Chapter 488: One Man, One Sword, Thousands of Troops Feared (5k)
"Your Majesty is welcome back to the palace!"
How loud was the cry that Zhao Duan made with the energy in his chest?
He immediately started from the South Gate and rolled towards the two armies fighting in the Meridian Gate Square.
At this moment, the huge square was filled with the lights and shadows of swords and knives, shouts of killing, and the sounds of weapons clashing.
The rebels of the Jinwu Guard and the Qianniu Guard formed an alliance and formed a semicircle to protect the court hall.
The other imperial guards who arrived after hearing the news were trying to sprint towards the semicircle, but the coup broke out too suddenly, and many imperial guards generals were still confused about the situation when they arrived, and did not dare to fight to the death.
In addition, due to the haste, it was difficult to organize an effective resistance. Although the number of soldiers who had not participated in the rebellion was far greater than the former, they were stuck in front of the iron wall built by the rebels and were unable to break through.
At this time, many corpses had fallen on the border of the battle.
Just at this stalemate, a shout from behind interrupted the fight.
The soldiers on both sides almost subconsciously and instinctively stopped fighting, took a defensive stance, and looked in the direction of the sound.
The commander of the Imperial Guards who arrived first suddenly turned his head. He was tall and his eyes swept over the heads of the soldiers, and he was the first to see the emperor and his ministers walking out of the city gate.
"boom--"
It was as if a bomb exploded in the head of the Yulin Guard Commander. His eyes widened and he almost couldn't hold the blood-stained sword in his hand. He thought he was dazzled, so he rubbed his eyes violently with his free hand and looked again.
That’s right!
Who else but His Majesty and Young Master Zhao came together?!
"Your Majesty...Your Majesty has returned to the palace..."
Although he had countless questions in his mind, the tall commander in silver armor and a silver helmet murmured excitedly, then opened his voice, raised his sword high, and shouted:
"Your Majesty is welcome back to the palace!!"
In another direction, the commander of the Huben Guard, who had just led a team of imperial guards to the Meridian Gate, suddenly tightened the reins on his horse and stared blankly at the female emperor in a dragon robe who was walking out of the Meridian Gate with a sword in hand, and the man in a crimson official robe beside her.
He was stunned for a few breaths, then suddenly turned over and dismounted, knelt on one knee, and shouted in a deep voice:
"Your Majesty is welcome back to the palace!"
The example set by these two people was like a signal. In an instant, the outermost imperial guards who were trying to break through the rebels' iron wall turned back, knelt down in a rush, and shouted in unison:
"Your Majesty is welcome back to the palace!"
Zhao Duan followed the empress and watched with emotion as thousands of imperial guards in front of him suddenly knelt down and retreated to both sides.
It was like the waves were splitting apart, making way for the king and his minister to reach the main hall.
How spectacular is this scene?
How amazing?
In contrast, the rebels who stood shoulder to shoulder, forming an iron wall and facing the Meridian Gate, seemed to freeze in an instant and lost their fighting spirit in an instant.
Countless faces, filled with astonishment, suspicion, fear... seemed unwilling to believe what was happening before their eyes.
Li Yinglong stood among the rebels. He was also wearing armor, holding a sword in his hand, and riding on a warhorse to supervise the battle.
When Zhao Duan and the empress suddenly appeared and the voices of welcoming His Majesty echoed, Li Yinglong's face turned pale instantly, as if struck by lightning. He stared in disbelief at the two monarchs and ministers whom he recognized even though they had turned into ashes.
"No...it's fake...it must be fake..."
Li Yinglong felt a chill running up his spine, almost breaking his skull.
His eyes were filled with extreme fear, anxiety, and confusion, which soon turned into an almost insane roar:
"It's fake! What are you all so stunned about? Shoot! There's no way Zhao Duan is in the capital! He must be a thief pretending to be him!"
He didn't even dare to mention Xu Zhenguan's name!
The young minister's cry had some effect, and the frightened rebels showed signs of life in their eyes.
Yes, at this time, the empress was still fleeing in the south and it was impossible for her to appear here.
Even if they took a step back, if the two people in front of them were real, they would have no way out.
"There are only two thieves. Why should we, thousands of people, be afraid?" The commander of the Jinwu Guard, who had risked his life and property, had bloodshot eyes and swung his sword fiercely.
The Qianniu Guard Commander also came back to his senses with a start, and fierceness flashed in his eyes:
"Release! Shoot the thieves!"
At this moment, they no longer cared whether the monarch and ministers in front of them were real or fake. Even if they were real, the intelligence was extremely conclusive, and the empress had been seriously injured and fallen into a state of decline.
With the addition of Zhao Duan, they are at most equivalent to ordinary warriors. Facing thousands of elite imperial guards equipped with magical instruments, armor and weapons, they have no chance of winning.
"Li Yinglong, it's hard for you to still be thinking about me,"
Zhao Duan smiled. He was clearly standing on the ground, looking at the young elder riding a warhorse, but he was clearly looking down:
"At the beginning, I considered the overall situation and let you go for the time being. I didn't expect that you and your son from the Li family would still be stubborn and stubborn. Since that's the case, I will send you on your way today."
As the words fell, a low and sharp whistle sounded in everyone's ears. The rebels only caught a glimpse of a thin dark golden line passing by a distance of ten feet.
A thin red line appeared on Li Yinglong's neck, and blood oozed out bit by bit.
He was stunned for a moment, as if he had not yet come to his senses. He reached out to cover his neck, only to find that hot blood was spurting out from between his fingers uncontrollably.
“Hehe…”
The former number one playboy in the Beijing circle, the incarnation of the leader of the "Li Party", who had fought with Zhao Duan several times and ended up in defeat every time, the "Little Cabinet Master"'s eyes gradually showed deathly silence, and his body fell off the horse dejectedly.
The helmet fell off with a bang, and the last bit of light in the eyes of the feminine face went out, but the unwillingness before death still remained in his eyes.
Li Yinglong died!
Zhao Duan held the blood-stained flying knife between his fingers, his expression indifferent and a little distracted:
It turns out that the big shot whom I had to look up to and scheme against a year ago was now defeated with just one blow.
"Mr. Li!?"
The two rebel commanders had no time to stop him and witnessed Li Yinglong being killed instantly, and a chill ran down their spines.
The same thought came to mind:
"The world?!"
King Zhao, has he actually entered the realm of a martial artist?
Xu Zhenguan did not go to see Li Yinglong's death. From the moment she stepped into the palace, her divine consciousness in the heavenly realm swept across most of the palace.
At this moment, he did not stop walking towards the distant hall. Golden energy spurted out from his palms, flowing to the tip of the sword like mist, emitting a hazy sword energy halo.
The Taia Sword vibrated and hummed with excitement as if it had drunk nectar.
"Not good!" The two commanders were shocked and wanted to resist, but they felt dominated by fear.
The next moment, a majestic and vast sword energy almost as long as a rainbow swept over.
The "iron wall" built by the rebels with their flesh and blood collapsed and collapsed in the sword light.
Zhao Duan raised his right hand to block his eyes. Mr. Zhao was kind-hearted and couldn't bear to see dead people.
Suddenly, he recalled the day of the Xuanmen coup three years ago, when the empress also used only a sword to frighten away thousands of soldiers.
However, that time, he stood among those imperial guards and was extremely inconspicuous.
This time, he stood beside the empress, second only to her and above everyone else.
…
…
Inside the main hall.
The four female officials drew their swords at the same time and suddenly rushed towards Li Yanfu.
This sneak attack was so sudden that none of the ministers in the hall had anticipated it. Kong Wu, who was closest to the palace, was being watched closely by Ma Yan and was too late to rush to the rescue.
However, there was no panic or fear in Li Yanfu's eyes. On his left, another veiled guard suddenly took action.
The guard had a slender figure and white hands, and looked like a woman. He took a quick step and stood in front of Li Yanfu, holding a dagger in his hand.
The scabbard was quite simple and square, golden in color, and inlaid with several pigeon egg-sized gems. It was held in the left hand of the female guard.
The sharp blade was unsheathed and chopped down into the air with his right hand!
This knife does not belong to her, but to Li Yanfu. It is the one that has been placed on the study table in Li Yanfu's home for many years and is considered by everyone to be a decorative weapon.
However, at this moment, as the magic power in the woman's body surged, twisted patterns suddenly appeared on the blade.
A talisman!
This knife is actually a talisman of excellent quality!
At this moment, the moment the blade chopped down, a circle of azure ripples spread out, the four female officials' expressions suddenly changed, and the sword formation they had formed was abruptly split apart.
The four figures also cried out as if they were struck by invisible sword energy and flew backwards in the air!
The four female officials took small steps back and managed to steady themselves, but at the same time they covered their chests with blood flowing from the corners of their mouths!
quiet!
It was quiet.
The smile on Dong Xuan's face froze, and the light in Yuan Li's eyes went out again.
Ma Yan was stunned for a moment and said in a lost voice: "A sorcerer in the world?"
As soon as he said that, he turned around and changed his words: "No, it's not the real world!"
Li Yanfu smiled, and his eyes swept over the expressions of the ministers one by one. He turned his head to look at the female guard and chuckled:
“That’s right, Li Qing is indeed not yet of this world. I have to admit that it is not easy for a sorcerer to cross that threshold.
Although my Li family can spend a fortune to recruit powerful martial artists, when it comes to such a major event as today's purge of the imperial court, not everyone can be trusted."
The female guard held a dagger in her right hand and took off her veil with her left hand, revealing the face of a young woman.
This face was extremely unfamiliar to the officials in the palace; even Ma Yan had never seen it before.
But when he heard the word "Li Qing", he understood:
"The Huaishui Li family is a family of scholars. Many of them have entered officialdom, but each generation also has a few who have become military officers or spiritual practitioners. My intelligence from the Imperial Court mentioned a young woman who is a sorcerer among the Li family. It seems she is the one."
Li Yanfu nodded, and said with emotion:
"Li Qing has considerable talent, having reached the Divine Chapter Realm. Most importantly, she's trustworthy. Unfortunately, she's a bit underpowered to participate in today's events. However, if she wields this sword, she could use it for the better part of the world within a single stick of incense. That's quite possible."
After saying this, Li Yanfu turned around again and looked at Dong Xuan with a smile:
"It was beyond my expectation that the female officials in the palace were actually hidden servants. As you said, His Majesty did make some arrangements. Unfortunately, how many masters are left in this palace?
Fengshan is a big deal, and ultimately much more important than guarding an empty shell of a palace.
If Hai Chunlin were still here, or had already rushed back to the capital, I might not have dared to storm into the palace today. Unfortunately... there are no ifs.
So, Dong Xuan, if you still have guards, call them out. I have hundreds of retainers behind me. Let's use this place as a battlefield and fight. If you have no more cards to play... even if you don't think about yourself, think about your family."
Master Dong's expression changed:
"Family? What do you mean? Li Yanfu, are you..."
Li Yanfu smiled:
"By now, the people I arranged should have arrived at your homes. Don't worry, I only requested protection for your families to prevent any unrest in the city. I have no intention of threatening you."
The officials were in turmoil. Lu Zhi, the Junior Secretary of the Dali Temple, suddenly stood up. This newly-promoted official, who had risen to prominence thanks to Zhao Duan, shouted angrily:
"Li Yanfu! How dare you do such a despicable thing?!"
The other ministers also looked angry. A coup was one thing, but attacking family members was another.
Li Yanfu looked strange and sneered:
"Things have come to this point today, do you still think that I would care about these things?"
He thought Lu Zhi was a little ridiculous. Since he had even done something like exterminating nine generations of his family, he would naturally use all the means he could. Why would he care about any rules?
"Li Yanfu! Don't be too proud!" Dong Xuan said sternly:
"Do you really think you can do whatever you want by relying on force? I've already put my life and death aside. If you dare to attack me, I'll just refuse their protection. But if Ma Yan and the others don't care about anything else and just kill you, do you really think these retainers and guards can protect you?"
Fighting and risking one's life are two different concepts.
Although Li Qing is a member of the Li family and is loyal enough, he is not strong enough.
Although Kong Wu is strong, he may not risk his life to protect Li Yanfu.
If Ma Yan, the eunuch who had fought to the death in the Xuanmen coup, really gets ruthless and fights to the death at the risk of his life, can Kong Wu really stop him?
Li Yanfu smiled.
He smiled happily, proudly and openly.
The laughter echoed in the hall, making everyone present look surprised, not understanding why the Prime Minister was laughing.
"Hahaha..." Li Yanfu laughed for a while, then slowly stopped smiling, sighed softly, and stared at Dong Xuan:
"You can say that. It seems you really have no backup plan. Very good. It seems that the true form has won this battle."
He sneered, looking down at the aged Grand Tutor from a high position, his expression unusually calm:
"You're right. If we fight to the death, with him and them present, I might not be able to escape unscathed."
He pointed at Ma Yan and the four female officials.
"But... why do you foolishly think that I really value this life?"
He sneered, and his white hair trembled slightly under his helmet:
"Although I am younger than you, Dong Xuan, I am also half buried in the ground. In this life, I have enjoyed wealth and honor, and have been a high-ranking official. I have enjoyed everything. If it were only for myself, why would I wade into this muddy water today?
I could have retired and returned home after the Xuanmen coup, raising fish and birds, and enjoying the happiness of family life, but..."
He took a deep breath, with a hint of self-mockery on his face:
"But you and I were not born into this world to live for ourselves. As the patriarch of the Li clan, I should earn wealth and glory for the Li clan before I die. Dong Xuan, Yuan Li... and you, haven't you ever thought about this?
Now that the five vassal kings are fleeing to the capital, if I do not move, when the enemy arrives at the city gates one day, will I allow you, Dong Xuan, to surrender, or will I allow you, Yuan Li, to make your contribution?"
Dong Xuan was furious: "Traitor, do you think I would be as despicable as you?"
Li Yanfu smiled again, ignored his scolding, and continued:
"So, I dare to come here today, I am not afraid of death! Have you not noticed that my son is not here? At this moment, Yinglong is leading his troops to guard outside the palace. If I die, the power in the city will be taken over by Yinglong. If Yinglong unfortunately dies in battle, I will take charge."
His cold gaze swept across the ministers, their faces showing different expressions:
"I'm telling you all this to give you a chance. Now, if you want to live, come to me. If you want to be loyal, I'll grant your wish."
He wasn't going to waste any more time.
His Highness fell into an eerie silence. Apart from some officials of the imperial party who had lost their qualifications to fight in the team, the rest of the officials were hesitant, but their brows were already wavering.
Just when some ministers gritted their teeth, took a step forward, and prepared to make a choice.
Yuan Li suddenly said:
"Listen, don't you think it's too quiet outside?"
The ministers were stunned and only then noticed that the sound of fighting outside the door had disappeared at some point.
The thick palace door blocked out too many shouts and screams, but there was no doubt that the shouts and screams were getting louder and louder. But at this moment, it was eerily quiet outside.
"Ceasefire? Or is it over?" Ma Yan also frowned.
In today's rebellion, it is obvious that only a small number of imperial guards have problems. As the fighting begins, more and more imperial guards will arrive, so there is no reason to stop suddenly.
As for the ending...
It's not realistic either.
Although the rebels were few in number, they had the advantage of terrain and were defending themselves against the palace... Most importantly, it hadn't been long since Li Yanfu and his followers broke into the palace.
All in all, the two sides only talked for a few minutes. How could the fight end in such a short time?
Even Li Yanfu frowned deeply, feeling inexplicably uneasy.
"Go and take a look." Without hesitation, Li Yanfu immediately instructed a retainer.
The latter nodded, turned around and ran towards the tightly closed palace door behind him. However, before he could get close, without any warning, the tall and heavy double-leaf palace door creaked open slowly.
Opened...
Being pushed from the outside to the inside.
“Squeak—”
Amidst the sharp metallic whining sounds, the ten-foot-high palace door was slowly pushed open, and a fishy and cold wind poured into the hall from outside.
The hair of the ministers was lifted, and the pale light of the sky once again spread in from the crack of the door, illuminating the dark palace.
No one spoke. At this moment, countless pairs of eyes looked towards the open door. The light gradually softened, and a familiar figure walked in from the light.
Zhao Duan pushed open the door, stepped over the threshold, and faced the dull gazes of the entire court. The corners of his mouth curled up and he smiled:
"It's so lively. How far has the meeting progressed? It seems we're not too late."
No one answered.
Zhao Duan stepped over the threshold, ignoring the wooden and pale faces, turned around and made way for the Queen of Yu, who was wearing a dragon robe, with loose black hair and holding Taizu's magic weapon, to come in from behind.
Xu Zhenguan held the Jade Dragon in his hand, his phoenix eyes swept over the ministers, and his gaze fell on Li Yanfu's face, and he said lightly:
"Why is Prime Minister Li speechless?"
(End of this chapter)
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