You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 165 You Rebellious Son, You're Really Seeking Your Own Death
The Palace of the King of Shu.

After listening to Ji Wusheng's plan to fill in the gaps, Zhou Zhi's expression became somewhat strange.

Zhou Zhi really didn't expect that Ji Wusheng's plan to fill in the gaps for him would even include powerful and wealthy families.

Zhou Zhi knew that Ji Wusheng was a protégé of the Yuan family of Runan.

They have intricate connections with the Yuan family of Runan.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that Ji Wusheng was a pawn planted by the Yuan family of Runan to serve as the Prince of Shu.

However, this very pawn that the Yuan family of Runan planted by his side was, in turn, subject to their own calculations.

This was somewhat unbelievable to Zhou Zhi.

Zhou Zhi glanced at Ji Wusheng, pondered for a moment, and said, "Ji Wusheng, if I am not mistaken, you should be a disciple of the Yuan family of Runan!"

"Aren't you going to inform the Yuan family of this news?"

Zhou Zhi looked at Ji Wusheng and asked.

While in Shu, Ji Wusheng secretly met with Yuan Ziming, the eldest son of the Yuan family, and this did not escape Zhou Zhi's notice.

Zhou Zhi also pretended not to know.

But now, Zhou Zhi felt it necessary to test Ji Wusheng's true intentions.

Because of the situation they are facing, they cannot afford to make the slightest mistake.

Upon hearing Zhou Zhi's words, Ji Wusheng showed no surprise whatsoever.

In Ji Wusheng's view, it was normal for Zhou Zhi to know that he was a disciple of the Yuan family, and even to know that he secretly went to see Yuan Ziming in Shu.

As the King of Shu, if Zhou Zhi couldn't even do this much, then he would probably have been schemed against by the other princes countless times before.

Therefore, Ji Wusheng was not surprised at all when Zhou Zhi pointed out his relationship with the Yuan family.

"Your Highness, I am a disciple of the Yuan family, but I am not a member of the Yuan family."

"From the day I, Ji Wusheng, followed the Prince, I have been loyal to only the Prince."

Ji Wusheng said frankly.

Ji Wusheng understood Zhou Zhi's meaning.

Although Ji Wusheng was not a big shot, he was definitely not a two-faced villain.

From the moment he followed Zhou Zhi, Ji Wusheng was loyal to only Zhou Zhi.

Looking at Ji Wusheng's calm expression and listening to his frank tone, Zhou Zhi smiled.

Zhou Zhi didn't know how much truth Ji Wusheng meant in his words.

But Zhou Zhi knew that if Ji Wusheng had really done something to wrong him, the King of Shu, then Ji Wusheng would have gone to the Western Paradise to see the Buddha long ago, and wouldn't be alive now.

This is why Zhou Zhi always relied on Ji Wusheng as his right-hand man.

Just then, San De rushed in looking very anxious.

"Your Highness, the Empress Dowager has arrived," Sande said hurriedly as he entered.

"what?"

"Has Mother arrived?"

Zhou Zhi was startled and immediately stood up.

At such a critical moment, how could the Empress Dowager possibly leave the palace and come to the Prince of Shu's residence?

Zhou Zhi knew that his mother rarely left the palace, and the number of times she visited his Shu Prince's residence was extremely limited.

But why did his mother suddenly leave the palace and come to his Prince of Shu's residence today?

Has Mother entered the manor yet?

"Quickly follow me to welcome the Queen Mother."

Zhou Zhi had no time to think further and hurriedly went outside to greet the Empress Dowager.

Regardless of why the Empress Dowager left the palace to come to his Shu Prince's residence, as her son, Zhou Zhi had no choice but to immediately go out to greet her.

"no need."

"I have arrived."

Zhou Zhigang had only taken a few steps from the main seat when the Empress Dowager, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, entered the council hall.

Upon seeing the Empress Dowager enter, Zhou Zhi hurriedly stepped forward to pay his respects: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

"Meet the Queen Mother."

Ji Wusheng and San De, who were standing nearby, also bowed to the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager, with a somber face, walked directly to the main seat in the council hall and sat down without saying a word.

"All of you, get out of my sight."

After sitting down, the Empress Dowager waved her hand and said.

Ji Wusheng and San De bowed and left the council hall.

In the blink of an eye, only the Empress Dowager, Zhou Zhi, and the old eunuch Wu She who was accompanying the Empress Dowager remained in the council hall.

When Zhou Zhi saw that the Empress Dowager ignored him and dismissed everyone at once, his heart skipped a beat.

They wondered what was wrong with the Empress Dowager.
What is causing your unhappiness?
From the moment the Empress Dowager entered, Zhou Zhi noticed that her expression was off.

"Mother, why did you suddenly leave the palace and come to the Prince of Shu's residence?"

"Your Majesty did not inform me in advance, so that I could have made preparations accordingly."

After everyone had left the council hall, Zhou Zhi asked tentatively.

He wanted to see why the Empress Dowager had suddenly left the palace and come to his Prince of Shu's residence, and why she looked so unhappy.

"Kneel down before me."

The Empress Dowager looked at Zhou Zhi and said in a gloomy tone.

Zhou Zhi was taken aback, somewhat bewildered by the Empress Dowager's sudden and furious outburst.

He didn't know why the Empress Dowager suddenly became so angry with him and made him kneel down.

"Mother, what did I do wrong?"

"How could I have angered my mother so much?"

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

Zhou Zhi knelt on the ground and said.

"You still have the nerve to ask me what you did wrong?"

Do you think I don't know what you've done?

"You actually dared to collude with the Prime Minister and others to plot a rebellion and usurp the throne, and you are also involved in Zhang De's poisoning of His Majesty."

"Even Wu She, who was by my side, has become your person. You really have some tricks up your sleeve!"

"You are truly my good son!"

The Empress Dowager looked at Zhou Zhi with a gloomy expression, her voice filled with barely concealed anger.

Wu She had followed her for so many years, but the Empress Dowager never expected that in the end Wu She would keep it a secret from her, her master, because of her son, Zhou Zhi.

What angered the Empress Dowager the most was that Zhou Zhi actually used this underhanded tactic against his own mother.

And behind her mother's back, she did such a rebellious thing.

It truly disappoints her, her mother, who has shown such loving care for her child.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's words, Zhou Zhi's expression changed drastically.

Zhou Zhi never expected that the Empress Dowager would know about these things.

And they know it in great detail.

This threw Zhou Zhi into a state of confusion, unsure of how to face his mother.

Zhou Zhi glanced at the old eunuch Wu She who was standing beside him.

Needless to say, the Empress Dowager must have known such details from Wu She.

Zhou Zhiping calmed himself down, raised his head to look at the Empress Dowager on the main seat, and said, "Mother, since you already know, then I have nothing to hide."

"That's right, I intend to usurp the throne."

“All nine of us princes originally had a chance to ascend the throne, but Father chose Zhou Chen.”

“They have never considered the rest of us princes. How can we princes be content with this?”

"Your subject is also unwilling. Your subject originally thought that Zhou Chen was weak and sickly, and that he could be killed quietly."

"In this way, I will be able to succeed my brother and smoothly inherit the throne."

"But unexpectedly, man proposes, God disposes. Not only did Zhou Chen not die, but he also made a full recovery."

"Then I have no choice but to risk usurping the throne."

"Your subject has already made all the arrangements; we just need to wait until today is over."

“Zhou Chen will suffer a relapse of his illness and die suddenly in the Hall of Mental Cultivation, leaving behind a will to pass the throne to your son.” “At that time, your son will be able to rightfully succeed to the throne without any stain on his reputation.”

Zhou Zhi said loudly.

Now that the Empress Dowager already knew, Zhou Zhi no longer intended to hide it.

Zhou Zhi then revealed everything that was on his mind.

Upon hearing this, the Empress Dowager's face could no longer be described as gloomy; it was also noticeably pale and weak.

The Empress Dowager never imagined that her son, who had always been respectful and humble in front of her, would have such a deep and ruthless side.

It was almost unbelievable to the Empress Dowager.

"you……"

The Empress Dowager pointed at Zhou Zhi, who was kneeling on the ground, her anger rising.

She stood up abruptly and slapped Zhou Zhi across the face.

"You unfilial son, you're courting death."

"Do you think you can succeed in usurping the throne? You're courting death."

"Now, the Eastern Depot and its guards are everywhere in and around Luoyang. Do you think you can hide your unusual movements from their eyes and ears?"

“The Northern and Southern Divine Martial Guards outside the city can be mobilized into the city at any time, and the Imperial Guards in the palace only obey the Emperor’s orders. What makes you think you can usurp the throne?”

"Do you think you can usurp the throne with just those arrangements?"

"Even if you were to usurp the throne, could you control the court? Could you intimidate the powerful clans?"

"Can you suppress people like the Marquis of Zhenbei, the Marquis of Xiliang, Lü Bu, and Cao Zhengchun?"

Have you thought about these things?

The Empress Dowager angrily rebuked Zhou Zhi, her face full of disappointment and frustration.

If usurping the throne were so easy, the throne would have been taken long ago, and Zhou Zhi would never have had a chance.

Putting aside whether Zhou Zhi can successfully usurp the throne, even if he does, can he suppress the powerful families and control the court?
The answer is obvious; even the Empress Dowager knows it.

Zhou Zhi simply couldn't suppress it.

This doesn't even include the marquises guarding the border, or Zhou Chen's direct subordinates like Lü Bu and Cao Zhengchun.

Besides, based on Zhou Zhi's arrangements, the Empress Dowager knew that Zhou Zhi had no chance of successfully usurping the throne.

That would be courting death.

Even with the manpower of the three great families, success is impossible.

Do they really think that just because the royal family has fallen on hard times, anyone can interfere with the succession to the throne?
"If you don't want to die, stop your suicidal behavior immediately and come with me to the palace right now to beg for forgiveness from His Majesty."

"With me here, you might be spared death and live as an ordinary person."

"Otherwise, even I cannot save you."

The Empress Dowager's purpose in leaving the palace to come to the Prince of Shu's residence was to bring the Prince of Shu into the palace to apologize to Zhou Chen.

In the Empress Dowager's view, this was the only way to save Zhou Zhi's life.

With the Empress Dowager interceding, Emperor Zhou Chen would surely show some leniency, no matter what.

He spared Zhou Zhi's life.

However, Zhou Zhi can forget about getting the title of king and everything else.

Being demoted to a commoner, it would be a miracle if they could even keep their lives.

Otherwise, there is no other way to save Zhou Zhi.

Zhou Zhi, who had been slapped by the Empress Dowager, was no longer flustered and became much calmer.

Zhou Zhi looked at the Empress Dowager on the main seat and said calmly, "Mother, please forgive your son for not being able to obey."

"Your subject will not go to the palace with Your Majesty to plead guilty."

"Your son's plan has already begun; the arrow is on the bowstring and must be released, and it will not be stopped."

"If Your Majesty insists on bringing me to the palace to plead guilty, then please grant me a cup of poison right now!"

Zhou Zhi kowtowed loudly with a thud and bowed his head to the ground.

It was impossible for him to go to the palace to plead guilty.

It's even more impossible to stop the opportunity he's been planning for so long.

The arrow is already on the string; how could it not be released?

Besides, this is something Zhou Zhi has always longed for, and he would never give up halfway.

Even if it means failure in the end, and falling into an abyss, I am willing to do it.

"The traitor."

Do you want to anger your mother to death?

The Empress Dowager was surprised that Zhou Zhi would not listen to her and instead threatened to kill himself. Her face immediately turned cold and gloomy.

"You have no choice but to go to the palace with the Empress Dowager to apologize today."

"Your mother will definitely bring you to the palace to apologize today."

"Your mother is saving you."

As she spoke, the Empress Dowager glanced at the old eunuch standing beside her; "Wu She, take the Prince of Shu with me into the palace."

"Anyone who dares to stop me, I will kill them."

"If the King of Shu dares to resist, I will break his legs."

The Empress Dowager said in a cold voice.

Now, there's only one way to survive.

The Empress Dowager insisted on bringing the Prince of Shu into the palace to apologize.

If the King of Shu is unwilling or dares to resist, the Empress Dowager would not mind breaking his legs and dragging Zhou Zhi into the palace.

Because the Empress Dowager knew.

Only in this way could Zhou Zhi have a chance to survive.

Otherwise, Zhou Zhi would have certainly died.

Compared to certain death, the Empress Dowager knew that losing a leg and becoming crippled was nothing.

As long as I can save my life, that's enough.

Upon hearing the Empress Dowager's order, the old eunuch hesitated.

Zhou Zhi also raised his head, glanced at the old eunuch, and said, "Wu She, we have no way out."

"If you bring me into the palace, you will also face certain death."

After saying that, Zhou Zhi looked at the Empress Dowager on the main seat and said, "Mother, I will not go to the palace with you to apologize."

"Unless you bring my corpse into the palace."

Zhou Zhi looked at the Empress Dowager with a resolute expression.

Zhou Zhi's words thoroughly enraged the Empress Dowager; "Fine, since you are so stubborn and want to die, then I will say no more."

"Let me tell you, today, even if I have to bring your corpse, I will bring you into the palace to beg for forgiveness from His Majesty."

"I will pretend I never had a son like you."

At this moment, the Empress Dowager displayed the dignity and ruthlessness befitting an empress dowager.

"No tongue, what are you waiting for?"

"Capture the King of Shu for me, and bring him to the palace with me."

The Empress Dowager gave Wu She a cold look.

"Your Majesty, please forgive me."

Wu She knelt down on the ground with a 'plop' and only uttered four words.

But those four words made the Empress Dowager tremble with anger.

"Fine, you've all rebelled, you don't even listen to me anymore."

The Empress Dowager never expected that Wu She would dare to disobey her now.

The Empress Dowager glanced coldly at Wu She, who was kneeling on the ground, and shouted outside, "Someone come here."

The Empress Dowager had more than just Wu She by her side; there were other skilled individuals she could rely on.

A tongueless person cannot obey orders; others cannot.

As soon as the Empress Dowager finished speaking...

Several figures immediately entered the council hall.

However, these figures were not the experts around the Empress Dowager, but Ji Wusheng and San De and a few others.

(End of this chapter)