He admired Yinji's growth and courage over the past two years, but he never let his guard down.
The taste of power is what can most change a person.
However, he is confident that he can control the situation.
Yinji cannot sit in that position without him.
We cannot do without it, at least until we have completely eliminated the external enemies and stabilized the internal situation.
"Old Han!" Zhao Muyun put away the secret letter and looked at Han Zhong, who was standing solemnly to the side.
"Zhao Tou!" That's what the two still call each other in private, reminding people of their days at the beacon tower.
"A sudden change has occurred in Xijing. His Majesty... has been murdered by a treacherous eunuch and has passed away."
Zhao Muyun dropped this bombshell in a calm tone, as if it were a routine official matter.
Han Zhong was stunned and looked up: "What? This...this..."
He was at a loss for words. To plot against the emperor was a colossal act that would cause the heavens to fall and the earth to collapse!
"There's no need to panic." Zhao Muyun raised her hand to stop his outburst. "The traitorous eunuch has been executed, and with Pei Lun and Fan Nan in charge of Xijing, there's no major chaos for the time being."
“A country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. His Majesty has no son, and Prince Jin, as the Emperor’s nephew, has been summoned back to the capital to temporarily assume the responsibilities of the state.”
Han Zhong was a smart man, and he instantly understood the key point and Zhao Muyun's position.
He suppressed the turmoil in his heart and said in a deep voice, "Grand Commander... what do you need me to do?"
"The defense of Hedong is of paramount importance. I also bear responsibility for Tian Qing's mistakes; I can only entrust you with the task of rectifying them!"
Zhao Muyun stared at him, her gaze piercing. "Yunzhou, Daizhou, Luzhou—not a single one can be lost! I will urge the rear to do everything in my power to ensure you receive the necessary provisions and military equipment. And I—"
He stood up and dusted off non-existent dust from his robes. “I must return to Xijing immediately. I am needed there now to oversee things, to… handle the aftermath, and to assist the new emperor.”
He deliberately emphasized the phrase "assisting the new ruler".
Han Zhong took a deep breath, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "This humble general will obey the Grand Commander's orders! I will do my utmost to defend the land and protect the people, and await good news from the Grand Commander!"
"Good!" Zhao Muyun patted his shoulder. "I'm at ease leaving Hedong to you."
Without further delay, he immediately ordered his personal guards to assemble and prepare to travel lightly and quietly back to Xijing.
He wanted to witness, and more importantly, to lead, this power transition triggered by the emperor's death, which would officially place Yinji on the throne.
And take this opportunity to further consolidate and strengthen your authority, laying a more solid foundation for dealing with the conflicts from all sides, and even... the more distant future.
Amidst the wind and snow, Zhao Muyun's figure, riding south, was decisive and resolute.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com