The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 337 The Battle Between Ruler and Minister (Part 5)

A few drops of saliva fell from her chin, making her soft lips glisten with moisture.

With each opening and closing of its mouth, saliva licks back onto the tongue buds.

She pursed her tongue again, flipped over, propped her head up with her jade-like arm, and placed her other hand on her firm thigh. Her eyes were filled with alluring charm, and a strand of hair fell onto her chest, mouth, and face.

A single oil lamp flickered. On the daybed, half of its light shone on Consort Shu's delicate body, making her appear half yellow and half black.

Through the beaded curtain, there was a small table ten steps away from her.

“Tap tap tap…” King Wu rushed in.

"Brother, what brings you here at night?" A sweet, cloying voice entered my ears.

The palace was empty and far less luxurious than the Daming Palace.

As the incense was being released, I looked up and saw that Consort Shu was wearing a thin black gauze dress, with only a white undergarment underneath.

Upon seeing Consort Shu's appearance, King Wu frowned, his mind racing with conflicting thoughts. How could his once virtuous and well-mannered mother have become like this?

He stood silently outside the beaded curtain.

Separated by this crystalline barrier, the mother and son appeared utterly alone in the darkness and silence where no one else could be seen.

However, due to his status, the King of Wu only glanced at her before withdrawing his gaze and respectfully bowing to the beautiful woman on the bed: "Your subject respectfully greets Your Highness! I request an audience so late at night; please forgive my intrusion."

"Come here." Consort Shu stretched out her arm with a dazed look in her eyes and beckoned with her finger: "Prince Wu, come closer to your mother."

King Wu rose, hurried to the curtain, knelt with his hands clasped, and reported directly: "The bandit Xiao Zhu has invaded the royal domain. The people of Guandong have been boiled alive, and officials have succumbed to tyranny. Some of the people of the Three Auxiliary Regions have fled, while others have come to Hexi. The soldiers stationed there are filled with fear. Is this because the soldiers and ministers are not working hard enough? It is because the military strength is relatively weak, and because there are no important ministers to share life and death with them, making them feel abandoned. I am terrified to hear this, and I request to go to the front lines to fight alongside them!"

Consort Shu lightly pointed her finger through the air: "My dear eldest son, you have never experienced military service or displacement, and you do not know the value of life and the fear of death. Otherwise, you would not have said such foolish things. Tongguan, where murderers fill the city, let alone the imperial guards, even commanders and governors can die at will. Do you think you can just go there whenever you want?"

"No, this is a notification." King Wu clasped his hands and bowed again: "Chang'an is our foundation, and the Holy Tang will never allow Chang'an to fall into decline again. Now that I am in charge of the country, I believe that we should concentrate the military and national strength to stabilize Guanzhong, and then assist the Holy Emperor in his campaign. I will send a minister to report to the Holy Emperor."

"The Holy Emperor entrusted you with overseeing the country; when did he ever allow you to leave the Golden City Palace without permission?" Consort Shu's voice suddenly turned cold: "Is the Prime Minister aware of this matter?"

“The imperial edict has been issued, and it shall be followed. The edict did not say that I may not leave Jincheng.” King Wu remained unmoved, his expression firm: “As for the prime ministers… after I leave Your Highness, I will summon them and explain my true intentions. At this moment, I shall be in charge of the affairs of state.”

"Arrogant! How arrogant you all have become!" Consort Shu sat up nimbly, her thin gauze robe slipping off her shoulders. Her hair was disheveled as she scrutinized her son, whose behavior had suddenly become somewhat unusual and unfamiliar. "If these words reach the capital and are circulated in the court, won't they arouse suspicion and resentment? You are overseeing the country in Jincheng, not in Chang'an. Haven't you considered the deeper meaning behind this?"

"Of course I understand." The King of Wu's voice was exceptionally clear: "I am the eldest son, the eldest among the many, this is inevitable. The Holy Emperor is not necessarily suspicious, but rather he is concerned. Emperors are always ruthless, especially in times of crisis. A ruler who saves the nation is even more hard-hearted."

Having her deepest fears revealed, Consort Shu was immediately disoriented and lost her composure, only muttering blankly, "But this is unfair to my son and me... As the eldest son and the mother of the eldest son, should we be suspected and guarded against? The Holy Emperor shouldn't treat us like this... You don't understand, I can't even sleep peacefully, dreaming of being framed and captured by Yuwen Rou, just like that little bitch dragged Zhu Xiewusi into the Yongxiang Cave."

He Yuqing recalled what that unfaithful man had said: "In my heart, the Holy Tang Dynasty has always come first. No one can give themselves to me or even offer themselves as dowry so that I can do anything to them."

“Your Highness,” the King of Wu comforted him, “Why always think the worst? You can think the best. The Holy Tang Dynasty is indeed unshakeable for the time being. It’s enough that we princes and princesses, who are attached to it, don’t have to live in constant fear of being slaughtered like pigs and dogs when powerful ministers usurp the throne.”

"What is a momentary honor or disgrace worth?"

“No one who serves a ruler can remain trusted forever or stay in power indefinitely. Moreover, the Holy Emperor has not yet formed any suspicions or intended to instruct his cronies to harm his ministers. Some things are inevitable once one sits in that position.”

King Wu gazed at his mother under the lamplight through the curtain: "We only need to understand where each other's bottom lines lie..."

He stopped talking at the right moment. The sage's suspicion of him might only be for political reasons, but his mother's sensitivity and lack of security made her as easily frightened as a bird startled by a bow; continuing the conversation would only add to her suffering.

“Bottom line…” Consort Shu chewed on the word, her face pale: “Your trip to Tongguan is to cross that line. Will the Emperor and the court believe that you are only going to defend the city? Will they think that you are trying to win over the army’s morale?”

"Perhaps." King Wu's eyes swept across the room like lightning, and he said in a deep voice, "But I will not stay in Jincheng Palace like this. I cannot sit idly by and watch Chang'an be in turmoil, so I have abandoned my hesitation. Moreover, King Wu is wise, King Wu is wise. Even if all the ministers flatter him, do you think my son and I don't know that we are so lowly? If we don't have a good watchful eye, we will be meat on the chopping block."

After saying this, he bowed deeply to the ground, and as he stood up, he no longer looked behind the curtain: "I will take my leave now, and I sincerely wish Your Highness endless happiness."

"You are remarkable, but have you ever thought about what would happen to me and my child, Lizhi, if something were to happen to you?" Consort Shu looked at her son, who was completely different from the boy in her memory, the boy who always made her secretly worried.

"Then I can only ask Your Highness—" The King of Wu's shadow paused for a moment under the lamplight: "Please accept my condolences and take good care of yourself."

The flickering oil lamp illuminated Consort Shu's gaunt face, which hung over the edge of the bed behind the beaded curtain, casting a huge, jarring shadow on the wall: "Eldest Prince!!"

The silhouette of the King of Wu was swallowed up by the darkness.

The heavy palace doors slowly closed.

Upon exiting the Cuiwei Palace, a cold wind swept over him, causing the sleeves of the King of Wu to billow out.

He looked down at the torches waiting outside the closed passageway, then gazed at the dark sky, gently closed his eyes, and felt only a clear mind.

Each person's path is unique and cannot be replicated.

He walks his own path.

Even if the journey is filled with fierce winds and rain, making it difficult to walk, even if thorns grow thick and leave him covered in wounds, he will still smile foolishly, because he understands the taste of it all!
.........

Before long, they were not far from the outer gate of Jincheng Palace.

The King of Wu's entourage had arrived. As the scattered lights appeared, the torches illuminated a group of figures standing on the palace road, with the Censorate, the Nine Ministers, and even the palace guards of the Imperial Guard Temple faintly visible around them.

As soon as the King of Wu left the palace, Zheng Yanchang received intelligence that he was going to meet Consort Shu and that he planned to go to Tongguan. He immediately ordered his men to intercept him.

In the end, Zheng Yanchang stopped the cavalry at the gate, hastily crossed his arms, and said coldly, "Your Highness intends to abandon your duties?" "Who is blocking the way?" The cavalry parted and the Prince of Wu rode out.

“Your Majesty,” said Yuan Xie, the chief priest, bowing slightly, somewhat nervously. “It is the Prime Minister.”

"I see." King Wu spurred his horse forward and stopped seven or eight paces away from the crowd, looking down at Zheng Yanchang, who was at the head of the group: "Military affairs are of utmost importance, and I am deeply worried. I was just about to go to Tongguan to supervise the troops and personally go to the front lines to encourage the soldiers. Isn't this the most important duty?"

"Battlefields are dangerous, and it is not something a thousand chariots should lightly venture into." Zheng Yanchang stepped forward and looked over: "This military matter can be handled at the palace; why should Your Highness personally risk your life?"

"Why not charge from the ground? It's better to face each other with swords drawn!" King Wu looked around at the densely packed ministers and soldiers on the palace road: "What does the Prime Minister want with so many people?"

"Your subject dares not." Zheng Yanchang bowed and cupped his hands again: "Please, Your Highness, return to the palace to rest."

"Please return to the palace to rest, Your Highness—" In the darkness, everyone bowed down.

"Prime Minister Zheng." Seeing that the situation was not good, Yuan Xie quickly stepped forward and bowed, and whispered, "It is His Majesty who is in charge of military and state affairs. His Majesty's actions are in accordance with the law, why does he need the approval of his subjects? Please, Prime Minister, make way for me."

"Lord Yuan!" In the crowd, an imperial censor recognized Yuan Xie and coldly called out to him: "Prince of the Prince's Palace, you overstep your bounds and speak recklessly here. Do you not know the power of the prison officials?"

Yuan Xie's face turned pale, and he subconsciously looked at the King of Wu, clenching his teeth.

"Lord Zheng." Han Wo glanced at Zheng Yanchang, raised his eyebrows, and said in a low voice, "You are already seventy years old, do you really want to make things difficult for the King of Wu?"

Wang Tuan frowned as he looked at the two groups of people who were on the verge of fighting.

If they were to send the King of Wu back, they would be creating a grudge against him. It wouldn't be a problem for an ordinary prince, but the future of the King of Wu was uncertain, especially given his current uncharacteristic behavior, which made Wang Tuan even more hesitant.

Wang Tuan couldn't help but look at the King of Wu, but his face was blank. After hesitating for a long time, he pointed his whip and said, "I will ask you one more time. If you cannot clear this road, then let the Commandant of the Guards come and arrest me."

“Lord Zheng.” It is a taboo for the prime minister and the crown prince to become enemies. Wang Tuan did not expect the King of Wu to say such a thing, showing a strong determination not to back down. Even if he did not have a close personal relationship with Zheng Yanchang, he had no intention of watching Zheng Yanchang become enemies with the King of Wu.

As one of those standing here, he felt obligated to stop the situation. He turned back and tugged at Zheng Yanchang's sleeve, pleading in a low voice, "Do you think you can establish a separate power with just those few troops in Guanzhong? Don't forget that the power of the Holy Tang Dynasty is in the hands of the Emperor, and the court is also here. Let him go!"

"Looking at it today, it seems that the King of Wu is only silent because of his status." Li Xi's eyes showed appreciation, and he also comforted him, "At such a young age, he already knows how to blend in with the world, to be modest and prudent, and not to be offended."

Wei Shuo, standing to the side, nodded in agreement: "Your public heart is only with the Holy Tang Dynasty, yet the children of the Zheng family of Xingyang still have to serve as concubines. Zheng Tian and Cong Tang's remaining virtues should not be ruined by your hand... We only need to protect ourselves wisely and not attach ourselves to any king, why bother..."

"Break through!" Amidst the commotion, seeing them split up, the King of Wu suddenly spurred his horse forward with both hands.

"Who dares!" A large group of imperial censors pushed their way out, pointing at the officials of the Prince's residence and cursing, shouting sternly: "You have instigated the Prince of Wu to take risks, don't make yourselves into trouble!"

"Lord Zheng!" Han Wo gritted his teeth and said, "If such a matter is handled carelessly, are you going to make all the ministers share your dislike?"

"King Wu is getting older and his lust for women is insatiable. We may become his subjects at any time..."

"Does the Prime Minister not think of his family?"

Zheng Yanchang opened his eyes, his face full of anger as he looked at the chaos before him. He suddenly raised his hand and shouted, "Everyone, step back!"

Between family and country, which is more important? It goes without saying. He may not be afraid of death, only thinking about making the Tang Dynasty great again, but the fate of the Zheng family of Xingyang cannot be left in his hands, nor can they risk their lives with him!
Under the blazing torches, the palace gates fell silent once more.

Zheng Yanchang paced back and forth with his hands behind his back and a gloomy face.

Looking at Han Wo and his group, then at the King of Wu and his entourage, he steeled himself and flicked his sleeves: "Bring the horses!"

A lieutenant general led over the mount.

Zheng Yanchang quickly saddled and placed his hands on the horse's back, leaning low to the ground. He glanced at the assembled officials and said, "The Prince of Wu is young. I will accompany His Highness. You may all attend to your official duties. I have taken the three thousand garrison troops left behind by the Emperor. The safety of Jincheng Palace rests solely on the Imperial Guard. The Secretariat and the Chancellery have sent a messenger to request that the Emperor return with his troops!"

"I respectfully accept your command." Xiao Kuan clasped his hands.

The nature of the Imperial Guard meant that its soldiers were unlikely to participate in large-scale battles, but they were more than capable of maintaining order and defending the palace.

Furthermore, the sage's army had just swept through this area again, and there was nothing left to defend against.

Zheng Yanchang turned to the King of Wu and said sternly, "I and the Holy Tang have shared life and death in Chang'an during the chaos of war. How could I not be anxious for peace in Guanzhong? But the more anxious the situation, the more calm you must be! Remember, Your Highness is now the protector of the country, in charge of both military and political affairs. You are not a chivalrous knight who can leave without consulting anyone just because of your courage!"

King Wu took a deep breath, gripped his riding whip, and raised his hand: "Our words tonight will soon be forgotten, but our actions will surely be recorded in history."

He was unwilling to be ordinary, wanted to secure his position, and wanted to save this chaotic and corrupt world from collapse. But he had to remember that if he did not strive forward, he, a king without any foundation, would only sink into depravity in the palace along with his mother.

Instead of just thinking about what's in front of us!

I'm focused on vying for power with these cunning and treacherous ministers. How could I possibly win against these monsters? I'm diligently overseeing the country and building my own faction. How could I possibly rival the power and influence of Li Zhengyang, Li Guanyin, and Li Qushuo?
The only way is to step outside their circle and suppress them in another way!
There was nothing to complain about. My mother truly had nothing, and my uncles were of little influence. But conversely, my mother also brought me the benefits of being older. The bond between uncles and nephews in a humble family was far more genuine and reliable than that of wealthy families.

Literary virtue and martial fortune, literary virtue and martial fortune, brothers, let us all give our all in this literary virtue and martial fortune.

"Let's go!" A glint flashed in Zheng Yanchang's old eyes. He spurred his horse and charged ahead of the King of Wu! His right hand was simply stretched out high at an angle: "Long live the King!"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Han Wo, Wang Tuan, Li Xi, the King of Wu, and the assembled officials and soldiers all tensed up. As Zheng Yanchang uttered the words "Long live the King," his right hand was also extended high and diagonally.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The warhorses seemed to be infected by the atmosphere, and they all neighed wildly in a swarm.

(End of this chapter)