Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 130 Part 2

At that moment, someone on the right side of the hall suddenly spoke up.

“Indeed, it is just a formal process. But since His Highness did not name anyone as heir, shouldn’t the new heir be chosen by the entire Xiao clan? Surely, it’s far too rash to presume His Highness’s intentions based on one’s own subjective guesswork.”

“Agreed. Since he is to be heir to the Xiao clan, he should be chosen by the clan as a whole, not decided by a single branch,” another person spoke.

“I agree as well. There are many outstanding young men in the Xiao clan. Naturally, we should choose the one most virtuous and capable. Only then will he win the people’s confidence.”

“Right!”

“Exactly!”

“I too support this.”

Because the matter concerned the selection of the clan heir, all branch heads were present today.

Seeing this, Xiao Jingcheng’s anger surged.

He glared coldly at them. “Speaking of legitimacy and seniority, it still isn’t your minor branches’ place to decide the heir of the Xiao clan.”

The man seated on the right, the first to speak earlier, replied unhurriedly, “Third Master certainly has a grand tone. Even when Prince Xiao was alive, he never said our branch families were useless. On the contrary, he valued the branch sons greatly.

“Third Master claims legitimacy again and again, but what contributions has Third Master made to the Xiao clan these years? As for Young Master Yulin, yes, he was valued by Prince Xiao. But if I recall correctly, Young Master Yulin, who presided over the martial arts tournament on behalf of Prince Xiao, lost the battle, bringing great shame upon the clan.”

In recent years, because Prince Xiao emphasized cultivating talent, many excellent youths emerged from the branch families. While Prince Xiao lived, his thunderous authority kept every branch disciplined and duty-bound. Now that Prince Xiao was gone, that deterrence had vanished, and naturally, every faction’s ambitions stirred. They all wanted to grasp the power now seemingly within reach.

“You—!” Xiao Jingcheng trembled with fury. He shot to his feet and lunged at the man with his fist raised.

“Third child!” Xiao Hao barked sharply.

Several people rushed forward to restrain him.

Xiao Jingcheng still kicked and struggled, trying to strike the man. “You, Ninth! Do you think I don’t know what schemes you’re harboring? You want your son to become the Xiao clan’s heir? Look at yourself, do you think you’re worthy?!” He struggled so violently that one of his boots flew off, plunging the hall into chaos.

“Enough, Third!”

Xiao Hao finally lost patience and shouted, “You are the head of your branch and a legitimate-line descendant. How can you behave so impulsively? Sit down at once!”

Xiao Jingcheng was forcibly pressed back into his seat, eyes blazing, panting heavily as he glared at the Ninth Xiao.

Servants from his branch retrieved the boot and helped him put it back on.

“Third Master, please calm your anger.”

Suddenly, an elderly voice sounded.

Matriarch Wang, leaning on her dragon-headed cane, entered from outside and bowed slightly toward Xiao Hao.

Xiao Hao’s brow creased almost imperceptibly. “Matriarch Wang, what brings you here?”

“It was I who invited her.” Xiao Jingcheng didn’t even bother putting on his boots. He stood up at once and said, “Matriarch, you came at just the right time.”

“Third Master Xiao.” Matriarch Wang returned Xiao Jingcheng’s bow with a formal nod. “The matter of establishing the heir apparent is of great importance. In my opinion, aside from the views within the Xiao clan, the most crucial factor must also be His Majesty’s opinion.”

Xiao Jingcheng’s eyes brightened, as if every channel in his body had suddenly been cleared.

He instantly recovered his confidence and, with a mocking, sing-song tone, said, “Matriarch truly understands propriety and the greater good, unlike certain people, who spend all day dreaming of eating swan meat like toads!”

Someone let out a cold laugh.

“Since when do outsiders get to interfere in the Xiao clan’s internal affairs? The Xiao clan stands at the head of the Five Great Clans and Seven Noble Houses. Even His Majesty cannot dictate who becomes the Xiao clan’s heir apparent.”

Matriarch Wang calmly shifted her gaze. “Ninth Master Xiao, your words are rather biased.

“Under Heaven, all land belongs to the Emperor; along all shores, all are his subjects. The appointments of every official in the Three Departments and Six Ministries must ultimately pass before His Majesty. How could the heir of the Xiao clan not be decided by the sovereign?

“As for myself, since the Wang and Xiao clans have now formed an alliance, our prosperity and decline are shared. Moreover, today, I do not speak solely on behalf of the Wang clan, but also on behalf of His Highness the Prince of Jin. I believe His Highness should have some say in the selection of the Xiao clan’s heir apparent, shouldn’t he?”

Her words plunged everyone into another moment of silence.

Someone then asked, “May we know whom His Highness the Prince of Jin supports as the new heir of the Xiao clan?”

Matriarch Wang looked toward Xiao Hao. “His Highness said only that during this martial arts tournament, he was deeply impressed by Young Master Yulin’s ability and character. If Young Master Yulin were to become the Xiao clan’s heir, it would benefit both His Highness and the alliance between the Xiao and Wang clans; a mutually favorable outcome.

“In these troubled times, our two clans must support one another and weather the storm together. I believe the Chief Elder thinks the same, does he not?”

Xiao Hao said nothing.

For one thing, he was displeased by Matriarch Wang’s high-handed manner, barging in as if she were the host and dictating the Xiao clan’s affairs.

For another, he disliked being forced by Matriarch Wang to take a stance in the Prince of Jin’s name.

He was just about to speak after a moment’s contemplation when suddenly the sound of hooves and hurried footsteps came from outside, followed by a servant’s anxious report.

“Chief Elder, something’s wrong! Xiao Wenyao from the Western Residence has charged in with a large number of soldiers. They’re heading straight for Jade Dragon Terrace!”

“What?!”

Everyone’s faces changed instantly.

Xiao Hao’s expression darkened and he was the first to sweep his sleeves and stride out.

Below Jade Dragon Terrace, a mass of soldiers had indeed gathered. At the foot of the long staircase stood a man clad in dazzling silver scale armor.

It was Xiao Wenyao.

“Xiao Wenyao, what do you think you’re doing?!”

Several heads of the Xiao clan’s branches who hurried out after Xiao Hao shouted angrily.

Xiao Wenyao flashed a careless, almost playful smile. “I heard the Chief Elder and the esteemed uncles were discussing the next heir of the Xiao clan, so I came to listen. I’d like to know, who exactly is this new heir going to be?”

Xiao Wenyao’s ambition for the heir apparent position had long ceased to be a secret.

Many within the clan had sensed the undercurrents, but because Xiao Wenyao’s branch lived in a relatively remote part of the family estate, and because he was a martial man who had never studied, making him wholly unfit by the Xiao clan’s standards for choosing an heir, most had simply laughed it off and never taken it seriously.

None of them had expected Xiao Wenyao to bring troops and surround Jade Dragon Terrace.

Even the Ninth Master Xiao, who had been sparring verbally with Xiao Jingcheng earlier, let out a cold snort. “The selection of the Xiao clan’s heir apparent is hardly something for a junior from the remote Western Residence to question. Military officers may not enter the capital without summons. Xiao Wenyao, are you rebelling?”

“Who said I entered without a decree?” Xiao Wenyao slowly drew a document from his breast. “I am here by order to return to the capital and arrest the mole within the clan who conspired with Zhang Qingfang to murder the Prince.”

“A mole?”

Everyone frowned.

Xiao Hao looked at Xiao Wenyao. “And who is this mole you speak of?”

Xiao Wenyao raised a hand and pointed at one man. “It’s him, Xiao Jingcheng.”

As everyone turned toward him, Xiao Jingcheng’s face drained of color. He stamped in panic and rage, glaring fiercely at Xiao Wenyao. “You little bastard, what nonsense are you spouting?!”

Xiao Wenyao drew yet another item from his breast. “This was seized by the Silver Dragon Cavalry from Zhang Qingfang. Third Master Xiao, why don’t you open your eyes and take a good look?”

With one glance, Xiao Jingcheng froze.

Because what Xiao Wenyao was holding was a white jade thumb ring that Xiao Jingcheng had lost months ago during a banquet.

Within the Xiao clan, aside from the purple jade thumb ring worn by the Prince Xiao himself, Xiao Jingcheng, as head of the third branch, also possessed a thumb ring, though his was white jade. After he lost it, Xiao Jingcheng didn’t dare to make a fuss. He only sent people to search in secret for some time. Unfortunately, nothing turned up and eventually he put the matter aside.

Never in his wildest dreams did he imagine that this thumb ring would appear in Zhang Qingfang’s possession.

“This—this is slander! Slander!” Xiao Jingcheng shouted in panic.

Xiao Wenyao sneered. “Everyone knows your third branch has coveted the position of heir for a long time. The moment His Highness had an accident, you couldn’t wait to push your son into the role. And you still dare claim you didn’t collude with Zhang Qingfang?”

“I—!” For the first time, Xiao Jingcheng truly understood the meaning of ‘unable to explain even with a hundred mouths.’ Seeing the strange looks being cast his way, he hurriedly turned to Xiao Hao. “Uncle, you must believe me! I don’t even know that Zhang Qingfang!”

Xiao Hao naturally knew that no matter how useless Xiao Jingcheng was, he would never have the guts to conspire with outsiders to murder Prince Xiao. So he said, “This matter concerns grave accusations. A single thumb ring is not enough to convict anyone. It must be thoroughly investigated before judgment is passed. Xiao Wenyao, leave the ring and withdraw your troops at once.”

However, Xiao Wenyao did not move a single step.

Xiao Hao’s heart sank. “What more do you want?”

Xiao Wenyao said, “I told you, I want to see who the new heir of the Xiao clan will be.”

Xiao Hao finally let his face grow cold. “Xiao Wenyao, you know the clan rules. If you persist in your folly, do not blame me for what follows.”

Xiao Wenyao burst into laughter. “The entire Xiao clan is already under my control. Chief Elder, even if you ‘do not blame me,’ what exactly can you do? Oh, right, I forgot to mention. Several old generals of the Silver Dragon Cavalry accompanied me back to the capital to capture the traitor. They are waiting just outside the Xiao Royal Residence, ready to enter at any moment. I advise all uncles and elders not to act recklessly. It would be unfortunate if unnecessary casualties should occur.”

Xiao Hao felt himself sinking deeper.

Never had he imagined that Xiao Wenyao had truly won over military power and that even within the Silver Dragon Cavalry, factions were now openly choosing sides in the struggle for the heirship.

Clearly, Xiao Wenyao had seized upon the chaos involving Prince Xiao’s sudden accident, the Silver Dragon Cavalry leaderless and demoralized, and the Xiao clan thrown into disorder. It was the perfect moment for him to strike.

“Xiao Wenyao!”

A furious shout came from outside.

Xiao Yuke burst through layers of soldiers and stormed in. The moment he reached Xiao Wenyao, he punched him hard across the face. “You bastard, you dare collude with the Cui clan and frame my father!”

Xiao Yulin entered with the others right afterward. Seeing this, he quickly blocked his younger brother.

“Brother, even now you’re still restraining yourself with him?!” Xiao Yuke’s eyes were bloodshot as he glared at Xiao Wenyao. “Today, I’ll tear you limb from limb!”

Xiao Wenyao wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, utterly unfazed, and even spread his arms provocatively. “Go on then, Xiao Yuke. Come over. Today, I’ll let you see who truly commands the Silver Dragon Cavalry.”

Xiao Yuke shook off the guards restraining him and struck at Xiao Wenyao with his sword.

Xiao Wenyao was a fearsome fighter, one of the most formidable among the younger Silver Dragon Cavalry generals. Although Xiao Yuke practiced martial arts as well, he had grown up studying alongside the other Xiao youths on Jade Dragon Terrace. In terms of true battlefield skill, he was naturally no match for a seasoned war hero like Xiao Wenyao.

Facing Xiao Yuke’s attack, Xiao Wenyao first toyed with him like a cat with a mouse for several rounds. Then, with a sudden, brutal strike, he dislocated one of Xiao Yuke’s arms entirely.

“Yuke!” Xiao Jingcheng couldn’t help letting out a shout.

Although Xiao Yuke had already had one arm disabled, he still refused to retreat. He pushed himself up, picked up his sword with his remaining arm, and once again struck toward Xiao Wenyao.

This time, it only took a few moves before Xiao Wenyao dislocated his other hand as well.

Xiao Yuke collapsed to the ground. He struggled a few times, but could no longer even get up.

Xiao Wenyao walked over and stepped on Xiao Yuke’s injured arm, looking down at him from above. “If you’re willing to crawl under my crotch, perhaps I might spare you.”

Xiao Yuke trembled as he spat out, “In your dreams!”

Xiao Wenyao merely laughed and ground his foot down mercilessly.

Xiao Yuke immediately let out a scream of agony he could no longer suppress.

“Xiao Wenyao, that’s enough!” Seeing Xiao Yuke being tortured to this point, Xiao Yulin finally spoke up in fury. “The one you really want to deal with is me. Let Yuke go.”

Xiao Wenyao straightened up and clapped his hands lightly. “Oh? So you want to kneel in his place? Crawl under me?”

“Brother!” Xiao Yuke cried through clenched teeth, “Don’t!”

“Yulin, you mustn’t kneel to him!” Xiao Jingcheng, frantic, rushed down and came to Xiao Wenyao’s side. “I’ll kneel! I’ll kneel! Just let Yuke go!”

“Xiao Wenyao!” Xiao Hao barked again, “Do you have any regard left for the clan rules of the Xiao clan!?”

The others, shocked by Xiao Wenyao’s brutality, were now looking at him with undisguised displeasure and condemnation.

Xiao Wenyao ignored all of it, smiling as his gaze remained fixed on Xiao Yulin.

“Fine. I’ll kneel,” Xiao Yulin said calmly.

“Brother!” Xiao Yuke yelled anxiously, only for Xiao Wenyao to press down even harder on his arm.

Xiao Yulin did not look at Xiao Yuke. He simply knelt straight down onto the open ground.

Xiao Wenyao burst into wild laughter. “Xiao Yulin, someone like you thinks you’re worthy of being the heir of the Xiao clan?!”

However, before the last echo of his voice faded, a sharp arrow hissed through the air and embedded itself in the space between his knees.

Xiao Wenyao gasped in pain, letting out a muffled grunt as he collapsed onto the ground. Shocked, he looked up.

A line of silver-armored cavalry surged in, carrying a frigid killing intent.

At their head, a young man lowered his bow and said coldly, “He’s unworthy. And you think you are?”