Yan Song and Yan Shifan led several thousand people into the palace gates, expecting guards to stop them, or at least for some eunuchs to shout. However, as they entered, the entire Forbidden City seemed deserted. Passing through several layers of palaces, they saw not a single soul!
One to two thousand officials marched in formation, each filled with trepidation. Upon realizing there was no obstruction whatsoever, they were all utterly astonished, feeling that the events of the day were exceedingly strange.
Yan Shifan muttered,
“What is this, an empty fort strategy? Why have they all hidden away?”
Yan Song, head lowered, supported by Zhao Wenhua and Yan Maoqing, remained silent. He too noticed the abnormality. As they had just reached the Jianji Hall, he decided to stop there. After a moment of contemplation, he suspected that Jiajing was once again playing some trick on him.
“Shifan, since this is the palace, we must still observe decorum… Take a few elder ministers and go check the Western Garden to see what this is all about. How can the vast Forbidden City be so devoid of people?”
Yan Shifan, however, knew precisely what was happening and scoffed,
“Father, everyone has been dispatched to commit murder and arson. Where would anyone be left? Let’s go directly to the Western Garden! We cannot hesitate at a time like this…”
Mm-hmm,
Fine, fine.
Yan Song knew that his son was always dependable at critical moments and had rarely made mistakes. As for himself, he was old and had always feared the imperial authority, truly not daring to act presumptuously. At this, he turned westward and walked onto the bluestone path that he had known his entire life.
He felt he had a certain degree of certainty in coming today. After all, this emperor was the most pragmatic of men; as long as the situation dictated, the emperor would accept his fate. In the current predicament, even releasing prisoners had not put him in a superior position, so he had likely conceded. Furthermore, Prince Jing was nearing the capital. However, this person was also a huge variable for him; perhaps he feared this madman even more than he did.
Therefore, once they reached the Yuxi Palace, with so many people present, even some guards and imperial troops would be useless. Given the emperor’s character, he would not push things to an overly unpleasant extreme. At that point, it would suffice to explain the situation, first issue an edict for Prince Jing to encamp outside the city, and then command loyal forces from across the empire to converge on the capital, leaving the city in his grasp. As for whether the two princes would be ordered to commit suicide, that could be decided later. After all, if it truly came to bloodshed, the princes and officials of the realm would not stand idly by. Then, chaos would ensue, making him the target of everyone’s wrath. Xu Jie and his faction of incorruptible officials would then rally support, which would be quite troublesome.
Thinking and walking, the Yuxi Palace was already visible in the distance.
Yan Song, however, suddenly felt a twinge of unease, for outside the vast palace, there was not a single person! The clear sound of chime stones could still be heard intermittently…
“What is he doing?”
“Soldiers are here!”
“So many!”
“So many troops have entered!”
…”
Yan Shifan suddenly turned his head and saw many soldiers in shining armor rush out from all corners of the palace. Judging by their attire, they were neither palace guards nor imperial troops!
Zhao Wenhua, his mind working rapidly, inwardly cursed and blurted out,
“Young Grand Secretary, perhaps it is Prince Jing… Has Prince Jing arrived already?”
Hiss!
Hiss!
The leading group of ministers instantly turned ashen-faced. Caught at the entrance to the Western Garden, they were neither able to advance nor retreat. Looking around, the assembled troops grew in number.
Not only that,
A more terrifying scene unfolded before the eyes of the one to two thousand officials –
Many of the fleeing household guards in the rear were mown down by a hail of arrows!
This scene completely defied everyone’s imagination! The older officials were utterly bewildered –
How could such a thing happen?
Who dared to shoot people within the Forbidden City?
But the turn of events continued to shatter everyone’s understanding –
After shooting down the fleeing household guards, the soldiers then drew out their gleaming sabers and spears and began a brutal slaughter! The screams filled the air… In an instant, one to two thousand bodies lay strewn across the plaza. Those household guards, who had been killing and arsoning the previous night, now cried out in terror and immediately knelt in a vast, dense expanse.
This turn of events occurred with extreme suddenness and concluded with unexpected speed.
Soon,
Thousands of soldiers had completely subdued the household guards. As the officials stared in astonishment, a familiar face approached them –
Han Chong?
It was indeed Han Chong!
But Han Chong now seemed to not recognize Yan Song, Yan Shifan, nor Yan Maoqing, Zhao Wenhua. Even Elder officials like Wu Peng and Guo Pu appeared as if they had never met him. He took out a scroll of silk and coldly, loudly read,
“Yan Song and Yan Shifan, father and son, led household guards in trespassing through the Meridian Gate and setting fire to the Forbidden City. Their rebellion is evident. They are hereby apprehended and handed over to the ministry for judgment.”
The pronouncement was very brief, only mentioning the fire in the Forbidden City, omitting all else. Moreover, it only named Yan Song and Yan Shifan, not mentioning any other officials.
Everyone was dumbfounded, staring blankly at the father and son.
At this moment,
The household guards had all been apprehended, and the court officials were surrounded. The Western Garden, and indeed the entire Forbidden City, suddenly fell silent again. The clear sounds of chime stones and cymbals faintly reached their ears once more. Looking at the blood-soaked ground, they were momentarily lost, unsure of their whereabouts.
Han Chong snorted and shouted,
“Prince Jing’s order is that Yan Song, due to his advanced age and esteemed reputation, may reside temporarily in his residence, while Yan Shifan shall be imprisoned in the Directorate of Ceremonial! All other individuals are to return home and await summons!”
Hual!
Four soldiers stepped forward and seized Yan Shifan, lifting his arms and legs, and proceeded to march him towards the palace gate.
Yan Shifan was utterly bewildered by this turn of events. At this moment, he shouted,
“Frame-up!”
“This is a frame-up!”
“I came to protect His Majesty!”
“The one rebelling is Prince Jing!”
“Frame-up! It’s a frame-up…”
“Framing me…”