Chapter 495: The Eve of the Hongmen Banquet (2)

**Chapter 495: Prelude to the Banquet (Part 2)**

"Your Majesty, the exiled rebels of the fallen dynasty have indeed gone to the city gate."

The Grand Steward hurried into the Hall of Diligent Governance, not even pausing to wipe the sweat from his brow after his frantic sprint. The moment he entered, he recounted every word and action of Su Rao at the city gate with perfect accuracy.

As the Emperor of Dan Liang and Old Ding listened to Su Rao’s words, they exchanged a glance—coldness flickered in their eyes.

"So it's true. The deposed faction is trying to drive a wedge between Zhu Xian and Dan Liang, attempting to win over Prince Xianyi Chishaou. But it won’t be so easy to sway him unless she holds an absolutely decisive bargaining chip."

With a gloomy tone, the emperor recalled Pei Liang’s recent reports—Su Rao had been unusually quiet. Her silence signaled she was biding her time, waiting for him to act rashly, just as he had suspected. It must be about the Divine Pill.

While these thoughts churned in his mind, the emperor reviewed the search efforts for Princess Xianmu Yaling over the past few days. There was no trace of her; she had disappeared without a trace, much like the thieves who had stolen the elixir before, vanishing into oblivion.

Such capability could only belong to the exiled rebels.

Without further deliberation, the emperor attributed Xianmu Yaling’s escape from the secret catacombs to Su Rao.

As for how Xianmu Yaling had escaped from the palace, the emperor had already uncovered the truth after regaining consciousness.

Previously, Empress Yun had ordered an investigation, but out of concern for Rong Feng, they had avoided a large-scale search. After the emperor awoke, he discovered that two deputy commanders of the imperial guards were missing. Their bodies were later found in a dry well in a deserted palace—they had been dead for days.

This discovery made it clear to the emperor that during the street riots, the exiled rebels must have infiltrated the imperial guards, allowing them to sneak into the palace, discover the hidden catacombs, and find Xianmu Yaling.

"Your Majesty, in that case, tonight we shall ensure not a single one walks away alive."

Stroking his sparse beard, Old Ding’s protruding eyes gleamed with dark intent.

Princess Rongyu had long been confined to the cold palace by Xianyi Chiwei. The incident where Princess Rongyu controlled Xianyi Chiwei must have already planted seeds of doubt in Xianyi Chishaou’s mind regarding Your Majesty.

Now, with Xianmu Yaling’s escape from the secret catacombs and no trace of her found, Your Majesty’s previous plans have been completely disrupted. The current situation is extremely unfavorable—we have no choice but to stake everything on one throw.

Since the deposed faction wants to win over Xianyi Chishaou, they will surely hand Xianmu Yaling over to him to secure their cooperation.

But once Xianmu Yaling appears, Your Majesty can pin all the blame on the exiled rebels—claiming they kidnapped the Zhu Xian princess and caused all this suffering.

As for what Xianmu Yaling might say, it doesn’t matter. The words of a brainwashed captive can only be dismissed as confessions wrung out under duress. Even if Xianyi Chishaou still chooses to believe the rebels, we have a backup plan.

By then, Xianyi Chishaou and the exiled rebels will be locked in a bloody clash, and Your Majesty can strike at the opportune moment.

With our three-nation alliance united in exterminating the rebels, Prince Yi and the aged King Yun will perish alongside them.

Once our ultimate weapon strikes, we will eradicate them all—leaving no witnesses.

"As for Xianyi Chishaou stationing the honor guard outside the imperial city, this actually works in our favor. Once the city gates are closed, even if his elite vanguard is among the escort, they won’t be able to breach the imperial city in time. By the time they do, everything will already be decided."

Stroking his beard again, Old Ding laid out their airtight scheme, flawless in every detail.

With Xianyi Chishaou dead and the Zhu Xian royal family already gone, its princes are all weaklings—the kingdom will collapse into chaos, easily conquered.

As for Yunlang, with the aged King Yun dead, Empress Yun will be consumed by sorrow, insisting on personally escorting her father’s coffin back to the country despite her illness. Once our celestial forces enter Langjing, Yunlang will also fall into our grasp.

Once the world is ours, history will bend to our will—written however we choose. Your Majesty will be revered as a sage ruler, and my name will echo through history.

"Excellent, Lord Ding. Success or failure hinges on tonight—we must not fail."

The Emperor of Dan Liang was thoroughly satisfied with Old Ding’s plan.

Now, with our ultimate weapon in hand, Zhu Xian and Yunlang are nothing but insects to be squashed underfoot.

A cold smirk curled at the corners of his lips, casting a shadow over those once-tender phoenix eyes. More than twenty years of meticulous planning—first the fall of Great Qin, and now, with Zhu Xian and Yun Lang within reach, he would unify the Central Plains.

Conquering the world was now within reach.

With a wave of his hand, he dismissed Old Ding to set the snare.

"Ah, Your Majesty, one more thing."

As Old Ding was about to leave the Hall of Diligent Governance, he suddenly recalled something and turned back:

Under any circumstances tonight, once they reveal the divine weapons, there will be no hiding them anymore—nor would hiding serve any purpose. Should we still inform the Crown Prince?

After all, when Xianmu Yaling left the imperial city, it was the Crown Prince’s testimony that convinced Xianyi Chishaou that her disappearance occurred outside the palace walls.

At the mention of this, the Emperor of Dan Liang’s expression darkened with fury.

Rong Feng’s recent behavior had clearly disappointed him.

Not only had the Crown Prince defied his empress mother, but he had also begun scheming on his own—even storming into the Ministry of Punishments. Did he already covet the throne before his father’s death?

"Unnecessary. The Crown Prince’s ignorance will only lend credibility to Xianyi Chishaou’s trust. The Crown Prince need only play his role as a benevolent and beloved heir, building the royal family’s reputation. He has no business meddling in state affairs."

His words were heavy, his tone displeased.

Old Ding didn’t need to look closely to understand—the Emperor of Dan Liang was beginning to distrust the Crown Prince. The prince had defied his empress mother, barged into the Ministry of Punishments, and entangled himself in court affairs. Such actions clearly indicated independent thought.

And that was precisely what the Emperor feared most. He wanted nothing more than an obedient son, a Crown Prince of Dan Liang who would bring glory to his father’s name—not one whose ambitions threatened his throne.

"This humble servant understands. I shall make the preparations."

This time, Old Ding did not plead for Rong Feng, nor would he. It wasn’t because Rong Feng had once imprisoned him, but because speaking up would only deepen the Emperor’s suspicion—toward both the prince and himself.

At this critical juncture, his chance to secure his legacy was imminent. He would not let decades of effort crumble for the sake of a mere grandson.

No sooner had Old Ding left than the Emperor narrowed his eyes, his gaze lingering darkly on the palace doors.

"Y-Your Majesty…"

The Grand Steward, who had been waiting inside, discreetly wiped the sweat from his brow before speaking cautiously:

The Zhu Xian bridal escort refuses to enter the city. This matter requires Your Majesty’s direct order—the Vice Minister of Rites dares not decide on his own.

Only then did the Emperor withdraw his gaze and order the Grand Steward to relay the command.

Zhu Xian’s request was reasonable. Since the wedding date between the Crown Prince and the princess had yet to be set, it was proper for Zhu Xian to oversee the dowry until the ceremony was finalized, after which it would be recorded by the Ministry of Rites and stored in the Crown Princess’s private vault in the Eastern Palace.

To all appearances, the Emperor of Dan Liang maintained his facade of benevolence and magnanimity.