"There's nothing, Your Highness."

Prince Ji Shu played with the glass of wine in his hand. His eyes were cold as he looked to a distance. "How meticulous. I wonder what he's planning."

The servants didn't dare to speak and patiently waited for the prince to calm down. He knew that the prince was waiting for Yang Xian to make a mistake, but it would be hard. Yang Xian was not known as a smart strategist because of his military endeavor alone, even his daily action was hard to grasp.

Prince Ji Shu stopped his movement when a servant came in. "What is it?"

"Your Highness, His Majesty had passed away."

A smile was formed on the corner of his lips. He wanted to wait a bit longer for this piece of news. Little did he expect that the time came so soon. It seemed that he would have to be ready for what was to come.

Well, he had already prepared everything. The only question left was whether his brother was ready.

…

The ceremony to bury the Emperor was done very quickly. Everyone already started preparing ever since a few days ago despite the fact that no one dared to talk about it. It was a taboo to talk about deaths because it would seem as if they were wishing for the other person's death.

No one would like it if someone wished for his or her death.

Yang Xian didn't participate and merely watched from a distance. He did talk with some officials, but their conversation was nothing more than pleasantries. The real battle started from now. His mind recalled the edict that was read just a few moments after the Emperor's death.

"This is the Emperor's Edict, please accept it, Your Highness Prince Ji Tian."

The edict declared that Prince Ji Tian would be the next Emperor. No matter how much the Emperor loved his wife and Prince Ji Shu, he couldn't bear to lose the support of the Empress's family. As a result, the next appointed Emperor was already fixed.

But of course, Yang Xian knew that Prince Ji Shu would not accept it.

However, there was no movement so far. Everything was going smoothly as it was supposed to be. Prince Ji Tian would be crowned as the Emperor today, so all officials have to gather in the palace.

One way or another, Yang Xian was also categorized as an official.

"Strategist Yang, please come this way."

A servant was tasked to take all the officials to the main hall. The ceremony would last from morning until afternoon where the Emperor have to follow the long procedure. If one didn't finish this, they would not be acknowledged as the Emperor.

There were several high ranking officials coming from other cities today. They were the important officials from some other cities who attended the previous Emperor's ceremony.

'If Prince Ji Shu wants to make his move, this would be the time. When Ji Tian had already become the Emperor, it'll be hard to give reasons to the crowd regarding what had happened to him…'

Yang Xian was still thinking when he sensed sudden danger. His body moved to the side as he unsheathed his sword. The sharp blade cut through the shadow that bypassed him and nearly stabbed him.

Slash!

His eyes were cold and indifferent. Looking at the black clothed man, Yang Xian knew that it was an assassin. As for who would send an assassin to kill him, either one of the two princes could do that because they didn't want Prince Ji Sheng to remain strong.

'In the end, battle for the throne will always end up this way. Blood related brothers act as if they're enemies and try to kill each other. How laughable.'

"Strategist Yang!" the servant was stunned.

Yang Xian waved his hand. "By no means am I an official formally appointed by the previous Emperor. I shall take my leave."

The servant watched as Yang Xian turned around when his expression. "You can't leave."

Swish! Slash!

The sword in Yang Xian's hand made a perfect curve as he stopped the servant from hurting him. Looking at the short sword in the servant's hand, Yang Xian shook his head lightly. It seemed that the number of people who wished for him to die had increased exponentially.

His eyes narrowed as he sensed several other people coming towards him

'I guess I have to fight if I want to live.'

With so many assassins entering the palace area, Yang Xian could imagine that the number of people who wanted to take the new Emperor that was about to be crowned would be even more so. To washed his hands from this incident, Prince Ji Shu wouldn't be able to act on his own. He had to rely on people such as assassins.

Yang Xian made his way out of the palace after fighting for a bit. Following the alleyway, he dashed to the gate while watching his surroundings carefully.

There were not many people who were on Prince Ji Sheng's side in the capital city because he had been staying at the border for so long. Only some retired officials and a few nobles were actually on Prince Ji Sheng's side, but they acted as if they were neutral.

Swish!

"You can't go!" the soldiers were stopping the officials who attempted to leave.

"There are assassins aiming to take my life!"

"The city is locked because today is the inauguration day for the new Emperor, so you…"

Yang Xian paid no heed to the soldiers and the people. He reached to the gate and walked to the small door at the side. It was a door that was designed for servants and usually locked. But this time, it was open.

Clack!

The soldiers there didn't have the time to react when they saw Yang Xian dashed out of the city.

"Don't let anyone escape!"

"YES!"

Yang Xian looked at the horse that was already prepared for him and smiled lightly. Manager Xin was truly reliable.

Without any hesitation, Yang Xian hoped on the horse's back and rushed through the forest to the north. His eyes were looking forward, making sure that he could pass by the forest. As long as he could get into the forest, he would be safe…

Dzing! Jleb!

"Gah!"