Strange Tales from the Northern Qi Dynasty

Chapter 267 Who dares to kill me? !

Yecheng, Gao Rui's residence.

The warrior rode his horse as fast as a horse to the gate of the mansion and jumped off. Immediately, an armored soldier came to hold the horse, and another person led him into the mansion.

After entering the gate, there were more than ten people standing on each side. They had large shields in front of them, covering most of their bodies. They were holding bows and crossbows, aiming at the door.

The warriors knew that they were their own people, but when they saw this posture, they couldn't help but shudder.

After entering the second gate, it was still a familiar scene. The two sides were still guarded by archers. There was a high platform built in the distance, and warriors stood there with torches in their hands, ready to light the beacon at any time.

The warriors walked towards the corridor. On both sides of the corridor were Xianbei warriors holding spears.

The warriors looked around fiercely, ready to fight at any time.

The warrior walked all the way to the inner courtyard, was interrogated and searched, and was allowed into the inner room only after it was confirmed that he had no weapons.

The formerly luxurious Prime Minister's Mansion has now become bare and particularly desolate.

The big trees in the courtyard were cut down, and the many pavilions that blocked the view were also destroyed, making it look a mess.

The warrior walked to the door of the inner room.

He swallowed, bowed deeply, and read out his name loudly.

"come in."

A steady and powerful voice came from inside the house.

The warrior opened the door and walked in.

The room was even more messy, with many documents thrown casually on the ground, leaving almost no place to stand.

Gao Rui was sitting right opposite him. He seemed to be much thinner than before.

His cheeks were sunken and his eye sockets were slightly dark, but his aura remained unchanged. Sitting there, he looked like a dragon or a tiger, his whole body relaxed and very majestic.

"Your Majesty!"

Gao Rui raised his head, his eyes as sharp as torches.

"explain."

"A great victory at the border. The Turks, numbering more than 100,000, gathered outside the border of You and Yan, intending to plunder. Youzhou Governor Lanling King Gao Changgong and Yanzhou Sima Zhaoyong General Yao Xiong led troops to attack them, beheaded the Turkic Khan Shetu, and captured more than 20,000 people, more than 100,000 cattle, sheep, horses, and countless food, grass, and flags."

"what?"

Gao Rui was stunned at first, then he reacted, hurriedly stood up, took the battle report from the other party, and read it over and over again.

"Hahahaha~~~"

"it is good!"

"Great!"

"Prince Lanling, you are truly worthy of being the grandson of the God of War!"

"Why didn't I realize that he has such ability before? God will not destroy our Great Qi! After Duan Shao, Huluguang, and Liu Taozi, there is also Gao Changgong!!"

"Heaven will not destroy our Great Qi."

Gao Rui's hands were shaking as he held the battle report. He fumbled with it over and over again, and his voice was trembling.

"In the past, there were five tigers, now there are four heroes!"

"When will the heads and flags be delivered to Yecheng?!"

Gao Rui asked hurriedly.

The warrior looked embarrassed and dared not speak.

"what happened?"

"They have been sent to Wuchuan."

Gao Rui was not angry. He just smiled and said, "Pick a few people and go together to give orders to Liu Taozi to select some spoils of war and send people to Yecheng to celebrate the victory."

"only!!"

The warrior asked again: "Your Majesty, if it is General Wei."

"No problem. Go tell Liu Taozi that many warriors are enough to make up for the spoils. Ask him to send someone over as soon as possible."

"only!!"

The warrior turned and left, walking out of the inner room, finally breathing a sigh of relief.

During these days, Prince Zhao's temperament changed drastically and he became more and more irritable. Even the old people who had followed him for many years did not dare to speak casually and were always on guard for fear of getting into trouble.

He still missed the old king more. In the past, the king was always kind and gentle to people, and was deeply loved by people.
The warrior left.

Gao Rui then walked out of the inner room, and the sunlight seemed a little dazzling.

Gao Rui changed into a new set of clothes. He called out a few times and immediately the guards came running over.

"Prepare the car!"

Soon, the soldiers outside the gate began to move. Soldiers rushed out from the mansion one after another, began to be on guard along the road, drove away the crowd and cleared the road.

In the past, Gao Rui always traveled in a low profile, but these days, he had to be high-profile. He offended too many people, many of whom were ruthless people who controlled the army. The characteristic of nobles is that they often do things first and then talk about them, without considering the consequences.

Three days ago, someone tried to break into his mansion.

This is why his residence became so heavily guarded, like a military camp, and going out became a dangerous matter, and his guards and officials had to be extra vigilant.

The warriors shouted loudly to drive away the pedestrians along the road.

The pedestrians did not dare to refute. They lowered their heads and walked away from the main road, heading into the alley on the side.

The man secretly watched from the alley as the soldiers in the distance kept rushing out of the mansion. He took something out of his arms and threw it to the other side of the wall behind him. It seemed that there was someone there who caught the thing.

Gao Rui quickly went out onto the street, sat in the carriage, and galloped towards the direction of the palace.

There were armored soldiers guarding on both sides, and knights leading the way in front and behind.

Even in the carriage, there were trusted followers.

Gao Rui leaned back slightly, his expression relaxed a lot, "Finally, there is a happy event. If we can severely injure Yuwen Hu this time, it will be even better."

He suddenly looked at his confidant sitting opposite him, "Do you think Liu Taozi can defeat Yuwen Hu?"

The officer was stunned, not knowing why he was asking this question. "General Wei is good at fighting, he will definitely win."

"Yang Zhong, Yuchi Jiong, Quan Jingxuan, Da Xiwu. Aren't they good at fighting?"

"This"

"I think the success or failure of the matter depends on Yuwen Hu. If he stays in the rear and trusts his generals, letting them take command and let them attack with 200,000 men, I'm afraid Liu Taozi won't be able to resist even if he is brave."

"But if Yuwen Hu wants to personally lead the army, I'm afraid he will send the army to the battlefield."

The officer nodded and said, "Your Majesty is right."

Gao Rui suddenly whispered, "We can win. How could Da Qi lose to Xi Hu?"

The officer was even more afraid to speak.

Suddenly there was a noise outside, and the officer was startled. He immediately stood up and stood in front of Gao Rui.

Soon, a soldier came to the carriage and said, "Your Majesty, there seems to be a murder at the Wu Family Restaurant on the road ahead, and there are officials arresting people. Should we avoid it?"

"Homicide?"

Gao Rui asked.

The officer said hurriedly, "Your Majesty, this may be a detour to lead you there on purpose. I think we should take a detour for now and ask about this matter later."

"parking."

"Ugh"

The officer sighed, but still helped Gao Rui get out of the car. Surrounded by many soldiers, Gao Rui walked quickly towards the scene.

Wu's Restaurant is somewhat famous here, mainly because this family originally came from the south and has been here for two generations. The food they cook is mostly southern cuisine. Many people are curious and often come here to eat, so it has become somewhat famous.

At this moment, the originally quiet restaurant was in chaos.

I could faintly smell the stench of blood.

Several people in the store fell to the ground, still trying to run out.

Among the many officials and soldiers, there were several people protecting a young man. The man was dressed luxuriously, with his entire body meticulously carved and painted. He was exactly the type of person Gao Rui hated the most.

He was drunk, and was not afraid at all when facing so many officials, and he scolded them loudly.

Gao Rui appeared here with his soldiers, and all the officials hurried over to pay their respects.

"Your Majesty!"

"What happened?"

The clerk was silent for a moment, not knowing what to say. Gao Rui said coldly, "It's better to tell the truth."

"Your Majesty, we received a report that this young master Yuan drank in the restaurant and wanted to be rude to the servant. After being rejected, he killed someone. There were several people who came with him, but they ran away. Only these people are left to protect him and continue to resist."

"Five people in the store, all dead"

"Yuan?"

Gao Rui slowly looked at the man in the distance, pushed away several officials in front of him, and walked in front of him.

"Did you kill the person?"

Yuan Langjun looked at Gao Rui and suddenly grinned, "I recognize you."

"Aren't you Gao Rui, the Prince of Zhao?"

"I ask you, did you kill that person?"

Langjun staggered and waved his hands, "It's not me, it's just that a few guards under my command were quick. If you want to punish them, arrest them and punish them."

Gao Rui looked at those men and narrowed his eyes. "Guards?" These guards were a little panicked at the moment. Seeing Gao Rui, they became even more afraid. The leader was about to approach when he was pointed at by a soldier with a crossbow.

The guard had no choice but to lower his voice.

"Your Majesty, this young master Yuan is a relative of Queen Mother Hu."

Hearing these words, several officials around couldn't help but tremble, and hurriedly lowered their heads, pretending that they heard nothing.

Gao Rui's expression became even uglier.

"Why kill?"

The guards were speechless this time. They just said, "Your Majesty, we are willing to confront the Queen Mother."

"Tie them up."

Gao Rui immediately gave the order. Several guards did not dare to speak, their faces full of bitterness. The officer on the side hurried forward and held Gao Rui, "Your Majesty, you still need to be more cautious about the Queen Mother's affairs."

"If he has guards to protect him personally, then his relationship with the Queen Mother is definitely not good."

Gao Rui's eyes became increasingly cold.

The officer didn't dare to say anything else. He signaled the soldiers to tie up these men. Yuan Langjun was caught by two soldiers. His face was full of surprise. He raised his head and looked at Gao Rui angrily.

"Do you know who I am?!"

"These restaurant owners are thieves. I am here under the orders of the Queen Mother to investigate the thieves. How dare you be rude to me?!"

Looking at the arrogant young man in front of him, Gao Rui's eyes were still filled with indescribable anger.

"Kill for life."

"Pay my life? Who dares to kill me?!"

"Do you dare to kill me?!"

“Who dares?”

"Pfft~~~"

The next moment, the sword in Gao Rui's hand flashed, and blood splattered behind the sword light. Yuan Langjun covered his neck and stared at Gao Rui. He wanted to say something, but fell to the ground with a bang.

The people around looked on in astonishment as Gao Rui raised his sword and killed the young man, and no one dared to say a word.

Gao Rui said coldly: "Since ancient times, loyal ministers have not been afraid of death. How can we let a woman overthrow the country?"

Santai Palace, Zhengxiang Hall.

Luo Ba walked into the hall hurriedly and looked at his mother inside.

Lu Lingxuan asked several palace maids to teach the emperor well, and then she went out to see her son.

"How is it?"

Luo Ba whispered, "Mother, Gao Rui killed the Queen Mother's lover and is coming to the palace now."

Lu Lingxuan's brows were filled with joy, "Gao Rui really won't tolerate this."

He Luoba nodded, "That guy surnamed Yuan is the same. He killed people directly without our people provoking him. The people around the Queen Mother are really stupid."

Lu Lingxuan looked at the little emperor sitting inside, and hurriedly grabbed her son's hand. Her eyes were particularly cold, "Please choose the right time. Don't let the queen mother come too early or too late. As soon as Gao Rui comes in, you will let the queen mother know the news and let her come on time."

"What if the Queen Mother doesn't want to come?"

"Oh, of course I won't come. Just do as I say."

"only!"

Lu Lingxuan turned around, and the gloom on her face suddenly disappeared, becoming kind and gentle again.

She walked into the hall, clapped her hands, and the ladies-in-waiting left immediately.

Gao Wei looked at them with some reluctance, seeming to want to say something but stopping himself.

Gao Wei has changed a lot compared to before. The childishness in his eyes has disappeared without a trace. His face is still that of a teenager, but his eyes are definitely not the eyes of a child. There is not a trace of simplicity and clarity in them.

Empress Dowager Hu was only concerned with her own amusement and ignored the emperor, while Lu Lingxuan followed his temper and tried her best to satisfy him no matter what he wanted, including feeding people to dogs, killing people for fun, etc.

However, Lu Lingxuan did it more secretly, just entertaining herself within her own sphere of influence without letting outsiders know.

In the eyes of many people, the emperor and the empress dowager have completely different reputations, and even Lu Lingxuan's reputation is different from that of the empress dowager.

Under the guidance of "knowledgeable people" like Lu Lingxuan, Gao Wei inherited the family tradition early and became a true emperor of Northern Qi, a process even faster than that of his father.

Gao Wei asked unhappily, "Why did you leave? Can't you go walk the dog again?"

"Your Majesty, the Prince of Zhao is coming."

"Gao Rui?"

Gao Wei sat up, and Lu Lingxuan nodded and asked with a smile: "Your Majesty, do you still remember what I said?"

"Remember, remember, Gao Rui must not be offended."

"Your Majesty, Gao Rui is a loyal minister. Your Majesty must cherish every opportunity to meet him. I know Your Majesty doesn't like him. This man is indeed a bit strong, but he is a loyal minister. Your Majesty knows what to do?"

"I know. I have agreed with him and recognized him many times. You don't need to teach me anymore, big sister."

"Your Majesty, just remember it. However, this time, the situation may be a little different."

"Oh?"

"Your Majesty, if someone comes to reprimand Prince Zhao, what will you do?"

"help him?"

"What if it was the Queen Mother who came to reprimand him?"

"I"

Speaking of the Queen Mother, Gao Wei's eyes flashed with fear, and he asked somewhat unnaturally: "What should I do if my mother scolds me?"

"Help the Prince of Zhao! Your Majesty must remember that whether you can hold power in the future, whether you can have more fun and do whatever you want, all depends on Gao Rui. If he can support your Majesty, then everything will be successful. As for the Queen Mother, has she ever come to see your Majesty in these days? Every time your Majesty went to pay a visit, when did she let you enter the gate? She still cares about Gao Yan the most."

At this moment, the fear on Gao Wei's face disappeared, and his expression became slightly fierce, "Okay, I'll remember that."

Lu Lingxuan had just said a few words when Gao Rui came into the hall and asked for a meeting.

Lu Lingxuan stood in the distance with her head down, taking care of the young emperor and not participating in state affairs.

Every time Gao Rui dealt with those nobles, he would report to the emperor and deal with them according to the emperor's orders.

He came to visit much more frequently than Gao Yin.

Gao Wei didn't like his attitude very much, as he always spoke in an aggressive tone, but he didn't dare to show it.

Gao Rui came to pay a visit this time because of the war on the border.

"Your Majesty, we have won a great victory at the border. Please issue an edict to reward the soldiers who participated in the battle and announce it to the world."

Gao Wei was confused by what he heard. He didn't understand what the great victory over the Turks meant, and he didn't know why he was always asked to reward the people at the border. It was clear that not long ago, he had said something about a white disaster turning into a blessing, and asked him to reward the people at the border.

But when he remembered Lu Lingxuan's instructions, he nodded to show his approval.

In fact, even if he disagreed, it was useless. Gao Rui did not come to ask for his opinion, but just to inform him.

Just when Gao Wei was listening in a daze and felt sleepy several times, shouting was heard outside the palace door.

Gao Wei knew this familiar voice and he immediately perked up.

Soon, Empress Dowager Hu rushed into the hall.

"Greetings to the Queen Mother!"

Gao Wei hurriedly bowed to greet him, and Gao Rui also bowed to greet him.

Empress Dowager Hu was extremely angry, her eyes were red, and she was so angry that she could hardly speak. She pointed at Gao Rui in front of her and said in a sharp voice, "How dare you kill my people?!"

Gao Rui looked at the Queen Mother coldly.

She is on the verge of exploding at any time. While the important ministers at home are doing their best to govern the country, the empress dowager is becoming more and more unconscious. The royal dignity has been destroyed after Gao Zhan, and the nobles have frequently taken action. The empress dowager's behavior has made things even worse, and she is engaging in unscrupulous fun.

If she was just playing around, Gao Rui would be angry, but he would not say anything like she was subverting the country.

But she was not just playing around, she even dared to bypass Gao Rui and Gao Yin and forced the Queen Mother to issue an edict to enthrone her own brothers.

Hu Changren was conferred the title of king, Hu Changhuai, Hu Changmu and others were conferred the title of county duke, Hu Changhong, Hu Changxian, Hu Changxing and others were also rewarded. They were transferred to the central government and served in the Chinese and foreign armies. The whole family prospered and its influence grew larger and larger.

Hu Changren even took over the position of Shangshu Ling, and his subordinates Zou Xiaoyu, Lu Renhui and Lu Yuanliang helped him run the government. People all over the world called them "Three Flatterers".

While Gao Rui was dealing with the illegal nobles, Hu Changren greeted these people with a smile and treated them as his guests, even intending to compete with Gao Rui.

But Gao Rui was not afraid of them at all.

They are just scoundrels and rats.

Gao Rui said calmly: "I am horrified. I don't know who the Queen Mother is talking about?"

"I'm talking about the people you killed before you went to court today!!"

"Oh, the Queen Mother is talking about the thief who wanted to rape the people but failed and killed them?"

"What connection does such a vicious thief have with the Queen Mother?"

Empress Dowager Hu's chest rose and fell in anger. "You are slandering me. You are clearly being rude to me."

"Mother, how can you say that about the Prince of Zhao? The Prince of Zhao is a loyal minister known to everyone in the world. He would never do such a thing!"

Gao Wei said hurriedly.

Queen Mother Hu was stunned. She looked at the brat in disbelief. "Who are you speaking for?!"

"Mother, the Prince of Zhao is truly a loyal minister. If you want to punish someone, punish me first!"

Empress Dowager Hu slowly raised her head and looked at Lu Lingxuan in the distance.

"It's you."

(End of this chapter)