Why My Domineering Prince Regretted Filing for Divorce?-Chapter 654 - 522 Natural and Man-Made Disasters_2

He instinctively wanted to step forward.

But just as he lifted his foot, he saw another slender figure slowly walk up behind Shang Ruyi, each step labored, appearing incredibly weak, yet in an instant, drew gasps of astonishment from those around.

It was none other than the seasoned minister who had previously confronted Shang Ruyi at Dayan Temple—Ji Hong.

He had always hunched over, standing among the ministers; his frail physique often rendered him unnoticed if he remained silent. But at this moment, he slowly stepped out from the ranks, walking towards Shang Ruyi, instantly gathering all eyes upon him.

For a moment, the atmosphere in Taiji Palace became tense once more.

It was known that Lord Ji was fiercely loyal to the Da Ye Dynasty. Even when once abandoned by Chu Yang, he remained in the Daxing Palace, concerned for the nation’s affairs daily; even when his son fell under Chu Yang’s Emperor’s Sword, a white-haired man sending off a black-haired man, he still lambasted Young Madam Yu Wen in Dayan Temple over Chu Yang’s passing.

Now, with Pei Xu forcing the Emperor to abdicate and Young Madam Yu Wen confronting the Eldest Princess, the conflict in Liangyi Hall had reached an irreconcilable point.

His appearance like this—was he, perhaps, going to confront the Yuwen Family again, dedicating himself to the Royal Family until his last breath?

Seeing him approach, Chu Ruoyan’s eyes lit up, while Shang Ruyi involuntarily held her breath. She knew well the weight Mr. Ji carried in the court; as long as he spoke, it could sway the political wind.

Just as Shang Ruyi nervously tightened the hand hanging by her side, a familiar, warm scent enveloped her from behind.

Turning around, she saw it was Yu Wenye.

Though he said nothing, his tall figure was like a mountain, standing behind her, providing a sense of reliance like a backer.

Recalling when at Dayan Temple before, she had looked at him several times, and he remained unmoved, wanting her to face the challenge alone. Yet, in the end, it was his arrangements that bailed her out. At this moment, having him behind her made Shang Ruyi feel more grounded.

She looked at Ji Hong, gray-haired and frail, and softly said, "Lord Ji—"

But before she could finish her sentence, Ji Hong didn’t even glance at her. Instead, he directed his gaze, glowing towards Chu Ruoyan, and said, "Princess, if disasters indeed arise, and the Yuwen Family truly aids the distressed and rescues the people, then what?"

"...!?"

Chu Ruoyan was taken aback.

Was he questioning her?!

She couldn’t believe her ears, staring at Ji Hong in shock. It took a long while before she responded with a trembling voice, "Lord Ji, what—are you saying?"

This statement not only astonished Chu Ruoyan but also stunned Shang Ruyi.

To know that, while Pei Xu proposed abdication, he didn’t specify to whom the position should pass, and it was she who mentioned aiding distressed and rescuing people. Yet, Ji Hong’s words specifically named the "Yuwen Family," meaning, if they aid, then abdication to the Yuwen Family is implied!

Ji Hong was actually helping them?!

How could this be?

Shang Ruyi widened her eyes in panic to look at him, but also knew it was not the time to question. She could only stand there, dumbfounded, while Chu Ruoyan, in her daze, with reddened eyes, used her remaining strength to speak to Ji Hong, "Lord Ji, even you—"

Ji Hong’s murky, gray eyes looked at her and simply said, "Princess, please show clarity."

At that moment, it was already the final stretch.

Even as Ji Hong stood up, everyone, even those who knew the situation was irreversible but still yearned for their past lord, understood that this forced abdication would bring the Da Ye Dynasty to its end, even without Yu Wenquan’s direct involvement, without swords drawn.

"Hehe," 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚

Chu Ruoyan suddenly started laughing, and as she laughed, it seemed uncontrollable. She then burst into louder laughter, tears streaming down as she gazed at Ji Hong before her, sorrowfully saying, "All you want is for the Emperor to abdicate, right?"

"..."

"Fine, I can say it, if indeed disaster strikes—"

Everyone held their breath, eyes fixed on her, watching as Chu Ruoyan, flushed and baring her teeth, her stunning beauty fading, showed a hint of a mother wolf’s desperation nearing collapse, gritting out word by word, "The Emperor shall abdicate!"

"Imperial Sister!"

The Little Emperor, seated on the Dragon Chair, panicked instantly, but at this moment, beyond shouting, he had no other solutions.