Chapter 458 Those who collude with the rebels shall die!
At that time, King Wu Xiao Yanqing was sentenced to death, and King Jin Xiao Yanci was at the peak of his power. Qin Zhongju was worried every day, fearing that he would be liquidated if King Jin ascended the throne.
Just at this time, something happened in his family.
First, the son lost a large sum of money in gambling, and then someone died from the loan his wife made, and the other party wanted to make a big deal out of this.
The Qin family was in a state of panic, and Xiao Yanlin took the initiative to help and settle the matter.
With this, the two sides got in touch.
Xiao Yanlin asked Qin Zhongju to help rescue Zhao Shuning.
Qin Zhongju naturally refused at first, so Xiao Yanlin began to use threats and inducements, hinting to him that the recent events in the Qin family were actually caused by him.
If Qin Zhongju knew the current affairs, everything would be easy to deal with. If he didn't, he would have plenty of ways to bring down the Qin family.
Qin Zhongju then realized that Xiao Yanlin was not a simple person. Thinking of his conflict with King Jin, he made up his mind and joined him.
With his help, Zhao Shuning was replaced smoothly.
The person carrying out the execution on the scaffold was actually just a stand-in.
Qin Zhongju didn't care and told everything at once, causing an uproar among the ministers.
Xiao Yanlin angrily retorted, "This is sheer nonsense! I have no connection with Zhao Shuning, why would I risk such a huge risk to save her?"
Qin Zhongju couldn't answer.
He was also confused, but Xiao Yanlin didn't tell him.
When everyone heard this, it seemed to make sense. Qin Zhongju's empty words were indeed not to be trusted.
At this time, a trembling voice was heard.
"I, I know, because Zhao Shuning is the blood of your uncle left in Xiping, and she is your biological cousin!"
This statement once again caused an uproar among the crowd.
The person who spoke was Xiao Wanzhen. Her face was pale and she was obviously very scared, but she still kept her back straight.
The series of actions taken by the "rebels" tonight gave Xiao Wanzhen great hope and the confidence to speak out.
Xiao Yanlin looked at Xiao Wanzhen coldly, with anger and murderous intent in his eyes undisguised.
"Fourth Sister, do you know what nonsense you are talking about?"
When Xiao Wanzhen met his gaze, her heart trembled, but the words had already been spoken and there was no turning back.
"I'm very clear-headed, and every word I say is the truth. Your uncle, Zhao Hu, once served in Xiping. He raped decent women and committed serious crimes. Zhao Shuning is his descendant from that time."
"After you rescued Zhao Shuning, you had her face and voice destroyed so she could stay by your side and work for you. Everyone has seen or heard of her before. She is the so-called female doctor Lin Fang!"
Xiao Wanzhen told everyone everything at once, and everyone was stunned.
It is said that a single leaf can block one's view. Before she revealed the truth, no one had any doubts. But now that she has revealed everything, everyone thinks back on Lin Fang's figure and body shape, and they find that she is indeed very similar to Zhao Shuning.
Prince Consort Lu Ziyang quickly pulled Xiao Wanzhen aside, "What nonsense are you talking about! Are you trying to kill the Lu family?"
Xiao Wanzhen shook his hand away with a look of disgust.
"I'm not lying. I'm telling the truth. Otherwise, how could Queen Dowager Zhao honor a commoner girl so highly, bringing her by her side and treating her like a distinguished guest? Whether this is true or not, we'll find out by capturing her and confronting her face to face!"
Qin Zhongju didn't expect things to be like this. After a brief moment of stunned silence, he nodded repeatedly as if he had found a life-saving straw.
"Yes, that must be the case."
Xiao Yanlin was furious. "That's pure nonsense! How dare you throw dirty water on me? Who gave you the guts?"
He suddenly pulled out the sword of the imperial guard beside him, swung the sword, and Qin Zhongju's head was cut off directly. It rolled to the ground. His eyes were wide open, full of disbelief, and his body fell straight down.
"Those who collude with the rebels shall die!"
Everyone exclaimed.
Xiao Wanzhen was so frightened that her face turned pale. The momentum she had just maintained was instantly gone, and she collapsed completely.
Xiao Yanlin raised the bloody knife in his hand and said, "Everyone, look carefully. This is the fate of collaborating with the rebels."
Bright red blood dripped from the blade, forming a pool of red on the ground, which was extremely eye-catching.
Then he looked at Xiao Wanzhen, "This is the fate of those who dare to slander me. Fourth sister, do you see clearly?"
Xiao Wanzhen was trembling and unable to speak.
She subconsciously shrank back, fearing that Xiao Yanlin would chop off her head with a knife.
Fortunately, he didn't do that.
He thrust his sword hard into the ground, his gaze coldly sweeping over the ministers. He spoke in a cold voice, "Who else is colluding with the rebels? Stand up now, and I will show mercy and leave you with an intact body."
No one spoke, and no one stood up.
This shock made everyone feel unprecedented awe for the young emperor.
Xiao Yanlin was very satisfied with the result.
"Continue searching. If anyone is suspicious, kill them without mercy."
After saying this, Xiao Yanlin turned around and left.
At this time, Prince Rui stood up.
"Wait a minute."
Xiao Yanlin turned around and looked at him, with the majesty of a superior without any anger.
"What else does the emperor want?"
"Doesn't the Emperor need to explain what Lord Qin and the Fourth Princess said just now?"
When these words were spoken, everyone in the hall was shocked.
Xiao Yanlin's face turned cold, "Is the Emperor's uncle questioning me?"
"I don't dare to question you. I, your Majesty, just want to get to the bottom of this matter."
He said he didn't dare, but his words were clearly full of provocation.
When Xiao Yanlin heard this, a dangerous light flashed in his eyes.
The other courtiers in the hall were all silent, as if everyone could see the undercurrents surging between them.
"Uncle, have you forgotten that I am the emperor of the Great Qi Dynasty? You are not qualified to act so arrogantly in front of me!"
These words were already very harsh, but Prince Rui was not afraid at all.
"When my brother was on the throne, he was as perceptive as seeing through fire, and he was a wise ruler. Do you want to be a tyrant who has the final say?"
Xiao Yanlin shouted angrily, "How dare you! Prince Rui, are you trying to commit insubordination?"
He didn't even call him Uncle Emperor anymore, the atmosphere between them was already tense.
"My dear nephew, when you say this, you might as well ask yourself, where did your throne come from?"
Xiao Yanlin's eyes flashed, and murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
"My position as Crown Prince was bestowed upon me by my father himself, and my accession to the throne is legitimate! It is you, on the other hand, who have colluded with the rebels and dared to disrespect me. This is truly treasonous and deserves death!"
Prince Rui sneered, "How ridiculous! Who is the culprit for colluding with treacherous officials to murder the late emperor?"
After hearing this, the ministers all looked different.
Xiao Yanlin cursed angrily, "My lords, don't listen to his nonsense. He has long coveted the throne. I just ascended the throne, and the government is unstable, and he took advantage of the situation and tried to put a accusation on me. He deserves death! Come, arrest this traitor for me!"
However, no one responded outside.
Xiao Yanlin was shocked. What was going on? Where were the imperial guards?
"Someone come!"
"Stop shouting. Your people have been transferred."
Xiao Yanlin's expression changed drastically, and a sense of fear swept through his body.
At this time, several loud rumbling noises were heard in the distance, and the entire palace seemed to be shaking with the earth.
Could it be artillery?
Xiao Yanlin then beamed with joy. "Prince Rui, did you hear that? There are artillery fire outside the city. How can a mere rebel army fight back against them? If you surrender now, I might spare your life!"
Lu Zhiran presented a cannon to the court, which was placed in the military camp outside the city. The sound of the cannon must have come from there.
Unexpectedly, Prince Rui was not afraid at all, but instead showed a look that seemed to be smiling.
"That's what I was about to say to you. It's not too late for you to surrender."
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