Chapter 72

Chapter 72

As Xu Yunqi held Pei Xun captive, the residence of the Duke of Chengguo was engulfed in flames. Yan Shaoling led his men through Su Ziyan's blockade and charged into the backyard.

The torches illuminated the entire mansion like a forest of light, casting a glow on the young lady's face that shimmered like a rosy hue, radiating vitality.

With Yan Shaoling's protection, Xu Yunqi handed Pei Xun over to Su Ziyan without hesitation. The two then swiftly mounted their horses and rushed to Xihua Gate to meet with Pei Musheng.

Xu Yunqi's horse was faster than a carriage, so she arrived at Xihua Gate first. Xun Yunhe had already arranged for Liu Yue, the Junior Minister of the Supreme Court, to meet them there. Liu Yue planned to present the old man as a living witness to enter the palace. After Yan Shaoling entrusted Xu Yunqi to Liu Yue, he immediately rode off to the city gate to assist Prince Xi.

Xu Yunqi waited outside Xihua Gate for a while until she finally spotted a familiar carriage approaching slowly.

She had anticipated her grandfather's condition and prepared some ginseng soup and medicine. Silver Apricot promptly administered it to the old man to avoid distressing Xu Yunqi. On the carriage, Pei Musheng had already helped the elder change into a clean gray robe, and Silver Apricot had wiped away the bloodstains on his face and tended to his wounds, making him appear less horrifying.

After a moment, the carriage stopped. Pei Musheng personally lifted the curtain and, with Silver Apricot's help, assisted the old man down from the carriage.

At the sight of her grandfather, Xu Yunqi almost gasped for air. His cheeks were marred by a dozen scars, and his forehead was covered in scabs, making it almost impossible to recognize him. His once tall and slender figure was now gaunt and hunched, barely recognizable after the torment he had endured.

"Grandfather!" Tears welled up in Xu Yunqi's eyes as she flew towards him like a bird returning to its nest.

Chapter Elder Zhang, with tears in his eyes, looked at the granddaughter he had raised since she was young, and tremblingly opened his arms.

It had been over three years – the longest separation they had ever experienced. Between them lay the abyss of life and death, an overwhelming scandal, and a carefree past that could never be recovered.

Xu Yunqi held him tightly in her embrace. The once towering figure and broad, solid chest were now reduced to mere gaunt ribs.

Her heart ached terribly as she gazed at the vast, dark sky with tears tinged with blood,

"I will kill them!"

An unprecedented surge of hatred coursed through her.

*

At the same moment, Wen Duke Wen Yinchang rushed back to the Wen residence and changed into his official attire, signifying his position as the Left Commander of the Five Military Bureaus. In his haste, the room remained unlit, and he hastily dressed by the glow from outside the veranda. At that instant, a servant entered with a silver lantern, its light gradually illuminating the corner where the canopy bed stood.

The Wen Duke recognized the familiar footsteps and turned abruptly.

Lady Wen stood beside the canopy bed, her expression a mix of a smile and a frown as she looked at him,

"For whom are you about to risk your life this time?"

Without waiting for the Wen Duke's response, she continued with a smile, "Is it that woman, then?"

The woman who had occupied a place in his heart for over three decades.

In the past, she was an unknown entity to him, but given the current situation, she could roughly deduce her identity.

Hearing the mocking tone in her voice, the Wen Duke's expression darkened. He replied coldly, "What woman are you referring to? On what grounds do you speak of her like this?"

Lady Wen heard this and covered her mouth, laughing softly. "You're too suspicious. I was just speaking casually; there's no other meaning behind it."

Her tone was cool and distant.

The couple had always had little in common when it came to conversation.

Usually, the Wen Duke indulged her, rarely retaliating against Lady Wen's mocking remarks. However, when she mentioned 'that woman,' he could not tolerate it. A chill glinted in his eyes, and his voice was icy cold.

"I'll tell you this, the seat you hold should rightfully be hers. And as for your Cao family, if not for my support, you would not enjoy the glory you have today. You'd better understand that!"

Madam Wen's smile vanished from her eyes, her face turning as rigid as withered wood, all its luster fading in an instant.

She and Wen Yinchang were worlds apart. He had gained fame at a young age, born into privilege, and was the sought-after ideal husband in Capital City. When Madam Wen was being considered for marriage, she never dreamed of becoming his wife. It was at a banquet that she accidentally met the late Elder Madam Wen. The elder mentioned she was considering potential brides for her son, and all the young ladies present held secret hopes. Madam Wen, not coming from an esteemed family, naturally thought herself an outsider. Yet, when she returned home that day, her elders informed her that the Wen family had taken a liking to her and wished to marry her into their family.

It felt like being struck by a pie falling from the sky.

She couldn't sleep the whole night.

The following day, Wen Yinchang arranged to meet her. He confessed that he didn't have feelings for her. He was marrying her because of her reputation as a virtuous woman, and the Cao family needed the support. His brief explanation made it clear to her that this wasn't a stroke of luck but a business arrangement.

Back then, she was too young to understand. She believed he was devoted to state affairs and lacked romantic inclinations. Thinking even the hardest stone could be warmed with care, she married him with a heart full of hope, trying to please him and serving her in-laws diligently. One fateful night, when she brought him ginseng soup in his study, she inadvertently caught him lost in thought over a handkerchief. In that moment, the bowl slipped from her hands, spilling the soup over her body. She retreated to the backyard, humiliated.

From then on, the couple tacitly acknowledged the nature of their transaction, and they continued this way until today...

Thirty years had passed, each one like the last.

The ache in her eyes threatened to bring tears, but Madam Wen resolutely held them back.

She had finally spoken the words that had been buried in her heart for decades.

"Wen Yinchang, let us part ways. I have already written the divorce document... just sign here." Madam Wen took a deep breath, producing the document and placing it on a high table adorned with writing tools – it was clear she had been prepared for this.

Wen Yinchang was slightly taken aback but soon seemed to exhale in relief. Without hesitation and without even glancing at the divorce paper, he signed his name, then retrieved his personal seal from his waist to stamp it. After completing these actions, he didn't spare her a glance before turning and leaving without looking back.

Madam Wen listened to his footsteps fading away and gazed at the divorce paper, now settled with dust. A smile shook within her chest, eventually transforming into tears that streaked down her no longer youthful cheeks.

It was finally over...

*

No, it wasn't over yet.

Pei Xun gradually regained consciousness in the carriage after taking the antidote. Su Ziyan sat beside him, her face filled with remorse.

"It was my fault for falling into their trap, causing you to fail."

Pei Xun was never one to blame his subordinates. He waved his hand dismissively, his expression stern as he looked ahead. The carriage curtains were lifted, revealing a bright glow in the distance – the imperial city was in sight.

"It's not over yet."

To ascend the throne smoothly and secure the kingdom, gaining Xun Yunhe's support was the fastest, easiest, and most reliable approach.

How could he rest without giving it a try?

Even if he failed, he would not regret his decision.

Pei Xun, known for his ruthlessness, would never leave himself without a backup plan.

Entering the palace, he aimed his sword at the Heavenly Mandate Hall!

This was their last desperate gamble, the final push between him and Wen Duke.

The master and disciple went separate ways, each heading to their own battlefield.

Wen Duke, having cultivated influence in the military for years, naturally had means to leave the capital. He, accompanied by a few trusted followers, exited the city through Fuchengmen Street, heading for the Southern Army Camp.

The Southern Army Camp was stationed in the south of the capital, on the slopes of Funiu Mountain, like a fortress guarding the capital from the north.

However, Wen Duke's journey was far from easy. Along the way, Pei Muheng had arranged several assassination attempts, while Wen Duke's own people were there to provide support. They clashed multiple times, significantly delaying Wen Duke's arrival at the camp.

After Elder Zhang entered the palace, the situation had already turned unfavorable for Pei Xun. Wen Duke was well aware that their top priority now was to lead the soldiers into the palace to protect the emperor. If he could not mobilize the Southern Army Camp, all their efforts would be in vain.

Under the valiant escort, Duke Wen arrived swiftly at the main gate, already hearing the heated arguments within.

He dismounted hurriedly and entered the central command tent with his entourage. There, he saw Prince Xi seated in the prominent position, surrounded by several factions of troops, while his own followers occupied the lower left side. Both parties were steadfast and unyielding, their tones confrontational.

"Your Highness, Prince Xi, you have no authority to command the army. As for this military order in your hand, it lacks both the Emperor's personal seal and our Grand Marshal's signature. How can we believe it? The whole world knows that Prime Minister Xun Yunhe is related to you by marriage. What if this edict was fabricated by the two of you? Forgive us, but my men and I cannot comply!"

Strong leaders have strong soldiers, and Duke Wen had been preparing for the struggle for succession for quite some time. Upon Prince Xi's arrival, Duke Wen's generals immediately presented their case forcefully, preventing the prince from gaining control of the Southern Camp.

Just then, the curtain was lifted, revealing a figure in a crimson robe – none other than Duke Wen himself, dressed in the attire of a First Rank Marshal. Everyone's expressions brightened upon seeing him, promptly gathering around him to counterbalance Prince Xi's presence.

Seeing Duke Wen, Prince Xi instead smiled slowly, even pouring him a cup of tea, inviting him to sit down.

"Duke Wen, your timing is impeccable. I hold the military order from the Heavenly Audience Hall, here to assume command of the Southern Camp. Your soldiers seem disobedient; perhaps you can arbitrate."

Duke Wen was well aware of Prince Xi's intentions – to buy time. Once the Emperor awoke, Pei Xun would pose no threat. Every moment delayed would worsen the situation for them.

The Southern Camp had three factions: those loyal to Duke Wen, Prince Xi's supporters, and an impartial group that solely obeyed the Emperor.

Whichever side could gain the neutrality of this third faction would emerge victorious.

Duke Wen first performed a courteous bow towards Prince Xi, then pulled out an object from his waist, addressing all the generals present,

"Esteemed colleagues, Prime Minister Xun Yunhe and Chief Eunuch Liu Xiwen have conspired to control His Majesty. In this dire situation, the Emperor secretly dispatched an imperial command to Prince Twelve. This is a joint letter signed by Prince Twelve and Assistant Minister Shi Zhuo, instructing me to lead the troops into the city and protect the throne."

The letter was passed around by a general standing near Duke Wen, while another general nearby examined the imperial command closely. It wasn't particularly large, but its golden tip indicated it was reserved for the Emperor's use alone. None of them knew that it had been given as a reward to Pei Xun during one of his visits to the Emperor, but its presentation at this critical moment carried significant weight.

Prince Twelve was the legitimate son of the Empress, and after Prince Qin's decline in power, it was evident to observant eyes that the Emperor intended to make him the heir. As the Left Supreme Commander of the Five Armies, Wen Yinchang held a more legitimate position than Prince Xi. The generals who had previously been swayed by Prince Xi now seemed to waver.

Prince Xi, however, replied calmly,

"You may not be aware, but yesterday, Deputy Minister Liu Yue of the Supreme Court discovered that the Empress was the culprit behind the Princess Mingyue tragedy. The Emperor fell gravely ill due to this revelation, and seeing little hope of becoming the heir, Prince Twelve chose to take a risky path and attempt a coup. I implore you not to fall for Duke Wen's deception and avoid being labeled as rebels."

This incident had caused a stir within the city, but the news had yet to reach the military camp. Most of the generals were taken aback, displaying expressions of shock. Only two, who had visited the capital that day, had heard about it.

"It is indeed true. His Majesty has instructed Minister Liu Yue and Lord Xiao to investigate the case. We can expect a resolution soon."

The balance in the hearts of the generals tilted back towards Prince Xi.

Duke Wen, with his hands clasped behind his back, maintained a smile on his face.

"Your Highness Prince Xi, forgive this old man for asking, but if the Twelfth Prince were truly a traitor, why would I, already esteemed as the Left Supreme Commander, dare to share such risks with him?"

This was indeed a valid point.

Even Prince Xi found himself deeply puzzled.

There was no doubt that the Twelfth Prince was the disciple of Duke Wen. But wasn't every royal son who had learned archery and horseback riding also his student? Prince Xi himself had spent two years under Duke Wen's tutelage.

Their master-disciple bond wouldn't be strong enough to make Duke Wen risk his life.

So, why was Duke Wen going all out for the Twelfth Prince?

As both sides seemed evenly matched, Hang Zhendong, who had succeeded Yang Kang as the Right Supreme Commander, spoke up, "Your Highness Prince Xi holds the joint military order from the Cabinet and the Office of Imperial Household Affairs, while the Left Supreme Commander has the Twelfth Prince's personal letter. We cannot afford to ignore either of you, nor can we fully believe either. What I mean is, let us await the Emperor's command."

Remaining neutral in the face of change, this was Hang Zhendong's strategy.

Other neutral commanders echoed, "Indeed, let us wait for the Emperor to awaken before we proceed."

"It's ultimately up to His Majesty to decide."

Prince Xi had intended to stall Duke Wen, so he remained calm and composed, "Very well, if that's what you all insist on, then this prince will wait here for His Majesty's decree."

Duke Wen's expression darkened slightly.

There was no time to waste. They needed to break out first and then coordinate with Zhan You from the inside to surround the palace – that was their best strategy.

Duke Wen secretly gave a signal, and immediately, an assassin swiftly shot an arrow in Prince Xi's direction.

Prince Xi, having anticipated this, rolled onto his side and took cover behind a table. The guards standing behind him promptly surrounded Duke Wen and his companions, engaging them in combat.

The central military tent instantly descended into chaos.

Right Supreme Commander Hang Zhendong was left stunned.

"Stop!"

Unfortunately, nobody heeded his words.

At that moment, an officer by Prince Xi's side found an opening to speak with him, "Right Supreme Commander, can't you see who the traitors are? To dare shoot at the imperial prince is tantamount to treason. Wen Yinchang is attempting a rebellion!"

Both Prince Xi and Duke Wen were prepared. Under the protection of their guards, they retreated to their respective camps.

The war drums thundered, and cries of battle echoed. The clashing of weapons shattered the sky.

Hang Zhendong rushed out of the camp, observing the two armies facing off. The entire Southern Army camp had turned into a battlefield shrouded in smoke. His expression darkened.

The other soldiers and officers watching grew anxious. "What should we do? If this keeps up, something catastrophic will happen!"

It was at this moment that the depth of the Right Supreme Commander's character was revealed. Squinting, he glanced at the opposing armies and whispered, "There's no need to rush. We'll act according to the situation."

The clever ones quickly understood. They would join the side that held the advantage, ensuring victory in the end.

Everyone looked at Hang Zhendong with admiration.

Warfare was the Duke of Xi's forte; he brandished his spear with great momentum, charging into the enemy ranks, while the Duke of Wen displayed his strategic brilliance, sending flaming arrows and hidden bolts towards the Duke of Xi.

The battle raged fiercely, with neither side gaining an advantage.

The Duke of Xi fought steadily, while the Duke of Wen fought desperately, as the longer the battle dragged on, the more disadvantageous it became for him.

He attempted to trap the Duke of Xi with a wall of fire.

Flames suddenly shot up into the air, casting a fierce glow. The clash of swords and sabers echoed loudly, almost piercing the eardrums. Sparks flew onto the tents, igniting a blazing inferno that spread rapidly. The stench of blood mingled with the smell of burning, and upon seeing this, the Right Commander promptly retreated with his troops through the main gate.

The struggle for military control in the Southern Army camp would determine the outcome of the succession battle. Pei Muheng could not afford to ignore it. With Xun Yunhe holding down the fort in the palace, he had little to worry about. After entrusting Xu Yunqi to Liu Yue, he quickly mounted his horse and rode towards the Western Gate, planning to support his father.

Wang Fan and the other covert guards followed him all the way to the Western Gate. Thanks to Yan Shaoling's intervention and the military seals issued by the cabinet and the Office of Ceremonial, Pei Muheng effortlessly exited the city. Just as they were about to head for the Southern camp, a scout from the Duke of Xi's residence galloped towards them. Recognizing Pei Muheng by the light of the city walls, the scout immediately called out,

"Third Young Master, the Duke of Wen has arrived at the barracks and is engaged in combat with our Duke!"

Wang Fan pulled on the reins, hurriedly asking, "How is the battle going?"

The scout quickly approached on his horse, bowing from the saddle while gasping for breath. "The situation is dire. Duke Wen has clearly been plotting for a while and secretly stockpiled oil in the army. He was just about to trap our Prince in a fire formation!"

Pei Muheng's eyes narrowed slightly as he asked the crucial question. "How did General Hang Zhendong's troops react?"

The scout gave a bitter smile. "They're pretending to mediate, but in reality, they're just watching from the sidelines."

Pei Muheng sneered. "Watching from the sidelines? They're more likely waiting to sit on the fence and see which side gains the upper hand before lending their support!"

The situation was not looking good. To break the deadlock, the only way was to make Hang Zhendong believe he had the advantage first.

Just then, a scout sent by the Xi Palace from the west raced over from afar.

"Your Highness, we've spotted traces of the Yulin Border Army up ahead!"

Upon hearing this, Wang Fan was struck with horror. "This can't be good. This must be Wen Yinchang's reinforcements!"

Duke Wen had stationed himself at the border for many years, with Yulin being his main base. Yulin had long served as a strategic stronghold in battles between Great Jin and Mongwu. The soldiers in this region were battle-hardened and equipped with heavy cavalry, making them undeniably the bravest and most formidable legion in all of Great Jin.

If the Yulin Border Army reached the southern camp, the outcome would be predictable.

Peng Muheng's face was as dark as thunder, but he was inherently composed; the more chaotic the situation, the calmer his demeanor. Raising his gaze towards the dark western sky, an idea quickly formed in his mind.

"Wang Fan, you go and send a message to the capital's garrison. The rest of us will set out!"

To the east of Yulin was Xuanfu, a key stronghold in Northern Jinyi and also known as the northern gate to the capital. The emperor had always stationed a large number of troops there, and in addition, the cunning monarch had a contingency plan – a scout cavalry was secretly deployed in Xuanfu, patrolling day and night along the western and northern borders of the capital to detect any unusual military movements that might besiege the city.

Peng Muheng needed to engage the Yulin army in a tactical dance to buy time for the reinforcements from Xuanfu to arrive.

Wang Fan glanced at the fifty soldiers beside him and broke into a cold sweat. "Third Master, you're putting yourself in grave danger. What if something happens?"

Pei Muheng didn't give him the chance to hesitate. He took the lead and rushed forward, "Wen Yinchang acted on his own initiative to march troops, and he must have tried to avoid the heavily guarded Xuanfu forces. He can't have too many men at his disposal. Besides, I'm not planning for a direct confrontation with him; a short engagement will suffice!"

Thus, Pei Muqing, with fifty troops at his command, employed his most skilled tactics - feigning weakness to lure the enemy into complacency. Once more, he led the Yulin Army into a dizzying maze of confusion.

With Pei Muheng gone, the Xihua Palace would lose its pillar of strength. How could they compete against the Twelfth Prince? The Yulin border troops, seizing the opportunity, pounced on them relentlessly, like lions on their prey. Of course, the commander of Yulin was no fool; he quickly perceived Pei Muheng's strategy and intended to divide his forces accordingly.

Yet, it was too late. The Xuanfu troops did not disappoint Pei Muheng. This trusted border army had long detected the unusual movements of the Yulin border forces and had been trailing them.

As the battles raged intensely in the northwest outskirts of the capital, the smoke of warfare still lingered in the southern army's encampment.

As Right Supreme Commander Hang Zhendong pondered whether to intervene, a sudden cry pierced through the pitch-black night. Bowing his ear to the ground, he discerned the thunderous stampede of thousands of warhorses, their hooves shaking the earth.

"Trouble!"

"Who could it be, hurry and take a look!"

One of the sentries spurred his horse towards the sound, reaching a high ridge west of the southern camp in no time. It was nearly midnight, and a chilly wind swept across his face, stinging him with icy particles. Through the faint glow, he spotted a large banner bearing the character "Xi" fluttering in the night sky. The sentinel's eyes widened in alarm. He promptly turned his horse around, racing back towards the southern army, shouting at the top of his lungs.

"The Xizhou army has arrived, the Xizhou army has arrived!"

The soldiers of the Xizhou's Xi Palace, situated far to the west, moved stealthily by day and traveled by night to evade other border troops. They fragmented their forces and followed the mountain range southward for ten consecutive nights. In a covert operation, they swiftly encircled the southern army just outside the capital.

With no hesitation, Hang Zhendong joined the fray without a second thought.

Do you truly believe Prince Xi is waiting for the Emperor to awaken? Nay, he is biding his time for the grand army of Xi Zhou.

Prince Xi, after decades of tireless striving in the military, gnawing through the toughest obstacles and uncomplainingly dedicating his life to serving the emperor, it is precisely this stoic endurance that has ignited a fierce sense of righteous indignation among his troops. The Western State Army now advances with unstoppable momentum towards the Southern Camp.

The Wen Duke observed the deafening war cries of the Xi Zhou army approaching, and a chill ran down his spine.

What about his loyal Yu Lin troops?

This elite force of Jinn Kingdom was supposed to be invincible.

Indeed, the Yu Lin border army proved to be extraordinary. Equipped with tiger-crouching cannons, their heavy cavalry broke through Xuan Fu's defense lines and charged towards the Imperial Camp. Unfortunately, by the time they reached the Southern Camp, Right Supreme Commander Hang Zhendong had already pledged allegiance to Prince Xi, launching a pincer attack on Wen Duke and the others.

Surrounded in front and pursued from behind, the situation was hopeless.

As for Zhan You, the commander of the Imperial Guard who was to serve as Wen Duke's insider, he was intercepted head-on by Yan Shaoling.

Patrolling was his duty, and Yan Shaoling stood guard on Fuchengmen Street with the Wu Duwei.

Should the Imperial Guard move without an imperial edict, the Lin Yiwei, stationed within the Imperial City, would immediately open the gates to join forces with the Wu Duwei, crushing the Imperial Guard. Zhan You found himself in a tight spot.

Seeing that Zhan You's ambitions were yet to be quelled, Yan Shaoling threw him a question,

"Wen Duke did save your life, but do you truly intend to let your entire family perish alongside him?"

Zhan You wasn't afraid of death, but the soldiers behind him had their reservations.

"Remain here, and you shall forever enjoy prosperity and wealth, regardless of who emerges victorious. But if you leave, your fate is uncertain," Yan Shaoling said leisurely, chewing on a mint leaf as he sat high on his horse.

Thus, the fierce assault of the Hu Ben Guards was effortlessly defused by Yan Shaoling without any bloodshed.

The hour of Zi struck, and the Hall of Supreme Harmony fell silent.

Xun Yunhe and Liu Xiwen sat on either side, observing Imperial Physician Fan administering acupuncture to the emperor.

After the third round of treatment, signs of the emperor's awakening could finally be seen. About half an hour later, the aged monarch slowly opened his eyes, his gaze moving slowly. The first person he saw was Liu Xiwen, who immediately burst into tears of joy.

"Your Majesty, you've finally awakened!"

Liu Xiwen carefully helped the emperor sit up. The emperor, leaning on a bolster, struggled to catch his breath as he looked around the room.

Aside from the usual eunuchs attending to him, only Zuo Xiaolin and Xun Yunhe were present.

Zuo Xiaolin's presence was entirely normal, but as for Xun Yunhe... With the chief state counselor there while the emperor was unconscious, it was reasonable, albeit slightly unsettling to the emperor. However, he did not dwell on this matter.

Swiftly, he issued three imperial decrees.

"Zuo Xiaolin, obey the order. Secure the palace defenses and immediately cease all military commands using tiger talismans. Only my personally written imperial decrees will authorize troop movements. Deliver my handwritten orders to the Twelve Guards, and anyone who disobeys shall be executed without mercy!"

"I, your servant, shall abide by the decree!"

The emperor, with his calligraphy as elegant as dragons soaring and phoenix dancing, penned the edict and sealed it with his jade seal. He then instructed his personal guards and junior eunuchs to simultaneously leave the palace to announce the decree.

His first step was to stabilize the military forces throughout the entire capital city.

Next came the second decree:

"Minister Xun, you are to summon all the princes to the palace and have all officials assemble at the Heavenly Mandate Hall for further instructions!"

Gathering the princes was a precaution against anyone attempting to seize the palace during the chaos.

"The third…" The emperor's gaze darkened slightly. "Chen Li, take the East Factory agents to the Kunming Palace. Bring the Empress to the Heavenly Mandate Hall. I intend to clarify the truth behind that case from thirty years ago in front of everyone!"