Da Tang: Father, can I resign?

Chapter 224 Su Dingfang: It’s so hard for me
"The traitor Li Ming abused his power, colluded with foreign barbarians, plotted to murder Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, and harmed the Tang army soldiers who were on the Northern Expedition.

"This crime is condemned by both humans and gods, and cannot be punished.

"Your Majesty the King of Wei has restored order and instructed us to immediately arrest those who have no father or king.

"If you don't obey, kill you."

After entering the palace, Su Dingfang assigned tasks to his soldiers for tonight's operation.

This matter was top secret, so they did not know their mission objectives before the operation began.

It was the first time for the soldiers to enter the palace and they were looking around curiously.

But when they learned from the General of the Central Army that their mission was to capture and kill His Royal Highness the Regent.

Everyone lowered their heads with gloomy eyes.

Alas... even Su Dingfang himself couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

But as the leader of these people, he forced himself to cheer up and said in a low and urgent voice:
"follow me!"

In the inner court of the absolute forbidden area, a group of people walked silently, making only slight footsteps.

His Majesty is away, so most of the guards in the palace have been withdrawn.

As for the remaining half, their patrol routes and shift arrangements had already been obtained by Li Junxian.

Based on the information provided by Li Junxian, Su Dingfang led his soldiers to move around in the inner court gardens without being discovered.

Gradually, under the dim light of the palace street lights, the outlines of several towering buildings came into view.

The harem bedroom area is just ahead.

I didn't expect to see such a scene when I entered the palace again... Su Dingfang couldn't help but sigh at the impermanence of the world.

Just a few days ago, he had just entered the palace and reported the latest progress of the fraud case to His Highness Li Ming in person.

The culprit Li Qianyou has gone insane, and the Sogdian scammer who fled abroad has been arrested and brought to justice, which can be regarded as an explanation to the victims.

As a result, tonight, I have to bring His Highness Li Ming to justice with my own hands.

It all started with a secret letter.

It did not come from his nominal superior, Li Tai, the General of the Left Guard.

Instead, it came from Li Shiji, the commander-in-chief of Dingxiang Road and the Minister of War.

The letter described in detail how the Tang army was stabbed in the back and how His Majesty was missing.

This was a secret letter that Li Shiji sent to Li Zhi alone. It was delivered personally by the deputy general and was not sent via the post road, so it was not intercepted.

Li Zhi forwarded the letter to Li Junxian and Su Dingfang. Combined with the rumors of "Li Ming killing the emperor" that were rampant outside, the two military leaders believed that something had indeed happened to His Majesty.

This made them determined to stand on the side of "rebellion" -

From their point of view, Li Ming is a traitor who has no father, no king, and no country. They are the loyal ministers of the Tang Dynasty.

However, unlike Li Junxian, who was a staunch opponent of the 14th Party, Su Dingfang was very conflicted about this action.

First of all, Lao Su was not familiar with his nominal boss Li Tai.

Although Li Tai was very popular and had friendships with both civil officials and military generals.

But unlike Li Zhi, Li Tai's emotions were broad but not deep, and he had almost no one with whom he was truly close.

The same is true for Su Dingfang.

Unlike Li Junxian who followed Li Zhi wholeheartedly, Lao Su was not very willing to obey Li Tai's orders.

Only after Li Tai repeatedly warned him and even threatened him with being an "accomplice in treason" did he set off reluctantly.

In addition, Su Dingfang was quite reluctant to be an enemy of Li Ming.

Because Li Ming was a good monarch who governed well and worked diligently for the people.

Under his rule, the Tang Dynasty prospered.

In addition, a wave of subsidies was issued when investigating a fraud case, which also greatly increased his favor among the Wuhou Guards.

Not only Su Dingfang, but the soldiers under his command also felt very resistant to today's mission.

To them, things like "loyalty to the emperor and patriotism" and "loyalty, filial piety, righteousness, integrity and shame" are too vague.

Does this have anything to do with their monthly salary of 300 Wen?
But His Highness Li Ming's policies have brought real and huge benefits to these soldiers and their ordinary family members.

As long as life is good, does it matter who is the emperor or how he came to the throne?
If it weren't for the fact that His Majesty Li Shimin was involved this time, he was also a wise and brave monarch, and had a high prestige in the army.

Su Dingfang and the generals of Zuo Wuhouwei really didn't want to get involved in this matter.

If they want to get involved, they will just turn the tide and surrender to the enemy directly...

"Stop! Who are you?!"

A loud shout from the bushes interrupted Su Dingfang's ideological struggle.

It's the patrolling imperial guards!

Su Dingfang's heart sank.

He was moving strictly according to the deployment map provided by Li Junxian.

But what they didn't know was that after the Jiucheng Palace incident, Taiji Palace upgraded its protective measures accordingly.

In addition to arranging sentries on the necessary roads, they also deployed secret sentries in the dark. The patrol routes changed every day to keep a close eye on any fish that slipped through the net.

"Tsk..." Su Dingfang felt that things were getting troublesome.

No matter how few guards there are in the palace, that is only relative to before.

If they face off head-on, the Imperial Guards will be more than capable of destroying these Zuo Wuhou Guards.

Just when he was at a loss as to what to do.

"General Su, I've finally got you here."

When the situation became tense, a cold female voice sounded.

The two teams looked in the direction of the sound at the same time.

A noble lady dressed in jewels and precious stones walked towards them slowly, accompanied by palace maids.

It’s Concubine Yin De.

"My dear! Be careful of danger!"

The imperial guards quickly made a gesture to protect her.

"Why are you panicking? I invited these people here." Yin Defei said:
"A palace maid fell into a well. Please ask these warriors to investigate."

The imperial guards then saw clearly that these uninvited guests were all wearing the half-body armor unique to the capital's Wuhou Guards and were not wearing helmets.

The negative feathers on their backs also indicate their identity.

However, even with Concubine De's guarantee, the imperial guards, who had experienced several regicide incidents, still did not completely relax their vigilance:

"Even so, the harem is ahead. How could outsiders trespass here? Which palace gate did they enter from?"

"You..." Concubine Yin De was speechless for a moment.

I didn't expect this group of soldiers to be so difficult to deal with...

"It was His Royal Highness the Regent who invited them here. If you don't believe me, you can go ask His Royal Highness yourself."

Another distinguished person has arrived.

It’s Concubine Wei.

She put on airs and shouted in a rather arrogant tone:

"What? After His Majesty established the Queen, you no longer recognize me as your Royal Concubine?"

The dedicated imperial guards felt that they were bearing pressure that was not appropriate for their position, and finally began to waver.

Several people looked at each other, and finally decided to obey the orders of the two concubines.

Show leniency to these Wu Hou and let them in.

As for what Concubine Wei said, asking them to go to the Regent Palace to verify it themselves, that was of course impossible.

"Do you need my protection?" the imperial guard asked subconsciously.

Concubine Wei looked at these foolish soldiers and laughed:
"You want to enter the harem too?"

After saying this, Concubine Wei led Su Dingfang and his group away, leaving the imperial guards who were digging their toes on the ground in embarrassment.

…………

Led by a noble concubine and a virtuous concubine, Su Dingfang and his entourage passed through the royal courtyard unimpeded and entered the harem.

Su Dingfang kept his head down all the way, not daring to look directly at the emperor's woman.

But as he walked, he felt something was wrong and couldn't help but ask:
"My two nobles, is this the right direction?"

Why does it feel like the two concubines are leading them into a corner?
As the next emperor, shouldn't His Royal Highness Li Ming live in the most spacious and central location?

"That's right, look."

Concubine Yin De pointed to a dark corner. "That's the Lide Hall where Li Ming lives."

Su Dingfang looked in the direction of the finger and saw an inconspicuous little house hidden beside a messy bush.

It’s a bit of an exaggeration to call it a “palace”, it looks more like an attic.

"Where does he live?!"

Su Dingfang, who didn't dare to say a word the whole time, couldn't help but shout that something had happened.

Concubine Wei and Concubine Yin De did not answer, but looked at the bumpkin coldly.

Old Su lowered his head in disappointment.

"Go." Concubine Yin De gave the order lightly.

Do it!

Su Dingfang felt very uncomfortable.

The same was true for his soldiers.

The prince of the Tang Dynasty actually lives in such a shabby little attic.

Compared with other royal families who indulged in extravagance, this was more than just simplicity.

The mission of these soldiers is to kill this leader who shares the sufferings of the people!
We are just weapons for committing crimes, and we cannot control them... Su Dingfang convinced himself in his heart and waved his hand:

"follow me!"

"Huh?" An old eunuch on the roadside met this group of people and exclaimed subconsciously.

Su Dingfang secretly clenched the knife handle.

"Noble Concubine, Virtuous Concubine."

The old eunuch immediately lowered his head and greeted the two concubines meekly.

As for the soldiers behind them, since they were brought by the imperial concubine, he generally wouldn't ask any questions.

This is the rule for walking in the palace.

Moreover, the old eunuch felt that the leading general of this army looked familiar, as if the Regent had summoned him frequently recently.

This made him relax his vigilance even more.

And Concubine Wei also recognized this eunuch.

He is the enthusiastic old eunuch who has been helping out in Lide Hall for many years and has recently risen to prominence following the Empress.

Concubine Wei didn't make it too difficult for him, and asked kindly:
"I see the lights in Lide Hall are dim. Has His Royal Highness the Regent gone to bed so early?"

"The young prince hasn't come back yet." The old eunuch said:
"He is still in charge of official business in Liangyi Palace. Alas... In recent days, His Highness has been busy with many things, getting busier day by day..."

He kept on talking, and suddenly realized that he had said too much:
"I'm sorry, I'm getting in the way of your business."

It was almost a waste of time... Su Dingfang felt relieved but also sighed.

This is Li Ming, the deceased...

"No, no." Concubine Wei said with a smile on her face.

Having said that, he walked away from Lide Hall and headed south towards the outer court.

Su Dingfang and his group followed silently.

Are they the new imperial guards in the palace... The old eunuch looked at this group of Wuhou guards wearing different armors and thought that the palace had been short of guards recently, so a new group of able-bodied men were recruited from the Sixteen Guards.

But the more he looked at the furtive backs of this group of people, the more he felt something was wrong.

After those people walked away, he was still standing there, thinking for a while, and suddenly slapped his head:
"Oh no! Something bad has happened!"

He immediately turned around and ran towards Lide Hall...

…………

"After passing Ganlu Gate and Yongxiang, we reached the inner court area outside the harem. Concubine De and I stopped here.

"The Liangyi Palace is not far to the south. You should behave yourself and do not disappoint His Majesty and the King of Wei."

Concubine Wei and Concubine Yin De led the Wu Hou Guards through the guards, said something coldly to Su Dingfang, and then returned to the bedroom.

There is no need for them to be as polite to disposable tools as they are to eunuchs.

Is it just ahead...Su Dingfang looked at the palace complex in front of him.

The location of the Liangyi Hall is very easy to locate; it is the hall that is brightly lit.

In the pitch-black inner area of ​​Taiji Palace, it stands out like a firefly.

Huh... Lao Su took a deep breath and moved towards the light like a moth.

There were no further complications along the way, and the group arrived at the Liangyi Palace smoothly.

"Stop, who are you?" the two guards outside the palace gate shouted sternly.

Su Dingfang replied calmly:

"Please inform him that the Left Marquis of Wu has something important to report to His Royal Highness the Regent."

The guard saw his face clearly and realized that he was indeed a frequent visitor of the Regent, so he relaxed his vigilance and was about to turn around to call the eunuch to summon him.

Unexpectedly, Su Dingfang took advantage of their unpreparedness, leaped forward, and accurately stabbed the boning dagger into the opponent's unprotected neck.

Another guard was shot in the helmet by an arrow from Su Dingfang's armor-piercing crossbow and died on the spot.

Several people immediately and skillfully hid the body in the bushes.

"Hurry! Before we're discovered!"

Su Dingfang led the way and was the first to break into the Liangyi Hall.

Although the lights were on in the hall, there were not many palace servants serving, and it was empty.

The few who stayed behind were also extremely tired, the kind that could even doze off while standing.

When they saw several half-armored soldiers rushing in, they did not think of it as an "enemy attack" at all. They subconsciously believed that it was a guard change, and just watched them rush into the depths of the hall.

Study, study, His Highness must be in the study now... Su Dingfang skillfully walked around the winding corridor, came to the side hall of the Liangyi Hall, and stood in front of the familiar door.

Since His Highness Li Ming became regent, this senior "local policeman" has come here many times as an exception.

"General, what are you doing?"

The eunuch waiting outside the study was stunned when he saw a few more people suddenly appearing in front of him.

Before he could react, he was suddenly hit hard on the back of the head and fell to the ground, unconscious.

Now, the only thing standing between Li Ming and the rebel army is this thin wooden door.

Behind the door is Li Ming's study.

The soldiers said nothing, like statues, only staring at their leader.

Everything is for the saint, for the Tang Dynasty... Su Dingfang made sufficient mental preparation and pulled the door open suddenly.

The door opened, and the orange light immediately illuminated the dark corridor.

A strong scent of books wafts over.

The study was even more messy than the last time Su Dingfang came. The corners were filled with thick documents and books, leaving almost no space to stand.

Li Ming sat in the middle of the pile of books, writing without stopping, immersed in the complicated government affairs, and turning a deaf ear to the outside world.

The corner of Su Dingfang's eye twitched and his vision immediately blurred.

It is in this simple and cramped little room that His Highness reviews documents from all over the country day and night, ruling the country and bringing peace and prosperity to the country...

How could such a holy monarch be a regicide? !

Even if it is true, what does it mean to all the living beings in the world? !

The goal was right in front of him, but Su Dingfang found himself in an unprecedented dilemma...

"I'll be right there. Give me some tea to wake me up."

When he heard the door open, Li Ming didn't even raise his head. He just thought that the eunuch came again to ask him to rest early, so he casually gave the order.

"Your Highness, please...please look up."

A strange yet familiar voice sounded in a corner of the study, trembling.

It was the attendant Chu Suiliang.

This humanoid camera spoke for the first time.

"Ok?"

Li Ming felt strange and looked up subconsciously.

It just so happened that his eyes met Su Dingfang's.

(End of this chapter)