Looking at the first brief explanation and the military report on casualties personally tallied by Prince Cheng's subordinates, Gu Yifeng finally smiled. Prince Cheng truly lived up to his reputation as a war god; in such a short time, he had repelled the Han army with almost no losses.
Second military report:
"Your Majesty personally wrote this message. Your younger brother is overjoyed. After discussing with the generals, he led the army to the border of Korea, defeated the border troops, and killed 30,000 enemies. The border of Korea has been breached. Please send reinforcements immediately to build our Great Gan Border City."
Upon seeing the second military report, Gu Yifeng was overjoyed. He hadn't expected Prince Cheng to be so capable, even managing to break into the Korean border, just as capable as him.
Third military report:
"Your Majesty, I have obtained a map of the Great Han Kingdom. According to the map, we have found the shortest route to the capital of the Great Han Kingdom—Jianye. Today we have captured two cities, killed 16,000 enemies, and all the enemies we encountered surrendered."
Fourth military report:
"Your Majesty, I have reached the halfway point. According to the map, there are still two counties remaining in the capital of the Great Han. Today, we have killed five thousand enemies, and the rest have surrendered."
After receiving four military reports in a row, Gu Yifeng was overjoyed. His face, which was so shocked that it became calm, but there was an uncontrollable smile in his eyes.
"Qin Shan, send these military reports from Prince Cheng back to the capital. Furthermore, I will order the Ministry of War to survey the entire territory of Da Gan and mobilize all available troops to reinforce me and Prince Cheng. I intend to conquer Da Chu and Da Han within a month!"
Gu Yifeng was now completely excited. If it weren't for the fact that the Great Chu had mobilized 300,000 troops, he would have already marched into Great Chu territory. Why would he be sitting here guarding the border?
Upon hearing this, Qin Shan immediately fetched paper and pen, ground ink for Gu Yifeng, and then began to write the imperial edict. After affixing the golden seal, he put the letters together and ordered someone to send them to the capital at top speed.
With nothing else to do, Gu Yifeng could only order his 60,000 troops to begin repairing the Dagan border pass, constructing defensive fortifications, and restoring the communication function of the beacon towers.
With this foundation, the 60,000 troops gradually dispersed and began to garrison the three border passes of Daqian, forming a pincer movement, so they were not worried about an attack from Chu.
However, no one knew that the situation in the capital was now completely different from what it had been a few days ago.
...
In the capital city, in the imperial palace's council hall.
The council hall was rather deserted today. The two prime ministers, the cabinet ministers, the ministers of the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, and the censor-in-chief were all absent from court.
At this moment, a figure in bright yellow sat upright on the dragon throne, holding the imperial seal, looking quite majestic.
"Gentlemen, I have come here today to tell Da Gan and the world! Gu Yifeng, as the Crown Prince, plotted to usurp the throne and murder my father. Last night, my father passed away and reissued his edict, bestowing upon me the title of True Dragon Emperor. He is a traitor who attempted to rebel."
"I can forgive the two prime ministers for not knowing about this matter, but if any of the ministers present at court today do not admit it, I will replace you all!"
The figure gave a cold shout, and then soldiers wearing iron masks and looking like evil spirits slowly walked in from outside the hall, surrounding the entire council hall. Each of them had the aura of the peak of the Dingyuan Realm.
"Attend court!"
The figure shouted again, waved his sleeve, stood up, and officially revealed himself. It was none other than the Second Prince Gu Ran, who had been missing and on the run for more than a month!
"Long live the Emperor!"
The armored soldiers spoke first, their unified voices filled with murderous intent, like the sounds of hell, sending chills down everyone's spines. Under such coercion, the ministers dared not struggle any longer and knelt down, following suit in their worship.
As for those generals who were driven back by Gu Yifeng, they had long since been bribed and were the fastest to kneel down among the military officers. Even though they received some disdainful looks, they were extremely proud, as if they were certain that Gu Ran could hold onto this position.
"Second...Your Majesty, the late Crown Prince was engaged in a major campaign and is currently defending the border against the enemy. He has already sent word that reinforcements are needed!"
As the court quieted down, one court official gritted his teeth, slowly stepped forward, and said with some fear.
However, before the man could finish speaking, the armored man beside him moved and swung his sword. The courtier's head flew off instantly, blood splattering everywhere. No one dared to move, all of them silent as if trembling in fear.
"Your Majesty, Prince Seung has already invaded the border of Korea. Shouldn't we offer some assistance?"
Having learned from past mistakes, no one dared to mention Gu Yifeng again, and soon the topic shifted to Prince Cheng.
"Very well, go ask Prince Seung. If he is willing to acknowledge me as the legitimate ruler, I will send troops to help him. But if not, then he is no different from that traitor. What does it matter to me if a traitor invades Korea?"
Gu Ran sneered twice, then slammed his hand on the wooden table, silencing the entire court.
Gu Ran didn't care at all. He simply gave some instructions that the new dynasty should have a new look, and promoted a few people from this year's top scholars. Then he left the court.
About three days later, news of his ascension to the throne spread throughout the Daqian territory, and Prince Cheng and Gu Yifeng naturally received the news as well.
"Impossible! You want me to acknowledge him? Dream on!"
King Seung's response was very decisive. The next day, King Seung's army was cut off from supplies. Obviously, Gu Ran did not take him seriously at all. Now his entire army was in Korea, and it could be said that Gu Ran had the lifeline in his hands.
Gu Ran's goal was to force Prince Cheng to submit and ultimately become his subject, thus securing his throne and allowing him to hunt down Gu Yifeng.
...
The major project is located near the border of Chu.
In the past few days, the Great Chu has been launching a fierce attack on the border. Although it has been able to hold the line, it is difficult to completely suppress the Chu offensive with only 60,000 troops.
During this period, Gu Yifeng had already ordered another 13,000 troops to come to the rescue, which was how the Chu Kingdom's offensive was repeatedly thwarted.
"Your Majesty, Gu Ran has not only rebelled, but has also occupied the capital. He doesn't dare to directly persecute the two prime ministers and the cabinet ministers, but we are in a bad situation."
Qin Shan looked at Gu Yifeng and said with a helpless expression.
"What's there to be afraid of? If we can't hold it, we won't. I can resolve the capital's problem in three days at most. However, we mustn't let the Chu army find out. Therefore, you need to seize the opportunity to lead your men to retreat, find Prince Cheng, and reunite with him."
"I will go to the capital in person to meet Gu Ran. I want to see what right he, a traitor, has to accuse me of treason. It's a pity that Father Emperor should have had a year left to live."
Gu Yifeng shook his head upon hearing this, showing no concern for his current situation. As long as Prince Cheng had not completely given in, there was still a chance.
Moreover, as long as Fang Xuan and his important ministers within the city do not leave, Gu Ran's rule over the country will be temporarily impossible. Once he returns to the capital, the situation will indeed be much simpler.
Ultimately, the only instigator was Gu Ran. Killing him would naturally stop all the rebellions.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
