景翰 14th Year, Sixth Month, Ninth Day, Bianliang City, an ordinary but busy day.

The weather was clear.

For many high-ranking officials of the Wu Dynasty, it was a significant and special day, just one month after the death of the former Right Chancellor, Qin Siyuan. After days of political infighting and bickering, the basic framework for the Wu Dynasty's political situation for the foreseeable future had been decided that day. The appointment and transfer of numerous officials, and the clarification of responsibilities for the Yellow River defense line and the resistance against the Jurchens, would all be finalized on this day.

In a sense, it was a victory banquet, rewarding merit and punishing demerit, where officials divided the spoils of victory. Although they had been defeated in the struggle against the Jurchens, many had at least won in another war.

The early court session began at the fifth watch, so officials who were to attend the court would often leave their homes at the third watch and head to the palace city. The frequency of the Wu Dynasty's early court sessions was irregular, generally once every five days, but recently there had been too many matters to deal with regarding the resistance against the Jurchens, so the frequency had increased to twice or even once a day. Some officials complained incessantly, but today, few people were in such a mood.

Ning Yi got up after midnight. After slowly practicing a round of boxing in the courtyard, he took a bath and changed his clothes, ate some porridge, and sat quietly for a while before someone came to call him out. The carriage drove through the quiet streets of the early morning, past the former residence of the Right Chancellor, and stopped only when it approached the road leading to the palace gate. Ning Yi got out of the carriage. Zhu Biao, the driver, hesitated, but Ning Yi remained calm, patted him on the shoulder, and turned to walk towards the distant palace city.

Beneath the imperial city, many officials, both high and low, had already gathered. After Ning Yi arrived, he stood far away on the side of the road where no one would pay attention. Before long, Tong Guan arrived, followed by Cai Jing, Wang Fu, Li Yan, Zhang Bangchang, Li Gang, Qin Hui, Gao Qiu, Tang Ke, Wu Min...and so on. They gathered in different areas outside the palace city.

People all have their circles, but of course, not everyone from the same party or faction stands together. The most important factor was status and position. Cai Jing and Tong Guan were the two giants of the court, and because their domains were different, there was little friction between them, so they got along quite well. Even high-ranking officials who didn't get along well would greet each other with hearty laughter, exchanging compliments or veiled jabs.

The people of the Censorate were more solitary. They were unwilling to form factions, and even when they stood together, they often kept their distance and didn't like to talk in large groups, but at most whispered to each other in pairs with solemn expressions. Next came the "pure stream," whose positions might not be high, but whose loyalties were firm. Only those with firm loyalties would be appreciated by those above. Great scholars often had smooth social skills, embodying the spirit of literati, being flexible outwardly but principled inwardly, and not fearing what people said.

Several young officials or low-ranking young military officers were brought along by others, either sons and nephews of large families or promising newcomers. Under the warm yellow light of the lanterns, they were led around to meet people and greet them. Ning Yi stood alone on the side. The first person to greet him as he passed by was Tan Zhen.

"You're here."

He looked ahead and said coldly.

"Yes."

Ning Yi replied.

Then Tan Zhen walked past. He was accompanied by a general with a fierce face. Ning Yi knew that this general was named Shi Yuanmeng, a promising young officer under Tan Zhen.

Today, they would all have an audience with the Emperor at the end.

"You're here."

Another voice rang out. This time, the voice was much gentler, but with a hint of weariness. It was Tang Ke, who had greeted several officials before unobtrusively approaching. Although he was a proponent of peace and had had many conflicts and disagreements with Qin Siyuan, they were privately close friends who appreciated each other. Even though their paths were different, he still did a lot of work for Qin Siyuan during his imprisonment.

After Qin Siyuan was sentenced to exile in Lingnan, Qin Shaoqian, who was originally going to be exiled to Shamen Island and separated from Qin Siyuan forever, had his sentence changed to exile in Lingnan thanks to Tang Ke's efforts.

Even though the two were in different places in Lingnan, at least the distance between them was much shorter, and with some private maneuvering, they might be able to meet.

Unfortunately, all these efforts were in vain.

"Yes."

Ning Yi also replied.

"Don't think too much about today's events," Tang Ke said. "Old Qin is gone. Do your job well, and don't let him down."

"Yes."

After Qin Siyuan's death, many things, including the blackmail material given to Tong Guan to protect his life, were left to Ning Yi. Tang Ke did not resent him for this, probably regarding Ning Yi as someone who had inherited Qin Siyuan's mantle to some extent.

After a while, Tong Guan also seemed to casually approach during a break in his conversation with others, and looked him up and down a few times: "Have you remembered what I told you a couple of days ago?"

"I've remembered it."

"Good." He nodded and said, "Do a good job."

He didn't wave Ning Yi over, but actively took the time to come over, not to condescend but to minimize the impact. However, even such a gesture attracted a lot of attention to Ning Yi. Among the crowd were people Ning Yi knew, such as Li Gang, the white-haired old man with a stern face, who glanced at him from afar and didn't look at him again.

Firstly, Li Gang's position as chancellor had begun to be marginalized. Secondly, when Qin Siyuan had his accident, Li Gang might have thought that the Qin faction had fallen and the remaining forces should cling to him to help him achieve great things. Ning Yi had later taken refuge with Tong Guan, an eunuch he had always looked down upon. Li Gang might have thought that Ning Yi's behavior was a slap in his face, so he no longer paid attention to him.

Some officials, both high and low, noticed Ning Yi and discussed him a few times. Some said, "That's someone left behind by the Qin faction..." and then said a few things about Ning Yi's general situation, whether right or wrong. Afterwards, most people knew the situation: a merchant being summoned to the Golden Hall was just a way to mitigate the impact of the Right Chancellor's downfall and create a conclusion, and had little to do with his own situation. Some people had had dealings with Ning Yi before, but seeing that he was unremarkable at this time, they no longer paid attention to him.

At the fifth watch, the Xihua Gate opened, and the crowd entered the palace city. After the Xihua Gate was the Right Chengtian Gate, and beyond that was a long palace wall and road, with the Jiying Gate, Huangyi Gate, and Chuigong Gate on the sides, followed by the Zichen Gate, where the court session was to be held. Here were two more gates. Ning Yi and the others went through three body searches. The crowd stood in good order in the square in front of the Zichen Hall, and then the high-ranking officials entered one by one.

Ning Yi and six others remained outside, waiting for the summons in the corner of the square.

Half of the fifth watch had already passed, and the discussions inside had begun. A cool breeze blew, carrying a slight chill. The Wu Dynasty's control over its officials was not too strict. Several of them came from large families and whispered to each other. The nearby guards and eunuchs didn't take it seriously. Someone looked at Ning Yi, who was standing there silently, with a look of disgust on his face.

They were able to be summoned by the Emperor at the end because of their connections or merit, which was originally an honor. The inclusion of such a person lowered the quality of the group as a whole.

Ning Yi raised his head. A faint glimmer of dawn had appeared on the horizon, with white clouds like catkins, and the birds of the morning flew across the sky.

As the people who controlled a country, they rose earlier than those who were controlled, but at this time, the cities outside should have gradually become lively.

景翰 14th Year, Sixth Month, Ninth Day, Bianliang City, the last day of the Jinghan era.

The weather was clear.

****************

Tie Tianying led his constables, rushing across the early morning fields. He was following clues to the home of an informant once arranged by Zong Feixiao.

By the time they arrived, it was already broad daylight. The house had been empty for several days, and no one was there. Tie Tianying kicked open the door, looked at the dust in the room, and said, "Search."

Soon after, a constable who was turning things upside down found something and handed it to Tie Tianying. After Tie Tianying looked at it, his expression suddenly changed. Then, the cavalry followed and galloped away.

Chen hour (7-9 AM).

The Wu Rui Camp was doing its morning exercises. Li Bingwen led several personal guards, passing in front of the training ground. He saw the Lvliang people training as usual not far away. Han Jing, who was familiar with him, was standing with his hands behind his back, looking up at the sky. Li Bingwen smiled and walked over, putting his hands behind his back and looking up a few times: "Brother Han, what are you looking at?"

Han Jing turned his head and smiled at him.

Li Bingwen also laughed heartily.

"Hey, by the way, where is Chief Lu?"

"She has something to do."

"Oh, haha."

Li Bingwen was just making conversation, so he didn't take it to heart.

Bianliang City.

Lu Hongti led two attendants, walking into the palace gate.

The early court session was still being held in the Zichen Hall. After entering the imperial city, palace eunuchs and maids took away her weapons, searched her body, and then took her to wait near the imperial study. Several experts were specially arranged to guard the area.

Sunlight poured down outside the room, and the nearby palaces seemed quiet. Palace maids served tea and snacks. Hongti sat there quietly, closing her eyes. The imperial guards outside the door occasionally glanced at her, sizing her up.

Outside the palace city, a girl named Xigua stood on the roof, breathing in the morning air.

This is the capital...

Daddy... Saint Duke Uncle... Seventh Uncle... Hundred Flowers Aunt... and all the dead brothers... can you see it...

Pedestrians came and went on the streets on all sides, lively and peaceful. Not far away was the towering palace wall.

……

After the deaths of Qin Siyuan and Qin Shaoqian, their tombs were placed in the suburbs of Bianliang City.

The sun was already high in the sky. Tie Tianying's cavalry team galloped to the area, panting for breath. He looked at Qin Shaoqian's tombstone, pointed his finger, and said, "Dig it up."

The constables were slightly stunned, then went forward to start digging the tomb. They didn't bring tools, so the speed was slow. A constable rode a horse to a nearby village and found two hoes. Soon after, the tomb was dug open, the coffin was lifted up, and after it was opened, there was a stench of corpses. The body, which had been buried for a month, had already rotted, deformed, and even maggots were present.

Tie Tianying's hand trembled. He knew that he had found Ning Yi's weakness and could take action. The note in his hand read "Qin Shaoqian suspected to be not dead," but the corpse in the coffin was severely decomposed. He forced himself to look at it a few times. According to Ning Yi, Qin Shaoqian's head had been cut off and then sewn back on. At the time, the examination of the corpse could not have been too detailed. After a cursory look, seeing that it was indeed Qin Shaoqian, they accepted the fact.

At this time, there were clues, but it was difficult to prove it with the corpse. He covered his mouth and nose and looked at it a few times, then said, "Cut off his clothes, cut off all his clothes." Two constables endured their disgust and came forward to do so.

The rotting corpse revealed nothing, but then Tie Tianying discovered something. He grabbed a stick from a constable and pushed open the corpse's rotting and deformed legs...

……

In the Zichen Hall, the arrangements for the promotions and transfers of officials were being read out loudly by Du Chengxi, and even those in the square outside could hear it. A tall eunuch came over towards them -- the Wu Dynasty had Tong Guan leading the army, and several chief eunuchs had also done great things, so it was not surprising to have such a tall eunuch in the palace. However, as he came over, the nearby forbidden soldiers stopped him slightly.

"Eunuch Hou, what's the matter?"

"Old Du is serving the Emperor inside. In a moment, these people will be going in. They are all attending court for the first time, and Old Du is worried that something will go wrong. He took some time to have our family take a look to see how well these people have practiced their etiquette. Our family still has matters to attend to, so I'll just ask a question and leave."

The guard nodded. This Eunuch Hou came over and quietly asked each of the seven people in turn. He didn't raise his voice. After asking, he had them roughly perform the etiquette once, and then waved his hand. However, when he asked the fourth person, that person's performance was not quite standard. This Eunuch Hou got angry: "You come here, you come here!"

He pulled that person to the side, but it was exactly where the guard could turn his head and see. He made this person do it again two times, and then personally corrected him. The person was so anxious that his face turned red. The guard watched with a glance, turned his head away. When on duty in the palace, there was no need to point and watch people make fools of themselves.

Eunuch Hou still had matters to attend to, and could not afford to have problems. After this person did it several times without problems, he was allowed to go back. After a moment, when he asked the last person, that person also made a slight mistake. Eunuch Hou called that person out and scolded him.

The other six people mostly looked at this person with mockery. Seeing that his kneeling was not standard, Eunuch Hou personally knelt on the ground to demonstrate it once, then glared and scanned the crowd. The crowd quickly turned their heads away. The guard smiled and turned his head away as well.

……

Outside Bianliang City, in front of Qin Shaoqian's tombstone, Tie Tianying looked at the rotting corpse in the coffin. He used a wooden stick to separate the corpse's legs.

"This...is a eunuch?"

He stood there in a daze for a while. He had been hot, but now he was gradually getting cold...

What does he want to do...

In the distance, the sound of horses' hooves shook the earth, boiling over—

West of Bianliang, near the Wansheng Gate, Du Sha walked out of the inn with a long knife on his back. More and more people were now walking into the crowd from nearby, heading towards the city gate...

Inner city, not far from the Liang Gate. Zhu Biao sat in the Zhu Ji shop, which had been closed for a long time, closing his eyes to rest. His long spear lay on his lap. Chen Tuozi and others were either standing or sitting, mostly quiet. In the courtyard, someone was carrying several boxes in, placing them by the closed windows on the first floor. This quiet and busy atmosphere mirrored the prosperity at the city gate outside.

At one point, Zhu Biao, carrying his long spear, pushed open the door and walked out.

The spear tip was sharp and bloodthirsty.

The Qing Bird had arrived, and the sunlight poured down on the city.

……

Imperial Palace, Zichen Hall. After the imperial edict was announced and some speeches and thanks to the Emperor, the seven people inside were summoned. Ning Yi walked on the side, with simple steps and a calm expression. After entering the gate, the Zichen Hall was solemn and spacious, with many ministers standing on both sides. Cai Jing, Tong Guan, Li Gang, Qin Hui, who had just been promoted to Right Chancellor, Junior Tutor Wang Fu, Minister of War Tan Zhen, Minister of Justice Zheng Sinan, Minister of Rites Tang Ke, Minister of Personnel Yan Daozhang, Minister of Revenue Zhang Bangchang, Minister of Works Liu Juyuan... In addition, there were many high-ranking officials such as Gao Qiu, Cai You, Wu Min, and Geng Nanzhong, each standing solemnly in their place.

The clear smoke of sandalwood curled up. Above the front was the current supreme ruler, the Emperor Zhou Zhe. These people were at the top of the Wu Dynasty's pyramid.

The seven people knelt together not far from the door.

The imperial edict had been issued, and the ceremony was coming to an end. Except for the superiors who had recommended them, few people cared about the seven small things that had come in at this time. Everyone chewed on the joy they had gained in their hearts, and thought about their own undertakings to continue the past and open up the future. Qin Hui was the happiest this time. He occasionally glanced at Li Gang not far away. At this time, the position of Left Chancellor would not last long either. Yan Daozhang was promoted to the Ministry of Personnel beyond his qualifications, taking a great advantage, because he was a thug under Cai Jing. That was why it was his turn this time.

But apart from Yan Daozhang, the Cai Jing faction had suffered losses in this contest. But it didn't matter, his power was already too great, the Emperor didn't like it, so losing was winning. The Tong Guan faction had gained the greatest benefits in participating in the Yellow River defense line. At this time, he was still digesting all the results in his heart. With these, he would be able to implement his next plan well.

Zhou Zhe stood up in front. His voice was slow, steady, and deep.

"Since I ascended the throne, I have sought the revitalization of the Wu Dynasty and the peace of the country. Along the way, I have been cautious and as if walking on thin ice. Governing a country is difficult. I understand that you may not understand, I can give you glory and power, for you to do things for this country. But along the way, there are always pests and giant harms that damage my foundation. First there was Wang Gaojin, then Lu Zhiping, and then Qin Siyuan!"

He spoke of the names of several chancellors who had been convicted after his enthronement. Now it was time to draw conclusions and make final judgments. Since he had started speaking, he could not stop for a while. The seven people below knelt, and the crowd stood, listening quietly.

Zhou Zhe said, "The battle with the Jurchens was hasty and rushed. The Jurchens were strong, but my Wu Dynasty also had loyal and righteous men who followed each other. This is where I am gratified, and where I am also heartbroken! I issued an edict of self-criticism, reflecting on myself. If you and I had really done our best, would it have taken so much bloodshed from so many loyal and righteous men to defend the city? I am the ruler, you are the officials. These principles must be carefully considered! After the Jurchens left, Qin Siyuan submitted to the law. He deserved his punishment, but you—"

His words were generous and indignant. At this moment, everyone heard a sound, which must have been an illusion.

Someone was sighing.

"Ah, Zhou Zhe..."

Among the kneeling people, Shi Yuanmeng felt that he was hallucinating, because he felt that the merchant next to him had stood up -- how could that be?

Zhou Zhe also saw Ning Yi standing up -- he had not yet realized the identity of that figure, and even felt that the scene in front of him was a bit strange. On this golden hall, someone dared to stand up while kneeling? Was he seeing things wrong... But this was their first meeting.

There would be no next time.

In the majestic Zichen Hall, for the first time in hundreds of years, there was a loud bang that was deafening. Fire flashed, and everyone didn't even know what had happened. On the golden steps, the Emperor's body slumped onto the dragon chair in the next moment. The sandalwood smoke dissipated. He looked ahead in disbelief, looking at his legs, where something had penetrated, densely packed, and blood seemed to be seeping out. What exactly was going on!

Ning Yi's steps had passed through the crowd. His eyes were as calm as if he was doing a job he had practiced a million times. In front of him, Tong Guan, who had a high position as a military man, reacted first. He shouted, "Insolent wretch!" A fist as big as a vinegar pot swung at Ning Yi's face.

He had been in the army for half his life, stained with countless blood. Although he was old now, his remaining power was still there. The one who came up in front of him was just a merchant who usually kowtowed to him. However, at this moment, the young scholar's eyes did not have the slightest fear or dodging, not even expressions such as contempt. That figure seemed slow but was actually fast. Tong Guan's powerful fist struck out, and the other party caught it with one hand and slapped out a slap.

That slap struck Tong Guan's face with a bang, the five fingers hitting like an iron cake. The head of this Prince of a Different Surname who had recovered Yan Yun and was famous throughout the world rang in his head.

Tong Guan's body flew in the air for a moment, and his head slammed on the golden steps with a bang, blood splattering everywhere. Ning Yi had already stepped onto the golden steps, leaving him behind...

Time pushed backwards.

Earlier, the Wu Rui Camp's training ground.

The morning exercises had not stopped. Li Bingwen led the guards back to the front of the army. Soon after, he saw the Lvliang people bringing war horses over and distributing them to their people. Some people had already begun to prepare to mount. Li Bingwen wanted to go over and ask something, but more hoofbeats sounded, as well as the sound of iron pieces colliding on armor.

The heavy cavalry, known as the "Iron Pagoda," formed two rows and came from different directions. At the very front was Han Jing.

Li Bingwen subconsciously waved his hand, summoning the nearby guards and ordering the other Wu Rui Camp soldiers to be on guard: "Brother Han, what are you going to do!"

Han Jing did not answer, only the heavy cavalry continued to press forward. Dozens of guards retreated near Li Bingwen. The remaining Wu Rui Camp soldiers watched everything with either doubt or dawning realization.

"Push!" Only cold words were uttered.

The heavy cavalry's order to "push" meant to charge in formation.

People who had some friendship in the past were now facing each other with swords.

The bright sun rose, and the heavy cavalry pushed back and forth twice in front of the training ground in front of tens of thousands of people. In some other places, blood was also flowing.

Then Han Jing rode his horse and stepped onto the high platform in front of the training ground. Below, Li Bingwen and all the guards had been reduced to corpses. The Lvliang cavalry had formed a formation nearby, ready to set out!

"You have seen it! After the Xia Village battle, the people in the court acted perversely. If the Jurchens come again, the Wu Dynasty will surely perish! We will no longer accompany them! But if the ruler is unrighteous, the people will raise arms to punish him --" Han Jing's voice rang out, "The Lvliang people are raising troops today, not to clear the Emperor's side, but to kill the foolish Emperor and hang his corpse on the city walls! And after today..."

On the training ground, that voice was like thunder: "After today, we will rebel! You will perish—"

Killing intent soared to the sky—

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