Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 99: Palace coup! Hulong Villa in turmoil! [38]

Wei Zhongxian was shocked.

"Your Majesty! Your Majesty..."

stomping on...

The eunuchs at the door heard the noise and ran in. When they saw this scene, their faces changed drastically.

"Eunuch Wei..." Everyone looked at Wei Zhongxian in panic.

Wei Zhongxian swallowed, gently stretched out his hand, and felt Zhu Youxiao's breath. Then he took a long breath, wiped the sweat from his forehead, and waved his hand, saying, "The emperor is fine. Go and call the imperial physician!"

"Yes!" A young eunuch hurried out to call the imperial physician.

After a while, an old imperial physician came hurriedly carrying a medicine box. When he saw this scene, he was also shocked.

Wei Zhongxian quickly stood up and stepped aside, shouting, "Doctor Hong, please take a look at the emperor."

Doctor Hong did not dare to delay and immediately stepped forward to start checking Zhu Youxiao's pulse.

After a moment, his expression suddenly changed. He turned to look at Wei Zhongxian, wanting to say something but stopping himself: "Eunuch Wei, the Emperor..."

Wei Zhongxian noticed that Doctor Hong looked unhappy, and quickly waved his hand to dismiss the others before asking, "What's the situation?"

Doctor Hong's face was solemn as he whispered, "Eunuch Wei, the Emperor's pulse is intermittent. This means... his end is near! Perhaps... it will be within the next few days!"

Wei Zhongxian was struck by lightning: "How could it be... so fast?!"

Doctor Hong sighed softly and said, "I will take my leave."

Wei Zhongxian waved his hand with an extremely ugly expression.

"emperor……"

Wei Zhongxian slowly walked to the front of the dragon bed and looked at Zhu Youxiao's pale face, with sadness, reluctance, struggle and other expressions in his eyes.

After a long moment, a hint of determination flashed in his eyes, and he whispered, "Your Majesty, please don't blame me. I just want to survive!"

After saying this, he suddenly turned around and walked through the door. He looked at the eunuch on duty at the door and shouted coldly, "Call the manager of the East Factory into the palace!"

"Yes!" A group of young eunuchs hurried over to report.

Wei Zhongxian turned around and walked towards the West Palace where the concubines lived.

Soon, he came to a hidden attic.

The attic was filled with Jinyiwei inside and outside, and many eunuchs were busy coming in and out.

The man guarding the door was none other than Han Yao, the Chief of Executions of the Eastern Depot.

"Father!"

Seeing Wei Zhongxian coming, Han Yao hurried forward to salute.

Wei Zhongxian's face was gloomy. He glanced inside and asked, "Is there anyone giving birth in the next two days?"

Han Yao shook his head: "The nearest one will be half a month later."

Since they were planning to replace the prince with a cat, it was naturally impossible to choose all the babies to be born at the same time. Who knew when the emperor would die?

"What's wrong, godfather?" Han Yao asked.

Wei Zhongxian said in a deep voice, "We can't wait any longer. Ask the imperial physician if he can induce labor. The emperor is dying and must give birth to a child within the next two days. Issue an imperial edict!"

Han Yao's expression changed: "The Emperor really..."

Wei Zhongxian nodded: "Life or death depends on this one, you must keep a close eye on it!"

"Yes, I'll do it right away!"

Han Yao also knew the importance of this matter, and hurried in to find the imperial physician.

Wei Zhongxian took a deep breath and turned back to the Qianqing Palace.

At this time, all the managers of the East Factory had gathered in the Qianqing Palace, including Zheng Zhangban, Zhao Jingzhong, Gu Jinfu, Liu Xi, Sun Yunhe and others.

"Greetings, Mr. Factory Manager!" Seeing Wei Zhongxian approaching, everyone hurriedly bowed to greet him.

Wei Zhongxian waved his hand, walked in front of the crowd, and ordered: "Prepare for response."

With just one sentence, everyone's expression suddenly changed.

"What foster father means is that the emperor..." Zhao Jingzhong asked.

Wei Zhongxian nodded, looked at everyone, and said: "First, summon the Jinyiwei to the palace and take control of all the palace gates. No palace maids or eunuchs are allowed to enter or leave!"

"Second, send people to closely guard the princes and dukes, especially the Hulong Villa. Send someone to keep a close watch on them!"

"Third, strengthen the defenses of all government offices in the inner court to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the opportunity to cause chaos!"

"Fourth, our men must be stationed at all gates, both inside and outside the capital, to strengthen defenses!"

"Fifth, obtain the seal of the Ministry of War and issue an order, ordering all troops stationed inside and outside the capital to cease movement and remain in place. Anyone who disobeys will be killed without mercy!"

Everyone was startled and bowed solemnly: "Yes!"

"Go!"

Wei Zhongxian waved his hand and everyone left quickly without delay.

Wei Zhongxian thought for a moment, then walked to the dragon table and waved his hand. An older eunuch hurried over and bowed, "Eunuch Wei."

"Eunuch Liu, go get Zhang Ne from the Hanlin Academy to write an imperial edict for us, and you can deliver it to Prince Xin's mansion."

"Yes!" Eunuch Liu quickly agreed and turned to leave.

……

The movements of the East Factory soon shook the entire capital.

Although the reason given by the palace was that an assassin had entered the palace and attempted to assassinate the emperor, the palace ban was only to capture the assassin.

But is it necessary to impose martial law in the entire capital to capture the assassin?
He also stopped the mobilization of troops inside and outside the capital, and the entire capital was taken over by the East Factory and the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

No one is stupid.

Anyone could guess that something must have happened in the palace.

Suddenly, countless officials and noble families were in an uproar and talked about it.

The undercurrent that was originally hidden underground in the capital suddenly began to surface.

Various forces began to transmit information to the outside world and share what they had.

Looking at the Dongchang guards and teams of Jinyiwei walking by on the street from time to time, even the dumbest people knew that something big had happened, so they all hid in their homes and dared not go out.

The streets suddenly became extremely deserted.

Right Thousand Households.

Jiang Xuan also received a transfer order from Xu Xianchun, ordering him to bring people into the palace and be responsible for the defense of the East'an Gate of the imperial palace.

Needless to say, what we are guarding against is definitely to prevent a mutiny.

Jiang Xuan's face became solemn as he watched the Jinyiwei who came to deliver the message leave.

He didn't expect that Wei Zhongxian would take action so quickly.

Most likely something happened to the emperor.

Either he is already dead, or he is about to die!

In either case, unrest will occur.

The game between all parties has begun!

Fortunately, he was well prepared and had already made various arrangements and deployments, so he did not seem panicked.

Jiang Xuan immediately summoned his men and ordered, "Xu Longqing, Lu Jianxing, and An Jianqing, the three of you, bring your men and follow me into the palace."

"Everyone else remains unchanged. Everyone should perform their duties and ensure public order on the streets. If anything happens, report to me immediately!"

"Yes!"

Everyone also knew that something had happened in the palace, but they didn't dare to ask more questions. They responded solemnly and turned to leave.

Jiang Xuan took a deep breath, stood up, picked up his sword, and walked out the door.

……

Eastern suburbs, Hulong Villa.

"Foster father, something happened in the palace!"

Duan Tianya looked solemn and bowed to report.

"I've received the message!"

Zhu Wushi nodded, his expression serious. He looked towards the direction of the palace and said coldly, "This eunuch finally couldn't help but take action!"

Duan Tianya said in a deep voice, "Foster father, Wei Zhongxian suddenly ordered a palace lockdown. Something must have happened to the emperor. This eunuch is plotting a rebellion. Should we enter the palace immediately to protect him?"

Zhu Wusi did not answer, but asked: "How are you doing with the matter I asked you to investigate?"

"Find out!"

Duan Tianya said solemnly, "Just as my adoptive father predicted, all the palace maids kept by Wei Zhongxian are pregnant. Furthermore, there are records in the Imperial Household Department showing that the Emperor has visited them all. This eunuch is trying to forge an imperial edict to establish a fake Crown Prince and continue to control the government!"

"Foster father, we should enter the palace immediately, expose his conspiracy, and protect the emperor!"

Zhu Wusi frowned, his eyes hesitant.

After pondering for a moment, he looked at Duan Tianya and asked, "What's going on over at Prince Xin's mansion? Didn't that eunuch try to deal with Prince Xin?"

Duan Tianya was about to speak.

At this time, a young man in a white robe with a handsome appearance walked in.

This person was none other than the Hulong Villa's "Xuanzi Number One" spy, Shangguan Haitang. Shangguan Haitang, looking anxious, cupped his hands and reported, "Father, that eunuch has taken action. He's sent someone to Prince Xin's mansion to convey his decree, requesting that Prince Xin be transferred from the capital to Dengzhou Prefecture!"

"What?!" Duan Tianya's face changed.

Zhu Wusi seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

His biggest threat has finally been resolved!

……

"Fengtian Chengyun Emperor, the imperial edict said:

Prince Xin Zhu Youjian has excellent character, is loyal and filial, abides by the rules, and is diligent in royal affairs. I like him very much.
Now, Zhu Youjian is in the prime of his youth and should serve his country.

Although I am concerned about the relationship between brothers and sisters and do not want to be separated from them, for the sake of the long-term stability of the Ming Dynasty, I must strictly abide by the customs of our ancestors;

All the princes who have reached adulthood should leave the capital, stay away from the imperial palace, and avoid interfering in government affairs, so that both their families and the country can live in peace.

The laws established by our ancestors cannot be violated. I now grant Dengzhou, Henan, to Zhu Youjian as a vassal of Prince Xin.
He was granted 12,000 hectares of land, an annual salary of 8,000 taels, and exemption from all state taxes.
Zhu Youjian was ordered to leave Beijing in three days without any mistakes.

Admire this. "

In Prince Xin’s mansion, the fire was bright.

After reading the imperial edict, Eunuch Liu glanced at Zhu Youjian, who was kneeling on the ground to receive it, and said with a smile: "Your Highness, why don't you accept the edict quickly and thank the emperor for his grace and reward."

Zhu Youjian knelt on the ground, his head lowered, his fists clenched, and his teeth chattering.

He was not an idiot, so he naturally understood that this imperial edict was definitely a fake one by Wei Zhongxian.

The purpose is to transfer him away from the capital at this critical moment.

But Wei Zhongxian had the power to approve imperial edicts, so this imperial edict could not be fake, as it had the emperor's seal on it.

If he refused now, it would be considered disobeying the imperial order, and Wei Zhongxian could use this as an excuse to deal with him.

Once he is imprisoned in the Heavenly Prison, his life or death will no longer be his own.

Seeing that Zhu Youjian was in a bad mood, Wang Chengen hurried forward and whispered a reminder: "Your Majesty!"

Zhu Youjian took a deep breath, raised his hands above his head, gritted his teeth and said, "Your humble servant, accept the order!"

“Hey…that’s right!”

Eunuch Liu chuckled, placed the imperial edict in Zhu Youjian's hands, and reminded him, "Your Highness, the imperial edict cannot be disobeyed. The Emperor has ordered you to leave the capital in three days. You'd better pack your things as soon as possible. If you're late, we will have to come and invite you in person."

"Don't worry, Eunuch Liu. I know what to do!" Zhu Youjian said gritting his teeth.

"You know best."

Eunuch Liu sneered, waved his hand, and led his men out of the palace.

Liu Cheng'en went out to see them off. After they left, he quickly closed the door and ran back to help Zhu Youjian up. His face was grim as he said, "Your Highness, something must have happened in the palace!"

"This is Wei Zhongxian's plan to lure the tiger away from the mountain. He wants to take advantage of the opportunity to transfer you away from the capital. He might even try to murder you along the way. We can't wait any longer!"

"How could this king not know this?!"

Zhu Youjian gritted his teeth and said, "But this is an open conspiracy. If I disobey his order, the eunuchs will definitely come to my house in three days. What should I do then?!"

"So we have to act in advance!"

Wang Chengen said in a deep voice: "The emperor must have been placed under house arrest by Wei Zhongxian!"

"The most urgent matter is that the prince should immediately contact all the civil and military officials in the capital and directly enter the palace to see the emperor. Only by seeing the emperor can we have a glimmer of hope!"

Zhu Youjian hesitated: "But...what if the emperor is okay?"

"Besides, the Emperor never said he would pass the throne to me. What if..."

"Oh, my Lord, why are you so confused?!"

Wang Chengen said anxiously, "Think about it, the emperor has no children, and you are his only biological brother."

"According to our Ming Dynasty ancestral precepts, the throne is passed on to the younger brother after the elder brother's death. If the emperor doesn't pass the throne to you, who else can he pass it on to?"

"Let's take a step back and say that even if the Emperor is truly alright, Your Highness, you risked your life by entering the palace out of concern for his safety. Could it be that the Emperor would blame you?"

"Your Highness, stop hesitating and make your choice!"

"Do you really want to wait until three days later, when the eunuchs' butcher knife reaches your chest, before you resist?"

"It will be too late by then!"

Hearing this, Zhu Youjian gritted his teeth, finally made up his mind, and nodded, "Okay, let's do as you say!"

"Go and find out the situation immediately, contact the civil and military ministers, and follow me to the palace to see the emperor!"

"Oh right, especially Hulong Villa!"

Zhu Youjian reminded him, "Uncle Wang is a man of great courage and courage. He has the imperial seal and the imperial sword bestowed upon him by the late emperor. He is responsible for protecting the imperial palace. If you can ask Uncle Wang for help, then if something really happens, the emperor won't be able to blame me."

"Yes, I know what to do!"

Wang Chengen left in a hurry.

……

Hulong Villa.

"Foster father, Wang Chengen, the steward of Prince Xin's palace, requests to see you."

Shangguan Haitang came to report.

Zhu Wushi nodded: "Let him in."

"Yes!"

Shangguan Haitang left.

After a while, Wang Chengen hurriedly followed Shangguan Haitang in and bowed to Zhu Wusi with great respect: "I am Wang Chengen, the steward of Prince Xin's Mansion, and I pay my respects to His Majesty!"

"Be flat!"

Zhu Wusi waved his hand and said in a dignified tone: "Why are you here with me instead of serving Prince Xin well in the palace?"

Wang Chengen hurriedly said, "Your Highness, you don't know this. Wei Zhongxian is incredibly audacious. Not only did he secretly order a palace ban and place the Emperor under house arrest, he even dared to forge an imperial decree to have His Highness Prince Xin transferred from the capital!"

"His Highness Prince Xin suspects Wei Zhongxian is attempting to seize power and rebel, and has therefore sent this servant to come and ask Your Highness to lead the charge into the palace to rescue the Emperor and punish the eunuchs!"

Zhu Wusi's face remained calm as he asked, "You claim Wei Zhongxian has imprisoned the Emperor and is plotting a rebellion? What evidence do you have?"

"This……"

Wang Chengen was stunned for a moment, then quickly said, "Your Highness, Wei Zhongxian has issued a palace lockdown for no apparent reason today, and even ordered the Jinyiwei to enter the palace and guard the gates. Isn't this obvious?"

Zhu Wusi said calmly, "Didn't the palace say that the blockade of the capital was to capture the assassin who wanted to kill the emperor?"

"Your Highness, that was just Wei Yan's delaying tactic!"

Wang Chengen was very anxious. He didn't understand how the Iron-hearted Marquis, with his prestige and wisdom, could not see through such a simple conspiracy?

"Please trust me, Your Highness, and help His Highness Prince Xin!"

Wang Chengen said anxiously, "If Wei Zhongxian succeeds in usurping the throne, it will be too late!"

"No need to say it!"

Zhu Wusi raised his hand and said, "How could Wei Zhongxian, a mere eunuch, have the audacity to attempt to usurp the throne?"

"Go back and serve Prince Xin well."

"As long as I am here, the capital will remain in turmoil. Wei Zhongxian can't cause any trouble."

"This? Your Majesty..."

Wang Chengen was about to say something more, but Zhu Wusi frowned and said, "Hmm?"

Wang Chengen's heart skipped a beat, he sighed secretly, and dared not say anything more. He bowed respectfully and said, "Yes, I will take my leave."

Watching Wang Chengen leave, Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang looked at each other, frowning slightly, both a little puzzled.

"Father!"

Shangguan Haitang bowed and said, "What Wang Chengen said must be true. The emperor has been imprisoned in the Qianqing Palace by Wei Zhongxian. He must be trying to control the succession of the throne by posing as the fake crown prince and usurp the throne."

"Why didn't foster father agree to Wang Chengen's request and join Prince Xin in breaking into the palace, rescuing the emperor and punishing the eunuch?"

Zhu Wusi waved his hand and said, "I will consider this matter myself."

"You just need to keep a close eye on those palace maids. When the fake prince is born and we have evidence, that will be the perfect time for us to take action, uncover Wei Yan's conspiracy, and wipe out the eunuchs."

"Otherwise, if there is no evidence and the Emperor favors Wei Zhongxian, and he uses his eloquence to falsely accuse me of treason, how will I cope?"

"I see!"

Duan Tianya and Shangguan Haitang suddenly understood and nodded, "Godfather is wise."

"But what about Prince Xin?"

Shangguan Haitang asked, "Foster father, Wei Zhongxian falsely conveyed the imperial edict. Besides wanting to transfer Prince Xin away from the capital, he might also take the opportunity to harm Prince Xin and eliminate future trouble."

"After all, Prince Xin is the only prince who has the potential to inherit the throne."

"Do we need to send someone to protect Prince Xin?"

"No need."

Zhu Wusi calmly waved his hand and said, "Wei Zhongxian doesn't have the guts to murder the prince."

"Besides, Prince Xin will have his own protection. If I send someone, others will think I am sending someone to monitor Prince Xin and think that I am interested in the throne, which will only cause more trouble."

"You just need to take care of the palace. Don't worry about anything else. I know what's going on."

Hearing this, the two of them said no more and bowed, "Yes, godfather."

(End of this chapter)