Lin'an Never Night

Chapter 857 The Return of the Prince of Yan (Bonus Chapter for JJM Alliance Leader)
In a side room of the Zongyang Palace tower, the Empress Dowager's voice was low, but filled with unspeakable anger.

"Zhao Qi, how could you be so cruel!"

Zhao Qi's expression changed drastically, but he still forced himself to speak: "Grandmother... what are you saying? I... don't understand."

"You don't understand? I wish I could kill you!"

Wu grabbed Zhao Qi by the collar.

If it weren't for the decades of palace life that had cultivated enough self-control in her, she would have really killed Zhao Qi by now.

"Do you know that if it weren't for the Prince of Jin's abdication, the throne would never have fallen to your family! You actually dared to murder your uncle, how can I tolerate you?"

"Kill! Kill!"

Suddenly a roar came from outside, followed by shouts and cries of alarm.

Lady Wu was taken aback. Could it be that the officials had also realized that the Emperor had manipulated the Prince of Jin, leading to the upheaval?

Wu didn't have time to worry about her rebellious grandson Zhao Qi; she immediately wanted to go out and find out what was going on.

Two boys rushed into the main hall from outside, shouting, "It's terrible! It's terrible! Your Majesty, someone has rebelled! They've... they've stormed into the palace!"

The ones shouting were Prince Qing, Zhao Kai, and Prince Gong, Zhao Dun, Zhao Qi's two brothers.

The two of them, representing the emperor, were going outside to toast and extend their regards to the officials at each table.

Upon hearing that something had happened to the Prince of Jin's uncle, Wu rushed back and found that the gates had already been sealed off, and no one was allowed to enter except for the imperial physician.

The two of them stopped outside the building.

Suddenly, someone stormed up the city wall. The two were shocked and, disregarding their grandmother's decree, forced their way in to report.

Empress Dowager Xie and Princess Zhao Ning'er of Jia Kingdom were also greatly shocked upon hearing this.

Xie asked, "What? Who is plotting a rebellion?"

At this moment, Madam Wu also hurriedly came out of the side room. Zhao Kai shook his head hastily and said, "I don't know, they...they are attacking the city wall!"

Upon hearing this, Wu immediately rushed to the city gate. When she arrived at the gate, she casually pulled out a long sword from the side of an imperial guard and held it in her hand.

The battle below the city gate was exceptionally fierce.

Although Yang Yuan was famous, the guards who went up to the city wall were all personal guards who served the emperor year-round.

Whether out of loyalty or from their standpoint, they had no choice but to draw their swords and resist immediately.

However, they couldn't withstand the fierce competition from Xin Qiji, Yang Shou, and Yang Ze.

Moreover, these three men possessed a full range of weapons: long weapons, short weapons, and heavy weapons.

No one could stop their three-person fighting combination.

The civil and military officials on the city wall were stunned to see Yang Yuan following behind the three fierce men as if he were strolling in a garden.

Including close friends such as Xiao Yiran, Lu Chengze, Fan Chengda, and Yu Yunwen.

The person who everyone had pessimistically believed had fallen into the hands of the Jin Kingdom and would never return, has returned.

Not only did he return, but his first public appearance after returning was in such a dramatic way.

What is he doing?
However, they soon wouldn't have to guess anymore.

Because more soldiers followed Yang Yuan and rushed onto the city wall.

Yang Yuan's earnest advice to them at the Longshan ferry was not in vain.

They actually remembered it.

"Punish the treacherous officials and purge the court of corrupt officials! Punish the treacherous officials and purge the court of corrupt officials!"

The phrase "removing the emperor's inner circle" has existed since the Spring and Autumn Period.

Upon hearing this, all the officials immediately understood what Yang Yuan was up to.

Lou Wangchen, Zhao Chen, and other officials of the Eastern Palace immediately changed color.

The King of Yan wanted to purge the court of corrupt officials, but who was he targeting?
Who else could it be but them?
but……

How many men did Yang Yuan have?
Can he succeed?
Zhao Chen stood in the crowd, squinted at Yang Yuan, and couldn't help but think.

Just now, Zhao Qu collapsed from poisoning. He felt relaxed and drank several cups of wine, which turned into sweat from tension and soaked his clothes.

Yang Yuan had no time for pleasantries with them at this point. The only key to this kind of surprise coup was to quickly take control of the emperor.

Yang Yuan looked up and gazed toward the city gate tower.

He saw that Empress Dowager Wu was standing on the steps, holding a knife, while the young Emperor Zhao Qi was standing beside her in shock.

Yang Yuan narrowed his eyes and then walked over.

Wu Youyao and Tsubakiya Kana followed closely behind, while Xin Qiji, Yang Ze, and Yang Shou led their troops to immediately encircle and intimidate the civil and military officials on the city wall.

"Prince Yan, what are you going to do?"

The Empress Dowager demanded an explanation in a stern voice.

She accompanied Zhao Gou through the Miao-Liu Rebellion, the Huai-Xi Rebellion, and the Lü-Zhang Restoration.

Having weathered all sorts of storms, I'm not afraid.

She deliberately used the title "Prince of Yan" to remind Yang Yuan that he was a subject of the Song Dynasty.

Yang Yuan stopped, respectfully cupped his hands to Madam Wu, and said politely but with a strong voice, "Your subject wishes to purge the court of corrupt officials!"

Yang Yuan was of course not afraid. Zhao Gou died at his hands, as did Qin Hui and Wan Qixie.

How could someone who had killed an emperor and two prime ministers possibly be afraid of the Wu family?

However, he still respected Wu's character and life experiences.

Empress Wu treated him quite well, so he remained very respectful to the Empress Dowager.

At this moment, Empress Dowager Xie, Princess Zhao Ning'er, Prince Qing Zhao Kai, and Prince Gong Zhao Dun also rushed to the door upon hearing the noise.

Upon seeing the return of the Prince of Yan, a hint of joy flashed in Zhao Ning'er's eyes.

Heaven knows how heartbroken she was when she realized that Yang Yuan might be trapped in the Jin Kingdom and would never have a chance to return.

But the Prince of Yan has returned, and her General Yang has returned, so why... why does he look like this?

Upon hearing the words "removing the emperor's inner circle of corrupt officials," the Empress Dowager's heart stirred suddenly.

When she realized that it was Emperor Zhao Qi who wanted to poison Qu Ge'er, she felt both pain and anger.

But can this scandal of murdering one's uncle be made public?

Not only could she not, but considering the bigger picture, she also had to help cover it up. Moreover, she didn't know how to deal with Zhao Qi.

At that moment, Yang Yuan's words seemed to suddenly open a door to her heart.

It seems there's a solution.

Zhao Qi was shocked, afraid, and angry.

Seeing that his officials were all present, Zhao Qi regained some courage and shouted sternly, "Yang Yuan, how dare you! You have trespassed into the Forbidden City without my decree! You deserve to be executed!"

Yang Yuan said calmly, "I went to the Northern Kingdom in secret, risking my life and making great contributions, but I won't mention them."

However, the honor of "three no-attendance" – that I do not hasten to court, do not use my name when praising others, and wear a sword and shoes in the palace – was bestowed upon me personally by Your Majesty.

What crime have I committed?
This shows that the emperor has truly been misled by treacherous officials; it is imperative to purge the court of corrupt ministers!

Zhao Qi roared, "I am the Son of Heaven!"

Yang Yuan said, "Yes! Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven! We, your subjects, will do our utmost to assist Your Majesty, uphold the state, protect the country and its people, and even if we perish, we will have no regrets."

We earnestly hope that Your Majesty will be spurred on, purging the wicked and eliminating the villains, so that the court may be at peace, decrees may be strictly enforced, the nation may be secure, and the world may be fortunate indeed!

Upon hearing the slogan "Cleanse the wicked and eliminate the villains," those rough-and-tumble rangers and Shandong militia immediately raised their arms and shouted, "Cleanse the court of corrupt officials! Cleanse the court of corrupt officials!"

Zhao Qi turned ashen-faced upon hearing this, and pointed at Yang Yuan, shouting in a trembling voice, "Take him down! Take down this traitorous minister for me!"

Beneath the plaque of the palace, a figure suddenly fell like a fluttering autumn leaf, appearing ghostly and rushing towards Yang Yuan with incredible speed.

"Dang~"

With a clang of metal, a Vajra pestle blocked Yang Yuan's path.

Master Fanqing, with a solemn and dignified appearance, stared at the eunuch holding the iron ruler in front of him.

The eunuch had delicate features and a kind, gentle demeanor, and appeared to be innocent and harmless; he was none other than Luo Tingxia.

He hid behind the plaque, and no one knew where he was.

However, Fan Qing's "telepathy" allowed him to sense a chaotic emotion behind the plaque as soon as he arrived at the entrance.

It's so complicated that it's hard to explain or distinguish.

But at least she now knew that someone was hiding there.

Yang Yuan smiled slightly: "Little Luo, it's been a long time."

Luo Tingxia's lips moved, unsure whether she should smile at Yang Yuan, so she replied with a rather strange expression, "Hello...long time no see."

Wu changed her mind and softened her attitude, saying, "Minister Yang, you have just returned, and you are probably not very clear about some things in the court."

"I know you are a loyal subject of my Great Song Dynasty. If there is anything you wish to discuss, please come into the palace."

Yang Yuan pondered for a moment, then nodded slightly: "The Empress Dowager has summoned me; how could I dare disobey?"

He stepped forward, but after only two steps, he suddenly stopped: "Where is His Highness Prince Jin?"

Madam Wu's face fell sadly: "During the banquet just now, Qu-ge'er suddenly fell seriously ill and is currently unconscious. He is being treated in the palace!"

Before he could finish speaking, as if a gentle breeze had swept by, Yang Yuan had already swept inside.

Without hesitation, Wu Youyao and Tsubakiya Kana followed him and jumped in.

Upon seeing this, Madam Wu was deeply moved.

Upon hearing that Qu Ge'er was ill, Yang Yuan immediately rushed into the main hall without considering whether there was an ambush inside.

Yang Yuan is truly good to Qu Ge'er.

The imperial physicians in the palace were still discussing treatment plans for Zhao Qu.

We've done everything we could; now we can only discuss possible treatment options.

They weren't unaware that a palace coup might have occurred outside.

However, firstly, this is not something they need to worry about.

Secondly, the imperial physicians were harmless but indispensable to those powerful and wealthy people. Even if a palace coup occurred, it wouldn't affect them much, so they might as well do what they were good at.

Yang Yuan rushed into the crowd and immediately saw Zhao Qu lying there, his face as pale as paper.

Upon entering the main hall, Wu Youyao immediately glanced around to confirm whether there were any other people in the light or shadow, and where they were, before flashing to Yang Yuan's side.

Xiao Nai was now standing cautiously with her back to Yang Yuan.

"Why is the Prince of Jin like this? What illness does he have?"

Yang Yuan was somewhat at a loss and sternly questioned the imperial physician standing to the side.

Wu Youyao frowned: "Husband, he has been poisoned."

After a slight pause, Wu Youyao continued, "The poison is very potent. Fortunately, he induced vomiting in time and took some antidote, which, although not the right medicine, was still effective. I might be able to save him."

Before Yang Yuan could answer, Wu, who had followed in, was overjoyed and rushed forward, saying, "Miss, please save him! You must save him!"

Wu Youyao, however, only looked at Yang Yuan.

Yang Yuan immediately stepped aside and urged, "Quick, come and save him."

Wu Youyao then stepped forward and squatted down in front of Zhao Qu.

Wu immediately shouted sternly at Xiao Luo, "Listen up, everyone in the Baolong Hall! Protect this place, protect this young lady, and do not allow anyone to disturb her!"

Luo Tingxia was slightly taken aback, then lowered her head: "This servant obeys the decree!"

As if echoing, four voices immediately came from four directions: "This servant obeys the decree!"

Yang Yuan slowly turned his gaze to Madam Wu: "Empress Dowager, Prince Jin, how could you have been poisoned?"

After a moment of silence, Lady Wu said, "Minister Yang, come with me to the side hall."

In the side room, Wu gritted her teeth and recounted how Zhao Qi had poisoned Zhao Qu.

If Zhao Qu was beyond saving, for the sake of the Song Dynasty, she could only keep this secret to herself.

But Zhao Qu can still be saved, and Wu Shi has to tell the truth for her son's sake.

"Now that things have come to this, what do you think we should do, Yang Qing?"

Yang Yuan slowly raised his head: "I think... while continuing to purge the court of corrupt officials, we should also replace the emperor!"

PS: The next chapter will be updated during the day.

(End of this chapter)