Chapter 465: The Eccentricity Under Dan Liang Royal City (25)

Chapter 465: The Defiance Under the Dan Liang Royal Capital (25)

"Your Majesty, Minister Xun has made his move."

Outside the Hall of Diligent Governance, the Imperial Steward hurried in once more. Though he spoke thus, the expression on his face made it clear to the Emperor of Dan Liang that things had not gone as planned.

Subsequently, the Imperial Steward reported everything that had transpired in the streets. Learning that his meticulously laid scheme had not only failed to capture Su Rao but had also forced even Pei Liang into a corner, and that Minister Xun had been compelled to reveal himself prematurely—exposing this hidden trump card—the Emperor slammed his cup down in fury.

Particularly galling was the Imperial Steward’s report that a single guard by Su Rao’s side had routed and demoralized the Dan Liang troops. Such an event was precisely the nightmare that had haunted the Emperor for years, robbing him of peaceful sleep night after night.

Almost every year, reports would come in from the provinces of similar incidents—small-scale disturbances orchestrated by the shadowy figure behind the chaos. Each time, the scheme would be meticulously planned, and when the deed was done, the perpetrator would emerge, instilling terror in the Dan Liang court with his bloodthirsty methods.

Before this, though the tales had chilled him to the bone, the Emperor had never truly believed them. He could not fathom that a single individual could inspire such dread—because he had never experienced it firsthand.

Over the years, his reaction to the disturbances in the provinces had been less one of fear and more of seething rage—rage at his inability to capture the mastermind behind them.

But now, such an event had unfolded right before his eyes, and those struck with terror were his most trusted guards and ministers—especially Pei Liang. The Emperor knew Pei Liang’s temperament well. If even Pei Liang had been rendered speechless, the Emperor could scarcely imagine the scene.

"Your Majesty, since things have come to this, no matter the cost, we must capture the former dynasty loyalists today."

Seeing the veins bulging at the Emperor’s temples and his darkening expression teetering on the edge of losing control, Old Ding spoke gravely.

The die was cast, the bowstring drawn taut—there was no turning back now, even if the final cost would be steep.

"Since Minister Xun has already revealed himself, we have no choice but to deploy the Shadow Army as well. If the princess of the former dynasty’s guard possesses superhuman prowess, then we shall overwhelm him through sheer numbers.

"And if those in the Freedom Pavilion still refuse to act, then we shall force them out by threatening the life of their Pavilion Master. I refuse to believe that when the princess of the former dynasty’s life hangs in the balance, the members of the Freedom Pavilion will remain so composed and continue hiding."

Old Ding’s proposal prevented the Emperor’s rationality from being entirely swallowed by the storm of fury within him, and his darkened expression eased slightly.

Yet he remained silent for a moment, weighing the consequences should Old Ding’s plan also fail—his reputation would suffer greatly.

Only now did he realize his miscalculation. He should not have acted so hastily, should not have let a momentary misstep drive him to strike prematurely. The Pavilion Master of the Freedom Pavilion was not one to be trifled with.

But regret was useless now.

"Go. Tell Xun Juzhi that if Princess Ronghua surrenders today, the Emperor will personally investigate the truth of the matter. But if she resists arrest, then the Emperor will have no choice but to order her capture."

After only a brief deliberation, these words—worded to save face—were issued from the Hall of Diligent Governance. The Imperial Steward hurried off to deliver the decree.

Boom—

Crash—

After the first spring rain of the year, three days of sunshine had followed. But on this fourth day, as the sun began to set, a sudden thunderclap split the sky—a bolt from the blue.

In the streets, nearly everyone looked up at once. The sky above them was still clear, yet beyond the royal capital, amidst the mountains, swirling black clouds had gathered, advancing ominously toward the city.

A storm was brewing—as if the heavens had given an early warning. In the blink of an eye, the weather had truly shifted.

Minister Xun, head of the Capital Prefecture Office, glanced briefly at the dark clouds beyond the royal capital before turning his gaze back to Su Rao, who had learned his identity yet showed no change in expression.

This woman—whom he had accompanied His Highness to meet in Yun Lang half a year ago—was only now revealed to be the daughter of the Great General’s estate, her reputation for recklessness and defiance all an act.

After a moment’s observation, his ears pricked up, and his hands, clasped behind his back, slowly lowered to his sides in readiness.

He had received his Emperor’s command.

"Honorable Princess Ronghua, the truth behind today's incident can't just be decided by Your Highness alone. If you claim that the Imperial Guard Commander and those assassins were accomplices, why not come with this official to the Ministry of Justice for investigation? Should it be proven that those assassins have no connection to Your Highness, this official will personally beg for mercy before the Emperor."

Though Minister Xun's words differed from Vice Minister Pei's earlier remarks, their essence boiled down to the same four words: 'give yourself up quietly.'

Hah...

A mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips as Su Rao observed the Dan Liang soldiers, who had got their swagger back upon Minister Xun's arrival. Exchanging a glance with Han Mochen, she then shot back:

"And what if this princess refuses? Does Minister Xun truly believe his life is worth more than mine?"

Her defiant tone and arrogant expression made it clear—what was the Capital Prefecture Office's Minister compared to the life of a princess of a nation?

"Moreover, does Minister Xun think this princess an airheaded fool? The moment I lay down my arms, my life would likely be lost in some forgotten corner."

Su Rao's response was hardly unexpected by Minister Xun. In such dire circumstances, surrendering meant handing over one's life. Since Su Rao was no mindless fool, it was natural she wouldn't give herself up quietly.

And this played right into Minister Xun's hands.

If Honorable Princess Ronghua refused to disarm and negotiate peacefully, then for the safety of their nation's people, force would be the only solution. It was not that Dan Liang wished to act harshly against her, but that the princess wouldn't play along. As for her alleged identity as the princess of the former dynasty, they would verify its authenticity with Yun Lang after her capture.

Yet another noble excuse.

Why wait for Dan Liang to strain ties with Yun Lang over capturing Honorable Princess Ronghua? If she truly were the princess of the former dynasty, then Dan Liang would have eliminated a remnant seeking to plunge the world into chaos. How could Yun Lang, allied with Qin and Jin, bear a grudge against Dan Liang over a mere imposter of the Su family?

"Honorable Princess Ronghua, since you don't know what's good for you, this official need no longer go easy on you."

The calm before the storm had vanished. With Minister Xun's words, the next storm broke, tightening the situation abruptly.

The Capital Prefecture Office guards and remaining Imperial Guards surrounding Su Rao and Han Mochen, their earlier fear now dispelled, readied themselves once more. Their courage swelled.

Spears and blades gleamed sharper, awaiting Minister Xun's command.

They would charge forth and seize the remnants of the former dynasty.

The atmosphere got real tense.

The entire street felt as oppressive as the gathering storm clouds overhead, breaths stifled, hearts pounding.

And Vice Minister Pei, at this moment, took a step back, retreating behind Minister Xun, leaving what happened next to the latter's command.

As the Assistant Minister of the Bureau of Foreign Guests, he was no military commander. Since the Emperor had not included him in this scheme, he would stick to His Majesty's arrangements, attending only to his own duties without interference.

As for Yun Ji's words to him, no matter how Pei Liang pondered them, he could not reveal his thoughts now. The slightest misstep would invite suspicion, getting him labeled a traitor working with the enemy.