Chapter 161 [VIP]

"It's no use for Miss Gu to put on airs here. We all know the Gu family's background."

"Where did the king of the Great Qi come from, a king of a different surname?"

"Could it be that Miss Gu has developed hysteria?"

Yang Quan smiled, and the others burst into laughter, deliberately laughing so hard they were doubled over.

How boring. Gu Zhizhuo crossed his arms and looked at them like they were idiots.

Perhaps it was because her demeanor was too serene, but as he laughed, Yang Quan himself couldn't laugh anymore. He felt like a monkey in a circus troupe, and even the only customer wasn't satisfied with his performance.

Gu Zhizhuo sneered, "You don't even know that the Duke of Zhenguo has been promoted to the Prince of Zhenbei. No wonder you're only a deputy commander at your age." She emphasized the word "deputy".

Gu Zhizhuo's words pierced his heart: "Now you want to use me as a soft target to curry favor with your master in exchange for a promotion?"

Yang Quan's face turned pale and then flushed.

He's already forty-four. As a military officer, if he doesn't get promoted to a proper position soon, he'll be at the age where he has to retire.

Gu Zhizhuo looked him up and down, then chuckled mockingly, "Everyone else is standing still, but you're the one rushing to the front. Do you know why?"

"Why?" Yang Quan asked instinctively.

“Because…” Gu Zhizhuo kindly told him, “You’re stupid.”

Qingmei chuckled, amused: "So stupid, no wonder you've always been the deputy!"

Gu Zhizhuo casually stroked the embroidery on his sleeve: "Isn't this just eager to make a name for oneself? It's a pity that most of those who step forward first are stupid and clumsy, and they don't end up well."

Others would at least need to understand the reasons behind the Eastern Depot's attack. Whether it's impeachment or forcing the Eastern Depot to release someone, there has to be a legitimate reason. But he's so eager to jump out first, thinking that this will force Shen Xu to comply? It would be more effective to catch a cat and use it to coerce Shen Xu.

What's most outrageous is that instead of causing trouble at the Directorate of Ceremonial and Shen Xu's house, they came to her Tianxi Tower. Do they think she's easy to bully?

I can't take it anymore, I'm so angry!

She was angry, and Yang Quan was even angrier; his anger at having his thoughts exposed overwhelmed his reason.

His forehead was flushed with anger, and he demanded, "Is Miss Gu determined to harbor a criminal?"

"A criminal? Who is it?"

"Shen Xu".

"Where's the imperial edict? Where's the official document? You're accusing me of harboring criminals without any of these? Who are you trying to fool? Have you gone mad?"

She returned Yang Quan's boastful words to him in the same tone.

Gu Zhizhuo flicked his sleeve and said coldly, "I don't have time to argue with you. If you're so capable..."

She took a step forward and descended the steps. Although she was just a young girl who had not yet reached marriageable age, her aura was more imposing than all of them combined.

"Go and block the Directorate of Ceremonial."

For every step she took, Yang Quan took a step back, his neck unknowingly covered in beads of sweat.

Everyone says Miss Gu is formidable, in no way inferior to the young master, but it's truly... unbelievable. A young girl this fierce, isn't she afraid no one will want her?!

"Kill the chicken to warn the monkey; if you don't choose the right chicken, you might get pecked blind."

"Meow."

The cat bared its fangs, threatening him.

If he were to be intimidated by a little girl, he would never be able to hold his head high in the Imperial Guard again.

Yang Quan abruptly stopped his retreat and suddenly ordered, "Charge in! Anyone who dares to stop us, kill them without mercy!"

This "kill without mercy" order is clearly aimed at Gu Zhizhuo.

But then, a fierce shout rang out from behind: "Kill without mercy? Who does the Imperial Guard intend to kill without mercy from?!"

Yang Quan's heart tightened, and he looked in the direction of the sound.

The Imperial Guards in flying fish robes rode out from the alleys on both sides of the street, quickly surrounding the Imperial Guards from the outside. They were menacing and the one who spoke was a sub-prefect.

Sheng Jiang also came out of Tianxi Tower, walked to Gu Zhizhuo's side, thought for a moment, and then silently took half a step back, standing to her right.

"The Grand Supervisor doesn't know yet," Sheng Jiang said quietly.

He felt he hadn't lived enough, so he didn't have the guts to knock on the door and disturb the supervisor.

After receiving the shopkeeper's instructions, Sheng Jiang used a specially made hidden sentry to summon the Imperial Guards patrolling nearby.

"A bunch of rabble." Sheng Jiang sneered disdainfully. "Let the Embroidered Uniform Guard teach you what it means to kill without mercy."

The Imperial Guards, carrying longbows and with embroidered spring knives at their waists, moved in unison at Sheng Jiang's command, taking down their bows, nocking arrows, and aiming the arrowheads, each gleaming with a chilling light, at the Imperial Guards.

As deputy commanders of the Twelve Guards, Yang Quan and Sheng Jiang held the same authority. How could Yang Quan tolerate such provocation?

He gritted his teeth secretly, feeling somewhat regretful for his impulsive actions that day. He no longer hoped to capture Shen Xu by surprise, but he had to show the Prince of Jin that he was the first to stand up for him.

No refunds!

At his command, the Imperial Guards standing beside him all drew their swords.

Tensions were high.

Neither side would back down, and they seemed ready to fight to the death at the slightest disagreement.

"superior!"

Yang Quan pointed the knife at Gu Zhizhuo.

Bang!

A deafening roar, like a thunderclap, exploded at that moment, making people's ears ring.

Yang Quan, who was the first to be affected, almost went deaf for a moment.

After a long pause, he stared blankly down at a small hole in the ground, white smoke still rising from it. It was only a step away from him, as if a single misstep would have left an identical hole in his foot.

Yang Quan was terrified.

He quickly looked at Gu Zhizhuo. Wait, what was she holding? A musket?! When did muskets become so small?

Gu Zhizhu fired a shot into the air, and another explosion startled everyone, causing them to retreat in shock.

She loaded the gunpowder, and this time, the gun was pointed at Yang Quan.

This musket was given to Can Can by her cousin Xing. Since Can Can wasn't around, she used it first.

It must be said that the lightweight musket is indeed very useful. It can be directly strapped to the waist to replace the waist knife, so that she only needs to carry a dagger when she goes out.

It's all Xing's fault for not bringing her one too.

The wind blew, and her skirt fluttered in the breeze.

Gu Zhizhuo was smiling, a gentle and elegant smile.

That's right, what he said really made my heart ache.

"roll."

Yang Quan: "..."

It really was a musket.

Yang Quan gritted his teeth; at this moment, he couldn't afford to show any weakness.

Yang Quan leaped forward, his blade aimed directly at Gu Zhizhuo.

The Imperial Guards were the first to charge towards the Embroidered Uniform Guards.

The Imperial Guards had also drawn their bows to the brink of battle, ready to fire at any moment...

Bang!

Gu Zhizhu fired the gun, and the exploding gunpowder propelled the bullet, hitting Yang Quan in the shoulder. The force of the impact sent him flying several steps before he crashed to the ground.

Yang Quan's shoulder was quickly stained red with blood. He was in so much pain that he was sweating profusely, and only one thought was in his mind: Did she really dare to do that?!

Of course!

The Twelve Imperial Guards each have five thousand men. Even though there are only two or three hundred left now, once a fight breaks out and blood is drawn, it will most likely turn into a bloody battle between the two guards. Once they are in a frenzy of fighting, the capital will be in chaos.

This shot stunned everyone present, causing them to halt their near-combat.

White smoke was still rising from the muzzle of Gu Zhizhuo's musket.

Yang Quan clutched his shoulder in pain, groaning intermittently.

"Everyone stand still. What's all the noise about?"

"Tell the Imperial Guards to put down their bows." This was said to Sheng Jiang.

Sheng Jiang: "..." He waved his hand, and all the bows and arrows were put down.

"Imperial Guards, disarm yourselves."

Since the man surnamed Yang couldn't understand human language, Gu Zhizhuo was too lazy to waste words with him and simply raised his musket.

The Imperial Guardsman's heart tightened; she really knew how to shoot!

How can a flesh-and-blood body fight against a musket?

They hesitantly took off their swords.

"Everyone, disperse. What are you doing gathered here?"

As soon as he finished speaking, Gu Zhizhuo's ears twitched. The sound of galloping horses could be heard not far away, indicating at least a dozen people.

She thought to herself, "Not again?"

Sheng Jiang shook his head, indicating that he hadn't summoned them. He was about to order someone to raise their bows and arrows as a warning when Gu Zhizhu glared at him.

He finally managed to quell the riot, and he still comes?

"No one is allowed to move."

Gu Zhizhu snorted and said, "Otherwise, I'll go and complain to Sister Yin."

Sheng Jiang: "..."

"Hey, Miss Gu, can you please stop thinking about tattling all the time?"

"What's wrong with saving time and effort?"

Before they could exchange more than a few words, the sound of galloping horses grew closer and closer. Upon closer inspection, they saw that it was the Imperial Guard, which consisted of more than a dozen riders. Accompanying them were Prince Li and Xie Yingchen.

Prince Li, his face pale with anxiety, spurred his horse and shouted, "Stop! Stop!"

He spoke sternly and sternly, and Gu Zhizhuo was worried for him.

Prince Li ran all the way here. His old bones were jostled so much on horseback that he almost couldn't catch his breath. He was afraid that if he arrived late, he would see a river of blood.

If the Twelve Guards were to fight each other, the capital would be thrown into chaos.

When they arrived, they were surprised to find that no fight had broken out.

On one side were the Embroidered Uniform Guards, and on the other side were the Imperial Guards. They kept to themselves and were all fine. There was no bloodshed, and no one died.

Prince Li deliberately ignored the person rolling on the ground. Everyone else was unharmed, only he was injured, so it must be his fault!

Upon closer inspection, standing among these people, the one who appeared relaxed and at ease was none other than Gu Zhizhuo.

She greeted them cheerfully: "Your Highness! Young Master."

"You, you, you... what are you doing here!?"

Prince Li was furious the moment he saw her.

He was originally at the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion—no, now he should be said at the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion. He wanted to talk to the third master of the Gu family and ask them to keep a low profile, since they were the first non-royal prince of the Great Qi Dynasty.

As a result, the third master of the Gu family looked completely bewildered, seemingly finding the matter even more unbelievable than he had.

"You."

Prince Li really didn't know what to say to her. She had such a big idea.

However, that's not important.

He dismounted, his face stern, and demanded, "What's going on here? You dare to fight amongst yourselves in the capital? You're really something!"

Prince Li looked around and realized that he could only question Yang Quan.

"you say!"

Yang Quan was in so much pain that tears streamed down his face: "Your Highness."

He had no legitimate reason to attack, just as Gu Zhizhuo had said. He originally intended to be the first to target Shen Xu, so that Prince Jin would surely see his loyalty. If the prince was willing to give him a helping hand, he could also get rid of his position as deputy.

He gritted his teeth and said righteously, "Your Highness, Shen Xu has placed Prince Jin under house arrest without cause. I was very indignant when I heard this, and I have come to demand an explanation."

"Ha." Sheng Jiang scoffed.

He's not even worthy to see his master, yet he demands an explanation.

"It was my momentary urgency that led me to send troops out without orders," Yang Quan admitted. Sending troops without permission was a grave taboo, so he had no choice but to accept the situation.

He clutched his shoulder, the gushing blood staining his hands red.

The bones in his shoulder are broken; nine times out of ten, this arm will be useless.

He will likely have to retire.

Yang Quan was unwilling to give up and maliciously tried to drag Gu Zhizhuo into the mess as well: "Your Highness, Miss Gu has ulterior motives. She deliberately referred to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion as the Prince of Zhenbei's mansion. The Gu family is secretly hiding muskets and has rebellious intentions!"

"We beg Your Highness to investigate this thoroughly!"

Prince Li glanced at the musket in Gu Zhizhuo's hand, then at Xie Yingchen who had come with him, and gave Xie Yichen a look that seemed to say, "Do you know how fierce your wife is?"

Xie Yingchen smiled slightly: "That's good."

Prince Li: "..."

One was willing to give, and the other was willing to receive. He couldn't be bothered to care anymore.

“Yang Quan,” Prince Li cleared his throat and said solemnly, “The Emperor has decreed that the Duke of Zhenguo be promoted to Prince of Zhenbei, enjoying the title of Prince.”

Prince Li's words were neither too loud nor too soft, but enough for everyone around to hear clearly, and their faces showed surprise.

The Prince of Zhenbei!?

What's the difference between a prince with military power stationed at the border and a vassal king?

Yang Quan's eyes widened, and he blurted out, "Impossible!"

"Does the Emperor's decree need to be discussed with you?"

Prince Li's face hardened, and he ordered, "The Imperial Guards have mobilized troops without authorization. Are they plotting a rebellion? Withdraw immediately! Everyone, lay down your armor and await punishment."

Yang Quan's shoulder was in excruciating pain, and he protested, "What about the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

"The Embroidered Uniform Guard..."

Prince Li hesitated. It would be inappropriate to punish only the Imperial Guards and not the Embroidered Uniform Guards, but if the Embroidered Uniform Guards were punished, Shen Xu would definitely turn against him, and the situation with Prince Jin would become even more complicated.

He could control the Imperial Guards, but he could never control Shen Xu.

We can't just stand by and watch them fight amongst themselves.

“The Embroidered Uniform Guard has the duty of patrolling and arresting, and the Imperial Guard has no order to use troops in the capital without authorization. The Embroidered Uniform Guard has the right to arrest.” Xie Yingchen calmly explained the law, “No fault.”

"If any member of the Imperial Guards is dissatisfied, let Commander Qian speak to me."

His words showed no intention to protect anyone, and there was not a single fault to be found in them.

"What are you standing there for?" Gu Zhizhu glared at Sheng Jiang. "Have the Imperial Guards withdraw first."

He's completely inflexible, just like his master.

Sheng Jiang clearly saw disdain in her eyes.

As for himself, the dignified deputy commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard... well, Sheng Jiang thought, "It's good that things are going well." He made a gesture, and the well-trained Embroidered Uniform Guards retreated like a tide into the alleys on both sides of the street.

The Imperial Guards took Yang Quan away, and the Feathered Forest Guards also withdrew to await punishment.

The streets, which had been congested to the point of being tense, quickly returned to a quiet and deserted state.

It was as if the bloody battle that was about to break out had never happened.

Gu Zhizhu ran over with light steps and smiled, "Young Master, what brings you here?"

After saying that, he didn't forget to add to Prince Li's words: "Your Highness, please be careful next time. You've already had a stroke. If you have another one, even a god can't save you. Also..." The point is here: "If you want to ride a horse and die, fine, but don't let the young master ride with you."

Prince Li: "..."

I'm so annoyed.

Xie Yingchen pulled her along and explained simply: "The court has risen up against him, impeaching Chief Supervisor Shen for abusing his power, deceiving the emperor, disregarding the law, framing loyal officials, arbitrarily torturing Master Changfeng of the Zhengyi School, ignoring the courtesy shown to the Taoist sect by the Taizu Emperor and the late emperor, and engaging in acts of exterminating Taoism. They demand that he be removed from his position as Chief Supervisor of the Eastern Depot and that the three judicial departments conduct a joint trial."

Gu Zhizhuo: "..."

"Girl," Prince Li asked, "Is Chief Eunuch Shen really inside?"

Gu Zhizhuo answered readily: "Yes."

Prince Li was stunned: "You got involved too?"

Gu Zhizhuo laughed: "I've gotten involved."

She was still the mastermind. However, she didn't dare say this aloud, fearing that the prince wouldn't be able to handle it.

Prince Li was almost speechless. She wanted a princely title, and he had done it for her. But then she turned around and got involved in the affairs of the Eastern Depot.

"You little brat!"

Prince Li tapped her forehead hard, too angry to speak. No wonder Sheng Jiang, who usually looked down on everyone, was so respectful to this girl just now.

"How did you get involved with the Eastern Depot?"

What do you mean by "mixing things up"? That's a really unpleasant way to put it! Gu Zhizhuo covered his forehead with both hands and asked, "Has Your Highness gone to see Changfeng?"

"not yet."

"Changfeng is currently at the Meridian Gate. Why doesn't Your Highness go and take a look first?"

Prince Li: ?

“Changfeng is a heretic, you can tell at a glance.” After saying that, Gu Zhizhuo added, “Your Highness, you haven’t forgotten about the Emperor, have you?”

"The Emperor's affairs, what about the Emperor..." Prince Li paused, then exclaimed in surprise, "You mean, it's that Changfeng causing trouble?!"

Gu Zhizhuo grabbed Xie Yingchen's sleeve: "Not only that, do you remember why the late emperor suddenly wanted to depose the crown prince?"

With destiny restored to its rightful place, some things should be set right.

A note from the author: