Chapter 255

Chapter 255

The imperial palace was right across from Jishan Fang. As soon as Fan Zhao heard that the Wei house had caught fire, he immediately rode over.

Fortunately, there was no wind tonight, and with the help of the neighbors, the fire in the Wei family's study had mostly been put out.

In the courtyard, Fan Zhao saw Wei Qi standing dejectedly, his robes burnt and face covered in soot, and without a word, he headed to inspect the fire damage in the study.

After the neighbors had left, Fan Zhao grabbed Wei Qi's arm and led him to the back courtyard. Once inside the room, he angrily shook off Wei Qi and hissed, "You guessed it, didn't you? So you cried, and you even wanted to burn yourself to death!"

A knocked-over candle wouldn't have caused this much damage!

Wei Qi stood there dejectedly.

Fan Zhao had witnessed this scholar's pride. If Wei Qi had scolded him, he could have argued back, but Wei Qi wanted to burn himself to death. What could Fan Zhao do?

"Since you've guessed it, Sir, you should stay home and rest up."

"Sir, you'd better keep this secret. Otherwise, I’ll make sure the entire Wei household pays the price."

After saying this, Fan Zhao left two guards to watch over Wei Qi and departed resolutely.

By morning, the guards watching the Xiao house reported that everything had been quiet the night before.

Today was already the sixteenth of October.

Outside the city, at Fan Zhao's signal, Lu Gong rode alone between the two armies to negotiate with Xiao Zhen.

From such a distance, neither camp’s troops could overhear their conversation, let alone Fan Zhao on the city wall.

As their horses crossed paths, Xiao Zhen asked seriously, "Duke Lu, what exactly happened in the capital? Are our families safe?"

Lu Gong gave a bitter smile. "Lord Xiao, are you truly unaware? And if you are, why the precautions?"

Xiao Zhen replied, "In troubled times, one must be cautious. Out of respect for our shared service to the late emperor, please enlighten me."

Lu Gong stopped beating around the bush and said in a low voice, "The emperor is critically ill, and Fan Zhao is planning to usurp the throne. I left the city on the eleventh morning, and at that time, Lady Anguo and the others were all safe. As for the situation in the city these past few days, including my family's well-being, I don't know."

Xiao Zhen understood and glanced at the city wall. "Duke Lu, were you coerced by Fan Zhao?"

Lu Gong replied, "Not exactly coerced. I couldn't bear the thought of chaos in the capital, so I decided to leave the city and act as a mediator."

Xiao Zhen said, "I never wanted to kill him—it’s him who wants me dead."

Lu Gong said, "Fan Zhao is guilty, and I won't defend him, but the Imperial Guard troops are innocent. The troops in the Eastern and Southern Camps shouldn't have to shed blood and sacrifice their lives for Fan Zhao's selfish desires."

"Lord Xiao, I have a plan. Tonight, you stage a fake rebellion with the Eastern Camp, leaving only three thousand soldiers willing to follow me. When I retreat back into the city, Fan Zhao will surely open the gates for me. At that time, I'll do my best to prevent him from closing the gates. Then, you bring your cavalry to support us quickly."

"I have two requests. First, only confront the Imperial Guard troops to take the gates if you have to, and try to avoid bloodshed. I'll try to convince them to surrender. If a real fight breaks out, it will definitely be a lose-lose situation, especially considering the combat strength of the Jizhou army."

"Second, if Fan Zhao hasn't harmed your family yet, I hope you'll spare his life. Whether you imprison him or send him to hard labor, please don’t take his life."

His eyes were sincere, and Xiao Zhen bowed respectfully. "Duke Lu, your sense of justice is truly admirable."

Lu Gong asked, "So, does this plan work for you?"

Xiao Zhen: "Like Duke Lu, I can't bear the idea of our own troops turning on each other. If you trust me, Duke Lu, continue to stand against me for now. When the time comes, charge into the city with me. You can persuade the Imperial Guard to surrender, and your words will carry more weight than mine."

Lu Gong: "How will you enter the city?"

Xiao Zhen: "We have an inside man."

Lu Gong immediately thought of Lady Anguo. He trusted her intelligence but felt Xiao Zhen's plan was too risky. "Lady Anguo is pregnant with a child. By now, the Marquis’s residence is certainly surrounded by Fan Zhao's men. If she can't help in time because she's overwhelmed, will you still have to fight your way in?"

Xiao Zhen: "I trust her, and she’ll find a way to prevent bloodshed."

While Lu Gong pondered, Xiao Zhen looked at the twenty-five commanding officers standing at the front of the Eastern Camp. Some stared intently at him, some seemed like they wanted to say something but hesitated, and others had resolute expressions.

Xiao Zhen smiled and turned back to the Southern Camp.

"The attempt at persuasion didn’t work," Lu Gong went to the city gate alone to report the result to Fan Zhao.

Fan Zhao: "Then we'll wait for Qi Heng. When the army arrives, we’ll see if he’s still smiling."

There were eight outer city gates in Luoyang. Xiao Zhen's troops guarded the Dingding Gate, while the other seven gates each had 5,000 cavalry units stationed.

The cavalry could move quickly. It only takes a moment to split up or regroup. Lu Gong's army remained gathered together, focusing on Xiao Zhen.

Fan Zhao didn't see any issue with this arrangement. Regardless of the type of soldier, attacking a city always meant a bloody fight. They would have to cross the moat and the hail of arrows first before attempting to climb the walls.

Fan Zhao believed that as long as Xiao Zhen wasn't foolish, he would never launch a direct assault.

That same night, at the second watch.

The 200 Imperial Guard soldiers stationed in front of the two mansions of the Xiao Family heard a door creak open.

The Imperial Guard at the Marquis’s residence straightened up. As the door opened, two figures appeared. One had a towering and robust build like a mountain, while the other, a fair-skinned woman with a plain face, wore a blue silk cloak that covered most of her body but couldn't hide her pregnant belly.

Most of the soldiers' eyes were on the woman. Though she appeared to be a delicate and beautiful young lady who seemed incapable of violence, Lady Anguo's reputation had spread throughout the army.

Compared to the new recruits, these veterans from Jizhou were more familiar with the various battle achievements of the Xiao elder, Xiao Zhen, and Lady Anguo.

Especially during the crucial battle where she rescued the late emperor at Jiange Pass, it was Lady Anguo who commanded the entire operation. Even General Luo Xiao followed her orders.

The Imperial Guard captain in charge of the surrounding troops, Li Qingyan, stepped forward and, in a relatively polite tone, said, "How may I assist you, Lady Anguo?"

Tong Sui: "Is Lord Xiao already outside the city?"

Li Qingyan nodded.

Tong Sui: "He won’t surrender. Please fetch Commander Fan. I need to speak with him. I’ve thought of a win-win solution. If I don’t talk to Commander Fan tonight, I won’t be able to rest easy."

Li Qingyan glanced at Xiao Shouyi, who stood like a door god, then approached a soldier and whispered a few instructions. The soldier rode off to deliver the message.

That night, Fan Zhao was at Dingding Gate, watching Xiao Zhen's cavalry camp across the river and Lu Gong's 140,000 troops beside him.

Since Xiao Zhen had divided his forces, Fan Zhao only had 10,000 cavalry here. But if Lu Gong tried to flank them, those 10,000 cavalry could easily escape, and the infantry would never catch up. If the cavalry counterattacked, the infantry would scatter with just one charge.

Fan Zhao wished he had sent Lu Gong to attack Lv Sheng with the cavalry from the start.

"How could he have anticipated that in just a few months, he and the emperor would become mortal enemies?"

"Lord Fan!"

Turning his attention, Fan Zhao looked at the soldier running towards him and recognized him as one of those guarding the Xiao Family. Raising an eyebrow, he asked, "Is there any unusual activity at the Xiao Family?"

The soldier replied, "It's Lady Anguo. She says she wants to discuss a mutually beneficial solution with you and requests your presence."

Fan Zhao said, "Is she alone, or is someone else with her?"

The soldier replied, "General Xiao Shouyi is with her."

Fan Zhao fell silent.

If the soldier hadn't mentioned it, he would have almost forgotten about the mourning Xiao Shouyi from the Xiao Family.

Could they be planning something under the cover of night?

Fan Zhao smiled and, taking a squad of his personal guards, descended the city wall. He was curious to see what Xiao Er's wife had in mind.

Upon arriving at the Xiao Family's residence, he saw that the main gate was wide open, seemingly welcoming him.

Fan Zhao signaled, and ten armed guards rushed in to check the first courtyard for any ambushes. Only after confirming it was safe did Fan Zhao step into the marquis’s residence again. The last time he had been here was for Xiao Ye's wedding banquet.

The door to the second courtyard was also open. Another ten armed guards went in to scout ahead before Fan Zhao followed.

As he entered the courtyard, three people emerged from the opposite hall. Besides Xiao Shouyi and Tong Sui, there was an exceptionally curvaceous woman.

Fan Zhao gave her an extra glance and then scrutinized Tong Sui from head to toe. Was there a bow hidden under her cloak? But at that distance, he could rush to her before she could draw her bow.

Sensing his gaze, Tong Sui smiled, handed her cloak to Xiao Yuchan, and said to Fan Zhao with utmost openness, "Marquis, you don't need to worry. I only wish to negotiate with you tonight. Besides, in my condition, I can't even draw a bow."

Assured that Tong Sui posed no threat, Fan Zhao glanced at the spear in Xiao Shouyi's hands and asked, "If it's a negotiation, why is Xiao Shouyi holding a spear?"

Xiao Yuchan spat at him and retorted, pointing at their armed entourage, "You're all carrying weapons. My father is unarmed—should he just stand here and let you slaughter him?"

Fan Zhao had a sudden realization, "So you're Xiao San's sister."

Too bad she's already married. It would have been a wise choice to marry her back then. A daughter from the Xiao Family would have been a more suitable match.

Xiao Shouyi said coldly, "Marquis Fan, please show some respect."

Fan Zhao scoffed and looked directly at Tong Sui. "What do you want to talk about?"

Tong Sui pointed to the hall and said, "Can we move inside? It's freezing out here, and I can barely stand it."

Fan Zhao replied, "It's too late. Let's talk here. I have other matters to attend to, so please be brief."

——

It was also the second watch of the night when two soldiers in Imperial Guard uniforms rode fast horses, escorting an elderly man with graying hair to the Changxia Gate in the southern part of the city.

"Who goes there?"

Two squads of the Imperial Guard, holding spears, blocked their path.

The two unremarkable soldiers dismounted and roughly dragged the old man off his horse. One of them held a dagger to the old man's neck while the other kept watch for potential ambushes.

The old man, terrified, looked up at the city wall and shouted, "He Kang! He Kang, you ungrateful son! Hurry and save your father!"

He Kang, the commanding officer stationed at Changxia Gate by Fan Zhao, was the most filial of the eight gate commanders. The other seven had vulnerabilities—whether it was their mothers, wives, or children. After considering the situation, Tong Sui decided that Father He, driven by his greed for wealth, would be the most suitable hostage for tonight.

Hearing his father’s voice, He Kang rushed down and saw his father being held hostage. Shocked and angry, he shouted, "Who are you? Let my dad go, and I’ll spare your life!"

The spies under Tong Sui were all retired soldiers from Wei County. After recovering, some chose to live peaceful lives at home, while others still wished to serve the Xiao family. Tong Sui had specifically selected a group of spies who were unremarkable in appearance and build, training them to blend in. By day, they worked as vendors, ordinary citizens, or merchants, living in various parts of the city. By night, they used their agility to carry out secret missions.

When Tong Sui instructed the spies to pass a message to Wei Qi, she also ordered them that if the Wei family’s house caught fire, on the following night, they were to bring Father He to Changxia Gate at the second watch to force He Kang to open the gate.

Once the gate was opened, Fan Zhao would lose his advantage and could only rush to the Marquis’s residence to take them as hostages.

Therefore, Tong Sui needed to act first and lure He Kang, like a tamed tiger, to the Marquis’s residence before Fan Zhao could prepare his defenses.

Understanding the importance of opening the gate, the spy drew blood from Father He and then spoke to the frightened He Kang. "Sir, you and your men were brought here by the late emperor, just like Marquis Xiao. Marquis Xiao helped the late emperor’s son pacify the Liangzhou troubles. Now, Commander Fan plans to kill him. Is that the act of a real man?"

Before He Kang could respond, the spy continued, "We have no intention of hurting anyone. Once Marquis Xiao is inside, there will be no fratricide. Even the hostage, Lady Anguo, was chosen to be Father He, rather than your family’s vulnerable women or children, so as not to scare them. Lady Anguo is considerate of the Imperial Guard because we will still be brothers-in-arms. Why not abandon the dark side and join us?"

He Kang began, "You—"

"I’ve already spoken my piece," the spy interrupted. "I’ll count to three. If you don’t open the gate, don’t blame me for disregarding Lady Anguo’s orders. I’ll take Father He with me, and we’ll perish together!"

Father He’s legs trembled. "No, I haven’t lived enough, son, save me!"

"One!"

He Kang’s anxiety grew.

"Two!"

Seeing the blood on his father’s neck, He Kang slapped his thigh, turned around, and shouted, "Open the gate!"

The nearby soldier urged, "General, if you let Marquis Xiao in, how will you explain it to Commander Fan?"

He Kang replied, "Explain? Who will explain to me if my father dies? Blame him for being a monster! I’ve already been disloyal; I can’t be unfilial too!"

With that, he drew his saber and glared at the soldiers around him. "I order you to open the gate. Do you hear me?"

Although Fan Zhao had more prestige, he wasn’t there. He Kang was the capable and fierce commanding officer who could kill them if necessary.

Realizing that Commander Fan’s plot against the Xiao family was immoral, the soldiers gritted their teeth and ran to open the gate.

South of the moat, Xiao She sat on the ground, staring at the opposite gate.

His second brother had told him to stay alert, as his second sister-in-law might send someone to open the gate from inside at any moment.

Xiao She intended to keep watch until midnight before relieving someone else.

Suddenly, the gate, bathed in moonlight, swung open! Xiao She jumped up, heart pounding. When the soldiers holding the hostage identified themselves, he confirmed they were indeed the brothers from Wei County sent by his second sister-in-law. Without hesitation, Xiao She led his troops to throw the prepared sandbags into the moat and charged across on horseback.

The spy recognized Fifth Younger Brother and quickly reminded, "Madam said that Commander Fan is rebelling, and the Imperial Guard troops are innocent. We are only to take over the gate and avoid fratricide!"

Xiao She replied, "I know, and Marquis Xiao said the same."

Afterward, he left three thousand cavalry to guard the gate and led the remaining two thousand troops directly to Qinghua Ward!

Meanwhile, the commander at Dingding Gate had already noticed the enemy’s movements and began beating the drums to send a warning!

There were six large drums set up between Dingding Gate and the main palace gate, passing the message inward. When the palace began beating the alarm, the sound echoed all the way to Qinghua Ward in the eastern part of the imperial city.

Fan Zhao was listening to Tong Sui speculate about the life and death of the Xianqing Emperor when he suddenly heard the sound of drums. Instinctively, he turned his head, but out of the corner of his eye, he caught Xiao Shouyi drawing his saber!

Fan Zhao quickly retreated.

At that very moment, a sharp arrow shot out from the roof of the west wing, piercing fiercely into Fan Zhao's left neck!

Fan Zhao instinctively clutched the arrow shaft. His towering figure slowly turned westward, and his incredulous gaze shifted from Tong Sui, who was being protected by Xiao Shouyi, to the roof of the west wing.

Under the cold, clear moonlight on the sixteenth night of the month, a tall and straight figure rose, still bearing the youthful thinness of a young man. Looking at the face of the person on the roof, it was indeed the visage of a green youth.

Staggering back, Fan Zhao looked at Tong Sui again. When had this heavily pregnant woman, unable to draw the bow herself, hidden a second sharpshooter in their home?

Tong Sui watched impassively as Fan Zhao stumbled a few more steps before falling backward, a gurgling sound coming from his throat as blood stained his left shoulder.

The two hundred members of the Imperial Guard outside heard the commotion and rushed in, their eyes red with fury. “My lord!”

After their initial grief, they simultaneously drew their sabers and pointed them at the three members of the Xiao family in the courtyard.

Tong Sui stepped out from behind Xiao Shouyi and looked them over before suddenly asking in a sharp tone, “Tell me first, whose soldiers are you? The late emperor’s or Fan Zhao’s?”

The two hundred Imperial Guard soldiers were taken aback.

Tong Sui pointed at herself. “When Old Master Xiao and I rescued the late emperor on Jiange Road, where was Fan Zhao? And when Xiao Hou was fighting Lü Sheng in Liangzhou, what did Fan Zhao do in the palace?”

“Let me tell you, he killed the emperor! He killed the only son of the late emperor! That was the emperor who saved us, the late General Han of Jizhou. His body is not yet cold, and you have already forgotten him?”

Some tightened their grip on their sabers, some pressed their lips together, and others had tears streaming down their faces.

Tong Sui continued, “I will never forget the late emperor’s grace, the blood and sweat we shed alongside the Right Route Army and the Jizhou Army in Jinzhou, or the spirit that drove us to follow him into the capital. Even if Xiao Hou brings his army into the city, my husband and I will not strike down a single Jizhou soldier. We will not betray our former comrades. If you have forgotten, then strike me down. I will stand here and not take a single step back.”

“Come,” Xiao Shouyi dropped his spear and stood beside Tong Sui.

Xiao Yuchan, weeping, stepped in front of her second sister-in-law and angrily rebuked the Imperial Guard, “Fan Zhao is ungrateful and inhuman, but are all of you from Jizhou also inhuman? We trusted you so much when we were in the northern regions!”

From the rooftop, Zhang Chao put down his bow and jumped down, standing in front of Xiao Yuchan. “I killed him. If you want to kill someone, then kill me.”

At these words, a Jizhou trooper raised his saber, but facing such a green youth, he eventually dropped his weapon to the ground.

Once one person dropped their saber, others followed, and soon all the Imperial Guard had discarded their weapons and knelt around Fan Zhao’s corpse.

——

Outside Dingding Gate.

Xiao Zhen approached the large army of the Eastern Camp behind Lu Gong and called out, “I, Xiao Zhen, am loyal to the emperor. Whether it’s the Eastern Camp or the Southern Camp, all of us soldiers, including myself, belong to the emperor. Now that the emperor’s fate is unknown, and Fan Zhao, with his treacherous ambitions, has betrayed the emperor, committing regicide, if any of you commanding officers have the resolve to punish this traitor, bring your soldiers and follow me into the city!”

“Song Da!”

“Present!”

The soldiers of that garrison neatly moved behind Xiao Zhen.

Xiao Zhen continued to call the names of his officers, “Bai Hongxuan!”

“Present!”

The soldiers of the second garrison also shifted over.

All 140,000 troops and twenty-five commanding officers switched sides, leaving only Lu Gong standing alone, facing Xiao Zhen.

Not only the Imperial Guard on the city wall, but even Lu Gong was stunned by how much deeper Xiao Zhen's influence in Dongying was than he had anticipated.

Xiao Zhen shared a look with Lu Gong, preparing to lead the large army towards the Longxia Gate.

"Wait!"

Lu Gong called out to stop him, then went to the foot of the wall and spoke to the old Jizhou troops in Jizhou above, "Fan Zhao's position is hopeless. Are you willing to follow him to your deaths? Lord Xiao Zhen has always been just and merciful. If you open the gates now, I can assure you that Lord Xiao Zhen will show mercy!"

The Jizhou soldiers looked towards Xiao Zhen on the other side of the moat.

Xiao Zhen cupped his fists and said, "All I want is to save the Emperor and reunite with my family after six long months apart. I ask my fellow soldiers to help me achieve this."

In the cold early winter night, someone sighed, and soon after, the massive gates of Luoyang's Dingding Gate slowly opened under the pale moonlight.