Chapter 180 Chapter 180 The Forbidden City Shocking Change (V)...
The Zichen Palace was in a state of chaos and despair.
Chang Da had already searched the hall, but after failing to find Emperor Jiaqing, he had furiously smashed and vandalized it. The floor was now littered with ancient books, calligraphy, brushes, inkstones, and inkstones. The legs of the Eight Immortals Table were sticking up in the air, the crane vase was shattered, the long scroll of "A Thousand Miles of Rivers and Mountains" had been torn from the wall, and the octagonal lacquer-painted palace lantern and a pair of couplets had also been torn to the ground.
The soldiers stood at the palace gate, bewildered.
In the hall, the two men ran faster than mice, chasing each other around the pillars.
The Jiaqing Emperor had no idea what had happened that night. He knew only that his lantern array had been attacked and he had been poisoned. He writhed in agony, vomiting and diarrhoea, then passed out. When he opened his eyes again, he was met with a dead silence and pitch blackness. He feared being alone in the dark, and his teeth chattered with fear. He stumbled off the bed and groped forward, finding a wall. He cried and screamed, groping for help.
After searching for half an hour, he didn't know what he touched, and then there was a click, and the wall of the secret room opened.
He met eyes with Chang Da, who was standing in the middle of the hall, looking around with a sword in hand.
Chang Da went back to the Purple Palace with great difficulty and searched again, but still could not find the Emperor Jiaqing. He was so angry that his liver and gallbladder were about to burst and his eyes were bulging. Just as he was about to pick up the axe and chop it wildly to vent his anger, the door of the secret room slowly opened.
Emperor Jiaqing looked at him, just like a mouse that sticks its head out and runs into a cat.
When the two sides met, they were both innocent and confused.
Chang Da was wearing armor, holding two axes, and his body was in a mess. His eyes were bloodshot. Even though Emperor Jiaqing had diarrhea all night, he knew why Chang Da was here. He let out a roar and ran away.
Chang Da: "Block the doors and windows! Don't let the emperor leave the palace!"
He picked up the axe and started chasing after him.
Although the Chang family army was present, they did not dare to actually attack the emperor. They all blocked the doors and windows and watched with cold sweat.
The floor tiles in the hall were smooth, and the soles of their shoes rubbed against the ground, making a slight squeaking sound as the two people ran.
Emperor Jiaqing shook his sleeves and cried:
"Uncle, please spare me! Uncle, please spare me!"
Chang Da didn't say a word, but stamped his feet and ran away like a mad rhinoceros.
The two of them ran around the pillar for almost ten laps.
The situation was so tense that the two of them kept sliding back and forth, making a continuous squeaking sound. Everyone was concentrating on watching the cat catching the mouse.
No one noticed a soldier dressed in armor of the Chang family army, holding a sword, who walked up the long steps step by step and entered the hall.
The man tiptoed over the threshold, walked past the crowd, and stood beside the temple pillar.
The two men were chasing each other while slipping. Suddenly, there was a smell of urine in the hall. Emperor Jiaqing left water prints on his shoes with every step he took. He didn't care about his shame and was dancing with joy while sliding.
Seeing this person, he waved his hands aside in a state of panic: "Get out of the way! Get out of the way!"
Chang Da swung his legs and ran: "I won't kill you! I won't kill you!"
Suddenly, his foot slipped on the crystal yellow water stains, and with a "swish" sound, one of his legs was stretched out.
The man on the side raised his sword and swung it down!
With a snap!
A round object was suddenly thrown out, spinning and spilling blood, then it fell to the ground with a thud and spun around.
In the Purple Palace, you can hear a pin drop.
Only Emperor Jiaqing was confused and walked around the pillar in circles.
After a moment, a mournful cry erupted in the hall:
"General!"
"Prince Ding!"
"My general! My master! General!"
The burly man cried as loudly as a tidal wave.
Emperor Jiaqing was panting and holding on to a pillar to steady himself. He was still in shock and felt like vomiting from running so hard.
The swordsman took off his iron helmet, held it in his arms, swung his high ponytail, and threw the helmet to the ground:
"Heaven has eyes, and this thief will be punished in the end!"
When Emperor Jiaqing saw him, he slipped in his urine again, and switched to a pillar that was easy to defend but difficult to attack. He retreated while waving his hands:
"Don't kill me... Don't kill me! Brother! Don't kill me, I beg you... Whatever you want, I will give it to you..."
Li Xuanbai pressed forward, extending his hand towards Emperor Jiaqing:
"Your Majesty, please come! I do not intend to commit regicide!"
Emperor Jiaqing shook his head repeatedly, his face as pale as paper and tears streaming down his face. He clung to the palace pillar and muttered, "Don't kill me, don't kill me! I will grant you whatever you want! The throne! I don't want the throne anymore! Brother!"
He stamped his feet and burst into tears: "The throne is yours!"
Hearing these four words, Li Xuanbai felt more than pleased. He extended his hand with an even more agreeable expression and slowly approached:
"I will not kill you, brother. How could I commit regicide!"
Seeing that he was walking slowly, and that he had no intention of taking his life, Emperor Jiaqing cried even louder:
"Brother, if you're serious, throw away the sword!"
With a clang, Li Xuanbai threw his sword to the ground.
There were echoes in the huge Zichen Hall.
Li Xuanbai stretched out his hand calmly.
Emperor Jiaqing looked at him, his chest heaving rapidly, his eyes bloodshot. He tilted his head and looked at him quietly for a long while, then hid behind the palace pillar like a rabbit: "I don't believe it! How could you not want to kill me!"
Li Xuanbai knew he had a sure win, so he relaxed and smiled. "The Emperor is the ruler of a country, and he's also my brother. The people won't love a regicide, and neither will the civil and military officials. Not to mention the reputation of a fratricide. The Emperor just likes playing cards in Xiaole Garden. As his brother, why should I, the Emperor, kill him?"
Emperor Jiaqing clung to the palace pillar, trying hard to wipe off the water on the soles of his feet to avoid slipping when he ran, while panting and peeking at him.
Li Xuanbai continued to wait patiently.
Chang Da is dead, and he is the regent. As long as Emperor Jiaqing is willing to extend a hand, he will hold sole power.
This absurd tragedy tonight has come to an end; his years of ambition have finally been fulfilled.
Emperor Jiaqing looked at him tremblingly, hesitating again and again.
Is there any other way?
No more. Being a puppet emperor is better than being a fugitive.
Finally, he shook his arms and slowly stretched out his hand.
"—So the Regent is here too."
Gu Huaijin stepped over the threshold nonchalantly.
The faint morning light in the hall suddenly dimmed, and dozens of people came up the long steps. Each of them was tall and strong, with broad shoulders and long legs. They wore long swords on their waists and their clothes were embroidered with flying fish. They stood in front of the hall, and it seemed as if a row of dark fences were erected at the door.
The guards stood around the wall of the hall, standing tall and straight.
Emperor Jiaqing immediately broke into a run, but lost his balance for a moment and flew back with his arms flapping, only to be blocked by his sleeves.
Li Xuanbai's heart immediately twisted and even his toes felt cold.
At this time, at this time!
Just one step away!
It only takes a moment for him to control this crazy emperor and make this Gu do whatever he tells him to do!
at the moment……
He silently counted the number of Feiyu Guards, and the more he counted, the heavier his heart became.
——There’s no escape.
Not to mention that Gu's martial arts skills are unmatched by ordinary people, even if we only talk about the Feiyu Guards he brought with him, he will not be able to escape today!
He and this Gu had a long-standing grudge. This man hated him to death, and because of her affairs, he was jealous day and night. He used to take pleasure in making him jealous on Tianshan Mountain. Now that he was in his hands, how could he be alive?
One second his long-cherished wish was fulfilled, and the next second his life was in danger. The situation suddenly changed, and he was extremely unwilling, angry, and furious.
Suddenly, a flash of inspiration came to my mind.
He took a half step back, pressed his hand down, signaling Gu Huaijin not to take action for the time being, and said sneerfully but cautiously:
"Don't be busy, it's so early in the morning."
"How about we make a deal?"
*
Nan Qiong Shuang was held under Yun Manyue's armpit and had been running back and forth on the palace wall all night.
Even though she was being carried and running, her legs were already numb. She didn't know where this giant Buddha got the energy to search this vast palace with 9,999 rooms three times without stopping.
She sighed and scratched her eyebrows helplessly.
She was rescued by Yun Manyue and Li Shenshu last night. Before they could chat in detail, Wu Dao suddenly rushed out and urgently asked her to do her new job in the sect.
New job: escort the Regent.
But where is the Regent?
The two of them jumped on the palace wall all night, and they almost lifted up the helmets of the soldiers one by one to check, but they still didn't see Li Xuanbai.
She raised her eyes and glanced at Yun Manyue's expression.
Fortunately, she didn't look impatient.
Nan Qiong Shuang was always feeling a little uneasy.
The big Buddha that she moved here to help is the new leader of the Wangsheng Sect.
She had been wondering for a long time.
The Wangshengmen was a group of people who were entrusted by others to arrange for their work. For example, she was placed beside Emperor Jiaqing because someone wanted to buy his life; and Gongsun Hong was placed beside Chang Da because someone wanted to kill him.
Then, things get strange.
Chang Da has Gongsun Hong by his side, there is a Mo Jiao among Li Xuanbai's golden guards, and there is Nan Qiong Shuang in Handan Palace.
Where is Gu Huaijin?
For someone in his position, there would be many people who would want to hire someone to kill him, so why is there no one around him?
Gu Huaijin had already been ambushed by the Jiletang, and he would never repeat the same mistake. If he wanted to take action again, the best candidate should be from Qi Sha.
The most stunning among the Seven Killings is the cloud covering the moon.
Why has Yun Manyue been on standby in the capital, rushing to help from all sides, and doing nothing?
There is only one reason.
Yun Manyue is not an assassin from the Qishatang who can be easily mobilized.
Moreover, she was too leisurely on the day she was ordered to go to Prince Ding's mansion to kill Chang Da.
He did not wear armor or hold the red tasseled halberd, but went to the battlefield holding a white folding fan.
Mo Jiao attached great importance to the achievement of capturing King Ding's head, as it was a matter of great importance to the position of the leader of the Qisha Hall.
Even if Yun Manyue had the abilities of Taishang Laojun, if he really took the position of the leader of the Seven Killings Hall seriously, he wouldn't be so casual, right?
The glazed tile roofs passed by one by one under my feet. Dawn had already broken, but the sky was still dark and rumbling, and a golden crack appeared in the east.
Nan Qiong Shuang looked at the sunrise, and the golden clouds in the sky were reflected in her eyes.
Since Yun Manyue is the new leader, then she has more hope of redeeming herself.
In the past, because the sect of the Rebirth Sect was too cruel and brutal, even though she was told that she could redeem herself by completing five tasks, she was half-believing and half-disbelieving.
But the burden of being the new sect leader fell on Yun Manyue, and things suddenly took a big turn. The previous speculation might have to be overturned.
Maybe what Sun Fen said is true.
Maybe I can redeem myself safely.
because--
She looked up at the person holding her.
Her collar swayed in the wind, and Yun Manyue's hair fluttered gently on her white jade-red headband. The sky was slightly blue, and the morning light reflected a bright light in her clear eyes.
The clouds cover the moon, which is the most open and honest.
"The way of killing, the heart of a bodhisattva".
She would not forcibly detain someone who wanted to redeem himself.
"Got it!" Yun Manyue suddenly said, "It seems to be the Regent. He's in the Purple Palace!"
The two of them suddenly dropped half a foot, and she felt a sudden sour feeling in her stomach as if she had lost weight. Her legs were lifted up by the wind, and when she lowered her eyes, she was suddenly outside the carved window of the Purple Palace.
The hall was still dark, and through the wood pattern, a single figure could be seen. He stood in front of a large group of palace guards, his face as gloomy as water, arrogant and confident.
The two sides were in a standoff, tensions were high and the situation was about to break out.
Yun Man Yue's folding fan somehow turned and cut, and with a bang, the carved window frame exploded into two pieces, and wood chips brushed past the hair and clothes of the two people.
Before the window frame fragments fell to the ground, the two of them stepped on the ground with their toes, suddenly inserted themselves between the two sides, and stood with their sleeves waving.
Feiyu Guards and Chang's Army were suddenly horrified.
The person who showed up unexpectedly was actually the beautiful and frail Concubine Zhen!
Nan Qiong Shuang turned around, stood firm, and raised her eyes.
Li Xuanbai's high ponytail had fallen down three-quarters, his face was covered in plaster, and blood was dripping from the edge of his iron armor. His handsome eyebrows and eyes were set against the scarlet blood, making him look gorgeous and ferocious.
This situation was a desperate situation for him, but the disdainful smile on his brows remained unchanged.
Turn around again.
Gu Huaijin stood silently in front of Yun Manyue, his face pale and cold under the black silk ribbon, and he said not a word.
The hall was in chaos, with candlesticks toppled all over the floor. The Chang family army, Feiyu Guards and the Imperial Guards surrounded both sides. There was urine and blood everywhere. At the feet of the two men lay a headless corpse with broad shoulders and back, a polo-shaped head, and blood all over the place.
She didn't have to think to know who it was.
Then, as long as Li Xuanbai is captured, Gu Huaijin will have accomplished his mission today and can retire.
For him, success or failure depends on this one move.
She carefully turned her gaze back to the face in front of her.
Their eyes met, and she stood in front of Li Xuanbai, making Gu Huaijin feel like she was being stabbed in the back.
Her eyes flickered for a moment, then she simply turned around and winked at Li Xuanbai.
Li Xuanbai saw her suddenly barge in and interfere, and was glaring at the person opposite him with a smug smile. Suddenly, he saw her turn around and glance at the woman in front of her without anyone noticing.
He then understood.
She brought people to rescue him!
Nan Qiongshuang intervened at the most critical moment, only half of it was to follow the orders of the Wangsheng Sect.
She couldn't express her other half's thoughts to Gu Huaijin.
Years of affection, caring for each other. From Tianshan to Luojing, the two people have similar temperaments and have covered up many things for each other. Even if there is no love, there is gratitude.
She knew that he and Gu Huaijin were fighting to the death, but just as she spared his life that night in Lan Pavilion, she didn't want Li Xuanbai to die today.
We have known each other and helped each other for many years. We can't let his help go to waste.
The hall was so quiet that even the tense breathing of the soldiers could be heard.
Gu Huaijin was like a silent and terrifying mountain of swords.
Her scalp tingled as she faced his gaze, carefully sensing the movements of the person behind her.
Let’s go, let’s go quickly, today is our last farewell.
Yun Manyue can lead him out of the enemy's formation amidst thousands of troops. Once he leaves the palace, Gu Huaijin will immediately issue an edict in the name of Emperor Jiaqing, deposing his title of regent.
From now on, although he would no longer have power, at least his life would be safe. Whether it was wandering the mountains and rivers or galloping through the rivers and lakes, it was better than falling into Gu Huaijin's hands, where the victors would be victorious and the losers would be bandits, and he would perish in the underworld.
Gu Huaijin stared at her silently, almost suffocating.
He worked hard for many days and nights, tossed and turned sleeplessly for many nights, and finally forced his mortal enemy to meet his doom.
However, this timely rain was actually brought by her!
He belatedly realized that his bones were creaking, as if his skeleton had been eaten away, and no matter how imposing his skin was, it was crumbling.
Nan Qiong Shuang just half-closed her eyelashes and didn't meet his gaze.
Some of the soldiers were smart and could sense something was wrong when they saw these three people. They glanced at their faces back and forth.
After a while, Gu Huaijin spoke:
"May I ask what your Majesty's intention is in standing before the Regent?"
Emperor Jiaqing popped his head out from behind Gu Huaijin in a panic:
"Zhen Fei! This is not the time for you to care about your cousin relationship! Come here!"
Nan Qiong Shuang sneered. She had openly used her lightness skills to get between the two of them. Didn't this crazy emperor understand?
Gu Huaijin held Emperor Jiaqing back with his arm, took a step forward, and said only two words:
"My Lady."
Nan Qiong Shuang felt a little suffocated.
Everyone in the hall was in a state of panic, the situation was precarious, and he was filled with a gloomy and hopeless aura, but he suppressed it so that it was not visible on his face. He took a deep breath and said:
"Your Majesty, do you know... do you know what he said to me just now?"
"He's had connections with the Wangsheng Sect for a long time and could have asked you to redeem yourself long ago, but he just stood by and watched. If he hadn't been desperate today and begged me to let him go, he still wouldn't have thought of helping you escape."
"You're still standing with him," he asked. "You want to save him?"
"I'm not standing with him." Seeing that his face was already extremely painful, Nan Qiong Shuang simply couldn't bear it, "It's because..."
She glanced deeply at Yun Manyue's back and put everything on him.
Gu Huaijin pursed his lips and moistened his throat with difficulty.
He took a moment to breathe evenly with a pale face, then walked past her and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, but I can't agree to the Regent's request."
"The Prince Regent coveted the sacred artifact and threatened his own brother. He is guilty of heinous crimes and is a traitor. How could such a person remain by the Emperor's side? He must be executed to protect the country."
"As for the Empress and the Gate of Rebirth, I know what's going on and have my own solutions. There's no need for the Regent to worry."
After he finished speaking, his figure as tall as a jade mountain obscured the rectangular dawn at the entrance of the palace. He turned around with his hands behind his back and ordered:
"Take him away and put him in prison."
really.
Nan Qiongshuang felt as if a heavy stone had fallen from her heart, and she immediately gave Li Xuanbai a look.
Yun Manyue also understood and put a hand on Li Xuanbai's shoulder.
He was injured on the shoulder and was in pain, but unexpectedly, he stood still and sneered.
Nan Qiong Shuang was a little annoyed and turned half-way to glance at him.
What on earth is this guy up to?!
Things have come to this point. The Chang family army has lost its master, the palace is full of Gu Huaijin's men, and the emperor is following him like a little chicken. At this time and place, what better way can he have to save his life?
You really don't know what's good for you!
Just leave the palace with Yun Manyue as soon as possible! You can survive, and Gu Huaijin can retire after achieving success, so why bother with side issues!
But then Li Xuanbai said casually:
"Your Majesty, do you really trust this Gu?"
There was a lingering echo in the hall.
The soldiers in the hall looked at each other in confusion.
Li Xuanbai still smiled calmly.
Nan Qiong Shuang immediately understood what he meant.
I was instantly covered in cold sweat.
Although Gu Huaijin was powerful, that was because Emperor Jiaqing was willing to give him power. If Emperor Jiaqing turned against him, he would surely fall on the spot!
If this crazy emperor turns against us, the situation will definitely be even more difficult with all the imperial guards and the Flying Fish Guards ready to fight!
Dawn was breaking but not yet bright. The hall was shrouded in an unfathomable darkness. Everyone wore an iron helmet, and their armor cast a heavy shadow over them.
No one can see the facial features clearly.
Half of Li Xuanbai's face was stained with blood, and the other half was hidden in darkness. Spots of blood splashed on his eyebrows and eyelashes, as if a red spider lily had bloomed on his face.
Fierce, enchanting, and ominous. Emperor Jiaqing slipped, paused for a moment, and turned back in confusion.
Li Xuanbai smiled slowly and continued:
"Have you ever thought about the outcome of following this Gu guy like this?"
"He forced the Three Guards of Fuyu to remain in the capital. What was the result? It was the Jurchens who intended to assassinate him. He also stubbornly conferred the title of prince on Changda. What was the result? He led his troops into the palace."
"Not only did they storm into the palace, they also broke into your bedroom and chased you with a huge axe."
Emperor Jiaqing tugged at Gu Huaijin's sleeve, not daring to meet Li Xuanbai's gaze. He lowered his head and waved his hands behind him.
"Sir, you have your own plans. I won't pursue them."
"Your Majesty." Gu Huaijin half-turned, his long hair cascading down, revealing a hint of his handsome features. "Tonight, it was the Three Guards of Fuyu who forced the Chang family army into disarray. They are a group of greedy men, brave and skilled in fighting, but disloyal. They are best brought into your inner circle to help you capture them."
"That's right, that's right." Emperor Jiaqing looked at him with an apologetic smile, "I believe you, sir."
"Even if Gu had a plan in mind, it didn't take your safety into account." Li Xuanbai twirled his earring and sneered, "Didn't he know Chang Da was plotting against you? Didn't he anticipate the Jurchens might assassinate you? Did he care? You were assassinated last night in part because he allowed it. If the Three Fuyu Guards had been expelled from the capital earlier, you wouldn't have had to endure the pain of a ruptured intestine last night."
Emperor Jiaqing's smile froze on his face for a moment. He gritted his teeth, but the corners of his lips moved further down his ears. He waved his hand and was about to leave the hall.
Li Xuanbai followed up slowly:
"Besides, you still haven't realized how much this Gu has hidden from you?"
Emperor Jiaqing's leg, which was crossing the threshold, finally stopped in mid-air.
Gu Huaijin stopped in his tracks.
Li Xuanbai sneered again:
"There was chaos in the palace, and he placed you in a secret room behind the Purple Palace. Did you know there was a secret room behind the palace? Did he know, and did he tell you?"
"Although Chang Da attacked the palace because his assassination plot was exposed, how can we know that he was not behind it? If he deliberately instigated the fight between the two tigers, did he inform you of such a big thing? He didn't tell you a word, which led to you accidentally stumbling out of the secret room and facing Chang Da! If it weren't for me, you might have been killed by the double axes!"
Emperor Jiaqing's back was so stiff that he seemed to be imprinted on the palace gate; even the corners of his sleeves were motionless.
"Furthermore, there are doubts about Concubine Zhen's identity. You've been watching from the side for so long, so you should have figured it out, right? He already knew that Concubine Zhen was skilled in martial arts and had status, and that she was accompanying you, so his intentions were suspicious. But did he ever say a word to you?"
"How much more is he hiding from you? Can you really trust him?!"
Emperor Jiaqing's breathing became heavier, wheezing and panting like a cow.
"Your Majesty." Gu Huaijin finally turned around and faced Emperor Jiaqing. "The Regent is merely making a last-ditch effort, stubbornly resisting, trying to accuse you of unnecessary crimes and alienate you from me. You abandoned me, and if I fall into his hands, I will surely be imprisoned until death. Only by killing the Regent today can you rest assured on the throne."
Li Xuanbai scoffed. "'Rest easy'? With him in the court, can you really rest easy? Li Jingtai played Chupu with you, and you lost the bet and wanted to give him an official position. It's been so long, have you succeeded? With him under your control, I'm afraid you, the emperor, are just like a puppet!"
Emperor Jiaqing suddenly looked up at Gu Huaijin, panting.
Gu Huaijin finally frowned. "Your Majesty, after the two tigers were eliminated, I no longer wish to be involved in the affairs of the court. I only wish to retire to Wuliang Mountain. If Your Majesty is worried about my monopolizing power, I can give you a promise today. After the Regent dies, I will leave the capital within three days."
"That's a nice thing to say. But how much has he been hiding from you? Do you really dare to trust him?!" Li Xuanbai laughed again, "Let me tell you! Do you know how much there is between him and Concubine Zhen?"
Emperor Jiaqing suddenly turned around and looked at Li Xuanbai, his eyes red and his whole body twitching slightly.
"Zhen Fei was his lover, and the two of them had been having an affair in the palace for a long time."
"Back on Mount Tianshan, the two of them fell in love and were engaged with three letters and six engagements! I was a fellow disciple of this Gu on Mount Tianshan, so I know everything!"
"Even after meeting again in the palace, they still haven't broken off their relationship. They're even flirting with each other right under your nose. The story about Concubine Zhen going to Wuliang Mountain to collect herbs is simply a fabrication by Gu. I can't even imagine what kind of shameless life they led in Wuliang Mountain!"
The Jiaqing Emperor listened to every word, his veins in his temples throbbing, and every word was like a dagger stabbing into his ears, making a squeaking sound.
His woman had really been raped by someone!
He did not dare to fight for the throne, and he turned a blind eye to anyone who encroached on his throne and was rude.
But, he even wanted to snatch a woman!
Even a mere strategist like him, a strategist without power, title, or military power, dared to embarrass him like this!
Li Xuanbai pointed the long sword in his hand at Gu Huaijin, "If you don't believe me, you can send someone to find a portrait of his fiancée in the martial arts world. You will know the answer by looking at it!"
Although Gu Huaijin did not move, his face was already as pale as paper, and it seemed to be broken at the slightest touch.
Emperor Jiaqing suddenly raised his head and stared at him intently, his eyes, nose and mouth almost spurting blood:
"Is what the Regent said true?!"
Gu Huaijin: "Your Majesty..."
The Jiaqing Emperor barked hysterically, "I, ask, you, is what the Prince Regent said true?!"
"The Regent is right!" The Chang army, having lost their master and eager to surrender, interrupted with a flurry of chatter. "When this man committed suicide, he muttered a woman's name. Our master heard about it and sent people to investigate his past. A brother who had been in the underworld found a portrait of that woman, and she looked exactly like Concubine Zhen!"
Gu Huaijin didn't say a word.
Emperor Jiaqing stared at him, panting and his eyes bloodshot.
The only sound in the entire hall was the gasping breath of Emperor Jiaqing.
He was panting like a bull with a burst blood vessel.
Li Xuanbai smiled complacently and slowly extended a hand towards Emperor Jiaqing:
"Your Majesty, you are the supreme ruler of the nation. With a single word from you, you can have the entire palace full of Flying Fish Guards capture me, or you can instantly bring down this Gu, turning him into a homeless dog."
He spoke softly:
"Do you really want to hand over the power in your hands to someone who deceives the master?"
"Your Majesty!" Gu Huaijin said anxiously, "The scandal in the harem is a minor matter. Now is not the time to argue about who is defiling the palace or who is involved in incest. Do you really want me to speak nonsense and confess my mistake at this critical moment?"
"If you trust the traitor now, your efforts will be in vain! The Regent's personal army has arrived at the gates of Luojing. If you don't get rid of the Regent, you will never have peace!"
Emperor Jiaqing's bloodshot, angry eyes slowly blinked for a moment, his pupils turned cloudy and yellow, and he glanced at Li Xuanbai like a ghost.
"He wants you to depose me, not to ensure your throne is secure, but to keep you in his hands." Li Xuanbai spoke slowly, "The emperor is not in good health. Ultimately, it's just a question of whether he will assist you or I will. I am your biological brother!"
Gu Huaijin sneered, "Now you're talking about family affection. Once you've secured the throne of Regent, you might not care about brotherly love anymore!"
"Yes, brotherly love is useless, but that Gu guy doesn't even have that." Li Xuanbai just smiled. "Even if I can keep my title as regent, I won't touch you. I swear to the ancestors! If I wanted to kill you, I would have done it right away. Why would I wait for that Gu guy to interfere?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Jiaqing suddenly stared at Li Xuanbai without blinking for a long time.
Nan Qiongshuang was so nervous that half of her palms were numb and her whole body felt like she was falling into an icy cave.
You can hear a pin drop in the hall.
"Even if you get rid of me, you will still fall into the hands of Gu, or into the hands of Gu's party! Even the old prime minister Wang Maoxing in the court is his man! He has deceived you to this extent, can you really trust him?!"
Li Xuanbai opened his palms again and slammed them towards Emperor Jiaqing. "I swear before the heavens and our ancestors! If I can keep my title of Regent and the Emperor shows me favor, even if His Majesty sends his own troops to the city, I will not kill them all! Then, I will work hard in the Former Court while you enjoy the happiness in the Garden of Laughter—"
Suddenly, a light appeared in the confused and crazy eyes of Emperor Jiaqing.
Laughter Paradise.
In fact, the two of them were arguing too fiercely, and he was not very smart, so he was confused and only thirty percent of what they said reached his ears.
But there was one thing he was clear about.
The throne room may not be as comfortable as the paradise.
He has experienced two major chaos for the sake of a throne.
The first time, he was nearly dragged from the throne, and the enemy was at the gates of the city. That day, even his most favored eunuch abandoned him and fled.
Then there was the situation of two tigers in one mountain, and Changda drank a bowl of poisoned wine. He became hysterical and impotent.
Later, there was another stabbing, causing pain in his intestines and stomach.
Later, there was another coup. He ran around the pillar while urinating.
Later, he would return to that position.
The pain of a ruptured stomach and intestines, the suffering of erectile dysfunction caused by hysteria, the toil of treading on thin ice, the pain of flattery.
He was being hacked around a pillar by his uncle, holding a double axe. He was being watched day and night by his favored concubines. The only person he trusted and relied on, only to find out today that even he had abandoned him!
Too many people covet that chair, and those who are incompetent will only be swallowed by it.
A position where there is nowhere to escape.
After going through so much hardship, he became afraid.
He just wanted to go back to Laughing Paradise and play cards for the rest of his life.
After a moment, Emperor Jiaqing shook his head gently, and under the gazes of all the soldiers in the hall, he murmured numbly:
"I don't want to be emperor anymore."
"I don't want to be emperor anymore."
"I don't want to..."
With tears in his eyes, he said to Li Xuanbai:
"If I abdicate, could you please give me a place to stay?"
Li Xuanbai nodded with a smile.
Nan Qiongshuang looked at the suppressed figure among the crowd, and had only one thought in her mind.
Gu Huaijin is done.
Outside the hall, the sky finally brightened. The sun peeked out from the horizon, and the sky was filled with clouds. Gradually, the dark clouds dissipated, and everything became clear, bright, and distinct.
The situation is set.
Sunlight poured into the hall, and the spot where Li Xuanbai was standing was cut off by the sunlight.
On the opposite side, the carved window lattices filtered out shadows in ridges and grids, pressing down on Gu Huaijin, looking luxurious and eerie.
Emperor Jiaqing covered his face with tears, and walked step by step to Li Xuanbai's side. He let go of all the years of forbearance and struggle, and even threw away the pride and ambition of the emperor. He pointed gently at Gu Huaijin:
"Flying Fish Guard, catch him."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
