Chapter 104 Ends the Jinjiang First Release
The next morning, as if the heavens had sensed the somber atmosphere of the day, the weather in the entire capital suddenly turned cold, and the whistling wind felt like knives cutting one's face.
Zhou Xiaoyan, carrying those letters, went to the East Palace before dawn. He was only inside for less than a quarter of an hour when the Crown Prince saw him out with a broad smile.
At the gate of the East Palace, the Crown Prince and he embraced and said to each other: "Fifth Brother, you have really helped me a lot this time. Don't worry, from now on your affairs are my affairs. We brothers will no longer distinguish between you and me."
Zhou Xiaoyan forced a smile and nodded slightly: "I'll trouble you with taking leave, brother."
The Crown Prince smiled and said, "Such a small matter, Fifth Brother, don't worry, I will definitely take care of it for you."
Zhou Xiaoyan bowed gratefully before taking his leave.
Watching Zhou Xiaoyan leave, the aide who had been serving behind the Crown Prince couldn't help but say, "This matter involves the Fu family. How could Zhou Xiaoyan and the Fu family bear to expose this?"
The Crown Prince's gaze was deep: "The Fu family probably tried to cover it up at first, but when they found out that it involved a prince, they became afraid. If the fourth brother found out about this, they would definitely fight to the death. They didn't dare to gamble, so they probably brought this matter to us with the idea of sacrificing one of their sons. It can also be considered a gesture of goodwill."
The aide then understood and couldn't help but say, "Your Highness is indeed wise."
The crown prince smiled indifferently, then handed the letters to his advisors and said in a deep voice, "Find a reliable person and expose this matter at the morning court session today."
The aide cautiously agreed and turned to leave.
**
At this moment, Fu Mingsong had just finished tidying his robes and was about to go out when his attendant suddenly rushed in and said urgently, "Master, a letter has suddenly arrived from Second Master. It says it's important news and you need to see it in person."
Fu Mingsong's heart skipped a beat. He felt as if something was out of his control. He didn't dare to delay and hurriedly went out to take the letter from the messenger.
The moment the letters met, Fu Mingsong felt a sudden emptiness in his heart, realizing his suspicions had come true—it was indeed Fu Mingzi's handwriting.
He didn't dare to think too much, and hurriedly opened the letter, quickly glancing through it.
After reading it, Fu Mingsong's heart sank. After a long while, he said, "Wait a moment, I will write another letter. Send it out as soon as possible."
Fu Mingsong returned to his study, quickly wrote a letter in hasty handwriting, gave a few instructions, and explained their plan before handing the letter to the messenger: "Remember, send it back by fast horse; this is of utmost importance."
"Yes!" The messenger bowed deeply, stuffed the letter into his pocket, and turned to leave.
Fu Mingsong watched the messenger's departing figure, his brows furrowed. In this situation, it was up to Fu Mingzi and Fu Mingbo to deal with it; there was very little he could do.
Having thought this through, Fu Mingsong stopped dwelling on it. The most important thing now was not this, but the morning court session.
He looked at his attendant and said coldly, "Is the third brother tied up properly?"
"It's all tied up," the servant said hurriedly, sweat beading on his forehead.
Fu Mingsong nodded: "In that case, let's go."
After saying that, he lifted his foot and walked out of the Duke of Jingguo's mansion.
**
Inside the Chu Prince's residence, Zhou Xiaoheng looked at Old Master Xia with great anxiety and couldn't help but ask, "Have all the people been sent inside?"
Old Master Xia smiled and said, "Your Highness, don't worry. They've already been sent in. Now the Imperial Guards are all our people. That Yang fellow can't carry the whole thing alone; he won't amount to anything."
Although Grandpa Xia spoke so casually, Zhou Xiaoheng was still nervous: "Isn't choosing today a bit too hasty? Maybe the Fu family won't dare to provoke us."
Old Master Xia's face turned cold: "Is Your Highness hesitating? Those who do great things cannot hesitate on such matters. We have spent so much effort in the Imperial Guards to win over a few people. Now that the words have been spoken, Your Highness has no choice but to regret it."
Zhou Xiaoheng pursed his lips tightly, his face extremely pale.
Seeing his expression, Old Master Xia softened his tone: "Moreover, Your Highness underestimates the Fu family too much. I received news that Zhou Xiaoyan went to the East Palace early this morning, and His Highness the Crown Prince personally escorted him out. The two of them looked very happy. Your Highness, guess what they said?"
The Fourth Prince's face darkened, and he instantly understood what Old Master Xia meant: "Zhou Xiaoyan is quite bold, daring to go against me!"
Old Master Xia smiled and said, "Your Highness, don't think too highly of people. None of your brothers would miss such a good opportunity."
The fourth prince finally hardened his heart: "Fine, since that's the case, then don't blame us for being ruthless."
Grandpa Xia clapped his hands and laughed: "Good, this is a wise ruler of our time. When it comes to making a decision, one must never be soft-hearted!"
**
When it was time for court, all the ministers and princes, either in sedan chairs or carriages, headed towards the imperial city.
Only when they arrived at the Taiji Gate did they dismount from their sedan chair and horse, tidy their clothes, and slowly enter.
Today was the early morning court session, and all the ministers were present. Zhou Xiaoheng stood in the princes' procession, glanced around, and his face darkened. Zhou Xiaoyan was nowhere to be seen.
He looked at Old Master Xia in the ministers' group. The old man's face was also somewhat gloomy, but he still nodded to him without saying a word. Even if Zhou Xiaoyan was not here today, they could not stop. Moreover, Zhou Xiaoyan was a bald prince with no power. Even if they could not deal with him today, they would be easy to deal with later.
Zhou Xiaoheng turned his head with a dark face, thinking to himself that Zhou Xiaoyan was lucky to have escaped a disaster today, but he would never let him off the hook in the future.
The Crown Prince seemed to be in a good mood as well, looking at Zhou Xiaoheng with a half-smile, his eyes full of malice.
The fourth prince lowered his head, feigning fear and trembling, but inwardly he despised the crown prince, fearing that today would be his death day.
The princes and ministers entered the Taiji Hall together, following the chants of the eunuchs. They stood solemnly for a while before the emperor finally arrived.
**
Fu Mingzi had a very restless sleep at the Yuntai camp. When he woke up, he was shaken awake: "Fifth Master, Fifth Master, the Commander wants to talk to you."
Fu Mingzi was dazed, but she was quick and agile. She quickly got out of bed, ignoring the still dark sky outside, wrapped herself in a robe, and went to Fu Mingbai's tent.
As soon as he entered, he saw Fu Mingbai standing in front of the table with his brows furrowed and his hands behind his back, seemingly pondering something extremely difficult. Upon seeing him enter, he hurriedly said, "Fifth Brother, someone just delivered a letter to the Admiral from the direction of the capital."
Fu Mingzi's mind immediately cleared, and his thoughts began to race.
If it were the emperor sending a letter, he would never come at this hour. Fu Mingzi estimated the time. Although it was not yet dawn, the city gates of the capital should have been open long ago. From the opening of the city gates to the arrival at Yuntai, the time was exactly now. This person must have been guarding the city gates when they opened and sent the letter out.
If it were the emperor, there would be no need for such measures; a single token would suffice to send the letter out overnight.
Besides the emperor, the only other possibility is the fourth prince. Only he would be so desperate. But if it's the fourth prince, did Zhou Mingguang try to curry favor with him before?
It makes sense. The emperor has always regarded Zhou Mingguang as a confidant, and someone as astute as Zhou Mingguang must have seen through the emperor's plans. It is only natural that he would try to curry favor with the fourth prince in advance.
In the blink of an eye, Fu Mingzi understood the reasoning behind it and said urgently, "Second brother, things may have reached a very bad point. We can't hold back now. If Zhou Mingguang calls you over later, you must be careful. He might be trying to put you under house arrest."
The fact that the Fourth Prince dared to communicate with military officers suggests that he had no more scruples. At this point, it's likely that the capital city would also begin to take action.
Fu Mingzi's heart sank to the bottom.
Although Fu Mingbo wasn't quick-witted, he trusted his younger brother completely, so he nodded: "Don't worry, if he comes looking for me, I'll take him down directly."
Fu Mingzi raised an eyebrow and looked at Fu Mingbai: "Second brother, you're quite direct. Aren't you afraid of resistance from the soldiers in the other battalions?"
Fu Mingbai remained calm: "Father instructed me to win over the leaders of various factions long ago. Now I have won over quite a few people. If Zhou Mingguang dares to have such thoughts, I will strike first and control the people on his side. Then the Yuntai Camp will be in my hands."
“Alright.” Fu Mingzi laughed heartily. “If you’re going to do this, Second Brother, you can say that the Fourth Prince colluded with Zhou Mingguang to rebel, and you found out about it, which is why you took him down. As for the evidence, it’s the letter that the Fourth Prince sent. But you can also hint to those who support you that the Fifth Prince has already quelled the rebellion in the capital, and news will surely come soon.”
Fu Mingbo frowned: "Isn't this a lie?"
Fu Mingzi smiled and said, "At this point, only words like these can calm people's hearts. Otherwise, why would these people follow you and risk their lives? This is the only way to show that we have everything under control."
Fu Mingbai nodded thoughtfully. If we're talking about manipulating people's hearts, there are probably few in the entire Fu family who can compare to his younger brother.
Less than a quarter of an hour later, someone came to invite Fu Mingbo over, saying that the Admiral wanted to speak with him.
Fu Mingbai gave Fu Mingzi a deep look, then led his guards toward the admiral's tent.
**
The morning court session was still about the matter of revising the book, which had been debated for several days. Several old scholars were spouting off their eruditions, making the audience drowsy.
However, several ministers still looked very clear-headed and had sharp eyes, including Fu Mingsong.
Just then, an imperial censor stepped forward from the crowd and submitted a memorial, saying, "I hereby impeach Xia Yunhe, the head of the Hanlin Academy, Zhou Xiaoheng, the fourth prince of the emperor, and Fu Mingfeng, the former magistrate of Qinghe County, for concealing the discovery of iron mines in Qinghe County and for privately forging weapons, which constitutes treasonous intent!"
It was just a single sentence, but it was like a thunderclap in the imperial court. Suddenly, the entire court was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
"Your subject dares not!" Old Master Xia Yunhe stepped forward first and knelt down in the main hall.
The fourth prince seemed to finally realize something, and hurriedly stepped forward and knelt down: "This censor is talking nonsense, your son would never dare to do such a thing."
Fu Mingsong remained calm and stepped forward as well, but instead of protesting his innocence, he calmly said, "My brother retired from Qinghe County a few days ago due to illness. My father and I found it strange and questioned him a few times. Unexpectedly, he revealed some secrets. I dare not presume to do so, and today I have brought my brother here to apologize."
Hearing this, Zhou Xiaoheng, who was kneeling on the ground, couldn't help but grit his teeth. This old man was indeed cunning. He was willing to abandon his younger brother in order to protect the Fu family. Fortunately, he had made preparations in advance.
The emperor, however, remained silent throughout the entire process. He coldly looked at the court officials below, at his kneeling son, and at Xia Yunhe. Finally, his icy gaze fell upon the crown prince and Fu Mingsong.
The Fu family is incredibly audacious to collude with the Crown Prince and expose this matter. He thought he had already given the Fu family enough face!
"This matter will be discussed later. Let's adjourn the court." The emperor ignored him and wanted to end the court session.
His reaction surprised not only the Crown Prince but also the Fourth Prince. The Emperor was actually protecting him like this.
"Father!" The Crown Prince could no longer contain himself and hurriedly stepped forward to stop the Emperor: "This matter is of great importance. Please, Father, listen to the Imperial Censor's words first!"
The censor seized the opportunity and hurriedly knelt down: "Your Majesty, I have evidence of communication between Fu Mingfeng and Xia Yunhe. Please review it!"
The emperor, who had been standing, finally stopped. He looked at the court officials below, who were all staring at him with curiosity, as if they were quite displeased with his behavior.
The emperor closed his eyes, knowing there was no way to avoid this matter, and could only say in a deep voice, "Bring it here."
Zhou Xiaoheng clenched his fists instantly. He looked at Xia Yunhe kneeling beside him, but Xia Yunhe seemed much calmer and nodded slightly.
Just as Zhao Defu was about to present the letters, Zhou Xiaoheng suddenly jumped up, snatched them away, and tore them to shreds.
Zhou Xiaoheng's sudden action stunned everyone in the court.
Fu Mingfeng's eyes flickered, and taking advantage of the chaos in the court, he darted back and hid behind others.
"What do you mean by striving for conclusive evidence? What evidence do you have now?!" Zhou Xiaoheng stared at the astonished Crown Prince with bloodshot eyes, then turned his gaze to the Emperor standing on the steps: "Father, now that there is no evidence, will you still punish me?"
The emperor finally realized something was wrong and exclaimed in horror, "You..."
Xia Yunhe also stood up at this moment. He smiled slightly at the emperor, then said sternly, "Guards!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the Imperial Guards who had been guarding outside rushed into the court, their swords flashing, and immediately subdued everyone in the court.
"Zhou Xiaoheng! How dare you rebel!" The Crown Prince was furious, his face turning red. He never expected that his fourth son would have such audacity.
The fourth prince took the knife handed to him by his subordinate and looked at the crown prince with a cold smile: "Your Highness, we are brothers. Why should you be superior to others while I have to be bullied? Since you are forcing me like this, I have no choice but to protect myself in this way."
"You..." The crown prince looked at the flashing blade in his hand and finally felt a trace of fear. He hurriedly retreated and said with a fierce but weak voice, "Since you have already destroyed the evidence, why do you have to press me so hard!"
Zhou Xiaoheng, however, wouldn't listen to any of this. How much suffering had he endured over the years?
Back when he was in Consort Wan's palace, the emperor doted on her and also liked Zhou Xiaoyan. Every time he and his mother went in to pay their respects, they would see the emperor holding Zhou Xiaoyan on his lap, a picture of filial piety, while he could only stand below, trying to memorize those difficult poems and books, wanting to please his father. But the emperor would only coldly point out his mistakes and then wave him away.
Later, the emperor grew tired of Consort Wan, and Zhou Xiaoyan, like him, became a disliked son. He thought he finally had a chance, but then the Ninth Prince was born. The emperor doted on the Ninth Prince even more than he had on Zhou Xiaoyan, giving him whatever he wanted and treating him with the affection of his only son.
Later, he discovered that there was a prince ahead of him, also the emperor's son. The prince was always surrounded by people, and everyone bowed and fawned over him. But when they faced him, they only coldly mocked him, as if he were not a prince, but a beggar.
Throughout his life, he never received a single glance of favor from his father, nor did he ever enjoy the slightest dignity as a prince. He became gentle, sociable, and tried hard to win over ministers, all for the sake of becoming a superior person. However, the way people looked at him was still the same as when he was a child, as if he were a joke, something dispensable.
No one cared about his attempts to win him over; his flattery only earned him contempt. He was clearly of noble birth, so why was he looked down upon like this? And those who looked down on him, on the other hand, revered the Crown Prince as a god!
Of all the people in the palace, he hated the Crown Prince the most, and Zhou Xiaoyan was the second most hated.
"Stop him!" Zhou Xiaoheng ordered his men.
Immediately, someone restrained the crown prince, preventing him from struggling.
Zhou Xiaoheng walked over slowly with a cold smile. Looking at the despair in the Crown Prince's eyes, he actually felt a surge of excitement.
"Heng'er!" the emperor suddenly called out.
Zhou Xiaoheng stopped, but did not turn around: "Father, don't rush, it will be your turn soon."
The emperor's legs went weak, and he felt as if he could no longer stand.
Ignoring the emperor, Zhou Xiaoheng walked step by step to the crown prince and plunged a knife into the prince's heart. The prince cried out and collapsed.
Warm blood splattered all over Zhou Xiaoheng's face, but he seemed not to feel it. He turned the knife he had stabbed into his head and twisted it around again. The crown prince was silent and motionless with his head down.
No one around spoke, not even one to hurl insults. All the court officials stared in disbelief at the scene. They had never imagined that the brothers' quarrel would be so tragic.
"Your Highness!" Xia Yunhe finally broke the silence: "We still have important matters to attend to."
Zhou Xiaoheng was suddenly pulled out of the shadow of his childhood. He was stunned for a moment, then turned to look at the emperor, who was already slumped on the dragon throne.
He gave a cold smile: "Father, it's your turn."
"What...what exactly do you want?" the emperor asked weakly.
Although he had long plotted to get rid of the Crown Prince, seeing him die before his eyes finally stirred a trace of fear in the Emperor's cold heart. What was he doing? Did he really understand his son, Zhou Xiaoheng? How could he be so bold and ruthless!
Zhou Xiaoheng carried the bloodstained knife and walked step by step into the main hall. Seeing the emperor's terrified expression, his usually gentle and refined face twisted for a moment.
In order to survive and to cultivate a gentle and polite image, how much of his true feelings did he suppress?
Ten years? Or fifteen years?
He had long lost his sense of the power and had hesitated before, but when he actually held these people's lives in his hands, he realized the sweetness of power. This feeling was truly wonderful!
Zhou Xiaoheng laughed loudly, looking up at the sky. Now he was no longer that pitiful wretch yearning for his father's love. In the years that his father had ignored him, he had long since stripped away that weak emotion. All he wanted now was the power in his hands.
"Write an abdication edict, Father. That way, I can let you live a little longer," Zhou Xiaoheng said softly.
The emperor shrank back, then said, "Alright, alright, I'll write. Move back a bit, and don't come any closer."
Zhou Xiaoheng chuckled softly, seemingly finding it amusing.
However, Xia Yunhe said in time, "Your Highness, please don't frighten His Majesty. His Majesty will still need to intervene in the following matters."
Zhou Xiaoheng came to his senses and glanced at Xia Yunhe. Xia Yunhe's expression was complicated. He seemed to have not expected Zhou Xiaoheng to be so crazy, and he seemed to be wavering in his previous decision.
Zhou Xiaoheng smiled indifferently, but in his heart he was thinking that once this matter was over, he should get rid of that old bastard Xia Yunhe.
"Let's listen to Lord Xia. Let Father Emperor catch his breath first and write the abdication edict properly."
No sooner had he finished speaking than the sounds of fighting came from outside. Zhou Xiaoheng's expression changed, and immediately a guard came in to report: "Your Highness, a large number of Imperial Guards have suddenly arrived outside."
Zhou Xiaoheng felt a pang of panic and looked at Xia Yunhe.
Xia Yunhe felt uneasy, but he forced himself to remain calm: "Don't be afraid, we have people in the Imperial Guards too."
Zhou Xiaoheng felt relieved. The ministers, who had just thought they had found hope, were all very disappointed and began to speak in hushed tones.
"Shut up, all of you!" Zhou Xiaoheng shouted. "Anyone who dares to speak will be executed on the spot!"
These words were extremely arrogant. A minister who was usually very upright was so angry that his face turned pale. He wanted to rush out and curse, but suddenly someone grabbed his collar. He turned around and saw that it was Fu Mingsong.
"Lord Wang, please calm down," he said in a low voice. "Wait a little longer, things will turn around."
Lord Wang's eyes lit up, but he pursed his lips and remained silent.
**
Zhou Xiaoyan was extremely anxious while staying at the Prince of Jin's residence. He didn't know how long he had been waiting when Wei Baocheng finally rushed in to report: "Your Highness, there has indeed been movement from the palace."
"Let's go! To Yingwu Gate!" Zhou Xiaoyan didn't hesitate at all and walked straight out.
Wei Baocheng hurriedly followed, feeling extremely uneasy.
When Zhou Xiaoyan arrived at Yingwu Gate, there was no one around, as if the gatekeepers had vanished. He carefully walked to the door and knocked three times. Just as he finished knocking, a small door next to him suddenly opened, and a military officer stood there, saying in a low voice, "Fifth Prince, you have finally arrived. Please come in quickly!"
Zhou Xiaoyan pursed his lips, but ultimately chose to trust Fu Mingsong and went inside.
**
Fu Mingzi was also waiting, waiting for news of Fu Mingbai going to the Admiral's tent.
Perhaps an hour had passed, perhaps two hours had passed, and Fu Mingzi was so anxious that he could hardly sit still. Finally, there was movement outside. Fu Mingzi hurriedly went up and lifted the tent flap. Sure enough, he saw a group of people walking over. They were still wearing iron armor, which was stained with blood. As soon as they saw Fu Mingzi come out, they immediately clasped their hands and said, "Fifth Master, Second Master invites you to meet him in the central command tent."
Fu Mingzi recognized this person; he was also one of Fu Mingbai's associates. Without suspicion, he immediately followed him.
**
The sounds of fighting outside the hall grew louder and louder, seemingly approaching the Taiji Hall. Zhou Xiaoheng's face grew increasingly anxious as he kept looking outside the hall.
Finally, he couldn't hold back any longer, so he pointed to a guard beside him and said loudly, "Go outside and see what's going on."
The man hurriedly obeyed the order, opened the door and was about to leave, but as soon as he opened the door, an arrow shot out and killed him instantly.
Zhou Xiaoheng was startled and immediately called to the guards around him. He took his knife, walked up the steps, held the knife to the emperor's neck, and hid behind the guards and the emperor.
Xia Yunhe was also stunned, his heart filled with panic. He had clearly planned everything in advance, so could something have gone wrong?
Just as he was lost in thought, the fighting outside finally stopped. After a moment, a man covered in blood and exuding an aura of iron will finally entered the hall.
Xia Yunhe recognized him at a glance; this person was Commander Yang!
How could that guy surnamed Yang be here? He clearly bribed the guards around that guy surnamed Yang; they should have poisoned him and killed him long ago.
The ministers in the hall breathed a sigh of relief when they saw Commander Yang enter. They all knew that Commander Yang was from the Fu family faction, not the Fourth Prince's side.
Commander Yang bowed as soon as he entered, saying, "Your Majesty, I have arrived late to save you!"
But the emperor's life was now in Zhou Xiaoheng's hands. He glared at Commander Yang and said fiercely, "Father has already written the abdication edict and passed the throne to me. Why don't you step down now!"
Commander Yang looked up at the Fourth Prince without fear: "How can a traitor covet the throne?"
Just then, a clear voice suddenly entered the hall.
"Fourth Brother, the victor is king, the loser is villain. Don't you understand this principle yet?"
When Zhou Xiaoheng heard this voice, his expression twisted for a moment. Sure enough, in the next instant, Zhou Xiaoyan's figure finally appeared outside the door.
He was wearing a soft armor, which had some bloodstains on it, but not as much as Commander Yang's. His expression was calm, as if the hall was just an ordinary place and not the scene of a treason.
All the ministers finally realized that the victor of this war appeared to be the Fifth Prince.
"It really was you! I knew you weren't someone to be trifled with!" Zhou Xiaoheng said venomously.
At this moment, the emperor shouted, "My son, Xiaoyan, quickly save your father!"
Hearing this, Zhou Xiaoyan found it somewhat amusing. He stared at the emperor and said softly, "Father, you knew all along that Fourth Brother was hiding the iron mine, didn't you? You also knew all along that Fourth Brother was colluding with the Xia family, didn't you? You openly favored me and supported me in my struggle against the Crown Prince, but behind the scenes you paved the way for Fourth Brother. Now that things have come to this, doesn't Father bear any responsibility?"
Such palace secrets were something the ministers in the hall wished they had two extra ears to hear; they really didn't want to know at all. However, Zhou Xiaoyan had no intention of hiding his family's shameful affairs and continued, "But Father, don't worry, I will save you. After all, although I know that Father is only using me as a target, I would never do something like murdering one's father." These words sounded somewhat sarcastic, and the emperor's face showed a hint of embarrassment.
He turned to Zhou Xiaoheng, attempting to move him with emotion: "Heng'er, your father has always loved you the most. I only pay more attention to you because I'm afraid that others will be jealous of you and harm you. But your father has always wanted to pass the throne to you. Heng'er, put down your knife. Your father will write the abdication edict and pass the throne to you."
Zhou Xiaoyan smiled sarcastically. He had always known how suspicious the emperor was. He had just said those words to arouse the emperor's suspicion. Now that he knew the emperor had ill intentions towards him, even if he saved the emperor in the future, would he let him live?
The emperor certainly wouldn't dare gamble on this, because he himself was a cold-hearted person, and he certainly wouldn't dare gamble on how loyal and righteous his son could be. It's just a pity that what Zhou Xiaoyan just said was true. He really wouldn't kill the emperor, nor would he kill Zhou Xiaoheng. He still wanted the emperor to watch him live a happy and fulfilling life, while the emperor would suffer a lifetime of torment from the unfilial son he had spoiled.
The emperor did not believe him, so he could only plead with Zhou Xiaoheng.
Zhou Xiaoheng was already emotionally unstable, and upon hearing this, his heart was in turmoil. So that's how it is! So that's how it is! In that case, his whole life seems like a joke!
He was despised and looked down upon because his father wanted to hide his love for him, under the guise of protecting him.
Zhou Xiaoheng burst into laughter, his sword wobbling slightly. His eyes were bloodshot as he glared at the emperor and roared, "So all my misfortunes in this life are caused by you! In that case, you shall be buried with me!" He raised his sword high, aiming it at the emperor's face.
Just then, an arrow shot from outside the palace, hitting Zhou Xiaoheng, who was leaning halfway out from behind the emperor, and knocking him to the ground. The emperor, greatly frightened and knocked down by Zhou Xiaoheng, rushed forward in a panic and crashed headfirst into the corner of a table, bleeding profusely.
"Your Majesty!" the courtiers exclaimed and rushed forward.
Watching this scene unfold, Zhou Xiaoyan finally closed his eyes slowly.
**
Fu Mingzi was led into the central military tent, where many people were seated. However, Fu Mingbai, who was in the main seat, looked very serious, and his armor was stained with blood.
"Second Brother!" Fu Mingzi was overjoyed.
Fu Mingbo nodded: "Have a seat."
Fu Mingzi then sat down next to Fu Mingbai.
As soon as Fu Mingzi sat down, one of the generals below couldn't help but stand up and ask, "Commander Fu, has the Fourth Prince really rebelled? Why haven't we heard anything about it?"
Seeing this, Fu Mingzi's eyes flickered, and he chuckled softly: "This matter is absolutely true. I was the one who found the evidence of the Fourth Prince's rebellion. However, it is currently kept secret, so I dare not spread it. That's why I came to deliver the news in the dead of night."
Just then, a soldier suddenly entered from outside: "Reporting to the commander, a message has arrived from the capital."
Fu Mingbai was startled, realizing that the message he had sent to the capital had received a response, and hurriedly said, "Please come in quickly."
Before long, a person was carried in, half-dead. Running back and forth all night had indeed taken a toll.
The man took a letter out of his clothes and handed it over: "This is the old man's reply."
Fu Mingbo stepped forward, took the letter, and without any attempt to hide it from his subordinates, opened it and began to read.
After observing for a long time, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and said in a deep voice, "Don't worry, everyone, there will be news by tonight at the latest. If it's false, I will take the blame myself, and it has nothing to do with you. If it's true, we will all share the wealth and honor!"
Upon hearing this, everyone knew that it was most likely true, otherwise Fu Mingbo wouldn't have said it.
Fu Mingzi also came up at this moment, and Fu Mingbai handed him the letter.
Fu Mingzi read it through from beginning to end, and a huge weight was lifted off her shoulders. If the plan in the letter was followed, it would most likely succeed.
Now all they need to do is wait.
The group sat in the large tent, waiting from morning until night, even eating their meals there. As night fell, the generals in the tent began to get restless, and Fu Mingzi frowned, feeling uneasy.
But all of this vanished in the next instant with a single sound.
"Imperial decree has arrived!" As the loud voice rang out, the generals who had been waiting for the outcome all stood up from their seats and watched the person outside slowly walk in.
**
When Fu Mingzi returned to the capital, it felt like a lifetime had passed.
Yesterday's imperial edict not only saved the soldiers in the Yuntai camp who trusted Fu Mingbai from dire straits, but also saved Fu Mingzi.
He didn't know how he felt when he saw Wei Baocheng enter with the imperial decree. At that moment, he seemed numb, and even when he knelt down, it was because Fu Mingbai forced him to kneel.
He had no memory of what the imperial edict said after that, only that everyone around him was beaming with joy, and that his second brother had become the new commander of the Yuntai Camp.
As for himself, he returned to Beijing with Wei Baocheng the next day.
Looking at the bustling scene around him, he felt as if he had been transported to another world. He wondered if the people of the capital knew that the imperial city had long since changed.
Wei Baocheng smiled and came closer: "Young Master Fu, let's go to the palace to report to His Majesty first. His Majesty has been waiting for you for a long time."
Fu Mingzi nodded blankly, then realized that the "Emperor" Wei Baocheng was referring to was Zhou Xiaoyan.
They entered the palace through the Taiji Gate, but Wei Baocheng did not go to the Taiji Hall to meet the emperor. Instead, he bypassed the Taiji Hall and then the Qinzheng Hall, and went to the Cuiwei Palace at the very back, which was the emperor's residence and was generally not used to entertain foreign officials.
Standing outside Cuiwei Palace, Fu Mingzi felt her heart pounding so hard it felt like it was about to jump out of her chest.
He only waited a moment before being summoned inside.
Fu Mingzi lowered his head subconsciously, adopting a very respectful demeanor. He was somewhat dazed and unsure of how to face Zhou Xiaoyan.
They followed the eunuch into the main hall, then through a side door into the inner room, before finally stopping.
Fu Mingzi was a little confused; this was already the emperor's bedroom.
He looked up and saw that the eunuch who had led the way had already left, while Zhou Xiaoyan sat by the bed, staring straight at him.
"Your Majesty..."
“There’s no need to call me that,” Zhou Xiaoyan interrupted his subconscious words.
Fu Mingzi felt a bitter taste in her mouth, then forced a smile: "Then how should I address you? Calling you Your Highness is a bit inappropriate."
Zhou Xiaoyan walked up to him step by step, wrapped his arms around his neck, pressed his lips to his, gently licked him, and then whispered, "You know how to call me."
Fu Mingzi felt a buzzing in his head and lost his mind. He subconsciously chased after Zhou Xiaoyan's lips and tongue and kissed him fiercely.
He waited until Zhou Xiaoyan was breathless before pulling away from his mouth. Zhou Xiaoyan leaned softly against his chest, panting, and whispered, "You've only been gone a few days, and you're already putting on this upright minister act."
Fu Mingzi couldn't help but chuckle upon hearing this, realizing that he had just acted foolishly. Even if Zhou Xiaoyan became emperor, he would still be Zhou Xiaoyan. What was he hesitating about?
"Where is the late emperor?" Fu Mingzi casually referred to the previous emperor as the late emperor.
Zhou Xiaoyan paused for a moment: "He accidentally bumped into the corner of the table and couldn't be saved. That's why Wei Baocheng was late in delivering the imperial decree."
Fu Mingzi suddenly realized, and he said, "Why did it take so long? The generals were almost ready to draw their swords and kill us."
"And you? Are you alright?" Fu Mingzi pinched his waist, pushed him away a little, and looked at Zhou Xiaoyan's face.
Zhou Xiaoyan stared at Fu Mingzi for a long time before finally chuckling softly, "I'm fine. As long as you're here, I'm fine."
Fu Mingzi felt a surge of warmth in her heart and pulled the person into her arms once again.
"From now on, we'll never be apart again," he murmured softly.
Zhou Xiaoyan finally smiled: "Yes, we'll never be apart again."
A month later, Zhou Xiaoyan ascended the throne as emperor. The first thing he did after becoming emperor was to confer the title of Duke of Ningguo on Fu Mingzi, who was far away in Yun'an and handling his sister's family affairs. The title was to be hereditary and never be replaced.
When Fu Mingzi received this news, the Duke of Qian had already passed away, and his nephew had already gathered all the chieftains and was enthroned as the new Duke of Qian.
The next morning, without telling anyone, Fu Mingzi rode the Great General horse that the Duke of Jingguo had given him and headed towards the capital.
There, his lover was; there, his home was.
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Author's Note: I've now completely finished writing this story. My initial idea for the ending was for Zhou Xiaoyan to ascend the throne. However, I felt that if I were to write the later plot, what I wanted and what everyone liked might have a huge conflict. So, I decided to stop here and let them all be well, giving everyone room for imagination.
The data for this book isn't good, as everyone can see, but even so, I've been trying my best to update it daily, not only because I want to write this book, but also because I want to give everyone an explanation.
I've always wanted to create a good character or persona, and I also want to write good romance scenes. I've been working hard on this book, and I'll continue to work hard on the next one. I hope everyone will continue to walk with me.
Next, I'll talk about my next story, which will probably start around mid-May. I hope everyone will continue to support it:
I Inherited a Planet [Transmigration Novel]
When Wen Xia woke up, she found herself turned into cannon fodder in an interstellar novel who wouldn't survive more than two chapters.
Because he was so useless, the Duke was very dissatisfied with him and assigned him to a remote planet, ordering him to get out immediately.
Everyone was waiting to see him cry and make a fool of himself, but Wen Xia was so happy that she left without stopping.
As soon as he left the Imperial Star, a cat covered in blood came to try and cause trouble.
It looks fierce, like someone owes it hundreds of millions.
Wen Xia softened her heart and let him successfully stage an accident. He looked pathetic, so she decided to treat him like a mascot.
But to her surprise, the mascot was indeed very auspicious. The day after she received it, Wen Xia opened the interstellar trading panel.
Water sources, tree species, minerals, and interstellar coordinates were all obtained, and the warm and humid planet became the most prosperous planet in the entire Gamma Galaxy.
Just as Wen Xia was working hard to build up the desolate planet and felt that he was about to reach the pinnacle of his life, news came that his duke father was going to arrange a marriage for him.
My fierce little cat has gone missing.
The following day, the Crown Prince of the Interstellar Empire slowly stepped off the spaceship: "I'll give you two choices: come with me, or be taken away by me."
Wenxia: Is there a difference?
#Later he discovered that this prince was actually a fierce-looking furry little dumpling#
Senior Brother is Not a White Lotus
Cheng Shiqing is the most perfect senior brother in everyone's eyes.
Gentle and refined, upright and kind
Throughout the entire Tantai Mountain area, everyone praises him.
Unfortunately, these people don't know that the perfect senior brother in their hearts is actually a truly ruthless and cunning person who seamlessly switches between hypocrisy and villainy. He kills without blinking an eye, schemes without mercy, and will stop at nothing to become an immortal.
In the end, he finally stood at the very top of the cultivation world, but he only had one junior brother, who followed him in a daze.
The junior brother pleaded pitifully, "Senior brother, slow down! I can't keep up with you!"
The eldest brother looked fierce: Even if you catch up with me, I won't give you any cough syrup.
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