Chapter 62 Now, this kingdom is yours.
Late spring.
Wen Xing was leaning against the couch, holding a secret letter in his hand.
Before him, the Censor Xie Yun bowed his head and said respectfully, "Your Majesty! This matter is too horrifying. Even if I die, I dare not fail to report it. I can only present it to Your Majesty for your perusal!"
The letter felt slightly heavy in my hand, and the contents were even more shocking—
"...Brother Wu, upon receiving this letter, please quickly dispatch 3,000 troops to enter the Imperial City at midnight on March 19th.
At that time, the imperial guards in the capital will open the Xihua Gate to meet them. After the army enters the city, they will immediately take control of all gates, the treasury, and the inner court..."
The handwriting is straight and vigorous, undoubtedly the work of Ning Wujie.
Wen Xing held his forehead.
This guy's bait is too real, with troop deployment, insider information, time, route, everything included, so detailed that it's outrageous.
He almost believed it after seeing it.
If the spy who leaked the marching map was targeting Ning Wujie, he would definitely not miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
He put the letter down and glanced at the nervous Xie Yun standing below. His voice was inarticulate, "Where did you get such a disrespectful letter?"
Xie Yun lowered his head even more. "Your Majesty, I intercepted it by chance."
"Intercepted?" Wen Xing repeated softly, his eyes cold. "If Ning Wujie were to commit such a heinous act, his correspondence would have been conducted through the most confidential intelligence channels. As a mere Imperial Censor, how did you ever acquire the ability to intercept such a secret letter? Xie Yun, think this through carefully before you speak, or you'll be committing the crime of deceiving the emperor."
"Your Majesty, please understand!" Under the emperor's pressure, Xie Yun fell to his knees with a thud, his voice trembling as he hurriedly said, "I dare not hide anything! The day before yesterday, the Ministry of Public Security, as usual, distributed copies of documents to the Censorate for each government office. Among the impeachment documents was this letter. I guessed it was a mistake on the part of the Ministry of Public Security, so I intercepted it..."
Wen Xing narrowed his eyes.
He absolutely did not believe that the Ministry of Internal Affairs would make such a low-level mistake.
If Xie Yun did not lie, then the only possibility is that the person behind the scenes did it on purpose, just to make Xie Yun reveal the "evidence" for him.
If this whole thing wasn't a trap, then Xie Yun's impeachment would have brought down Ning Wujie. If it was a trap, then Xie Yun would have been the one to show up, while the person behind the scenes would have remained perfectly hidden, without having to reveal themselves.
What a cunning guy.
But Wen Xing believed that since Ning Wujie dared to put out this bait, he must be able to catch the person.
Xie Yun swallowed nervously and continued, "I was also horrified at first, and dared not delay. I quickly checked the handwriting and seal, confirming it was from Ning Wujie. Furthermore, seeing that the matters contained in it concerned the safety of Your Majesty and the country, I dared not delay even a moment, and so I risked my life to present it directly before you!"
"Your Majesty, this is irrefutable evidence of treason!"
Wen Xing thought that Wang Jiang's acting was indeed effective, and they all rushed out to overthrow Ning Wujie and make a contribution.
"I understand." Wen Xing raised his eyelids and looked at Xie Yun, "You did the right thing."
Xie Yun's expression relaxed a little, the fear faded away, and a sense of anticipation arose.
He has made such a great contribution, Your Majesty will...
Wen Xing put away the letter and said calmly, "This matter is of grave importance. I will make the final decision. You must not speak a word of what you said today to anyone else. If even a single word leaks out, I will hold you accountable. Do you understand?"
Xie Yun was stunned at first when he didn't hear the expected reward, and his eyes were filled with disappointment that he couldn't hide. But when he met Wen Xing's cold gaze, he came to his senses and kowtowed repeatedly: "I understand! I obey your order!"
"Back off."
The emperor issued an order to expel the guest, and Xie Yun was very nervous and had to leave as he was told.
After Xie Yun left, Wen Xing held the letter and called out, "Xinghe."
The boy appeared in response.
Wen Xing handed the letter to Xinghe, "Send it to Wu Jing in the name of Ning Wujie, and don't reveal yourself. Also, tell him that Ning Zheng and his son have returned to Beijing, and let him reunite with them."
Xinghe nodded and disappeared in a flash.
After Xinghe left, he walked to the corridor outside the door and called out Jupiter.
"Order the Supervisory Department to take over the entire palace tomorrow night."
Suixing, who was kneeling at the steps, looked up in confusion, "Your Majesty, is there anything important tomorrow night?"
Wen Xing looked at him and said solemnly, "Sui Xing, you are from the Supervisory Department. Although Ning Wujie is no longer the commander, if anything happens, you will still risk your life to protect him, right?"
Hearing His Majesty's words, Suixing frowned in confusion, but still bowed his head respectfully and said, "Yes."
Wen Xing was relieved. "That's good. Now I have two orders for you. First, no matter what happens tomorrow night, the Supervisory Office must prioritize protecting Ning Wujie. Second, open the Xihua Gate at midnight to pick up Wu Jing and Ning Zheng."
Jupiter's pupils trembled violently, and a foreboding premonition arose in his heart, "Your Majesty..."
"You just need to obey orders, no need to ask other questions. And you must not reveal a single word to a third person." Wen Xing's voice left no room for doubt. Suixing had to suppress his doubts and answered yes.
Ning Wujie used this "evidence" as bait to lure out the person behind the scenes. So it must have been Ning Wujie's calculation that this evidence fell into his hands.
But Wen Xing still decided to confirm the "evidence".
Sorry, Ning Wujie.
He thought with some guilt, you wouldn't sit in that position unless I pushed you into a desperate situation.
He didn't dare to gamble on the method Fu Wenxin mentioned. Only in this way could he ensure that there would be no mistakes.
*
In a teahouse on the side of Zhuque Street, a man in a blue shirt and a hood was sitting upright, holding a teacup to his lips.
Han Jin came quickly and sat down beside him. He glanced around, and after confirming that it was safe, he said in a deep voice, "I asked Xie Yun, and he said that His Majesty was very calm after obtaining the evidence, and even refused to let anyone know, as if he wanted to keep this matter secret."
"He also said that even the news from Tingchao Court confirmed Wang Jiang's statement. I thought His Majesty would be furious, just like he was during the last court meeting."
Han Jin looked puzzled as he spoke: "Do you think that Your Majesty still has feelings for Ning Wujie and doesn't want to kill him completely?"
But the man in blue shirt heard this and, as if he had thought of something, his eyes moved and he muttered to himself in an almost inaudible voice, "It's broken."
He suddenly put down the teacup, stood up and left.
Han Jin saw this and stood up and quickly followed, "Sir, what's wrong?"
The man in blue strode ahead, not turning his head, and said, "This is your majesty's plan." He paused and said to Han Jin, "To protect your identity, from today on, we will not meet again."
After he said that, he turned around and disappeared into an unknown alley.
In the secret place behind him, several shadow guards quietly appeared, guarding him vigilantly, forming a protective circle, and disappeared with him.
*
In the deepest corridor of the sky prison, only a few oil lamps were left, casting flickering dim light on the wall, stretching the human shadows to appear longer and shorter.
Several heavy footsteps came from afar.
The jailer on duty had his hand on the hilt of the knife at his waist. "Who?!" he shouted.
The man in blue shirt stopped at the intersection of light and shadow, his hood covering most of his head and face.
The man didn't answer. He simply pulled out a heavy, gilded waist badge from under his cloak and held it before the jailer. "The Ministry of War is cooperating in the investigation. Open the door."
The jailer carefully identified him in the dim light, then straightened his back and said respectfully, "It turns out to be the Shangshu!" He didn't dare to ask more questions and swiftly opened the innermost cell door.
Inside the cell, a man sat leaning against the wall. Though his scarlet silk robe, embroidered with coiled dragon patterns, was no longer shiny and tattered, it still betrayed its owner's once-noble status.
When he noticed the person coming, he lifted his drooping eyelids and a light flashed in his eyes.
The man stopped in front of the prisoner and said in a low and steady voice, "Your Highness, Prince Xiang, your chance has come."
"Cooperate with me and I will ensure that your wish is fulfilled."
King Xiang looked up at the man and sneered, "Just you?"
The man in blue shirt lifted his hood, revealing his face which was half-lit and half-dark under the light.
"The marching map I sent you last time failed to inflict serious damage on Ning Wujie, but you definitely don't want to miss this great gift I'm going to give you next."
King Xiang narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "Tell me about it."
After a few breaths of conversation, King Xiang raised his lips into an unfathomable smile.
Suddenly, several sharp blades appeared behind the man in blue, accompanied by the screams of the jailer and the muffled sound of piercing flesh, echoing throughout the empty prison.
*
Funing Palace.
A bright yellow scroll lay on the table. Wang Jiang held the pen, his pupils trembling as he stared at the half-written word "Zen". His wrist was shaking like a sieve. He turned to look at Wen Xing in panic, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty! Are you really going to..."
"This, this, this..." His fingers trembled, the pen tip fell to the ground, and he quickly knelt down and kowtowed repeatedly, "This is absolutely not allowed!"
Wen Xing propped up his chin with one hand and sneered, "Why are you panicking?"
Wang Jiang's forehead turned red from knocking his head. "I, no, no, no... dare not write such a treasonous edict."
Seeing how frightened he was, Wen Xing reluctantly stood up and walked over, picking up the pen and saying, "Then I'll write it myself."
The main reason was that he had not practiced his handwriting much. Compared with those scholars who had studied the classics for more than ten years, his handwriting looked like chicken claws and was too ugly to be used on such an important edict.
That's why he asked Wang Jiang to write for him, but this guy was too timid.
As he wrote, he asked, "Wang Jiang, I appointed you as the Left Censor-in-Chief. Do you know why?"
Wang Jiang raised his head, trembling with fear. "To monitor the officials and enforce discipline?"
Wen Xing paused, "In order to ensure that you support all my wishes at the critical moment, including this edict, I want all officials to be able to refrain from criticizing it."
He had originally thought that with the support of the Censorate, Ning Wujie's ascension to power would be much smoother. It would also prevent Wang Jiang from being suppressed when he opposed him. He actually liked this child.
After he finished speaking, he glanced at Wang Jiang again, "But, do you have the courage?"
He looked a little disappointed. "Wang Jiang, I have always trusted you the most."
Wang Jiang was stunned.
Most...trustful?
Hearing these two words, Wang Jiang suddenly felt a sense of tragedy, like a hero dying for his friend.
Is it the same trust that His Majesty had in him last time when he asked him to help set up the plan?
He asked desperately, "Your Majesty, are you setting up a trap this time as well?"
Wen Xing was stunned.
Then he said calmly: "Yes, it's a setup."
As he spoke, he glanced at the chicken claw-like characters he had written for "Chanwei" and frowned. He handed the pen over again and said, "So, can you write now?"
Wang Jiang quickly stood up, took the pen, stood in front of the desk, gathered his thoughts, and then resolutely put pen to paper.
After he finished writing, Wen Xing took the imperial edict, scanned it at a glance, and personally stamped it with his seal. Then he nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand, saying, "Go."
Wang Jiang bowed his head in agreement. Before leaving, he heard Xing say, "Wang Jiang, until I tell you to close the net, you must follow Ning Wujie's instructions in everything. Do you understand?"
Wang Jiang bowed deeply and said, "I obey your command."
After everyone left, Wen Xing finally sat back at the desk, feeling relieved.
The groundwork is complete.
Just one step left and it will be done!
He pulled out the jade bottle from his bosom and took out a black pill. Just as he was about to drop it into the wine cup, he heard the servant outside the door say, "Master Ning."
Wen Xing's face turned dark. Why did he come at this time?
He quickly clutched the pill in his palm and feigned composure, "Why are you so late? Have you found the spy?"
Ning Wujie walked over slowly. "Not yet. The spy he sent to intercept intelligence was very stubborn. We haven't cracked him yet, but it will be soon."
"Your Majesty, why are you still not asleep so late?" He walked closer and lowered his eyes to see the bright yellow scroll spread out on the desk. After seeing the handwriting on it clearly, his pupils trembled violently and he looked at Wen Xing in disbelief.
"Your Majesty?!" He snatched the imperial edict, his knuckles white from the force he applied as he squeezed a corner of the luxurious silk until it wrinkled beyond recognition. He shouted in anger, "What does this mean?!"
Just at this moment, there was a knock on the door.
It's midnight.
Wen Xing was still sitting upright in the chair, his expression calm, "As you can see."
"I want to abdicate to you."
He didn't want Ning Wujie to see it, but the arrow was on the string, and now he had no choice but to bite the bullet and go through the process.
He swept the cup with his fingertips without leaving a trace, and silently dropped the black pill into the cup.
Ning Wujie's knuckles were trembling slightly as he gripped the imperial edict. His eyes were bloodshot and he gritted his teeth as he said, "Your Majesty, does not want it!"
Is this tyrant really crazy?!
He exerted force with both hands suddenly, and with a "rip" sound, the bright yellow silk was torn into two pieces and thrown heavily to the ground.
He was furious. He strode forward, resting his hands on the armrests of Wen Xing's chair, encircling him in his arms. He looked down at him and said viciously, "Your Majesty, why do you keep teasing me? Do you hate me so much that you have to tear my heart apart to be happy?!"
Wen Xing looked up and saw that the corners of Ning Wujie's eyes had suddenly turned red due to extreme anger, and there seemed to be a layer of fine tears hanging on the edge of his eye sockets.
His heart trembled.
This was not his intention, but why did he always make people cry again and again?
But it doesn’t matter, you will know later that this is not a “teasing”.
He glanced down at the torn imperial edict on the ground and said with a steely heart, "It's useless. The cabinet has a copy, and the Six Departments also have a record. The edict has already taken effect. What you tore up was just a piece of paper."
"What..." Ning Wujie's whole body trembled violently, his voice full of disbelief.
This means that what he just tore up was not some prop to scare people, but a real decree of succession that could be announced to the world!
Ning Wujie's brain buzzed, as if he had heard some shocking fairy tale.
He retorted subconsciously: "How dare they file such a ridiculous decree without any discussion?!"
Wen Xing met his shocked and angry gaze and said calmly, "Because I asked Wang Jiang to do it."
Hearing this, Ning Wujie lowered his head helplessly, his hands gripping the chair almost crushing the armrests, and he uttered through gritted teeth: "Wang Jiang...that idiot..."
Wen Xing saw that Ning Wujie's drooping eyelashes were trembling with anger, and continued in an almost cruelly calm voice, "Besides, those civil servants thought you had successfully forced the emperor to abdicate, and they were afraid of your power. How could they dare not do as you said?"
Taking advantage of the moment when Ning Wujie was shocked, he had already put the wine cup to his lips.
"...Why..." Ning Wujie suddenly looked up with a huge sense of absurdity. The moisture in his eyes had condensed into tears, and he was about to fall, "Why on earth!"
"I don't want this position, why do you insist on forcing me?!"
But Wen Xing drank the wine in front of him, raising his head and saying, "No, you must."
After doing all this, he finally felt relieved, let out a sigh of relief, and his tense nerves relaxed.
Seeing Wen Xing's unusual behavior, Ning Wujie suddenly had a strong sense of foreboding. He instinctively pinched Wen Xing's jaw and asked anxiously, "What did you drink?!"
However, it was too late. Wen Xing's Adam's apple rolled and he had already swallowed it.
Facing Ning Wujie's angry and frightened gaze, he put down his cup and said calmly, "Now, this kingdom is yours."
-----------------------
The author has something to say: Hehehehehehehe I'm so excited~~
Please remember that this is a sweet story, it really is a sweet story.
(He takes out a knife with a sinister look) [Vegetable Dog][Vegetable Dog]
Second Cultivator's Words: The death escape plot is not over yet, we will continue the escape in the next chapter~
————
PS: 100 red envelopes continue to be given in the comment section
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
