Wu Daoyi, who was leaving in a hurry, did not see the satisfaction and smugness that appeared in Wu Fengxue's eyes after hearing his reply.

How could she really let go of a woman who had monopolized her son for twenty years!

At the same time, a large number of officials arrived at the palace at breakneck speed.

The guards, who had been knocked unconscious by Xu Jinhuan's flick of his sleeve, were getting up from the ground with bewildered expressions.

What just happened?

How did I end up on the ground?

"I remember someone trying to break into the palace!"

Before the guards could report in a panic, they discovered that many civil and military officials' carriages had already arrived at the palace gate.

Startled, they immediately stood up straight, opened the door, and let the high-ranking officials in.

"Xiao Liu, let's stand here for now. Go and report what just happened to the commander!" a guard whispered.

The guard, called Xiao Liu, nodded and jogged away.

About half an hour later, seeing that most of the ministers had gone inside,

One of the guards whispered, "What's going on today? This isn't the time for court!"

"I don't know. Could it be that His Majesty was unhappy with the morning court session and summoned them back?" another guard replied with a wild imagination.

To everyone's surprise, his unreliable guess was met with unanimous agreement from those around him.

"You know what, His Majesty is really capable of doing this."

"Yes, the censor from last time is a case in point."

Just then, the guard named Xiao Liu rushed over in a panic.

"Oh no, something terrible has happened!"

The guards looked bewildered and asked in unison, "What's wrong? Who has displeased His Majesty again?"

Xiao Liu stopped to catch his breath and, after a moment, said, "No, it's His Majesty, he has passed away!"

As soon as these words were spoken, silence fell over the surroundings. The guards exchanged glances, a figure flashed into their minds, and then an idea popped into their heads.

No way? Could it really have been that girl who did it?

Does that mean they are also accomplices?

Will I be executed along with my entire family?!

A guard asked Xiao Liu tremblingly, "Brother Liu, you didn't report that we suddenly fainted, did you?"

Xiao Liu shook his head. "No, I was originally going to look for the commander, but when I asked the other guards, they said he was killed by a girl. I swallowed the words that were on the tip of my tongue."

Later, I happened to run into a familiar eunuch, who told me about His Majesty's passing, so I rushed back to tell you all.

The guards breathed a sigh of relief.

An older guard suggested, "In that case, let's keep this to ourselves and say we didn't see any strangers coming in or out whenever anyone asks. That way, even if we are convicted, our entire family won't be implicated."

The guards all nodded, a strange hope rising in their hearts for the suddenly appearing girl. They hoped she could truly overthrow the dynasty, so that perhaps they too could escape death.

Before they could rest for a while, they saw squads of armored soldiers approaching the palace.

"Who's ahead? Without His Majesty's permission, you are not allowed to bring troops into the city," the guard shouted.

Upon hearing this, Wu Daoyi, clad in armor, sneered, "Your Majesty? That old bastard is dead, how can he possibly control me! All soldiers, listen to my command, break through the encirclement!"

"kill!"

In an instant, shouts of battle filled the air as Wu Daoyi's army quickly stormed into the palace.

At this moment, because the old emperor had not left an imperial edict of succession, the civil and military officials who were debating who was more suitable to succeed to the throne were interrupted by Wu Daoyi's army.

"I have known you all for many years. If you submit, I can guarantee your lives. If you refuse, then bring me your heads!"

As Wu Daoyi spoke, he raised his knife and pointed it at the person who had spoken up for Lei Tingjun earlier.

Seeing the blood splattered all over the ground, most of the court officials chose to surrender.

It's not that these officials lack integrity, but rather that those with integrity were executed by the old emperor long ago.

"Is there anything else? If not, I'll have to take action." Wu Daoyi continued to threaten the ministers who favored the Fifth and Sixth Princes.

Just then, a voice rang out from outside the door.

"All soldiers, heed my command! Join me in annihilating the traitorous minister Wu Daoyi, to appease the spirit of our late father!"

The speaker was none other than the Sixth Prince, a smug smile playing on his lips, with a well-equipped army behind him.

Wu Daoyi looked at the Sixth Prince with icy eyes, "I underestimated you."

After saying this, he raised his arm and shouted, "Whoever beheads the Sixth Prince, regardless of his previous status, will be rewarded handsomely and appointed a marquis or prime minister!"

These words excited everyone in the army.

"kill!"

"Kill them!"

The two armies quickly clashed, the sounds of weapons clashing filling the air. The ministers, who had just thought they were safe, cautiously hid in corners, afraid of being caught in the crossfire.

"You..." The sixth prince looked at the sword piercing his chest, then turned to look in shock at the person behind him, his most trusted guard.

The guard drew his sword sharply, walked towards Wu Daoyi, knelt beside him, and respectfully replied, "Master, I have not failed you!"

Wu Daoyi laughed heartily and said, "Good, good, very well done. Sixth Prince, you are still too green."

The sixth prince was betrayed by his subordinate, and fell into a pool of blood with his eyes open, no longer breathing.

Xu Jinhuan, who had been silently watching the battle, complained to Zhou Ziheng, "Wu Daoyi is really ruthless. Not only did he cuckold the emperor, but even the Sixth Prince's confidants are his people."

Zhou Ziheng: ...

He silently swallowed the fact that he was actually the true master of that confidant, and changed the subject.

"Jin Huan, we've observed these people's temperaments and personalities quite well. Shall we take action now?"

Xu Jinhuan shook his head. "Wait a little longer, there's still one person missing."

While the two were talking, the remaining men of the Sixth Prince had already surrendered. After all, their master was dead, and there was no need for them to continue fighting.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Congratulations, Your Majesty!" A minister knelt at Wu Daoyi's feet with a smile and kowtowed respectfully.

Many ministers, realizing what was happening, quickly knelt on the ground and shouted loudly, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Amidst the congratulations of the crowd, Wu Daoyi slowly walked towards the dragon throne that he had dreamed of for many years, a throne that had finally come true.

Just as he was about to touch the dragon throne, a voice entered the room.

"Traitors and rebels deserve to be killed by everyone! Kill them!"

The person who arrived was none other than Lei Tingjun, disguised as An Yi. After receiving Xu Jinhuan's message, he gathered his men and rushed over without stopping after confirming that it was indeed him.

After all, this was a major event to help his master ascend the throne, and he couldn't afford to make a mistake.

When Wu Daoyi saw that it was "Lei Tingjun" who brought people in, a murderous glint flashed in his eyes. He said in a sinister tone, "You've come at the right time. Today, I will make you pay with your life for my Rui'er!"

He shouted to the soldiers, "Anyone who wounds Lei Tingjun will be rewarded with one hundred taels of silver. Anyone who kills Lei Tingjun will be appointed as the Grand General Protector of the Nation!"