Quick Transmigration: The Pregnant Little Fairy is Pampered by the Heirless Boss

Chapter 275 The Mad Couple 39

When Wu Chufeng left, he was unaware that Ji Xiaosong was pregnant.

But now that the Second Prince is speaking with such conviction, it must be true.

He took a deep breath, suppressing his anger and worry, and said calmly, "Your Highness, why are you in such a hurry? The matter of the Tiger Tally is of great importance..."

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Yuanqi suddenly flew into a rage, grabbed the white jade paperweight from the imperial desk, and hurled it at Wu Chufeng.

Wu Chufeng was prepared. He slightly shifted his body to the side, and the paperweight flew past his sleeve, hitting the coiled dragon pillar behind him with a crisp cracking sound.

"Wu Chufeng! How dare you hide!"

Zhao Yuanqi's face turned ashen, and his anger burned even brighter in his eyes.

He suddenly stood up, pointed at Wu Chufeng, and roared, "You really think I wouldn't dare to touch you? Don't forget, your wife and children are still in my hands!"

Wu Chufeng was skeptical about whether Ji Xiaosong and the others were in Zhao Yuanqi's hands.

If he were truly being manipulated, Zhao Yuanqi would have already brought them to force him on the spot.

To this day, he hasn't even seen a single item belonging to his family, which shows that Zhao Yuanqi is just making a last-ditch effort.

Wu Chufeng sneered inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

He glanced around the hall and saw several courtiers who had already sided with Zhao Yuanqi looking at him with complicated expressions. One of them seemed hesitant to speak.

"Minister Wu,"

Minister of Rites Wang finally couldn't help but speak, his tone carrying a hint of admonition, "Your Highness, the situation is now firmly established. Why are you so stubborn? Handing over the Tiger Tally will not only protect yourself but also save the Wu family from disaster. Even if you don't think of yourself, you should at least consider your wife and unborn child."

Wu Chufeng's gaze turned slightly cold as he looked at Lord Wang, his tone laced with sarcasm:

"Lord Wang, as the Minister of Rites, you should uphold the principles of propriety and law. Yet you are aiding and abetting evil; are you not afraid of being ridiculed by the world?"

Lord Wang's face stiffened, then he chuckled awkwardly, "Minister Wu, you are mistaken. His Highness is the late Emperor's eldest son, and his succession to the throne is perfectly legitimate. We, as his subjects, should naturally prioritize the well-being of the nation and assist a wise ruler."

"Mingjun?"

Wu Chufeng sneered, his gaze sweeping over the crowd in the hall. "My lords, do you really think Zhao Yuanqi can hold onto this throne? His Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent and kind, deeply loved by the people, and he even has the late Emperor's secret edict in his possession. Today you are aiding and abetting evil; have you considered your own fate when the Crown Prince ascends the throne?"

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall suddenly fell silent.

Several court officials exchanged glances, clearly moved by Wu Chufeng's words.

Seeing this, Zhao Yuanqi's face darkened further, and he shouted sternly, "Wu Chufeng! Stop spreading these lies here! I am the eldest son of the late emperor, and it is only right and proper for me to inherit the throne! You..."

He pointed at the crowd in the hall, his tone threatening, "If anyone dares to waver, don't blame me for being impolite!"

Seeing that Zhao Yuanqi had lost his composure, Wu Chufeng became even more certain.

He turned to Lord Wang, his tone softening slightly: "Lord Wang, as a high-ranking official in the court, you should understand that a ruler must not only have dignity, but also benevolence. If the Second Prince can coerce and bribe his colleagues today, how will he treat the people of the world when he ascends the throne? Do you really want to see such a situation?"

Lord Wang's expression shifted, clearly indicating an internal struggle.

He glanced at Zhao Yuanqi, then at Wu Chufeng, and finally sighed, saying in a low voice, "Minister Wu, you're right. But... the situation is already set, what can we do?"

Wu Chufeng smiled slightly, his tone firm: "As long as you gentlemen are willing to turn back, His Highness the Crown Prince will surely forgive and forget. Now that the Eastern Palace Guard has broken through Xuanwu Gate, the Crown Prince's army will soon be at the city gates. If you gentlemen can correct the wrongs in time, you will not only serve the country but also protect yourselves and your families."

Upon hearing this, the people inside the hall began to whisper among themselves.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yuanqi's face turned ashen, and he slammed his fist on the imperial desk: "All of you, shut up! Anyone who dares to waver will be executed without mercy!"

Zhao Yuanqi's roar echoed in the hall. He suddenly drew his sword from his waist, the blade pointing directly at Wu Chufeng, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

"Wu Chufeng! You have repeatedly provoked me. If I do not kill you today, I will not be able to quell the hatred in my heart!"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhao Yuanqi had already charged toward Wu Chufeng with his sword.

The sword flashed like lightning, aiming straight for Wu Chufeng's throat.

Although Wu Chufeng was prepared, his hands and feet were bound, limiting his movement, and he could only barely dodge to the side.

The sword grazed his shoulder, but only tore his official robe.

The people inside the hall gasped in surprise, but no one dared to step forward to stop them.

Minister of Rites Wang was pale, his lips trembling as if he wanted to say something, but in the end he did not speak.

Other court officials also retreated hastily, fearing they would be implicated.

Seeing that his first sword strike missed, Zhao Yuanqi's eyes burned with even more ferocity. He raised his sword again and slashed at Wu Chufeng, shouting, "Die!"

Just at this critical moment, a sharp shout suddenly came from outside the hall: "Stop!"

Immediately afterwards, the palace doors were pushed open with great force, and Crown Prince Zhao Yuanjin led a team of elite guards into the palace.

He was clad in silver armor, wielding a long sword, his eyes piercing, followed by dozens of imperial guards, exuding an imposing aura.

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yuanqi's expression changed drastically, and the sword in his hand paused involuntarily.

Taking advantage of the opportunity, Wu Chufeng retreated a few steps, creating distance between himself and Zhao Yuanqi.

"Second brother, what are you doing?"

Crown Prince Zhao Yuanjin spoke coldly, his voice carrying an undeniable authority, "My father's body is not yet cold, and you are already wreaking havoc here. Do you want the world to ridicule my Zhao royal family?"

Zhao Yuanqi's hand holding the sword trembled slightly, and a hint of panic flashed in his eyes, but he quickly regained his ruthless expression.

He sneered, "Your Highness, you've come at the perfect time! I've been looking for you, so I'll settle things with you today!"

Having said that, he brandished his sword at the Crown Prince and shouted sternly, "Guards! Seize him for me!"

However, the hall was silent, and no one responded.

Zhao Yuanqi turned around and saw that the imperial guards who had been following him had all put down their weapons and bowed their heads to the side.

His face turned deathly pale instantly, and his voice trembled slightly: "You...you dare to betray me?"

Crown Prince Zhao Yuanjin stepped forward slowly, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the hall. His tone was calm: "My lords, the Second Prince has plotted rebellion and attempted to usurp the throne. Today's events were all his doing. As long as you repent and correct your ways, I will forgive your past transgressions."

Upon hearing this, the court officials in the hall all knelt down and kowtowed, saying, "Your Highness is wise! We are willing to serve Your Highness and work together to achieve this great undertaking!"

Upon seeing this, Zhao Yuanqi completely panicked.

His sword-wielding hand fell limply to his side. He staggered back a few steps, finally collapsing onto his throne, muttering, "Impossible... This is impossible... I am the one destined by Heaven..."

Crown Prince Zhao Yuanjin ignored him and turned to look at Wu Chufeng, a hint of concern flashing in his eyes: "Minister Wu, are you alright?"

Wu Chufeng, clutching the wound on his shoulder, forced a bow and said, "Thank you for saving me, Your Highness. I am fine."

The Crown Prince nodded and then ordered, "Guards, seize the Second Prince and take him to the Imperial Prison to await his fate!"

Several guards stepped forward and lifted Zhao Yuanqi up. Zhao Yuanqi struggled, his eyes filled with resentment: "Zhao Yuanjin! Don't be so smug! Even as a ghost, I will not let you go!"

The crown prince remained calm and waved his hand: "Take him away."

After Zhao Yuanqi was taken away, the Crown Prince turned to the people in the hall and said, "My lords, today's matter is over. Please return to your residences and await the imperial decree."

The court officials responded and withdrew, leaving only the Crown Prince and Wu Chufeng in the hall.

The Crown Prince walked up to Wu Chufeng, patted him on the shoulder, and said with a hint of praise, "Minister Wu, it is thanks to your intervention today that my second brother's conspiracy failed. I will send the imperial physician to treat your shoulder injury."

Wu Chufeng bowed and said, "Your Highness is too kind. This is my duty. However..."

He paused, a hint of worry in his voice, "My family..."

The Crown Prince smiled slightly: "Don't worry, I have already sent people to the Wu residence to ensure the safety of the lady and everyone in the household."

Upon hearing this, Wu Chufeng finally felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief, saying, "Thank you, Your Highness."

The Crown Prince nodded, his gaze deep and thoughtful: "Minister Wu, the court is now in a state of relative stability, and much needs to be rebuilt. I still need loyal ministers and capable generals like you to assist the nation."

Wu Chufeng bowed solemnly: "Your subject will do his utmost to live up to Your Highness's expectations."

With the matter settled, Wu Chufeng was finally allowed to return home.