Chapter 203 Chapter 203 is the only genuine version...
Rumble.
Muffled thunder broke through the clouds.
The emperor's hearing was extremely sensitive. The thunder was like a drum repeatedly hammering at his heart, bringing him an almost trembling uneasiness.
"What's wrong?" His eyes were dim and lifeless.
After listening to the scout's report, Gong Hai bowed and said in a shrill voice, "Your Majesty, the Gu family has no ambushes. They are now relying on a few elderly, weak, and sick people to put up a desperate resistance. Miss Gu has always been a flamboyant person. It's just her coming-of-age banquet, but she invited everyone in the capital with such fanfare. This really makes things convenient for us."
As soon as they left, the Queen Mother ordered the city gates to be sealed, waiting to capture the Gu family, and then the life and death of the entire court civil and military officials would be in her hands.
The emperor nodded: "Where is the Taimiao?"
"The prayers have already begun. I sent someone to investigate. The emperor is accompanied by the Imperial Guards, while the Imperial Guards and the Imperial Army Guards are stationed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. There are no members of the Thousand Machine Battalion, and there are no ambushes nearby," Gong Hai said. "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is completely unaware."
Xie Yingchen had been in a high position for a long time, and he must have regarded the world as his own.
The emperor was pleased and said, "Jing'er has grown up and is more cautious in his actions."
Gong Hai responded repeatedly, bending his back even lower.
After being confined for half a year and suffering from a disability, Gong Hai no longer had the same determination as before, and his behavior became cautious.
In fact, according to Gong Hai's idea, the emperor could just stay in the capital and wait for Xie Yingchen to come back and catch him in the trap.
After leaving the palace, he also mentioned this to the emperor.
But the emperor asked, what if Xie Yingchen and Gu Yican realized something was wrong and ran away?
This question left Gong Hai speechless. That's right, Xie Chenying is already fully grown, and with Gu Yican, once the tiger is released back into the mountains, he will be unstoppable.
"Your Majesty. Now..."
Gong Hai bowed and asked for the emperor's will.
"Ahai." The emperor called his name affectionately, just as he had done before. "I must tear off Xie Yingchen's face in front of our ancestors and let them take a good look at this unfilial descendant who disobeyed and rebelled against his superiors."
Haha, praying? He was determined to let Xie Yingchen fall into the abyss in front of the whole world, and never be able to stand up again!
Gong Hai supported him: "Yes. I know that the emperor has suffered a lot of grievances."
Seeing that his face was pale, Gong Hai quickly brought him some medicinal tea to help him calm down.
The emperor drank it all in one gulp: "What is this? It has no taste at all."
Huh? The medicinal tea is so bitter, how could it be tasteless? Gong Hai's fingers froze. Could it be that the emperor had lost not only his sight but also his sense of taste?
Gong Hai was startled. He glanced at Liang Ren who was following behind him. He did not ask any more questions, but changed the subject and said, "Your Majesty, I have someone go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to investigate first."
"good."
The emperor twitched the corners of his mouth.
He will no longer be controlled by Xie Yingchen, he is the Emperor of Daqi!
Gong Hai called Qin Su, the deputy commander of the Jinwu Guard, and after giving him a few instructions, he divided the troops into four groups and set off.
There is only one chance. We cannot let Xie Yingchen escape. We must cut off all his escape routes!
Qin Su took the order and left.
He changed into a coarse cloth and a short hemp robe, rode a horse for a distance, and then abandoned the horse and walked.
Not far away, the gilded roof of the Taimiao reflected the sunlight, so bright that he dared not look directly at it.
Today, the common people are allowed to watch the ceremony. The four city gates surrounding the Taimiao Square are wide open, and the inside is packed with people. At first glance, there are at least tens of thousands of people. They stand solemnly, looking in the direction of the Taimiao.
Daqi had not had such a grand event for more than ten years. Not only the people in the capital, but also people from Yizhou, Yanzhou and other places who were not far away came to watch the ceremony.
The huge square does not seem crowded.
Even though there were so many people there, there was no extra noise at all.
"kneel!"
The Ministry of Rites sang a song of approval, with the ending tone drawn out long and very high-pitched.
The people knelt together.
In the center of the square is a towering altar paved with white marble tiles.
Directly east of the altar was the Taimiao, and all the royal family members, nobles and officials knelt in front of it.
Qin Su squeezed into the crowd calmly.
"rise!"
"kneel!"
He knelt down with them, and when he stood up again, another man dressed as a traveling merchant came in on tiptoe. When he came to his friend, he bowed repeatedly and said, "Don't blame me, don't blame me. The capital..."
The friend made a gesture to silence him.
Lu Youshang looked around, pulled his hand down, and said in a low voice, "Something seems to have happened in the capital."
"Something happened?"
"The city gate is closed!" Lu Youshang said, "I wanted to go into the city to buy a cake, but I couldn't get in."
"No way, my wife and the others are still in Beijing."
Someone nearby heard this and came over to say, "Could it be that they're closing the gates to ward off evil spirits, and then after they've prayed for blessings and returned, the Crown Prince will knock on the city gates and bring back blessings?"
He was just guessing, but it seemed to make some sense.
"That's right. Everything is fine, nothing should happen. This is the capital city!"
The friend breathed a sigh of relief.
Qin Su couldn't help but clench his hands when he heard this.
“Look!”
"What is that?"
Suddenly someone in the crowd let out a low cry.
Qin Su suddenly looked back and saw a red cloud appearing at the end of the sky, like a blooming firework, which dissipated in the clouds after burning to the extreme.
"It seems to be in the direction of the capital."
"It's fireworks!?"
The people around were whispering to each other.
Qin Su's forehead was buzzing. He was just a deputy commander and just followed orders.
Therefore, it was not until he left the capital that he learned that Gong Hai had actually brought the emperor out and was going to attack the Taimiao and the Crown Prince.
This is definitely not fireworks, it is a cloud-piercing arrow used by the army.
Something must have happened in the capital!
Maybe it's the Gu family asking for help! Will something happen to A Liao and A Man...
What should he do? !
"kneel."
Chang Nuo's voice interrupted the whispers around him, and Qin Su also knelt down.
This is the last kneeling of three kneelings and nine kowtows.
Qingping, wearing a purple and gold robe, walked up the white marble steps to the altar, his clothes fluttering.
He stood in front of the altar, holding a whisk, and made a gesture with his right hand.
The bronze incense burner on the altar rose in the wind, and white smoke rose.
The people prostrated themselves on the ground.
"Follow the Way of Heaven and respond to the seasons—" (Note)
He swung the whisk in the air, and the floating silver thread pulled the cigarette up three feet high, forming a huge Tai Chi pattern in the air.
"Today, I obey the will of heaven and gather the righteous energy of heaven and earth..."
Xie Jing knelt at the front of the princes, looking straight ahead.
According to the plan, Gong Hai sneaked out of the capital last night and mobilized the nearest Yulin Guard, Fujun Guard and Huben Guard. These three guards have a total strength of more than 20,000 people.
There will be no loss!
Everything was normal for Xie Yingchen, and he had not noticed any unusual movements in the capital.
This time, the winner will definitely be my father!
"...Heaven showers sweet dew upon the nine fields, and the earth gushes forth sweet springs, irrigating the vast expanse of wilderness. Weather is favorable, and crops flourish. There is no plague, and war is forever ended."
Qingping was reciting the prayer with a solemn expression on his face and an air of immortality in every move. He was so panicked that he almost mispronounced the words.
The junior sister said that if anything happened, he should stand still and not move.
The implication of this statement is that something bad is going to happen!
It was his first time to be the Imperial Master, and he was terrified.
Where to next?
Qingping pretended to take the Bagua steps and finally remembered.
That’s right!
Qingping pinched his fingers and chanted the mantra.
With a flick of the whisk, a talisman rose into the air. Golden flames burst out from the surface of the talisman, and the flames licked the vermilion talisman pattern.
Qingping's wide sleeves rustled - there was clearly no wind!
There were gasps from the crowd as they looked up and stretched out their hands to catch the flying ashes.
"...the Purple Palace will shine brighter, and I pray for auspicious signs to descend upon the White Jade Capital."
A gust of wind suddenly blew up, and the people raised their sleeves to cover their faces. Suddenly, someone shouted, "What is this!?"
On the altar, a pitch-black box suddenly appeared.
It is only three feet long, with coiled dragon bodies carved on all four sides. The dragon's head protrudes from the front of the box, with a pearl in its mouth, and each dragon's whiskers are clearly visible, making it look lifelike.
No one saw how this box appeared. It seemed to have fallen from the sky along with the cry of "Pray for good fortune to fall from the White Jade Capital."
"It's a good omen!"
Someone shouted, his tone full of surprise and excitement.
"This must be a blessing from heaven for Daqi!"
In full view of everyone, the wooden box suddenly appeared on the altar. This must be a sign from heaven!
"Yes, yes. I remember that after the Imperial Master finished reciting the prayer, an immortal bestowed upon him this wooden box."
"It's a good omen!"
Auspicious!
The people were so excited that they didn't know what to do. Their pious faces were filled with both laughter and tears.
"Auspicious signs from heaven!"
"The Imperial Master is truly divine. A divine being!"
Amidst the loud shouts of "auspiciousness", even the officials who were still kneeling in front of the Taimiao were drawn into their thoughts.
Could it really be an auspicious sign?
That’s right, they saw it falling from the sky with their own eyes, how could they say it wasn’t a blessing from heaven?
Auspicious?
Xie Jing silently exchanged glances with Duke Cheng'en, thinking in his heart, could it be that because his father is going to return to the throne and purge the treacherous officials, the heavens will bestow auspicious signs?
With this thought in mind, they couldn't wait to see what was inside.
Xie Yingchen came out of the Taimiao and, after hearing what had happened, said, "Grandfather, please open it with the Imperial Master."
Prince Li was curious and nodded repeatedly.
Xie Yingchen smiled, full of satisfaction, and said, "May God bless me, Daqi, and have mercy on me. I will announce it to the world, and auspicious signs will be bestowed upon me."
He bowed to Qingping and said, "The Imperial Master has profound magical powers. It is a blessing for Daqi to have the Imperial Master protecting the destiny of the country."
Qingping: ? ?
He actually did nothing, so there is no need to praise him so much.
Prince Li was about to step onto the altar when Duke Cheng'en stopped him and said, "Wait!"
The Crown Prince had already given the order, and he had no right to speak at this time, but he still spoke suddenly.
Prince Li frowned slightly.
Duke Cheng'en smiled and said, "Your Highness, Prince Rui is the Emperor's third son. Since the Emperor isn't here, and this is an auspicious sign, Prince Rui should go along to see it."
It must be because the chaos is about to be rectified, and the blessings bestowed by our ancestors, if they fall into Xie Yingchen's hands, what if he makes up his mind and destroys the blessings? Right!
"Prince Rui, go quickly."
Duke Cheng'en winked at Xie Jing, and Xie Jing understood what he meant. Before Xie Yingchen could agree, he immediately walked out and stood behind Prince Li.
Now, it would be bad for Prince Li not to bring him along, as it would make the royal family a laughing stock.
Prince Li waved his sleeves unhappily and walked up to the altar.
He first knelt down and kowtowed three times in the direction of the Taimiao, then reverently held up the ebony box with both hands.
This ebony box is quite heavy and feels heavy in the hand.
Everyone's eyes were on him, and they were almost beside themselves with excitement.
What a good omen!
This was the first time in their lives that they witnessed an auspicious sign!
Prince Li held up the ebony box and showed it to the people and court officials. Then he knelt on the ground and opened it with his own hands in front of everyone.
This is……
Prince Li's pupils shrank.
What lay in the ebony box was actually a bright yellow imperial edict. It was stained with blood and looked quite old.
"Imperial edict?" Prince Li blurted out with a look of shock on his face.
Why is it an imperial edict?
The people standing at the back of the crowd couldn't see clearly, so they jumped up to look around and asked the people in the front. When they heard that this auspicious sign was an imperial decree, they were all shocked.
"Could it be a decree from the Jade Emperor?!"
“It must be!”
"Long live, long live, long live!"
"Great enlightenment for thousands of years!"
"For thousands of years!!"
"Long live!"
The cheers of "Long live the emperor" were layered like waves rolling in, almost overturning the sky.
The shouts of tens of thousands of people startled the horses, causing them to raise their front hooves and let out long neighs.
"Xie Yingchen, the traitor!"
The emperor, wanting to show off his prowess, sat on his horse and nearly fell off. Fortunately, Gong Hai was standing by and supported him.
"I'm here!"
"Long live I!"
"What are you still standing here for? Take down these traitors and rebels. Those who refuse to change their ways will be killed without mercy."
Gong Hai hesitated. Qin Su hadn't returned to report yet, and the people's shouting seemed unusual. Wasn't it too early to act now?!
"Don't you even listen to what I say?" The shout of "Long live the emperor" made the emperor feel upset, and his empty eyes stared straight at Gong Hai.
"yes!"
At this point, it doesn't make any difference whether it's earlier or later.
Gong Hai raised his hand.
The war drums beat, one after another, slowly at first and then quickly.
This is a declaration of war!
The sound of the drums was drowned out by the people's shouts. They were shouting and jumping excitedly. Suddenly, someone shouted, "Read quickly!"
Other voices followed closely—
"Read quickly! Read quickly!"
Xie Yingchen's eyebrows moved, and Chongjiu stood silently behind him, looking around.
"Your Highness."
Zheng Si hurried in from outside, knelt on one knee, and prostrated himself at Xie Yingchen's feet, reporting, "A group of men, approximately 20,000 strong, are approaching the Imperial Ancestral Temple. They're advancing with great force."
He was sweating profusely, and it was unclear whether it was from running or from being anxious.
The ministers heard it clearly and their faces turned pale with shock. Xie Yingchen asked, "Who is it?"
Yes! Who was it? Could it be bandits or rebels? They all speculated secretly.
"What are the imperial guards doing?" The Duke of Weiguo shouted coldly. They actually allowed the bandits to sneak into the capital and cause trouble on such a big day as today!
"Yes, Your Majesty."
What! ?
Duke Weiguo was so frightened that his scalp went numb and his pupils constricted.
All they could think of were bandits, rebels, or remnants of the previous dynasty. The worst outcome was that someone in the court would take advantage of the chaos to rebel. Who could have imagined that it would be the emperor?
Duke Wei asked, "What's going on?!"
I don't know. Zheng Si had just been transferred to the Imperial Guard not long ago. His job was leisurely and respectable, which made him proud for a long time. Even the princess praised him repeatedly. Who could have known that such a change would happen?
"This general..."
Zheng Si was a playboy and had never seen such a scene before, so he was a little at a loss for a moment.
It wasn't until Gu Yican made a soothing gesture to him that he regained his composure and said, "The Emperor is leading the Jinwu Guard, Yulin Guard, and Huben Guard, nearly 20,000 men, beating the war drums half a mile away and approaching this place!"
"I, your Excellency, will have the city gates closed."
He was so frightened when he received the report that he ordered people to close the city gates before he could even react.
This is how they act when they go out to fight: if the other side has fewer people, they pin them down and beat them; if the other side has more people, they close the door and hide. It's become a habit.
He scratched his head and looked away.
Here they come! Duke Cheng’en jumped out and shouted, “Xie Yingchen, you disregard your dignity and place the emperor under house arrest. You are committing a crime of rebellion!”
He took a step forward and shouted.
"This is disloyalty, unfilialness, unkindness and unrighteousness!"
The mountain roars suddenly stopped.
What's the meaning! ?
Duke Cheng'en roared at the top of his lungs, "Your Majesty was appointed the successor by the late Emperor before his death. He was ordained by Heaven!"
"Xie Yingchen, you have violated the Holy Will, and Heaven will not tolerate this."
"My late emperor, you loved Xie Yingchen very much. Do you know that for the throne, Xie Yingchen even spared his own uncle, blinded the emperor's eyes, and forced the emperor to make him the crown prince?"
Duke Cheng'en wiped away his tears and pointed at Xie Yingchen with trembling fingers.
"My late emperor, if you are still alive in heaven, please protect Daqi and restore order to the court!"
Except for a few close ministers such as Prince Li and Duke Wei, most officials did not know the truth about the emperor's house arrest. Their heads were in a mess and they could hardly understand.
What does it mean that the Crown Prince has placed the Emperor under house arrest?
"Everyone kneel down."
Duke Cheng'en shouted, "The Emperor, mindful of your being deceived by treacherous men, has pardoned you. However, if you persist in your rebellion, your entire clan will be executed!"
As he spoke, soldiers from the Jinwu Guard came forward to protect him, and more than a dozen officials also followed Duke Cheng'en and retreated.
The Crown Prince is plotting rebellion?! No way!
Xie Yingchen stood in front of the Taimiao, his face showing no panic or guilt. The dragon pattern on his five-clawed golden dragon robe seemed as if it would rise into the clouds at any time as his sleeves fluttered in the wind.
"wrong!"
Amidst the chaotic crowd, someone shouted, "This is a sign of good fortune from heaven, and the Crown Prince is blessed by heaven. How could he be so disloyal and unfilial?!"
"That's right!"
"The Crown Prince is destined by heaven!"
Xie Jing stared at Xie Yingchen under the altar. He didn't want to hear words like "Xie Yingchen is the one chosen by heaven", so he snatched the bloody imperial edict from Prince Li's hand.
He fumbled with the imperial edict.
The next moment, his pupils shrank. Is this, the late emperor's will?!
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