. Even his mother is not favored. Such a person is simply incapable of reinvigorating Prince Jing’s Mansion,” Xia Zhaoshun stated firmly.

“But he is still of prince’s status, while Pei Siyang is disabled, Pei Haolan is indifferent to politics, Pei Chengye is despised by the Emperor, and the only hopeful Pei Huaian shows no respect for us. Now, aside from Pei Jingyi, we have no other choice!” Prince Jing said bitterly.

Prince Jing was well aware of the stakes, but now their only hope was Pei Jingyi, and they had to go all out. And now, it had all been ruined by him.

Xia Zhaoshun said lightly, “Father, why place your hope in others? Why not become a king yourself?”

Upon hearing this, Prince Jing had some suspicions in his heart, but he dared not believe that such words would come from his son.

Xia Zhaoshun lowered his head, hiding the emotions in his eyes, and said solemnly, “Why don’t we declare ourselves king?”

Prince Jing stared in shock, disbelieving as he looked at Xia Zhaoshun, “You… you really have such thoughts?”

Xia Zhaoshun slowly lifted his head and calmly nodded.

Seeing his calm demeanor, Prince Jing was even more astonished. He had not expected Xia Zhaoshun to truly harbor thoughts of becoming a king.

Seeing Prince Jing’s astonished look, Xia Zhaoshun slightly curled his lips, “This world is for those who are capable; why shouldn’t we fight for it?”

Seeing that Prince Jing understood his intentions, Xia Zhaoshun showed a sly, shallow smile.

“My lord, someone has come to offer condolences,” suddenly, the voice of a servant boy came from outside the door, interrupting their conversation.

“Proceed,” Xia Zhaoshun, seeing his father still shocked, immediately cleared his throat and responded.

“Why not give her a chance for survival, even if it means having her hair cut to become a nun, it’s better than her losing her life,” Prince Jing still felt some sorrow in his heart, after all, she was his beloved daughter, how could he remain indifferent?

Xia Zhaoshun coldly replied, “Father, do you think given Zhaohe’s character, she would obediently become a nun? That would only lead to more troubles, this is the best outcome for her.”

Prince Jing slumped back into his chair, looking at his son before him, feeling somewhat alienated.

Xia Zhaoshun respectfully saluted, “Father, it’s best to adjust your emotions, and not let others see through us. You still have several illegitimate daughters, one less scandalous daughter who could bring disaster to the family won’t matter.”

Prince Jing stared blankly at the person turning to leave, unsure whether to feel joy or sorrow.

The intense heat gradually subsided, and high summer quietly arrived.

At the entrance of Anji Hall, a splendid carriage suddenly appeared, and a guard bowed respectfully, “Doctor Shao, my master has specifically ordered me to take you to the banquet.”

Today was the day of the banquet hosted by the Empress Dowager, and Shao He had deliberately handled all matters in advance, ready to go to the banquet only to see this luxurious and opulent carriage.

“No need, we can go by ourselves,” Shao He did not wish to be too ostentatious, today’s dress was simple, just adorned with a jade hairpin and a scented sachet at her waist.

The purpose was to avoid attracting unnecessary attention to herself.

“Please don’t make it difficult for your subordinate,” the guard said again, blocking her way.

Qingxia, beside her, chimed in, “Miss, we won’t be noticed much if we take the carriage just to the entrance.”

Shao He pursed her lips, seeing the guard in front of her, she finally stepped into the carriage.

The inside of the carriage was extremely spacious, and though small, it was fully equipped with everything needed, even tea and pastries were set out.

“Didn’t expect the Fifth Prince to be so thoughtful, thinking of everything,” Qingxia said with a light laugh.

Shao He did not respond, her gaze fell on the garment beside her, identical to the one she wore, the same color, the same fabric.