Misty Rain of the Old Times

As the thick fog dissipated, the bright sun shone upon the palace once more. Under the sunlight, the majestic halls shone brilliantly in the golden pillars, dazzling and radiant, like a celestial palace descending to earth, their supreme majesty inspiring awe.

Jiang Yuan felt the winter sun was very cold, and the golden light that filled his vision was particularly dazzling, almost making him unable to open his eyes.

He dared not breathe deeply, and even moving was difficult. He was under the influence of the Heart-Eating Curse, and any action would cause his internal organs to burn as if they were being torn apart by a thousand knives, and his head would feel as if it were being stabbed by a thousand needles.

He remained as straight as a spear, but the spirit between his brows was gone, and his whole being exuded a sense of powerlessness. Although he still stood upright, it was as if all the bones in his body had been removed.

Success was lost at the last moment, the whole game was lost, and everything came to nothing.

The physical pain was nothing compared to the mental anguish he suffered after his violent coup failed.

Does he regret it? No, he doesn't. If he had to do it all over again, he would still choose this path, but he would be more cautious and thorough, nipping any potential problems in the bud.

However, there are no second chances in this world.

His gaze fell upon his generals who had followed him to the death. He had originally intended to bestow upon them immense wealth and honor, but in the end, it was he who harmed them.

Then he looked at Emperor Shangxuan on the dragon throne. The emperor and his minister looked at each other from afar. The emperor was still the emperor, and the minister was still the minister. His plans and actions had not changed in the slightest.

No one spoke; time seemed to stand still, and the entire area around Fengtian Hall was completely silent.

A moment later, Emperor Shangxuan raised his hand expressionlessly.

Upon receiving instructions, Eunuch Wang bowed and announced loudly from outside the Prime Minister's shop, "His Majesty has ordered that General Wei remove his armor and proceed to the palace to meet the Emperor."

At a command, a dozen palace guards quickly stepped forward and came to Jiang Yuan's side. They still felt awe in the face of his proud and upright figure. This man was renowned and powerful, and even though he had become a fish on a chopping board, no one dared to underestimate him.

"General, please forgive me," the commander of the Imperial Guards said, bowing. At least for this moment, Jiang Yuan was still the General Who Defends the Country, and he had to maintain the proper attitude. No matter what, he was not someone who could be humiliated by anyone.

Suppressing the immense pain, Jiang Yuan nodded and calmly raised his hand, saying, "There's no need for that. Thank you all."

He was tormented by the Heart-Eating Curse with every movement and every breath, yet he remained expressionless, though cold sweat trickled down his brow. The mere act of raising his hand left him drenched in sweat, as if he had been pulled out of the water.

After bowing again, the commander of the Imperial Guards signaled to the others to remove their armor.

Jiang Yuan was quickly stripped down to his undergarments. Two guards, seemingly supporting him but actually escorting him, stepped aside and said, "Please."

"No need, I'll walk myself," Jiang Yuan said, gently shaking his head to break free.

Even if he fails at the last moment, even if he is destined for a tragic end, he is still that renowned general, still that grandmaster who inspires fear in all who hear his name. He needs no one's help or sympathy; this is his last vestige of dignity.

Under the watchful eyes of the imperial guards, Jiang Yuan walked slowly toward the main hall. With each step, his whole body trembled and convulsed instinctively, cold sweat poured down his back, leaving a wet footprint with each step. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, yet he remained unfazed.

Seeing this, many people secretly gasped. Jiang Yuan was too ruthless. If it were anyone else who had been hit by the Heart-Eating Curse, they would probably wish to die on the spot. That kind of pain was a hundred times more terrible than being cut into a thousand pieces. But he could still walk around without changing his expression.

He walked for a full quarter of an hour along the hundred-odd-zhang road under the watchful eyes of everyone, and arrived at the Fengtian Hall, where he gazed upon Emperor Shangxuan, whom he had served for more than twenty years.

On the dragon throne, the old emperor calmly looked at him, and after a moment sighed and said softly, "Minister Jiang, do you know your crime?"

"I have failed Your Majesty's trust and am guilty," Jiang Yuan said, a hint of disbelief flashing across his face. He had expected Emperor Shangxuan to be furious, but instead, he was met with a casual "Do you know your crime?"

When he answered that question, he knelt down, bent his back, and lowered his head.

The victor is king, the loser is villain; clinging to so-called dignity is just a joke.

Seeing this, Emperor Shangxuan shook his head, no longer looking at him, but instead calmly looked outside the hall and said, "Over the years, have I ever wronged you? Minister Jiang, you have disappointed me greatly."

"Your subject is ashamed," Jiang Yuan said sincerely. For decades, Emperor Shangxuan had never wronged him in the slightest. He was generous in rewarding and promoting him for his merits. He did not deliberately make mistakes. When he suffered military defeats, he not only did not punish him but also issued an edict to comfort him. Moreover, he trusted him and gave him the command of the three armies in the northern border. Fearing that his favor with the emperor would attract criticism, he did not reward him with a title but instead gave him gold and silver treasures and granted a title to his son to silence the gossip.

As a ruler, Emperor Shangxuan had truly been kind and righteous to him.

Such a benevolent ruler, who actually launched a coup, was naturally filled with remorse, but he still did not regret it, because everyone has their own pursuits in life, and this action was not just his own affair, but also the interest of countless people behind him. Even if he succeeded, he would still be loyal to the Zhou family bloodline, but he had just followed the wrong person.

"Do I feel guilty...?" The old emperor shook his head and fell silent. No one knew what he was thinking.

Soon, Eunuch Wang, who was standing nearby, received the news and whispered it in the old emperor's ear.

Nodding, the old emperor said calmly, "Bring them up."

Soon, Jiang Jue, the commander of the Beijing army, led his troops to escort nearly a thousand people to the square outside the Fengtian Hall. They were dressed in festive clothes, but their faces were full of fear and despair.

Jiang Jue escorted Jiang Yuan's family and servants, including Jiang Li. Thanks to Jiang Li's wedding day, the whole family was captured in one fell swoop. In addition, Jiang Yuan was not a hesitant person when it came to important matters, and he didn't even leave himself a way out, so not a single one escaped.

"Father"

"master"

"General..."

Inside the main hall, Jiang Yuan, kneeling on the ground, listened to the calls of his relatives and descendants behind him and closed his eyes in anguish.

Emperor Shangxuan calmly observed all of this, then looked at Jiang Yuan and said, "Since you have admitted your guilt, my dear minister, as your subject, I am not a cold-hearted person. Go and say goodbye to them."

Jiang Yuan, who was already enduring endless pain, looked up in surprise upon hearing this. With his cultivation level, he could naturally see that Emperor Shangxuan was giving him a final farewell from the bottom of his heart, rather than trying to destroy his spirit.

His eyes softened, and he closed them, shaking his head, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, but there's no need."

Now that things have come to this, he neither hates Emperor Shangxuan nor regrets his actions, but he also lacks the courage to look at his family and descendants again, for he is the one who has harmed them.

Nodding, Emperor Shangxuan's tone changed to cold as he said, "Issue the decree: General Jiang Yuan of the State of Wei has committed treason, raised an army in rebellion, and deceived the emperor. His crimes are unforgivable. His military power is stripped, his title of General of the State of Wei is revoked, and he is demoted to a commoner. However, considering his many years of service to the country and his great merits, he is hereby granted a cup of imperial wine. So be it!"

A coup d'état is something no monarch can forgive. No matter how illustrious Jiang Yuan's past achievements were, it was all for naught. He was doomed. The fact that he wasn't beheaded in public was already a sign of Emperor Shangxuan's mercy. He left him with a complete corpse and gave him ample dignity.

Such was the consequence of defeat. Jiang Yuan accepted it calmly, gave a bitter laugh, and kowtowed, saying, "Your subject obeys the decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Soon, a eunuch brought over a cup of amber-colored poisoned wine. Its toxicity was such that even if Jiang Yuan, who was under the influence of the Heart-Eating Curse, were in his prime, he would die on the spot after drinking it.

"Mr. Jiang, please," the eunuch said respectfully as he approached Jiang Yuan. Jiang Yuan was now a commoner, so the eunuch wouldn't make the mistake of not recognizing him properly.

Holding the wine cup with both hands, Jiang Yuan looked at Emperor Shangxuan and said, "Your Majesty, I have failed in my duty to Your Majesty and can no longer serve you. I am ashamed and beg Your Majesty's permission, if there is an afterlife, to allow me to follow you again to atone for my sins. Your Majesty, I... depart."

After saying this, amidst the agonizing cries of countless people outside, he drank the poisoned wine without hesitation. After only two breaths, his body trembled, black blood flowed from the corner of his mouth, and he died instantly.

A grandmaster, a powerful figure revered by all, his life ended in such a way, a fitting end, though he deserved it, it inevitably evoked sighs of regret in those who witnessed it.

Emperor Shangxuan remained unmoved and said indifferently, "Please ask Jiang Yuan to rest on the side."

As the eunuchs carried Jiang Yuan's body to the side, he continued coldly, gazing outside, "Draft another decree: Jiang Yuan's instigation of a rebellion is an unforgivable crime. His followers are equally guilty, and their entire families will be exterminated. However, considering your many years of service in defending the country, your families will be spared. The ringleader and his direct relatives will be executed, and their property confiscated and returned to the national treasury. The Ministry of War and the Ministry of Justice are to jointly carry out this immediately. Those who wreak havoc in the palace shall be beheaded. Execute them immediately. So be it!"

"Another imperial edict is drafted: Jiang Yuan's rebellion is a crime punishable by death for his entire family. Considering his years of hard work and merits, his entire clan will be spared, except for the Jiang family. Jiang Li will be stripped of his title, and one of the masterminds will be beheaded. His family property will be confiscated to replenish the national treasury. As for you accomplices, you have already been brought before the emperor and will be executed immediately. This decree is hereby proclaimed to the world as a warning to others. So be it!"

Two imperial edicts, delivered by Emperor Shangxuan with a chilling edge, pronounced the end of the lives of tens of thousands of people.

He had been merciful enough; otherwise, he would have not only executed the ringleader and his family, but his entire clan, including three or nine generations, for treason, which no monarch throughout history could tolerate.

Those who cause trouble, if they succeed, their families will also enjoy the benefits; if they fail, they will naturally have to bear the corresponding consequences. They can't just enjoy the benefits without paying the price, can they?
When the emperor is enraged, millions die. With a single decree, the cold blades outside the palace are gleaming, screams fill the air, heads roll and blood flows like rivers, and even the sunlight is tinged with a bloody haze.

After all three thousand soldiers who stormed the palace and Jiang Yuan's family, including Jiang Li, had perished, Emperor Shangxuan softened his tone slightly and waved his hand, saying, "Considering their many years of service to the country, and since the dead are gone, their bodies shall not be dishonored. Order the Ministry of Rites to bury them with the rites due to commoners."

Although the old emperor could not tolerate those who plotted rebellion, he also had a kind heart. By not letting his body be left to rot in the wilderness, he had already done everything he could to be benevolent.

"Your subject obeys the decree," the Minister of Rites hurriedly replied from below the hall, his heart pounding and his scalp tingling.

Jiang Yuan and his entire family were executed without warning. His generals and their families who followed him would also die. At this time, who would dare to offend the old emperor?

Outside, the scene was already being cleared and the bodies being moved. The old emperor sat back on his throne, silent and indifferent, a hint of weariness in his eyes.

Once the area outside was mostly cleared, he spoke again: "Draft an imperial decree: The Northern Border cannot be without a commander for even a day. Jiang Jue handled this riot in an orderly manner and lived up to expectations. Remove him from his position as commander-in-chief of the capital army, and let his deputy temporarily take over. Posthumously confer upon him the title of General Who Guards the Border and appoint him to command the three armies in the Northern Border. The handover must be completed by tomorrow, and he must immediately proceed to the Northern Border without fail. So be it!" With Jiang Yuan dead, the three armies in the Northern Border were leaderless, and someone had to take charge. This task fell to Marquis Weiyuan, Jiang Jue. He was promoted by Emperor Shangxuan and had the ability and was worthy of Emperor Shangxuan's trust.

Originally, such an important position concerning the safety of the northern border should have been discussed in the court, but now that Emperor Shangxuan holds great power and can make decisions with a single word, who would dare to object?
"Your Majesty, I accept the decree and will certainly live up to your trust." Jiang Jue immediately knelt down to accept the decree. It was like a pie falling from the sky. He would replace Jiang Yuan and regain control of a large army. Even if he could not achieve the same prestige as Jiang Yuan before, who in the court would dare to underestimate him?
Even grandmaster-level experts are not irreplaceable. It's not easy to cut through enemy lines and seize a flag amidst a vast army. There are plenty of methods to deal with grandmaster-level experts, and Jiang Yuan himself is a good example.

Nodding, the old emperor then rewarded those who had performed admirably in the incident on the spot, and the events that had occurred in a single day were concluded in a single day, setting the tone for the event.

No one dared to contradict him. He was old, not dead, but in the most dangerous time of his life. He was just looking for a reason to speak out, and anyone who jumped out would only be making trouble for themselves.

After dealing with these matters, the sun was already setting in the west. Only then did the old emperor look at the third prince, Prince Jiang, Zhou Hong, who was kneeling outside reflecting on his actions.

Even with Zhou Hong's exceptional intelligence, composure, and strategic acumen, he was now pale and trembling like a leaf.

Everyone who stormed the palace with him is dead, including Jiang Yuan and his family. Now he is all alone. The scene of heads rolling around is right in front of him. How can he remain calm?
With the coup thwarted, he was destined to lose his chance at the throne. Even as the son of Emperor Shangxuan, and considering the bond between father and son, he didn't know if he could leave the palace alive after doing such a thing.

"You unfilial son, get in here now!" Emperor Shangxuan said coldly. He had been calm and indifferent before, but now he finally showed some emotion. After all, he was his son, and he wouldn't be so indifferent to outsiders.

Upon hearing this, Zhou Hong trembled. His fate was now sealed. He immediately scrambled into the main hall, knelt down, and prostrated himself on the ground, trembling as he said, "Your subject is guilty, your subject knows his mistake, I am at Your Majesty's mercy."

Before, he still had seven-tenths of his backbone, but when Jiang Yuan and the others were all dead before his eyes, he only had three-tenths left. Even though he knew his fate was bleak, he still had great ambitions, and he couldn't beg for mercy like a clown.

With a cold laugh, the old emperor gritted his teeth and said, "You unfilial son, you still know you're wrong?"

Zhou Hong dared not speak, kneeling there obediently awaiting his fate.

Seeing this, the old emperor felt utterly exhausted, and his tone suddenly became calm as he said, "Is it all up to me to decide? Then, you rebellious son, what do you think I should do with you?"

"Your subject is guilty and in disgrace; everything is in the Emperor's hands," Jiang Wang said nervously, not daring to look up at his father's face.

With a cold smile, the old emperor said indifferently, "You dare to act and take responsibility, you do have some integrity. In that case, you rebellious son, listen to me: raising an army in rebellion is an unforgivable crime. Even if you are my son, the law of the land cannot tolerate it. Otherwise, where would the law of the land stand? Therefore, I hereby grant you a white silk ribbon, and you may live with your family. Do you have any objections?"

Upon hearing this fate, Zhou Hong trembled and felt a chill run through his body. He had originally had the opportunity to sit in that position, but after the defeat, it all came to nothing, and he ended up dying.

He gave a bitter laugh and respectfully kowtowed, saying, "Your subject dares not disobey. Thank you, Father Emperor. I hope you will forgive me for being unable to fulfill my filial duties to you in the future."

It's like killing one's own flesh and blood. How could the old emperor really be so indifferent? But things have come to this point, and he has no choice but to harden his heart. If he forgives Zhou Hong this time and sets a precedent, what would happen if similar armed coups occurred every few days?

A chill ran through him, but the old emperor's gaze was firm as he said, "If you do something wrong, you must bear the consequences. Don't blame your father for being ruthless; you have only yourself to blame. Guards, give Prince Jiang a white silk noose. I watched him come into this world, and I will watch him leave it!"

With a thud, someone immediately knelt down. It was the Minister of Rites. At this moment, as the person in charge of rites, he had no choice but to speak up. He said with a stiff upper lip, "Your Majesty, you must not! I beg you to reconsider. Prince Jiang is Your Majesty's own flesh and blood. Even if he has made a mistake, how can you allow your own flesh and blood to turn against each other? This is contrary to the rites and laws. I dare to beg Your Majesty to rescind your decree."

He had no choice. He knew the old emperor was tormented by ordering the execution of Prince Jiang, but he had no choice but to issue that order. However, if father and son killed each other, how would the people view His Majesty? So only someone like him could risk his life to remonstrate.

Eunuch Wang gritted his teeth and knelt down, saying, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! No matter how great the Prince Jiang's mistake, he is still Your Majesty's flesh and blood. A punishment is sufficient; his crime does not warrant death. I beg Your Majesty to reconsider."

Having served Emperor Shangxuan for many years, he knew all too well that the old emperor only valued a few of his children. Take Prince Jiang, Zhou Hong, for example; he held a significant place in the old emperor's heart. Otherwise, why would the old emperor have allowed him to cause trouble and linger in the capital for so many years? His Majesty must be tormented by the execution of Prince Jiang. If he did not express his opinion at this time, it would be a sign of poor judgment.

At the same time, Crown Prince Zhou Chen, who had been obediently standing to the side, also knelt down and pleaded, "Father, have mercy! Third Brother was just confused for a moment. Everyone makes mistakes. I hope Father will give Third Brother a chance to reform himself."

From a personal perspective, the Crown Prince naturally wished for Prince Jiang's death, but he also had to plead for him, after all, they were brothers. If he remained indifferent and watched Prince Jiang die, it would be too cold-hearted. No one would say anything on the surface, but as the Crown Prince, if he was too cold-hearted, people would reject him, and who would dare to work for him in the future?

So even if it's just a superficial effort, it has to be done.

As he spoke, he looked at Prince Jiang urgently and said, "Third Brother, say something! Beg Father, we're a family, there's no hurdle we can't overcome, don't be so stubborn."

Even though Prince Jiang knew the Crown Prince was crocodile tears, he still didn't want to die if given the chance. So he said nervously, "Father, I was wrong. I beg you to forgive me this time and be lenient. I will never dare to do it again."

At this moment, everyone present, regardless of who they were or what their stance was, knelt down and begged the old emperor to spare Jiang Wang's life. Although the old emperor was determined to execute Jiang Wang, if they really watched him die, it would be father and son killing each other. If the old emperor missed his son afterward and they did not express their opinion, wouldn't he blame them?

He's old after all, and old people tend to be sentimental, especially towards their children. A moment of indifference doesn't mean he won't regret it later. At the very least, King Jiang can't die now, he can't die in the hands of the old emperor or right before his eyes.

Everyone was pleading for Prince Jiang, but the old emperor slammed his fist on the table in anger and said in a deep voice, "A ruler's word is law. Rebellion is an unforgivable crime. And yet you all are still pleading for him? Does my word no longer matter?"

"Your Majesty, please have mercy!"

"Father, please calm down..."

They remained kneeling, risking their lives to pay homage to the emperor; to obey the old emperor at this point would be foolish.

Seeing this, the old emperor was furious and gritted his teeth, saying, "Are they all rebelling? Anyone who pleads for that rebellious son will be punished as an accomplice!"

Upon hearing this, the hall fell silent. No one spoke up to plead for Prince Jiang, nor did anyone stand up.

Faced with this situation, the old emperor's expression shifted between anger and uncertainty. After a moment, he sighed deeply, sat down, and said in a deep voice, "Everyone is contradicting me. Fine, fine. Since they are all pleading for that rebellious son, I will spare him this time."

When he said those words, the atmosphere relaxed. People knew they had made the right bet. The old emperor was indeed determined to kill Jiang Wang, but even blood ties cannot be faked.

Then the old emperor's tone shifted abruptly, turning cold: "The death penalty may be waived, but punishment is unavoidable. This rebellious son is wicked; how can I let him off so easily?"

"As a subject, King Jiang failed to fulfill his duties and share the burdens of his sovereign, and instead committed treasonous acts, which is disloyal. As a son, Zhou Hong's rebellion led to father and son fighting each other, which is unfilial. Such a disloyal and unfilial person is simply intolerable to Heaven. Considering that all the ministers pleaded for him, we will spare his life."

The old emperor took a deep breath, closed his eyes in pain, and said slowly and deliberately, "By imperial decree, Jiang Wang Zhou Hong is disloyal and unfilial. Effective immediately, his lineage is stripped of its title and reduced to commoners. His name is removed from the family genealogy and will never be included again. He is no longer of royal blood. His descendants are barred from taking the imperial examinations. His family property is confiscated and confiscated by the national treasury. He will be left with one thousand taels of silver and exiled five thousand li to Tuoling Town in the northern desert, to fend for themselves. They shall depart immediately. No future emperor shall summon him to the capital. This decree is for the benefit of the nation. So be it!"

When the imperial edict was issued, the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

People originally thought the old emperor would lift the torch lightly, but they never expected such a severe punishment.

However, the imperial edict for execution had already been issued, and the emperor's word was law. Anyone who dared to object was courting death. Regardless of their true feelings, people could only shout that His Majesty was wise.

King Jiang... no, he should now be called Zhou Hong, a commoner. His royal title was stripped, and he was also deprived of his qualifications for officialdom and career advancement. He was even worse off than a commoner. At this moment, he closed his eyes in pain.

The good thing about this ending is that he survived, but being reduced from a prince second only to the emperor to a lowly position is worse than being killed.

And most importantly, being exiled 5,000 li to Camel Bell Town in the northern desert is a long and arduous journey. This large family is used to a life of luxury. Will they even make it to their destination alive? As the saying goes, "beat a drowning dog," and I doubt many people will kill them along the way.

If anyone dares to stage a coup, how could the Crown Prince's faction allow them to continue living in the world?
On the surface, the old emperor spared his family's lives, but in reality, he was just trying to save face by not giving the impression of father and son killing each other.

From beginning to end, the old emperor never considered forgiving his act of treason!
But what could Zhou Hong do? He could only kneel down and say, "This humble subject, Zhou Hong, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude."

The old emperor glanced indifferently at Zhou Hong, then turned and said, "I'm tired. Let's call it a day. The Crown Prince will handle the rest on my behalf."

He left without looking back, thus bringing an end to a violent coup.

Crown Prince Zhou Chen understood that his father had entrusted him with handling the aftermath as an opportunity to win over court officials and consolidate his power base; if handled properly, it would bring many benefits.

But this is not without conditions: Zhou Hong must be dealt with cleanly to avoid giving others grounds for criticism.

Would the Crown Prince allow Jiang Wang, who had committed treason, to live? As long as he lives, he is a threat, so he is doomed to die. Everyone knows this!
With a flicker of thought, the Crown Prince decided that it would be reasonable to let his third brother live until Camel Bell Town before passing away from illness. He then said, "All of you, rise. Let us proceed according to Father's decree."

Today was supposed to be the wedding day of Princess Jiang and Jiang Li, but a mishap turned the joyous occasion into a tragedy. Before the princess could even leave her home, she became a commoner widow.

Life is truly unpredictable; no one can foresee which direction they will take next.

Having witnessed everything in secret with the little princess, Chen Xuan and the others did not interfere from beginning to end. The little princess felt somewhat reluctant, after all, she was a girl, and so many people died, including the elderly, women and children. She could not remain indifferent, but she still chose to watch from the sidelines.

Having been born into the royal family, she knew when she could be willful and what matters were beyond her right to speak.

The old emperor has passed away. Chen Xuan could see that he was physically and mentally exhausted after this incident. It's no exaggeration to say that his life, which was already nearing its end, has been shortened by at least a month!

How could he possibly not care about such a rebellious act and his son's rebellion?
“My father-in-law must be feeling terrible and needs someone to keep him company. Qian Ning, let’s go see him,” Chen Xuan said in a voice only the two of them could hear.

The little princess noticed the old emperor's weariness and her eyes reddened as she said, "Yes, Brother Xuan, let's go keep Father company. He has to uphold the dignity of the law and the face of the royal family. All his decisions are made out of necessity, and he must be suffering terribly."

Court intrigues have always been like this, and Chen Xuan, who had no interest in power struggles, could only watch coldly from the sidelines.

Carrying the little princess towards the direction of Old Deng, Chen Xuan couldn't help but look up at the sky. Zhou Hong's coup failed, and he met a tragic end. The imperial power never changed, so Mr. Pei's calculation based on the stars that the imperial star was swaying and the hidden star was settling in the middle of the sky was wrong.
...(End of chapter)