In the face of this judgment, Huo Xian’s expression hardened, and the surrounding air seemed to freeze. The young eunuch looked terrified, quickly lowering his head, pretending not to hear anything.
After a long while, Huo Xian pulled at his lips, standing tall and said openly, “The incident with Duke Zhenguo was my doing. I won’t lie to you, Foster Father, but I don’t accept the blame for tonight. Over the years, if I said I never intended to suppress the Eastern Depot to elevate the Jinyiwei, you wouldn’t believe it. But my life is in your hands, and I know my limits. What do you plan to do about today’s situation? Give me your orders, and I’ll handle it.”
His face was expressionless, the last bit of filial sentiment stripped away, revealing a stark reality.
Even blood relatives could turn against each other; what about them?
From the beginning, there was no fatherly love. Zhao Yong indulged Huo Xian’s unruly behavior because these bad traits made Huo Xian more useful to him. He not only tolerated but also intentionally cultivated Huo Xian, striving to turn him into a fierce wolf that could protect him. Similarly, Huo Xian’s loyalty to Zhao Yong was merely a way to benefit from his power and influence.
They were just grasshoppers tied to the same string; they should both be aware of this.
Zhao Yong suddenly laughed. “Your temper… I know you are a measured person, but I fear you might lose your head over immediate benefits. Now, the Depot and the Jinyiwei are tied together; their fortunes are intertwined. Keep that in mind. Alright, have the Eastern Depot and the Office of Ceremonial Supervision withdraw. If the Ministry of Justice wants to investigate, I’ll go. We’ll see what happens.”
Huo Xian’s face darkened. “Yes. Don’t worry, I’ll find a way.”
He then bowed and left.
As soon as he pushed open the door, he ran into the eunuch standing under the eaves. This eunuch, Shunlai, had been promoted after Sheng Xi’s death. He was originally from the Office of Ceremonial Supervision and had a knack for cunning and slyness. In just a few months, he had become a trusted aide to Zhao Yong.
Shunlai didn’t show any embarrassment at being caught eavesdropping. Instead, he smiled hypocritically and bowed. “Take care, my lord.”
Huo Xian sneered at him and strode away.
He ignored the Ministry of Justice and the Supreme Court officials, walking boldly towards the depths of the palace, in the direction of the emperor’s sleeping quarters.
No one dared to stop him.
—
Shunlai entered the room, dismissed the young eunuch, and helped Zhao Yong put on his robe. As he straightened Zhao Yong’s collar, he asked, “Chief Eunuch, is it true that Lord Huo is involved in this matter?”
Zhao Yong, with a blank expression, replied, “Who knows? It’s too much of a coincidence. The Duke of Zhenguo’s forces had just marched south, and soon after, Wen Hui fell seriously ill. The Imperial Guards were handed over to Wen Bin. Although both are from the Wen family, there’s a significant difference between them. Wen Bin came from under the Marquis of Xuanping’s command. Don’t you find that suspicious?”
Shunlai pondered, “It is quite a coincidence…”
Zhao Yong continued, “Then the Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice came in. Without the Imperial Guards as a shield, the situation completely reversed. How can the Eastern Depot alone withstand the elite troops under the Marquis of Xuanping?”
Shunlai was puzzled. “But Chief Eunuch, what would Lord Huo gain from this? The Jinyiwei are not yet capable of standing on their own, especially with the emperor gravely ill. Without our Eastern Depot and the Office of Ceremonial Supervision, he would suffer too. The Ministry of Justice might be next to target the Northern Zhenfu Office. And besides, Lord Huo is a man who values his life… he wouldn’t take such a risk.”
Zhao Yong remained silent. In truth, Shunlai’s question echoed his own doubts. Previously, he believed he could completely control Huo Xian through the Office of Ceremonial Supervision. No matter how high Huo Xian jumped, he couldn’t surpass Zhao Yong. But now, what if Huo Xian had other backers?
Changsun Lianyu wasn’t dead, after all.
However, Zhao Yong’s suspicions were tempered by his belief in the power of the poison he used to control Huo Xian. As Shunlai mentioned, Huo Xian valued his life. Despite his wild and fierce demeanor, he was not a reckless person. Zhao Yong firmly believed this.
Fully dressed, Zhao Yong stepped out of the room and said, “Give this item to Xiao Yuanjing in advance. Tell him to watch out for Huo Xian, and also keep an eye on Yuanting, that boy. He’s not very clever; have someone monitor him closely.”
Shunlai received a seal and watched Zhao Yong leave, feeling a tightness in his chest. “Chief Eunuch.”
Zhao Yong glanced at him sideways. “Why panic? The times are changing.”
Shunlai took a deep breath and watched Zhao Yong walk away, holding onto the door frame. Yes, as long as the Duke of Zhenguo’s troops successfully entered the capital…
Meanwhile, the returning army reached Runing Prefecture, setting up camp outside the city for rest.
That night, the croaking of frogs and barking of dogs filled the air with a sense of unease.
The summer night was particularly sultry. The troops, marching day and night, were drenched in sweat. The further north they went, the hotter it became, making the soldiers restless.
Xiao Cheng sat in his tent, with his strategist, Mu Lei, beside him. Mu Lei was a middle-aged man with strikingly deep-set features. Both men were poring over a map of the capital.
This was likely the most detailed and clear military map of the time, marking all the imperial guards’ positions throughout the capital, including every palace gate.
The map was worn from frequent use. The closer they got to the capital, the more often they consulted it.
Mu Lei reassured, “Duke, everything is proceeding according to plan. That Changsun Lianyu is just a greenhorn, as foolish as Emperor Shun’an. They are not worth mentioning.”
Xiao Cheng’s face remained calm, but there was a hint of unease in his expression. “Mu Lei, we are down to seventy thousand men.”
One had to admit, Prince Xingnan was arrogant and dismissive of others, but he was well-prepared. His troops were formidable, his generals strong. The battle had raged from spring into summer. The military reports submitted to the court were brief and understated, and no one could comprehend the hardship involved.
Xiao Cheng had barely managed to secure victory against him.
When he initially led his troops south, they suffered losses of over seventy percent. Now, those following him north are no longer the same people; many of them are private soldiers hidden in Yunyang over the years.
However, Mu Lei disagreed, “The Duke should know that the imperial city is already like a sieve. Seventy thousand men are more than enough to deal with them. As long as we can enter the capital safely, there’s nothing to fear. With internal support, how can we fail to take it?”
Mu Lei was a tall and sturdy man with an inherent optimism and pride. But Xiao Cheng was always cautious and didn’t share Mu Lei’s confident mindset.
At this moment, however, the arrow was already on the string, and he could not hesitate.
He said, “I hope so.”
Mu Lei laughed, “Duke, you are braver than your father.”
Xiao Cheng closed the map and said coldly, “He is not my father.”
The night grew darker, and the sound of soldiers patrolling came from outside the camp.
Seven soldiers formed a patrol team, and after passing the main tent, their orderly footsteps became disorganized. Their steps were sluggish, and their heavy armor weighed them down, making them exhausted and drenched in sweat. One of them said, “Zhang Qu and his group are better off, going into the city to buy supplies. They haven’t returned yet; they’re probably enjoying themselves in some brothel.”
The others sighed enviously, unaware that blood was splattering three feet high in a certain brothel in the city.
The soldier named Zhang Qu drunkenly withdrew his sword from the belly of a young woman. She convulsed a few times and then died.
Everyone was shocked, shouting and retreating. Even the soldiers who accompanied him were sobered by fear, “Z-Zhang Qu!”
On their way back, the Duke had repeatedly warned them not to cause any trouble and not even to enter the city. They were to wait until they returned to the capital to receive their rewards. But now—
With a clang, Zhang Qu planted his sword in the ground and said, “I dare anyone to stop me. Where’s the prefect? Call your prefect here! Do you know who we are? We are the Duke Xiao’s personal soldiers. We just won a great battle for you, and you’re not rushing to greet us?”
He shook off the hand of a fellow soldier and said loudly, “This is your opportunity. The ruler of the capital is about to change. When we take the imperial city, even your prefect will have a hard time seeing me!”
Outside the screen, the prefect of Runing, Liang Jiang, who had hurriedly arrived, turned pale. He asked his advisor beside him, “Is he really a soldier from the camp outside the city?”
The advisor was equally frightened, “Yes, he is! Sir, what should we do if what he says is true?”
Liang Jiang wiped the sweat from his forehead and said, “Tonight’s matter must be suppressed, and no word of it must leak out. Whether true or false, we must report it truthfully to the court—”
Before he could finish, there was another scream.
Zhang Qu waved his sword wildly, and the blade pierced through the screen, stabbing into the advisor’s body. Liang Jiang, horrified, widened his eyes and fled.
Rebellion, this is rebellion!
The soldiers were ashen-faced, their legs trembling uncontrollably.
…It’s over, things have gotten out of hand.
