At the morning court session, an official once again pointed out that refugees were gathering outside the capital, trying to blend in with the common people and enter the capital.
"I also heard that some of the refugees were infected with the plague."
"Ah? If they enter the capital, won't they infect everyone in the capital?"
Murong Sheng pondered for a moment and then said, "Close the city gates and don't let anyone enter the capital."
"Your Majesty, what should we do with the refugees? Should we send a royal physician to treat them?" Jiang Ling stepped forward and asked.
"Just a few untouchables, don't bother with them."
He had been so preoccupied with the Shen family's affairs these past few days that he had no time to think about the refugees. If the imperial physician came back infected with the plague, wouldn't it spread to the people in the palace?
Jiang Ling frowned, somewhat dissatisfied with Murong Sheng's arrangement.
But those were also the people of Dongli, and they were several lives!
"Anything else?"
"Your Majesty, I heard that Princess Huayue was imprisoned in the cold palace by the Empress because she contradicted her." Jiang Zhuo's eyes were a little anxious. "The Princess is not a concubine in the harem, so it is inappropriate to banish her to the cold palace, right?"
"Chen Qing has contradicted the Queen many times. She was put in the cold palace just to find someone to teach her the rules. She will never be treated unfairly. You don't need to worry."
The emperor glanced at Jiang Zhuo and spoke in a calm tone.
"Yes, sir..."
"Okay, you don't believe what I say?"
There was displeasure in Murong Sheng's words, and his eyes were a little cold.
"yes."
Jiang Zhuo knew that Shen Qing would be fine, but if he didn't ask, the emperor would probably become more suspicious.
At night, the watery moonlight shone on the well-arranged houses. Several dark figures, like ghosts, swiftly shuttled between the roofs and eaves.
The leading man in black stopped in a shadow, his eyes sharp and alert. He leaned slightly to the side and, in the thin moonlight, made several quick and precise gestures.
After receiving the order, the remaining black figures scattered like night owls and disappeared into the vast night in an instant.
The secret guards who were originally hiding in the darkness and responsible for surveillance were the most tired and sleepy after a long period of waiting.
In the space of a yawn, a cold blade had quietly slashed across his throat. Blood gushed out, and before he could even utter a sound, he collapsed limply.
The problem was almost solved. Chunye sat on the roof and listened to his subordinates' reports, nodding with satisfaction.
"Let the brothers change into their clothes and take their places so that they can better deal with the one in the palace."
"yes."
Chunye yawned and turned back to sleep.
Finally, we found him some work related to his killer profession, and he was overwhelmed by having to spread public opinion all day long.
All the gates of the capital were ordered to be closed, and no one was allowed to enter or leave the capital.
The urgent letter sent from Pizhou, which was eight hundred miles away, was also intercepted at the city gate by people arranged by Jiang Zhuo.
"The emperor has ordered that no one is allowed to enter the capital!"
"This is urgent news! The rebel Shen Jianshan has led his troops into Pizhou City and the city gates have been breached. Your Majesty, please send reinforcements immediately!"
"What?! You're so tired from traveling all this time. Don't worry, let me deliver the letter!"
In desperation, the man had to hand the letter in his arms to the soldier and watched him ride away.
Another soldier came over and patted him on the shoulder, "Don't worry, the emperor will definitely send reinforcements."
"Yeah." The man nodded absentmindedly, and suddenly his eyes went dark and he fainted.
Not long after he fainted, the soldier who had delivered the letter came back.
"How about it?"
"The news has been delivered to the Prime Minister's Mansion." The man looked at the messenger who was fainting in the corner. "How is he?"
"Don't worry, he just fainted. Lord Jiang won't let him be killed. I know."
At this time, Murong Sheng was still unaware that Shen Jianshan had already sent troops. He was still sitting leisurely in the palace, as if everything was under his control.
Meanwhile, he had already imprisoned Qin Canghai in the dungeon. All members of the Qin family were also under his control. The mansion was heavily surrounded by soldiers, and a dead silence reigned.
Shen Jianshan certainly didn't know that his ally, the Qin family, had been controlled by him, and the Shen family was isolated and helpless.
No one can take away the Murong family's kingdom!
"Any news from those keeping an eye on the Shen family and the Prime Minister's Mansion?"
"No unusual movement."
Murong Sheng was puzzled. Why didn't the Shen family make any moves? Why wasn't Shen Yanzhi worried at all? Did he really trust that Shen Qing would be safe in the palace?
If Chen Yanzhi made a fuss, he would find a reason to have him detained, but he chose not to.
"Where's Chen Yanzhi?"
"He often lived in the barracks and conducted military training as usual every day. He did not show any unusual behavior."
"We'll strengthen the palace guards these days." Murong Sheng nodded, "Tell the secret guards to report any movement."
"Your Majesty, there is no unusual movement in the capital. Could it be..." The leader of the secret guards couldn't help but speak.
Could it be that they were thinking too much? For several days, there was nothing in the capital except rumors. The Shen family was law-abiding. He wondered if Murong Sheng was too suspicious.
The people were quite dissatisfied with the siege of the general's mansion. If this continued, the emperor would lose the support of the people before Shen Jianshan rebelled.
"It's even more strange that there's no unusual movement. Didn't Shen Jianshan give the General's Mansion any information at all?"
"The Queen imprisoned Shen Qing, but she is not in a hurry. According to her personality, she will not leave any tricks before entering the palace."
What arrangements had they made? The rumors in the capital were certainly intended to create momentum.
If it is not a rebellion, how can there be momentum?
He didn't give Shen Jianshan any time to prepare, so how could he have predicted in advance that he wanted to get rid of him?
"Is there any news coming back from the border?"
"Not yet."
He always felt that something was wrong, yet he was strangely calm.
Pizhou, the city gate was lost.
"General, we can enter the city now."
Shen Jianshan nodded, "Remember, after entering the city, you must not harm innocent people, and those who surrender will not be killed."
"yes."
"Go into the city!"
The city was in ruins. Shops on both sides of the street had broken windows and doors, their goods scattered across the ground. Signs were askew, some broken, and swaying precariously in the wind.
The homeless beggars huddled in the corner, their disheveled hair covering most of their faces, revealing only a pair of eyes filled with fear and helplessness.
"Fellow citizens of Pizhou, I am Shen Jianshan. I have no intention of disrupting your peaceful lives, but Heaven and Earth are cruel and treat all things as straw dogs. I consider myself loyal to the court and have never had any second thoughts, yet the Emperor wishes to eliminate me as soon as possible.
Don't be afraid, everyone. We are only staying here temporarily and will never harm you. If you wish, I will let them help you rebuild your home."
After a long time, a family tentatively opened the door, walked up to Shen Jianshan and knelt down.
"Thank you, General, for not killing me."
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