Ministers Begging Me to Ascend the Throne Chapter 1038 - 104: Prince Han Is Determined to Kill Prince Chu

Yang Ling stared in disbelief at the two identical versions of Prince Chu standing before him. Their physical features, voices, mannerisms, and facial expressions were perfectly synchronized, leaving him completely unable to discern the authentic prince from the imposter.

Prince Chu felt a similar jolt of surprise, as if he were gazing directly into a living reflection.

Removing the human skin mask, the fake prince revealed a plain, unremarkable face underneath. He turned to address Prince Chu with a deferential bow, "Does your Highness find your servant's disguise to be satisfactory?"

Forcing himself to maintain his composure, Prince Chu masked his inner turmoil and replied calmly, "It is adequate." The resemblance was uncanny, extending even to the subtle nuances of their spirit. An ordinary observer would surely be fooled. "It is convincing enough. Prince Han and his cohorts will certainly not suspect a thing."

"I am humbled by your praise, your Highness." Hu Shisan produced a brocade box, offering it with respectful hands. "This is a tailored human skin mask, prepared especially for you to use."

Following Hu Shisan's brief instructions, Prince Chu accepted the box and carefully applied the piece.

As he witnessed his own reflection shifting into an unfamiliar, common face, Prince Chu could not suppress his astonishment.

Yang Ling watched, bewildered, as Prince Chu transformed into an unassuming man with a slightly dull, sallow complexion.

The prince carefully inspected the result in the mirror. The mask blended so perfectly with his skin that, had he not seen the process himself, he would have assumed this was his true identity.

With his appearance now unremarkable, his presence required a shift as well. Prince Chu deliberately dampened his natural, noble aura, instantly blending into the shadows as a commoner.

Yang Ling was stunned to see such a complete transformation. If he hadn't been an eyewitness to the change, he would never have identified this ordinary figure as Prince Chu.

Turning to Hu Shisan, the prince inquired, "How does this appear?" He adopted a distinct northern accent to further refine his presence.

"Exemplary, your Highness. Your aptitude for these arts is truly impressive." Secretly, Hu Shisan marveled at the prince's innate talent for deception. If he were under his tutelage, he might even surpass him, though the thought of Prince Chu as an apprentice was an impossibility. It was a shame to see such potential wasted. "Prince Han will never detect your true identity."

Prince Chu peeled away the mask, his features and commanding, noble presence instantly returning.

"This craftsmanship is remarkably authentic." He had not realized his tenth brother commanded such talented individuals.

"It is merely a minor craft, just a small trick of the trade, your Highness," Hu Shisan said with practiced humility.

Standing nearby, Yang Ling mused to himself: This is far more than a simple trick; this is a power capable of altering the tides of history.

If Prince Han intended to swap the genuine prince for such a master of disguise, perhaps no one in the realm would ever know. The thought sent a chill down Yang Ling's spine, though he remained stoic, revealing nothing of his inner panic.

"Your Highness, for your own safety, I advise you to depart from the northern region as soon as possible," Hu Shisan warned.

Nodding in agreement, Prince Chu stated, "I will leave tomorrow night."

"Have no fear, your Highness. Your servant will handle all necessary arrangements to ensure you exit the region without incident."

"I appreciate the effort."

After a few lingering words, Prince Chu dismissed him.

Alone once more, Yang Ling opened up to the prince about his profound concern and trepidation.

Prince Chu was hardly shocked by his reaction.

"My dear advisor, I maintain my stance that my tenth brother means me no harm."

"Your Highness, it is never wise to lower one's guard. We must be prepared for any eventuality." Prince Han's employment of such high-level disguise techniques was deeply unsettling. If he possessed many such subordinates, it was clear he had been secretly gathering talent long before his time in Lingnan.

"What measures do you propose, then?" Seeing Yang Ling’s genuine concern, the prince decided to yield to the strategist's persistent caution.

"We shall act in the following manner..." Yang Ling dropped his voice, sketching out a plan to monitor those sent by Zhao Yao.

Though the instructions left him somewhat uneasy, Prince Chu gave his consent.

Watching the prince accept the plan brought a flicker of relief to Yang Ling.

"I have also stationed people to protect you, sir." Given the clandestine nature of his departure, the prince could not risk taking Yang Ling with him. To prevent alerting Prince Han, Yang Ling had to remain with the decoy, which remained a source of great anxiety for the prince. "My tenth brother has also seen fit to send his own escorts for you."