Chapter 101: Palace Changes Xie Jing seemed to spit out more than just blood, but also blood...

Xie Jing asked doubtfully: "...Last time?"

He had no recollection of it at all. It seemed like Yu Qing hadn't hugged him for a long time.

"..." Yu Qing was a little embarrassed. She said, "It was... the time when I brought you to the Marquis' Mansion."

"Oh." Xie Jing suddenly realized.

So far, he has never felt that there is anything wrong with Yu Qing locking him up in the prison cell of the Marquis' Mansion. He has always just felt a little regretful.

He leaned on Yu Qing's shoulder again, quietly absorbing the warm, reassuring scent of her. He was still dazed and frightened from the life-or-death experience he had just endured in the palace.

He asked, "What's going on in the capital now? Why did you come here in person?"

"Xie Tingchen learned you were in the Beixing Palace and dispatched a group of private soldiers. I've told His Royal Highness Prince Rui to come and rescue you tonight," Yu Qing answered carefully. "There's no need to worry about him; everything is ready. But we need to return quickly; the palace is probably in chaos right now."

Xie Jing was silent for a moment, thinking that Yu Qing didn't need to make a special trip, and sending some men would be enough, so she could stay in the capital.

However, he really needed her and selfishly hoped that she would be with him.

Finally he sighed and whispered, "I'm sorry I've caused you trouble."

Yu Qing was startled and said, "Don't think like that."

She turned around to look at Xie Jing. There was still some sadness between Xie Jing's eyebrows. She felt very uncomfortable in her heart, thinking that she had not been very good to him all along.

When Qingjia first arrived at the mansion, Yu Qing was always polite to him, afraid to bother her. It took time for things to get better. After all this time, Xie Jing still didn't realize how important he was to her. She wouldn't leave him to just anyone. She only cared for her own princess, and she felt at ease only when she could look after him personally.

"Your Highness, whatever a husband and wife do is what they should do." Yu Qing said.

Xie Jing: “…”

He felt like he was in a dream again. Yu Qing not only came to save him, but also spoke so patiently and softly, even saying something about husband and wife...

Last time, he was frightened half to death by a snake in the hunting grounds, and Yu Qing came to his tent to look for him. He had some recollection of it, but he couldn't quite recall what they had said. Even before that, at the Marquis's residence, Yu Qing had released him from the cell, and at that time, he still didn't trust him very much.

He was a little hesitant, wondering if he had just become a dead soul under the knife, and all this was just a dream after death?

Yu Qing then asked softly, "I'm wearing shoulder armor today. Will it hurt you?"

"...a little," Xie Jing whispered, "but it doesn't matter. I want to hold you."

He was still close to Yu Qing, his eyes were hot and he wanted to cry again.

Yu Qing also held Xie Jing's hand on her waist. She noticed that his arm was still shaking a little. "What's wrong? Your Highness, are you scared?"

Xie Jing said: "It's okay, maybe I used too much force..."

He finally realized what had happened, and as he recalled the horrible incident, he began to speak incoherently: "They set a fire just now. Then we escaped... There were so many people around... I, I killed someone."

Yu Qing paused and tilted her head to look at him: "Really?"

Xie Jing said: "Really."

Under the moonlight, his face looked truly disheveled, fragile, and pitiful. Yu Qing's eyes were fixed for a moment, and he murmured, "...Then His Highness is very brave."

Xie Jing wanted to cry but had no tears: "But this is my first time killing someone."

Yu Qing was in a state of confusion, unsure how to comfort him. On this trip alone, she'd lost countless men. She wanted to tell Xie Jing that maybe coming more often would help, but she didn't think it was appropriate.

She suddenly thought: "Didn't you say before that you killed Xie Tingxuan?"

"That's different," Xie Jing said, "I'll just take people there, and I'll watch them feed him the poison..."

Yu Qing's heart softened again. After all this time, Xie Jing admitted that he had killed the third prince. That was it. He was too gentle.

Xie Jing said in despair again: "Then I had nightmares for several days. Xie Tingxuan was coming to seek revenge on me."

Yu Qing: “…”

She thought to herself, the princess is a bit timid. Suddenly, she felt a surge of inexplicable anger: Xie Tingxuan had brought this upon himself. He was restless even after death. What a piece of shit.

"Let's go to the imperial mausoleum and smash his spirit tablet," Yu Qing said coldly, "so that he won't dare to bother you again."

"..." Xie Jing was shocked. After a long while, he said weakly, "...That's not necessary."

Yu Qing sighed, feeling a little worried. What if someone bullied Xie Jing in her dream again? How would she protect him? Should she ask Master Anren to perform a ritual to relieve his suffering beforehand? She wondered if it would work. "I'll stay with you for the next few days, okay? It'll be okay to have nightmares this way."

Xie Jing had been in danger time and time again, always under her nose, and now her desire to protect him had reached its peak.

No matter whether it is a human or a ghost, don't even think about touching him.

Xie Jing couldn't believe it: "...Really?"

Yu Qing said: "Yeah."

Xie Jing was stunned, but now he was no longer worried. His heart, always wandering, seemed to have never been so stable.

I can only survive with her, he thought, Yu Qing, please don't abandon me.

·

In the capital, at the Xuanbei Marquis Mansion.

There was a rapid knock at the gate. After a few announcements, the Marquis and his wife, who had already retired, were startled and rushed to the front yard. The entrance was brightly lit, and there were several overlapping figures outside. The young man in brocade clothes, who was leading the group, was calm and composed. He was He Qi, the son of the Marquis of Zhongwu.

Lu Yufu frowned and said, "Nephew? Why are you here at this hour?"

He Qi bowed and said, "Uncle and aunt, the capital has been in turmoil recently, so I've come to take you two to my place for shelter."

Lu Yufu smiled and said, "Thank you for your kindness, nephew. However, the defense of my mansion is also in place, so you don't need to bother."

"Prince Yu Qing has been ordered to go out tonight and is not in the capital," He Qi said in a firmer tone. "It is precisely because of this that my father is worried about you two, so he sent me here."

Hearing Yu Qing's name, Lu Yufu's eyes flickered slightly: "Really? When will Qing'er come back?"

"...I'm afraid I won't be back for a while," He Qi said meaningfully, "Uncle and aunt should leave as soon as possible."

However, Lu Yufu's expression turned cold, and she showed no intention of moving. He Qi narrowed his eyes.

"If something really happened later, I'm afraid the prince would be sad when he came back and saw it."

The Marquis of Xuanbei, who had been sitting quietly in his chair, suddenly sighed, "Nephew, you and Lang'er are about the same age. You always played together as children. I have watched you grow up."

He Qi: "That's why I, the younger generation, would like to respectfully ask you two elders to leave. Please!"

As soon as he finished speaking, soldiers rushed in from outside, torches lit up the sky, and the quiet mansion had never been so lively. He Qi was at the front, and suddenly something flashed before his eyes, and his throat hurt so much.

He covered his neck with his hands, blood gushed out from between his fingers and even choked into his mouth and nose.

He Qi couldn't believe it and staggered a few steps. Yu Heng put down his hand, with a few thin throwing knives still between his fingers.

"You're using me to threaten the child? I'm just old and sick. I've been reluctant to leave these past few years and want to spend more time with my wife and children," Yu Heng said calmly, "but I'm not dead. Over the years, my nephew seems to have forgotten my temper."

He Qi fell to his knees, twitching all over. His subordinates were also stunned. They only thought that the Marquis' Mansion would at most resist, but they never expected that the other side would directly kill He Qi!

"...You're crazy," He Qi muttered, blood gushing out of his mouth, "I'm the son of the Marquis of Zhongwu, my father won't... let you go..."

"Traitor," Yu Heng snorted, "even if your father comes, he won't be able to escape death."

His men cried out, rushing forward and hastily lifting him. The rest tried to advance and surround Yu Heng and Lu Yufu, but several retainers from the Marquisate had already rushed out from both sides, fully equipped with swords, bows, and crossbows. Most of these retainers had seen blood on the battlefield, having retired from the army and stayed at the Marquisate to work, completely unafraid of the scene before them.

He Qi's men actually had some fighting power, but the young master saw that they were not going well, and the formation was in chaos. They fled the mansion in a hurry with many casualties, and hurriedly returned to the Zhongwu Marquis' Mansion with the dying He Qi.

He Qi died halfway through.

There is no backbone in the Marquis' Mansion - the Marquis and the Fifth Prince have already entered the palace.

·

The imperial palace.

The lights in the hall were bright, but outside, there was a murderous roar, and the densely packed soldiers outside were like ghosts.

The emperor on the dragon throne trembled and said, "You...you rebellious son..."

In front of the throne, Duan Zhirui led his elite soldiers to protect the emperor. Everyone had a stern look on their faces and their swords were drawn.

At the bottom of the hall, the fifth prince, wearing armor and holding a sword, stood at the front, with Marquis Zhongwu following behind him, and several generals and soldiers waiting outside.

The emperor's speech was slow after his stroke, and since they had just broken through the palace, he was filled with shock and anger, and his speech was even more labored: "...rebellious son... you, you dare to commit treason... do you still have any eyes... "

Duan Zhirui felt a little headache and wished he could finish what he was saying quickly.

Xie Tingchen interrupted, "Father, I am not plotting a rebellion. The real culprit is behind you! I am here to relieve your worries."

Prince Rui slowly approached from behind and said, "Father."

The emperor said sadly, "Even after hearing Ting Zhao's story today, I still don't want to believe it. You've always been kind and honest, how could you be so... treasonous!"

Xie Tingchen sneered, "Simple and kind? Besides these, does your father have anything else? For so many years, you have never been partial to me for a moment, and now you are protecting this traitor!"

He waved his hand, and the guards around him immediately formed a battle formation. Duan Zhirui also immediately led his men forward, with their swords pointing straight ahead.

"Swords have no eyes, father. I don't want to hurt you by mistake!" Xie Tingchen said, "Almost half of the Golden Feather Guards are here, and there are hundreds of warriors and the elite Xuanlin Guards waiting outside the palace to receive orders. Xie Tingzhao, why don't you surrender?"

Marquis Zhongwu shouted, "Go!"

At first glance, the two sides seemed vastly different in strength. Even if Duan Zhirui and his men could hold off for a while, they weren't a threat. The Emperor's throne was within reach. However, something unexpected happened. A group of solemn guards in black armor emerged from both sides of the hall. Xie Tingchen was stunned. These were the Xuanlin Guards? When had they entered the palace? These weren't the men Yu Qing had left for him.

"Your Majesty, please retreat first," Xie Tingzhao said, "I have already dispatched several teams of Xuanlin Guards to protect you."

The imperial guards and eunuchs hurriedly supported the emperor and prepared to leave. Xie Tingchen took out the jade talisman from his bosom and said, "Xuanlin Guards, listen to my order! Capture the traitor Xie Tingzhao and his gang!"

Several captains of the Xuanlin Guard raised their heads, gave him a strange look, and then shouted, "Protect the emperor!"

Xie Tingchen was startled, then he held up the jade talisman and said, "This is the tiger talisman given to you by your commander. Why are you still refusing to obey?"

Xuanlin Guard: “?”

Prince Rui: “…”

He looked at the piece of white jade and felt that it looked very familiar. It seemed to be a tribute from somewhere before. He had asked Xie Jing to go to the treasury and pick out some at random. If he liked it, he could take it away...

The captain of the Xuanlin Guard said, "We are following the commander's orders to protect His Majesty."

Xie Tingchen was stunned. Marquis Zhongwu's expression changed drastically. He said, "Quick and decisive! Don't hold back!"

The rebels drew their bows and fired arrows, which were blocked by the guards with shields or swords. The emperor, supported by the guards, stumbled to his feet and tried to retreat, but he never expected that a stray arrow would fly through the air from nowhere. None of the guards around him could block it, and the arrow pierced the emperor's chest.

"His Majesty--"

Xie Tingzhao also said: "Father!"

Even the Marquis of Zhongwu was stunned. They had originally hoped to try their best to ensure that the emperor himself delivered the decree. Now he was completely resolute, knowing that there was no room for maneuver. Legitimate or not, it didn't matter. Even if the emperor died, as long as they could win, they would have the throne!

Marquis Zhongwu ordered his men to send out a signal, and a bright light shot straight into the sky. When the ambush troops outside the palace saw it, they would all rush into the palace walls.

At that moment, a great commotion erupted outside the palace. The sounds of weapons clashing and roaring filled the air, accompanied by a flurry of hurried but steady footsteps. Marquis Zhongwu asked, "...Yu Qing?"

Xie Tingchen was also stunned. He turned around and saw a group of armored guards sweeping in from outside the hall and now going up the stairs into the hall.

The situation reversed, and the ambushes outside failed to appear. Xie Tingchen fought hard but was defeated and finally pinned to the ground.

The young man in black clothes and soft armor with a stern face said, "I am late in coming to your rescue, Your Majesty, please forgive me."

Xie Tingchen said: "Yu Qing...you betrayed me?"

Yu Qing: “…”

She glanced at Xie Tingchen and walked straight to the front of the hall. Xie Tingchen raised his eyes and found that the person behind Yu Qing was King Jing!

The pretty boy followed Yu Qing closely, glanced at him, frowned, and moved aside.

"..." Xie Tingchen said angrily, "You bitch..."

Xie Jing was a bit surprised to be scolded for no reason, revealing an innocent and puzzled look. Xie Tingchen was most annoyed by his hypocritical behavior and immediately became even more angry. Then Yu Qing turned around and slapped him, and the guards behind him pushed him to the ground.

The Marquis of Zhongwu, who was also being held down, said, "Yu Qing! Your parents are still in my Marquis of Zhongwu's mansion. If I can't go back, they will die without a burial place!"

Yu Qing raised an eyebrow: "..."

She turned to the emperor and said, "Your Majesty, I have just received urgent news that He Qi, the son of the Marquis of Zhongwu, has secretly mobilized troops and plotted against his will. He has been executed by my father. In this urgent matter, I have made an emergency decision. I hope Your Majesty will understand."

Marquis Zhongwu opened his eyes wide.

·

The emperor had no time to care about protecting himself or killing the prince. He was now gasping for breath and was being laid down.

The arrow penetrated the ribs but did not hit the heart. It looked like he would not die, but it was very painful.

Xie Tingzhao said, "Father, please calm down and don't pull out the arrow for now. The imperial physician will be here soon!"

The emperor faced the fear of death and raised his hand tremblingly, and Xie Tingzhao held it.

"The rebels have been captured, father." Xie Tingzhao said.

There were more footsteps in the back hall, and a maid cried out, "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, slow down!"

Just now, hearing about the palace coup, all the concubines were trembling in fear in the harem. But now, Concubine Rong arrived first. When she heard that the emperor was injured, she immediately ignored everything else and cried, "Your Majesty..."

Looking at her, the emperor felt a surge of tenderness in his heart. No one stopped Concubine Rong. Concubine Rong came before the emperor and said in a trembling voice, "Your Majesty, how did you get injured like this?"

The emperor then took Concubine Rong's hand and said to Prince Rui, "How many people are plotting rebellion today..."

"Led by the Fifth Prince and the Marquis of Zhongwu, there are seven families who have joined the rebellion, as well as the Golden Feather Guard's envoy and several military officers..."

The emperor's cloudy eyes swept over the shadowy figure of His Highness, and he coughed up a mouthful of blood. He closed his eyes and said, "Such villains must be executed without mercy!"

Xie Tingzhao said: "The Xuanlin Guards have already gone outside the palace to capture them one by one."

The eunuchs and ceremonial officials had all arrived, and the imperial guards were standing before the emperor. Xie Tingzhao said, "I have also summoned the important officials of the court, asking them to come quickly outside the palace to await the emperor's order."

The emperor said hoarsely, "Okay. Pass on my decree: The second prince, Xie Tingzhao, is naturally loyal and filial, has made great contributions in protecting the emperor, and is gifted with wisdom and talent... He is to be made crown prince..."

The ceremonial officer knelt on the ground and recorded the edict respectfully. The emperor took the imperial seal and pressed it on the Minghuang silk with his own hands.

"If anything happens to me, Zhao'er, please take good care of your mother. I owe you a lot..."

Rong Fei cried, "Your Majesty will be fine. Why bother saying this now? Please save your energy! Does it hurt? Let me see your injury..."

The arrow hadn't struck a vital spot, and since she'd been able to speak for so long, it wasn't actually a critical situation. Right now, the emperor was deeply moved by Concubine Rong. At this critical moment, she'd cried so sincerely. He was already aging, but she still had the same charm as she once did. Even though there were a few more marks at the corners of her eyes, they were still full of charm...

Then the emperor was startled, and opened his mouth but remained silent.

Rong Fei's hand was holding the arrow handle on his chest, slowly pushing it in, and even... twisting and stirring it.

In severe pain, blood gushed out.

"You old bastard." Rong Fei said in a whisper with a gentle expression.

The emperor's eyes widened.

Concubine Rong was shocked again, "Ah, why is there so much blood suddenly? Your Majesty! Your Majesty! Wake up!"

Behind her, Xie Tingzhao watched indifferently, his face calm, his voice only slightly anxious: "Why did the imperial physician take so long? Father is about to collapse. Quickly take him to the back hall and put him there."

·

The emperor was unable to utter a word as he was hurriedly carried by the eunuchs, bleeding all the way, and was placed on a couch in the back hall, dying.

The others followed suit and stayed inside the hall. After just a few sticks of incense, the eunuch knelt on the ground and wailed, "The Emperor... has passed away!"

The emperor died with his eyes open.

The news of his death spread outwards, and it wouldn't be long before the funeral bells would ring throughout the capital.

Xie Tingzhao said calmly, "Where is the imperial physician? There's no need for them to come. Let them go back and rest."

"No..." Xie Jing said from the corner, "Please come over here quickly."

Just now, Yu Qing was outside watching the people escorting the traitor, and came to the back hall a little late. As soon as he entered the door and stood beside Xie Jing, the emperor passed away. Everyone had no choice but to kneel down and cry fakely. Yu Qing didn't even have time to see Xie Jing.

At this moment, she turned around and realized that Xie Jing's face was very pale and he was about to collapse.

She asked in surprise, "Your Highness?"

Xie Jing hadn't felt right since leaving the palace. He'd been riding all the way, feeling increasingly uncomfortable the closer he got to the capital. He'd tried to hold back a cough several times. He'd thought he'd feel better once he dismounted and reached the palace, but it felt like his entire body was churning. The moment the emperor died, the stench of blood welled up in his mouth.

"I..." Xie Jing murmured, "I don't feel well."

He lowered his head and spat out a mouthful of blood. Yu Qing's pupils suddenly shrank. Xie Tingzhao and Rong Fei were also stunned and hurried over.

Xie Jing fell down softly, and Yu Qing quickly caught him.

She looked at the ground and it seemed that Xie Jing had vomited not only blood, but also something bloody and fleshy.

...is it the internal organs?

A severely wounded person, their internal organs shattered, would cough up fragments of their organs. Yu Qing had witnessed this scene many times on the battlefield. No medicine could cure them, and they would soon die.

Yu Qing's head buzzed and she felt a little dizzy. She hugged Xie Jing and saw that the blood was still flowing from the corner of his mouth and his eyes were closed.

"...Your Highness? Ajing?" Yu Qing said.

Xie Tingzhao: "Quickly call the imperial physician, someone, bring Prince Jing to..."

Without waiting for others to come, Yu Qing had already picked him up and hurried to the bedroom.