The emperor walked in with a smile on his face and a relaxed posture.
The winter sun fell on his body, and the golden thread of his dragon robe reflected a faint glow, making him look majestic and dignified.
For students, being able to meet the emperor is a matter of great honor. If they can make the emperor remember them, it will help them to rise to a higher position in the future.
How they had been looking forward to this opportunity.
But……
They subconsciously looked at the silk paper still in Chi Yu's hand, some looked at each other in confusion, and some subconsciously took a step back, with a hint of fear in their eyes.
The students' reactions were obviously not what the emperor expected. When he arrived, not only did no one greet him, but they all looked extremely surprised, as if they had seen a ghost.
These people have read the books of saints, so how come they don't have any rules at all?
"What's wrong?" The emperor's face became stern and his eyes swept over these people, but he still maintained a courteous attitude and did not get angry.
The students remained silent and looked at Chi Yu subconsciously.
Chi Yu studied under the great scholar Wei Lin, and was himself a man of extraordinary talent. He was known as the only person in the Great Rong Dynasty in the past thirty years who had the potential to win six top honors in a row.
Three years ago, he led a group of students to Beijing to report the cheating case in the examination hall in Jiangnan to the Ministry of Rites. Since then, he has gained great prestige among the students.
Chi Yu held the silk paper in his hand and took a small step forward. Just a small step, it seemed to give the students great courage, and they all slowly walked behind Chi Yu.
The ministers were almost dumbfounded and didn't understand what was going on.
As the saying goes, "serving the emperor", they have studied hard for so many years and finally have the opportunity to see the emperor. They should seize the opportunity and show off in front of the emperor. How come they even forgot to perform etiquette? Aren't they too happy?
But it didn't look like that. The Jingxin Hall was in a mess. Several desks had fallen on the floor, and papers and pens were scattered all over the floor. It was a complete mess.
The emperor's face was visibly gloomy. Seeing this, the chief eunuch Song Yuan scolded him, "How dare you! The emperor is here, and you still don't show respect!"
Song Yuan's sharp voice broke the strange silence. The students' hearts skipped a beat and they increasingly regarded Chi Yu, who was standing in the front, as their backbone.
Even the students and common people waiting outside the hall noticed what was happening in the Jingxin Hall. Some of them whispered to each other, while others poked their heads out to look. When they looked out, they saw that the students and the emperor were standing on two sides clearly separated by a line, and they speculated secretly in their hearts.
"emperor."
Chi Yu bowed calmly and asked, "Student Douyong, was the destruction of the Lingnan Palace related to the late emperor?"
There was silence all around.
Chi Yu followed up with another question: "May I ask Your Majesty, did the King of Lingnan die defending his country or did he die because of the court's fall and the late emperor's suspicion?!"
His voice was neither hurried nor slow, yet he spoke frankly, enough for everyone in the hall to hear clearly.
The emperor was stunned.
He wondered if he had heard it wrongly.
Or maybe it was just an illusion. How dare these students, how dare they question the late emperor so brazenly?!
"How dare you!" The emperor was furious.
"Your Majesty, please help us solve our doubts." Chi Yu had no intention of backing down. Under the protection of the students, he asked without compromise, "Did the late emperor collude with Nan Huai to kill King Lingnan and cause the death of all his family members?"
His words were like a sharp sword, tearing apart the false appearance and revealing the darkness hidden within.
The surroundings became even quieter, and the court officials looked at them in disbelief.
That's so bold!
Chi Yu's passionate words made the students standing with him forget the panic in their hearts and their faces were filled with anger.
Chi Yu raised the silk paper in his hand and said, "Your Majesty, is this the letter of collusion between the late emperor and Nan Huai?"
Chi Yu only held a corner of the silk paper, and then unfolded the entire piece of silk paper to reveal it in front of the emperor.
An extremely bad premonition filled the emperor's heart, and this premonition became even stronger when he saw the familiar handwriting and the seal of the previous emperor on the silk paper.
This is a letter from the late emperor! It was written by the late emperor himself.
Why is it in their hands?!
What is written in this letter?
Marquis Anping also stared at the silk paper, his heart panicking and confused, not knowing how to react for a moment.
Song Yuan flicked his whisk and said in a shrill voice, "How can you be so insolent in front of the emperor? What crime should you be punished for!"
The word "sin" made all the students' hearts skip a beat.
Chi Yu reminded them just now when the door had just opened and the emperor had not yet come in.
Chi Yu said at the time that they had discovered such a big secret that it would be difficult for the emperor to tolerate them. Not only would their future be hopeless, but they might even lose their lives and bring trouble to their families. The only way to survive was to stop the emperor from killing them.
Only when this matter became known to the whole country would the emperor try to appease them.
Everyone in the world is afraid of death, and so are they.
Whether they were truly filled with indignation for King Lingnan or to save their own lives, they could not back down now.
The same is true for Li Anyuan. His family devoted all their efforts to support his studies. He finally got into the Imperial College. If his future was hopeless, his life would be ruined!
Li Anyuan calmed down and followed Chi Yu's words and asked, "Your Majesty, did King Lingnan die at the hands of the late emperor!?"
He was a little nervous, and his clenched fists were wet with sweat.
Chi Yu was right, they had no way out.
Seeing that even Li Anyuan stood up, the others seemed to have received great encouragement and their expressions became more determined.
"Your Majesty, please give the students an explanation!"
A group of students knelt down and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty, please give everyone in the world an explanation!"
Their voices gathered together and spread throughout the Jing'an Hall and beyond.
The ministers were also completely dumbfounded. Unlike the students who were young and arrogant, most of them had been officials for many years and had some knowledge of the emperor's mind. If these students were really making up stories, the emperor would have been furious long ago, but now the emperor was more of forbearance and a kind of indescribable panic.
Yes.
Yes, panic. They could all see that the emperor was panicking.
This is a kind of guilty conscience!
"emperor!"
"presumptuous!"
The emperor finally lost control of his emotions, he flew into a rage, and just wanted to cover it all up as quickly as possible.
He ordered: "Come here, capture him!"
"Your Majesty!" Chi Yu was not afraid. Before the imperial guards could make their move, he said without hesitation, "The late emperor betrayed the country and killed meritorious officials. Please give an explanation to the people of the world!"
This voice was like a call to a hundred people, and the other students also understood that this was a matter of life and death, and they followed suit one after another:
"The late emperor committed treason and murdered meritorious officials. Please give an explanation to the people of the world!"
For a moment, their voices were heard all around, and they could be heard clearly outside the Jingxin Hall. The crowd suddenly became excited.
Chu Yuanchen, who was standing behind the emperor, slightly raised the corners of his mouth and revealed a meaningful smile.
These students who have not yet entered the officialdom are full of vigor and enthusiasm. They can be driven by interests and influenced by others. When a leader is passionate and upholds justice in front of them, they are also the most likely to be radicalized and incited.
This has been the case throughout history.
The lady had gone through great pains and hardships to hide the letters, and she had kept them for twenty years. He would not let her efforts go to waste.
Chu Yuanchen winked at Chi Yu.
Chi Yu understood what he meant. He took a half step forward and asked in a steady voice, "Your Majesty, did the late emperor really collude with Nan Huai, murder loyal officials, and sell out his country?"
The imperial guards had already entered the palace, but without the emperor's order, they did not move.
Seeing Long Yan's rage, some people had already panicked, but seeing Chi Yu like this, they gritted their teeth and continued to defend Chi Yu without backing down.
It's not that they are not afraid, it's just that they have no way out.
The emperor was breathing heavily and was furious. He simply couldn't believe how these people could be so bold. Where did they read all the books of sages and wise men? Don't they know what the relationship between a ruler and his subjects is?
They dare to do such things even before entering the official career. They deserve that none of them will pass the exam.
The emperor was shaking with anger.
The crowd outside the Jing'an Palace also began to become more and more agitated. Under the control of the imperial guards, they could not get close and could only squeeze in and stretch their necks to look. However, after watching for a long time, they could only hear some sounds intermittently. They couldn't help but whisper:
"What's going on?"
"have no idea."
"What are those students talking about?"
At this time, someone spoke up at the right time to clear up their confusion: "When these students were worshipping King Lingnan, King Lingnan appeared and a letter fell out from the tablet. It was written by the late emperor to King Nanhuai at that time."
ah!
After hearing what he said, many people gathered around and asked what was written in the letter.
"The letter says that the late emperor offered King Lingnan's head as a gift to King Nanhuai as a condition of the transaction..."
“Oh my God!”
"This is impossible!"
Many people did not believe it, but when they saw the tense scene in the Jingxin Hall, they could not help but believe it.
The man sighed again: "These students are really righteous and speak out, worthy of their familiarity with the books of sages. I don't know if this will cause trouble. The emperor has just called in the imperial guards, and I don't know if there will be bloodshed on the spot..."
"What a pity for King Lingnan!"
Yes. If that is the case, it is a pity for King Lingnan.
"Heroic spirits are immortal!"
Suddenly, a loud shout came from the crowd. These four words were too unforgettable. The scene of Zhenbei King Chu Yuanchen escorting his coffin back to the capital reappeared in everyone's eyes. The shouts of "The heroic spirit is immortal" that day made their hearts excited:
"Heroic spirits are immortal!"
"Your Majesty, please give an explanation to the people of the world!"
"Your Majesty, please..."
More and more voices merged into one, forming a chorus of petitions that almost shook the Jing'an Hall.
emperor:"……"
Originally, in order to build momentum for today, the emperor specially called those who had some fame among the students.
For example, Chi Yu, he could get a lot of support from the students, and he also allowed the common people and students to watch.
Originally, he wanted the students to write more articles praising the late emperor and Xue Chongzhi's relationship as monarch and minister, and not always get entangled in the edict of self-blame. However, now, the emperor has simply hit himself in the foot with a stone.
Moreover, he had already missed the best opportunity. If he allowed the imperial guards to arrest these students now, it would probably arouse public anger.
Lin Shoufu looked at the emperor, then at the students who were filled with righteous indignation, and his eyes fell on the piece of silk paper in Chi Yu's hand.
Not only the emperor, but also Prime Minister Lin had clearly seen the handwriting and seal on the silk paper.
Lin Shoufu was an old minister from the previous emperor's time, so he naturally recognized the previous emperor's handwriting. He secretly knew that something was wrong, but he still wanted to confirm it.
Lin Shoufu calmed down and said to Chi Yu, "Can you show it to me?"
Chi Yu handed the silk paper over.
"Don't look at it!" the emperor blurted out, and subconsciously reached out to grab it. At this moment, his mind was completely confused. He only knew that he couldn't let anyone see this silk paper, absolutely not!"
However, a hand was one step faster and took the silk paper from Chi Yu's hand, avoiding his attempt to snatch it.
Chu Yuanchen took the silk paper, flicked it, and said with a smile: "Your Majesty, why are you so anxious? Could it be that you are guilty?"
He took the silk paper in his hand and read it once, sneering, "This is really the handwriting of the late emperor. Prime Minister Lin, would you like to take a look too, to see if I have made a mistake? The gentlemen should all recognize the handwriting of the late emperor, so come and take a look together."
"Chu Yuanchen!" The emperor's anger seemed to have found an outlet all of a sudden. He was furious and said, "You are the one behind this?!"
"How can the emperor say that?" Chu Yuanchen suppressed the smile on his face and said seriously, "This is a letter between the late emperor and Nan Huai. How could my Beijiang have it?"
His expression clearly indicated that if he had such a "good thing" in his hands, he would have taken it out long ago.
That's right! How could there be...
This could not have happened in the Northern Frontier, it could only have happened in Lingnan, and it was hidden by the old people in the Lingnan Palace, just to put themselves in an unjust position one day! Put the late emperor in an unjust position.
The emperor covered his chest.
Who is it! Who is it!
An old friend from Lingnan Palace... The emperor thought of someone, Marquis Anping!
Yes, Ashu mentioned that Sheng Xiyan has been going in and out of Marquis Anping's mansion from time to time recently, so, could it be that Marquis Anping hid the letter and then gave it to Chu Yuanchen!
Chu Yuanchen asked Sheng Xiyan to enter and leave the Marquis' Mansion from time to time in order to secretly deliver messages.
I was so careless.
The emperor understood everything in an instant. He turned around and looked at Marquis Anping who was following behind him. The fire in his eyes almost engulfed him.
The Marquis of Anping was also very pale. He could not imagine why this piece of silk paper appeared here! He had clearly burned it himself.
He looked panic-stricken, which in the emperor's eyes was a sign of his guilty conscience.
It was indeed him! The emperor had confirmed his guess in his heart that it was Marquis Anping who had colluded with Chu Yuanchen to betray him!
The late emperor was so good to him, he gave him the title of marquis and wealth, but he not only betrayed the late emperor, he also turned against him!
The emperor's gaze was like a sharp blade. Even if Marquis Anping was cut into pieces, it would be difficult to relieve the hatred in his heart!
"Your Majesty." Chi Yu did not stop. He once again led the crowd to shout, "Please give an explanation to the people of the world."
What a noise! The emperor was in a state of confusion and had a terrible headache.
He wished he could catch all these students who had no sense of propriety, deprive them of the qualification to take the exam, and make them regret their actions today.
He wanted to say that these were all fake, but before he could say it, Chu Yuanchen had already chuckled and said, "Your Majesty, do you think there is only one piece of silk paper?"
His voice was meaningful and a little sarcastic, but it stopped the emperor from saying anything.
Yes.
In order to gain Nan Huai's trust, the late emperor wrote several letters in private. If Marquis Anping can produce one, he might be able to produce more.
The emperor gnashed his teeth, and with a rage that bit him, he said word by word, "I will give you an explanation."
As soon as he said this, it was as if he personally acknowledged that the silk paper came from the hands of the late emperor.
As soon as he finished speaking, the emperor's eyes went dark, he covered his chest, and fell backwards.
"emperor!"
The ministers screamed, and Song Yuan quickly supported the emperor, shouting, "Drive back to the palace!"
There was chaos in the Jing'an Hall. The students were at a loss for a moment and all looked at Chi Yu.
Someone asked, "What about these people?" He was referring to whether or not to take down these rebellious students.
Song Yuan said impatiently: "Who is more important, the emperor or them?! Go back to the palace!"
The Holy Chariot left in a hurry and no one paid any attention to Chi Yu and the others anymore.
Li Anyuan breathed a sigh of relief. He was just afraid that someone would arrest them all on the grounds that the emperor was angry and sick.
The students all gathered around Chi Yu and asked, "What should we do next?"
Their emotions were tense and excited.
Chi Yu was not worried, because he knew that there were people who could protect him and the others.
However, he still comforted them for a while, and then said: "Let's go back now and write more articles to publicize this matter."
"Announce, announce it?" Li Anyuan was shocked. He thought he was lucky to be able to save his life today, but he still wanted to announce it? Wouldn't that just make the matter worse?
Cang Yu said with reason: "The more people know, the more the emperor will have to appease them, whether it is to appease us or the people."
Ang Lee thinks this makes sense.
The emperor cannot care about them now, but that does not mean he will always ignore them. The most terrifying thing is the reckoning later.
"Since we have done it, we must let everyone in the world know that we are speaking up for Prince Xue." Li Anyuan said incisively, "We must take advantage of the greater good." Not for personal gain.
"Aren't we speaking up for Prince Xue?" Some people with pure minds asked in confusion.
Chi Yu said: "Of course."
He patted the man's shoulder gently and said meaningfully, "For Prince Xue." And for ourselves.
This Great Rong Dynasty is full of problems and is not worth "selling to the Emperor". Since the Great Rong Dynasty is not worth it, then he will find another wise leader! To restore the world to a clear and bright state!
Chi Yu's eyes were burning. He said, "Let's go out first. Tell them what happened here first."
He was talking about the students and common people who had been waiting outside the palace but were not allowed to enter.
Now the imperial guards have withdrawn, but they are still waiting outside.
Chi Yu brushed his clothes and was the first to go out. He took the initiative to say to the people who came to greet him: "We saw with our own eyes the letter written by the late emperor to Prince Nan Huai..."
He looked angry, as if he couldn't let it go.
The clear, cloudless sky darkened without anyone noticing, and there was a sense of oppression in the air, as if a storm was about to come, just like the Great Dynasty where this building was about to collapse.
The emperor did not wake up until he returned to the palace. All the doctors from the Imperial Hospital were summoned. They took turns to feel the emperor's pulse, and then gathered together to diagnose him. Finally, the doctor from the Imperial Hospital went out and reported to Xiao Shuo who was waiting outside: "Superintendent, the emperor is extremely angry."
"Anger?" Xiao Shuo asked in an ambiguous tone. The Imperial Medical Officer immediately lowered his head even lower, not daring to look him in the eye, and said, "Master, the Emperor's liver fire is strong. In extreme anger, he fainted due to blocked breath. The Emperor's previous vomiting of blood and fainting were also caused by this."
The cabinet and important ministers, including Prime Minister Lin, were also waiting here, each with a worried look on their face.
Anyway, none of them dared to leave until Xiao Shuo gave the order.
Xiao Shuo pondered and said, "How is the emperor now?"
The Imperial Medical Officer quickly said, "The Emperor has just been given an acupuncture injection. He will soon wake up. I will prescribe a prescription for him later."
"You did a good job." Xiao Shuo praised, and the Imperial Medical Officer said repeatedly, "I don't deserve it."
Xiao Shuo asked gently, "Is the emperor's illness serious?"
The Imperial Medical Officer glanced at the others hesitantly, and Xiao Shuo just said, "Just tell me."
The Imperial Physician replied tremblingly: "If the Emperor can no longer control his temper, he may suffer a stroke."
The emperor is not yet forty years old, and a stroke is not common at this age. However, the emperor recently fell ill due to extreme anger, and his pulse showed signs of qi stagnation and blood stasis. The imperial doctors are worried about the risk of a stroke.
Xiao Shuo's face was as gloomy as water. He waved his hand and asked him to step down and prescribe medicine for the emperor.
Lin Shoufu and others could also sense Xiao Shuo's unhappiness. No one dared to speak, and their minds were racing.
There is no prince in the palace. If the emperor really has a stroke, what will the Great Rong Dynasty do?
The emperor had been ill several times before and had to abstain from court from time to time. It was all thanks to Xiao Shuo that the emperor was able to maintain stable government. If the emperor really had a stroke, would he have to let Xiao Shuo remain in charge of the country forever?
Or will Xiao Shuo support a puppet to take that position?
The emperor is so young, how could he have a stroke?
Everyone's thoughts were confused, and they had no idea that they had been led astray. The imperial physician only said that there was a possibility of a stroke, but all they were thinking was that the emperor was about to have a stroke.
Xiao Shuo's long eyelashes were half-drooped, leaving a faint shadow that concealed the emotions in his eyes.
"Master." Song Yuan came out and said respectfully, "The emperor has woken up and wants to see you."
Xiao Shuo brushed his sleeves and said calmly, "Please do as you please, my lords."
Then, with their regards, he walked in.
The emperor had indeed woken up, but he was still quite weak, leaning feebly on a large pillow.
"Ah Shuo." The emperor bit his back teeth tightly and said weakly but with all his strength, "Go, go and rob the Anping Marquis' Mansion for me!"
The emperor clenched his fists. He had never imagined that he would fall into the hands of Marquis Anping.
"The Xue family is really the same, stubborn and unrepentant!" the emperor said viciously, "The late emperor should not have been merciful and adopted an heir for Xue Zhongzhi!"
"Investigate!" the emperor said angrily, "A Shuo, you must investigate carefully for me. What else is hidden in the Anping Marquis' Mansion? You must find it all for me. I will tear Xue Bei into pieces!"
Xue Bei is the real name of Anping Hou.
"Yes." Xiao Shuo accepted the order and said slowly, "I will definitely investigate it thoroughly."
So, that day, the Anping Marquis Mansion welcomed the Dongchang barbarians.
The chief of Dongchang looked at Anping Hou coldly, waved his hand, and ordered coldly: "Copy!"