Chapter 362: Does This Count as an Explanation?
A eunuch beside Zhao Qinglan walked over and whispered, "My lady, it's getting late. Should I go to the East Palace and urge them?"
Zhao Qinglan glanced at the sky and shook her head. "Let's wait a little longer. Such a big matter, the prince wouldn't be delayed."
Upon hearing Zhao Qinglan's words, the eunuch naturally stepped back.
As time passed, the Crown Prince's figure did not appear. This immediately caused even the concubines behind Zhao Qinglan to start whispering amongst themselves.
Now that the Emperor is gravely ill and has been unconscious in bed, paying respects to the Emperor is a major affair. However, for the Prince to be so late is both inappropriate and will certainly give people reason to gossip.
And Zhao Qinglan's patience was gradually worn away in the waiting.
"King Zhao."
Zhao Qinglan called out.
Standing expressionlessly beside him, Li Yinhu immediately walked over upon hearing the words. After respectfully bowing to Zhao Qinglan, he lowered his head and said in a submissive tone: "Mother Empress, your son is here."
"Where is the prince?"
Li Yinhu was stunned, thinking to himself that the prince might have already died by now.
Thinking of this, he couldn't help but almost laugh out loud.
His face, however, betrayed nothing. He merely said, “Your son doesn't know either. Should your son go and inquire?”
"Well, you'd best keep your distance from the Prince."
Zhao Qinglan said faintly, "If the Crown Prince doesn't come, you will take his place and enter with this palace to pay respects to your father first."
Li Yin's eyes lit up.
If Li Chen were still alive, he wouldn't dare to accept this job even if his life depended on it.
If, however, Li Chen's plan succeeds and he dies, then the one who takes his place to pay respects to the emperor on behalf of the Crown Prince would hold immense significance.
Holding back his excitement, Li Yinhǔ was just about to speak when a sharp and melodious call rang out.
"The prince has arrived!"
The words were almost on his lips, but the sharp retort abruptly stopped them.
Li Yinhu's eyes widened, his heart pounding.

How is that possible!?
The strength of the White Lotus Sect, they had already tested it long ago. With such a tight net, how could the prince possibly survive!?

What a loser!

A bunch of useless trash who couldn't even compare to a warm loaf of bread!
Li Yinhu's heart raged with fury.
At this moment, Li Chen, clad in a crimson robe embroidered with a five-clawed dragon, had arrived at the Qianqing Palace with strides as powerful as a dragon and as fierce as a tiger.
He glanced up and saw Zhao Qinglan and Li Yinhǔ talking together.
Needless to say, Li Chen knew exactly what the two of them were plotting.
"The Crown Prince greets you."
The concubines of the harem led the other princes and princesses to greet Li Chen.
Facing the greetings of the crowd, Li Chen remained silent.
He walked straight up to Zhao Qinglan and Li Yinhu, narrowed his eyes, and stared at them.
In the silence, a murderous intent was boiling.
Having barely escaped an assassination attempt by the Bai Lian Sect, Li Chen now just wants to kill.
Even the White Lotus Sect, despite their audacity, wouldn't have the capability to set up such a scheme under the Emperor's nose in the capital. Moreover, with the recent purge by the Dongchang, their strongholds in the city have already been largely dismantled.
To say that there was no traitor collaborating is like telling a ghost, even ghosts wouldn't believe it.
But the question is, who is the traitor?
Zhao Qinglan, Zhao Xuanji, or Li Yinhu?
Zhao Qinglan was startled by Li Chen's murderous gaze. She said angrily, "Your Highness, you haven't greeted this palace, and you are late for today's matter of paying respects to your father. Don't you have a reasonable explanation!?"
In contrast to Zhao Qinglan, Li Yinhǔ is much more low-key.
He buried his head, wishing he could disappear into the ground.
Although he appears to be meek, this is his usual demeanor when facing Li Chen.
"Explain?"
Li Chen let out a cold smile and said, "When I came here, I casually crushed a few reckless little scoundrels. Does that count as an explanation?"

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