Chapter 98 Rebellion 1

“You mean, Shu Yan poisoned me?” The Emperor’s expression was inscrutable.

Consort Xian knelt upright, her face full of worry, “Your Majesty, I would never joke about such a matter!”

“Since Shu Yan’s sister changed her behavior and started frequently sending supplements and snacks to you Your Majesty, who has always been in good health, but since then, has become increasingly drowsy.”

“I have observed this and have been genuinely concerned about Your Majesty’s health. However, lacking evidence, I didn’t dare come to you with my suspicions. What if I misunderstood Shu Yan’s sister? Finally, a few days ago, I found an opportunity. On the way where Shu Yan’s sister was bringing you ginseng soup, I intercepted her, secretly obtained some of the supplements she made for you. I had the physician examine them, found no issues, but after drinking all the ginseng soup, I felt extremely drowsy that day.”

“So, I suspect that the supplements Shu Yan’s sister has been giving you have a poison. That’s why I’m here, hoping Your Majesty will be cautious.”

After listening to Consort Xian’s words, the Emperor asked, “You suspect Shu Yan poisoned me and tasted the ginseng soup yourself?”

Consort Xian lowered her head, “Your Majesty is my heaven and the heaven of all the people.”

“I had to taste it myself to know what was really going on.”

“You are thoughtful.” The Emperor’s voice came softly from behind the curtain.

Consort Xian suppressed the urge to smile and heard the Emperor continue, “This matter should not be publicized. I will handle it myself. You may leave now.”

“Yes, Your Majesty, take care of yourself. I take my leave.”

After Hong Gong Gong escorted her out, the Emperor emerged from behind the curtain, “I never expected that there are hidden talents in my harem! Consort Xian is usually quiet, but when the critical moment comes, she strikes fast and accurately!”

Hong Gong Gong was puzzled, “Your Majesty?”

The Emperor waved his hand, his eyes clear, “If I truly didn’t know about this, I would be surprised by the news Consort Xian brought. I would think she saved me. But I’ve long known, and I can’t help but wonder. I’ve been indifferent to Consort Xian all these years, and she hasn’t paid much attention to me either. Would she really risk her life to save me? Or did she already know and is now waiting to benefit from the situation?”

Hong Gong Gong nodded in realization. Who said being this Emperor was easy!

…

Consort Shu confirmed that the Emperor was indeed deeply poisoned and close to death, so she immediately sent a message to General Wei’s residence.

Muttering to herself, “Don’t blame me; blame yourself for being heartless to me and your son!”

General Wei and the Crown Prince received Consort Shu’s message, filled with excitement!

“Uncle!”

“Let’s go, Cheng success or failure hinges on this move!”

Prince Cheng nodded vigorously, and the uncle and nephew quietly hurried to the camp outside the capital.

In the camp outside the capital, the soldiers were already in armor, and the deputy commander Gu Jiang was waiting. Upon seeing the two arrive, he bowed to them, “General, Third Prince, the soldiers are ready!”

“Excellent!”

General Wei praised Gu Jiang and then walked up to the soldiers, holding a bright yellow decree, and shouted, “Soldiers, the Emperor is being persecuted by traitors. By special decree, we are to enter the palace to protect and rid it of traitors to save the Emperor!”

“Tonight, all soldiers, follow me and storm the palace!”

The soldiers shouted loudly.

“Storm the palace, save the Emperor!”

“Storm the palace, save the Emperor!”

“Storm the palace, save the Emperor!”

Gu Jiang looked at the decree in General Wei’s hand and joined the soldiers in shouting.

General Wei and the Third Prince led the soldiers towards the inner city of the capital!

They chose the West Bianmen Gate from the seven gates of the outer city, as it was the weakest defense. General Wei had arranged for a dozen elite soldiers to assist from inside the city.

With the help of the elite soldiers inside the city, the West Bianmen Gate was quickly breached!

As the soldiers from the camp outside the capital entered the city, the once quiet night suddenly erupted into chaos, with the sound of hooves clattering in the streets!

The city residents closed their doors and windows, trembling with fear. The nobles in the capital quickly sensed the unrest in the streets and sent servants to investigate.

In the residence of the Shu family, having received an early warning from Shu Yuwan, they had already secured their doors and only sent out two servants to gather information.

“How is it?” asked the Shu attendant.

Mrs Shu, along with Shu Yuwan couple and Shu Yucheng with her wife, gathered in the main hall, waiting for the servants’ report.

“It’s soldiers from the camp outside the capital who have entered the city!” the servant said, still in shock.

After sending away the servant, the Mrs. Shu asked, “Husband? What’s happening?”

The Shu attendant pondered for a moment and said, “The Third Prince has rebelled, my lady. Take Yuyang’s wife, Yucheng’s wife, and the children, and quietly hide in the cellar to be safe.”

The Mrs. Shu  looked at her husband and two sons, “You should come with us.”

He waved his hand, “The Crown Prince and Shu Yuwan have both warned us. It should be fine, but just in case, I need to stay and assess the situation.”

“Go then.”

The Mrs. Shu  no longer hesitated and took the children quietly into the cellar.

Earlier, Shu Yuwan had sent a letter, so the Shu attendant hurriedly dug through to connect to the cellar.

In the residence of the Ning Prince, the Ning family had all risen from their beds. Prince Shinzi put on his armor and was about to leave. Wang Fei hurriedly stopped him, “Where are you going?”

“I am now a guard in the palace, I will protect the Emperor.”

Wang Fei held back the Ning Shinzi, “It’s chaotic outside now. If you go out, you might lose your life before even entering the palace. The palace can do without one less person like you.”

The Prince Shinzi also advised, “There are people to protect the Emperor by his side.”

Ning Shinzi rolled up his sleeves, “The soldiers from the camp outside the capital just entered the West Gate. I’ll enter the palace now and won’t run into them.”

After getting dressed, he hurried to leave.