282 The Rise and Fall of the Royal City (Part 11)
It was all due to timing and fate; it was just a little too late after all!
There were other princes, none of them were to be trifled with!
As people grow a little older, unless they have absolutely no backing, the struggle for power is always, to varying degrees, whether feigned or real, driven by circumstances, whether reluctant or not. Everyone eventually ends up on this path, even if they didn't choose it themselves.
If all those before him were dead, and there were still people willing to follow the rules, one day, they would be adorned in imperial robes, hold the world in their hands, have great power, choose beauties at will, acquire rare treasures, and choose any cultivation path. Even sages would find it hard to escape the allure of fame and renown.
Moreover, for ordinary people, whether it's immortality, beautiful women, wine, women, wealth, or power, once they can indulge in their desires, how can they possibly resist?
That's alright, after all, he is the son of the Holy Emperor. If there are other options in the army, recommending him as a co-king is still negotiable, but I'm afraid it might not be enough.
Of course, if the Holy Emperor returns, all the problems will be solved. The real problem is...
Thoughts of unknown origin deeply disturbed his thoughts, and the person with a smiling face was now filled with inexplicable troubles.
He thought to himself, "When that moment truly comes, will these great Confucian scholars, great Buddhists, and those who claim to be inactive truly emerge to save the world for the sake of the people? But this 'for the sake of the people' is not for the sake of the dynasty."
Whose people will suffer, whose capital will prevail? The outcome will be uncertain then.
He sighed inwardly, 'Is it for immortality?'
It has been rumored that emperors cannot live forever; whether this is true or not remains to be seen. However, throughout history, dynasties have rarely lasted long! The reasons for this are difficult to fathom.
Composing himself, he looked at the eldest prince before him. He had been raised by him since childhood, and naturally, he hoped that the prince would ascend the throne. If there were any obstacles, he would overcome them.
The eldest prince looked at the two old men whose quarrel had subsided and smiled slightly, seemingly satisfied. Such harmony was the way to get things done.
He said softly, "Let's put aside the matter of Dalong Prefecture for now. It's rare for the Lian family to enter the capital, so we must ensure their safety. Otherwise, wouldn't we become a laughing stock in the world?"
"Guards, relay the order: ensure the safety of everyone. Anyone who dares to cause trouble will be severely punished."
"Yes." A simple yet deep voice came and then disappeared. The three of them were no longer surprised.
Then, after a pause, he said, "This matter of Dalong Prefecture is not urgent. I imagine there are people who are more anxious than us. Since the Holy Emperor has allowed aristocratic families to guard a region and receive a certain reward, this matter seems to be of varying importance; it's just a matter of changing aristocratic families."
Gang fights always result in some damage, but the incident in Dalong Prefecture did not harm innocent people or ordinary citizens. In this light, it was merely a power struggle.
Moreover, there are countless struggles and competitions every year and every day in various places, and deaths and injuries are inevitable. If the dynasty has to share the burden for every matter, big or small, we would probably be too busy to work.
Since no civilians were harmed and the rules established by the Holy Emperor were not violated, we need not pursue the matter further.
As for the matter of this Captain Guan, it is outside the rules and has been overstepped. However, his background and strength are clear to everyone, and there is nothing too mysterious about him. So it is still under control. Let's make a note of this matter for now and deal with it later.
This madman He, whose background was thoroughly investigated, is now a major problem because his findings are so inconsistent with the facts.
At this moment, none of them objected. The silence of these veterans was also a form of expression; there was no pleading, no agitation, just quiet stillness, as if nothing had happened. That's what makes them so enigmatic!
The courtyard exudes a solemn and ancient atmosphere. High walls stand tall around the courtyard, with upturned eaves and corners that convey a sense of authority and secrecy. Stone steps and bluestone paths stretch across the courtyard, half-open and half-closed. Inside and outside the gates, two squads of guards stand at attention, their long spears like a forest, their eyes gleaming.
At this moment, in a small corner of the courtyard, on the school's playground, an old general, exuding an extraordinary aura, was always in his armor. The scales on his armor gleamed with a cold light, as if they were carved dragon patterns, and within them seemed to reside the dragon soul of a giant dragon!
A long spear, a heavy spear, ancient and mysterious, engraved with intricate patterns, stuck beside him, silent and cold, seemingly accumulating power in silence, but when it is unleashed, it is as swift as lightning, stirring up a storm of blood and carnage.
His face bore a resolute and cold expression, his eyes holding a hint of regret, a trace of anger, and a flicker of fighting spirit. He stood silently, unwavering and powerful, as steadfast as a mountain, silent in this place!
Without concealing his cultivation level in the slightest, he surveyed the map before him, which was intricately connected and vividly detailed, taking in everything he saw.
Clearly defined, like the terrain itself, crisscrossing and intricate, every detail so lifelike, it's as if you're inside that familiar yet unfamiliar palace.
The map is incredibly realistic and familiar, with every detail of the buildings, doors, roads, and exits appearing so lifelike and familiar—it's practically a miniature version!
At that moment, a person suddenly appeared, standing a foot away. Without any formality, as if entering his own home, he wore a dark robe embroidered with several lifelike pine and bamboo patterns. Inside, an exquisite inner armor was tightly wrapped within the robe.
He watched quietly without disturbing anyone. His subordinates didn't approach to ask any questions either, but instead brought him a cup of tea and quietly withdrew.
The marks of time were not very obvious on the old man; upon closer inspection, he bore a resemblance to Yun Su. He casually found a chair, sat down at his leisure, and took a sip of tea, his movements unhurried and relaxed.
After half an incense stick's time, the old general who had been standing before the map seemed to have come to his senses and slowly put the map away. His eyes gradually returned to calm.
Looking at the uninvited old man, a hint of a smile flashed in her eyes, and she said softly, "I should be congratulating you on having such a good daughter. She is more than a hundred times better than my fool."
No wonder Su'er didn't like him; it's understandable. If I had a daughter, I'd probably make her fight for this ideal husband too.
A hint of pleasure flashed in the old man's eyes, followed by a slight nod, as if he were thoroughly enjoying himself. He seemed completely unconcerned by the words of the person before him, and whispered, "Old man, if you're so capable, why don't you have a daughter yourself? Nobody's stopping you!"
Then he leaned forward slightly, exuding a calm aura, and after thinking for a moment, he said softly, "I didn't expect your potential to grow so quickly. It seems I'm really getting old."
However, that's incredibly bold, showing a tenth of my own courage. I like it. It's one thing for a man to lack ability, but if he has such ability and is still timid, cautious, and cowardly, then what? Humph!
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