EMHTC -Chapter 96 Emperor’s Regal Disdain

The imperial decree was delivered to the Jin Prince’s residence.

Seated in his wheelchair, the Jin Prince pressed his temple with one hand, his knuckles pale from tension.

On his lap lay the imperial edict he had just received. The decree was brief and straightforward: he was ordered to escort Prince Fu, who was currently en route to the capital under custody.

And then…

Suddenly, a pair of hands gently massaged his temples, applying soft pressure. From behind him came the Jin Princess Consort’s gentle voice: “My lord, is there some difficult task you must undertake?”

The Jin Prince’s voice was hoarse as he replied, “It’s nothing. His Majesty has instructed me to escort Prince Fu.”

He turned, pulling the Princess Consort to sit beside him.

“You are seven months along now. Be careful in everything you do. Once I leave, you must never go anywhere without someone accompanying you…”

He continued to caution her: “I know you often go out to practice medicine, but now that you’re seven months pregnant, put it aside for now. Wait until after the child is born and you’ve completed your confinement period to resume.”

Finally, he added, “I will make sure to return before you give birth.”

The Princess Consort listened quietly, a faint smile appearing in her eyes.

The Jin Prince gently caressed her belly, his gaze filled with unease. Yet, he hesitated, unable to voice his deeper concerns.

—His imperial elder brother’s decree did not merely order him to escort Prince Fu. It also explicitly commanded that no anesthetic be used and that Prince Fu’s legs be broken brutally.

This made the Jin Prince suspect that the Emperor might be sending a warning, perhaps having discovered something, using Prince Fu as an example to intimidate others.

The reason the Emperor hadn’t directly sent someone to arrest him was likely because he had been keeping a low profile lately.

The Jin Prince couldn’t fathom his elder brother’s intentions, leaving his thoughts in turmoil.

He was no longer alone—he had a Princess Consort and the child she carried. For a long time, he had refrained from getting involved in political matters, intending to curry favor with the man on the throne, to dispel any suspicions. All he wished for was to successfully retire from court and live a peaceful life with his Princess Consort, envying neither immortals nor power.

On the other side.

In the distant Fu Prince’s residence, a group of Jinyiwei stormed in. As they twisted Fu Prince’s arm to take him away, he became furious.

“You dogs! What do you think you’re doing?”

The commander of the Jinyiwei, smiling faintly, presented an imperial edict.

“We ask the Prince not to make things difficult for us. Otherwise, if we use force, it won’t look good on your part either.”

Fu Prince instantly panicked.

He knew exactly what the Jinyiwei’s authority entailed. Backed by imperial privilege, they could arrest anyone without needing approval from the Ministry of Justice or the Dali Temple. Furthermore, if the target resisted, they were authorized to kill on the spot.

But the Jinyiwei weren’t fools. They could flaunt their power in front of officials, but acting so arrogantly toward the Emperor’s son was practically suicidal.

Unless they were certain he had no chance of turning the tables.

After a brief hesitation, Fu Prince wisely surrendered without a fight. However, he made sure to appear innocent.

“Could you at least tell me what crime I’ve committed?”

It couldn’t possibly be because they knew he harbored ambitions to vie for the throne, could it? But he hadn’t done anything yet!

—In Fu Prince’s view, merely recruiting one Imperial Attendant didn’t count as “doing anything” significant.

The Jinyiwei commander gave a faint, insincere smile, as though he found the question amusing. His tone was subtle.

“Because you meddled with someone you shouldn’t have.”

Up until the moment he met the Jin Prince, Fu Prince wracked his brains but couldn’t figure out who this “someone” might be—aside from the Crown Prince.

Soon enough, he decided to put the matter aside temporarily.

“Uncle!” After being confined in a prison cart for six or seven days, Fu Prince’s face lit up with a pitiful look when he saw the Jin Prince.

“Do you know what’s going on? I have no idea who I’ve offended, yet Father sent people to escort me to the capital! It’s not just me; even the concubines and courtesans from my residence were taken away!”

The Jin Prince’s gaze lingered briefly on Fu Prince’s legs. Without responding to his complaints, he turned to the Jinyiwei.

“His Majesty’s decree is to break Fu Prince’s legs.”

Fu Prince’s face turned ashen, while the Jinyiwei commander cautiously asked, “Should we use anesthetics… or not?”

The Jin Prince: “No need. Break them directly.”

Fu Prince: “What—”

Before he could finish speaking, there was a loud “clang“ as a heavy hammer smashed into his kneecap.

“AAAAAAHHHHHHHH!”

Fu Prince’s screams drowned out all other sounds.

The Jin Prince gritted his teeth. “Start by smashing his toenails!”

Since his imperial elder brother had assigned him this task, it was clear that he was expected to handle the dirty work and severely punish Fu Prince.

Fine! He would do it!

Elder Brother, as long as you spare my wife and child, what harm is there in me playing the cruel official this once?

【Hiss—】

In Wuying Hall, a sharp intake of breath broke the silence.

The Crown Prince, passing by, caught the sound. His eyes sparkled with curiosity, and he stepped inside.

Another commotion? Perfect—time for this prince to join in the fun!

【The Jin Prince’s methods are ruthless. When others talk about breaking legs, they start at the knees, shattering the bones. But the Jin Prince ordered the Jinyiwei to begin by hammering the toenails!】

【The toenails were smashed open, leaving bloody, mangled flesh.】

【Hiss—】

【Fu Prince fainted and woke up again repeatedly. Honestly, he deserved it, but it looked excruciating to watch…】

The Crown Prince subconsciously touched his own feet. Imagining the scene, he couldn’t help but take a sharp breath.

That really did sound painful.

Thankfully, when his father broke his legs back then, it was just to stabilize the army’s morale. Otherwise, it would have been far more horrifying…

【But the Jin Prince and Fu Prince don’t have a grudge against each other. Why would he suddenly think to smash the fingernails?】

【Could it be that the old Emperor secretly instructed it?!】

【It must be! Otherwise, why would the Jin Prince act on his own? Besides, the old Emperor has always been ruthless. When it’s time to act, he doesn’t hesitate!】

The old Emperor was utterly stunned.

Since when did he become that kind of person? Sure, he had been harsh in military campaigns and ruthless in suppressing political threats, but this kind of brutal torture wasn’t his style at all!

His approach was bold and decisive, not underhanded cruelty!

Turning his head, he saw his exasperating son’s face light up with sudden understanding, and his fist clenched tightly.

So, this is how you see your father?!

“What are you sneaking around for at the door? Get in here!”

The Crown Prince’s expression froze, and he shuffled in nervously. “Father…”

The old Emperor gestured to a tall stack of memorials on the table beside him and sneered.

“I’ve told you countless times to take governance seriously, but you refuse. And now look —every random nobody dares to covet your position. Come here and finish reviewing these memorials!”

The Crown Prince’s eyes widened in shock. “Father! This stack is taller than you!”

Though it only reached his sitting height, it was still a massive pile!

Immediately, he resorted to the imperial physician’s excuse. “The imperial physician said I’m physically frail and shouldn’t overwork myself.”

The old Emperor: “Oh, really?”

The Crown Prince looked at him earnestly. “It’s true, Father. If you don’t believe me, summon the imperial physician and ask.”

The old Emperor spoke in a gentle tone: “That won’t be necessary. How could a father not trust his son?”

Before the Crown Prince could savor his relief, the old Emperor glanced at Xu Yanmiao.

“Xu Yanmiao, come over here.”

Xu Yanmiao, who had been enjoying the show, hesitated and replied reluctantly: “…Yes.”

With a fake smile, the old Emperor said, “Since the Crown Prince cannot handle much, you will assist him. Just follow the usual routine I assign you when reviewing memorials.”

【Work more, think less.】

“You handle the trivial matters; the Crown Prince will deal with the significant ones.”

Xu Yanmiao: “…”

Crown Prince: “…”

The two exchanged a glance, suddenly feeling an odd sense of shared misery.

A day passed, and both Xu Yanmiao and the Crown Prince staggered out of Wuying Hall, looking like two dried, salted fish.

Xu Yanmiao wanted nothing more than to lie down and indulge in gossip.

The Crown Prince also wanted nothing more than to lie down and listen to gossip.

Inside the hall, the old Emperor poured himself a cup of water and clicked his tongue twice.

“I’m over sixty years old, and I manage to process two or three hundred memorials daily on my own, with enough energy left to discuss state affairs with the ministers.”

Yet when it came to these two, reviewing a mere hundred documents left them utterly drained.

Young people these days…

The old Emperor sipped his water, his expression full of regal disdain.

Outside, Xu Yanmiao felt his heart start beating again as he distanced himself from the pile of documents, filled with a newfound joy for life.

“Your Highness, I’ll take my leave now. There’s a court assembly tomorrow morning…”

Suddenly, Xu Yanmiao froze.

He realized something.

【Holy crap!】

【Today was supposed to be my rest day! Only one rest day in ten days, and the old Emperor made me work overtime! Without pay!】

Inside the hall, the old Emperor choked on his water.

“Cough, cough, cough—”

For a moment, his guilty conscience flickered in his gaze.

Young people are full of energy. What’s wrong with doing a bit more work after being entrusted with such responsibilities?

Besides, the civil and military officials of the court would give anything to spend their rest days in Wuying Hall. If they knew they could review memorials for the Emperor, they would be overwhelmed with gratitude and tears!

He was grooming Xu Yanmiao to take on greater responsibilities! How thoughtful! Who needs overtime pay?

Thinking this, the old Emperor quickly regained his confidence.