The Enchanting Imperial Concubine (Book 3)

Chapter 461 - Imprisonment

The Third Prince felt a cold chill run through his body, as if a heavy boulder was crushing his heart, making it hard to breathe. But at this moment, he dared not admit to anything and could only play dumb.

He bowed deeply and kowtowed, trembling as he spoke, "Please calm your anger, Father. I don't understand what you are talking about. I have done nothing wrong. If there's anything that has caused a misunderstanding, please allow me to explain myself. I'm innocent!"

Ning Chen looked at the Third Prince, his heart filled with frustration and disappointment. He was both angry and saddened by his son's failure.

He barely managed to suppress his fury and refrained from striking him.

"Fine, since you have an explanation, let me ask you this: was Jing'er's fall from the horse caused by your collusion with the Heir of the Third Prince Enhejin's household?"

The Third Prince froze for a moment, then hastily shook his head.

"No, it wasn't! I would never harm my fourth brother! Yu Jing and I are blood brothers. Even if there were any disagreements between us, it would only be typical sibling squabbles, not something as sinister as a plot to harm him. Besides, you are wary of Enhejin's family, so how could I dare associate with them!"

"At this point, you still dare to lie!" Ning Chen finally exploded with rage, shouting loudly.

He raised his hand as if to strike, but when he saw his son's young and frail shoulders, he couldn't bring himself to hit him. Instead, he slammed his palm down on the table beside him, causing the teacup to fall and shatter on the ground.

Taking a deep breath, he sat down on the chair and spoke in a cold voice, "Lift your head and look me in the eye."

The Third Prince trembled as he lifted his chin slightly but still didn't dare meet his father's gaze.

Ning Chen gritted his teeth, the disappointment in his heart growing stronger.

He hated that the Third Prince had harmed his own sibling, and he hated even more that his once-promising son couldn't even muster the courage to take responsibility now.

"You're only thirteen years old, just a child in my eyes. Do you really think I wouldn't be able to uncover what you've done? Do you think Enhejin's family can shield you forever? Do you think killing your fourth brother would earn you the position of Crown Prince? There are still four other brothers. Do you plan on killing all of them too?!"

At this point, the Third Prince could no longer deny it. He finally understood that everything he had done had already been exposed.

In that moment, it was as if his backbone had been ripped out, and he slumped forward. But the hatred in his eyes, which he had been trying to conceal, finally broke through and surged forth.

Clenching his fists, the Third Prince suddenly lifted his head and met the gaze of the authority he had been avoiding. He shouted hoarsely, "Yes, I want to be Crown Prince! Who wouldn't want to be Crown Prince? A general's success is built upon the bones of countless corpses. Even our imperial grandfather ascended the throne by stepping over the bodies of other princes! Not every prince is as fortunate as you, Father, to get the throne without fighting for it!"

"Ning Yu Han, shut your mouth!"

Suddenly, the tent curtains were thrown open, and the Fourth Prince stormed in, his face dark with anger. He rushed forward and viciously kicked the Third Prince from behind.

This kick knocked the Third Prince down, causing him to grit his teeth in pain. However, he had already lost his sanity by this point. Climbing up, he lunged at the Fourth Prince again, pinning him down and raising his fist to punch.