The day when King You's army set out for the capital.
In the Golden Palace, the Second Prince Qi Yao, who was already His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, finally took one step further, put on the dragon robe, and sat on the dragon throne.
He no longer just sat on the armchair next to the dragon throne to oversee state affairs.
But this succession was rather hasty.
There was no ceremony, no ritual, only a will full of doubts.
The Censorate has already submitted several letters questioning the authenticity of this will.
However, they were all suppressed by Qi Yao, and the Left Censor-in-Chief You was even thrown into prison for insubordination.
Now no one questioned the authenticity of the will.
However, more than half of the veteran officials in the court fell ill, and there were only less than fifty people attending the morning court today!
Among them, officials from the Ling family faction accounted for the majority.
"Good, very good, I think they all don't take me seriously!"
Qi Yao was furious and looked at the empty positions below, wondering who should start the operation first.
Just then, urgent news came.
The news that King You's army had set out from Hanzhou and headed eastwards to the capital finally reached the capital.
There was a sudden silence in the court.
Officials from the Ling family faction, led by Concubine Ling's brother, frowned and looked solemn.
As for the remaining small group of people, they suddenly felt relieved.
At the top, Qi Yao’s face was full of frost.
He sneered, "Father summoned Prince You to return to the capital many times, but Prince You disobeyed the order and now he is leading his troops directly to the capital. He deserves death!"
"Prince You is guilty of treason, and his crime is unforgivable!"
"I want to call on the commanders of all states to fight against the rebels together. Who is willing to lead 5,000 elite soldiers from Dayong in the western suburbs as the vanguard to attack the enemy directly and share my worries?"
Qi Yao spoke aggressively.
The hall was eerily quiet, as if one could hear the sound of a pin drop.
No one dared to stand up at this critical juncture.
Who is King You? He is the god of war who defeated the Northern Barbarians and the Western Liang successively!
Who dares to lead the troops to fight King You? They must be tired of living and don't want to live anymore!
But if we don't send troops, are we just going to wait for King You to attack the capital?
Then, is there any meaning in the succession to the throne?
Seeing the person on the dragon throne constantly making eye contact with him, Concubine Ling's brother sighed and stepped forward, "My second son Ling Yue is currently serving as the commander of the Cavalry Battalion in the Western Suburbs Camp. I am willing to take this charge on his behalf and order him to lead his troops out of the capital soon to persuade King You to surrender!"
"Lord Ling has great righteousness in his heart and is here to share my worries. This matter is settled, Lord, please get up quickly."
Qi Yao asked the eunuch beside him to help his uncle up.
Afterwards, it was announced in the court that Commander Ling Yueling would be appointed as General Shanyong, and would lead 5,000 elite soldiers to leave the capital immediately to join forces with troops from various states to fight against the traitor Qi Xu!
…
In the Cining Palace.
In the dim bedroom, weak coughs could be faintly heard.
This sound came from a separate dark room behind the secret door of the bedroom. If the secret door was not closed at this moment, the sound would not have been heard.
The door was gently pushed open from the outside. An old woman with slow steps, a tired face, and a crooked nose and mouth was vaguely seen. She was supported by someone and walked into the house.
The person on the bed, who was covering his mouth and coughing painfully, suddenly stopped coughing and looked over with wide eyes.
Then, with red eyes, he spoke as if with endless grievances: "Mother!"
"Hey." The old woman ordered the nanny beside her to go out and guard first, and she hobbled step by step to the bedside, sat down gently, then patted the back of the man's hand and sighed.
"Why……"
The man on the bed was only wearing a white undershirt. His face was pale, the corners of his mouth were cracked, and his lips were slightly purple. He looked like he would not live long.
Perhaps he was too excited, after calling out "Mother", he started coughing violently again.
The old woman sitting beside the bed gently patted his back with gentleness and patience.
After a long time, the coughing stopped, and the man continued: "Mother, it's the second son, and... cough cough... and that vicious woman Ling!"
"They killed my son."
"I know." After these four words, there was another sigh.
The person sitting beside the bed spoke slowly, with a helpless tone, "Now outside, Qi Yao has already proclaimed himself emperor..."
"Sure enough! This rebellious son!" The man on the bed coughed heart-wrenchingly with his emotions fluctuating.
The old woman sitting beside the bed had no choice but to continue patiently patting his back, which was hunched over due to the headache.
At last, he advised, "Your Majesty has seen my current state, and there is nothing I can do. I have tried my best to save your Majesty's life."
"Mother, do I have to hide here forever?"
"Of course not, it's just that now is definitely not a good time to go out."
"Your Majesty, please wait a little longer. Let the mother and son of the Ling family be arrogant for a few more days, and then..."
In the dark room, an old voice slowly told his plan.
Outside, standing against the secret door, a serious-looking person dressed as a court lady was listening silently.
…
The army of King You advanced faster than the imperial court had imagined.
Before Ling Yue's troops left Yanzhou, west of the capital, they learned that King You's army would arrive in Yanzhou in half a day.
The commander-in-chief of Yanzhou, who should have met him long ago, was nowhere to be found.
Even the 3,000 troops in Yanzhou were nowhere to be found.
When they were near the capital, the troops from Suizhou, Pingzhou and other states, who were supposed to lead troops to join the encirclement and suppression of King You under the order of the court, had no news at all.
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