Seeing Lu Linfeng's solemn expression, Zhang Yongjin also restrained his expression and waited for Lu Linfeng to speak.
Lu Linfeng asked, "You've been following me for a while. What do you think of my recruiting private soldiers?"
It was against the laws of the Great Chu for the prince to recruit private soldiers, but Zhang Yongjin did not show much surprise when he came to the military camp. Lu Linfeng guessed that either Zhang Yongjin knew the news in advance, or Zhang Yongjin was clear about it.
If the first assumption was true, then Zhang Yongjin was untrustworthy and would have passed on the news after witnessing everything. However, Lu Linfeng had observed him for a long time and found that Zhang Yongjin had not made any move to communicate. This led Lu Linfeng to believe that Zhang Yongjin must be an intelligent person. It was easy to interact with intelligent people, and some things didn't need to be said explicitly; he must have understood Lu Linfeng's intentions.
As expected, Zhang Yongjin pondered and said, "I can guess a little bit about the eldest prince's intentions."
This matter was urgent, so Lu Linfeng didn't beat around the bush. "Let's be frank. I do have some ideas, and I need your cooperation on this matter."
Zhang Yongjin knelt on one knee with his hands clasped together, and said to Lu Linfeng, "My life was saved by the Grand Prince, and I was able to reach my current position because of his appreciation. I swear to be loyal to the Grand Prince until death!"
Lu Linfeng nodded, very satisfied with Zhang Yongjin's reaction.
So Lu Linfeng explained to Zhang Yongjin the plan he had discussed with Mr. Gu. Zhang Yongjin nodded and was still going to make detailed arrangements on how to do it.
After arranging everything here, Lu Linfeng went into the palace again.
He went to see the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother has always supported Lu Linfeng. Now that he wants to accomplish something big, Lu Linfeng has to inform the Queen Mother.
The Queen Mother was shocked when she learned of Lu Linfeng's plan. This was no small matter. If it failed, not only would Lu Linfeng's life be in danger, but even the Queen Mother herself would be implicated.
But the Queen Mother also knew that under such circumstances, perhaps forcing Lu Linfeng to abdicate was the only way out. After thinking for a moment, she made a decision.
"Are you absolutely sure about this?" asked the Queen Mother.
Lu Linfeng said in a deep voice: "At present, there is a 70% chance of success."
The Queen Mother sighed, "Well, wealth and honor are achieved through risk. I will take this gamble with you. But you must remember, if you succeed, you must not kill the Emperor."
Lu Linfeng knelt down and kowtowed, "Grandson will follow the teachings of the Royal Grandmother."
With the support of the empress dowager, Lu Linfeng felt more confident. With the Empress Dowager in charge of the harem, Lu Linfeng felt much more at ease.
————
Lu Xingzhou has always been very busy, but during the past few days when he was in court, officials kept reporting that bandits had been appearing frequently near Wangjing City recently, and the people were suffering. The court sent troops to suppress them, but those bandits were really cunning. Emperor Jingkang was furious that such bold bandits dared to cause chaos under the feet of the emperor, so he immediately issued an order, ordering Lu Xingzhou to suppress them.
Lu Xingzhou took the order and led the soldiers to suppress the bandits. He was relieved about Shen Liyue. The Prince Yi's Mansion had strengthened its defenses long ago. Although he had to go out, with Steward Jin and Nanny Song in charge in the palace, there would be no trouble.
As soon as Lu Xingzhou led his troops away, Lu Linfeng contacted Zhang Yongjin and they were going to take action that night.
Lu Linfeng and Zhang Yongjin agreed to split their troops into two groups, one heading straight for the palace and the other heading towards Prince Yi's mansion.
Lu Xingzhou is not here, but there is a pregnant Princess Yi in Prince Yi's Mansion. Lu Linfeng is raising an army this time with his intention to take the throne. He can show mercy to Emperor Jingkang, but he must kill Lu Xingzhou without hesitation.
It's not easy to take action against Lu Xingzhou, so while Lu Xingzhou is away, he wants to get rid of Shen Liyue first.
Lu Linfeng doesn't need to worry about the harem, as the empress dowager is watching over it. The queen is a soft persimmon and cannot defeat the empress dowager.
Before taking action, Lu Linfeng investigated the shift changing time of the guards in the palace. When the time came, Lu Linfeng personally led a team of soldiers who had been deployed in advance in the Empress Dowager's palace and bypassed the patrolling guards and walked towards the hall where the emperor was.
Zhang Yongjin was very cautious and asked in a low voice, "This trip went too smoothly. Doesn't the eldest prince think there's something wrong?"
Lu Linfeng glanced at him and waved his hand: "That's because I was well prepared and just happened to bypass the patrolling guards. It's no problem."
Upon hearing this, Zhang Yongjin had no choice but to shut up and walk towards the main hall with Lu Linfeng.
Zhang Yongjin originally proposed that he and Lu Linfeng split their troops into two groups, with him personally leading the troops to Prince Yi's Mansion while Lu Linfeng led the troops to surround Emperor Jingkang, but Lu Linfeng refused.
Lu Linfeng believed that since Prince Yi was not at home at the moment, the guards in Prince Yi's mansion should have relaxed a lot, and there was no need for Zhang Yongjin to lead the troops there personally. The palace was obviously more important than Prince Yi's mansion.
Zhang Yongjin had no choice but to go with Lu Linfeng.
Lu Linfeng and Zhang Yongjin arrived at the main hall almost unhindered. The hall was brightly lit and Lu Linfeng walked in almost unhindered, while Zhang Yongjin waited outside the hall, waiting for Lu Linfeng's signal.
Emperor Jingkang was standing in front of the hall reviewing memorials. When he heard footsteps, he looked up slightly and saw Lu Linfeng walking in with a swagger.
"What's the matter?" Emperor Jingkang frowned unhappily when he saw Lu Linfeng.
Lu Linfeng saluted Emperor Jingkang: "Your Highness, Father."
Emperor Jingkang put down the red brush in his hand and stared at Lu Linfeng with scrutiny.
Lu Linfeng continued, "Today I came to ask for something from my father. I wonder if he will give it to me."
Emperor Jingkang asked, "Tell me, what do you want?"
Lu Linfeng raised his head, his eyes fixed on Emperor Jingkang: "This son wants the position behind Father."
Emperor Jingkang laughed in anger: "What if I don't give it to you?"
Lu Linfeng's eyes turned sinister: "Then don't blame my son for being ruthless."
Emperor Jingkang smiled upon hearing this and gently spread his arms, "Then I'll see if you have the ability to take my position."
Lu Linfeng was shocked to see Emperor Jingkang remained calm, but since things had come to this point, he had no time to think about it.
Lu Linfeng took out a silver whistle from his collar, put it to his mouth and blew it. Immediately, the sound of weapons clashing could be heard outside the hall.
But the sound only lasted for a moment and then quickly disappeared. Then, the sound of uniform footsteps came from afar.
Lu Linfeng sensed something was wrong and immediately looked outside, only to see Zhang Yongjin leading the soldiers into the hall.
Lu Linfeng was about to feel relieved when he saw that behind Zhang Yongjin were a group of royal guards, and none of his private soldiers were in sight.
Moreover, Zhang Yongjin and Du Ruoheng walked in side by side.
Lu Linfeng's heart trembled. When did Zhang Yongjin... start walking together with Du Ruoheng?
Lu Linfeng turned around and looked at Emperor Jingkang, only to find that there was a person beside him.
Lu Xingzhou!
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