Falsely claiming imperial edicts, executing first and reporting later.

Tang Feng heard thunder rumbling outside, presumably signaling the onset of the rainy season after autumn. Zhou Ziliang was awakened by Tang Feng's tossing and turning beside him. Still half-asleep, he tucked Tang Feng in, then wrapped his arm tightly around Tang Feng's waist, murmuring, "Little Feng, why aren't you asleep yet?" Tang Feng took Zhou Ziliang's hand and whispered, "I'll go to sleep right away, don't worry."

As soon as Tang Feng finished speaking, a servant knocked on the door. "Young Master, the Master requests your presence in the main hall." Zhou Ziliang heard the voice, stood up, and said in a hoarse voice, "I know, I'll be right there." Tang Feng also stood up. "Why are you being called over so late?"

"Something must have happened. I'll go check on him. You stay home and rest." Zhou Ziliang got out of bed, washed his face with water, and instantly became much more awake. Seeing that Tang Feng had also gotten up, he quickly pressed him down. "It's raining outside. What are you doing up there? Do you want to get sick?"

"I'll go with you to take a look. Besides, how can you go see Father while I stay at home?" Tang Feng knew what was going on. It was probably that Li Yunye had rebelled, and the Emperor was busy trying to save himself, which was why he issued the order so late at night. Zhou Wuhai had woken Zhou Ziliang, probably to summon him to the palace for an audience with the Emperor. Hearing that Tang Feng was going out, Zhou Ziliang hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, then wear more clothes, be careful not to catch a cold."

Tang Feng was pulled by Zhou Ziliang towards the lobby. When they were almost at the door, Tang Feng was afraid that Zhou Wuhai would see him and say that he had acted inappropriately, so he let go of Zhou Ziliang's hand and they entered the lobby one after the other.

When Zhou Wuhai saw Tang Feng follow him in, he frowned at first, then began to question him, "What are you doing out here? If you get sick, your mother will nag you."

Tang Feng bowed to Zhou Wuhai, saying, "Father, I didn't know what happened outside, so Ziliang and I came out to see." Zhou Wuhai stood up and said, "A letter just arrived from the palace saying that Jinxi has been attacked and the beacon towers have been lit, requesting Xiling to send troops to support them. You know that Xiling's imperial guards are not very capable, so His Majesty wants to summon you to the palace." Zhou Ziliang nodded and turned to leave, but Tang Feng stopped him, saying, "Ziliang... come back safely."

Seeing Zhou Ziliang leave with the palace servants, Tang Feng finally relaxed, leaning on the threshold with his head down, somewhat worried. At this moment, Zhou Wuhai behind him put down his teacup and asked in a deep voice, "This incident has nothing to do with you, does it?"

"Father, you jest. I'm frail and haven't left the house for days. How could I possibly get involved in this?" Tang Feng turned to Zhou Wuhai, gave a slight bow, and prepared to leave.

"Come here and sit down. I have something to ask you." In the Marquis's mansion, Zhou Wuhai and Tang Feng had never had any interaction. Perhaps it was because Tang Feng's uproar over the annulment of their engagement when they were young had caused Zhou Wuhai to lose face, which made him never give Tang Feng a good look. Seeing Tang Feng sit down, Zhou Wuhai finally spoke, "If you weren't involved in this matter, what are you doing here today?"

"Xiao Feng didn't know why you wanted to see Zi Liang so late at night, and fearing something might happen, she came along. If you think I was impolite, I'll be more careful next time."

Zhou Wuhai snorted coldly, "For so many years, my Marquis's Mansion has kept its merits and fame hidden, afraid of getting involved with the royal family again. But you, you're shamelessly trying to curry favor. I don't blame you for becoming the Grand Tutor, but you'd better know what you're doing right now, lest you make a mistake and implicate the Marquis's Mansion."

Tang Feng lowered his head and gave a bitter smile. "Father, rest assured, I will not do anything to harm the Marquis's mansion, nor will I harm Ziliang."

“Your father never intended for you to delve into the inner workings of the court. We’ve already waded through this murky water, and we don’t want you to go through it again.” Zhou Wuhai slowly rose, walked to Tang Feng’s side, and looked down at him. “Don’t get involved in anything you shouldn’t. The Marquis’s mansion has always been clean and upright. Don’t bring any conspiracies or ghost stories into this.” Then, Zhou Wuhai’s expression softened slightly. “Go back and rest if you’re alright. You’re sick every day; your body is so weak it would break in a gust of wind.”

Tang Feng didn't speak, but stood up and bowed slightly to Zhou Wuhai. Watching Tang Feng leave, Zhou Wuhai shook his head. He wasn't sure if Tang Feng had understood him, but perhaps it truly was a matter of fate, and he couldn't control what his children and grandchildren had to live.

Tang Feng sat in his room all night, waiting until dawn before he heard the sound of horses' hooves, a commotion, and Meng Lie's urging from his ranks. Tang Feng looked up at the heavy rain outside the window, then got up and went outside. The old steward saw Tang Feng come out and hurriedly stepped forward, "Young Master, you're going out today. It's too chaotic outside."

What exactly is happening outside?

"I heard... Marquis Annan and the Third Prince have rebelled at Yaojia Mountain." The old steward pulled Tang Feng into the house. "Before the young master left, he specifically told me to make sure you take your medicine properly."

After pondering for a moment, Tang Feng spoke again, "Has Ziliang sent out troops?"

The old steward hesitated for a moment, then slowly nodded. Although Madam Zhou had forbidden him from telling Tang Feng about this, to avoid troubling him, Tang Feng wasn't stupid. With things commotion outside, he should have guessed most of what was going on. The old steward had no choice but to say, "They've gone to war. Young master, don't worry. This isn't my young master's first time fighting. He'll definitely return victorious."

"Please keep watch outside for me. If anything happens, be sure to tell me. I'm worried about him." Tang Feng didn't know their marching speed, so he didn't know when they would arrive. Madam Zhou was keeping a close eye on him, so he needed to choose the right moment to enter the palace. Otherwise, he couldn't very well ask Emperor Yun to issue an imperial edict before Zhou Ziliang and the others had even reached Yaojia Mountain.

Seeing that Tang Feng wasn't making a fuss about leaving, the old butler breathed a sigh of relief and quickly agreed, "I'll stay at the door and listen for any noise. I'll let you know if anything happens."

As Zhou Ziliang passed by the Marquis's residence, he glanced at it from afar, then tightened the reins and caught up with Meng Lie and Li Yunyu. "Young Marquis, you already have a beautiful wife at home. Perhaps you should forget about it. If you get injured, the Grand Tutor will definitely be distressed."

Knowing Meng Lie was teasing him, Zhou Ziliang didn't mind, smiling slightly as he said, "Xiao Feng trusts me, so of course I can't let him down." Li Yunyu remained silent. Last night, Su Xi, dressed in black, knocked on his palace gate. Before Li Yunyu could even get up, Su Xi said, "Your Highness, the Third Prince has rebelled!" Li Yunyu immediately understood, picked up his clothes, and was about to leave when Su Xi stopped him. "Your Highness, please don't be anxious. Let me finish. These past few days, Her Majesty has been having His Majesty stay at her place to gather information. He had just fallen asleep when a palace servant reported that His Majesty was furious with Her Majesty. Now His Majesty wants Marquis Zhou to go to the military camp to mobilize troops to Jinxi. Her Majesty has suggested that you accompany him. Just wait for news; I'll be leaving now."

Li Yunyu sat at the table, not understanding why things had escalated to this point. However, if his third brother really intended to rebel, then he would have him arrested and brought before their father, the Emperor, to confess his crimes.

Not long after, they heard commotion outside. Li Yunyu put on an outer robe and went out. As soon as he stepped out, Eunuch Feng grabbed him. "Your Highness, you must come with me to the Misty Forest Garden! The Third Prince has rebelled, and His Majesty is furious!" Li Yunyu already knew this, but he had to pretend he didn't know. He was stunned for a while before asking, "Rebellion? My third brother?"

"You don't need to ask. You'll know everything when we get to His Majesty," said Eunuch Feng, pulling Li Yunyu along as they hurried into the Misty Forest Garden. The room was in a mess, and several palace maids were cleaning up. Yunlan was helping Emperor Yun straighten his robes. Seeing Li Yunyu arrive, she looked at Emperor Yun and whispered, "Your Majesty, Yu'er is here."

Emperor Yun looked at Li Yunyu, his eyes flashing with murderous intent. He gently pushed away Yunlan's hand and looked at Li Yunyu, saying, "You will come with me to the main hall in a moment." Li Yunyu glanced at Yunlan, then bowed his head and said, "Your subject obeys."

Li Yunyu followed Emperor Yun the entire way, without the emperor uttering a single word. He dared not speak either. Upon reaching the main hall, Zhou Ziliang, who had been waiting outside, immediately knelt upon seeing Emperor Yun. "Your subject Zhou Ziliang greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be well."

"Rise," Emperor Yun said, sitting on his dragon throne and looking down at the two men below. "Yun Ye has rebelled, are you aware of that?" Li Yunyu was taken aback, and before he could speak, Zhou Ziliang said, "Your Majesty, I was unaware."

Then, sensing the Emperor's gaze upon him, he quickly said, "Your subject was unaware of this matter either."

"Yun Ye rebelled in Jinxi." Emperor Yun paused, then looked at Zhou Ziliang. "Xiling only has the Imperial Guards. The Marquis of Annan is also rebelling with Yun Ye. So, to be on the safe side, you will lead the Dingbei Army as the vanguard, while the Imperial Guards will provide logistical support. As for Yun Yu, you will go with Meng Lie."

Remembering Emperor Yun's tone, Li Yunyu looked at Zhou Ziliang and asked, "Young Marquis, will Father Emperor kill my third brother?"

Zhou Ziliang looked at Li Yunyu, then shook his head. "How dare I presume to fathom the Emperor's thoughts? Everything is predestined, and nothing is up to us." Li Yunyu lowered his head, wondering why things had come to this. But he hadn't gone far along the Wei River when he heard an explosion, and the air was filled with the stench of blood.

"Your Highness, are you afraid?"

"No... I just feel that in this situation, Third Brother is being a bit too reckless with human life." Li Yunyu gripped the reins tightly, watching Jinxi City draw ever closer, unsure of what to say.

At this moment, Zhou Ziliang helped Li Yunyu hold the reins and said, "Your Highness, this is a battlefield, you can't afford to be distracted." He then called Chen Ke over and said, "Pass down the order: today, once we set up camp, no one is allowed to light any fires or cook, so as not to alert the enemy." Chen Ke nodded in agreement and then looked at Li Yunyu, "Ninth Prince..."

"Of course, I'm with everyone else; there's no need to worry about me."

After dismounting, Zhou Ziliang walked with Li Yunyu towards the river. "War is no small matter. We can't rush to the front recklessly, nor can we retreat to the back like cowards," Zhou Ziliang said, looking at Li Yunyu. "If Your Highness succeeds this time, you will surely become famous overnight and gain His Majesty's reward and attention."

Li Yunyu shook his head. "That's what the Grand Tutor hoped for. I only hope to overturn my brother's case. As for the rest, let nature take its course. As for my third brother... I only need to send him back to report."

After a moment of silence, Zhou Ziliang sighed, "Xiao Feng once told me that you are not suited for vying for the throne, that fratricide would be too cruel for you. Now it seems that it was true."

Li Yunyu didn't hear clearly. She looked up at Zhou Ziliang and asked, "What did you just say?" Zhou Ziliang shook his head, squatted down, and washed his hands in the river water. "Nothing. Xiaofeng told me to make sure you're safe."

Li Yunyu, having agreed to Zhou Ziliang's request, stayed by his side. Zhou Ziliang, meanwhile, was discussing countermeasures with Meng Lie. "The Marquis of Annan doesn't understand Xiling. He's been stationed in the southern border for a long time and has never returned," Zhou Ziliang said, looking at the map and then pointing to the Wei River. "If they want to pass through Xiling, they must cross the river. Jinxi is just a city they captured at will. Their goal is to take Xiling and then use the emperor to command the other lords. So we'll just guard them by the river."

"What about the people of Jinxi? We're just across the river from them. Are we just going to stand by and watch them die?"

Li Yunyu was somewhat angry. Zhou Ziliang's suggestion wouldn't cause any loss to the royal family, and it could even better suppress the Marquis of Annan's army. But the common people were a different story. He and Tang Feng had been to the Luohe Bridge, witnessed natural disasters and man-made calamities, seen the disregard for human life and the deaths on the battlefield. Therefore, he couldn't accept leaving them to their fate.

Zhou Ziliang and Chen Ke exchanged a glance. Chen Ke wanted to explain, but Zhou Ziliang stopped her. "Your Highness, if you were to lead the troops, what would you do?"

"I would choose to cross the river, and then launch a surprise attack in the dead of night."

Tang Feng waited until the next day, but still heard no sound from outside. He grew anxious and sat at the table, chopsticks in hand, without touching his food. Madam Zhou placed a piece of fish in Tang Feng's bowl. "Little Feng? Don't you have an appetite? I specially instructed the kitchen to prepare your favorite dishes. Try them."

Tang Feng looked up at Madam Zhou and smiled, "Mother... don't worry about me, I'm just not very hungry right now."

Madam Zhou, of course, knew what Tang Feng was thinking. "Xiao Feng, listen to your mother. I know you're worried about Ziliang, but this isn't the first time he's gone to war. You have to trust him. Besides, if he comes back and sees you're sick again, he'll definitely feel sorry for you."

Zhou Wuhai sneered from the side, "He knows perfectly well why he sent troops. You don't need to comfort him." Madam Zhou's temper flared up upon hearing this, and she slapped Zhou Wuhai across the face with her chopsticks. "Is it going to kill you? Will a few words of comfort kill you? That's our young master. What's wrong with a few words of comfort? It's all because you're worried about your son."

Seeing the elderly couple arguing again, Tang Feng put down his chopsticks, got up, and left. Seeing the old butler outside supervising the servants cleaning, he went up to him and asked, "Uncle Jia... is there still no news from over there?"

The old steward shook his head. "Young master, if you ask me, you shouldn't worry about the war outside. Unless it's the very last moment, news won't get back to Xiling City."

Tang Feng became anxious after hearing this, "No, I cough cough cough... I need to know the situation over there."

Seeing Tang Feng cough, the old steward hurried over to help him pat his back. "Young master, why do you insist on knowing? You've been worrying about it so much, how have you gotten better?"

After calming down, Tang Feng realized that the Marquis's mansion might not be reliable. Apart from Zhou Ziliang, no one there knew he had been involved in the succession struggle. Now, after much thought, he decided he had no choice but to go to the Tang residence. "Uncle Jia, could you please prepare a sedan chair for me?"

"Young master, what are you doing? It's so chaotic outside, you'll be in danger going out like this."

"I'd like to return to the Tang residence. I've been feeling uneasy lately, and I'm afraid of disturbing Father and Mother's rest," Tang Feng said, seeing the old steward's hesitation. "I'll talk to Mother; they won't say anything. You just need to prepare the sedan chair."

Hearing that Tang Feng wanted to return to the Tang residence, Madam Zhou readily agreed. Holding Tang Feng's hand, she said softly, "Indeed, you haven't been back in a long time. You should go back and see him. Ziliang's matter has kept you from resting well lately. I even saw your room brightly lit in the middle of the night. Let your sister keep you company when you get back." Tang Feng nodded, stood up, and bowed. "Mother, I'll be back in a few days. You don't need to worry about me." Madam Zhou watched Tang Feng leave, her eyes filled with heartache. The old steward asked in a low voice, "Young Master, with your health like this, why did you let him go back?"

“What if he doesn’t go? If he keeps worrying about it, how will he ever get better? Xiao Feng is a sensitive child. The more you tell him not to think about it, the more he worries. If you ask him what’s wrong, he won’t tell you anything.” Madam Zhou stood up and walked over, instructing him, “Prepare the sedan chair. Follow Xiao Feng all the way. It’s fine to go back to the Tang residence now, but if he has a mental breakdown and goes to Jinxi and something happens, how can I face Ziliang and his mother?”

"Alright, alright, I'll go get some people to follow right away." The old steward jogged along, instructing a few people to follow behind the sedan chair, then watched Tang Feng get in. "Young Master, please drive carefully. I'll send someone to the Tang residence to let them know for you later."

"No need to trouble yourself. I'm just going back to check on things. My sister doesn't usually go out, so it's fine."

Tang Feng lowered the curtain, thinking that he would finally no longer have to be timid and he could return to the Tang residence, where everything would be much easier.

Qin Jiujiu hadn't expected Tang Feng to return so suddenly. Hearing the servant's report, she got up and went outside. Seeing Tang Feng alight from the carriage, her eyes reddened. "What happened? You haven't been back for so long, and now you've gotten yourself into this state? How did you become so thin?" Tang Feng didn't answer immediately, looking at the servant behind him. "Go back. I've arrived at the Tang residence. Tell Mother not to worry." Then he turned and said, "It's my old ailment, Sister, don't worry about me."

"How could I not worry? Come on, let's go inside and talk," Qin Jiujiu said, leading Tang Feng into the house. "If you ask me, you shouldn't have come back this time. I heard there's fighting in Jinxi; it's too dangerous for you to go out again."

"Don't worry, sister, I have my own plans. What about Liu Yiwan? I need to talk to him."

"You can't stay still as soon as you get home. Can't you take a proper rest for your health? Look at you!" Qin Jiujiu glanced at Tang Feng and stomped her foot. "Fine, fine, I'll go find him for you. What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into? I knew you'd have something to do when you came back. Only Zhou Ziliang can keep you in check. You're sick all day and you still have to wander around aimlessly."

"He can't stop me now... Oh sister, please hurry, I really have something urgent to attend to, cough cough cough, quick!"

Liu Yiwan was called over from outside by Qin Jiujiu. She ran all the way to the backyard and saw Tang Feng sitting there. She hurried over and asked, "Young Master? Why are you back?"

"What? You can't?"

"No, no, no, this is your home, how could I not let you come back? I just have a tiny bit of doubt," Liu Yiwan said with a fawning smile, about to sit down next to Tang Feng, when Tang Feng glared at her. "Who said you could sit there? Get up! You're going to Jinxi tomorrow—no, later."

"Young Master? Please say it again."

"Don't make me angry, I don't have the energy to argue with you. Go to Jinxi for me later." Tang Feng coughed twice and looked at Liu Yiwan. "What's wrong?"

"Young Master, are you... trying to kill me? There's a war going on over there!"

"So what? Ziliang is there too."

"How can they be the same? Young Marquis, you are a military officer, what am I?"

Tang Feng sized Liu Yiwan up and down, then smiled and said, "A capable servant of the military general's son."

"Oh, my young master, don't you understand? That place is a place where you can easily lose your head. If I die, how will you have anyone to rely on in the Marquis's mansion? If the young marquis bullies you, how can a woman like Miss Jiu, who can't even kill a chicken, stand up for you?"

Tang Feng put down his teacup, frowning. "You really aren't going?" Liu Yiwan immediately shook her head. Tang Feng then called out towards the inner room, "Sister! Liu Yiwan... *sob*"

"Go away, go away! My goodness, you haven't changed a bit!" Liu Yiwan only let go of Tang Feng's hand when he stopped talking. "Go where are you going?"

"Pass a message to Ziliang."

"Young Master, you've sent me on this risky journey to Jinxi just to deliver a message."

Tang Feng was already anxious, and after wasting so much time talking to Liu Yiwan, seeing that Liu Yiwan was still joking around with him, his temper flared up. "Yes, I said this matter is very important...cough cough cough..." Tang Feng coughed so hard he couldn't straighten up, which frightened Liu Yiwan, who quickly went over to help him catch his breath. Just as he finally stopped coughing, she looked down and saw a patch of bright red blood on Tang Feng's hand. "Young Master! You...you wait...I'll go call Miss Jiu!"

"Wait! Get back here!"

Like Qin Jiujiu, Liu Yiwan was still unaware of Tang Feng's true condition. Tang Feng was recuperating at the Marquis's mansion and forbade Zhou Ziliang from speaking about it outside. Liu Yiwan assumed that Tang Feng was simply weak. Tang Feng grabbed Liu Yiwan and said in a low voice, "Don't tell my sister. If she finds out, I'll chop you up."

Seeing Liu Yiwan nod while covering her mouth, Tang Feng released her, took out a handkerchief from his pocket, and wiped the bloodstains from her mouth. "Go to Jinxi, find Ziliang, and ask him when to take action. I need a complete and detailed timeline."

Liu Yiwan nodded. "Young Master, don't worry, I'll go right away." Liu Yiwan didn't dare delay any longer, so he led a fast horse from the stable and headed towards Jinxi.

Tang Feng walked to the ancestral hall, looked at Tang Zhaonan's memorial tablet, and took three incense sticks from the altar. "Father, I haven't fulfilled any of your requests. I'm covered in too much blood now, and even entering this ancestral hall makes me a little scared." Tang Feng gave a bitter smile. "How could I not understand your good intentions? But I have nowhere else to go, and I didn't have much time left anyway. Rather than dying a confused death in the Marquis's mansion, it's better to find out the truth and die knowing the truth. Father, please don't blame me."

These past few days, with Zhou Ziliang not around, Tang Feng has often been awakened by nightmares in the middle of the night. Sometimes he simply doesn't sleep, sitting on the bed in a daze. Tang Feng hasn't returned to the Tang residence for a long time, and he just can't fall asleep in bed. He gets up and goes to the table to pour himself a glass of water. Before he can even pick it up, he hears the sound of the window opening. Before Tang Feng can react, Liu Yiwan climbs in from outside, calling out, "Young Master!"

"Are you a monkey? Always jumping around, can't you just use the front door?"

Seeing that Tang Feng was quite frightened, Liu Yiwan scratched his head and chuckled, "I was just anxious. Oh right, the young marquis and the others have probably... already started."

"Probably? Did you actually see Ziliang?" Tang Feng frowned, feeling that Liu Yiwan was lying to him. "I did see the young marquis, but the time he gave me is almost over now."

When Liu Yiwan met Zhou Ziliang, the group was discussing how to wipe out the Marquis of Annan's troops in one fell swoop. Upon seeing Liu Yiwan, Zhou Ziliang glanced at Li Yunyu, somewhat worried about Tang Feng's situation. He feared Li Yunyu would be upset if she knew. Just as he was about to go out to speak with Liu Yiwan alone, Li Yunyu spoke up, "Are you a servant of the Tang family? What are you doing here?"

Just as Liu Yiwan was about to speak, she saw Zhou Ziliang shake his head at her, so she changed her words and said, "Your Highness, my young master has been worried about the young marquis and hasn't slept for several days. It was my young lady Jiu who was worried that he would ruin his health, so she sent me to check on him."

Seeing that Li Yunyu didn't say anything more, Zhou Ziliang stood up and said to Liu Yiwan, "Let's go outside to talk."

"Young Master, my master asked me to inquire about when we will take action. He's in a real hurry and seems quite anxious."

Zhou Ziliang thought for a moment and then said, "Around 1-3 AM, His Highness will be unable to abandon Jinxi and insist on defending the city, so we can only launch a surprise attack at night. Go back and tell Xiaofeng to be cautious."

Just as Liu Yiwan was about to leave, Zhou Ziliang stopped him, asking, "How is Xiaofeng's health? Is he alright?"

Liu Yiwan scratched his head. He'd just been so angry he'd vomited blood; was that considered good health? "I'm...I'm alright."

After hearing this, Zhou Ziliang sighed, "Alright, then tell him to be careful and not to take any risks."

According to Liu Yiwan, that meant a fight had already broken out in Jinxi. Tang Feng stood up, put on his court robes, and then said, "Liu Yiwan, go and prepare a fast horse for me. I need to go to the palace to see the Emperor."

"Young Master... what are you doing? It's so late, His Majesty is already resting. Can't we talk about this tomorrow?"

"It's precisely because it's important that we're going now. What if the country falls by tomorrow?" Tang Feng said as he straightened his court robes. "Don't tell my sister about this. If she asks, just say I went out."

"Alright, then please be careful on your journey." Liu Yiwan helped Tang Feng mount the horse and then handed him the reins.

Tang Feng tightened the reins and lashed the horse with the whip. The horse, in pain, reared up and galloped towards the palace.

Emperor Yun was also awake late at night. He sat in his study, staring intently at the map of Jinxi. Eunuch Feng, standing beside him, dared not breathe and dared not utter a word. The report came today that the battle at the front was tense. Jinxi City could not be captured by force, and the city was easy to defend and difficult to attack. Zhou Ziliang was currently at a disadvantage. Emperor Yun picked up his teacup and smashed it heavily on the ground. "They've all rebelled! Marquis Annan has been guarding the southern border. How could he collude with Yun Ye? They all want to rebel, don't they!"

Before Eunuch Feng could speak, a palace servant came to report. Seeing the mess on the ground, he quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty... Your Majesty, Grand Tutor Tang is requesting an audience outside."

Emperor Yun glanced coldly at the palace servant, composed himself, and then said, "Let him in."

Tang Feng entered and saw that Emperor Yun's expression was slightly gloomy. He knew that the news Zhou Ziliang had sent to Xiling had displeased the emperor. Tang Feng bowed and said, "Your subject Tang Feng greets Your Majesty."

"What brings Grand Tutor Tang to the palace in the dead of night?" Emperor Yun frowned, staring at Tang Feng kneeling below.

Tang Feng cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have come here for the Battle of Jinxi." Tang Feng knew very well that he had come to the palace only for an imperial edict. As long as Emperor Yun issued the decree, he would not allow Li Yunye to leave Jinxi alive.

Why are you so concerned about this matter?

"Firstly, I am a subject of Yan Yun, and I receive my salary from Yan Yun, so naturally I am concerned about this matter. Secondly, it is my husband who is going to the battlefield, and with the war being so intense, I cannot help but be even more worried," Tang Feng said, kneeling on the ground with his head bowed, his words filled with utmost sincerity.

"So what's your idea?"

"Your Majesty, I request an imperial edict," Tang Feng said, raising his head to look at Emperor Yun. "The Third Prince and the Marquis of Annan are in cahoots. Although their power is unstoppable, the Third Prince still holds Your Majesty in awe. As for the Marquis of Annan, he is brave but reckless. Without the Third Prince, he has no backing. I will instruct Ziliang to capture the Third Prince first. After the imperial edict is issued, he will naturally give up his resistance. As for the Marquis of Annan, without the Third Prince, he will naturally be defeated and flee to Jinxi."

"What imperial edict do you wish to request?"

Tang Feng took a deep breath and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I beg you to punish the Third Prince. If he is not punished now, the people and soldiers who died in Jinxi City will never find peace."

"How do you want me to punish you? By ordering your death?"

Seeing the Emperor's sudden change in expression, Tang Feng, fearing he had offended him, could only say, "Your Majesty, I dare not. How to punish someone is Your Majesty's family matter; I dare not interfere."

Emperor Yun did not allow Tang Feng to rise, but instead picked up a pen and began to write. Seeing Tang Feng's unwell expression, Eunuch Feng whispered, "Your Majesty, the Grand Tutor is weak; perhaps you should let him rise first."

Emperor Yun remained silent for a while, then put down his brush, took the imperial edict, and walked over to Tang Feng. Standing before Tang Feng, he said, "Your health is weak, so you won't be entering the palace late at night." He then handed the edict to Tang Feng. Just as Tang Feng was about to take it, Emperor Yun raised his hand, causing Tang Feng's hand to freeze in mid-air. Tang Feng looked up at Emperor Yun, who said, "I can give you the edict, but you must bring Yun Ye back." Emperor Yun's eyes were fixed on Tang Feng, scrutinizing him from head to toe. "I will personally interrogate Yun Ye about why he rebelled."

Tang Feng lowered his head and said, "Of course. If possible, I would also like to bring His Highness the Third Prince back."

"What if?"

"Your Highness, I do not know what you are thinking... I can only cough and cough and do my best."

Emperor Yun tossed the imperial edict in front of Tang Feng, then returned to his desk. "Then I'll leave it to the Grand Tutor."

Tang Feng picked up the imperial edict, stood up, bowed, and left. Seeing Tang Feng's unsteady gait, Eunuch Feng quietly followed. Once outside the study, Eunuch Feng spoke, "Grand Tutor, why are you doing this? The young marquis is brave and skilled in battle; everyone knows this. No matter how powerful the Marquis of An'nan is, as long as the young marquis is here, there's nothing to worry about."

Tang Feng shook his head and smiled. "It's different. I have my own plans. This imperial edict is a reassurance for me. *cough cough* I'm heading to Jinxi now. If there's nothing else, I'll be going now."

"Grand Tutor, you look terrible. Going to Jinxi..." Eunuch Feng, unable to bear Tang Feng's expression, pulled him aside and said, "Why don't you go see the imperial physician first?"

"It's only about a day's journey from Xiling to Jinxi, I'll be back soon, it's nothing, thank you for your concern, Eunuch Feng," Tang Feng bowed to Eunuch Feng and hurried out of the palace.

Tang Feng knew Zhou Ziliang would be alright, but he didn't dare delay. After all, Li Yunye wouldn't stop until he received the imperial edict from Emperor Yun. Shen Qinghang had incited Li Yunye to rebel, and Li Yunye had listened because Emperor Yun hadn't given him a chance to explain himself from beginning to end. Now that the imperial edict was in place, Li Yunye would probably stop. Tang Feng mounted his horse and galloped out of the city, hoping to reach Jinxi before sunset the next day.

Zhou Ziliang gathered a dozen men who used ropes to climb up Jinxi City, intending to launch a night attack. However, he hadn't expected the Marquis of Annan to be more vigilant than he anticipated. Before the men could even reach the top, the Marquis of Annan had already drawn his bow and fired an arrow. The Marquis of Annan looked at Zhou Ziliang on horseback and sneered, "Little brat, you're still too green to fight me."

Zhou Ziliang tightened the reins and looked at the soldiers behind him, "Release the arrows!" Tens of thousands of arrows instantly left the bowstring, piercing the sky and flying towards Jinxi City. The Marquis of Annan ordered his men to raise a shield formation, ten men in a group, forming a line with shields to surround the soldiers.

Seeing that his efforts were ineffective, Zhou Ziliang was about to order the archers to prepare again when the city gates suddenly opened, and a cavalry force charged into the ranks, engaging them in battle. Zhou Ziliang frowned, killed two soldiers, and then said to Chen Ke, "Take him and sneak into Jinxi City, bring out the Third Prince. To catch the thief, catch the king first."

Chen Ke nodded, pulled on the reins, and drove off in the opposite direction. Seeing Chen Ke leave, Li Yunyu looked at Zhou Ziliang and quickly asked, "Why did you let him leave?"

"In this situation, we are at a great disadvantage. We can only capture the leader first. With so many soldiers, the Marquis of Annan probably knows that we have a large number of people, so he has placed all his bets on us. At this moment, the city must be undefended. Let Chen Ke bring the Third Prince out first, and then we'll see what the Marquis of Annan thinks."

Li Yunyu nodded. Zhou Ziliang, seeing soldiers behind Li Yunyu about to ambush him, raised his longsword and beheaded one of them. He then said, "I promised Xiaofeng I would bring Your Highness back safely, so please don't be distracted, Your Highness. After all, this is a battlefield."

Zhou Ziliang hadn't expected the battle to drag on for a whole day. Looking at the raging war before him, he finally gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, this isn't a solution. Continuing this stalemate will only result in heavy losses for both sides. We must retreat behind the Wei River. That way, we'll be in the shadows while the enemy is in the open, making the battle much easier."

Before Li Yunyu could speak, Chen Ke jumped off his horse, clasped his hands in a fist salute to Zhou Ziliang, and said, "Young Marquis! I've brought the Third Prince over." He then untied the sack from behind, loosened the rope, and pulled the sack down. Li Yunye saw Zhou Ziliang and immediately tried to pounce, but his mouth was gagged, and he could only whimper. Zhou Ziliang frowned. "Your Highness, I didn't expect the soldiers you borrowed to be so capable. They've exhausted my forces in one night." He then grabbed Li Yunye, pulled him onto his horse, and headed towards Jinxi City.

When the Marquis of Annan saw Zhou Ziliang charge into the crowd alone, with Li Yunye on his horse, he quickly stopped the archers on the city gate. He then grabbed a soldier and asked, "Why is the Prince in Zhou Ziliang's hands! What are you thinking of him?!"

"We...we don't know."

The Marquis of Annan shoved the soldier aside, then shouted down, "Zhou Ziliang, don't force me to fight you!" He then picked up a longbow beside him, drew the string, and aimed it at Zhou Ziliang.

Zhou Ziliang drew his sword and held it to Li Yunye's neck. "Let's see, I'll cut off his head first, or you'll kill me first." Zhou Ziliang didn't want to waste any more time; Li Yunye's return alive would inevitably threaten Tang Feng. Just as the two sides were locked in a stalemate, they heard a sound in the distance.

"Imperial edict has arrived!" Tang Feng, riding his chestnut horse and holding the bright yellow imperial edict, galloped towards Jinxi. Upon reaching the city walls, he tightened the reins, held up the edict, and announced, "Imperial edict has arrived! Everyone kneel and receive the decree!" Looking at Li Yunye, who was bound to Zhou Ziliang's horse, Tang Feng said softly, "Put him down. The edict is for him." Zhou Ziliang untied Li Yunye and removed the gag from his mouth. "Tang Feng, you're in cahoots with Zhou Ziliang! The letter clearly stated you wouldn't participate in this matter, yet you're here blocking my way! Tang Feng, you two-faced scoundrel!"

"Your Highness, won't you listen to the imperial decree I obtained for you?" Tang Feng dismounted, nearly losing his balance. He was burning with fever and utterly exhausted; a day's journey had pushed him to his limit. His chest ached unbearably, his blood surging. He could only stand by supporting himself on the horse. "By the grace of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The third son, Yun Ye, has plotted a rebellion and is disrupting the government. To ensure peace and security, he shall be apprehended and executed immediately. So be it."