Chapter 244
Outside the main hall, Li Chengqian gazed ahead without blinking, his expression notably composed. When Changle pursued Su Che into the main hall earlier, he didn't intervene. Sister or not, he had many siblings. Even though Change was his closest sister, it didn't matter. He could even confront his father, let alone a sister, in today's events.
It's your own decision, don't hold me responsible, Li Chengqian thought.
At that moment, a massive fire suddenly erupted inside the main hall. Within a few moments, the flames surged and consumed the entire hall. In the distance, there were cries of panic. “It's the end...” Li Chengqian continued to stare at the hall, now engulfed in flames. From his perspective, surviving in such an inferno seemed impossible.
Regardless of Su Li's skills, he was just one person. Over a thousand fearless guards relentlessly attacked him, and even if they couldn't kill him, they could easily trap him inside the hall. The outcome was clear!
Finally, a smile appeared on Li Chengqian's face. He looked towards the Martial Hero Palace, ready to depart. Suddenly, amid the crackling sound of explosions behind him, an unsettling noise occurred. Immediately after, there was a loud crash as something heavy collapsed. “Didn't I instruct you to leave?” A composed voice came from behind.
Li Chengqian stopped in his tracks, his face displaying an expression of disbelief. He swiftly turned to see Su Li emerging from the burning hall, holding Changle in one arm and cradling Su Che in the other. The sea of flames behind them cast a reddish glow on Su Li's face. “You…” Li Chengqian was so shocked that he couldn’t even speak. There were no words to describe his astonishment. No fiery words could describe the shock that Li Chengqian felt at this moment. Duke Junji had personally orchestrated this, with over a thousand fearless guards practicing day and night. Such a formation could likely win a war effortlessly. But Su Li, facing this setup, emerged unharmed! How was this possible?
“Husband...” Change began to say. She raised her head to look at Su Li, her eyes filled with a plea. Despite Li Chengqian's earlier attempt to harm their family, Changle's inherently kind nature couldn't bear the thought of Su Li killing him now.
Su Li smiled faintly and said, “I know what you want to say.” Let's see how he chooses to end this today.” Although he spoke these words, Su Li had already considered killing Li Chengqian. Since Li Chengqian dared to target Changle and Su Che, he should be prepared for the consequences. Furthermore, Su Li understood Li Chengqian well. He was aware that even if he didn't take action, Li Chengqian would attempt something.
At this moment, the astonishment in Li Chengqian's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hysterical madness. With little preamble, Li Chengqian suddenly burst into tears. “Changle, please don't blame Big Brother. Big Brother had no other choice!”“Our father favors Li Tai and wishes him to replace me as the crown prince. Li Tai and I were originally close as true brothers. Even if I willingly step aside and let him have the crown prince position, I wouldn’t mind!”
“But even if I voluntarily yield, how could Li Tai spare me? Has there ever been a deposed crown prince who lived a peaceful life?”
Li Chengqian believed he was being clever. He knew that pleading with Su Li at this point was futile. With his decisive nature, Su Li wouldn't care about his status. The fact that he dared to confront his father and deal with aristocratic families like the Fanyang Lu clan proved he wouldn't care about someone like him, the crown prince.
In Li Chengqian's current predicament, his only chance seemed to be to plead with Changle, hoping for a slim possibility of survival. However, he had no idea that Change had already given up on him due to his earlier actions. If he had sincerely begged for mercy now and actively sought forgiveness from Li Er, Changle might have been willing to intercede on his behalf.
After all, it was almost certain that Li Chengqian would be stripped of his title and banned far away, never to return to Changan. That would have been the best possible outcome for Change, as at least he would still have his life. However, Li Chengqian was still playing manipulative games with her. None of his words were genuine!
As both children of Li Er, and being the astute eldest princess, Changle was well aware that Li Er had never intended for an easy transfer of the crown. Li Chengqian had misinterpreted Li Er's intentions due to his predicament, and there was a possibility of confusion on his part. However, when he claimed he would hand over the crown prince position to Li Tai, that was complete nonsense!
At this moment, Su Li lightly patted Changle's arm, signaling her not to speak. Then, he kicked a long knife to Li Chengqian's feet. “If you truly repent, then end it yourself. I will appeal to the Emperor for leniency, preserving your posthumous reputation, considering your sibling relationship with Changle.”
Li Chengqian shuddered, looking down at the long knife at his feet. Then, he gazed at Su Li in disbelief. “Are you going to kill me?”
Su Li coldly huffed but remained silent. Changle, on the other hand, stared fixedly at Li Chengqian. Being deeply connected with her husband, she had already discerned Su Li's plan. Indeed, Su Li had given Li Chengqian an opportunity because of her. If Li Chengqian sincerely resolved to sacrifice himself in atonement, Su Li would intervene and plead leniency. However, if Li Chengqian refused, he would lose his last chance.
Under Changle's somewhat nervous gaze, Li Chengqian bent down to pick up the long knife. When he straightened up, the look on his face had changed from the earlier panic. “Su Li, Hou Junji has already led the army into the palace. If we calculate the time, he should have succeeded by now! After today, I will be the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty.”
Li Chengqian slowly spoke, and his expression became extremely earnest. “You can help the Emperor create this prosperous era, but truth be told, the Emperor has always been wary of you. If you assist me, once I ascend the throne, I will grant you the title of 'One Word Side by Side King.' In the Tang Dynasty, you can do whatever you please. How about it?”
Changle stared at Li Chengqian in astonishment. She couldn't believe it. Even at this moment, Li Chengqian remained obstinate and deluded. Su Li shook his head and said softly, “It seems you've made your choice.” With that, he walked towards Li Chengqian.
“Su Li, you can’t kill me. I am the Crown Prince of the Great Tang. If you kill me, the Emperor will never spare you!”
Suddenly, Li Chengqian’s eyes turned bloodshot as he roared angrily at Su Li. However, Su Li remained unfazed. In the blink of an eye, Su Li had reached Li Chengqian. Faced with the overwhelming pressure from Su Li, Li Chengqian could no longer endure it. He roared angrily and charged at Su Li with the knife.
The next moment, there was a slight, muffled sound. The long knife pierced through his chest, and Li Chengqian’s eyes widened as blood vessels burst throughout. Then, he fell to the ground, his hands clutching the knife, completely lifeless.
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