Chapter 91 The Prince Who Failed to Revolt
When the emperor saw Long Er, the Dragon Guard was his private army. When he left, he specifically told Jingwen not to move unless it was a critical moment.
Last night's landslide seemed to have been caused by human activity.
The emperor said calmly, "What happened? How is the situation in the capital under control?"
When Long Er saw the emperor, he said respectfully, "Your Majesty, there are rumors in the capital that you were killed in the landslide.
Prince Jing initially blocked the news, guarded the city gates, and kept all ministers in the palace. The empress dowager, the little prince, and the little princess were heavily guarded in Concubine Chen's palace.
Later, the prime minister and Prince Jing planned to lure the snake out of its hole, saying that you had unfortunately died. Prince Jing was exhausted and planned to welcome the new emperor, while the prime minister spread rumors.
Prince Jing ordered: The Palace Guards will continue to guard the Imperial City, the Dragon Guards will guard the city gates, and he ordered the Imperial Guards and Infantry Division to be drugged and taken into custody. He also ordered the Imperial Guards and Cavalry Division to pretend to be the Imperial Guards and Infantry Division. The Mausoleum Guards will be stationed outside the city walls, and all spies from the Wude Division will be stationed at the homes of various ministers.
Emperor: "Is there a problem with the Imperial Guards' Infantry Division?"
Long Er immediately handed the emperor a map of the ministers' in-law relationships: "Prince Jing, I said that Your Majesty will know once he sees this map."
The emperor took the blueprint, which was a marriage relationship chart. His fingertips gently ran across the yellowed rice paper. His eyes paused on the cinnabar marriage line between "Duke Heng" and "Commander of the Imperial Guards and Infantry" and "Yucheng City Defense Army", and suddenly he chuckled.
He turned around and threw the blueprint onto the table, the candlelight flickering in his eyes. "My virtuous concubine is really good at picking her relatives. I didn't kill her, but she actually wanted to kill me."
Jingwen did not arrest anyone publicly, he just replaced his soldiers. It didn't matter who the general was, as long as the soldiers were his own and their safety was guaranteed.
Long Er bowed his head and said, "Spies from the Wude Division discovered that six of the sixteen commanders of the Infantry Division had seized farmland from the Duke of Heng's mansion." He paused, "But the prince didn't touch these people. He only had the Dragon Guards use drug-induced bombs to replace the Infantry Division's garrison. The soldiers on duty at Xihua Gate tonight all have dragon scale patterns engraved on their badges."
The Emperor raised an eyebrow upon hearing this, and tapped his knuckles on the blueprint of the Imperial City layout: "Has Jingwen learned the old trick of changing guards at Xuanwu Gate?"
Before the emperor could finish his words, hurried footsteps suddenly sounded at the entrance of the post station. Then, a secret guard hurried into the hall, knelt on one knee, and respectfully reported: "Your Majesty, Prince Jing sent a secret letter saying that there was unusual movement in Concubine Xian's palace tonight. It is suspected that assassins have infiltrated, and their target may be the little prince and princess in Concubine Chen's palace."
A cold light flashed in the emperor's eyes, and he sneered, "The virtuous concubine can't wait to leave the cold palace, and she won't even let my offspring go."
He turned to look at Long Er, his tone stern: "Pass on my order, have Jingwen personally lead the Dragon Guards to Concubine Chen's palace and ensure the safety of the little prince and princess."
Long Er responded solemnly: "I obey your orders!"
The emperor paused, his eyes sweeping over the in-laws' relationship chart on the table. His tone was a bit amused, "Since the virtuous concubine enjoys playing tricks so much, then I will play along with her to the end. Long Er, pass the word down. Spread the word that I have passed away, my body has been found, and the coffin is ready to be brought back to the capital."
Long Er was stunned for a moment, then he understood the emperor's intention and whispered, "Your Majesty, are you trying to lure the snake out of its hole?"
The emperor smiled faintly, a hint of coldness flashing in his eyes. "Indeed. Since the virtuous concubine dared to attack me, she must have someone behind her. I want to see how many people in this court still want to use her to stir up trouble."
Long Er nodded and said, "I understand. I will arrange it right away."
Zhang Xiaojia listened for a while and roughly understood what was going on. Seeing Long Er about to leave, he quickly shouted, "What about me? What will I be called after I die?"
Zhang Xiaojia shrank his neck, but still stiffened it and muttered, "A living person should know his or her status after death, right? If the virtuous concubine succeeds, someone like me who has been with you through thick and thin should be given a posthumous title..."
"Shut up!" The emperor glared at her. Is this a good thing?
"The body of the Lin'an County Lady has not been found!"
Long Er took the order and left.
Suddenly, the sound of horse hooves broke the silence outside the window, and a group of riders in black armor broke through the haze.
The leading knight was tall with a stern face. He held a broken tiger talisman in his hand. The patterns carved on the talisman were faintly visible. It was Yan Feng, the commander of the Sixth Army of the Imperial Guard Infantry Division.
He dismounted his horse with a clean, sharp movement, then knelt on one knee. His voice was steady and powerful: "Your Majesty! I have intercepted three groups of assassins. Please follow me to a safe place."
The emperor sat upright on the dragon throne, his eyebrows slightly raised, his expression indifferent, as if everything before him was just an insignificant drama.
He did not respond immediately, but looked deeply at Yan Feng and the group of black-armored knights standing solemnly behind him.
There was a tension in the air, like a taut string that could break at any moment.
Zhang Xiaojia, who was sitting next to the emperor, suddenly moved. She silently slipped a drugged bullet from her sleeve and gently threw it to the ground.
The drug bomb shattered as it hit the ground, and a colorless and odorless smoke quickly spread.
Zhang Xiaojia counted in a low voice: "Ten, nine, eight, ... two, one."
When the count reached "one", those black-armored knights who had just been so majestic suddenly shook, and then fell to the ground one after another as if their bones and muscles were pulled out, and fell unconscious.
Yan Feng's face suddenly changed. He tried to struggle, but found himself falling down powerlessly, his eyes full of unwillingness and shock.
The emperor still sat still, but the corners of his mouth raised slightly, revealing a meaningful smile.
He raised his hand and stroked the dark pattern on his cuffs. It was the cloud-thunder pattern unique to the Imperial Guards Infantry Division. He said calmly, "Jia'er, this time I'm Yan Feng, the commander of the Sixth Army of the Imperial Guards Infantry Division. Make no mistake, we're returning to the capital."
Zhang Xiaojia was startled at the words, then nodded in understanding. She watched the emperor neatly change into Yan Feng's black armor. The armor fitted him surprisingly well, as if he were a general who had fought on the battlefield. She couldn't help but stare twice.
The people around the emperor also quickly took action, each of them changing into black armor. The crisp sound of armor clashing was particularly clear in the silent inn.
Zhang Xiaojia lowered his head to adjust his armor, and his fingertips touched the cold gold.
The emperor turned and looked at the military envoy, his eyes burning with glare. "Xiao Hao, split the troops into two groups. I will return to the capital first, and you will carry one coffin back to the capital as my dragon coffin."
Upon hearing this, the Wude Envoy frowned slightly and said, "Your Majesty, let me protect you and let Princess Jing stay to preside over the matter." There was a hint of imperceptible worry in his voice, and it was obvious that he was not completely reassured about the emperor's decision.
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaojia immediately stepped forward and said firmly, "I am more suitable to protect the emperor than you. I am a miracle doctor with immense strength." Her eyes swept over everyone, finally landing on the emperor. "If I don't stay, my husband is in the capital as regent, and I will escort the dragon coffin. Even if it's fake, what if something happens to the emperor? How will history write about us?" She paused, lowering her voice a few degrees, "The most important thing is that He Fei and I have no intention of becoming emperor and empress.
I want to be recorded in history as a positive character, the first dean of the Great Zhou Kingdom's Women's Medical College, and the founder who conquered the smallpox virus."
There was a hint of urgency in her tone, but also an unquestionable determination.
A smile flashed in the emperor's eyes, but he said nothing more. He just waved his hand and said in a tone that did not allow for rebuttal: "Do as I say."
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He Fei guarded Chenhua Palace so well that not even a fly could get in.
On the surface, there are guards from the Palace Front Department, and secretly protected by the Dragon Guards. Finally, my mother and the queen mother have the knockout drug bullets in their hands.
Prince Jing He Fei stood outside the palace of Concubine Chen, with the elite members of the Wude Division's secret department behind him.
He looked up at the sky and heard the faint sound of swords clashing in the night.
"Your Highness, the assassins from Concubine Xian's palace have already sneaked into Concubine Chen's palace and are moving towards the little prince's bedroom." A commander of the Dragon Guards quickly walked up to He Fei and reported in a low voice.
He Fei sneered, his tone filled with disdain: "The Concubine is desperate and has even sent out her assassins."
He waved his hand and said in a deep voice, "Act according to the plan. Remember, leave them alive."
The commander of the Dragon Guards took the order and left, while He Fei took a team of elite soldiers and quietly sneaked into the Palace of Concubine Chen.
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The Prime Minister hurried over, his face solemn, beads of sweat on his forehead. He quickly walked over to He Fei and whispered, "Your Highness, the Privy Councilor of Lincheng has received news that Duke Heng has colluded with the Yucheng garrison to attack the capital. Fifty thousand troops are galloping towards the capital, and they will be at the gates of the city in a day at most. Although we have the Imperial Guards' Infantry Division under control, we may not have enough manpower if the Lincheng troops press in."
He Fei frowned slightly, his tone calm and steady: "Prime Minister, what do you mean?"
The Prime Minister took a deep breath, his eyes firm. "Your Highness, although the soldiers of the Imperial Guard's Infantry Division have been deceived by their superiors, the soldiers at the lower levels may not be aware of this. If we can make them understand that they are being used, perhaps we can win back some of their hearts. I have already sent people to the dungeon to talk to them and persuade them to return to the right path."
He Fei nodded, a glint of approval in his eyes: "The Prime Minister is indeed far-sighted. However, this matter is extremely risky. If those soldiers persist in their misconduct, it may backfire."
The Prime Minister smiled faintly, his tone filled with confidence, "Don't worry, Your Highness. I know what I'm doing. Most of the soldiers in the Imperial Guard's Infantry Division come from humble backgrounds, with their families all in the capital. If they knew their superiors were plotting a rebellion, they wouldn't easily become accomplices."
He Fei pondered for a moment, then said, "In that case, Prime Minister, go ahead and give it a try. However, you must proceed with caution. If there is any unusual movement, evacuate immediately."
The Prime Minister bowed and said, "I understand."
With that, the Prime Minister turned and left, his steps firm and swift. He Fei watched his back, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. He knew that the success or failure of the Prime Minister's trip would determine the safety of the entire capital.
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The Prime Minister, accompanied by several trusted aides, quietly descended into the dungeon. The dungeon was dark and damp, and the air was filled with an oppressive atmosphere. Soldiers from the Imperial Guard's Infantry Division were imprisoned there, all of them with dejected expressions, their eyes filled with confusion and fear.
The Prime Minister walked to the prison door, glanced at everyone, and said in a steady and powerful voice: "Commendants, do you know why you are imprisoned here?"
The soldiers looked at each other in bewilderment, no one answering. The Prime Minister continued, "Your superior, the Imperial Guard Infantry Commander, has colluded with Duke Heng to plot a rebellion. You are merely pawns in his hands. Now that the Emperor has uncovered the truth, he has sent me here to explain it to you."
One soldier couldn't help but speak, his voice trembling: "Prime Minister, we...we really didn't know anything! We were just following orders and never thought of rebellion!"
The Prime Minister nodded, his tone softening slightly. "I know you are innocent. The Emperor also understands that you have been deceived. Now, Lincheng's 50,000-strong army is about to arrive at the city, and the capital is in imminent danger. If you are willing to turn back and assist the Emperor in quelling the rebellion, the Emperor will certainly pardon your sins and even reward you for your merits."
Hearing this, the soldiers' eyes gradually lit up with hope. Another soldier asked anxiously, "Prime Minister, what should we do?"
The Prime Minister smiled faintly and said firmly, "It's very simple. You just need to follow my instructions and cooperate with the Dragon Guards. When the Lincheng army arrives, you will join forces with them and defeat the rebels in one fell swoop."
The soldiers nodded, their eyes full of determination. Seeing this, the Prime Minister felt relieved and immediately ordered his confidants to open the prison door and lead the soldiers out of the dungeon in batches to prepare for the next action.
At the same time, He Fei stood on a high place in Concubine Chen's palace, looking at the direction where the prime minister left from afar, secretly calculating in his heart.
He knew that the Prime Minister would surely succeed this time. The lower-level soldiers would listen to their superiors, and those superiors would not tell the lower-level soldiers to rebel. As long as the Prime Minister explained the situation clearly, he would surely succeed.
In fact, it would be better for him to go, because he is a prince and can bring more cohesion, but no, he cannot be so successful that he overshadows his master.
He turned and whispered to the Dragon Guard commander beside him, "Pass the order down. Secretly transfer the Queen Mother, the Concubine Mother, the little prince, and the little princess to the Emperor's chambers. Set off a smokescreen to keep it a secret. Hide them all in a secret room and ensure the little prince and princess' safety. Also, send someone to closely monitor the movements of the Concubine Xian's palace. Report any unusual activity immediately."
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"Brother, where are we going?" Zhang Xiaojia.
The emperor spoke in a calm and resolute tone, "In Youcheng, there is a reserve cavalry unit of 30,000 men. I specially prepared it in my early years to deal with emergencies in the capital. Now is the time to mobilize the troops."
A glint of understanding flashed in Zhang Xiaojia's eyes. "I see, brother. Youcheng's reserve cavalry is indeed the safest choice."
Emperor: "Would you please wear the dragon-patterned jade pendant I gave you?"
Zhang Xiaojia's lips curled up into a smile unconsciously. "I have it with me. It's always hanging around my neck. I never take it off." She paused, and said with a hint of teasing, "Brother, you are now Yan Feng, the commander of the Sixth Army of the Imperial Guards Infantry Division. Don't let it slip."
The emperor couldn't help but chuckle, his laughter tinged with a hint of playfulness and confidence. "Hahaha, I know, I know." His voice was extremely low, but it revealed an unquestionable majesty. "I think I played Yan Feng well enough, didn't I?"
Zhang Xiaojia curled her lips and grumbled in mock dissatisfaction, "It does look alike, but your laugh is too arrogant. Yan Feng isn't as arrogant as you."
The emperor raised his eyebrows, a hint of amusement flashed in his eyes: "Then I will be more restrained. After all, I am now the 'Commander Strict' and I have to keep a low profile." As he spoke, the smile on his face gradually faded, replaced by a cold and deep look.
Seeing this, Zhang Xiaojia stopped joking and her expression gradually became serious. She looked up and saw the direction of Youcheng faintly visible in the night. She whispered, "Brother, can we trust the reserve cavalry of Youcheng?"
The emperor's eyes narrowed slightly, and his tone was filled with certainty: "The commander of the cavalry in Youcheng is my confidant."
Zhang Xiaojia nodded: "Then we should rush to Youcheng as soon as possible, transfer troops back to Beijing, and quell the rebellion."
The emperor said "hmm" and galloped forward.
Zhang Xiaojia glanced at the emperor and suddenly asked softly, "Brother, if something goes wrong with the cavalry in Youcheng, what should we do?"
Upon hearing this, the emperor's eyes flashed with coldness, and his tone was cold and resolute: "If it really comes to that, I have my own backup plan. However, I believe that the cavalry of Youcheng will not let me down."
Zhang Xiaojia didn't ask any more questions, but nodded silently. She knew that the emperor always had a good command of strategy and never fought a battle without confidence. If he was so confident, then the Youcheng cavalry must be reliable.
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