Chapter 132 "Please, Father, immediately abdicate the throne to me..."

When the palace coup occurred, Emperor Qingxi was holding a small meeting in the Wenhua Hall.

Attendees included: the Minister of Revenue, the Vice Minister of Works, the Vice Minister of War, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, the Compiler of the Hanlin Academy, and so on.

The incident began this morning with an urgent military report delivered from southern Yunnan: a copper mine in a certain county had collapsed, burying over a hundred miners underground, their fate still unknown. The surviving miners, overwhelmed by the situation, fled en masse. The mine tax officials' attempts to suppress the unrest instead sparked a popular uprising, which has continued for several days and is now threatening to escalate.

Local officials were unable to control the situation and had no choice but to send a message to the central government seeking assistance.

Your Majesty, vegetables, let's make some!

Sending troops to fight means spending money.

The Minister of Revenue was a stingy purse, whose specialty was to plead poverty to Emperor Qingxi. He then used the pretext of a copper mine accident to bring up the same old story about the rampant private minting that had been repeatedly banned but never stopped.

"Most of our dynasty's copper mines are located on the southwestern border, where mining and transportation are difficult. Moreover, copper resources are limited. Mining has been ongoing for hundreds of years since the previous dynasty, and there are signs of depletion. In recent years, the quality of the brass transported out has been getting worse and worse, which cannot meet the needs of the court."

The Vice Minister of Works chimed in, saying that both manufacturing weapons and improving firearms required a large amount of mineral resources, and with copper mines scarce, the Ordnance Bureau was like a skilled cook without rice to cook.

"The private minting of copper coins is rampant, and there are even those who 'melt copper coins into copperware' despite repeated bans. Last year, in order to equip the Shenji Battalion with the latest generation of firearms, the Ordnance Bureau had to purchase and melt down several hundred bronze Buddha statues from the private sector to gather enough raw materials."

Zhao Bingsong, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, went even further and submitted a memorial stating: "This miners' riot must be related to the local mining tax officials lining their own pockets and withholding miners' wages. If troops are to be sent to quell the riot, the first thing to do is to thoroughly investigate these scoundrels and appease the local people."

Emperor Qingxi looked at the military reports and listened to the ministers arguing amongst themselves. The Ministry of War wanted money, the Ministry of Revenue cried poverty, the Ministry of Works said the copper mines were too important to stop production, and the Censorate wanted to send censors to accompany the army to investigate local mining tax corruption...

It's really a headache.

Despite the seemingly peaceful and prosperous atmosphere in the capital, and the grandeur of the imperial court, new situations are actually happening every day, every hour, and every moment in this country.

The north is suffering from drought, the south from flooding, and the Mother River is once again coming ashore to seek its own tribute.

In the east, powerful clans seized land and concealed their fields and households; in the west, ethnic minorities, unwilling to be governed, followed the chieftains into the mountains and rebelled again.

Emperor Qingxi was busy from the moment he opened his eyes every day. Even when he was sick or injured, he insisted on holding small court assemblies, fearing that the Xiao family's empire would be ruined in his hands.

It was at this moment that Prince Heng, along with his heir and Princess Rongcheng, stormed into the Wenhua Hall.

A squad of imperial guards followed behind him, long swords at their waists; their intentions were clearly hostile.

Chief Steward Huang was the first to react, yelling, "Lord Xiao, how dare you storm the palace with a knife? Are you trying to rebel?! Guards, protect the Emperor!"

However, all was quiet outside, with only a faint smell of blood wafting through the cracks in the tightly closed palace gates, indicating that the guards outside the palace could no longer enter.

Emperor Qingxi put down the memorial, glanced down at the glaring five-clawed golden dragon cloak on Prince Heng, and snorted coldly: "I let you out to see Consort Xian off on her final journey, why didn't you stay quietly in the back? What are you doing here?"

Prince Heng clenched his fists. "Father, are you asking a question you already know the answer to? I've come to seek justice for my mother!"

"Fairness?" Emperor Qingxi waved his hand. "Wait a moment, I have important matters to discuss with several officials."

Prince Heng was bewildered by his calm demeanor.

No, he led troops into the palace, wasn't Father Emperor panicked at all?

The adults were also a little confused.

Is it time to continue the political discussion? Your Majesty, your eldest son is plotting a rebellion!

Zhao Bingsong was the first to react. The old man glared angrily, pointing at Prince Heng, ready to unleash a torrent of abuse: "Disloyal and unfilial, a traitorous minister—"

Then the Minister of Revenue and the Vice Minister of Works covered his mouth and dragged him backward.

"Sir, please don't be impulsive, they have knives..."

Zhao Bingsong: "Mmm mmm!"

Let me go, I must protect the emperor!

The other officials, disregarding their infighting, braced themselves and stood between Emperor Qingxi and Prince Heng, attempting to build a human defense line.

Emperor Qingxi was very displeased upon seeing this, and he picked up the hard cover of the memorial and tapped it twice on the table.

"What's the panic? How should we deal with the rioting miners? Who should we send to quell the unrest? You should come up with a plan for me."

"Father!"

Prince Heng, unable to contain himself any longer, blurted out, "Father, please abdicate the throne to me immediately!"

"Oh, so you really intend to rebel." Emperor Qingxi said unhurriedly, "Your mother's body is barely cold, and you're already so eager to usurp your father's throne?"

Prince Heng was stung by the condescending and undisguised look in his eyes. His face turned red, and an unspeakable shame spread through his heart.

With red eyes, he roared at Emperor Qingxi, "You forced me to this! I am the eldest son of the emperor. It is only natural that the eldest son should be chosen when there is no legitimate heir! But you are picky about me and are never satisfied with anything. You even drove my mother to her death... She was your first woman!"

"You think I forced Consort Xian to her death?" Emperor Qingxi seemed to have heard an amusing joke, his eyes suddenly turning cold. "Why don't you ask your good daughter?"

Prince Heng was taken aback: "What?"

Emperor Qingxi waved his hand to the side behind him, "Bring the person up."

Soon, a thin, small palace maid came out, kowtowed tremblingly, and said clearly, "On the night Consort Xian hanged herself, her personal maid, Lüzhi, received a secret letter under a hole in the wall in the back garden. The contents were..."

The county magistrate of Rongcheng's expression changed instantly.

The young palace maid recited word for word the final letter she had secretly sent to Consort Lin.

In her letter, she used both soft and hard tactics, implying that Consort Lin should exchange her death for Prince Heng's life, and that she would seize the opportunity at Consort Lin's funeral to launch a palace coup and force Emperor Qingxi to abdicate.

Consort Lin knew that her power in the harem was waning. Prince Heng had just been deposed, and the Imperial Hospital dared to fawn over her and ignore her. Her future days would probably be no different from being banished to the Cold Palace. She might as well take a gamble.

Her greatest hope in this life was that Prince Heng could ascend to the throne. As a mother, she would give her life for her son, and that would be worth it.

But Prince Heng was completely unaware of this. As he listened to the contents of the letter, his heart grew colder and colder. He looked at his daughter, who had been urging him to start a rebellion, in disbelief. "Didn't you say that your grandmother was forced to her death by the Imperial Concubine's embezzlement of her allowance?"

Even though she was exposed to her face, Princess Rongcheng panicked for a moment, but quickly calmed down, digging her nails into her palms, and looked back at Prince Heng defiantly.

"Did I say something wrong? My grandmother is so sick that she can't get out of bed and no one cares about her. Even if Consort Gao has a small cut on her face, the head of the Imperial Hospital will personally prescribe medicine for her. How can you bear to let her suffer so much in the harem? It's better to have a short pain than a long one. This is all because of my grandmother's love for you!"

Princess Rongcheng stepped forward, coldly looking at Emperor Qingxi: "I urge my grandfather to follow the example of Emperor Gao and pass the throne to my father. You have toiled for Da Ye for half your life; it is time to enjoy your retirement. Otherwise..."

She glanced deliberately at the door, implying, "You wouldn't want to see the Imperial Concubine perish, would you?"

Although her men sent to the inner palace to find Consort Gao came up empty-handed, it was only a matter of time before they found her. It wouldn't hurt to use her to blackmail Emperor Qingxi first...

"Is the county princess looking for me?"

A beautiful figure slowly emerged from behind the screen. Consort Gao stood beside Emperor Qingxi, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Your Majesty, please don't get angry over your unfilial children and grandchildren, lest you harm your health."

The Princess of Rongcheng was shocked and exclaimed, "How did you get here?!"

She clearly chose the right moment to act. The passage between the imperial court and the inner palace had been blocked in advance. How did Consort Gao escape from the inner palace to the Wenhua Hall?

Consort Gao snorted, "Of course it's His Majesty's wisdom that has seen through your family's conspiracy long ago!"

Emperor Qingxi twirled the jade thumb ring on his thumb and looked coldly at his granddaughter who shared the same birthday as him.

"Rongcheng, you are ambitious and ruthless enough, but unfortunately you are still too young. Do you really think that palace coups are as easy as children playing house?"

Princess Rongcheng clenched her fists in frustration. Where exactly did things go wrong?

She had already taken ninety-nine steps; she absolutely could not collapse here!

She turned around and shouted at the imperial guards, "His Majesty has been bewitched by the evil concubine! What are you all standing there for? Go and kill them all!"

No one inside the palace today will escape!

The leading Imperial Guard general was a staunch supporter of Prince Heng. Previously, because Prince Heng was imprisoned and Princess Rongcheng possessed the secret box, he could only obey her orders. Now that Prince Heng was right before him, the Imperial Guard general subconsciously looked at him.

Prince Heng's face turned pale and then red, clearly still reeling from the devastating news that "my daughter forced my own mother to her death."

"Father!" Princess Rongcheng stamped her feet anxiously, "At a time like this, what are you still hesitating about?"

After a moment of silence, Prince Heng turned his face away as if reluctant to do so, and whispered to his general, "Make your move."

A group of people drew their swords and charged up the golden steps.

Bang!

A bloody hole appeared between the general's eyebrows, and he collapsed to the ground with his eyes wide open.

Prince Heng looked up in astonishment.

Lu Sheng emerged from behind the screen, holding a musket in his hand, the barrel emitting a puff of gray smoke.

His sharp gaze swept over the remaining Imperial Guards, and he said coldly, "Put down your weapons. Anyone who takes another step forward will be killed without exception."

The power of the muskets was self-evident. With a series of clanging sounds, the remaining men dropped their swords, raised their hands, and obediently dared not make any more moves.

A squad of Imperial Guards, like ghosts, scaled the side hall and swiftly bound and took the people away.

Lu Sheng slightly turned the barrel of his gun, aiming it at Prince Heng's chest, and quietly awaited Emperor Qingxi's next instruction.

With a thud, the Crown Prince of Heng knelt down swiftly.

"Grandfather, save me! I was forced here by them; I knew nothing about it beforehand!"

The Crown Prince of Heng wept bitterly, tears streaming down his face, half from regret and half from fear.

"I was keeping vigil for my grandmother when my father and Rongcheng dragged me here... This whole thing about a coup and arrests has nothing to do with me!"

He felt truly wronged. He had been dragged into this situation without any real understanding of what was going on. Who would have thought that Emperor Qingxi was not only prepared in advance, but also had a powerful weapon like a musket hidden by his side!

The Princess of Rongcheng was so angry that she kicked him hard. "Useless! What's the point of groveling and begging at a time like this?"

The Crown Prince of Heng glared at her defiantly: "I think you're the crazy one! Our Imperial Grandfather hasn't removed us from the imperial clan. Why would you give up being a proper county princess and do something that could cost you your life?"

Princess Rongcheng then looked at Prince Heng, whose face had turned pale as Lu Sheng pointed his gun at him. He was trembling and dared not move, fearing that the other party might accidentally fire the gun.

"The victor is king, the loser is villain; whether you fight or kill, I accept it."

Princess Rongcheng raised her chin, asking unwillingly, "Grandfather, I just want to know where I went wrong? If you were in my father's position, what would you have done?"

Emperor Qingxi was too lazy to give Prince Heng and his son any more attention. They were good-for-nothings, and all the family's anger was focused on Rongcheng.

He tapped the cup lid twice with great interest, as if he were a real grandfather instructing his granddaughter.

"You're too arrogant. Haven't you noticed that someone seems to be missing from your side?"

Princess Rongcheng closed her eyes, uttering the name that made her nauseous through gritted teeth.

"...Jiang Ping!"

That damned bastard, he must have been the one to snitch!

Since their marriage, Princess Rongcheng has never paid any attention to him, or rather, all the masters of the Hengwang Mansion have treated him, a mere figurehead, as if he were invisible.

Jiang Ping wandered around the Prince Heng's mansion like a lost soul. Even though the Prince Heng had repeatedly promised him before his accident that he would make it up to him in the future, Jiang Ping still kept his hatred deep in his heart.

The Princess of Rongcheng was arrogant and eccentric, and she would often beat and scold her servants.

After she slapped her personal maid over a trivial matter, it was Jiang Ping who secretly brought the maid medicine and comforted her gently, making the two feel a sense of sympathy for each other.

While Princess Rongcheng was completely unaware, Jiang Ping had already secretly kept track of her every move. After news of Consort Xian's death spread in the palace, he immediately informed Emperor Qingxi through Lu Sheng that Prince Heng was suspected of forcing the emperor to abdicate.

Later, Princess Rongcheng arranged for the Prince Heng's faction in the court to submit a memorial requesting that a posthumous title be given to Consort Xian, that the funeral be grand, and that all noblewomen from outside the palace be allowed to enter the palace to mourn Consort Xian.

Emperor Qingxi complied with all of them, as if he had suddenly had a change of heart and wanted to make amends to Consort Lin.

—Although he did have this idea, he also wanted to give Prince Heng one last chance to see if he really dared to be so rebellious and force the emperor to seize the throne.

"Your mother entered the palace with the Empress, who was also the Crown Princess at the time. She was young, beautiful, and sensible back then. Although she didn't say anything nice, whenever I was unhappy outside and went to her palace for a visit, she would always stand quietly to the side, fanning me or cooking a bowl of red bean sweet soup for me."

Emperor Qingxi calmly recalled his past with Consort Lin, saying, "If I had known that the title of the eldest son of the emperor would make you all have such unrealistic desires and schemes, I would have preferred never to have had a son like you."

"Xiao Rong, raise your head and look at me! Even if you succeed in usurping the throne today, it will be at the cost of your mother's life. Was it worth it?!"

Emperor Qingxi grabbed the military report from the side and slammed it down on the emperor's head.

"Do you think being emperor is so easy? If you resolve the Yunnan miners' riot right now, I'll hand the throne to you, okay?"

He originally thought that although Prince Heng was of mediocre talent, at least he was honest and dutiful, unlike Prince Yu who was glib and more likely to cause trouble.

Emperor Qingxi wanted to take another look and weigh things further. He also thought that while he was still in relatively good health, he should try to smooth out the affairs of state as much as possible so that no matter who the throne passed to in the future, he would at least be a ruler who maintained the status quo.

Unfortunately, as the old saying goes, it's not the smart people who make mistakes that's scary, but the fools who suddenly have a brilliant idea.

Even if one succeeds in seizing the throne through such despicable means, would the officials in the court be convinced?

Rongcheng and her husband are estranged, and she can't even control the people around her. Such a critical matter was leaked so easily. How can we expect her to accomplish anything significant?

Emperor Qingxi suddenly felt disheartened, waved his hand, and said to Lu Sheng, "Alright, take them all away."

"yes."

Lu Sheng gently placed the pistol beside Emperor Qingxi. Although he had proven his absolute loyalty countless times, he was still careful enough not to leave any handle for anyone to use against him.

Lu Sheng had only taken a few steps downstairs when, with a loud bang, the palace door was violently broken open, and Wei Shao rushed in first.

"Your Majesty, I am too late to save you..."

He realized the one-sided situation before he could finish his sentence and silently retracted the second half.

—It was just a polite remark, but now it seems like we're really late?

Behind him were Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi, Jiang Yunlin and Qi Xiuyuan, who had finally met up after an 800-meter sprint.

We're all here to pick up bargains, but this plot seems a bit off.

On the other side, Zhao Bingsong finally broke free from the Minister of Revenue's iron grip and blurted out, "Yue'er, what are you doing here?"

"Grandpa?"

Shen Lingyue finally found a reason to start the conversation. She quickly stepped forward to help the old man, and then explained to Emperor Qingxi, who was sitting steadily above her, "Your Majesty, we were trapped in Consort Xian's palace. Fortunately, the Crown Prince's wife is very righteous and puts the greater good before family, so she specially let my sister-in-law and me escape to get help!"

In any case, the Crown Princess gave her and Yan Yan the opportunity to come and watch the drama unfold... no, to come and save the Emperor. She had to repay the favor by extricating her from the den of traitors in the Prince Heng's mansion.

Upon hearing these words, the Princess of Rongcheng felt her vision go black again.

My own family members are constantly dragging me down, I can't live like this anymore!

Emperor Qingxi chuckled and took Consort Gao's hand, saying, "Finally, there's someone with a clear head."

"Father!"

Princess Tong'an rushed into the palace. She and Wei Shao had split up and rushed into the imperial city. She led the female guards of the princess's residence straight to the inner palace, intending to protect the concubines and other young princes and princesses. However, she found that Emperor Qingxi had already arranged for the Embroidered Uniform Guard to lie in ambush and guard the palace. The rebels had all been captured.

She then realized that Emperor Qingxi had been prepared for the palace coup at Prince Heng's palace, so she quickly turned back to reunite with Wei Shao.

—On the way, he also rescued Shen Lingyue and Yan Yi, who were being chased and fleeing in a sorry state by a group of remnants of the army.

At this moment, Shen Lingyue was supporting her grandfather, still feeling lingering fear.

Who understands? Not only did I not get the credit for saving the emperor, but I almost became the only female member injured in this palace coup... I should have just not come QAQ

It's truly a case of getting up early but arriving late.

Princess Tong'an, her hair slightly disheveled, clearly had also fought her way in. She anxiously looked Emperor Qingxi up and down, asking, "You've been frightened. Should we summon the imperial physician to take a look?"

He turned to Prince Heng and began to curse, "Brother, you've gone mad! How can you do this to Consort Xian in heaven?"

Emperor Qingxi happily enjoyed his daughter's care and then waved to Wei Shao.

"Even the prince consort has been alerted. Are you alright?"

Wei Shao disarmed himself and stepped forward, saying, "As soon as I heard that something had happened in the palace, I rushed to the princess's aid..."

Before he could finish speaking, he suddenly coughed violently. He quickly raised his hand to cover his mouth, but a few drops of blood seeped out from between his fingers, and his body swayed slightly.

Princess Tong'an immediately stepped forward and hugged him. "A-Shao, what's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

Wei Shao was pale and leaned weakly on her shoulder.

Princess Tong'an's eyes instantly reddened, and she said in a mournful voice, "Father..."

"Stop talking, quickly go and summon the imperial physician." Emperor Qingxi dared not delay and immediately gave the order.

Tong'an and her husband had been married for many years and had a very deep relationship. If something were to happen to her because of this palace coup, especially since it happened when he was in complete control but had to wait for Prince Heng to walk into the trap, she would definitely hate herself.

Thinking of this, Emperor Qingxi became even angrier at Prince Heng.

We can't sacrifice a good son-in-law for a good-for-nothing idiot son, can we?

"Go, go, go! Take him away quickly!" He frowned and turned his face away, unwilling to look at Prince Heng again.

Princess Rongcheng was being held captive by the Imperial Guards, but she was still struggling. "Grandfather, I want to see Jiang Ping! I want to hear him explain himself!"

After receiving a signal from Emperor Qingxi, Chief Steward Huang went to the side hall and brought Jiang Ping out.

Jiang Ping had been hiding in the Wenhua Hall. He knew that this was the safest place in the entire palace today. Now, seeing the entire Hengwang family, who had slighted him, become prisoners, especially the Rongcheng County Princess who had made him unable to be a man, he finally felt a sense of satisfaction in wiping away his shame.

...Unfortunately, even if he were torn to pieces by this vicious woman, he could never get back what he had lost.

Jiang Ping walked up to the Princess of Rongcheng with the air of a victor, his eyes filled with undisguised hatred and smug satisfaction.

"How about that? I never thought you'd end up like this—"

Princess Rongcheng didn't give him a chance to speak at all. She drew the sword from the waist of the Imperial Guard beside her and stabbed it into Jiang Ping's body.

Jiang Ping stared wide-eyed in disbelief, looking down at the blood gushing out and staining his robes red.

The county magistrate of Rongcheng stabbed the knife in several more inches, her eyes cold and disgusted.

"Trying to climb to the top by stepping on my whole family? In your next life!"

She curled her lips into a smile and burst into unrestrained laughter as Jiang Ping's gaze gradually dimmed.

Inside the palace, chaos and turmoil reigned once again.

Jiang Yunlin and Qi Xiuyuan were standing close together and almost got splashed with blood.

The two men stared in disbelief as the arrogant and laughing Princess Rongcheng was bound hand and foot and taken away.

As she passed by Qi Xiuyuan, the Princess of Rongcheng suddenly glared at him intently.

"If you had just obeyed me back then, none of this would have happened. In the end, Jiang Ping was killed because of you."

Qi Xiuyuan was so shocked that he was speechless. How could this be blamed on him?

Jiang Yunlin couldn't stand it and stood up for her friend: "It's clearly your own insatiable greed that led you to be like a moth drawn to a flame, courting your own death!"

She angrily pulled Qi Xiuyuan aside, muttering, "Don't listen to her nonsense. It was Jiang Ping who insisted on taking your wine. He only has himself to blame."

Qi Xiuyuan remained silent, listening to Jiang Yunlin's endless words of comfort, a warm feeling flowing through his heart.

"Yes, I won't listen to her."

On the other side, Shen Lingyue was still being lectured by her grandfather, who said things like "a wise man doesn't stand under a dangerous wall" and "don't take on a job you're not qualified for," and "knowing the danger yet still foolishly rushing forward..."

Shen Lingyue obediently accepted the scolding, but as she listened, she realized something was amiss.

Is the old man using a veiled insult to criticize someone else?

On the surface, they're criticizing her, but aren't they actually criticizing the old emperor?

Emperor Qingxi also understood, and coughed lightly to rescue Shen Lingyue. "Your Excellency, please calm down. You should be proud to have such a wise and brave granddaughter who is not afraid of danger."

The old man's eyelids drooped, and he said in a sarcastic tone, "Your Majesty flatters me. She is just a young calf who is not afraid of tigers. She can at least cover it up with the word 'young.' Unlike some people who are old but still think they are young men in their twenties."

Shen Lingyue: ...Grandpa, you seem to be a little too brave.

This is clearly a misunderstanding!

Emperor Qingxi stroked his beard uncomfortably. "How about we continue talking about the copper mine?"

Shen Lingyue hadn't forgotten her role in saving the emperor. With a quick glance, she volunteered, "Your Majesty, please wait a moment while I help you pack your things."

When Prince Heng led his men in, they made a mess of the hall, scattering all sorts of memorials and documents all over the floor.

Yan Yi picked up a loose memorial from the ground and saw that the title was "A Memorial Requesting Restraint in Copper Mining to Secure the Foundation of the Nation." He subconsciously glanced at it a few more times.

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Author's Note: A doomed palace coup [Let me see] Prince Heng has truly been defeated by his son-in-law twice in his life, hahaha.

And I didn't expect to see firearms here, did I? [doge] Actually, I'm also wondering why no one chose to just shoot and assassinate. Maybe assassination requires a certain level of skill. ╮(╯▽╰)╭