Side Hall
The Crown Prince was in the midst of reading some documents. The Emperor had fainted again yesterday, and was in a precarious state. Nobody knew how long the Emperor could hold on for.
"Ai!" The Crown Prince's heart was in turmoil. He didn't know why, but there was a sense of danger in his heart. He placed his brush down and was about to stand up when a eunuch retrieved an urgent military report and bowed, "Crown Prince, there's an urgent military report. King Lu's rebel army has won a great victory, and Chen Prefecture is in danger."
"What?" The Crown Prince was shocked as his face turned pale. He didn't expect King Lu to be so ferocious and take down yet another prefecture. His hands clenched so tightly that they turned white.
"Quick, bring it to me. Chen Prefecture has gathered the remnants of Count Zhong Qin's army. How could they be defeated so easily?" The Crown Prince revealed a ferocious look.
"Yes, Crown Prince." The eunuch hurriedly handed it over to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince glanced at it and felt a chill run down his spine. At this point, a eunuch hurried over, "Crown Prince, his Majesty has summoned you."
The Crown Prince understood that it was about Chen Prefecture. He stood up and walked towards the palace. After taking a few steps, he asked, "Where's Pei Zi Yun?"
"The last news I received was that the True Sovereign was about a hundred miles away from the capital city."
"If Pei Zi Yun reaches the capital city, report to me immediately."
"Yes!" The Crown Prince's footsteps were hurried as he walked along the corridors. The rain continued to fall, hitting the eaves of the roof. The sound of raindrops dripping could be heard.
When he reached the palace, the Crown Prince slowed down his footsteps. Several candles were burning brightly, illuminating the room.
The Emperor laid there motionless, listening to the sound of the raindrops. From time to time, he would cough and gasp for breath. His skin was dry and dry. When he saw the Crown Prince, he waved a hand, "You're here. My unfilial son has won again. Which prefecture did he take down this time?"
"Your Majesty, it's Chen Prefecture. Although Chen Prefecture hasn't fallen, they have no soldiers or generals. They won't be able to hold out for much longer. The neighboring prefectures have all surrendered." The Crown Prince's face was flushed red as he reported, "Useless. Fifty thousand soldiers were defeated in just one battle.
The Emperor's eyelids did not move as he stared dumbly at the golden dragon tent. Without saying a word, he suddenly asked the eunuch, "That's right, I asked Duke Jin, what did he reply?"
The Emperor asked calmly. The calmer his voice was, the more the red robed eunuch trembled. The Emperor's killing intent had been aroused, and he broke out in a cold sweat. He didn't dare to hide anything and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, Jin Guo has announced that he is ill and cannot go to battle."
He hesitated for a moment before continuing, "There was a report just now that Count Taiyuan had gone to Duke Jin's Public House. The exact situation has not been reported yet."
The room was silent. The Emperor coughed twice.
"Another sick call!" The Emperor laughed and didn't look angry, as if he had forgotten about this matter. He looked at the Crown Prince and said, "The Eldest Princess's daughter is sick. You should go and visit her."
"Also, Pei Zi Yun has just arrived in the capital city. I intend to do the same thing as the last time. Your brother will be the Commander-In-Chief, while Pei Zi Yun will be the General. What do you think?"
The Crown Prince heaved a sigh of relief as he bowed and replied, "Father's plan is wise, your son agrees."
Seeing that the Emperor had nothing else to say, the Crown Prince and the eunuch left. The Emperor's face turned pale as he coughed violently, as if he was in pain. Seeing the Emperor in pain, the eunuch hurriedly retrieved a crystal bottle from his medicine box.
There was some bright red medicinal liquid in the crystal bottle. The red-clothed eunuch helped the Emperor up and fed him the medicinal liquid. Only after the Emperor consumed the medicine did the red-clothed eunuch feel better. He panted softly and only stopped after a while.
The Emperor's face was flushed red. It wasn't clear if it was from anger, or from the pain he was in earlier. The moment he recovered, he revealed a killing intent.
"Huang Wu Yong!"
"Your servant is here."
Hearing the Emperor's call, Eunuch Huang replied.
"Help me up." Eunuch Huang helped the Emperor up. Although it was difficult for the Emperor, he still spoke with great difficulty, "Immediately pass down my decree. Execute Count Taiyuan and Duke Jin!"
"Your Majesty?"
Eunuch Huang asked once more. Count Taiyuan was one thing, but Duke Jin was the Emperor's younger cousin. He had grown up with the Emperor and had a close relationship with him for tens of years.
The Emperor waved his hands helplessly, "My decision has been made. Execute Count Taiyuan and Duke Jin. Go, there's no need to ask any questions. Execute the decree immediately."
"Yes, your Majesty." Eunuch Huang didn't hesitate this time as he turned around and left.
Seeing the red robed eunuch leave, the Emperor's old tears flowed down his cheeks. He refused to fight, and his heart was clear. For the sake of the Imperial Court, even if it was his own cousin, he had no choice but to execute him.
"Li Jin, the Crown Prince cannot control you. I don't have much time left. Let's meet in the underworld." The Emperor mumbled softly. Time seemed to flash before his eyes. Children accompanied each other, playful and playful. Youths struggled and fought alongside each other. A middle-aged ruler and minister, commanding troops on the battlefield. All these memories flashed before his eyes.
As he thought about it, the Emperor leaned against the bed and gradually fell asleep.
Capital City, half an hour ago
The streets were bustling with noise and excitement. The news of Chen Prefecture's defeat had already spread. Everyone on the streets was rushing to buy fuel, rice, oil and salt. The price of rice had increased by fifty percent. Who would have thought that the Imperial Court's army would be defeated like a landslide? Even if Jin Prefecture was lost, Chen Prefecture was still in danger.
"Have you heard? It's been said that King Lu is going to attack the capital city and usurp the position of Crown Prince."
At a bean curd stall, a peddler whispered to several other peddlers. Hearing these words, several peddlers revealed looks of fear.
"I've heard about it too. Someone said that King Lu's army has the support of the gods. That's why they're invincible."
"I've heard about it too." Another peddler whispered as he looked around, "Could it be that King Lu is the true Emperor? If the Crown Prince wants to be the Emperor, even the heavens wouldn't allow it. "
"Watch your words, watch your words."
At this point, several riders galloped past. The originally noisy street was now much quieter. The rider in the middle looked to be a middle aged man, who was frowning and deep in thought.
"Count Taiyuan, we've arrived." In front of him was a mansion, with the words "Duke Jin's Mansion" written on it. The middle aged man dismounted from his horse and was immediately led into a study room.
The weather was cold now, and the wind was howling. Seeing someone, Count Taiyuan fell to his knees, "This lowly general pays his respects to Duke Jin."
"You've already been conferred the title of Count Taiyuan, there's no need for you to bow to me." Duke Jin spoke.
"This lowly general is under the command of the Duke, how can I forget my roots?" Tai Yuan laughed as he spoke. He then paused before speaking, "Duke, now that King Lu has taken over Chen Prefecture, it seems like he's going to be very powerful. The Imperial Court will definitely send troops over to deal with him. This is my report."
As he spoke, he handed the report over to Duke Jin.
Duke Jin received the report and scanned through it. He then sighed, "It's only been a few peaceful days, and now the world is in chaos again."
As he sighed, Duke Jin tossed the report onto the table, "How do you think we should deal with this?"
Count Taiyuan seemed to have expected this question from Duke Jin. He then replied, "Duke, shall we each write a word?"
As he spoke, he didn't use ink. Instead, he used a cup of tea and wrote, "Tian".
Duke Jin's smile also had the word "Emperor" written on it.
There were rumors going around that King Lu was blessed by the heavens, and was able to ascend to the throne. It was unknown if King Lu had secretly arranged for this to happen. However, with King Lu's numerous victories, the Imperial Court was forced to retreat. Hence, these rumors had a basis to spread. The both of them looked at each other and laughed out loud. Duke Jin then spoke plainly, "Actually, the Emperor sent someone to ask me if I wanted to be the commander. I told him that I was sick and couldn't take on such an important role. I've already resigned."
"Looks like Duke has a plan in mind." Count Taiyuan's expression relaxed as he smiled, "I've heard that Pei Zi Yun has entered the capital city. There's going to be a huge change to this kid. Should we …?"
As he spoke, his tone was icy cold. If it was possible, he would kill Pei Zi Yun. When Duke Jin heard this, he hesitated before replying, "There's no need!"
"This person is a Daoist, and is a True Sovereign. Not only is his martial arts strong, he has divine abilities as well. If we manage to kill him, that would be great. But if we don't, we would be in big trouble. Who would be able to help us then?"
"As long as we don't fight, we can just observe quietly. No matter who takes over the throne, we have to appease them. If we rely on them now, the risk is too great, and the benefits are too small."
When Count Taiyuan heard this, he paused before laughing, "Duke Jin is indeed farsighted. I can't be compared to you."
At this point, someone reported, "The palace has sent someone over. It's Supervisor Huang. He says it's an imperial edict!"
Duke Jin paused, as he had a bad feeling about this. He then forced a smile, "Then set up the incense burner."
As soon as they arrived at the courtyard, they saw soldiers striding in. The sound of swords clanging against each other could be heard. When Count Taiyuan and Duke Jin saw this, their faces turned pale.
Eunuch Huang walked in, his face was ashen. There was no trace of a smile on his face. His tone was as cold as ice, "The Emperor has an imperial edict!"
Duke Jin and Count Taiyuan knew that something was wrong. At this point, they had no choice but to kneel before the incense burner. They listened to Eunuch Huang announce the imperial edict, "The imperial edict states: Duke Jin and Count Taiyuan have colluded with each other, extorting bribes and committing all sorts of shameful acts. They should have been punished according to the law. But on account of their meager contributions, the imperial edict states that the two of you are to commit suicide.
Eunuch Huang read it out loud, causing Duke Jin and Count Taiyuan's vision to darken. Following that, someone presented a black wooden tray with two cups filled with wine.
At this point, there were still people in the courtyard, all of them were pale with fright. When Duke Jin's eyes met them, he felt as if he was being pricked by needles. He snapped out of his stupor and exchanged glances with Count Taiyuan.
"You're not willing to follow the imperial edict?" Eunuch Huang glanced at them, his tone was cold as he scoffed, "Thunder and rain are the benevolence of the Emperor. As officials, how can you not understand this?"
"Or perhaps you wish to resist?"
"You have to know that the Emperor only has the decree to bestow death upon you. If you resist, it would be considered treason. Not only will you be sentenced to suicide, but your entire clan will also be exterminated."
"Even if you resist, I have brought five hundred armored soldiers with me. How many soldiers do you have in your residence? Can you resist?" When Eunuch Huang spoke up to this point, his tone softened, "Whatever the outcome is, you can choose for yourselves!"
Duke Jin's face paled as he said, "I want to see the Emperor!"
"The Emperor has long since decreed that there is no need to wait for the imperial edict. There is no need to meet again." Eunuch Huang said coldly.
"Is that so? So this is my outcome?" Duke Jin glanced at the courtyard and suddenly chuckled. He picked up a cup and downed it in one gulp.
Seeing that Duke Jin had drunk the wine and Count Taiyuan still refused to commit suicide, Eunuch Huang's expression changed. He pointed at the cup and shouted, "Force the wine down his throat!"
Five or six armored soldiers immediately pounced on him. Although Count Taiyuan was a military general, when faced with so many people, it didn't take long for him to be tied up.
Another soldier stuffed a cup of wine into Count Taiyuan's hand, not letting go and forcing the poisoned wine down his throat. Count Taiyuan struggled with all his might, but his entire body was drenched in wine. In the end, he had to force another cup down his throat.
The poisoned wine was very potent. The two of them rolled on the ground, moaning and struggling at first, but gradually stopped moving. Eunuch Huang looked at the two corpses and sighed, "Examine the corpses!"
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