Chapter 263 You're a Fake Emperor
Zhao Ziyuan frowned unconsciously.
These thieves are really cunning.
They were committing a heinous act of treason, yet they fabricated such a ridiculous reason.
It's likely that the ordinary soldiers of the city's garrison all thought they were doing the right thing—protecting their homeland.
The young emperor is still soft-hearted.
What's the point of reasoning at this time?
The best course of action is to cut down the leader with a single stroke to stabilize morale.
But looking at the young emperor's unhurried expression...
Why does it feel like they're setting up a stage for a theatrical performance?
Hmm, should I temporarily play along with your performance and pretend not to see it?
Very subtle.
Lord Sun let out a snort.
"Brothers! Today we are purging the court of corrupt officials. We beg the true ruler not to be misled by the words of those seated above! Those who stand here are truly loyal ministers and true heroes!"
Xiao Qing burst out laughing, caught off guard.
Are we getting straight to the point?
Yu Zaiting tightened his grip, and Li Bo cried out in pain.
Someone approached Lord Sun and whispered, "Prince Yan is not in his room."
Lord Sun didn't change his expression, but turned his head and whispered, "Go look elsewhere."
"I'm afraid there won't be enough time. Zhao Youchen is cleaning up the villa and will be attacking soon."
Lord Sun estimated the time in his mind.
"How long until the remaining soldiers of the city defense battalion arrive?"
"It will probably take half an hour."
Time is of the essence.
To catch the thief, first catch the king!
It would be better to capture the young emperor first and obtain the Imperial Seal of the State.
Then we'll place the imperial seal in front of Prince Yan.
Who can resist the temptation of owning a country?
Lord Sun's expression grew even colder.
Your Majesty, if you hadn't wiped out our aristocratic families, we wouldn't have ended up like this.
Now let me show you the power of a prestigious family!
Xiao Qing was waiting for someone.
These days, those who are jumping out are all people from the imperial court.
It is still unknown whether these people are related to the affairs of the He family and Yingzhou.
She wanted to wait and see if anyone outside the court was involved.
For example, Li Qinghe? The Ghost Flower Clan?
Compared to the deliberate stalemate on Xiao Qing's side, things were much simpler and easier at the Grand Tutor's residence.
Xiao Yan hid in the room and witnessed what the safest place was.
Although it appeared that only Fu Shan was standing outside, no one could get close to the courtyard.
Soon those people realized that it was not worthwhile to spend time and manpower on this.
"Is the Grand Tutor inside or not?" someone asked anxiously.
"Report! Someone saw the Grand Tutor heading north a quarter of an hour ago."
The man slapped him on the head in anger.
"Why didn't you say so earlier? We're here to capture the Grand Tutor! Why are you wasting your time here!"
Then they all swarmed away.
There was a regular, slight sound of rubble being trampled on the roof.
Xiao Yan listened to the various noises in silence, thinking to himself that these were all remnants of a chaotic army, far inferior to Zhao Youchen's imperial guards.
Do they really think they can control the Grand Tutor and force the emperor to abdicate with such people?
Xiao Yan twitched his lips.
Isn't that a bit too disrespectful to his elder brother and his teacher?
Fu Shan walked in. "How is Your Highness?"
Xiao Yan nodded comfortably.
This level of chaos is far worse than what happened in Yongxiao Palace three years ago.
His gaze darkened, and a sarcastic smile appeared on his lips.
They were a wealthy and noble family, and had never seen war or bloodshed, nor had they experienced the trampling of iron hooves.
Their rebellion could only go this far.
ridiculous.
At this time, the only quiet place in Mengshan Villa was probably where the women lived.
Nobody has time to pay attention here.
However, they could certainly hear the commotion outside.
There were bound to be disturbances, but Xiao Fu was a woman of the world.
Her innate political acumen, along with the unforgettable memories of her time in Beiping City, endowed her with a profound sense of composure and serenity at this moment.
After killing a maid who was shouting and trying to escape, she changed into her riding clothes, put on her armor, and sat steadily in front of the only entrance.
The gate was tightly shut, and a soldier outside said, "Listen up, those inside! We are the Imperial Guard. In this special situation, for your safety, no one is allowed to enter or leave this gate!"
Xiao Fu said in a deep voice, "Understood! All soldiers of the Imperial Guard shall protect us!"
But facing the women in front of her who were already panicking before anything even happened, she kept a straight face, toying with her bow and arrow in her hand, and said casually, "You heard it too. This is for your safety."
She raised her eyes. "I can't stop you from rushing out like madmen. But if you dare to come before me, let my arrows grant you your wish to die!"
No matter how chaotic things are outside, things cannot be chaotic here.
Strictly prohibiting entry and exit is not only to prevent external threats, but also to prevent internal threats.
Xiao Fu slowly looked around, searching for anything suspicious.
Her gaze lingered on Wang Yu and her maid for a moment.
Then she saw Chu Qingzhou standing behind them, seemingly unintentionally.
She nodded slightly and turned her gaze away.
Chu Qingzhou is indeed reliable; no wonder the young emperor has taken a liking to her.
She sneered, "A bunch of weaklings, they're so scared of nothing but swords and spears."
If they were sent to Beiping'an City, they would have to watch helplessly as those barbarian cavalry trampled over their bodies...
Xiao Fu sat up straight, her face growing even more somber.
On Xiao Qing's side, the main story has reached a crucial point.
Lord Sun is a ruthless man. Since we're aiming for a swift victory, there's no need for further words.
As for Lord Li mentioned earlier...
"Lord Sun, you are the Prime Minister's prized student. The Prime Minister has always been clear-headed. Don't make a mistake at this time! I advise you to release your comrade and pledge allegiance to the rightful ruler!"
"Hmph, according to Lord Sun, the rebels' actions have somehow become the legitimate cause?"
Lord Sun was too lazy to persuade him any further.
"Your Majesty, where is the Imperial Seal? If Your Majesty were to hand over the Imperial Seal, we could cover for you and prevent the world from knowing. Even if Your Majesty doesn't consider what will happen after your death, shouldn't you at least consider your reputation while you're alive?"
Seeing that he only talked about the same things back and forth, and that his eyes didn't seem to know that she was actually a woman, Xiao Qing changed her mind.
These people must have heard baseless rumors from who-knows-where. If they're willing to reveal even a little bit, she'll surely catch the tail wagging the dog.
"I have no need to hide anything. Lord Sun, you might as well boldly reveal my so-called true identity. There are so many people here, and they all have heads on their necks. Surely they can think for themselves."
Lord Sun shouted sternly, "Stop spreading these false rumors! Who do you think you are, daring to impersonate the already murdered Emperor!"
He bowed and cupped his hands in a gesture of respect to the north, saying, "I suppose the Grand Tutor was also misled by you, otherwise how could he not know that you are not his student, Prince Xiao Qing, nor the Emperor of our Great Xiao!"
"What evidence do you have to support your wild claims?" Xiao Qing asked calmly.
"Back then, the late king personally went to the Fu family to invite the Grand Tutor to be the Crown Prince's teacher. During the Crown Prince's apprenticeship ceremony, the Grand Tutor personally presented him with the last masterpiece carved by the renowned teacher Boyan of the previous dynasty before his death: the High Mountain Flowing Water Jade. This jade is said to evoke the sound of pine breezes passing over mountains and the murmur of clear springs when it encounters water. It is one of a kind in the world and is priceless. After Crown Prince Xiao Qing obtained this jade, he wore it close to his body all year round. It was also because of the jade's health benefits that the Crown Prince's health gradually improved."
He looked coldly at Xiao Qing: "Do you possess this jade?"
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