"Do you think you can still inherit the throne? Ha! Let's see who can hold out longer!"
Yu Zhan'ao appeared quite unwilling to negotiate. Emperor Kangwu looked increasingly frail, on the verge of losing consciousness. Shangguan Xi analyzed the situation, concluding that he could not risk the Emperor's life. Although Yu Zhan'ao had been poisoned, so had the Emperor; given Yu Zhan'ao's internal strength, holding on for an hour or two was well within his capabilities. The Emperor, however, was in a different position. If the toxin reached his vital organs, he might well be beyond saving even if Yu Zhan'ao didn't lift a finger.
A direct rescue attempt was not a viable option either. Yu Zhan'ao could snap the Emperor's neck in an instant; before Shangguan Xi's Gentle Sword could touch him, Yu Zhan'ao would have already sent the Emperor to the afterlife. He could not afford that. Yu Zhan'ao did not fear death, but Shangguan Xi feared the Emperor’s death.
Chapter 334