บท 244: Emperor Ming 3

The Imperial Palace, the Emperor's pavilion. An hour earlier.

 Zhongshan Ling stepped out from the secret room adjoining the Emperor's bed-chamber fifteen minutes after Lu Yaozhu left. Emperor Zhong carefully pushed himself into a sleeping position when Lu Yaozhu left. Although he had shut his eye, he was still awake. His eyes opened and he looked towards the door at the sound of wooden tires hitting the floor. 

"Ling'er? What are you doing here? How did you get in", eyes narrowing at the two well-armed guards following the Crown Prince behind. 

"What is wrong father, why so surprised to see me. Isn't it normal for a son to visit his dying father, it is one of the morals", Zhongshan Ling said pulling a sword out of the secret compartments at the left side of his chair. 

Emperor Zhong sat up quick at that sight, hissing as he felt a slight jab at his heart. He clutched his chest, "Zhongshan Ling! What do you think you are doing?"