Chapter 104: Out of Control!

  "Tian Lu..."

  After hearing Zheng Er Bao's words, Yuan Xiao Gongzi's face, which had never been serious before, changed completely. If it weren't for the fact that he was not in a convenient position, he would have flipped over and jumped up.

  At the beginning of summer, like others, her eyes also fell on Zhao Zhu's face.

  At this time, everyone hoped to see him react.

  But Zhao Zhen's expression didn't change, his complexion under the light and shadow was no different from usual, without any unusual signs. If one had to say something was different, it would be that there was a hint of unspoken sadness in his calm demeanor.

  Her heart skipped a beat as Xia Chuqi's palm landed on his hand.

  "Dad!"

  He glanced over and said lightly, "Xiang Zhuang dances with his sword, his intention is towards Lord Pei."

  Who is Xiangzhuang? And who is Lord Pei again? On the seventh day of summer, Xiaochu's heart seemed to have leaked a bit of wind, as if she could still smell the scent of wind and rain and blood... She grasped Zhao Zhu's hand tightly, hesitating for a moment.

  "Grandpa, aren't you going to take a look?"

  Zhao Zhu's gaze fell on the window lattice, his voice extremely soft, "How does it look?"

  "Are you just going to let it happen, isn't this just making your guilt a reality?"

  "Yes, Tianlu...". Yuan Xiaogong, who was also anxious and furious, took over the conversation, "This clearly shows that they are targeting you. Xia Tingde, that old dog, knew that you have a high reputation in the army, so he deliberately provoked your brothers. Damn it! Taking advantage of my absence to stir up trouble! I don't know what Big Niu is eating, that useless thing, why didn't he stop them?"

  Zhao Zun's lips were pursed, and he patted Xia Chuqi's hand again before walking slowly to the window. He looked outside for a while, then turned back after a long silence. His eyes gleamed with complexity that was hard to decipher on his calm and handsome face. His words were light and slow, but each one carried weight.

  "Thus, one can only remain unchanged in response to the myriad changes."

  Looking at his calm and serene face, Xia Chuqi was almost worried to death for him.

  She herself was a military personnel, so she naturally knew the influence and destructive power of a military coup. Such a large-scale armed riot, regardless of which dynasty, is a major event concerning the fate of the country and the survival of the imperial court. No emperor would allow his subordinates to mutiny. This incident will be a depth charge for the entire Great Yan army, and it's unknown how many people will die from it.

  It is worth noting that although the old emperor has taken back Zhao Kui's military power, Zhao Kui's prestige in the Golden Army cannot be easily shaken. So, was Xia Tingde's provocation just a test? Think about it, he only scolded Zhao Kui a few times and caused a mutiny, if one day Zhao Kui calls out on the mountain, what will happen then?

  Upon hearing such news, the old emperor will probably be unable to sleep soundly.

  Since ancient times, emperors have been heartless; according to his nature, could he easily let off Zhao Yun?

  She estimated that after the military coup subsided, the old emperor would certainly use this incident as an excuse to make a large number of changes in the Imperial Guard, replacing them with his own trusted men. This matter was far from over.

  Impulsive!

  It's all caused by impulsiveness.

  Jin Wei's soldiers' feelings for Zhao Zhu were played a wonderful killing move by someone.

  Her eyes were like nails, anxiously looking at Zhao Zhu.

  "Grandfather, if you don't stop this, this hat will be stuck on me for good. If I stop it now, at least I can still wash away my own disgust..."

  Zhao Zun narrowed his eyes for a moment, then walked back and sat down beside her.

  "The more you do, the more mistakes you make; if you don't do anything, you won't make any mistakes."

  Xia Qi's actions were proactive, and she liked to take the initiative in everything. So some people couldn't understand why he was handling things in such a "passive and negative" way. She rolled her eyes, looking at Zhao Zhuo's straight nose, tightly pursed lips, and deep, unfathomable eyes, and couldn't help but feel frustrated in her heart. But she also knew that Zhao Shi Jiu had always been a careful planner, so if he said something like this, he must have his own reasons.

  Then...

  Her tense body relaxed, and she smiled slyly.

  "Alright, let the enemy run amok, I will remain unmoved."

  She was just joking, but unexpectedly, Zhao Zhu came over with a serious face and replied, "A Qi is right, whoever can't hold their breath first loses."

  The two of them came out of Yuan You Fang's room half a time later.

  Zhao Zhuo is going back to the mansion.

  Looking at him, Xia Chuqi stood still, her eyes flickering slightly.

  In normal circumstances, they would have to separate again. The two of them should take advantage of the situation and get close while no one is paying attention. But at this moment, her heart was always nervous. She kept thinking that the "coup" incident was a big trap set up specifically for Zhao Zhuo, even if he didn't jump in voluntarily, someone would definitely push him to jump, so why not...?

  She raised an eyebrow and nudged Zhao Zhu's elbow.

  "Zhao Nineteen."

  Seeing her serious little face, Zhao Zun pursed his lips, "What does Ah Qi have to say?"

  Hesitated, hesitated, considered, the blood surged up, and slowly cooled down... With a complex mood, Xia Qiuzi raised her head again, word by word, enunciating clearly as she looked at him.

  "Take advantage of the east wind by the banks of the Jinshui River! This time, the military coup might just be your chance, why not... make a clean cut... slash through the tangled mess..."

  She said with a hint of meaning, her right hand raised, making a slashing motion.

  Zhao Zhu was taken aback, then smoothed her hair and couldn't help but laugh.

  "Little girl, big ambitions."

  "It's not that I have any ambition, it's just that you're not worth..."

  She was advising him to "turn back", how could Zhao Zun not understand? He didn't respond, his gaze met hers for a moment, the cold and proud eyes slightly darkened with a hint of fatigue, then he changed the subject, instructing her, "Don't run around randomly in the mansion. You don't need to worry about these things."

  "Ah", Xia Chuqi's expression was quite constipated.

  "You're such a stubborn person! Just wait and see, others won't let you have it easy!"

  Zhao You's expression didn't change, he just rubbed her face. "Mm, I'll be back in two days to see you."

  She raised an eyebrow and glared at him, "Sneaking around?"

  Zhao You smiled slyly, "Yes, come secretly. Wait for me on the bed."

  Her eyes rolled upwards in a circle, and Xia Chuqi's cheeks turned red like ripe tomatoes. Probably for doing things "stealthily", people all have an instinctive expectation and excitement, being brought by his casual words, the worries in her heart also slightly let go, and she couldn't help but curl up her lips playfully.

  "Is that considered an affair?"

  "It doesn't count as natural! You're the king's queen."

  Two people were talking, when two little maids from the Chengguo Gongfu walked over. Probably to avoid implicating her reputation, Zhao Zun lightly coughed, glanced at her, and turned his head to leave. Xia Chuqi's heart felt a pang of sadness as she thought that they might not meet again for who knows how long.

  "Grandpa..."

  Zhao Zhu stopped in his tracks and turned around to look at her.

  At the beginning of summer, there was no such "women's virtue" as "men and women not being intimate". Looking at his face, she felt embarrassed and lowered her head to bite her lip. Taking advantage of the two little maids turning around the corridor, she suddenly rushed over and threw herself into his arms.

  "A little reluctant to part with..."

  She dragged out her words and, seeing he didn't respond, reluctantly added, "Your silver."

  Zhao Yu lowered his head and glanced at her, curled up the corner of his mouth, turned around and tightly hugged her.

  "Me too."

  ……

  ……

  When night falls, Jingyi Garden becomes especially quiet.

  Outside the window, the banana leaves were blown by the wind, making a "puffing" sound. Xia Qi opened her arms and stretched her waist, then touched her round and plump belly, exclaiming that she couldn't take it anymore. These days of being pampered in the Chen Guo Gong Fu mansion seemed to have the potential to turn her into a big fatty.

  She took a comfortable pillow and was about to sit on the soft couch to continue studying her "Qing Nang Book", when she swept her eyes and saw that the light gauze at the window fluttered slightly...

  She narrowed her eyes and turned to look at Qing Luan and Mei Zi, a few maids.

  "Everyone go down, I want some quiet."

  "Yes, young mistress..."

  This was in their own home, the maids didn't ask much, they just responded with a "yes" and left in a line. Xia Chuqi curled up the corner of her lips, lazily pulled over the comfortable pillow, sat down on the chair by the tea table, leisurely lifted her legs, took a sip of the hot tea, and then let out a comfortable sigh.

  "It wasn't until today that I realized, originally Da Doutou liked to steal?"

  The light silk was lifted again, and a slender and elegant figure emerged from within.

  "Jing Yi's vigilance is quite high? I admire it tightly."

  "No need to flatter him, that beastly aura on his body is something I'd rather not notice, it's hard to ignore."

  She always speaks with a sharp tongue.

  It seemed that Dongfang Qingxuan had never been enraged by her before.

  With a smile, the Grand Commander sat down in another chair on the other side of the tea table from her, not politely taking a cup from the table, pouring himself a cup of tea she had just drunk, and savoring it leisurely, his elegant demeanor and movements making people watch him with rapt attention.

  What a pity, such a good skin was wasted...

  At the beginning of summer, Qiuzi sighed secretly, casting a sideways glance at him without making a sound. She took out the token of the Brocade Guard's secret agent from her sleeve and handed it to him across the tea table. "This thing given by Generalissimo, I'm afraid is no longer needed. Originally wanted to return it long ago, but never had the chance. Coincidentally, Generalissimo you came today, so I don't have to make another trip..."

  The eastern blue mysterious eyebrow tip slightly raised, a hint of smile curved at the corner of his mouth.

  "The tea here at Jingyi County is truly delicious..."

  "Don't beat around the bush! Are you going to or not?" Xia Chuyi looked at the token again, stubbornly pushed it forward once more, her eyes full of impatience.

  Dongfang Qingxuan smiled lightly as he looked at her, put down his teacup and stretched out his hand. However, unexpectedly, he didn't take the command token, but instead placed that one slender white hand that made the young lady jealous on top of hers, and ambiguously caressed it for a moment, his voice softly hinting to her.

  "Want! How can I not want?"

  On the seventh day of summer, his hand was scalded and quickly withdrew.

  "Are you... going to lose face?!"

  She glared at him with a huff, but Dongfang just chuckled teasingly, his finely carved handsome face showing not the slightest bit of embarrassment.

  "Miss Qi, you really won't cooperate with me?"

  "No." Xia Chuqi sneered, "The sky won't drop meat pies! From the first day I met General Du, I knew what kind of person you were. How would I do something as foolish as plotting with a tiger to take its skin?"

  "First meeting?" Dongfang Qingxuan lowered his head, seemingly unintentionally taking a sip of tea, before slowly raising his eyes. The emotions in those sparkling eyes had increased compared to before, and the lightly opened lips were as beautiful as the best fine brushwork in the world. "Seventh Miss, do you still remember our first meeting?"

  Xia Chuqi snorted coldly, "That's natural! In the small woods of Qinggang County, you, the Grand Commander, kill people without batting an eye. It really makes this young lady blush..."

  The eastern blue mysterious and beautiful eyes slightly narrowed, looking at her with a smile.

  "Wrong, our first meeting wasn't Qinggang County, but..."

  At this point, seeing Xia Chuyi showing interest in looking over, he just smiled lightly and didn't continue. The topic was diverted again. "Miss Qi really doesn't remember that year, or is she intentionally pretending to be silly in front of me?"

  Listening to his words, it seemed like there was something between him and Xia Chu. But after careful consideration, Xia Chuyi searched through her limited "Xia Chu memories" and found nothing about Dongfang Qingxuan...

  Oh!

  Every time someone mentions Xia Chu's past love affair, she always feels depressed.

  If she could remember everything, why would she need to be restricted by others?

  She thought so in her heart, but she never lost face when interacting with others.

  Still with a hint of mockery in her smile, she glanced at Dongfang Qingyun and said, "Oh dear, it seems I've really forgotten. It looks like you're not an easy person to remember, Commander-in-Chief."

  Her sarcasm was evident, Dongfang Qingxuan slightly raised the corner of his mouth, and in his narrow and long phoenix eyes, a hint of sharpness flashed, "Miss Seven doesn't remember me, that's okay." He handed the token back to Xia Chuyi again, and continued to smile, "Things I give out, have never been taken back. Miss Seven, don't refuse so quickly. I still say the same thing, you will definitely cooperate with me, I have this confidence."

  Ignoring the token, Xia Qiuzi glared at him.

  "I'm afraid you'll be disappointed, I've never collaborated with people who aren't relevant."

  "An irrelevant person..." Dongfang Qingxuan looked at her, the smile in his eyes even more radiant, "It seems that I should quickly make you a relevant person?"

  Her heart skipped a beat, Xia Chuzi's eyes narrowed coldly and she gave him a sideways glance.

  In fact, she was sarcastic and ironic, but never took Dongfang Qingyun's words as nonsense or jokes. This guy spoke with a smile in every sentence, with little real emotion, but each sentence had depth.

  She paused for a moment, her face stern, "What does the Grand Commander mean?"

  Dongfang Qingxuan smiled and took another sip of water.

  "There is someone over there who must be Miss Qiye, the one you want to see."

  "Who is it?"

  "Temporarily... keep it confidential!"

  At the beginning of summer, she was secretly shocked in her heart, but her face didn't show any expression. She just gave him a sideways glance and said, "Are you crazy?! Fine, say it or not, I don't care. This girl doesn't have time to entangle with you, hurry up and leave! It's late at night, and if the Grand Marshal is seen coming out of Miss Chengguo's embroidery building, wouldn't that be bad?"

  "Hehe, Miss Qi still cares about this?"

  The Eastern Blue Mystic's face still had that enchanting smile, a raised eyebrow, a curled lip, all of which were an inexplicable blend of mystery and elegance, yet somehow always sent shivers down one's spine.

  "My feet want to leave, but my heart is reluctant to part with it."

  "Get out!" Xia Chuqi curled up her lip, "Don't even think about telling me you've taken a liking to me?"

  "What if I say yes?" Dongfang Qingxuan smiled slightly with a curved lip.

  "Heh heh..." She let out a dry, mirthless laugh, and then suddenly stopped smiling. Summer Seventh leaned forward, her eyes fixed intently on him as she enunciated each word: "So, you'd better be prepared to change your ways! I, Miss, really... can't stand you at all. Hurry up, if you have something to say, say it. I'm sleepy and don't have time to idle around with you."

  Seeing her eyes full of contempt and disgust, Dongfang Qing's pupils slightly chilled.

  He smiled again, "Today I came to the front of the Japanese seat, especially to congratulate you, Seventh Miss. Congratulations on entering the Jin Wang Fu with my sister on the same day, it can be said that this is also a fate? However, I am also worried about Seventh Miss. Hehe, my intention is that, according to your appearance, it's really hard to mention you and my sister together, as long as King Jin is not a blind man, guess who he will dote on more?"

  Xia Chuqi raised the corner of her lips, seemingly smiling but not quite, as she gazed at him. Her eyes rolled around in a circle, and then she suddenly stretched out one finger, wagging it back and forth in front of him before bursting into giggles.

  "There is only one truth. He must be the most spoiled... you!"

  She said with a "you" word, then she hehe smiled lightly and pointed straight at Dongfang Qingxuan.

  "Is that all? Get out!"

  Eastern Qing Xuan's eyes sank slightly, "Miss Seventh doesn't mind at all?"

  "How can you not mind? I'm very particular." Xia Chun Qi looked him up and down, speaking with great relish, each word accompanied by a playful smile. "I do mind, my hand is going to get stained with blood again. Tsk tsk, my methods, others may not know, but Commander, you should be aware of them, right? You really aren't afraid that your sister will come over and within three days, she'll be sending a message for your family to collect her corpse?"

  She paused, seeing that he didn't respond, Xia Chuyi raised an eyebrow again. "In my opinion, if the Grand Commander really cares about his sister, it's better not to take such a risk. After all, I am the official wife, and she is the concubine. I am the wife, and she is the mistress. Ah, the scene of the official wife bullying the little concubine has been sung in many operas, hasn't it? The Grand Commander shouldn't be unaware of this..."

  She said with a half-joking and half-threatening tone, intentionally teasing Dongfang Qingyun. Unexpectedly, after talking for quite some time, she didn't see him respond, which made her feel somewhat strange. She closed her mouth and looked over, only to see Dongfang Qingyun's face looking odd, his emotions seeming not too good.

  "So, you're scared now?"

  Looking at her bright eyes, Dongfang Qingxuan smiled wryly.

  "Miss Qi is right. I also disapprove of this marriage."

  He doesn't agree either?

  It's the same with Xia Qi. The beautiful woman of the Dong family, from being a crown princess to becoming the concubine of the King of Jin, is obviously a losing deal. Anyone who can calculate accounts would not agree to it. So why did they still try their best to make this marriage happen?

  "Ah Mu'er... " Dongfang Qingxuan thought for half a day, his handsome face somewhat stiff. "She has had deep feelings for the Jin King since childhood, and this time she is even more determined to go her own way, no one can stop her. She would rather be a concubine, or even a servant, as long as she can enter the Jin King's palace. What can I do, being her older brother?"

  Xia Chuqi hummed and narrowed her eyes, suddenly exclaiming "oh" in realization.

  "I see, I understand now."

  "What's going on?" Dongfang Qingyun asked lightly.

  "You knew my true identity back in Qinggang County, yet you didn't report it to Zhao Mianze even though he was looking for me. You must have had your own thoughts on the matter. Later, when we returned to the capital, at the Deep Well Teahouse, you even vouched for me in front of him, proving my masculinity without revealing the truth. But when you found out I was given to the King of Jin as his official consort, you kidnapped me and gave me the Brocade Edict, forcing me to resume my identity as Xia Chu... So, it turns out that all this talk about cooperation, helping me clear my name and avenge myself were just lies. Your purpose was only one..."

  Eastern blue mysterious eyes gleam deeply.

  "What does Miss Qi mean?"

  On the seventh day of summer, she ridiculed him with a smile and stared straight into his seductive eyes.

  "The reason for your sudden change is for the sake of your sister Amur, isn't it?! I'm guessing that if Chen Guo Gong hadn't proposed marriage before the Crown Prince's death, this time Empress Zhang wouldn't have been seeking a concubine status for your younger sister, right? Shouldn't she be the main consort of the Jin King instead? Hmm, now I seem to understand. Those imperial consorts that Zhao 19th had previously received as gifts, how did they really die? You didn't...you wouldn't have been the one who killed them all, would you?! You sacrificed others for your sister's sake?"

  The Eastern Blue Mystic is motionless, with eyes like flowing water, sinking and floating.

  Looking at his face, Xia Zhi suddenly stopped smiling and looked over with a serious expression.

  "Great Commander, why?"

  Before he could respond, Xia Chuyi smiled again, "Now that Princess Jingyi of the State of Jing is the legitimate wife of the King of Jin, in two days they will be performing the sixth ritual. According to past conventions, shouldn't you... kill me before the grand wedding?"

  Dongfang Qingyun fell silent for a moment, then smiled.

  "This is a good question! Seventh Miss, I also want to know... why can't you bear to kill you?"

  "The answer is simple." Xia Chunqiu smiled, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Isn't there a huge value on my body that you, Great General, have mentioned? How can you bear to kill me before getting this value?"

  With a gentle sigh, Dongfang Qingxuan nodded, his eyes flashing with a hint of annoyance.

  "Maybe..."

  Just as he was saying this, someone outside shouted "Miss", sounding like Qing Lan's voice. Immediately afterwards, footsteps came over. Xia Chuqi was taken aback, not wanting to be seen by her. In case she told Zhao Zhu again and caused more trouble, he only told her it was nothing, and hastily looked at Dongfang Qingyuan.

  "Marshal, after you?"

  Dongfang Qingxuan looked at her, his red sleeves fluttering as he slowly stood up, but instead of leaving, he walked straight to her front, his hands resting on the armrests of her chair, lowering his head to trap her in his arms, speaking softly.

  "Miss Qi, do you know? The Emperor still doesn't know your true identity, that's why he allowed this switch. Once he finds out, you'll absolutely not be able to marry the King of Jin... So, rest assured, I won't let you become the Queen of Jin."

  Her heart skipped a beat, Xia Chuqi's eyes narrowed, and she grasped his wrist.

  "Marshal, don't do this..."

  Her voice was rarely soft, Dongfang Qingxuan was stunned, looking down at her hand, "You like him that much? Even forgetting the great humiliation Zhao Mianze once gave you, even forgetting the deep blood feud of the Xia family, just for a man, you want to give up all these?"

  Looking into his enchanting and beautiful eyes, Xia Chuqi rarely spoke seriously with him.

  "Great Commander, what makes us human is our emotions. I believe you also have someone you want to protect in your heart, like your sister, that's emotion. And for me... there's no one more important than Zhao Zhuo in this world. Can't you put yourself in my shoes and show some mercy? Once we leave the capital, we won't be a nuisance to you again, and you'll still be the powerful Jin Yiwei Great Commander... Of course, I know you must be thinking that your sister is not worthy of him. But Great Commander, if Zhao Shi Jiu truly wants to marry your family's Ah Mu Er, I, Chu Qi Er, will pack my bags and leave immediately without a word. However, the one he truly wants to marry is me. So, I have no reason to give up, what do you say?"

  Her voice was soft and gentle, but her tone and intonation were nothing like those of modern women.

  Eastern Blue Mystic's eyes grew increasingly dim, "Seventh Miss, now that I think about it, I rather regret..."

  Xia Chuqi was confused by his inexplicable words and responded with a bewildered "hmm".

  "What's the regret?"

  "The first time I saw you was at the Royal Hunting Grounds, have you forgotten? At that time, I should have...” His gaze deepened, and he suddenly curved his lips, smiling as he made a "pinching" motion on her neck, "Pinch you to death, and there wouldn't be today's troubles."

  Her eyes rolled around and Xia Qi Qi pushed his hand away, suddenly sitting up straight.

  "It's a bit of a pity. Because now, Commander, you don't just have no chance, but I reckon from now on, you'll have to listen to me..."

  "Huh?" Dongfang Qingxuan was puzzled.

  If there was a hint of a smile, Xia Qi Qi blew a breath at him, and the dimples on his lips became even more beautiful. "Great General, don't you feel that your body is getting a bit hot? Sorry, I forgot to tell you earlier, in the tea water you drank, I put something called 'New Bride Powder'. This thing, if women drink it, nothing will happen, but if men drink it... hehe, unless there's an antidote, for this lifetime... they can't become a groom again."

  Upon hearing this, Dongfang Qingyun's expression changed.

  At the beginning of summer, she felt secretly pleased and silly. This man and woman were too close together, of course, they would feel a little hot, who didn't know! Thinking of this, she smiled even sweeter, "Hey, General, your face looks so bad, you mustn't get angry. Think about it, all the girls live here, if any man sneaks in, he must be an unscrupulous wolf, how can I not be on guard?"

  She said, her hand pointing at Dongfang Qingyun's shoulder and gently pushing him away.

  "You should be grateful, I didn't put something like soft bone powder. Otherwise, I would have stripped you naked, tied you up and dragged you to the street for exhibition, letting people feast their eyes..."

  Dongfang Qingxuan smiled slightly, and in those demonic eyebrows and eyes, there was a chilling coldness that pierced to the bone.

  "The greatest poison is the heart of a woman, and it's not natural."

  "Don't be impatient, my purpose in doing this is only one, Commander-in-Chief you... must keep the secret for me, and after I successfully marry Zhao Shi Jiu, I will naturally give you the antidote. This is our first collaboration, how about it?"

  Looking at his cunning little face, Dongfang Qing's eyes hid a hint of unclear emotions. He suddenly pulled her over, leaned in close to her face and said, "Seventh Miss, I detest being threatened the most. Since that's the case, why not try it now... can you make me a groom?"

  In her heart, she suddenly felt a leak of air, and on the seventh day of summer, she frowned slightly, feeling a bit regretful for saying "new bride powder" out of habit. If only she had known earlier, she should have concocted an even more potent and untestable medicine instead.

  In her hesitation, she pushed him hard with both hands, but he grasped them tightly.

  He smiled slightly, suddenly leaned in close to her ear, his thin lips curled up and sucked on her earlobe, wet and sloppy, before exhaling softly and whispering two words.

  "Deal."

  On the seventh day of summer, my body was stiff there...

  The Eastern guy has left, she gritted her teeth and stared at the token still lying on the tea table, and touched her ear again, her whole face was burning with shame.

  Eastern freaks, too damn despicable...

  But he actually said it was a deal...... obviously there's no new husband powder!!!

  ……

  ……

  Changping District

  When Chen Daniu arrived, the situation had already gotten out of control.

  He went out of the barracks early this morning to welcome his old parents and daughter-in-law who came from Qingzhou Prefecture, but before they arrived, a messenger soldier rushed over to report that a mutiny had occurred.

  He couldn't wait any longer and arranged for someone to stay behind, then hastily returned.

  Just by looking at the boiling water, he knew he was late coming back.

  Xiatian De's mouth was stuffed with a piece of cloth, his knees were kneeling on the ground, and his body was tied to the flagpole. He was soaked from head to toe, apparently having been beaten unconscious in the middle and then splashed awake with cold water. His appearance was disheveled and pitiful. In contrast, Shi Changjin, the Minister of War, received slightly better treatment, being detained in a tent by angry officers without being tied up, but still under guard.

  When he saw him return, almost all of his men had already been reduced to tears.

  "General, you've finally returned. That old scoundrel Xia is unbearable. The brothers have been stifled for days, and today we've finally vented our anger. If the imperial court doesn't give us justice, we'll fight all the way to the capital and give them a taste of their own medicine!"

  Chen Dainiu is a straightforward person, but he's not stupid.

  He had already heard about the situation on his way here, so he roughly knew what was going on.

  Now seeing this situation, I feel it's even worse than he expected.

  With his hand on the hilt of his sword, he looked around at the indignant officers.

  "Let them go, catch the ringleader and take him with me to Beijing to confess his crime."

  "General on the left!" The school lieutenant's face turned black upon hearing his words, "Brothers aren't cowards, why should we let that old dog bully my Golden Guard? When we were bleeding and fighting barbarians outside, they were enjoying good food and drink in their nests. Now that we've won a victory and it's peaceful, he dares to ride on our heads and shit and piss. Can brothers tolerate this?"

  "Not fair!" someone shouted back.

  "Not satisfied, must let the imperial court give an explanation."

  "Yes, we must restore the King of Jin's right to lead troops."

  "We'd rather follow General Wang of Divine Might than follow Old Dog Xia!"

  "It's all wrong! It's all wrong!"

  Another wave of earth-shattering shouts, straight to the sky. It's clear that these people's blood has been ignited. One by one, their eyes are burning red, and the situation is completely out of control. Chen Daniu was so anxious that his forehead was covered in cold sweat, and without thinking, he rushed onto the stage.

  "Brothers, now is not the time to fight against barbarians or show off bravery. You feel sorry for General Wang, I understand that in my heart. However, a country has its laws and an army has its rules, we can't do things like this, isn't this putting Prince Jinwang on the spot?"

  "What's there to fear?" someone loudly roared, "Those petty men in the imperial court, they use people when it's convenient and discard them when it's not. They're all just silver guns and wax heads, each one looking good but useless. At worst, brothers, we can now fight our way into the capital, set fire to that imperial palace, and see how they deal with us!"

  "Come on, come on... brothers can't admit defeat!"

  "It's already like this, whether or not to rebel, we'll all lose our heads! General Zuo, you speak up, we've all become rebels for the sake of avenging General Wang."

  "Revenge! Revenge!"

  One shout was louder than the last, Chen Daniu's head ached.

  Xia Tingde is not the first time provoking the Jinwei Army generals, from the day he took office, he began to continuously adjust Zhao Zhuo's original military structure, redeploying and repeatedly making sarcastic remarks. These brothers have been holding back their anger for a long time, if the arrow has already been drawn, it can't be taken back even if they want to.

  Even if they lay down their arms now, the imperial court will not easily forgive these people.

  Sweat dripped down his back, he fell silent for a moment, and then loudly shouted.

  "Someone's coming!"

  "Yes! General Left!"

  "Pass it down - " With his hands on his hips, Chen Daniu looked around at the crowd and shouted loudly, "Get all the ringleaders of the trouble and tie them up for me!"

  "Yes!"

  Soon, several Imperial Guards jumped down from the stage.

  It happened suddenly, but who started the trouble and who can tell clearly?

  He saw that he had caught a few leaders who were shouting loudly, and the others became even more dissatisfied. One by one, they became anxious and red-eyed, shouting loudly, their voices rising wave after wave, but no one dared to come up and fight Chen Daniu.

  Looking at the thick smoke and haze in the camp, Chen Dabull's eyebrows furrowed tighter.

  He knew in his heart that this matter could no longer be suppressed.

  But he also believed that Zhao Zun had already received the news.

  Since he didn't make any move, now she can only cooperate with him.

  With a long sigh, "clang" sound, Chen Daniu dropped the sword hanging from his waist.

  "Come on! Tie me up too!"

  Jin Wei Jun's left general Chen Da Niu tied himself up and brought several troublemakers with him, kneeling together outside the Feng Tian Gate to plead guilty. This matter quickly reached the ears of Emperor Hong Tai.

  But what's the use of his apology?

  The mutiny situation has still not subsided. Now he comes to plead guilty, which is no different from announcing to Emperor Hongtai that Chen Daniu has no way to control the situation and can only let Your Majesty punish him.

  This move of his is actually a case of "draining the water from the cauldron".

  The Jin army was completely handed over, and the mutiny became even more thorough, all mixed into a mess.

  At one time, the Jingshan Barracks mutinied, and the whole city was in an uproar.

  Not only are the ordinary people in the city frightened and worried about being attacked, but also the imperial court is like a pot of porridge.

  These people are not fools, they all know in their hearts that the mutiny must have been instigated by someone with ulterior motives. However, as things have developed to this point, the out-of-control situation is completely beyond everyone's expectations, perhaps even including those of the person who instigated it.

  The mutiny grew more and more violent, and one after another of the six boards officials went.

  As a result, who went to mediate was detained.

  What's even more frightening is that news of the mutiny quickly spread to the troops stationed outside the capital.

  Under the banner of "supporting" King Jin, troops stationed outside the capital could not be ordered to march, and they privately set out for the capital one after another. In a short period of time, it seemed that everyone had the intention of "rebelling".

  These messages flew towards the imperial city like snowflakes.

  No different from a thunderclap on a clear day, one after another slapping towards Hong Taiji...

  ……

  ……

  The Palace of the King of Jin.

  At nightfall, the twilight is like water.

  A figure hastily walked back and forth on the corridor outside the study.

  "Your Highness, an imperial edict has arrived from the palace."

  Zhao Zun did not raise his head, his eyes fixed on the chessboard, the sound of the pieces falling as crisp as ever.

  "Speak!"

  "The mutiny in the suburbs of Beijing has not stopped, Your Majesty is anxious and orders you to go to the large camp in the suburbs of Beijing to mediate."

  Chen Jing cupped his hands and spoke respectfully. Zhao Zun fell silent for a moment, still not raising his head, only the hand holding the chess piece paused slightly. As if thinking for a while, he finally spoke in a light tone.

  "Your Majesty, I have a severe headache and am in great pain, unable to get out of bed."

  "This is... " Chen Jing responded in a low voice, then raised his head and said, "Your Highness, now that the Right General is ill and not coming out, the Left General has asked to be imprisoned, the Golden Guard Army is leaderless, it's already chaotic like a pot of porridge. Your humble servant thinks that Your Highness should..."

  "Chen Jing!" Zhao Zun suddenly raised his head, furrowed his brow and interrupted him, "Do it according to my intention."

  ……

  ……

  This is a sleepless night.

  The lights in the Jin Wang Fu have not yet gone out, and the candles in the Jing Shen Hall are still shining brightly. A thick gloom hangs over the great hall. The mutiny is like a flood; who can still sleep peacefully?

  "A bunch of idiots, idiots!"

  Emperor Hongtai's rage has not subsided, and in just a short period of time, the situation has developed to an irreversible point. At present, the garrison troops outside the capital are disobeying orders and privately marching towards Ying Tianfu, the situation is pressing, and there is no time to delay.

  However, three imperial edicts in a row were rejected by Zhao Kuangyin on the grounds of serious illness. Emperor Hongtai had just stripped him of his military power, and he was originally just an idle person at home, so it would be acceptable for him not to come out and take charge.

  Report—

  Your Highness, another urgent memorial has arrived.

  "Bring it here!" Emperor Hong Tai's anger ignited.

  The guard was so frightened that he hastily presented a letter sealed with red wax, and Emperor Hongtai did not wait for Cui Yingda to open it. He snatched it over and tore off the seal in anger, unfolded the letter, and his expression changed again.

  The memorial says that the Golden Army captured several hostages, but did not receive a response from the imperial court for a long time. It is said that Xia Tingde has been tied to the firewood frame, and if the imperial court does not meet their demands by noon tomorrow, they will burn Xia Tingde to death as a sacrifice to the flag, and then launch a direct attack on the capital, burning down the imperial city.

  "Rebelled, rebelled against them!"

  Hong Tai's anger caused his chest to throb violently.

  "Your Majesty..." Xu Wenyong, the Duke of Liang, stepped forward and urgently memorialized, "For now, it is most important to first calm and stabilize the military's morale. If the military's morale becomes disordered, then the state will become disordered. I request that Your Majesty immediately issue an edict, restoring the Jin King's authority over the troops, and severely punish Wei Guogong Xia Tiande for his impudent words."

  "Hong Tai Emperor's old eyes narrowed, 'Good you, Xu Wenlong, are you trying to force me?'"

  Xu Wenlong did not lift his head, kneeling on the ground, speaking extremely quickly, "Your Majesty's subject does not dare, your subject is only thinking of the stability of the dynasty. Your Majesty, cannot hesitate again, in two hours, it will be dawn. If at noon, the Golden Army really rushes into the capital, the consequences will be unthinkable. The three major camps in the capital have an army of 100,000..."

  "How is it?" Hong Tai Emperor raised his voice and looked at him coldly.

  "They are all capable of fighting, and have just withdrawn from the battlefield, with unmatched bravery, their fierce aura has not dissipated... In my humble opinion, within half a day, the capital city will surely be breached..."

  With a "slap", Emperor Hong Tai directly slapped the memorial onto his face.

  "I don't believe it!"

  "Your Majesty——” Seeing the old emperor's anger, the Minister of Official Personnel, Lü Huaming, glanced at Xu Wenlong and quickly stepped forward to kneel down and report, "What Your Majesty said is extremely right. In the capital city, there are more than 30,000 imperial guards in the Forbidden City, plus the Brocade Guards and the personal bodyguards of princes and high-ranking officials, which can be assembled into a force of five or six hundred thousand people without any problem. I think that Your Majesty should immediately dispatch someone to summon troops from outside the capital to come and rescue you. Furthermore, quickly capture the Prince of Jin and punish him for treason, in order to uphold justice."

  He spoke eloquently, but Emperor Hongtai just stared at him with a single glance.

  "Idiot!"

  Lü Huaming was scolded, but still knelt on the ground and stubbornly said, "Your Majesty, Jin Wang has become a big deal, it's already a fact. Now, if Wei Guo Gong says something wrong, the army dares to rebel, if Your Majesty yields to them this time, where will the dignity of the monarch be? Where will the father's authority be? It can't be, Your Majesty."

  No longer paying attention to him, Emperor Hongtai's gaze shifted and looked towards Zhao Mianze.

  "Mian Ze, in your opinion, what should be done at this moment?"

  Zhao Mianze was silent for a moment, then bent down to pick up the memorial he had thrown on the ground earlier, dusting it off and placing it respectfully on the table. He then replied, "Sun'er agrees with what Liang Guogong has said. At present, calming the situation is the right thing to do, and it's not suitable to fight among ourselves. Your Majesty, Sun'er thinks that since Nineteenth Uncle is ill, you should personally go to the Jinwang Fu to visit Nineteenth Uncle."

  Hong Taiji looked at him with a hint of approval in his eyes.

  "Someone come and help me change clothes."

  Digression

  Here comes the food! Thanks a lot, girls... Your votes are really powerful, keep going on, I can take it, come and hit me...