Chapter 581: Dead chess piece revived, the offensive and defensive situation is different
Xu Jingtang died... just now...
In the corridor of the old building, Zhao Duan reported the latest battle results in a deep voice. At the same time, he looked up and, as expected, saw the empress's dazed expression.
Xu Zhenguan's mind went blank for a moment, and the few chaotic thoughts he had just had disappeared in the blink of an eye.
She subconsciously leaned forward, almost leaning against him, and said anxiously with uncertainty in her tone, "Prince Mu... is dead?!"
This result was beyond her expectations to a certain extent.
Even though she had speculated about this possibility in the past few days, considering Zhang Yanyi's mysterious disappearance, this possibility undoubtedly exists.
But she didn't dare to expect anything, for fear of disappointment. After all, if the Tianshi Mansion was willing to help her, why wait until now?
The vassal king who was in charge of Yunfu was the one she was most wary of, except for Prince Jing Xu Wen.
The best outcome originally expected was to drive him back to Yunfu, but before winter came, Zhao Duan brought back the result that he was dead.
"It couldn't be more true. It was Master Zhang who took action." Zhao Duan explained earnestly.
Then, under Xu Zhenguan's confused gaze, Zhao Duan started talking about that night when he led the team to sneak into Jingchuan Town, first entered the Huai'an Palace, and was blocked by two powerful monks from the Shenlong Temple, and finally a battle broke out in the Baishi Garden.
It goes on to tell the story of how Zhang Yanyi killed the God of Death after he fled all the way to Zhengyang Mountain, causing Xu Jingtang's "accidental" death, and the old Taoist's complete plan afterwards.
Because so many things happened, even though Zhao Duan had refined his words a lot, he still wasted a lot of time and effort.
"So, Zhang Yanyi took advantage of the situation and used you as bait to arrange all this?"
Xu Zhenguan's expression changed, and he finally understood what the two fluctuations of heaven and earth that he sensed corresponded to.
Zhao Duan said "yes" and said:
"It's a matter of mutual benefit, to some extent. Speaking of which, Xu Jingtang brought this upon himself. If he had been less ambitious and had honestly retreated back to Yunfu without the possessed spirit, Zhang Tianshi wouldn't have intervened. Well, isn't this also a slight on the edge of the Heavenly Agreement?"
Xu Zhenguan didn't care about these things, but felt as if a heavy stone in his heart suddenly became light!
There wasn't much joy, but more of a sense of relief, just like a bucket of water hanging in a well that was finally pulled out. The arms that had been carrying the water relaxed, and there was only fatigue after the soreness.
With Xu Jingtang dead, the Yunfu rebels were no longer a force to be reckoned with. They were completely defeated, and there was almost no obstacle to retaking Yunfu.
The only one left was a young master who stayed in Yunfu. He was also said to be a lecher, consumed by alcohol and sex...
By seizing half of the Huai River and stabilizing Yunfu, it can be said that the biggest crisis plaguing the court had been half resolved.
even……
When Xu Jingtang died and the news of Prince Huai'an's surrender spread, the Eight Kings Alliance was likely to be shaken.
Just like a game of chess, in the middle stage, a decisive move may completely reverse the situation and change the momentum of offense and defense.
"Good, very good, very good." The empress said the three good words with an excited look on her face.
Zhao Duan did not forget to report another key piece of intelligence:
"Oh right, Master Zhang seems to know that the Dragon Soul is in my body..."
He also recounted the conversation in the academy.
The empress was stunned after hearing this and frowned: "I never revealed it, so he must have seen it."
Zhao Duan said, "What I care about is his last reminder. It's obviously hinting to me that the Dragon Soul can be controlled."
Zhang Yan said that Long Po was the prototype of the "God of War" and was not much different from a god. Combined with Xu Jingtang's control of the God of Death, Zhao Duan could naturally hear the hidden meaning.
Control the dragon soul?
This possibility was attempted when the king and his minister first had a "frank relationship", but it ended in failure.
Up to now, the two have not yet discovered how to control the dragon soul, so the inheritance left by Emperor Taizu seems to be dormant as if it were dead.
"From what he said, only if I am in danger of death can the dragon soul be awakened." Zhao Duan smiled bitterly and shook his head.
He can't really do the experiment, right?
Even if Zhen Bao were to take action, if something went wrong, and the dragon soul didn't revive before death, and the person couldn't be saved, it would be a big mess...
"Perhaps the time has not come yet," Xu Zhenguan pondered for a moment and said with reason:
"The Dragon Soul was left by our ancestors, and the human world is also left by our ancestors. Perhaps the method to control the Dragon Soul is hidden within it. How about this, you go with me first to inform the nobles of this news, and then I will return to the human world, find that chapter, and ask for the truth."
"..." Zhao Duan hesitated and said, "Today?"
Xu Zhenguan glanced at him and asked, "Is there a problem?"
"...No." Zhao Duan agreed reluctantly and began to think about how to trick her after entering the human world.
But before that, the empress had to hold a court meeting.
…
…
The sunlight shines on the crimson palace walls, and the white jade railings also shine with a soft light in the sunlight.
Outside the Meridian Gate, following the orders issued by the empress, prominent officials in the imperial court of Beijing hurried over from their various government offices.
A large group of officials arrived almost one after another, feeling nervous and talking a lot.
"Sir Wang, do you know what happened? Why did His Majesty summon you so suddenly? And why did he summon so many court officials?"
"Master Zhou, you've asked the wrong person. I'm also confused. However, I'm afraid it's most likely related to the Huai River War."
"Not necessarily. Isn't the fighting situation intense on Xiping Road and Tieguan Road as well? Alas, these are troubled times."
"Looking at the bright side, with Commander Zhao leading his army south, even if things get tough, we should be able to reclaim half of the Huai River, right?"
The ministers in official robes gathered in twos and threes, talking in low voices, their hearts feeling as if a heavy stone was weighing on them.
Afraid of bad news coming from outside Beijing.
"Mr. Yuan? Do you know what happened?" At this moment, a sharp-eyed person saw Yuan Li coming and asked hurriedly.
Da Qingyi shook his head, he also didn't know.
However, the Deputy Privy Councilor who followed closely behind seemed to know something, but he kept silent.
"The Grand Master is here too!"
After a while, in the direction of Xiuwenguan, the octogenarian Grand Tutor Dong Xuan also got out of the car with the help of Han Zhou and walked over.
This caused all the officials to bow.
"Let's go, everyone should be safe. Don't make a fuss. If you have any questions, you will know when you see His Majesty later." Grand Tutor Dong's words were powerful, and the officials stopped discussing.
Walk towards the Golden Palace together.
If it was an ordinary summons, it could be held in the side hall. But this time they chose to hold the meeting in the afternoon in the Golden Palace, which showed that it was no small matter.
The ministers entered the hall, and the old eunuch Sun Lianying maintained order with a whisk in his hand.
The ministers waited quietly for a while before a shrill voice came from outside: "Your Majesty has arrived!"
The ministers formed two teams on the left and right. Turning around, they saw the afternoon sun passing by the threshold of the Golden Throne Hall and shining on the floor of the hall.
It creates a large halo of light.
Guards stood outside the hall, and two figures walked in, one in front and one behind.
Leading the group was the Empress of Yu, who was dressed in casual clothes with her skirt trailing on the ground, exuding the majesty of the royal family.
"Welcome, Your Majesty!" The ministers saluted, and then many people were surprised to see a man wearing a white mask following the empress and entering the hall.
The white-faced police officer of Lihuatang?
Commander Zhao's subordinates?
Many people were moved and still remembered that it was this mysterious police officer who brought back news from the front line during the last Mid-Autumn Festival climb.
In the following days, the White-Faced Police Officer disappeared for the second time, and now he suddenly appeared, which undoubtedly confirmed some speculations.
Zhao Duan walked straight ahead until he reached the foot of the dragon throne, then stopped. Under Sun Lianying's strange gaze, he stood with the old official and made faces at him.
Xu Zhenguan took a step forward, sat on the dragon throne, looked down at the ministers, raised his hand to avoid greeting, and then his cold voice echoed:
"I summoned you all this afternoon for two reasons. First, the latest battle reports from the front: Jingchuan has returned to the imperial court, the Huai'an Palace has also submitted, and Prince Mu Xu Jingtang is missing..."
No small talk, no nonsense.
The empress opened her mouth with a royal bomb, which was like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake.
Suddenly, there was a commotion in the Golden Palace.
Everyone was shocked and showed joy!
Even though everyone had expected this outcome, now that the dust has settled, we can finally feel relieved.
Immediately, one minister after another began to congratulate and congratulate loudly.
The Minister of Revenue, who had been worried and losing hair every day since the war broke out, was almost crying for joy. As an official in charge of the purse, facing a treasury full of holes and endless military expenditures, how could he not be happy when he heard the good news?
"Congratulations, Your Majesty! With the recapture of the western line of the Huai River, the imperial court has largely resolved the crisis of the forbidden area. As such, as long as we stabilize the situation and survive this winter, we will surely be able to recover next year."
Master Dong breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.
"Not only that, if the news of Prince Huai'an's surrender spreads, it will inevitably cause a rift in the Eight Kings Alliance. It may even affect the situation in Anping and Tieguan." The Minister of Rites said hurriedly.
The Minister of War hesitated and said:
"A great victory is certainly encouraging, but I'm afraid Prince Jing's forces will take action after hearing the news. If they march westward, Xu Jingtang might attack from Yunfu again, and we might not be able to hold on."
After he spoke, the military officials in the hall began to speak out, saying that although it was a great victory, hidden worries still existed and they had to be on guard.
Only Yuan Li suddenly looked at the empress and said:
"Your Majesty just said that Xu Jingtang is missing? Did he escape back to Yunfu?"
Ministers including Ma Yan and others looked at him in surprise.
When everyone listened to the military intelligence just now, most of them subconsciously interpreted Xu Jingtang's disappearance as his escape from the Huai River.
But this will be pointed out, and then one can appreciate the strangeness of the wording.
Just withdraw, why use the word "disappear"?
Xu Zhenguan sat upright on the dragon throne, the corners of his mouth raised slightly, taking in the reactions of the court officials. At this moment, his red lips opened slightly:
"Lord Yuan is very perceptive. Now we are about to announce the second battle report."
Without her reminder, Zhao Duan, who was exchanging glances with Sun Lianying, took the initiative to step forward and walked out.
Feeling the gazes focused on his white mask, Zhao Duan took a deep breath and patiently repeated what he had just reported:
"Secret report from the front lines: Rebel King Xu Jingtang has been beheaded by Commander-in-Chief Zhao in Yunfu! His death is confirmed, and his body will be delivered to the capital soon."
quiet.
The air in the Golden Throne Hall seemed to be sucked away, and it fell into a vacuum, and the sound was temporarily lost.
It seemed like a long time had passed, yet it also seemed like only a moment had passed.
"Ah!" Someone's exclamation broke the silent atmosphere.
All the ministers showed expressions of shock.
Xu Jingtang is dead?!
Died in Yunfu?
Killed by Governor Zhao?!
Recapturing Jingchuan Town was within their expectations, but the news of Xu Jingtang's death was completely beyond their expectations.
Everyone expected that even if Zhao Shixiong surrendered, Xu Jingtang would still be a serious threat as long as he returned to the base camp in time, given the foundation accumulated by Xu Jingtang over the years.
The expectation is only to repel.
But you tell me, not only did you take back the territory, you also killed people?!
Grand Tutor Dong was stunned, and Han Zhou beside him was also confused.
Yuan Li was stunned, as if she had not expected such a simple result.
Ma Yan looked at Zhao Duan, and besides being shocked, he also felt a strong and strange emotion... How did this news get back?
When did this white-faced police officer leave the capital? How come I didn't notice?
"quiet!"
Sun Lianying swung the whip and slammed it hard on the floor tiles, making a crisp sound, which stopped the noise.
The empress finally stopped suppressing her smile and said:
"Many details are still unclear, but the news of Xu Jingtang's death is clear."
Before coming here, the king and his ministers had discussed it and felt that it was not appropriate to speak openly about the old Taoist priest's involvement in this matter.
Moreover, although Xu Jingtang was a rebel king, his involvement with evil sorcerers ultimately affected the reputation of the royal family.
The details of the incident were simply blurred. As for how Zhao Duan killed Xu Jingtang... who cares? Couldn't he have just sent someone to do it?
Only after the empress confirmed it did the ministers finally believe the result.
Along with this, there was numbness towards Zhao Duan's miracle creation again... Yes, all the officials were numb.
It is the surprise of this unexpected result and deeper thinking.
"The offensive and defensive forces are different!"
Grand Tutor Dong said this almost out of control, his majestic red face becoming even more rosy with excitement.
A word can wake a person up from his dream.
Now, all the ministers realized that the turning point of the war had appeared.
After Xu Jingtang's death, the Yunfu rebels were leaderless. With the help of local general Zhao Shixiong to deal with the aftermath, it can be said that this precarious chess game was suddenly revived by Zhao Duan.
Next, although on the surface, there are still four rebel kings: Prince Jing, Prince Hejian, Prince Yanshan, and Prince Chen.
But the imperial court had already fought its way out of the siege that was like an ambush from all sides.
Just like on the Go board, a chess piece that was about to be surrounded and cut off from all its energy was taken away, but due to Zhao Duan's clever move, a crucial piece of the opponent was taken away.
Thus, the court, which was about to die, tore open a road from the haze.
Yuan Li murmured:
"Now, all parties are watching the situation on the Huai River. The Hejian Prince of Xiping is already unstable, and the Yanshan Prince of Tieguan is trapped in Jubei City. He is already riding a tiger and can only hope for the court's defeat.
But now that the Yunfu army was defeated, although the army of Prince Jing and Prince Chen divided the southeast, the imperial court has been revived... As long as the news spreads, the forces of Prince Hejian and Prince Yanshan are likely to lose their will to fight and negotiate with the imperial court.
According to intelligence, Prince Chen has sealed off the coastal route and has no intention of fighting for supremacy. No matter how strong Prince Jing's forces are or how ambitious he is, without the support of the Eight Princes Alliance, his threat to the imperial court will be greatly reduced... A dead chess game can be revived, a dead chess game can be revived..."
Yuan Li suddenly stared at Zhao Duan with a fixed gaze, and sighed meaningfully:
"The State of Yu has gained the Governor of Zhao, and Your Majesty has gained the Governor of Zhao. This is a blessing for the world!"
Zhao Duan blushed beneath his mask, feeling rather embarrassed to be praised in person by this old pervert.
The ministers who realized that the game had reached a turning point were also delighted.
If Yuan Li's judgment is correct, then all we need to do is wait patiently for the situation to change, and perhaps the imperial court will really be able to survive...
Thinking of this, many officials felt complicated. Although they had no choice but to support the empress, they were inevitably pessimistic and believed that the court would definitely fail. Many of them had already made wills and arranged their funeral affairs.
But who could have imagined that in just a few months, the imperial court would have survived the desperate situation.
And this is all because of one person...
In the joyful atmosphere, Xu Zhenguan looked at Zhao Duan with gentle eyes.
Then, she immediately issued a series of orders, including arrangements to spread the news to all parties.
The ministers dispersed excitedly and busied themselves with cleaning up the mess.
Zhao Du waited quietly until the ministers had dispersed, then looked at the empress walking down the throne room and opened his mouth:
"His Majesty……"
Xu Zhenguan smiled slightly and said, "Come on, accompany me to the Human World to practice cultivation."
(End of this chapter)
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