Chapter 127 Coup
The child that made Zhifang proud—was the one whose basket was carelessly tossed on the table.
Knowing that her lord was far away, Guan Zhiwei didn't even bother to pretend anymore.
She took some medicine and applied it to Guan Liuliu's lips. The cut on her lips had already scabbed over, and with another layer of medicine, it would heal quickly.
Guan Liuliu said worriedly, "I'm pretty useless. I don't know if I can fool him."
Guan Zhiwei chuckled: "You underestimate yourself. When it comes to acting, you're excellent at both singing and recitation."
In the scene where she hangs herself, she was not only the actress and screenwriter but also the director, and she also had to make sure she didn't hang herself.
Guan Liuliu looked at her and boldly said, "Your Majesty is so nice to be like this now, laughing and joking. I was a little afraid of Your Majesty before."
What are you afraid of?
"It's somewhat laughable, but I'm afraid His Majesty will destroy everything."
Guan Zhiwei looked at her and suddenly burst into laughter.
"...What is Your Majesty laughing at?"
"Sister, my dear sister, no matter how thoughtful Gao Huan is, how can he compare to you?"
Guan Liuliu's heart suddenly jumped again, and she could only keep reassuring herself. It was Zhi Fang who angered His Majesty; once His Majesty dealt with Zhi Fang, everything would return to normal.
It was a dark night when the officials were suddenly summoned by His Majesty and entered the palace together.
They waited in the side hall while His Majesty gave birth in the main palace, and faint cries could be heard from within.
The ministers couldn't help but whisper among themselves.
"Your Majesty is good in every way, but this is the only problem. Giving birth is like going through the gates of hell. If something happens to you, things will be in chaos."
"Everyone says that the people of the world have suffered from the chaos of the times for too long. How can we, the nobles, not suffer the same fate? Living in a chaotic world, when there is turmoil, everyone's head will fall to the ground as if it were free, and it will be worthless."
These words resonated with everyone.
How many powerful families have been lost in the capital? How long will this turmoil last?
Their reluctance to surrender easily stems from their fear that repeated upheavals and changes in leadership would erode their integrity and turn them into a laughingstock.
They were unwilling to wholeheartedly pledge their loyalty to Guan Zhiwei, fearing that it would all be for nothing in the end.
But then again, once this child is born, there will be an heir, which is like having a pillar of stability.
"I hope Your Majesty will have a son, and then stop having children."
This statement was agreed upon by everyone.
For them, the best thing would be for His Majesty to have a son and then not have any more children.
If they wanted another heir, they would give the crown prince more wives and concubines, even if those wives and concubines came from their own families and their daughters had to bear the danger, they didn't care.
Once a person becomes valuable, whether they are a man or a woman doesn't matter.
People are the most materialistic, regardless of gender.
"Convey His Majesty's decree," Guan Liuliu said as she walked out.
The ministers knelt down in a row, straining their ears, afraid of missing a single word.
"His Majesty said that if anything happens to her, the people can ask him for help."
"..." Chen Wen showed no joy, his head slammed to the ground, and he didn't dare to lift it up even once.
He was quite old, yet he remained kneeling the entire time, and his neck was aching.
The ministers stared at him in shock, whispering amongst themselves, their suspicions never ceasing.
On what grounds? Why would His Majesty entrust this to him? Is His Majesty perhaps in grave danger?
However, it didn't last long. A sound of clashing weapons rang out outside, particularly jarring in the quiet night, as if striking one's heart, causing the body to tremble along with the heart.
The palace was like an eggshell, broken from the outside and shattered into pieces.
Zhi Fang led his troops in, and with the howling cold wind of the night, his gaze and expression were icy and piercing, sweeping over everyone present.
The powerful families of Yong'an City had long been troubled by Zhiwei's presence, and with Zhiwei holding hostages, many readily agreed. Many of these families also had members serving in the court, and being closely connected, they naturally opened doors of convenience for them.
He smugly surrounded the officials and the emperor, standing before them, saying, "With everyone here, I can save myself the trouble."
"Zhi Fang, what are you doing! You've led troops into the inner palace! Your crime deserves death, your entire family must be executed!" Liu Zhihua jumped up and questioned him.
Zhi Fang was the one who brought him back, and he would be guilty of any crime if Shi Shu wrote a single entry about him.
These noble families could die, but they couldn't die with a stain on their reputation. Even if that old man surnamed Sui committed suicide, and it was only mentioned briefly in the history books, it would be considered that he had integrity.
They have their own set of logic.
"Everyone!"
Zhi Fang's tone became very serious: "You are all fine men of the world, do you really want to submit to women and watch them lord it over you?!"
He had planned it all out. He would first accept the title of "King of a Different Surname," which was Guan Zhiwei's bestowal and was perfectly legitimate.
Once Guan Zhiwei dies, the child she leaves behind will be the rightful heir.
Knowing that Junyuan is the child's biological father, it makes sense for him to act as the Empress Dowager ruling from behind the curtain.
He was the child's biological grandfather, so it was only natural for him to go from being a king of a different surname to becoming a regent.
Let him rule for several years; whether he can ascend the throne or not is irrelevant. The world will naturally be reshuffled and people will change.
Everything was justified and in accordance with propriety.
However, none of the court officials answered.
Their thinking is ingrained; Guan Zhiwei is an emperor who has paid homage to Heaven and Earth and has received legitimate recognition. How could some random military general or brute just jump out and replace him?
Seeing that Chen Wen was still kneeling, Zhi Fang thought he was kneeling before him and said with satisfaction, "Chen Ling, you may rise. I will remember your merit."
Chen Wen remained motionless.
He didn't want to be Zhuge Liang at all, but His Majesty forced him into this position.
When His Majesty was in dire need of help, he was willing to bestow the entire empire upon you. What an immense favor this is! If you, Chen Wen, do not wholeheartedly serve him, how can you face the emperor? How can you face the sages and virtuous men you have studied?
He was forced to be a loyal and devoted subject.
From now on, even the slightest lack of effort will be criticized and gossiped about.
Now, he absolutely cannot bow down to Zhi Fang. If His Majesty does not emerge alive, he will kneel here until he dies, until his head rolls to the ground.
Knowing the danger, he asked, "How long are you going to kneel?"
"Naturally, you should kneel until I say you are exempt from the formalities."
Guan Zhiwei slowly walked out from the back door of the sleeping quarters.
She wasn't wearing a dragon robe; she was dressed in armor and holding a killing dagger.
The subordinate officers, unaware of her identity, mistook her for a member of the Imperial Guard and instinctively drew their swords to attack her.
Guan Zhiwei bent down, gathered his strength, and swung his knife, severing him and his man in half at the waist.
"Ah...it hurts so much..." The person, half-severed, bled profusely, and only stopped breathing three seconds later.
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