Chapter 424 Performing the Empty City Stratagem with the Crown Prince!
Upon seeing this scene, all the onlookers, both civilians and martial arts practitioners, wore expressions of disbelief.
"No, no way?"
"The Lotus Goddess was killed so easily?"
"She's dead! She's really dead!"
"This can't be real, it can't be real, right?"
"He just died like that? Shouldn't we at least have a fierce battle, going back and forth for three hundred rounds?"
Everyone felt very disappointed.
Suddenly someone noticed that there was a fire on the mountainside cliff.
"Look! There's a cluster of houses over there!"
"Could this be the Lotus Sect's lair?"
"Ordinary people were not allowed to approach that place before, and it was guarded. We didn't even know whose residence it was. But today it's on fire. It seems it really is the Lotus Sect's lair?"
"I heard that place was wiped out last year, wasn't it?"
"It is because the Lotus Goddess has returned that human presence has returned."
"Is this Lotus Goddess out of her mind? She dares to settle in such an ominous place again; she's just asking to be wiped out!"
News of the Lotus Goddess's execution on Mount Qishan quickly reached Jinling.
The entire city of Nanjing instantly became bustling with people on the streets.
Just like celebrating the New Year, everyone was overjoyed, banging drums and gongs to celebrate this joyous occasion that everyone was happy about.
When the Crown Prince learned of this, a faint sense of disappointment washed over him.
But she had been with him for five years after all...
She also devoted her heart and a lot of money to him, and even the power of the Lotus Sect was almost entirely used for her own purposes.
Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings?
Moreover, he had known about her unusual nature since she was a child.
He was once quite pleased with himself for having won over such a special woman.
He had even actually imagined the ideal world she wanted.
only……
That's incredible.
No one in this world would allow such an idea to actually appear and rule this continent.
Those powerful and influential families.
Those noble families.
Those reclusive Confucian scholars who have been deeply rooted in this continent for hundreds of years.
If their fundamental interests are threatened, let alone the ideal country, they can easily change the entire Great Liang Dynasty at will.
They are the foundation of the entire Liang Dynasty.
Although the Duan family is the leader of Daliang, without these foundations, the Duan family would be nothing.
Therefore, Duan Rongyin never truly believed that there was any ideal country.
Zongzheng Yu'er was never more than a pawn on her own chessboard.
If she is obedient, I can hold her in my hands and cherish her forever.
If it doesn't obey, it's nothing more than a grain of sand even if you crush it.
Soon, Crown Prince Duan Rongyin was overwhelmed by a torrent of joy and flattery.
"Congratulations, Your Highness! Congratulations on your outstanding military achievements for our Great Liang once again."
"Yes, Your Highness, now the Lotus Cult has finally been completely eradicated from our Great Liang. Even that Lotus Demoness has been eliminated by Your Highness. It is thanks to Your Highness that our Great Liang has finally been restored to a peaceful and prosperous world."
"The people are now singing praises to Your Highness in the streets, saying that Your Highness is a wise and powerful chosen heir who cares for the world and loves the people like his own children."
"Yes. How long has it been since Your Highness returned to the Eastern Palace? And you've already eliminated such a major threat as the Lotus Sect!"
"He is truly a pillar of the nation, a model heir apparent, and a wise ruler admired by the people!"
The Crown Prince's trusted ministers knelt down and began chanting loudly and openly in the Eastern Palace.
Soon, the news reached the Zichen Palace.
Emperor Yan was sitting cross-legged on the dragon throne, meditating and practicing martial arts.
There is a large cauldron inside the hall.
Inside the cauldron were elixirs refined by the Imperial Preceptor, Immortal Yunhe.
Therefore, the entire Zichen Palace was filled with smoke and the aroma of medicinal herbs.
After hearing the young eunuch Wang finish speaking tremblingly, Emperor Yan gently opened one eye.
"You mean, the Crown Prince secretly led troops to Qishan to wipe out the Lotus Sect and even killed its leader?"
Eunuch Wang: "Yes...yes, Your Majesty, half of the court officials are currently in the Eastern Palace, congratulating the Crown Prince on this matter."
"Moreover, it's being spread among the common people..."
Emperor Yan: "What message are you sending? Speak!"
The eunuch Wang wiped his sweat and said, "The people are saying that His Highness the Crown Prince is a wise and powerful future ruler. They say that he is so intelligent and brave, and that he has the world in his heart. After he inherits the throne, he will surely bring back the peaceful and prosperous era of Emperor Gaozu to our Great Liang."
Emperor Yan frowned deeply: "A peaceful and prosperous era?"
"Could it be that the Great Liang Dynasty I rule is some kind of chaotic era?!"
"And he's already thinking about inheriting the throne even before I'm dead!?"
"I appointed him to oversee the country, but he dared to steal the military tally and send troops without even asking for permission!"
"What a fine crown prince I have!"
He became angry, and his eyes widened.
The Immortal Yunhe, who was sitting below, opened his eyes and advised, "Your Majesty, we Taoists believe in following one's heart and letting things flow naturally. If you keep your anger inside, it will greatly hinder your cultivation."
"Although all worldly fame and fortune can be put aside, Your Majesty is the supreme ruler and cannot help but consider the country, the nation, and the well-being of the people."
"Therefore, Your Majesty, please be mindful and disciplined. If there is anything unpleasant, you should overcome it as soon as possible before continuing your cultivation."
"Your Majesty, there are still thousands of years to come. At that time, not only will there be a peaceful and prosperous era, but the unification of this entire continent will also be just around the corner."
Emperor Yan then took a few deep breaths and nodded slightly: "I have learned something."
"Let's call it a day. Thank you for accompanying me in meditation, Grand Preceptor. You should go back and rest now."
After the Imperial Advisor left, Emperor Yan got up and walked towards the alchemy furnace.
A sinister glint appeared on his face: "What I seek is the path to immortality, so this empire... you will forever remain only the Crown Prince!"
The prince was quite drunk.
He sat upright in the main seat, a gentle smile on his face, occasionally raising his glass to the crowd, his every gesture displaying the demeanor and bearing of a crown prince.
Looking at all his trusted confidants sitting down, he seemed to see his vast empire already in sight.
The table was laden with delicacies.
The courtiers were constantly laughing and cheering.
The dancers moved with graceful movements, their long sleeves fluttering as they danced.
Like butterflies fluttering in spring, they captivated everyone, immersing them in the joyous music of celebration.
However, I always felt that something was missing.
The Crown Prince sent someone to invite the Crown Princess.
But a servant rushed in to report: "Your Highness, Her Highness returned to the Grand Tutor's residence early this morning."
The Crown Prince was surprised that Su Miaoyu, the Crown Princess, was not present on such a joyous day.
His face showed a hint of displeasure: "Still not back? This is utterly unbecoming!"
Servant: "Yes, Your Highness, Her Highness also took the young princess back with her."
"They said they might have to stay at the Grand Tutor's residence for a few days."
A hint of annoyance flashed in the Crown Prince's eyes.
His crown princess was a virtuous and kind noblewoman.
Even when she was still a young lady in her boudoir, she was already the most famous and praised daughter of a prominent family in Jinling.
Over the years, she has indeed been impeccable as the Crown Princess.
To bear children for oneself, to share joys and sorrows with oneself, and to weather the storms together.
Moreover, she is dignified and elegant, and even at her current age, time has not left a trace on her.
She possesses the dignified bearing of an empress.
The only problem is that she is too aloof.
When they first got married a few years ago, the Crown Prince could still feel her tenderness.
But as the years went by, an invisible wall seemed to separate the two of them, and they have drifted further and further apart ever since.
The crown prince didn't even understand when things had started to change.
When she accompanied him to the Nangong Villa, didn't she keep saying that she would stay with him forever, unafraid of wind, rain, ice, and frost?
Now she's become that icy figure.
The Crown Prince was particularly annoyed that Su Miaoyu would always glance at him with a cold look.
It seemed as if endless emptiness and despair were written in those eyes...
What exactly disappointed her?
Hasn't he already returned to the Eastern Palace and given her the title of Crown Princess again?
What more could she possibly want?!
Unwilling to think about these troublesome things anymore, Duan Rongyin quickly put Su Miaoyu out of his mind.
He slowly stood up, raised his glass to everyone, and said in a loud voice, "May our Great Liang Dynasty be peaceful, prosperous, and strong!"
Instantly, the court officials in the Eastern Palace blushed and excitedly shouted, "Long live the Crown Prince! Long live the Crown Prince!"
Just then, the Empress rushed in with the eldest grandson of the Emperor.
His expression still carried a hint of urgency.
"Yin'er, something's happened!"
The Crown Prince calmly rose and stepped forward to greet her: "Mother, what's wrong?"
"Mother, don't worry, today is a very auspicious day. I have wiped out all the remaining members of the Lotus Sect!"
"However, my father has recently become obsessed with cultivating Taoism and refining elixirs. I heard that the Imperial Preceptor is still alive, so I did not inform my father immediately."
"After the court session tomorrow morning, I will immediately go to my father to plead guilty to sending troops..."
The Empress was not anxious about this matter.
She stopped the overjoyed prince with a pale face: "Stop talking!"
"Yin'er, something really has happened. Miao Yu has been kidnapped by the Lotus Sect!"
The Crown Prince's smile froze: "Mother, what did you say?"
"Didn't the Crown Princess return to the Grand Tutor's residence?"
“She travels with guards, and the Grand Tutor’s residence is also heavily guarded.”
"Moreover, the Lotus Sect has already been wiped out by Jiang Ruiqi in Qishan, how could it be..."
Before the words had even finished, Jiang Ruiqi, dressed in silver armor covered in bloodstains, appeared disheveled at the entrance of the main hall of the East Palace.
"Your Highness...Your Highness——"
"No, this is bad."
"We've been ambushed!"
The prince swayed and nearly fainted.
The eunuch beside him quickly supported him, "Your Highness, please don't rush. Take care of your precious health..."
The Crown Prince shoved aside the people around him, disregarding all decorum, and rushed out to grab Jiang Ruiqi: "Tell me, what exactly happened?"
"Didn't we hear of a great victory?"
"Didn't you kill her with your own hands?"
"Weren't all those Lotus followers wiped out completely? Didn't they burn all their houses down?"
"These messages have already been sent back to Jinling. What are you coming back to tell me now...?"
"Bury...ambush?"
"What other ambush could there be!?"
"What kind of ambush could you possibly fall into with five thousand Northern Army soldiers?!"
Jiang Ruiqi looked horrified: "Your Highness, I have not sent back any news of a great victory!"
"I did indeed stab the Lotus Goddess with my sword on Mount Qi, but after she fell, I realized that she was nothing more than a straw doll!"
"And the Lotus Sect's lair set on fire before the Northern Army even got there. As for those shadowy figures all over the mountain, they were all fake!"
"They sang us a song of 'Empty City Stratagem'!"
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