My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 205 Becoming a Monk? Even becoming a monk will lead to death!

For the various tribes of the grasslands, casting gold was a form of ritual to communicate with the Eternal Heaven.

It's similar to the divination using tortoise shells during the Shang and Zhou dynasties.

Gao Yu escorted Anagui north to the Rouran royal court. Before the army set off, Anagui also used the method of casting golden statues to greatly boost the morale of his soldiers.

The Rouran, Gaoche, and Qihu people believed it, and the Yuan clan Xianbei also believed that, apart from Emperor Xiaowen's comprehensive Sinicization reforms under the "Taihe Reforms," ​​the Great Wei would select an empress by casting a golden statue.

This was the only way Erzhu Rong could think of to force Yuan Ziyou, who was not originally qualified to inherit the throne, to ascend to the throne legitimately and silence public opinion.

If the casting of the golden man is successful, then Yuan Ziyou will be the successor recognized by the Eternal Heaven.

Anyone who opposes this is opposing the Eternal Heaven!

Erzhu Rong wouldn't mind sending his opponents to heaven to debate with Changtian about whether Yuan Ziyou was truly qualified to ascend the throne.

As for whether it will succeed?

Since it's operated by a person, doesn't that depend on their technique?
Even before setting off from Shangdang County, Erzhu Rong had already instructed his top charlatan, Liu Lingzhu, to make preparations.

The army remained stationed in Heyang for one day.

Until nightfall, Gao Yu was drinking with Gao Huan and others in his tent. Erzhu Rong did not give any further instructions, so they could only drink and make merry.

But then they heard the sound of rapid hoofbeats coming from outside the camp.

Huli Jin quickly lay down on his side, then stood up again and stated his conjecture, "About a hundred riders."

Soon, there was a series of hurried footsteps. Gao Yu walked to the tent entrance and peeked through a corner. He saw many soldiers in standard armor escorting three people of noble birth into the camp.

"The Imperial Guard's standard armor... Who are those three people?"

The leader of the three attracted Gao Yu's attention.

He and Gao Huan were already so handsome that women would be willing to throw themselves at them; ordinary handsome men simply couldn't catch Gao Yu's eye.

The person in charge is indeed exceptionally handsome.

With sword-like eyebrows and bright eyes, and a distinct and angular appearance, he exudes the noble air that only a top-tier aristocratic family could cultivate from childhood. He is a gentle and refined gentleman, who looks like a ruler.

Someone who can make Gao Yu think is handsome or beautiful at first glance is absolutely rare in the world.

"Who is it?"

Gao Huan looked up and asked.

Gao Yu frowned and pondered for a moment, "It must be the new emperor that Tianbao wants to support."

Gao Huan pondered for a moment, then chuckled, “When my brothers and I last came to Luoyang, the Empress Dowager still held all the power in the court and the affairs of the world. But now? She can’t even control Luoyang anymore.”

Hou Jing countered, "What do you mean by that?"

"With Shi Long, Tian Guang, Wu Cheng and others accompanying them, they must have come out of Luoyang overnight. The journey from Luoyang to Heyang is not short. How many patrolling soldiers must they have encountered along the way? Clearly... the central army and the imperial guards in Luoyang no longer obey the Empress Dowager's orders."

In fact, Erzhu Rong's southward march was bloodless.

They had secretly placed spies in the cities of Geonheung and Gaudo beforehand, but they did not encounter much resistance.

Yang Shun, the Northern General of Hanoi Commandery, even personally led his guards and attendants out of the city to meet him.

Yuan Ziyou and his men left Luoyang and headed north. This area happened to be the defense zone of the Northern General. So many armored soldiers marched out of the city in a grand procession, and even had to cross the Yellow River at the ferry to meet Erzhu Rong in Heyang.

If the Imperial Guards hadn't defected, the city gates of Luoyang would probably have been closed down immediately.

Not to mention that Erzhu Tianguang, Erzhu Shilong and others frequently entered and exited Luoyang during these days, how could they not be noticed?
Gao Yu nodded in agreement, saying, "Not to mention the Imperial Guards, the nobles and relatives in Luoyang also hope that Tianbao will bring down the Empress Dowager. Empress Dowager Hu's approach of treating politics as a game has completely lost the hearts of the people."

Cai Jun quickly spoke up, "The new emperor you've supported? Then I can't wait to find out more about him. We should also get a share of the credit for supporting the new emperor."

"Just wait for news, don't rush."

Gao Huan shook his head, signaling everyone to continue drinking.

Such meritorious service in supporting the emperor would definitely be given priority to the descendants of the Erzhu clan. If outsiders like them interfered, it would not be a merit, but would bring disaster upon themselves.

After entering the camp.

Erzhu Shilong and Erzhu Tianguang took Yuan Shao and Yuan Zizheng to another camp.

Yuan Ziyou and Erzhu Rong were arranged to meet alone.

No one knew what kind of exchange of benefits Erzhu Rong and Yuan Ziyou had reached.

Half an hour after Yuan Ziyou entered Erzhu Rong's tent, Erzhu Rong ordered his personal guards to spread the news widely.

Tomorrow he will offer sacrifices to the Eternal Heaven.

The next day.

Erzhu Rong personally led a large army to the banks of the Yellow River.

Liu Lingzhu specially changed into a ceremonial robe used by grassland shamans during rituals.

Three people stood beside Erzhu Rong.

Yuan Shao, Yuan Ziyou, and Yuan Zizheng.

Erzhu Rong turned to the soldiers behind him and said loudly, "The late emperor died an unnatural death, and the empress dowager has acted perversely by first establishing a baby girl as emperor and then ordering a three-year-old child to take the throne. The throne of the emperor is a sacred instrument; how can it be treated so lightly?"

"Today! I, Erzhu Rong, wish to request the Eternal Heaven to bestow its instructions: among the Yuan clan, whose virtue is sufficient to be emperor!"

Erzhu Rong waved his hand.

Liu Lingzhu performed a shamanistic ritual, muttering something incoherently.

But the atmosphere created that feeling.

Then several more craftsmen arrived and began casting the golden figure in full view of everyone.

As long as it is operated by humans, there is room for covert manipulation. Gao Yu did not believe in this. As a modern soul, he did not believe in the so-called Eternal Heaven at all.

But he couldn't stop the soldiers around him from staring intently at the craftsman.

One, two, three... all failed.

On the seventh one, Liu Lingzhu suddenly shouted, "Quickly forge the golden statue!"

The craftsmen set to work again, and to the delight of all, the gilded bronze statue was successfully cast. This 'golden man' corresponds to Yuan Ziyou!
"The Eternal Heaven has issued a decree: all people, quickly pay homage to the new emperor!!"

Erzhu Rong shouted loudly, and then took the lead in kneeling down on one knee and bowing before Yuan Ziyou.

"Your subject, Erzhu Rong, pays his respects to Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty!"

Erzhu Rong took the lead in bowing, and the Erzhu clan members, Gao Yu, and others followed suit, shouting in unison, "Long live the Emperor!!"

The ordinary soldiers behind him also bowed down, shouting in unison, "Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!!"

Yuan Ziyou was overjoyed, and he was trembling uncontrollably!
The throne, which was originally a hopeless dream, is now right before my eyes, within my grasp... no, it's already in my hands!

He forcibly suppressed the excitement in his heart.

He is the emperor, the Son of Heaven; how can the Son of Heaven lose his composure!
With a warm smile on his face, Yuan Ziyou personally helped Erzhu Rong up, saying, "Grand Commander, you've worked hard."

Immediately, he turned around and looked at the crowd behind him.

"The world is in chaos now, and the cause of the late emperor's death is unknown. This is because there are treacherous officials in the court. I promise you all that after I eliminate these treacherous officials, I will definitely give you meritorious people important positions, help the country, make unparalleled contributions, promote and reward you, and bring peace back to the people!"

How many times have we rehearsed this?

You got into character so quickly?
Yuan Ziyou accurately grasped the pain points of everyone present!
There's absolutely no need for all that fancy stuff.

In a word.

Work hard for me, and I'll definitely give you a promising future and rewards.

obviously!
This one sentence was enough to make the soldiers extremely happy, and they shouted loudly again, "Long live! Long live! Long live!!"

Yuan Ziyou also quickly issued his first edict after ascending the throne.

"Erzhu Rong has rendered meritorious service in supporting the state. Now, he is hereby appointed as a Grand Councilor, General-in-Chief, Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, General of the Army, General of the Left and Right Guards, and Commander-in-Chief of all military affairs inside and outside the capital. He is also granted the title of Prince of Taiyuan!" "Your subject, Erzhu Rong, kowtows in gratitude for the Emperor's grace. From now on, I will faithfully assist Your Majesty. If I fail Your Majesty, may the Eternal Heaven take my life!"

Erzhu Rong bowed again to express his gratitude.

Yuan Ziyou has already maximized Erzhu Rong's political benefits!
The only thing missing is the Nine Bestowments: not having to bow when entering the court, wearing a sword and shoes in the palace, and not having to name the person being praised. As for why not just go all the way down in one go?
How can there be no place to seal off right from the start?

This is just an appetizer.

The real grand rewards and honors were bestowed upon him after he officially entered Luoyang.

After Yuan Ziyou helped him up, Erzhu Rong turned around, suddenly drew his precious sword from his waist and raised it high above his head, shouting, "Gentlemen! Follow me to escort His Majesty back to Luoyang! Eliminate the treacherous officials in the court!"

The soldiers drew their swords from their waists!

Under the sunlight, the polished blade reflected a chilling glint.

“Erzhu Zhao, Erzhu Tianguang, Erzhu Shilong, Erzhu Zhongyuan…”

"The general is here!"

"I hereby order you to lead your troops to Beizhong City and instruct its garrison to come and pay homage to His Majesty immediately. Anyone who dares to disobey His Majesty's decree will be considered a traitor, and the city will be attacked on the spot!"

"Here!!"

Yuan Ziyou followed the army back to the camp.

It is unknown how much time passed, but Erzhu Zhao and the others hurried back on horseback.

Also accompanying them were two garrison commanders from Beizhong City, Zheng Jimin and Zheng Xianhu.

"Your Majesty, we are late in paying our respects and hope you will forgive us!"

"General, please rise. You two rushed here on horseback as soon as you saw the imperial edict. What crime have you committed?"

After calming the two men down, Yuan Ziyou turned to Erzhu Rong and asked, "Now that we have the river bridge, can we, the Prince of Taiyuan, lead our troops across the river?"

"Why is Your Majesty in such a hurry? There are still troops guarding the south bank."

at this time.

Erzhu Shilong rushed over again, "Reporting to Your Majesty, reporting to the King, Li Shengui, the commander of the garrison on the south bank, has abandoned his troops and fled south to Luoyang. Our army has completely taken control of the river bridge, and the vanguard has reached the south bank of the Yellow River!"

"it is good!"

Take the river bridge!

The Yellow River is no longer an insurmountable natural barrier.

Yuan Ziyou excitedly praised it repeatedly!

Erzhu Rong no longer hesitated and waved his hand.

"The army marches forth! Follow me to escort His Majesty across the Yellow River!!"

The army set off in a grand procession, and by the time the entire army crossed the Yellow River at the river bridge, it was already sunset!

Just as we crossed the river.

Then a man and a horse charged towards the army!

The man was wearing armor and a cloak, the attire of a high-ranking military officer.

After it gets close.

It's an old acquaintance again!
General Fei Mu, who should have been stationed at Xiaopingjin, is now rushing over alone on horseback.

"Your Majesty, I, Fei Mu, am late in paying my respects. Please forgive me!"

"General, please rise."

Just as Gao Yu and Gao Huan had predicted.

Empress Dowager Hu has lost the hearts of everyone in Luoyang, from high-ranking officials and imperial relatives to ordinary soldiers in the imperial guards.

People's hearts have been lost.

Everyone in Luoyang hoped that Erzhu Rong would come soon.

However, the Imperial Guard hoped that Yuan Ziyou and Erzhu Rong, who had left the Imperial Guard system, would treat military men well after they came to power.

The nobles and members of the imperial family were merely using someone else to do their dirty work.

The so-called natural barrier of the Yellow River and the combat-ready troops within the Imperial Guard were utterly ineffective as a shield for Luoyang, nor could they be relied upon by Empress Dowager Hu.

Gao Yu then came to Erzhu Rong's side to give him a reminder.

"Your Majesty, news of our arrival with our army must have already reached Luoyang. The two traitors, Zheng Yan and Xu He, may have fled overnight. These two are the main culprits Your Majesty intends to kill on this southward journey. We must not let them escape. Your Majesty must send men to guard all the passes and key roads to capture these two."

"As expected of Erlang, you are very meticulous. I almost made a mistake."

Erzhu Rong quickly divided his troops and sent men out.

Yuan Ziyou couldn't help but ask, "Who is this person?"

"Your Majesty, this man is none other than Gao Yu, the second son of the Gao family of Huai Shuo, who was once famous in Luoyang."

Yuan Ziyou was greatly surprised, "It's actually Gao Lang? I heard of Gao Lang's name back then, and Lord Cui even personally bestowed a name upon him. Seeing him today, he truly is a heroic young man!"

"Greetings to Your Majesty!"

Gao Yu quickly cupped his hands in greeting.

"Gao Lang, there's no need for such politeness."

Yuan Ziyou took Gao Yu's hand very affectionately, "What a young hero! I've heard that Gao Lang once defeated the Gao Che army of hundreds of thousands on the northern grasslands. With Gao Lang here, the Hebei rebels are nothing to fear!"

"Your Majesty is too kind. Your Majesty and the General are wise and powerful. We only need to follow orders to repel the enemy."

Yuan Ziyou was no pushover either.

Trying to win him over in front of Erzhu Rong?
Erzhu Rong simply gave Yuan Ziyou a deep look, but didn't say anything more.

Inside Xianyang Palace in Luoyang.

Li Shengui, who had hastily fled back, had already arrived before Empress Dowager Hu.

"Your Majesty, the Zheng brothers have already surrendered. When I returned, I heard that Fei Mu had also surrendered!"

"What??"

Empress Dowager Hu was shocked and turned pale. "Where is Zheng Yan? Where is Xu He?"

"Your Majesty, the two lords have vanished without a trace..."

"Damn it! Damn it! These two traitors have caused me so much suffering!!"

It was only at this point that Empress Dowager Hu realized that she had truly become a lonely person, and that everything had come to nothing in the end.

She quickly stood up, summoned the guards, and ordered, "Summon all the late emperor's concubines to Jiafu Hall!!"

Not a moment.

Erzhu Ying'e, Pan Chonghua, and others arrived at Jiafu Hall.

They only saw it when they came in.

Empress Dowager Hu, who usually wore the empress dowager's robes, had changed into a plain nun's robe and knelt before the Buddha statue.

Upon seeing the arrival of everyone.

Empress Dowager Hu wept uncontrollably, grabbed her beautiful hair with one hand, and with the other hand holding scissors, personally cut off her hair!

"Today, the world is in chaos, the late emperor has died suddenly, and the Great Wei dynasty is in imminent danger."

"We women, being unable to fight the enemy, will all follow me to shave our heads and become nuns, entering the Buddhist order, chanting scriptures and worshipping Buddha every night, praying for the Great Wei, for our ancestors, and for the late emperor!"

(End of this chapter)