Protect Our Chief

But at this moment, Prince Kang could no longer heed the laws prohibiting flight.

The might of the Purple Mansion Realm burst forth as the mighty Profound Qi surged wildly, transforming him into a crimson radiance that sped into the sky.

However, he had just flown three or four zhang away when a golden net descended over him, its golden light blooming, trapping him within.

This net was the Purple Mansion Treasure—"Celestial Net," used by the Imperial Guard to capture cultivators violating the flying prohibition!

And this "Celestial Net" was usually managed by the Commander of Gui Long City’s Imperial Guards, Chen Jinglong.

"Chen Jinglong, dare you obstruct me?!" Prince Kang struggled fiercely but could not break free, inciting his fury.

At this moment, his expression was ferocious, eyes red, resembling a caged beast, lacking his usual composure and steadiness.

"Forgive me, Your Highness. You are accused of treason, and as per Your Majesty’s decree, all involved must be immediately detained, and you are no exception. Otherwise, I cannot account to His Majesty."

Below, Chen Jinglong stood poised in black armor, his hand upon his sword, expression calm and steady.

Beside him were Chen Jingtiger, also in battle attire, and Meng Yuanbai, in a stern purple official robe.

Behind them were officials from the Three Talents Department and the Inspectorate, along with nearly a thousand Imperial Guards in black armor, forming an imposing sight.

In the evening glow, a layer of red light seemed to bathe them, even the black armor was streaked with a reddish hue, resembling battle armor stained with blood, evoking a mysterious ominousness.

Seeing this, Prince Kang seemed as if doused with cold water, abruptly calming down.

Since Chen Jinglong came under imperial command, it was clear he believed Prince Kang couldn’t cause further trouble, and using authority against him meant he wouldn’t easily concede as usual.

He simply stopped struggling, took a deep breath, and said solemnly, "Chen Jinglong, I am a quasi-crown prince. To convict me, the Ancestral Mansion must intervene. You alone are insufficient!"

"I wish to see Prince Dexin and Prince Yoong’an, I want to meet the elders of the Ancestral Mansion! It’s my right as a quasi-crown prince, you have no authority to obstruct it! Even with imperial orders..."

Just as he spoke.

His words were abruptly interrupted by another deep, resonant voice: "Quasi-crown prince, you are no longer one."

Meanwhile.

A majestic and fiery authority rose from the southern side of Gui Long City.

The next moment.

A red arc of light wrapped in overwhelming pressure swept across the sky, from the south of the city to hover over Prince Kang’s Mansion, before transforming into an imposing, dignified middle-aged man in red robes.

The middle-aged man wore the Prince’s Jade Crown, had black hair and a full beard, his presence intimidating all.

"Prince Dewei!"

Chen Jinglong, Meng Yuanbai and others hurriedly raised their hands in respectful salutation.

This man was not a typical prince, but the Prince in Charge of the Ancestral Mansion.

The Prince in Charge of the Royal Ancestral Mansion, to ensure fairness, is usually not from the Eldest Son lineage but rather the Direct Lineage, or a prince with slightly remoter blood ties.

Considering younger princes may lack authority, and older ones may lack vigor, the Prince in Charge generally is selected from princes aged between one thousand and fifteen hundred years, those at their prime.

Among them, usually the one with the highest prestige is chosen.

Only thus can they command respect.

This Prince Dewei was once as formidable in his youth as Prince Hao, pushing through history with his terrifying military achievements, and even among Imperial Family, he was an exceedingly rare Military God type figure, commanding high prestige.

Of course, he held extensive fame among the people too, with many legends about him circulating, even among the Upper Three-Grade Noble Families, many regard him as an idol.

It was thus that he was bestowed the title "Wei" by His Majesty.

This shows His Majesty’s value and trust in him.

"Great Ancestor Dewei..."

Upon seeing him, Prince Kang’s composure finally shattered, his face turning ghastly pale.

He gazed at Prince Dewei with a hint of plea in his eyes, hoping he might show mercy for the sake of his past achievements.

Yet, Prince Dewei didn’t spare him a glance, instead addressing Chen Jinglong, Meng Yuanbai, and others below coldly, "Prince Kang is guilty of treason; evidence is conclusive; truly a disgrace to our Imperial Family."

"This person is unforgivable. I now represent the Ancestral Mansion, stripping Prince Kang Wu Chengsi of his quasi-crown prince status. Henceforth, the sentencing and punishment, the Ancestral Mansion will not interfere; everything will proceed according to national law."

"Yes."

Everyone responded in unison.

It’s over!

Without the Ancestral Mansion’s intervention, once the treason charge is confirmed, Zhao Zhikun’s prior fate will be his own. Worse, in His Majesty’s disappointment and anger, he might not even have the chance to be sent to the Cannon Fodder Camp!

Prince Kang’s face turned ashen, his gaze instantly filled with immense despair.

...

Without the honor of being a "quasi-crown prince," and with Divine Power Realm Prince Dewei suppressing, how could Prince Kang stir trouble?

The guards and servants within Prince Kang’s Mansion, seeing no good outcome, dared not resist and were immediately captured.

Soon, Prince Kang’s Mansion was swiftly taken over by the Imperial Guard.

Yet, even though Prince Kang was no longer a quasi-crown prince, he was still a prince with meritorious achievements, so Chen Jinglong spared his dignity, not imprisoning him, but treating him as Zhao Zhikun was before, putting him and Princess Consort Zhao Yijing under house arrest in his mansion.