Chapter 258

Chapter 258

Though Xiao Zhen returned to the mansion late, at least he could finally rest. The imperial palace, however, remained brightly lit, and the army within the city was withdrawing in an orderly fashion amidst the chaos.

The common soldiers were fine, as they only needed to follow orders, though they would be working hard tonight. Lu Gong and the Second Chancellor were the busiest, with a multitude of matters awaiting their attention.

Although the Great Yu Dynasty appeared destined to fall after just two reigns, the Xianqing Emperor was still the monarch they had served. Even Xiao Zhen mentioned that he would return to the palace the next day to mourn the Xianqing Emperor, demonstrating his loyalty. Therefore, both publicly and privately, Wei Qi and Song Lan had to organize a dignified funeral for the Xianqing Emperor. This required the Ministry of Rites to set the procedures, the Ministry of Revenue to calculate the expenses, and the Ministry of Works to oversee the construction of the imperial mausoleum.

The Ministry of Justice needed to try the accomplices of Fan Zhao's usurpation plot, and the Ministry of War had to assess the rewards and punishments for the military officers tonight and prepare a list of suitable officers to fill vacancies. The newly appointed Minister of Personnel seemed to have no urgent tasks, but since his colleagues were busy, he couldn't very well sit idle, could he?

Lu Gong was concerned about the Imperial Guard.

He first gathered 3,000 palace guards, using his hoarse voice to scold Fan Zhao and the other ringleaders, and then heaped praise on Xiao Zhen, calling him a loyal and righteous general of today and a wise ruler of tomorrow.

"Tonight, Xiao Hou could have declared you all rebels and executed you, but he chose not to. He considered your loyalty and bravery in defending Jizhou and your merits in eliminating traitors alongside the late emperor. He even allows you to continue guarding the imperial palace. If you still hold onto those disloyal and unjust thoughts, you would be betraying your conscience, the teachings of the late emperor, and the reputation of the Jizhou army!"

The 3,000 guards stood in silence, some feeling ashamed, others grateful.

Lu Gong shouted, "From tonight, I, Lu Gong, swear to be loyal to Xiao Hou until death. What say you!"

The 3,000 guards immediately knelt and shouted in unison, "We swear to be loyal to Xiao Hou until death!"

In the quiet of the night, the shout echoed throughout the palace. The eunuchs and maids waiting in line for interrogation by the Ministry of Justice heard it, as did the officials bustling around the palace.

Ministry of Revenue.

Sun Wei came to see the Minister of Revenue with a calculated account and found Xiao Gufu there as well. The third-rank left deputy minister of revenue was pouring tea for the minister, and after refilling his cup, he also refilled a cup for the fifth-rank official Xiao Gufu, startling him into standing up and bowing in thanks.

The left deputy minister smiled and said, "If we don't perform our duties well in the future, we'll rely on you, Lord Qiao, to put in a good word for us with the new emperor."

Sun Wei lowered his eyes and smiled.

These three high-ranking officials of the Ministry of Revenue were all promoted by the late emperor and belonged to the so-called 'pure faction.' They observed social niceties but avoided colluding with traitors.

Council of State.

Upon hearing that his son had brought him medicine, Song Lan, who had been coughing while busy, excused himself from his colleagues and went to the anteroom provided for officials to rest.

Wei Qi glanced at him. That crafty old man had claimed to be ill for the past few days and was still putting on an act!

Anteroom.

Song Lan sent the young eunuch out and lay down on the warm couch. Although his illness was feigned, his back was genuinely sore from a night of busyness.

Song Zhishi closed the door and, seeing his father in this state, asked, "Would you like to rest first, or have some soup?"

The food box contained bitter medicine and a nourishing soup.

Song Lan shook his head, turned to lie on his stomach, and ordered his son, "Come and rub my shoulders."

Song Zhishi stood by and, with a complex heart, attended to his father, quietly asking, "Father, is it really Xiao Zhen? Duke Lu surely has more prestige, and Duke Feng of Jizhou, along with the approaching Marquis Qi, don't they have any thoughts?"

Wei Qi had old ties with Lu Gong and Feng Ji. Wouldn't Wei Qi be more inclined to support them if they were to compete?

Song Lan sighed, "Lu Gong is loyal and without ambition. Even if he had ambition, he has no troops at the moment. How could he be a match for the Xiao family? Feng Ji is serious and believes in loyalty to the emperor and serving the country. The Xiao family had grace towards the late emperor, and Feng Ji would not oppose them, nor would he abandon the frontier for personal gain."

Song Zhishi asked, "What about Marquis Qi? I've heard that due to the Shuozhou incident from years ago, Marquis Qi has always been at odds with the Xiao family."

Song Lan replied, "If he truly had issues, would Qi Yun have remained loyal to the Xiao family all these years?" Song Zhishi asked, "What about Zhao Liangchen? What are your thoughts on him?"

Song Lan suddenly turned his head and stared at his son. "After counting everything, it's you who is feeling resentful, right?"

Song Zhishi pressed his lips.

Song Lan brushed his son's hand aside, sat up straight, and said sternly, "When it comes to the Xiao Family and Aman, I've misjudged them several times, but they have the ability. Each time they prove themselves, I can't help but respect them. Especially this time, the couple worked together inside and out, taking the capital without shedding blood. There probably isn't a more suitable pair in this world to be the founding emperor and empress."

"I've thought about it. As long as they are willing to continue using me, I will wholeheartedly serve them. If you can't understand this, once the situation stabilizes, I will request an external posting for you."

"Let me put it bluntly, I can't control what you think in your heart, but if you dare to overestimate your abilities and try to bring down Xiao Zhen to take his place, I will sever ties with you right now to avoid you implicating me."

Song Zhishi: "... I wouldn't dare to think such things."

Song Lan: "Good. Otherwise, just Aman's arrows could take your life. That would be your honor."

Song Zhishi: "..."

Song Lan: "Bring the soup."

Song Zhishi then served his father the soup.

Song Lan drank half a bowl and glanced at his son beside him, saying, "You weren't in a hurry to marry a few years ago, and I didn't rush you. After the new year, we should finalize your marriage as soon as possible."

With the Han father and son in power, as a chancellor, he needed to keep his distance from the military Xiao Family to avoid being seen as part of the Xiao faction. The more his son couldn't let go of Aman, the more it proved the longstanding tensions between their families.

Now that Xiao Zhen was about to ascend the throne, if his son continued to pine for Aman, it would become trouble for himself.

—

Marquis’s Residence.

Because Tong Sui had been sleeping on her side lately, Xiao Zhen could only lie behind her if he wanted to hold her.

The sky was just beginning to brighten, and Tong Sui was prodded awake by him, but he didn't move recklessly; it probably wasn't intentional.

Xiao Zhen was smelling the fragrance in her hair. When he noticed her stir, he quietly retreated a little.

Tong Sui: "You've already woken me."

Xiao Zhen then pressed up against her again, turning the unintentional into intentional, his hand covering her, his lips landing on her cheek and by her ear.

After being apart for another half year, even if they couldn't do much, he craved this kind of closeness.

Tong Sui's breaths quickened, but Xiao Zhen was tormenting both of them, leaving both on edge. Eventually, Xiao Zhen stopped, worried that Tong Sui would become too agitated and affect the child.

Tong Sui looked outside and reminded, "Don't you need to go to the palace to mourn?"

Madam He and others would be going too, to cry for the late emperor. With her being so far along in pregnancy, it was a special consideration granted by the court.

Xiao Zhen, still lying by her neck, said, "I don't want to go."

He more wanted to sleep in with her, eat with her, walk with her in the garden—just to be with her.

Tong Sui knew that no matter how much he wanted to, he was just speaking casually. The Xiao family were loyal ministers. He had declined the imperial position just last night. If he skipped the mourning today, wouldn't that look hypocritical?

Sure enough, after lingering for a little more than ten minutes, Xiao Zhen got up. He lifted the gauze curtain, moved the screen, washed his face while looking at Tong Sui, dressed while looking at her, and before leaving, knelt by the bed and whispered to Tong Sui and the baby for a moment.

As soon as he left, the maids like A Fu were able to come in.

A Fu whispered, "I think the Marquis may have left, but his heart is still here."

Tong Sui smiled and, after breakfast, took a stroll around the two estates with Liu Chu and Yan Mingxiu. In observance of the national mourning, the red lanterns in the estate had been taken down and replaced with white ones, which swayed in the cold early winter wind.

Except for Xiao Yan, who had spent the night at home, the others like Xiao Ye were still busy outside. Xiao Shouyi was tight-lipped, and Xiao Yan was kept in check by Lin Ningfang. Neither Xiao Shouyi nor Xiao Yan had told Madam He about the impending imperial ascension, so Madam He was still unaware of this momentous news.

Xiao Zhen had been kneeling in the palace for half a day and returned to the estate afterward.

The civil and military officials turned to the two chancellors and Duke Lu, their eyes filled with questions.

Wei Qi said, "Marquis Qi is expected to arrive in the capital tomorrow. He is an old minister of two dynasties. Once Marquis Qi arrives, we will support Marquis Xiao to show our sincerity."

Lu Gong said, "I will go out of the city to meet Marquis Qi and inform him of Fan Zhao's usurpation and the emperor's passing."

Without a ruler, the nation could easily fall into chaos. Therefore, the eight gates of the capital remained under martial law. Apart from the nearly 200,000 troops that had withdrawn to the Eastern and Southern Camps, no one outside the city knew of the Xianqing Emperor's death. The news would only be made public once the new emperor ascended the throne.

Listening to his hoarse voice, Wei Qi sighed, "We can only trouble Duke Lu once more."

Lu Gong waved his hand. It was all for the greater good. As a distinguished military officer, he had been idle for five or six years. Now, a bit of horse riding and talking was nothing to him.

After a quick meal, Lu Gong departed with a team of his personal guards. He encountered Qi Heng's army 50 li from the capital city.

Standing on high ground, Lu Gong surveyed the scene and estimated that there were 50,000 troops before him.

After defeating Huang Qi and repelling the Ling Kingdom, Qi Heng still had 110,000 troops. Clearly, he had dispatched 60,000 to Jiangzhou and Hanzhou to confront the Pan family.

The three camps of the capital were all willing to take orders from Xiao Zhen.

After a final shake of his head for Fan Zhao, Lu Gong faced the army and met with Qi Heng and Zhao Jin.

Qi Heng asked urgently, "How is the capital? How are my family?"

Lu Gong was somewhat curious and countered, "I wonder what news Marquis Qi has heard that led to only 50,000 troops being here?"

Qi Heng, straightforward and without much guile, had been coached by his son Qi Yun. He replied, "A few days ago, I received news that Marquis Fan and Marquis Xiao had taken up arms in the capital, each accusing the other of harboring treacherous intentions. Being outside with my troops, I couldn't determine who was loyal and who was not, so I decided to split 60,000 troops to guard Jiangzhou and Hanzhou."

"If Marquis Xiao were to rebel, I would lead my 50,000 troops to join Marquis Fan in suppressing him," If Marquis Fan were to rebel, the 60,000 troops would ensure the safety of the Han River. Zhao Jin agreed to this arrangement as well."

Zhao Jin nodded, concern evident as he said, "Duke Lu, please don't keep us in suspense. What's really going on in the capital? Is the emperor safe?"

Lu Gong then put on his own mourning clothes and had his personal guards deliver two more sets to Qi Heng and Zhao Jin. With grief, he said, "Fan Zhao poisoned the emperor in an attempt to usurp the throne. The evidence of his crime is conclusive. We were unable to save the emperor."

Just as Qi Heng was about to ask about his family, he suddenly heard Zhao Jin's wail. When he looked over, Zhao Jin was already kneeling on the ground.

Realizing what had happened, Qi Heng quickly joined in the mourning. The army of 50,000 knelt to mourn the Xianqing Emperor.

After the mourning, Qi Heng and Zhao Jin stood up again. The latter's eyes were red from crying, while the former's face remained dry, save for some dust.

Lu Gong took the initiative to explain the situation in the capital.

Qi Heng felt greatly relieved.

He had great respect for the late emperor, but he had no personal loyalty to the Xianqing Emperor, who hadn't caused trouble for the Qi family yet. However, Fan Zhao leading the Imperial Guard to surround the capital was something he couldn't tolerate. If he could use the Xiao family's relatives to force Xiao Zhen to surrender his military power, he could do the same to Qi Heng!

Without his sons speaking up for Xiao Zhen, Qi Heng trusted Xiao Zhen more than Fan Zhao. Fan Zhao, with his arrogant attitude, had even argued with him over positions in the hall. At least Xiao Zhen had been polite to him.

Moreover, when it came to warfare and governance, Xiao Zhen was far superior to Fan Zhao. Not to mention, Tong Sui's military strategies and wisdom were on par with Xiao Zhen's.

His second son had long spoken highly of Xiao Zhen and his wife, and after the campaign against Liang, his first son also became convinced of Xiao Zhen and Tong Sui's abilities. If his sons respected them, then so did Qi Heng!

Zhao Jin had long seen the imperial presence in Xiao Zhen. Moreover, Tong Sui had saved his life, so now that Xiao Zhen had the upper hand, how could he possibly oppose him?

"Why wait until tomorrow? Zhao Jin and I will follow you right away. Tonight, we'll put Xiao Zhen on the imperial throne!"

Lu Gong thought to himself that this seasoned general was not afraid at all that Xiao Zhen might take his Western Camp's military power while he had no troops.

Xiao Zhen could gain the loyalty of the Qi family with just his virtues of benevolence, righteousness, wisdom, and bravery. Fan Zhao, on the other hand, only wanted to seize power through despicable means. He tried to manipulate Qi Heng but never even got the chance to meet him.

"Marquis Qi, don't be anxious. It would be too rushed to act tonight. You should first lead your troops back to the Western Camp. After paying respects to the late emperor at the palace tomorrow, you can follow us to the Marquis’s residence to support Xiao Zhen's rise to the throne."

Qi Heng thought for a moment and said, "Alright, tomorrow it is."

Lu Gong asked some more about the troop deployment and then returned to the capital city ahead of schedule, heading straight to the Marquis’s residence to request an audience with Xiao Zhen.

Xiao Zhen welcomed him into the hall and asked him to drink some tea to moisten his throat first.

After drinking the tea, Lu Gong asked with concern, "Has the lady been frightened?"

Xiao Zhen replied, "Thanks to the late emperor's protection, there was a scare, but no harm was done."

Lu Gong nodded and said, "Marquis Qi and Zhao Jin are willing to support you as emperor. I convinced them to wait until tomorrow."

Xiao Zhen waved his hand and said, "The Great Yu Dynasty is full of talents. It won't be my turn. Duke Lu, please don't mention this again."

Lu Gong said, "Very well. Let's talk about military affairs first. Qi Yun and Chu Gan will lead their troops from Xiangcheng on the 10th. Today is already the 17th. In two days, Qi Yun should reach Hanzhou. Chu Gan will be four or five days later. Since Fan Zhao has already been convicted, the Pan family has been marked for punishment. Once the imperial decree is issued, Qi Yun and Chu Gan can arrest the Pan family."

Xiao Zhen asked, "In your opinion, is it possible that the troops from the two states will join forces with the Pan family?"

Lu Gong replied, "Absolutely impossible. The Pan family has only been in control of the two states' navy for less than six months. There might be a few fools who are deceived, but the majority of the troops will not support such treachery."

Xiao Zhen said, "Just to be safe, let's have Prime Minister Wei issue a military order to General Xie Jian, instructing him to lead 20,000 navy troops southward. With Xie Jian's prestige, the two states' navies will not cause trouble. After capturing the Pan family, we will also need General Xie's recommendation for new commanders for the two states."

Lu Gong said, "In that case, the four generals on the southern front will all be under Xie Jian..."

Xiao Zhen asked, "Or does Duke Lu have a better candidate for an admiral?"

Lu Gong, who is not familiar with naval matters: "..."

He left his seat and said to Xiao Zhen, "Marquis Xiao, you trust your people. I, Lu Gong, am truly impressed."

With such trust and favor, Xie Jian will surely remain loyal to the new emperor.