Chapter 317 Chaos in the Imperial Palace
"Outside the borders of our Jinzhou Prefecture, even in Bianjing, the capital of the Great Zhou Dynasty, the common people can no longer survive. The Great Zhou Dynasty has been plagued by wars, and the common people are suffering and have no way out. With the country's fortunes turbulent, who can remain unscathed?" Elder Lin said in a sad voice, "Your Highness, besides political considerations, you must also consider the millions of people in Bianjing who are still struggling to survive. The sooner you unify the world, the sooner the war will end, and the people can live a stable life. The people of our Great Zhou Dynasty simply cannot withstand the turbulence of the country's fortunes..."
Xu Zhenying felt heavy in the chest, a little absent-minded, and his eyes were dull.
She seemed to be sitting there, but her eyes were wandering somewhere else.
After a long while, I heard her say, "Give me another night to think about it."
This night is destined to be a sleepless night.
Some of Xu Zhenying's senior officials knew about the situation in Bianjing City. More than a dozen waves of people came to persuade him, but they were all blocked by Jiang Yongkang alone.
They were reluctant to leave as long as the lights in Xu Zhenying's study were on.
On Xu Zhenying's side, there were people who advocated war and those who advocated peace, but the voices in favor of war still prevailed.
After all, as long as we launch the Northern Expedition, the achievement of following the dragon will be within our grasp, the world will be stable, and the four seas will be united. This is a golden opportunity that will never come again in a thousand years!
Being granted a title of nobility and appointed as prime minister, and making great achievements, is just around the corner!
Even Zhou Houfang, Qu Min and Chang Yuanshan, who had always been calmer and more composed than others in the secretariat, were now somewhat confused.
Ming Xiaoshuang and the others stood outside, feeling uneasy about leaving and no use staying, so they finally waited in the waiting area of the government office.
In case Xu Zhenying has any ideas, they will be the first to know.
As a result, the window at the entrance of the government office, which usually received the common people, was now crowded with people.
Ming Xiaoshuang sighed, a look of worry on his face. "What do you think... would His Highness choose to launch a northern expedition now?"
Zhou Houfang reasoned, "The battlefield in the east is somewhat unstable. Two prefectures are still resisting desperately, and local tyrants are constantly trying to trip us up. But these are not serious matters. Your Highness has many capable people under his command. I don't believe there are no people who can clean up the northern battlefield."
"Then why are you still hesitating, Your Highness? Bianjing is in chaos now. The emperor is dead, and the civil and military officials are undoubtedly in turmoil. This is a good time to launch a northern expedition."
"Perhaps... since the plan has been brought forward, Your Highness is a little overwhelmed."
Ming Xiaoshuang smiled unexpectedly upon hearing this. "I've followed Her Highness for so many years, and I've never seen Her Highness at a loss. Her Highness is the most mentally resilient person I've ever met. If she hesitates, it must be because she hasn't thought of a perfect solution."
Elder Lin came over and said, "You mean, Your Highness really wants to launch a Northern Expedition, but hasn't yet resolved the issue of Zhao Yi, so he's a little unsure?"
Ming Xiaoshuang suddenly laughed out loud, "Oh! Why should I be anxious? Her Highness is the smartest person here. She must be thinking of a solution. What's the point of me being anxious? I might as well do whatever Her Highness tells me to do."
Elder Lin sneered, "This is what it means to be a loyal minister for eternity!"
Ming Xiaoshuang touched his head and said, "Yes, yes, it means the same thing."
Zhou Houfang said, "Your Highness...I'm afraid you're also worried about Miss Feng'er."
When Feng'er was mentioned, Ming Xiaoshuang's face obviously darkened.
Feng'er——
It's really heartbreaking.
Seeing that everyone was waiting outside and there were faint sounds coming from time to time, Jiang Yongkang simply ordered people to close the gate of the government office to completely block out the intermittent sounds outside.
Then he ordered his two personal guards: "Don't let anyone in."
He then strode in.
Jiang Yongkang, a young man wearing a long gown and without his armor, looked somewhat elegant.
He was well-educated, but he had the murderous aura of the battlefield and was usually serious, so his subordinates always avoided him.
But at this moment, he suppressed all the hostility in his body, as if his eyes became gentle, and even the action of knocking on the door was so gentle.
Jiang Yongkang knocked on the door, but the person inside did not respond until he said, "It's me."
There was silence in the room for a moment, and then he was invited in.
Jiang Yongkang pushed the door open and walked in, bringing a gentle breeze that even had a hint of summer coolness.
Xu Zhenying flipped a few pages of the book on the desk.
The woman's eyes were cold and clear, like the snow on the mountains, with an unbearable whiteness and a biting coldness.
Jiang Yongkang didn't pay any attention and didn't say hello. Instead, he walked straight into the house, then dragged a chair over and sat next to Xu Zhenying.
During the whole process, neither of them spoke.
Such time alone together is rare.
One of them was in Jinzhou Prefecture, and the other was on the battlefield. Gradually, they seemed to become two parallel lines, with only correspondence remaining.
But sitting like this, they both felt very at ease.
Xu Zhenying feels that this is the power of partnership.
Jiang Yongkang gently pushed the teacup over and said, "Drink some water. You haven't had any food or water tonight. Are you hungry?"
Xu Zhenying shook his head and sighed.
"You're right. No matter how difficult or dangerous the situation is, you can't treat yourself badly. Some people strive to achieve success, some strive to make a living, and some strive for their dreams. But ultimately, they all need a healthy body to support them."
Xu Zhenying smiled helplessly, "I really can't eat right now."
Jiang Yongkang surrendered helplessly, but sat lazily in his chair, talking about his dinner today: "Come to think of it, I did have a bowl of chicken noodle soup that Aunt Feng made for me tonight. The chicken soup was simmered for over an hour, and there was a little angelica root in it, which had a faint medicinal aroma. It was cooked until there was a thin layer of oil on top, and the chicken melted in your mouth and fell off the bone with just one sip. It was garnished with some emerald green onions, and it was so hot that I broke out in a sweat. Paired with a bowl of cool mung bean paste, I suddenly felt that all the battles for world domination and achievements were unimportant. Nothing could compare to the bowl of chicken noodle soup I had tonight."
Xu Zhenying listened to him quietly. She knew in her heart that Jiang Yongkang was trying to persuade him to eat. She smiled helplessly, but her heart was also warmed. "Then...is there any chicken soup?"
Jiang Yongkang smiled slightly, with a hint of success in his eyes, "Of course. I'll ask Aunt Feng to cook a bowl."
Then he went out to order noodles, and soon, in just a few minutes, he came in with the fragrant chicken soup noodles that night.
Jiang Yongkang even picked up the noodles with chopsticks and blew on them before handing them to her. "Eat slowly, it's a little hot. I asked Aunt Feng to put a small piece of ice in it, but I'm afraid it will lose its fragrance. Try it first."
Xu Zhenying took the chopsticks and started eating slowly.
Jiang Yongkang sat beside her and poured her another cup of tea to cool it down. He said to her casually, "Are you... a little scared?"
"What are you afraid of?"
Jiang Yongkang raised his eyebrows. "I think maybe you're like me. It's that feeling of being close to home that makes you more timid. Our original plan was to pacify the east and west in ten years, and then finally head north. But I didn't expect this day to come so soon. I'm actually quite nervous. The thing I've been pursuing day and night is now right before my eyes, yet I'm mostly filled with fear."
"Partly." Xu Zhenying ate slowly, organizing her thoughts as she ate. "Maybe you're right. Of course, I'm also worried about Feng'er. I'm afraid they'll capture Feng'er and use her as a bargaining chip in my negotiations."
Jiang Yongkang was not expecting this section and was a little surprised.
He knew that Xu Zhenying was a man of loyalty and righteousness. He had dared to go to the den of thieves alone for the sake of Li Yinzhang, and later he was depressed for a long time because of Li Zhaodi. If something happened to Feng'er, she would probably never be able to forgive him in her life.
"I know this is a rare opportunity, but I still want to find a safer solution."
"Okay, let's do what you always say and use data," Jiang Yongkang slowly guided her. "The intelligence we know now is that Feng'er's whereabouts are unknown, so there are several possibilities. The worst one is that Feng'er has fallen into Zhou Zhong's hands. She's either dead or alive, waiting to be used as a bargaining chip by Zhou Zhong."
Jiang Yongkang's voice was hoarse and low, which seemed to gradually soothe Xu Zhenying's somewhat anxious heart.
She gradually sorted out her thoughts, "Second, Zhou Zhong didn't catch her, so where did she go?"
"Is it possible that they were kidnapped by Zhou Heng's enemies? Tell me more about how our intelligence network in Bianjing City was discovered?"
"My brother's letter didn't mention it, but I guess that if they could catch our people so accurately, there might be a traitor among us."
When Jiang Yongkang heard that there was a traitor, his expression changed obviously.
Xu Zhenying laughed: "Why, do you think our internal situation is as impenetrable as a rock?"
"I just feel that... even though we've done such thorough ideological work, there are still people who would betray us."
"Wherever there are people, there are underworld forces. There's no corner in the world that can't be dug down. It just depends on whether your interests are right. Besides, maybe the traitor was threatened and had no choice but to do it. Any situation can happen."
"What about Xu Huiming and the others?"
"My brother should be safe, otherwise he wouldn't have sent me this secret letter. He should be hiding somewhere in Bianjing City right now, anxiously trying to find a way to save Feng'er."
"Your Highness." Jiang Yongkang stared at her motionlessly. "Tell me the truth, your hesitation before was because you didn't want a head-on war?"
Xu Zhenying pursed his lips.
Jiang Yongkang immediately knew that he had guessed correctly.
Xu Zhenying... She really didn't want the army to go out and engage in bloody conflict.
In the past, they had always fought with firearms, and they had engaged in sporadic guerrilla warfare. But facing the city of Bianjing, not to mention the 200,000 troops from the northern border, there were also 50,000 imperial guards, and Zhou Mian had 50,000 private soldiers. These 300,000 people were bound to fight bloody battles on the front line.
War means death.
This is what Xu Zhenying least wants to see.
"I know you've always sought peaceful means, or the means with the lowest possible risk of death, to capture cities. That's why you've been dedicated to researching new weapons and using gentle economic tactics to subdue them. Our casualty rate is also the lowest. After so many years of fighting, our casualties are less than a third of those of the Great Zhou Dynasty. Your Highness, you've done enough, and well enough."
Jiang Yongkang's voice was gentle and soft, yet it had a reassuring power. "You have to know that as long as there is war, there will be bloodshed and death. We cannot avoid it."
Xu Zhenying's face was filled with pain. "But I'm greedy. I want to save everyone's life... Am I unworthy of being in power? If I start this war, hundreds of thousands of people will die. I know the path to imperial power is difficult, destined to be a road of bloodshed and bones, but sometimes I wonder, am I doing all this for my own power, or is it truly to change the world and make life better for everyone? I'm afraid... afraid that I've unknowingly become a slave to power."
"Your Highness, please don't doubt yourself." Jiang Yongkang grasped her hand. The man's hand was hot, like a furnace. "War and death are inevitable. If you're not there, others will be. The dust of history will shake everyone. But only you, only you can end this chaotic world. Only you can restrain yourself after taking power. Only you can lead everyone to prosperity. Your Highness, you must believe in yourself. If you can't do well enough, do you expect us to rely on the Zhou family?"
"Your Highness, I know you don't like power. In fact, you prefer a comfortable life of modest wealth. You haven't become a slave to power; you are fighting for everyone in this world. Some people are destined to sacrifice; that's fate, and this sin cannot be attributed to you! If there really is a hell, I, Jiang Yongkang, will bear the responsibility for these lives!"
"I'm a materialist and don't believe in the underworld. But I understand what you mean." Xu Zhenying sighed deeply, but also smiled helplessly. "You're right, the Zhou family... are indeed unworthy. I haven't become a slave to power, either now or in the future."
Xu Zhenying slowly got up, opened the window, and breathed in the cool early summer air outside. Her eyes gradually became firm.
It's really ridiculous. Why would you hesitate when the time comes?
When she first arrived in Lan County, how determined was she to change the world?
Is it really true that being close to home makes one feel more timid?
That's right, she had told herself long ago that as long as there was a rebellion, people would die, including herself.
She couldn't protect everyone.
She, Xu Zhenying, is destined to be the one to end the troubled times!
Xu Zhenying let out a long breath, then turned to look at Jiang Yongkang.
Her hair was blown gently, and the hazy moonlight enveloped her head. She was as unattainable as a goddess in the holy light.
"Minister Jiang, let's put an end to this chaos!"
——————————————————————
Bianjing City, inside the Imperial Palace.
With Zhou Zhong's death, the atmosphere in the palace was tense.
On the tenth day after Zhou Chongchun's mysterious death, the palace was still not at peace. A large number of imperial guards searched the harem and the city over and over again, saying that they wanted to catch the murderer, but the murderer was still nowhere to be found.
Even though the news of the complete fall of the Eastern Territory had not yet reached the capital, perceptive people had already sensed the signs of a changing world.
This world may really be changing.
Everyone in the harem was in danger. The eunuchs and palace maids all kept their heads down, not even daring to make a scene. They walked quietly, for fear that they would be killed as an example to others if they were not careful.
It was a time of great turmoil, and the palaces of several concubines were kept tightly closed. They would only be opened when the leader of the imperial guards led people to conduct rounds of searches.
In Jingpin's palace, as soon as the searchers left, Wang Qiu Shuang couldn't wait to send her attendants away, and then came to a small dark room covered by a green curtain. She knocked on the door very carefully.
Three long and one short, this is the secret code agreed upon between her and her superiors.
There was a rustling noise from inside, and then the small door was pushed open from the inside.
This is a small Buddhist temple for offering incense and can only accommodate one person.
At that time, Feng'er happened to be summoned by the Queen Mother, and her identity was exposed. More than 30 people from the Datong Society in the harem were afraid that she would fall into Zhou Mian's hands. After exchanging information and working together, Feng'er disappeared and barely saved her life.
Finally they decided to hide the person with Jingpin.
What followed was an overwhelming search.
Wang Qiushuang carefully helped the man out. "Friend Xu, they've already left. They've been searching for several rounds now, and security is tight inside and outside the Imperial City. I'm afraid you'll have to endure this for a while."
To be honest, when everyone wanted to hide Feng'er with Jingpin, she was extremely unwilling.
It is one thing to yearn for Jinzhou Prefecture and it is one thing to yearn for achievements, but it is another thing to actually go through fire and water and tie your head to your belt.
Now that the emperor is dead, the city of Bianjing is in a state of panic. Wang Qiushuang just wants to protect herself and save her life.
But by chance, she heard Eunuch Luo call this man Minister Xu.
Wang Qiu Shuang's mind changed immediately.
My last name is Xu.
The queen of Jinzhou Prefecture also has the surname Xu, so it's hard to say there's no connection between the two.
Wang Qiu Shuang decided to take a risk!
That's why she nodded and took on this hot potato.
However, in the following days, there was a small search every two days and a large search every three days. Although they were all under the name of finding the murderer of Zhou Zhong, Wang Qiu Shuang was a smart person and naturally sensed something unusual.
It's probably because the person in front of him has an extraordinary identity that has attracted Zhou Mian's large-scale pursuit.
This time, Wang Qiu Shuang really has to walk the tightrope alone.
If you are not careful, you will be doomed!
Feng'er was petite and struggled to crawl out of the small Buddhist temple. "Is there any new situation outside?"
"No, it's still the same. Ever since His Majesty's death, the situation has remained at a stalemate."
"The Queen's side."
"The Queen is here with the Crown Prince and Princess."
Feng Er shook her head, "I'm afraid the Queen's life will be difficult."
Wang Qiu Shuang immediately understood and gasped, "You mean, the emperor will take action against them?"
"Maybe they'll kill her to silence her, or maybe they'll take the prince away and separate her from him."
Wang Qiushuang angrily said, "His Majesty's body is still warm. He's the emperor after all, yet his funeral is being handled so sloppily! It's fine he wouldn't allow us to mourn, but now he can't wait to attack an orphan and a widow!"
Wang Qiu Shuang was really angry. Although Empress Yuan Chun was the mistress, she never treated her concubines like other mistresses, calling them to come and sending them away at will.
On the contrary, Empress Yuan Chun always said that they were pitiful and had great sympathy for them. She never withheld money from them and treated them sincerely as sisters.
Now that His Majesty is dead, the Emperor can't wait to take action against the Empress. They are all concubines, so it's inevitable that they feel a sense of shared hatred for the enemy.
This time it was the Queen, and next time it will probably be the turn of these palace concubines.
"Zhou Mian's ambition has always been to become emperor. He pushed Zhou Chong to the throne because of strong opposition from his old ministers. Over the years, he has eliminated dissidents, gained control of the military, and has almost cleaned up the court. It's time for Zhou Chong to abdicate. However, few emperors can abdicate alive."
Jingpin was secretly surprised.
Is this the woman from Jinzhou Prefecture?
It would be fine if he just called the emperor's name, but he could even clearly see the turmoil and reasons that had plagued the city of Bianjing for several years in just a few words. This kind of sharpness is truly rare.
Jingpin had a strong admiration for the strong. When she heard Feng'er say this, she immediately lowered her posture unconsciously, even subtly respecting Feng'er. "Then, fellow club member, what should we do now?"
Feng Er paused for a moment, "Do you have any way for me to see the Queen?"
Jingpin looked embarrassed. "The Queen's Fengqi Palace is strictly guarded by the Emperor's men. We don't know what's going on inside. It's even harder to see people."
"Can you pass on the message?"
"I can try."
"Well, I'll write a note and ask you to give it to the Queen."
Wang Qiu Shuang really wanted to ask what kind of note it was, but she felt it was difficult to ask, which made her even more nervous.
But at this point, there is no room for turning back.
Zhou Zhong died under strange circumstances, allegedly shot by an arrow during a spring hunt. However, Wang Qiushuang had a hunch that Zhou Mian was involved.
Now that Zhou Chong is dead, the Empress cannot even save herself, let alone her, an unpopular concubine.
If things go wrong, I will have to be buried alive with His Majesty.
Wang Qiu Shuang was absolutely unwilling to do so.
She is only in her twenties now and is in the prime of her life. Why should she die?
She doesn't want to die.
She wants to live.
She even greedily wanted to walk out of this square palace.
It is said that birds die for food and people die for money. She, Wang Qiu Shuang, is willing to take this gamble for her life and freedom!
As if she knew that hiding here had brought endless trouble to the imperial concubine, Feng'er smiled and patted her shoulder. "Friend Wang, don't be afraid. To put it bluntly, your emperor is dead. You have no way out. Only by following me can you have a glimmer of hope. You should know that Zhou Mian will not let you go."
Wang Qiu Shuang's smile was forced.
How could she not know this truth?
Why does she need Minister Xu to criticize her?
At this moment, the gate of Fengqi Palace was rudely kicked open from the outside, and then a large number of imperial guards rushed in like fish pouring into water.
The leader was General Yu of the Imperial Guards.
He was dressed in silver armor and holding a spear. He walked with great vigor, like a heavy drum beating on the hearts of the palace people.
Even no one in Fengqi Palace dared to symbolically block the way.
General Yu was a strong and powerful man, tall and mighty, and could kick a eunuch away with one kick. They really didn't dare to take this risk for a fallen queen.
Loyalty also comes at a price.
The palace gate of Empress Yuan Chun was kicked open with great fanfare.
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