Chapter 100 – Am I Not Your Father?

Chapter 100 - Am I Not Your Father?

Seeing clearly who between Empress Mu and Feng Yi was the one in charge...

The Tenth Prince immediately understood why his sister-in-law, knowing full well the danger and the likelihood of being captured, still went ahead with the plan without hesitation. His Sixth Brother wasn't heartless or indifferent; he had been planning everything meticulously for a long time. He and his sister-in-law had divided their forces, acting in perfect coordination!

They had a plan and a goal, while he was just a fool, jumping around in anxiety, thinking they were facing an insurmountable crisis. He had even made up his mind that it didn't matter if he died here, as long as he could somehow save his sister-in-law...

How could someone be so mean to their younger brother!

The child's eager gaze was truly endearing. Wen Ruan reached out and gently stroked his head. "Good boy, don't be afraid anymore."

The Tenth Prince: ...

Forget it. She was his sister-in-law, and he was her brother-in-law. What else could he do but pretend nothing happened and cover for them?

Moreover, this point was indeed crucial. Empress Mu was a woman, once a palace concubine, while Feng Yi was a man with great ambition, having served as an official for many years. Their modes of thinking and the strategies they would devise would have significant differences. Determining which of them was leading the organization would allow them to formulate a more precise strategy.

His sister-in-law's previous conversation with Empress Mu was likely mostly conjecture, not entirely certain. She was intentionally observing Empress Mu's reaction to confirm her own suspicions!

"But what do we do now?" The Tenth Prince had already seen the flames from the direction of the imperial palace, causing him considerable alarm. His sister-in-law's crisis was far from over, and what about his Sixth Brother? Was he in danger?

Young Master Huo also asked, "Should we send a new signal, or continue to contain things here?"

"There's no need to send a signal; keep containing things here," Wen Ruan said, having a clear plan in mind. "Feng Yi is the main force. Let Zhu Yan focus on the chaos at the imperial palace without any distractions. There's no need for him to come over here."

Young Master Huo: "Understood!"

Wen Ruan: "Did you find out how the Empress' Sect operates?"

"There's nothing new," Young Master Huo clicked his tongue, showing disdain. "They use their followers, disguised as impoverished commoners, spreading the message that by believing in their teachings, one can secure food, money, and a worry-free future, influencing more people."

Although these words sounded simple, when suddenly ignited in the dark of night, with countless crowds gathering, the impact was significant.

It could be suppressed, but before suppression, there was a high risk of civil unrest. In the imperial capital, such unrest was never a trivial matter.

Wen Ruan pondered thoughtfully, then smiled gently. "Isn't it just a matter of who is more supported by the people, who is more loved and endorsed by ordinary citizens?"

Who couldn't handle that?

Young Master Huo's eyes lit up. "What you're suggesting is—"

Young Master usually disliked being in the spotlight. Planting crops, cultivating superior seeds, providing grain for disaster relief, assisting refugees... many of these deeds he did silently, not seeking praise. He did good deeds without leaving his name, but could he really remain unknown if he chose to step forward?

How could that be possible!

As long as Young Master was willing to stand up, he would surely have a multitude rallying behind him!

Wen Ruan sighed softly. "Go prepare. I'll be in the inner city today. If there's any need anywhere, inform me immediately, and I will go there in person."

"Got it!"

Young Master Huo immediately sprang into action, not forgetting to drag along the Tenth Prince.

Tonight would be busy. Since Young Master cared for his younger brother, he naturally wanted to help by showing some affection, promoting his growth!

The Tenth Prince, looking bewildered, was dragged into the fray and embarked on an exciting night.

Indeed, the Empress' Sect was in motion. All the preparations they had kept low-key and hidden erupted tonight. The lower-level followers they had absorbed were mostly poor and uneducated, lacking a broader perspective and easily manipulated. They didn't understand grand principles; they only knew that their lives were miserable, verging on the brink of survival. Whoever could give them life was their hero. The Empress' Sect provided them with food, allowing them to survive, making them feel like they were saved by a living Buddha. If you didn't believe, they would insistently tell you how good it was to live, trying to make you believe. If you dared to criticize, don't blame them for showing no mercy. Obsessive emotions could easily escalate, leading to conflicts.

Wen Ruan's reputation was completely different.

He didn't buy slaves, didn't seek fame, and wouldn't help anyone without reason. He simply enjoyed farming and teaching others to farm. If someone wanted to learn, he would teach them without reservation. If someone was lazy and only sought to freeload off Young Master's kindness, he would chase them away. If someone encountered difficulties, he was willing to sign contracts to assist, providing many resources, but not for free. Others had to repay him, but the cycle of repayment could be extended, ensuring their own livelihoods while gradually paying back.

Some might call him stingy, unwilling to give charity without cause. Yet, during natural disasters or calamities, his disaster relief supplies were more abundant than anyone else's, all given freely. Some might say he wasn't stingy, but he was very calculative with spending. He didn't mind investing in seeds or experimental fields, but he wouldn't spend a single coin on anything he deemed useless, even if it was for himself.

The Empress' Sect and Wen Ruan were completely different. Which one did you prefer?

The former seemed compassionate, indiscriminately giving money and food to everyone. But where did their food come from if not from the fields? Unconditional giving couldn't last. They must have greater intentions! You, the followers, honestly ask yourselves: Do you truly feel secure, with no doubts about your future?

The latter genuinely taught people self-reliance. As long as you weren't waiting for a free lunch, as long as you were willing to work, you would have a bright tomorrow. After all, Young Master genuinely taught techniques and fearlessly shared superior seeds. The land you tended and the bountiful harvest belonged to you, something tangible!

Moreover, the Empress' Sect had committed numerous unsavory acts... Prince Jian had investigated, hadn't he! Many incidents were still fresh in people's memories!

The capital had a large population, including many newcomers. Refugees from other regions, many of whom had received aid from Wen Ruan, and merchants, who had heard the legends circulating in the marketplace, knew Wen Ruan's name. Who hadn't heard of the mysterious nobleman with a reputation for good character, recognized by major merchants? Who dared to slander our Young Master?

Public opinion in the streets and alleys shifted instantly.

Young Master Huo directed operations here and there, wishing he could personally engage in arguments.

How dare someone bully our Young Master? In this world, who could compare to Ah Ruan!

"Hmph, bring me several carts of silver. Frankly speaking, those who speak well of Ah Ruan will all receive rewards!"

Little Master was too lazy to argue with them; he would directly throw money at them! Money was earned to be spent, wasn't it? When comparing resources, who could match the wealth of the Huo family of Jiang Nan! Even if he spent all the money, neither his grandfather nor his elder brother would blame him!

Besides, there was still Lady Liang and the Capital Merchants' Association!

Lady Liang and the Capital Merchants' Association had already taken action. Perhaps they weren't as united and proactive in other matters, but when it came to Young Master's affairs, it was different!

Thus, Wen Ruan's reputation soared that evening.

"You think you're happy because you're trembling and begging others for a meal when you're starving to death? Is a beggar's life that easy? You got food today, but what about tomorrow? What if they don't give you anything? Do you believe whatever they say? When your father remarried, didn't your stepmother promise to treat you well forever? Did she actually treat you well!"

"Fate should be in your own hands! At any time, relying on yourself is the only way to have the confidence to survive! What Young Master gives you isn't just food; it's the ability to survive! Ask around the entire capital; how many people has Young Master helped!"

"Young Master will never treat you like a beggar and give you charity. He will give you the ability to repay in a cycle, allowing you to live better in the future. Whose words should you listen to? Fool!"

Before long, the Empress' Sect could no longer gain the upper hand.

Mufei, unable to capture Wen Ruan, was already grinding her teeth in anger. Now, she couldn't maintain her composure and smashed her teacup. "What did you say? All our years of hard work can't compare to a young master who suddenly rose to fame?"

Her subordinates wanted to remind her that Wen Ruan didn't suddenly become famous; he had been low-key for many years, accumulating a good reputation that suddenly erupted. Unlike them, he hadn't done anything dirty or had any black marks.

In the capital's chaotic streets, Wen Yu had good luck and spotted an opportunity, escaping from the guarded courtyard.

Then, he was shocked to discover...

Everything happening now was completely different from what he knew!

For example, Wen Ruan's strength—so many people supported him, so many praised him. It seemed as if with just one call from him, countless would follow. This was something that never happened in his previous life. Wen Ruan had always been low-key, and his reputation was only known within a small circle.

Like the performance of the Tenth Prince—it seemed he was always at the forefront of the fighting, excited like a dog let off its leash, protective and ruthless. Where was the timidity, fear, and watery eyes? In his previous life, he was reserved, gentlemanly, pure, and kind, unwilling to conflict with others. Many things were only smoothly implemented with the help of his powerful ministers, completely different from now!

Like the Huo family, Lady Liang, and the Capital's Chamber of Commerce—they were all willing to spend lavishly for Wen Ruan! They were all Wen Ruan's people! And they had been for a long time! The current popular wave among the commoners was almost entirely under Wen Ruan's control, making the Empress' sect powerless!

Like Zhu Yan... He hadn't come to this place of rebellion at all! If he didn't come, wouldn't he not die? Where was he now?

The Imperial Palace.

Emperor Taiyuan narrowed his eyes at Feng Yi. "You poisoned me?"

Feng Yi smiled. "Otherwise, how could I be sure you'd keep me alive until now?"

Emperor Taiyuan's eyes bulged with rage. "You dare!"

Feng Yi had even bolder things to say. "Has His Majesty heard the commotion outside?"

There was no commotion outside. The Imperial Palace seemed like a dead city. Despite the emperor's verbal command, no one moved. Clearly, inside and out, it was under his control.

But further outside, beyond the imperial city, there seemed to be sounds coming...

The capital was already in chaos.

Emperor Taiyuan: "What have you done?"

"The Empress' sect, my followers, have ignited the entire capital," Feng Yi's face relaxed, full of satisfaction. After being low-key for so many years, this was the moment he had been waiting for. "Your subjects are no longer yours. If you don't do as I say, killing you now wouldn't matter. If you still want some dignity, immediately issue an edict to name the Third Prince as the Crown Prince—I promise you, I'll spare your life until the very end."

The Third Prince tried to feign sorrow but found it hard to control the smile on his face. "Father Emperor, just listen!"

"Rebellious son!" Emperor Taiyuan spat out blood.

"What's the point of your suffering now?" Feng Yi tutted, stepping forward. The corners of his lips curled in mockery. "It's you who turned yourself into a lonely ruler. Whose fault is that? If you hadn't killed the Empress and the Crown Prince back then, how could this have happened today?"

The emotions of the citizens within the city were ignited, and the standoff in the palace was escalating. Feng Yi's people indeed quickly controlled the imperial city, but there were those they couldn't control, such as all the loyal soldiers of Da Li. They would always pick up their weapons to fight and find ways to send messages for help. Feng Yi's black-clad secret squad wielded swords and continuously cleared the area.

Forcing the throne and usurping power was always like this—dangerous, brutal, merciless, cold, and cruel.

Blood stained the palace steps, lives lost, sending chills down one's spine. The imperial city under attack, struggling to hold on, inevitably gave a sense of shattered mountains and rivers, morale plummeting, and fear rising.

Just as hearts were in turmoil, the situation difficult to resist, and the imperial city about to fall, completely under someone else's control, someone arrived!

Armored soldiers, eyes resolute, steps sharp and determined, swiftly approached. Everywhere they passed, the black-clad secret squad fell, like gods descending from heaven, unstoppable!

"I am Fang Rui, the heir of the Northern Town General. Let's see who dares to rebel!"

Fang Rui held a long spear, charging at the forefront like a young leopard, extraordinarily brave. Moonlight stretched his shadow long. Under his wide and sharp moves, no one dared to engage him in combat!

How could someone taught by the old Northern Town General be lacking?

In a short while, the momentum hadn't immediately shifted, but the morale of both sides had changed.

Not far behind Fang Rui, riding a horse and holding a sword, slowly approaching, was Prince Jian, Zhu Yan.

The capital was unspeakable, a presence no one dared to provoke!

He was even more ruthless than Fang Rui. Every time he struck, blood was shed. Under his cold gaze, his sharp intent to kill wasn't hidden at all!

Compared to Fang Rui, others were even less willing to engage him in combat.

Fang Rui led the charge and was also in full control. After clearing the way, he didn't continue to charge but immediately led his troops to scatter, heading to other key points in the palace, intending to take control.

Zhu Yan didn't move. He personally charged at the forefront, killing gods and buddhas alike in his path!

Of course, his plans weren't limited to this. The Tenth Prince, this younger brother, wasn't raised for nothing. He had accumulated strength within the palace, and he hadn't only taken care of the Tenth Prince. Over the years, although he didn't show it on the surface, he had privately cared for many people—concubines, princesses, eunuchs, palace maids, innocent people encountering injustice. As long as he knew about it, he would lend a helping hand.

And now, all these people he had helped, who couldn't repay him for a long time, collectively provided all the assistance they could give.

Controlling the palace wasn't really a difficult task for him.

In the imperial chambers, Emperor Taiyuan and Feng Yi naturally heard the sudden commotion. Feng Yi immediately frowned, his fingers giving orders to have someone check what was happening. Emperor Taiyuan, however, burst out laughing—

"Rebels, how dare you claim supremacy! I am the Son of Heaven, destined by the heavens, admired by all. My body must not be harmed! What are you, daring to think you can win against me? I tell you, it's impossible! I will live, live long and prosper. I have people supporting me, people loyal to me, people risking their lives for me!"

But at the end of his words, he choked, seeing Zhu Yan.

Feng Yi was also unwilling to see Zhu Yan, but his plan indeed accounted for this variable. Otherwise, why would he have taken Wen Ruan away in advance?

He knew Zhu Yan would come. Although Zhu Yan appeared moody and temperamental on the surface, with a reputation for killing without mercy and no good reputation outside, he never forgot that Zhu Yan was raised by the Crown Prince. How could anyone in court forget the majesty of the Empress and Crown Prince back then?

When the Crown Prince was in power, even with his myriad thoughts, he didn't dare to act rashly. How could someone taught by the Crown Prince be lacking?

But this didn't stop him from mocking Emperor Taiyuan. "Are you sure he's here to save you, not to kill you?"

Emperor Taiyuan's face tightened. "He doesn't dare!"

Feng Yi's lips curled in sarcasm. "His Majesty won't forget how the Empress and Crown Prince were lured and killed by you, right? They were the only two family members of Prince Jian. When you acted alone, disregarding all objections, Prince Jian dared to confront you face-to-face, killing your confidants in front of you, repeatedly challenging you, challenging the imperial authority—many people in this world indeed dare not kill you, but you say Prince Jian doesn't dare?"

"Sorry for the interruption."

Zhu Yan strode forward, unhurried and composed. "It seems you two are deeply engrossed in conversation; I, the Prince, truly hesitate to interrupt. However, the atmosphere of the imperial city is far from pleasant. Why don't we settle this matter first, then you can chat or play as you wish."

Feng Yi, holding his captive firmly, was undaunted by such threats. "Do you think you can stop me? Don't you want your princess consort anymore?"

Emperor Taiyuan, having reigned for many years, possessed the necessary cunning, quickly deducing the situation while fixing his gaze on Zhu Yan. "What's a mere princess consort compared to this? I am your father!"

"As long as nothing happens to me today, I will grant you any princess consort you desire, as many as you wish!"