I, Emperor Chongzhen, have extended the life of the Ming Dynasty by five hundred years.

Zhu Chunchen was filled with regret at this moment, thinking how foolish he had been!

How could that old bastard Zhou Kui possibly go and join Li Zicheng?

How could I have fallen into such an obvious trap!

Now that there is no other way out, we can only rebel!

He looked at Zhang Shize warily and said, "Did His Majesty say anything else about the Duke of Ying's visit besides the handover of power?"

Zhang Shize thought for a moment and said, "The imperial edict only said that I should take up my post immediately, and there was nothing else."

"In that case, I will immediately summon all the high-ranking officers of the Five Cities Garrison and announce His Majesty's appointment to them!"

After saying this, Zhu Chunchen clasped his hands in a salute, then hurriedly turned and left.

Minister of War Zhang Jinyan followed closely behind. The two looked flustered, only thinking about gathering troops as soon as possible and storming into the palace!

His Majesty has realized that any further delay could lead to utter ruin.

Just as the two were about to step across the threshold, a series of heavy, powerful footsteps approached from afar, like dark clouds pressing down, quickly filling the surrounding air.

Zhu Chunchen looked up and saw a group of Imperial Guards in black uniforms surging in like a tide, blocking the gate completely.

Zhang Jinyan couldn't help but take a step back and whispered, "Duke Cheng, what should we do?"

Zhu Chunchen frowned and said, "What else can we do? We'll have to play it by ear!"

As the two were talking, the Imperial Guards lined up on both sides, and one of them, dressed in a bright red flying fish robe, stepped forward with square steps.

"Duke Cheng, Minister Zhang!"

Zhu Chunchen's face was extremely grim. The person who came was none other than Luo Yangxing, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Things have come to this point, even a fool would understand what has happened!

"Commander Luo, what brings you to the Governor's Office?"

Luo Yangxing's face was ashen as he said, "Duke Cheng is asking a question he already knows the answer to!"

Zhu Chunchen's heart skipped a beat, and an ominous premonition surged into his mind.

He quickly adjusted his breathing, trying to maintain composure and calmness on his face, while secretly calculating how to escape unscathed.

"Commander Luo is joking. I only just learned of the commotion outside. How can you say I'm asking a question I already know the answer to?"

Luo Yangxing's lips curled into a meaningful smile as he said, "Do I need to spell out what dirty tricks you two have played?"

Zhu Chunchen's forehead was covered in cold sweat, but he still pretended to be calm and said, "I really don't know anything about it. I will go to the palace to ask His Majesty for clarification."

"That won't be necessary!"

Luo Yangxing blocked their path, waved his hand, and said, "I advise you two to tell the truth. His Majesty, considering our past relationship, might spare your families. Otherwise..."

"Luo Yangxing, are you threatening me?"

Seeing that he could no longer keep up the act, Zhu Chunchen decided to use his status to put pressure on Zhu Chunchen.

At this moment, Zhang Jinyan also stepped forward and said, "Commander Luo, on what basis do you accuse us of treason? Do you have any evidence?"

"Haha, hahaha..."

Luo Yangxing suddenly burst into laughter, then said, "What makes you say that, Minister Zhang? When did I ever say that either of you harbored rebellious intentions?"

"You, you..."

Zhang Jinyan's face turned bright red, and he was at a loss for what to do.

Zhu Chunchen glared at him fiercely, then said, "As the Duke of the current dynasty, what crime, besides treason, has implicated my family?"

"That makes sense!"

Luo Yangxing nodded and then said, "Now that things have come to this, let's be frank. By His Majesty's decree, we request that Duke Zhu Chunchen of Cheng and Minister of War Zhang Jinyan return to the imperial prison for questioning. Please, both of you!"

Zhu Chunchen, his face dark, asked, "What crime have I committed that warrants my imprisonment?"

"Isn't colluding with the rebel leader and funding the army enough?"

"You...you're talking nonsense, how could that be..."

"Is Laifu, who left the city this morning, the head steward of the Duke of Cheng's mansion?"

Zhu Chunchen's anxiety completely died down; Lai Fu's arrest meant that the matter had truly been exposed.

"Men, prepare for battle!"

He suddenly shouted, and the soldiers in the government office immediately assembled.

Although these people were in the Five Military Commands, they were all private soldiers raised by Zhu Chunchen. When it really matters, it's still your own people who are reliable!

Seeing this, Luo Yangxing was not to be outdone and raised his hand: "Duke of Cheng, Zhu Chunchen, and Minister of War, Zhang Jinyan, are plotting a rebellion. Arrest them, and kill any who resist!"

Zhu Chunchen also issued an order: "The commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Luo Yangxing, has falsely claimed to be acting on imperial orders. His Majesty must be under house arrest by this scoundrel. Come with me and storm the palace to rescue His Majesty!"

"kill!"

"Rush!"

The soldiers from both sides drew their swords and engaged in a chaotic battle.

Zhu Chunchen's heart pounded like a drum; he knew in his heart that today's battle would determine his fate.

He tried to remain calm and said to Zhang Jinyan, "Minister Zhang, I will cover you. Immediately return to your troops and gather reinforcements!"

Zhang Jinyan hurriedly said, "The Beijing garrison has all been taken away by Chen Yan, where are the troops left?"

"Isn't there also the Five Cities Military Command?"

"Yes, yes, and the Five Cities Garrison..."

Zhang Jinyan snapped out of his daze and asked again, "But I don't have the imperial edict in my hand!"

The Five City Garrison was a guard unit within the capital city, primarily responsible for patrolling and apprehending thieves, managing streets and ditches, and overseeing matters such as prisoners and fire prevention.

These people are not considered regular soldiers; they are more like urban management officers.

However, in a critical moment, having more people means having a better chance of winning.

The Five Cities Military Command is under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War, so there is still a good chance that it can be transferred over.

Zhu Chunchen shouted, "What time is it? Who cares about the imperial edict? Just promise the commander of the five cities' troops that after today's success, he will be promoted and ennobled, and people will believe you!"

"Okay, I'm going!"

Zhang Jinyan nodded vigorously, then rushed towards the main gate.

Zhu Chunchen shouted, "Cover Minister Zhang!"

Upon receiving the order, the guards rushed over and finally escorted Zhang Jinyan safely out the gate.

Zhu Chunchen had just breathed a sigh of relief when he suddenly saw Zhang Jinyan retreat again.

"Go away! What are you doing back?"

Zhang Jinyan retreated back to Zhu Chunchen's side and then pointed to the main gate.

Zhu Chunchen looked over and saw Duke Zhang Shize of Yingguo leading a group of men, charging in.

He then realized that Zhang Shize had not come alone, but had brought people from the Right Army Commandery!

It seems His Majesty has made thorough preparations and has no intention of letting himself live today!

"Damn it, I was careless!"

Zhu Chunchen cursed under his breath, then shouted, "We have been blessed by the country for generations, and now it is time for us to serve it loyally! Everyone, follow me and charge out!"

He had quite a few men, but they were blocked at the entrance by the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Right Army Commander's Office. Due to the limited space, they couldn't form a proper formation and couldn't break through for the time being.

Zhu Chunchen knew in his heart that things were not good. He was now isolated and helpless. If he could not kill his way to the palace as soon as possible and wait for reinforcements to arrive, he would be completely finished!

Thinking of this, he shouted again, "Listen up, everyone! A reward of one hundred taels of silver will be given for killing a thief, doubled for officers and above, and a noble title will be bestowed for killing a commander of a thousand or more!"

With such a generous reward, brave men were bound to come. The guards, as if injected with adrenaline, charged forward with roars of excitement.