Then, Lang Po said, “Be careful, everyone . Pay attention to of the surroundings . ”
The guards stayed on high alert and surrounded the two carriages protectively t .
Inside the carriage, Jing Rong remained seated with his back ramrod straight, still and stern . Beside him, Ji Yunshu remained silent as well .
They continued their journey, and soon reached the foot of Mount Liang .
Suddenly, a flurry of approaching footsteps rose from around them, accompanied by the clinking of weapons . A few hundred men clad in armour rushed towards them . They drew their swords and pointed them at Jing Rong's men .
"Hiss!!" Startled, the horses neighed and reared up . The guards tightened the reins and gripped the horse tightly to hold onto their seat .
"Stop . " The carriages shook from the abrupt stop .
After Jing Rong made sure Ji Yunshu was safe, he parted the door curtain in front of him slightly to check out what was going on .
Ji Li's men were blocking their way .
Suddenly, the men moved to the side, making way for Ji Li who was walking towards Jing Rong . Ji Li raised his brows, a killing intent suffusing the frigid expression on his face .
Lang Po glared at Ji Li, and tightened his grip around his sword . “War Secretary Ji, what is the meaning of this?”
"The Emperor had issued an oral decree in court . Before the investigation of the missing relief silver is concluded, Prince Rong is banned from entering the capital . If Prince Rong insists on returning to the capital, that would be considered defying the imperial decree . As the War Secretary, it's my responsibility to ensure the safety of the Imperial palace and the capital, so I'll naturally must have my troops stop you here . "
"Are you saying that His Highness is jeopardizing the capital's safety?"
"Whoever defies the decree are rebels . And it's the Ministry of War's responsibility to stop rebels from entering the capital . " Ji Li lifted his chin before he threw a condescending glance at Lang Po .
Lang Po sneered as he swept a look at the men before him . His opponent had brought along many men, and had definitely outnumbered his party .
However, he was not afraid of death . Lang Po raised his hand, signalling his guards to brace themselves for a physical fight . "War Secretary Ji, His Highness will return to the capital no matter what happens today . If you insist on blocking our way, we will have no choice but to fight our way to the capital . "
Lang Po's men drew their swords . Both parties were now facing off .
Ji Li scoffed and shouted at the carriage, "Your Highness, this humble one is just carrying out my duties . If the Emperor has issued the order to stop you from entering the capital, why must you insist on entering the capital?"
Jing Rong quirked his lips, but was stopped by Ji Yunshu as he was preparing to alight from the carriage . "Be careful . "
Jing Rong nodded in reply .
Once Jing Rong alighted, he walked towards Ji Li . Immediately, Lang Po and the other guards dismounted as well .
Jing Rong threw a side glance at his men and ordered, "Keep your swords . " The guards promptly put their swords back into their sheathes .
Hands cupped, Ji Li bowed at Jing Rong . "This humble one greets Prince Rong . "
"War Secretary Ji is very well-informed . I guess you've been waiting for me here ever since this Prince left Yufu . "
"Your Highness does not need to be paranoid . "
"What if this prince insists on entering the capital now? Is War Secretary Ji going to execute me on the spot?"
"This humble one dares not do anything to Your Highness . However, if Your Highness agrees to return to Yufu, everything will remain peaceful . "
A sinister grin painted across Jing Rong's lips as he shot a chilling glare at Ji Li . He took two steps forward, inching towards Ji Li .
"War Secretary Ji, remember that this prince has already warned you . Remember the last time you and Ji Huan stood in this prince's way, this prince told you: A ruler is a ruler, and a subject should act like one . Despite your great contributions to the country, you remain a subject . If you continue to prevent this prince from entering the capital, you're acting against this prince, and I'm afraid that you will not be able to bear the consequences . "
They locked eyes . Ji Li was unnerved by Jing Rong's glare .
[1] Toad poisons exist IRL, but the effects described here are ENTIRELY FICTIONAL . IRL bufotoxins can affect the heart, cause hallucinations, or irritate eyes .