Chapter 85

A few white osmanthus petals were swept up by the autumn wind and fell onto the blue brick ground. The last soldier’s figure disappeared from sight at the end of the long inner alley, and the sound of footsteps gradually faded away. With more than half of the people gone, the inner alley suddenly became quiet.

After a long time, Yang Yanzong withdrew his gaze and said calmly, “Have someone keep an eye on her. Make sure she has enough food and clothing, but don’t let her step out of the estate.”

This compromise was akin to a prison sentence. One couldn’t ask more of Yang Yanzong.

Sigh, Mrs. Yan seemed like a test in his life, difficult and exhausting, meant to torment him. In her view, it was better to cut ties when necessary; some people just weren’t worth it.

Of course, she knew her words were too light. The feelings of an outsider and those involved were completely different. Yang Yanzong, caught in the middle, was truly suffering.

This man had a few soft spots in his heart, yet he had to peel them away himself, which was hard. He was in pain, and over time, one would find that Yang Yanzong was actually very sentimental.

After giving his instructions, Yang Yanzong turned to look at Su Ci, who was gazing at him with concern. He smiled at her.

In truth, Yang Yanzong felt much better, not just physically. Many of his pent-up emotions had been relieved after the previous night. He held Su Ci’s hand as they returned to their room. Su Ci leaned against the low couch, sipping tea and offering him a sip. He drank, then lay back on the couch, pressing his forehead against hers for a moment. “Don’t worry, I’m fine.”

He tightened his grip on Su Ci’s hand and smiled at her. After a moment, his smile faded slightly. “If Father doesn’t forgive me, then so be it.”

“The most urgent thing now is to help him recover as quickly as possible.”

Feeling a bit sad, he quickly regained his spirits. “By the way, Old General Xu should be arriving soon!”

Old General Xu’s health was poor, so his carriage wasn’t moving quickly, but Gao Bian wasn’t far. Yang Yanzong had just received news that Old General Xu had reached Fuxiang, fifty miles outside Yangdu.

Yang Yanzong was about to leave the city to welcome him. He took a deep breath, sat up, and asked Su Ci, “Do you want to come with me?”

“Yes!” Su Ci’s eyes lit up. She was eager to get out and get some fresh air, so she immediately agreed.

Yang Yanzong laughed, pulling her into his arms for a hug and a kiss before patting her on the bottom. “Alright, hurry and change your clothes.”

He watched Su Ci run into the inner room, her light steps and cheerful mood brightening the room and dispelling the last of his gloom.

After sitting for a moment, Yang Yanzong also got up and changed into a black martial uniform with gold embroidery, looking tall and imposing.

Then, he and Su Ci mounted their horses and headed out. He glanced at her, “Ready?”

“Yes!”

Let’s go!

Yang Yanzong cracked his whip, and the brown horse neighed loudly, its hooves clattering as they sped towards the side gate.

In just over a day, many things had happened, but time continued to move forward, and he had to keep going. Yang Yanzong was never a weak person; he was a man who stood tall even when exhausted.

He had been overworked, fatigued, and tormented, but he quickly recovered. Once he stepped out of the room, he was the same calm, composed, and slightly indifferent Yang Yanzong, always in control. The only difference was that his gaze on Su Ci had become more intense. He even felt reluctant to leave her alone at home.

The group rode swiftly and soon met Ji Yuanhao at a fork in the road not far from the estate in Beixiang.

Ji Yuanhao slapped his palm with his whip and smiled, “Old General Xu has finally arrived!”

They were about to make a big move against Imperial Uncle Kun and his sister. Would the other side be surprised and delighted, or just surprised?

They had endured long enough, retreating to advance.

Hearing this, Yang Yanzong couldn’t help but smile faintly. Yes, they had indeed endured long enough. But in the next moment, his gaze shifted, and he saw Ji Chengtang riding behind Ji Yuanhao.

Yang Yanzong glanced at him, his lips tightening.

The two groups waited for a short while before the sound of approaching hooves grew louder. It was Prince Qian.

Su Yan, A Kang, and others quickly arrived, escorting Prince Qian.

Prince Qian’s injuries hadn’t healed, but he had quickly dressed and mounted his horse upon receiving the notification, arriving as fast as possible. He held his abdomen with one hand, his face pale but his spirits high.

“Prince Qian, it’s good to see you well!”

“I’m well, and I hope you both are too.”

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, they turned their horses northward to meet the approaching party.

After about half an hour, they saw the escorting soldiers and a large carriage in the middle, with Xu Wenkai riding beside it.

The commotion was significant, and Old General Xu clearly didn’t intend to be discreet, moving as quickly as possible without displaying his own banner. The escort carried the flag of another general, Su You.

Despite the bumpy ride, Old General Xu’s face didn’t look good. He lifted the curtain, coughed heavily twice, and then said, “The emperor is still suffering in the palace. Don’t stop; let’s enter the city immediately!”

This was exactly what everyone wanted to hear. Prince Qian, though worried, expressed his gratitude, “Thank you, Old General Xu!”

“It’s nothing. Let’s go!”

Old General Xu’s carriage led the way to Yangdu. Before entering the city gate, he ordered the flag to be changed and donned his formal court attire. He then dismounted, mounted a horse, and rode swiftly along Tongtian Avenue, heading straight for the imperial city.

Old General Xu was different from others. As the son of the eldest daughter of Emperor Xuan, his status was unique. The Great Qing Dynasty had several instances of emperors without heirs, but the succession had always been within the direct line until Emperor Yongqing, who was adopted from a collateral branch.

As the son of Emperor Xuan’s eldest daughter, General Xu’s status was even higher than that of the royal family. He was a veteran of four reigns, with illustrious military achievements, making him fearless of anyone, including the Kun family.

He had even stormed the Yang Palace in anger over the reduction of military pensions, arguing fiercely with the old emperor, yet faced no consequences.

Storming the palace was something Old General Xu had done more than once. He hadn’t feared it before, and certainly didn’t now.

The current commander of the imperial guards was from the Kun family, General Yuan Liangji. The palace guards couldn’t stop Old General Xu, so they quickly reported to higher authorities. Yuan Liangji rushed over, “Old General Xu! Old General Xu, please stop!”

He was anxious, “This is the inner palace; you can’t just storm in!”

Seeing someone from the Kun family angered Old General Xu, “I’m storming in. What will you do about it?!” Without hesitation, he whipped his horse and charged in.

Yuan Liangji, seeing the fast-approaching horse, didn’t dare use force against such a renowned figure and quickly stepped aside to avoid injury.

Old General Xu rode swiftly, charging through the inner palace gates and heading straight for the Shangyang Hall.

“Something’s wrong, something’s wrong!” Yuan Liangji’s peripheral vision caught sight of Yang Yanzong, Ji Yuanhao, and even Prince Qian following closely behind. This was a major crisis!

“Hurry, hurry! Report to the Empress Dowager and Imperial Uncle!” He quickly sent someone to report, but not everyone had the privilege to ride within the Hanzhang Gate. Even Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao had to stop and dismount, swiftly following on foot.

At this moment, Yang Yanzong had temporarily set aside his family matters. He was fully focused on the task at hand. External affairs were more important; only by resolving them could there be peace at home. Otherwise, everything else would be in vain.

After long preparations, this was the day to reap the rewards!

One had to admit that Yang Yanzong’s intense focus and sharp gaze made him look incredibly handsome, exuding a dangerous allure. At this moment, both he and Ji Yuanhao were captivating and awe-inspiring. They even overshadowed the strikingly handsome Prince Qian.

“What’s wrong?” Of course, Yang Yanzong hadn’t forgotten to bring Su Ci. Dressed in a dark blue male warrior outfit, she blended in with the group. Yang Yanzong held her waist with one hand, looking ahead. He noticed her glancing up at him and asked softly.

Su Ci smiled, “Just admiring how good you look.”

This girl, he glared at her, “Behave.”

Su Ci grinned and winked at him before quickly turning her gaze forward.

The sky was very blue today, the autumn wind crisp, and the golden sunlight spread across the white marble platform and the large square. The ancient yet majestic palace reflected a dazzling golden-red light.

It was brilliant, giving a sense of a clear sky after the rain.

Su Ci couldn’t help but take a deep breath. The air was dry and fresh, making it clear that today was indeed a good day.

And she was about to witness a grand event in the Da Qing Dynasty!

The struggle between their family and the Kun family was about to reach a turning point!

Thinking of this, Su Ci immediately felt energized. She couldn’t wait to see the Empress Dowager’s defeated expression, making her pay for her schemes!

Old General Xu’s horse had already reached the jade steps of Shangyang Palace. He dismounted and strode up, with eunuchs and guards hastily trying to stop him. “Hey, hey, this…”

With a swift motion, Old General Xu drew the “Hengxin Sword” bestowed upon him by Emperor Yongqing. This was not his only sword; each emperor, including the old emperor, had given him one. These swords were symbols of his authority to correct wrongs and punish traitors, with the power to act first and report later.

Old General Xu swiftly killed the most obstructive middle-aged eunuch with a single sword strike, splattering blood on the seven or eight people around him. Everyone was shocked, and Old General Xu shook his long sword, pushing through the crowd and charging toward the palace doors of Shangyang Hall.

Inside the hall, the young emperor had already heard the commotion. He instinctively stood up and looked toward the noise, but the young attendant beside him skillfully pulled him back into his seat. “Your Majesty, please sit for a moment. I will send someone to check…”

Before he could finish speaking, the noise grew louder, mixed with screams. The hall doors darkened as a large group of people rushed in! The attendant frowned, ready to shout, but the young emperor suddenly broke free from his grip, jumped off the long couch, and ran towards the hall doors!

“Father, Father!!” With sharp eyes, the young emperor immediately saw Prince Qian coming in against the light. The child, who had been under soft confinement and pressure, instantly broke down. Crying, he broke free from the attendant’s hold and ran towards his father!

With tears in his eyes, Prince Qian quickly took two steps forward, knelt down, and tightly hugged the young emperor, letting the child’s clothes absorb his falling tears.

The young emperor cried loudly but quickly stopped at Prince Qian’s reminder. Now was not the time to cry. He quickly wiped his tears and turned his head.

“Are you Old General Xu?”

“Yes, I am.”

With red-rimmed eyes and looking a bit disheveled, the young emperor saw Old General Xu bowing solemnly in a grand salute.

Outside the hall, hurried footsteps approached. The person arriving, dressed in a golden-red phoenix robe with sharp eyes, was Empress Dowager Kun. She was in the warm pavilion of Shangyang Hall and rushed over in anger: “How dare you!! Xu Huaishu, who allowed you to storm into Shangyang Hall?!”

“In broad daylight, in the emperor’s bedchamber, how dare you, a mere subject, storm in?! Guards—”

But Old General Xu was unafraid. No one dared to touch him lightly, as his death would be in vain. “I, Xu, have repeatedly submitted memorials recently, but the emperor has not responded. I heard that the emperor has not attended court for many days, so I came to check on him out of concern.”

Old General Xu bowed his head and asked the young emperor, “Your Majesty, why have you not attended court for many days?”

The young emperor glanced at Empress Dowager Kun, tightened his grip on his father’s hand, and mustered the courage to say, “Mother won’t let me go.”

Old General Xu’s face instantly turned cold. He looked up at Empress Dowager Kun: “Empress Dowager! Why is this?”

Empress Dowager Kun’s face was grim, but she knew that Old General Xu indeed had the power to convene the court and the royal family for a discussion. She was furious!

Her gaze swept over Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao behind Old General Xu. What was there not to understand?!

Her sharp, blood-red nails dug into her palms, drawing blood.

After a moment, Empress Dowager Kun squeezed out a sentence through gritted teeth: “The palace attendants reported that the emperor’s health is not well. The imperial physicians diagnosed him with a need for rest.”

Fortunately, Empress Dowager Kun had ordered the formalities to be done with imperial physicians and medical records. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have been able to cover this up. She coldly turned her head, and the attendant quickly presented a medical record.

Old General Xu turned to the young emperor: “Your Majesty, is this true?”

The young emperor shook his head: “No, I don’t know these people.” He glanced at Empress Dowager Kun, feeling a bit scared, but still spoke up.

The middle-aged attendant who had been restraining the emperor turned pale, knowing that he was likely to be sacrificed this time.

Sure enough, Old General Xu roared, “What audacity, you insolent dog! And the imperial physicians!!”

Old General Xu’s sharp gaze fixed on them, “These treacherous dogs dare to deceive and conceal the truth. They deserve to be executed!”

Without mercy, he swiftly killed the middle-aged eunuch with a single sword strike!

His murderous aura was palpable as he held the blood-dripping sword. All the palace servants and eunuchs in Shangyang Palace were terrified.

When caught by his fierce gaze, those closest to him fell to their knees with a thud, making the young emperor feel a moment of joy, but he quickly remembered the deceased Aunt Hong and others, feeling sad again.

Old General Xu coldly scanned the room, “How can these traitorous slaves serve the emperor? It’s better to select a new batch from the palace.”

“Also, the imperial guards have failed to protect the palace properly. The left and right guards should be brought in to guard the imperial city jointly!”

“Empress Dowager, it is inappropriate for you to reside in Shangyang Palace.”

Old General Xu finally looked at Empress Dowager Kun. Shangyang Palace was the emperor’s bedchamber, and even the Empress Dowager had no right to live there. “I believe the Empress Dowager should move to Yong’an Palace or return to Changqiu Palace.”

“Furthermore, since the emperor is still young and the Empress Dowager has long resided in the deep palace, I believe it is appropriate to follow the example of Emperor Zhenzong and establish left and right council halls under the wings of Shangyang Palace to assist in managing state affairs until the emperor comes of age.”

Old General Xu had already prepared his speech, delivering it clearly and methodically. He glanced at Empress Dowager Kun and the two men beside him, Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao, trusting neither side.

Imperial Uncle Kun arrived upon hearing the news, both siblings’ faces dark with anger. However, General Xu’s attitude was unyielding. If the Kun family dared oppose him, he would tear them apart, ensuring the outcome wouldn’t be worse than this. After speaking, he no longer looked at them, instead instructing his son to temporarily guard the young emperor and handing him the Hengxin Sword. He then ordered Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao to immediately bring the left and right guards into the palace to defend it jointly.

As for himself, he personally went to the palace to select attendants for the young emperor.

Several palaces near Yangdu had not yet been touched by the Kun family. With a new emperor, plenty of honest people were willing to serve the young emperor.

Afterward, the emperor would sit in the center, with both factions balanced, creating the most stable situation for now.

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Yang Yanzong quickly stepped out. At this time, the setting sun painted the sky, with a red sun half-suspended above the horizon and the orange-red sunset coloring the entire sky.

Finally, something to be happy about!!

Standing on the high white marble platform overlooking half of the palace city, with the cold west wind blowing and his clothes fluttering, he felt an unparalleled sense of freedom, breaking free from all family constraints.

Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao stood side by side, exchanging a glance filled with satisfaction.

Then, they each went their separate ways, heading towards the left and right guard stations.

Yang Yanzong had Su Ci with him. He paused for a moment, and Su Ci, walking faster than him, turned back to see why he hadn’t caught up.

Yang Yanzong looked down for a moment, then quickly walked towards her. But with his sharp eyes, he noticed Ji Chengtang turning the corner of the platform, heading towards Ji Yuanhao.

Seeing him approach, Su Ci was about to turn and continue walking, but he quickly grabbed her, turning her face towards him. “We’re going that way.”

Su Ci: “???”

Alright, that way works too.

Su Ci, always adaptable, quickly walked ahead, excited to participate in the military deployment for the first time.

Yang Yanzong glanced back at Ji Chengtang, who was listening to Ji Yuanhao’s instructions and walking further away. He snorted coldly and turned to leave.