The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 535 Paper Money Flies into the East Wind (Part 1)
As dusk settled, it gradually painted the sky above Nanjing.

The former imperial palace of the Southern Tang Dynasty in the west has long been eerily silent. No more palace maids or eunuchs can be seen moving about on the palace roads, and there are not even any soldiers. The whole city is excessively empty.

The palace doors were slowly pushed open, the sound breaking the deathly silence.

Fake Li walked in alone.

His footsteps landed on the dusty ground. He glanced at the slightly dim bright yellow curtains on both sides and the empty gilded lamp stands, his face expressionless. Finally, he looked at the throne high above the steps at the end of the hall.

He stood there in the shadows inside the palace gate, watching quietly.

The last rays of the setting sun slanted in through the high window lattice, but only stopped below the steps, failing to touch the throne, which instead shrouded the dragon throne in deeper darkness, its outline blurred.

He stared at it for a long time, his face still expressionless, showing neither sorrow nor rage, only a strange focus.

After a long while, he finally moved, walking slowly through the main hall and stepping onto the steps. Standing before the dragon throne, he reached out and gently stroked the armrest, feeling the delicate carvings on it, as if touching a precious treasure, or performing some indescribable ritual.

At this moment, a series of slightly chaotic footsteps came from outside the hall, approaching from afar. They paused briefly outside the hall, as if someone was talking, but then the hall door was pushed open more forcefully.

Immediately, Xu Zhixun, the third son of Xu Wen, rushed into the hall, wearing armor. He held his helmet to his side, and a few strands of hair, soaked with sweat, stuck to his forehead. Although his armor was neat and clean, he inexplicably exuded a disheveled feeling.

He spotted the fake plum on the steps of the palace at a glance, and was momentarily stunned, his steps halting.

Since Li Maozhen sailed south down the sea half a month ago, landed in Suzhou, and then launched a surprise attack on Changzhou, Qu'a, and Jurong, directly bringing his troops to the gates of Nanjing, although Nanjing has not been completely sealed off, with the support of Wu and Yue, it would still be easy for Li Maozhen to block the garrison in Nanjing from escaping.

Although Jinling was the western capital, after Xu Zhixun transferred the Yellow Head Army, there were not many troops stationed in the city. Therefore, Xu Zhixun, who was responsible for guarding Jinling, could only hold out day and night after failing to break through the siege, praying that the main force of Yangzhou or Xu Wen could return to the city in time to provide assistance.

Fortunately, the final outcome did not keep Xu Zhixun waiting in vain; reinforcements finally arrived...

However, even though the reinforcements had entered the city, he did not see the fake Li. Only after his subordinates reported to him did he learn that the first thing the fake Li did after entering the city was not to discuss with him the strategy of defending the city or breaking through, but to enter the palace.

He didn't believe it at first, but when he came to find it himself, he was stunned.

Xu Zhixun knew, of course, that this "reinforcement" brought by the fake Li was less of a rescue and more of a rout. Meanwhile, his father Xu Wen's main force had fled to Poyang and was becoming increasingly scarce. Recent vague instructions had made him realize that he and Jinling City had been regarded by Xu Wen as expendable pawns to delay the advance of the Northern Army.

Therefore, the fact that the fake Li did not "retreat" with Xu Wen, but instead personally led troops back to reinforce Jinling, truly delighted Xu Zhixun. Although it is unknown whether the fake Li was out of his mind, this may be... Xu Zhixun's last chance.

He's not stupid, why should he stay in Jinling as a pawn?

Therefore, Xu Zhixun could no longer care about his anger at the imposter Li's absurd act of coming to the palace hall to reminisce. He raised his hand to stop his entourage, immediately strode to the steps of the palace, and without bothering with a full bow, anxiously said:

"Your Majesty! Why are you still here? Knowing you entered the city, the Northern army is about to encircle us, and the city will fall in no time! This place is already a dead end, if we don't leave now, it will be too late!"

Having said that, he disregarded the fact that the fake Li hadn't replied, and as if trying to persuade the other party, or perhaps to bolster his own courage, he immediately spoke even more rapidly:

"I have prepared fast boats on the Qinhuai River, and flammable materials have been placed at various key points. When the Northern army enters the city, while they are still establishing their foothold and busy fighting the fire, I am willing to lead my elite warriors to protect Your Majesty and break through the encirclement! Once we enter the Yangtze River, we can sail downstream and reach the sea in no time. At that time, where can we not find refuge, whether in Fujian, Taiwan, or even the islands of the South Seas? Your Majesty carries the hearts of the people of Jiangnan; why should you worry about not having the opportunity to make a comeback?"

As he spoke, he stared intently at the back of the fake Li.

Xu Zhixun was well aware that although Xu Wen had treated him as a pawn, based on what he had done in Huainan and Jiangnan, if he surrendered to the Northern Dynasty, even if he had a way to survive, he would probably live like a lowly dog. Not to mention that if Xu Wen continued to cause trouble in the south and offended Xiao Yan, he would die sooner or later.

Since that's the case, it's better to seize the "emperor" who still has some semblance of authority. If we can successfully break through, we can use him as a basis to try our luck overseas. At the very least, it can serve as a stepping stone to seek refuge with others.

Upon hearing Xu Zhixun's words, the fake Li remained silent for a long time before slowly turning around.

Seeing his reaction, Xu Zhixun was overjoyed and quickly pressed his advantage, cupping his hands and saying again, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will risk my life to protect Your Majesty and help you break through the encirclement!"

Unexpectedly, the fake Li first sneered, and then said calmly, "I am the Son of Heaven. Having inherited the throne, I will live as long as the country exists, and I will live as long as the country perishes."

He paused, looking at Xu Zhixun's astonished expression, his tone indifferent and devoid of emotion: "How can an emperor abandon his capital and leave his country, like a bandit fleeing in disarray? If you wish to find a way to survive, Xu, then do as you please. I will not abandon this city of Jinling."

Upon hearing this, Xu Zhixun's expression froze again. He looked blank for a moment, as if he hadn't heard clearly, or as if he couldn't understand the meaning of these words combined together.

Then, he blinked, staring at the fake Li in astonishment, as if trying to find a trace of a joke or a test on the other's face.

To live or die with the city?
Are you kidding me? At a time when the building is about to collapse and everyone is thinking about how to escape?
Damn it, Xu Zhixun instantly understood why that fake Li had come back. So this fellow hadn't had enough of being emperor yet, had he?!

This person is either insane or completely obsessed.

A feeling of utter absurdity suddenly surged into Xu Zhixun's head. In a flash, he gripped the hilt of his sword at his waist, ready to make a move, but then he suddenly remembered Jing Xinmo and the others guarding outside the hall. Well, the possibility of forcibly taking away this stubborn fool was gone. If a conflict arose, it would only cost him his life.

That's it!

A surge of anger mixed with a sense of being fooled and a strange feeling of powerlessness instantly overwhelmed Xu Zhixun. What was there to say to a madman? Any further words would only be a waste of his precious time.

But then I thought, since the fake Li is unreasonable, why not let him stay here and become a target to attract the attention of the Northern Army, so that I can buy myself even a little more time?

Upon realizing this, Xu Zhixun's lingering hesitation vanished instantly. Without further delay, he hastily clasped his hands in a fist salute and said impatiently, "In that case, Your Majesty, please take care."

After speaking, without waiting for any response, the person suddenly turned around and strode away. A moment later, the hall returned to silence.

The fake Li stood quietly until Xu Zhixun's figure completely disappeared outside the palace gates. Only then did he let out a cold snort with an ambiguous meaning, and then sat directly on the dragon throne.

The chair back was very high, so leaning against it didn't bring any comfort. He placed his hands on the armrests and rubbed them, squinted his eyes, and called out, "Mirror Heart Demon."

Jingxin Demon stepped in, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Majesty."

The fake Li Ping stared at the empty hall ahead, his tone revealing neither joy nor anger: "Since you were able to lead me into the city safely, he must be in Jinling City right now."

Jingxinmo respectfully replied, "The commander-in-chief has indeed arrived."

"Oh," the fake Li responded, unsurprised. He paused for a moment before speaking again, his voice lower, "Where is he now?"

Jing Xinmo immediately stepped to the side, raised his hand slightly as if to lead the way, and replied, "The Grand Marshal must also be waiting for His Majesty. If His Majesty wishes to see him, this servant will lead the way immediately."

Unexpectedly, the fake Li chuckled softly, without moving an inch, remaining firmly seated on the dragon throne.

Mirror Heart Demon was startled and subconsciously turned around to look. He saw that Fake Li had already closed his eyes, his head slightly tilted back, leaning against the back of the chair, as if speaking to Mirror Heart Demon, or perhaps talking to himself in the empty hall, slowly saying:

"Since our parting at the Hidden Soldiers Valley, I have wandered through Bianliang, hid in Fengxiang, fled to the grasslands, left Taiyuan amidst chaos, and now drifted to this Jinling... Years of hardship, several brushes with death. Now, in this state, I am as wretched as a stray dog. If we were to meet again like this... wouldn't I only invite his ridicule and make him think I am utterly worthless?"

He paused, and before the Mirror Heart Demon could respond, he opened his eyes, his tone suddenly changing as he decisively said, "Go find it! Find the most accurate ochre-yellow robe, and also the Ji Shan Crown."

Mirror Heart Demon seemed to pause for a moment, then raised his head. In this hasty retreat, was he still clinging to these formalities?
But he immediately understood the imposter Li's state of mind, so he didn't ask any more questions. He simply lowered his eyes and replied, "Yes."

Soon, a slightly worn ochre-yellow everyday robe was respectfully presented, along with a black gauze hat with a folded turban. Jinling was the western capital and did not have dragon robes, so in this time of hardship, it was indeed the closest clothing they could find to the usual court attire of an emperor.

The fake Li stood up and opened his arms in front of the dragon throne.

Mirror Heart Demon paused for a moment, then stepped forward and removed the slightly disheveled military robe from him, before dressing him in the ochre-yellow robe and tying the sash. Finally, he straightened the Jishan crown on his head. The fake Li cooperated throughout, his chin slightly raised, gazing at the intricate coffered ceiling of the hall, allowing Mirror Heart Demon to manipulate him as if he were performing an extremely solemn ceremony.

After changing his clothes, he sat back on the dragon throne, slightly adjusting his posture so that the hem of his ochre-yellow robe could hang down naturally.

"Go and bring Li Xingyun and Zhang Zifan here."

The Mirror Demon was genuinely taken aback this time. He hesitated for a moment, then cautiously asked, "Your Majesty, is it appropriate to see them now..."

Before he could finish speaking, the fake Li's gaze swept over him: "What? Is it that I can't order you around anymore, or... are those two no longer under your control? Could it be that he has already been taken away by someone else?"

The Mirror Demon said no more and bowed as he withdrew.

Not long after, footsteps sounded outside the hall again, and Li Xingyun and Zhang Zifan were brought in one after the other.

Both men had clearly gone through some hardships; their clothes were somewhat disheveled, and their faces showed signs of exhaustion. Stepping into the spacious hall, they immediately saw each other. In an instant, their faces lit up with barely suppressed joy. No matter what, after more than a month of twists and turns, at least the other was still safe and sound.

But this relief lasted only a moment. When they saw the fake Li sitting high on the dragon throne, dressed in an ochre-yellow robe, they all instinctively became wary.

The fake Li leaned back on the dragon throne, his gaze first sweeping with interest over the wary Zhang Zifan, then turning back to examine Li Xingyun inch by inch, as if admiring two interesting objects.

Seeing that he remained silent for a long time, only looking around with that uncomfortable gaze, Zhang Zifan frowned and took half a step forward, as if he wanted to break the stalemate.

Just then, the fake Li suddenly spoke up, cutting off Zhang Zifan's words: "Li Xingyun, these past few days, I've been thinking about something repeatedly, and there's a question that's been lingering in my mind, and I have to get it off my chest."

He paused, seemingly considering his words, or perhaps observing Li Xingyun's reaction.

Li Xingyun met his gaze and shrugged: "I didn't shut you up."

"interesting."

The fake Li propped one leg up on the dragon throne and said:
"Are you truly oblivious to the fact that 'I'm going to die in your place,' completely unaware of the cause and effect involved... or do you actually know perfectly well what's going on, but are just...pretending not to know?"

Li Xingyun frowned slightly.

As if Li Xingyun didn't need a reply, and without allowing Zhang Zifan, who was trying to speak, or even the Mirror Heart Demon whose expression had slightly changed, any chance to interrupt, the fake Li continued his monologue:
"If it's the former, then you truly know nothing. In that case, I... feel a strange sense of joy. At least it proves that Yuan Tiangang, who has spent his life scheming and manipulating all living beings, doesn't even appreciate you, his so-called 'mastermind.' Isn't all his painstaking efforts and his grand scheme, which he thought he controlled, somewhat laughable and tragic from the very beginning? If this can chill his heart, then it wouldn't be bad."

Jing Xinmo's expression changed drastically. He took a step forward, but then heard Li Xingyun say in a deep voice, "Let him speak!"

The fake Li clearly ignored them and continued leisurely:

"But if it's the latter... if you already understand the crux of the matter, and know my ultimate fate as a substitute, yet you can still maintain such a detached attitude, watching others bear the consequences of your ascension to the throne and the infamy of your fallen kingdom, saying 'I don't care,' while taking for granted the escape route paved for you by others, which might allow you to slip away unscathed..."

Li Xingyun, your deep-seated scheming and your self-righteous acceptance of everything—compared to me, the ruthless 'substitute' in your eyes, how are you any more noble? It's nothing more than you standing in the light while I'm stuck in the mud—the pot calling the kettle black!

These words were quite sharp, and Li Xingyun's face turned slightly pale. His lips moved as if he wanted to say something, but he choked up for a moment.

"You're talking nonsense!" Zhang Zifan suddenly stepped forward, subtly shielding Li Xingyun behind him, his face flushed with anger. "Don't try to confuse the issue here! Brother Li, he..."

Meanwhile, Jingxinmo, who was listening from the side, was horrified. It turned out that the fake Li had known about Yuan Tiangang's position all along, but instead of saying it earlier or later, he chose this moment to expose Yuan Tiangang's plan and shake Li Xingyun's mind. Clearly, he wanted to undermine Li Xingyun and put him on the spot.

He hurriedly stepped forward to stop him, saying, "Your Majesty! Be careful what you say! The Commander-in-Chief is..."

"shut up!"

Unexpectedly, the fake Li suddenly shouted, his voice booming like thunder in the empty hall.

He suddenly stood up from the dragon throne, staring intently at Jingxinmo, his face displaying a mixture of suppressed anger, humiliation, and a certain frenzy of pride.

"I am the Son of Heaven! I have received the mandate of Heaven and inherited the great throne, and I proclaim this to the world! How can he refuse to come to see me and instead expect me to grovel and kneel before him?!"

The sound waves echoed between the beams and pillars of the palace, making people's eardrums buzz.

Jingxinmo was so shocked by his sudden outburst that his face turned pale. He felt a sense of panic that the situation was starting to get out of control. He swallowed the rest of his words, subconsciously took a half step back, and his mind raced.

Zhang Zifan was also intimidated by this imposing aura and was speechless for a moment.

Li Xingyun's face turned pale, his fists clenched, and he suddenly looked up at the mocking sneer of the fake Li.

But just as he seemed about to say something, a sigh came from outside, reaching the ears of everyone present.

"The greatest suffering in the world is when the heart is imprisoned by obsession and trapped in a dead end. It is only natural that you feel resentful and have grievances."

The voice was very peaceful, carrying a sense of detachment from worldly affairs.

The people inside the hall were all startled and turned to look in the direction of the hall entrance.

The palace doors were slowly pushed open again, and dim light from outside streamed in, illuminating the figure of a middle-aged man who looked rather ordinary.

"However, you knew from the beginning that this situation was a dead end, yet you still insisted on entering it, vying for a moment of imperial glory, and staging this final drama. How could you not know the principle of reaping the bitter consequences? But this dead end ultimately originated from Xingyun, and if you want him to bear some of the blame, there is nothing wrong with that. Therefore, you cannot swallow this grievance and resentment..."

The person slowly walked into the hall. Regardless of the reactions of the others, Li Xingyun froze as the figure gradually became clearer. His pupils dilated, as if in disbelief mixed with extreme joy. He instinctively cried out, "Master...Master!?"

Yang Shuzi first glanced quickly at Li Xingyun, seeing that although he looked unwell, he was not seriously injured. A slight relief appeared in the depths of his eyes, but he only nodded slightly. Then, he looked at the equally astonished and stunned fake Li and calmly finished the last sentence:
"...What if I swallow this with you today?"

------

Meanwhile, outside Jinling City, in the main camp of the Northern Army, at the central command tent.

The sound of horses' hooves ceased outside the gate, and the Imperial Guards spread out to maintain vigilance. Xiao Yan, unarmored and travel-worn, headed straight for the central command tent.

Li Maozhen, who had already come out of the camp to greet him, followed behind him, but stepped forward and, without letting anyone else do it for him, turned to the side and lifted the tent flap.

The tent was brightly lit by candles, as if it were daytime. A beautiful figure saw Xiao Yan enter and slowly stepped forward, bowing gracefully.

"The sinner Shi Yao pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Xiao Yan did not stop walking. He walked to the main seat and sat down. He casually placed the riding whip on the table before raising his eyes and calmly looking at Shi Yao's lowered head.

Li Maozhen sat down to the side, seemingly oblivious to the scene before him.

Xiao Yan leaned back slightly, scrutinizing Shi Yao for a moment before speaking with a slow, unhurried laugh.

"After many years, Tianyouxing is still as charming as ever, just as he was back then."

(End of this chapter)