"Father, the Emperor has commanded me to lead the military expedition, it's clearly intentional!"
Returning to the Prince Residence, Chu Minghao felt a wave of unease upon hearing the news from the Prince.
"Father, not to mention how fierce and barbaric the Southern Ridge Clan are, just the mere fact of my departure alone, your influence in the Imperial City..."
Seeing that the Prince's expression seemed a bit off, Chu Minghao stopped in mid-sentence and changed his words: "Father, the Emperor clearly wants to gradually dismantle your power in the court."
The Prince's eyes were frosty, and his lips were tightly pursed; he did not speak.
Chu Minghao observed and hesitated before asking softly, "Wasn't it rumored that the Emperor... has been poisoned? Father, are you certain that the person who ordered my expedition is indeed the Emperor himself?"
"Absolutely certain!" The Prince's fingers tightened, nearly crushing the Jade Cup he held in his hand!
