The Mad King's Heir

While Yu Wen was trying to come up with a plan, Li Jun had moved things ahead of schedule. The look Yu Wen gave him before he left told him he wasn’t going to let it go. The longer he delayed, the higher the chances that he was going to ruin his plans.

Before the break of dawn, he was woken up in preparation for his first appearance before the imperial court. To the world, it would be the first step towards his execution, but to him, it was D-day. The day he gets to finally walk free and leave all of this behind.

After taking a shower, he was led to another room. Arms spread apart, they took pictures of his body, logging all his scars and distinct features into the system. Not only that, but they took DNA and blood samples. This was merely standard procedure for all prisoners regardless of status.

Li Jun had a smile on his face the entire time and he even joked around with the medical staff. They had expected him to make things difficult for them, given his reputation, but he was cooperative and treated them with respect.

As soon as that ordeal was over, he slipped on the beige jumpsuit and stepped out to get his neck, wrist and ankle accessories. While the imperial guard was placing the chains on him, Li Jun met Luca’s gaze. With a grin, he said, "This color doesn’t really suit me, does it, commander?"

Luca pursed his lips, unable to answer that question. He hated everything about this situation, but he could only restrain himself. The only thing that gave him comfort was that before that hearing even started, Li Jun would be gone. "It doesn’t suit you, your highness. It washes your complexion," he finally said.

Li Jun’s eyes widened, and with a soft chuckle, he said, "Ouch, you could have at least lied to me."

The guard finally done, got up and said to the commander, "It’s done."

Luca gestured for him to leave, and the guard saluted him before walking out. The commander walked over and whispered, "My apologies, your highness." He was apologizing for touching him.

"You are such a gentleman, unlike some people," he said in a teasing tone. The "some people" he was referring to was a certain general.

"I can teach him a lesson later, if you like," whispered Luca, and Li Jun burst out laughing as he grabbed his arm and led him out to the transport van.

Li Jun said, "He kicked your ass really bad yesterday. What makes you think that you will beat him next time?"

Hearing this, Luca was so embarrassed. He had always been the best at what he did, and no one had ever beaten him. He was at the top of his class in every category.

This was why he was so confident he could stop anyone who dared come to the imperial prince. But he was wrong. Yu Wen was a whole different kind of beast. He knew he might never have a chance to win against him, but he wasn’t the type to just accept defeat.

"I can work harder," he said as he opened the doors to the van.

Li Jun climbed inside and, with a bright smile, he said, "No need, he is not worth the trouble, commander."

Luca sat opposite him and said, "As you wish." The doors were closed, and the van drove off heading towards the Imperial court.

***

Yu Wen hadn’t slept all night trying to find a solution. He only went to rest when he could no longer keep his eyes open. Just when he had finally fallen asleep, he was woken up by the incessant ringing of his phone. He couldn’t ignore any calls, especially with what was happening.

With his eyes closed, he picked up the call. When he heard Alex’s panicked voice, he sat up immediately as he exclaimed, "What?"

Yes, Xiu Ying was so eager to get what she wanted that she didn’t even wait for her to recover to start the first hearing. This was all to put pressure on Draco. She kept this hearing a secret, only calling for an emergency meeting a few hours before the hearing started.

Such a last-minute request would garner complaints from the officials, but they all hated Li Jun. They would gladly come to the hearing with no further prompting. Some hadn’t even bathed with crusts stuck in their eyes, and some wore the wrong uniforms to the Imperial court, rushing to get the best seat in the hall.

Yu Wen was one of those who wore the wrong uniform, not because he was eager to get a good seat, but that he was panicked. He hadn’t expected Xiu Ying to make such a rash move. Such an impulsive decision would surely taint her perfect image to the people.

Being so eager to be rid of Li Jun would draw suspicions, but it seemed she didn’t care. She had grown desperate.

In large strides, he entered the Imperial Court with Alex trailing right behind him. The hall was buzzing with loud whispers. They were all awaiting Xiu Ying’s appearance.

Yu Wen was about to go find her and present his proposal before it was too late. Maybe then she can hold back, and he could buy Li Jun some time, but the speaker announced her arrival.

They all rose to their feet and bowed. Xiu Ying, in a wheelchair and looking worse than when he last saw her, entered the hall with Li Yu pushing her. The wheelchair was fully automated with self-driving features, but they wanted to sell the miserable mother and daughter image well.

Gasps and whispers were heard in the hall, with others cursing Li Jun and others asking how such a sad thing could happen to such a kindhearted person.

Yu Wen spotted Li Zimo at the back of the hall. The man snorted and walked out. He wanted to follow him and find out where he was going, but Xiu Ying sudddenly called his name.

"General Yu," she said, her voice weak and shaky.

Yu Wen clenched his jaw in anger, but he restrained himself and said, "Yes, Your Majesty."

"May you please adjudicate the hearing. It was a last-minute hearing, and the officiator is having a medical emergency right now," she said with a weak smile. The entire hall was filled with loud whispers. This was not a normal request. There were plenty of officials present who could do that job. Generals weren’t even meant to interfere in the imperial court so why ask him?

Yu Wen clenched his fist. He knew what she was doing. Too bad he wouldn’t give her that satisfaction.