Starting from the imperial palace guards, his clones spread all over the world.

Chapter 655 True and False Phoenix
Outside the Meridian Gate, the shouts of battle had gradually subsided.

The assassins in the distance had long since vanished without a trace.

The crisis outside the gate seemed to have been resolved, but inside the Meridian Gate, the taut string seemed to have been stretched to its limit, and the atmosphere was so tense that it was almost dripping with water!

Countless gazes swept back and forth between the Empress, Zhao Bao, Liang Jin, the First Guardian, and the silent imperial carriage, each breath feeling exceptionally heavy.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!!!"

Everyone present, whether they were imperial guards, imperial bodyguards, or agents of the Imperial Investigation Bureau, except for the seriously injured and a few others like Liang Jin, all bowed to the imperial carriage.

The sound echoed in the empty square, yet carried a hint of indescribable fear and unease.

The Empress's phoenix eyes, from beginning to end, were like the sharpest ice picks, fixed on Zhao Bao, as if trying to pierce him from his soul to his body!
This gaze made Zhao Bao feel as if he had a thorn in his back and a fishbone stuck in his throat; his forehead and back were instantly soaked with cold sweat.

He could not answer the Empress's heart-wrenching question.

After all, the empress naturally had the indisputable right to visit the emperor.

But would he dare to give in?
Once the curtain is lifted, what will be revealed is probably not a sickly emperor, but... a terrifying truth that could crush Zhao Bao and even the entire Jishichang faction into dust!
All the plans, all the sacrifices, will collapse in an instant, and Wang Jin...

He never expected the factory guild to take any responsibility for him.

His silence itself is an answer.

If he doesn't answer, someone else will answer for him.

Xu Long, whose severed wrist was being hastily bandaged by his subordinates, endured excruciating pain, his voice shrill like a night owl, filled with resentment and accusation:
"Your Majesty! Look! This castrated dog doesn't dare to answer! He's guilty!!"

"He must have colluded with his accomplices to coerce the Emperor! He intends to usurp the throne! His intentions are despicable!"

"Your Majesty, please issue an immediate decree to have him executed!!"

The empress's gaze grew increasingly cold.

She suddenly turned her head to look at the First Guardian, who stood solemnly to the side, sword in hand, her voice steady yet carrying an undeniable air of authority:
"First Commander".

"If anyone obstructs my audience with the Emperor, deliberately isolates me from the outside world, restricts the Emperor's freedom, and holds the Emperor hostage, so that they can falsely issue imperial edicts and disrupt the court."

"Then, as the commander of the Southern Imperial Guard, a pillar of the nation relied upon by His Majesty, what should you do?"

Upon hearing this, the First Guardian's deep gaze suddenly swept towards Zhao Bao.

He clearly saw Zhao Bao's undisguised panic, hesitation, and the hint of fear deep in his eyes.

Coupled with the deathly silence of the imperial carriage and the various abnormalities that had occurred before, the scales in his heart had tipped sharply.

Now that the Empress has arrived in person, everything has been made clear. Whether in public or private matters, or in terms of reason and emotion, he can no longer remain uninvolved!

His eyes flashed with a sharp light, like two bolts of cold lightning shooting towards Zhao Bao. His voice was deep and resolute, carrying the murderous aura of a thousand troops:
"Your Majesty, rest assured! If anyone is truly so audacious as to commit such a heinous and outrageous act!"

"Your subject is the first to uphold justice, and the sword in your hand... will be the first to refuse!!"

"Your Majesty, I humbly request that you personally travel to the imperial carriage to visit His Majesty! I swear on my life that from this moment forward, no one will dare to obstruct you even a step!"

In the end, the violent aura of a second-grade martial artist emanating from him erupted like a volcano awakening.

This imposing aura wasn't directed at any one person, but rather it crushed every member of the police force like a heavy mountain!

Countless barbarians turned pale under this terrifying pressure, their legs trembling, and they could barely hold onto their weapons!

Seeing this, the Empress finally showed a hint of satisfaction on her pale face and nodded, saying:

"Very well! With your words, my First Minister, I have nothing to worry about!"

As she spoke, she straightened her phoenix robe, her demeanor both elegant and resolute, and strode toward the silent dragon carriage.

The first guard, with his right hand on the hilt of his sword, followed closely behind, like the most loyal guardian deity, his cold gaze sweeping across the surroundings, protecting him.

Seeing this, Zhao Bao was extremely anxious. He gritted his teeth and tried to stand up, enduring the omnipresent pressure.

"Um?!"

First Shouzheng let out a cold snort.

The terrifying aura that had filled the entire arena instantly subsided, like all rivers flowing into the sea, focusing all its force on Zhao Bao alone!
"Well--!"

Zhao Bao felt as if an invisible, massive hammer had struck his chest. His face turned deathly pale, and a sweet taste rose in his throat. He almost spat out a mouthful of blood!

He had just stood up when his body suddenly trembled, and he uncontrollably stumbled back three steps before barely managing to regain his balance.

The blue bricks underfoot have already crumbled!
The full-force pressure of a second-grade martial artist is terrifying!
His back was already completely soaked in cold sweat and was ice-cold.

The pressure that Shouzheng put on him was simply too great!

So strong that he couldn't even muster the slightest thought of resistance!

He could clearly sense that if he dared to make the slightest move again...

What arrived in the next instant was not just momentum, but a thunderous and fatal blow that could tear him apart!
He could only stand there in despair, watching helplessly as the Empress's bright yellow figure drew ever closer to the fateful imperial carriage... ever closer...

suddenly!

A calm yet crystal-clear voice, like a stone thrown into an ancient well, suddenly rang out, shattering the suffocating silence:

"Who says no one dares to stop us?"

The moment that sound came out, everyone in the audience was shocked!

Everyone's scalp tingled!
At this critical moment, with the First Lord having already made his stance clear and the Empress herself present, how could anyone dare to utter such treasonous and suicidal words?!

Swish swish!
Countless shocked, confused, and incredulous gazes turned in unison towards the sound!
The person who spoke was none other than Liang Jin!
Liang Jin had somehow gotten up from the corner and was slowly walking over.

His steps were steady, his expression calm, as if he were not the one who had just uttered such startling words and was about to face the wrath of the First Guardian.

The Empress paused, her eyebrows arched sharply, and a chilling killing intent flashed in her phoenix eyes.

The First Guardian slowly turned around to face Liang Jin. The air around him seemed to distort due to the surging of his inner energy, and his voice was terrifyingly deep:
“Liang Jin! Your identity as a ‘Dragon Guard’ is still in doubt, and I will not investigate it further for now.”

"Now, do you really dare to overestimate yourself and try to obstruct Her Majesty's carriage?!"

The moment the words fell, the vast inner force within First Guardian's body began to surge wildly, emitting a deep roar like the rushing Yangtze River!

He was merely using Zhao Bao as a deterrent.

However, Shou Zheng was truly intent on killing Liang Jin and was ready to make a move!

Because he had clearly seen that Liang Jin was the kind of person who was completely unscrupulous, disregarded consequences, and was so audacious that he could challenge all order.

People with this kind of personality are mostly... traitors and rebels!
Faced with this killing intent that was enough to break an ordinary third-rank martial artist, Liang Jin simply spoke calmly:
"If Her Majesty the Empress is in good health and arrives in person, I would naturally not dare to stop her, nor do I have the right to do so."

"Can……"

At this point, a sharp, piercing light suddenly flashed in Liang Jin's eyes. He raised his arm, his index finger pointing straight at the dignified and elegant empress, and his voice rose abruptly, booming like thunder:

"What if she wasn't the Empress at all?!"

boom! ! !
These words were like pouring a ladle of ice water into boiling oil, instantly causing an uproar in the entire Meridian Gate Square!

Everyone was stunned by this earth-shattering accusation!

"What?! Did I hear that right?"

"What...what did he say? The Empress isn't the Empress?"

"He's insane! This kid is absolutely insane!!"

"Outrageous! This is a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!"

……

Everyone looked at Liang Jin as if they were looking at a complete madman, an idiot who was courting death!

however.

Amidst the uproar and skepticism, a careful observer could spot a fleeting, barely perceptible glimpse of panic in the eyes of the accused "Empress"—a panic that was impossible to conceal.

Zhao Bao was also suddenly struck by a thought, a flash of lightning striking his mind.

He knew what card Liang Jin was going to play!
Seeing this, Xu Long, despite the excruciating pain of his severed wrist, still struggled and screamed, trying to drown out everything with his voice:
"You audacious madman!! A lunatic! Spreading heresy!!"

"How dare you slander her so brazenly before Her Majesty?!"

"Guards! Quickly! Dismember this traitor who spouts nonsense!"

He screamed, trying to urge the guards around him to take action.

However, the First Guardian raised his hand and an invisible force forcefully suppressed it.

First Guardian's expression was extremely solemn. He stared intently at Liang Jin and asked, word by word, with unprecedented caution in his voice:
"Liang Jin... what exactly do you mean by that?"

"Explain yourself to me!"

Xu Long said urgently:

"First Commander, why listen to his distorted words! He is clearly..."

The first guard suddenly turned his head and shouted in a low voice:
"Shut up!".

The terrifying killing intent contained within made Xu Long feel as if he had fallen into an ice cave, and he swallowed back the words he was about to say, not daring to utter another word.

Liang Jin, however, stopped looking at the others and stared intently at the "Empress." He spoke loudly, his voice clearly reaching everyone's ears:

"Before seeing you in person, I never imagined that such an exquisite method of concealment existed in the world!"

"A dignified third-rank martial artist can conceal his cultivation level perfectly, just like an ordinary person who has never practiced martial arts!"

"This kind of secret technique is probably even better than the Six Doors' Shadow Gate's unique secret manual, 'Hidden Dragon in the Abyss'!"

"What I never expected was that your disguise skills had reached such a high level! Not only are your appearance and figure indistinguishable from the real Empress, but even your voice, tone, expression, and even the subtle habits and movements are imitated so perfectly that they can deceive the world!"

Liang Jin's words, like peeling back layers of an onion, deepened the doubts and suspicions in everyone's hearts.

Many people began to secretly observe the Empress again.

"but--"

Liang Jin's voice suddenly stopped, striking everyone's heart like a heavy hammer blow. He shouted decisively:

"A fake is still a fake! You can paint the skin and bones, but you can't paint the soul! You can fool others, but you can't fool me!"

"What do you think, Flower! Shadow! Shadow!!!"

Liang Jin had already checked Hua Nongying's detailed information in the Daily Intelligence through the [Thousand Mile Tracking] tool.

Now that Liang Jin saw that Hua Nongying's location on the [Thousand Mile Tracking] was right here, he immediately confirmed the identity of the fake empress in front of him.

The last three words were uttered by Liang Jin with the breath from his dantian, his voice booming like a bell, echoing throughout the square.

It was like three heavy hammers, slamming hard into the "Empress's" defenses!

The "Empress" was so shocked that her delicate body trembled uncontrollably, and her face turned three degrees pale instantly!

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, looking at the "Empress's" outburst and then at Liang Jin's unwavering conviction.

Suddenly, their firm beliefs began to waver, and whispers arose everywhere.

"I...I have no idea what nonsense you're spouting!!"

The Empress forced herself to remain calm and angrily rebuked the Emperor, but a slight tremor in her voice could not be completely concealed.

Xu Long also gritted his teeth and persevered:
"This scoundrel is utterly depraved and dares to question the Empress's health; this is an unforgivable crime..."

First Shouzheng snorted coldly, and Xu Long could only shut up again.

Then came the shot; the first guard's gaze was as sharp as an eagle's.

"Words are meaningless; where is the evidence?"

"If you cannot produce evidence that can win everyone's trust, then you are slandering Her Majesty, and don't blame this commander for being merciless with his sword!"

Upon hearing this, everyone secretly shook their heads.

Is there irrefutable evidence?

How can we convince everyone immediately?

This is an impossible task!

Even if Liang Jinzhen can produce some clues, it will take time to verify and confirm them.

It seems that a fierce battle is inevitable.

Many people instinctively stepped back again, fearing they would be caught in the crossfire of the duel between the two masters.

however--

Liang Jin, however, smiled confidently and said in a deep voice:

"Who said I don't have evidence?"

"It...has arrived!"

As he spoke, he stretched out his arm and pointed towards the darkness outside the Meridian Gate, a darkness that had not yet completely dissipated: "Look! Isn't that the most direct evidence?!"

Everyone instinctively turned their heads in unison, looking in the direction Liang Jin was pointing!

At the end of the dark palace path in the distance, two figures slowly emerged, guided by a dim lantern, and walked towards the Meridian Gate.

The leader, a tall and upright young man, held a long sword and scanned his surroundings warily; it was Ji Fei.

The woman following behind him was dressed in ordinary clothes, without makeup, and with a simple hairstyle.

But as she slowly approached, the firelight gradually illuminated her face—

"hiss--!!!"

"Oh my god!! How is this possible!"

“That…that’s…!”

"Another empress?!"

……

Instantly, the entire audience erupted in an uncontrollable chorus of gasps and gasps of shock!
Everyone who saw the woman's face was struck dumb, frozen in place as if by lightning!
Because the woman's face looked exactly like the Empress standing beside the phoenix palanquin!

"impossible!!"

"It's a disguise technique! It must be an extremely high-level disguise technique!"

"Impersonating the Empress? That's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of their family! Have these people gone mad?!"

……

Amidst the horrified murmurs of the crowd, Ji Fei escorted the woman in plain clothes—the real Mu Congshuang—slowly to the front of them.

Of course, Liang Jin was not comfortable with the two of them walking directly here from the courtyard.

Along the way, his clone had arranged for experts from the Green Robe Pavilion to secretly guard them, ensuring that the two could arrive safely.

Upon seeing Mu Congshuang's appearance, the fake empress "Hua Nongying" and Xu Long's faces instantly turned ashen, followed by an undisguised ferocious killing intent!
Despite the excruciating pain, Xu Long secretly made a very subtle killing gesture towards some of his trusted confidants mixed among the Imperial Guards and Imperial Attendants!

Suddenly, some figures began to silently approach Mu Congshuang and Ji Fei, who were walking towards them, their killing intent surging!
How could all of this be kept from Zhao Bao, who was on high alert all along?

He immediately shouted loudly, his voice carrying throughout the entire venue:
"The Phoenix has arrived! All officers and staff of the Investigation Bureau, heed my command!!"

"Protect Her Majesty the Empress!! Anyone who approaches will be killed without mercy!!!"

At his command, Zhao Bao personally led the elite soldiers of the barbarian tribe to move swiftly.

They protected Mu Congshuang and Ji Fei firmly in the center like an impregnable fortress, their weapons pointed outwards, exuding murderous intent, and repelling those unscrupulous individuals who tried to approach without showing any weakness!

Upon seeing this, Xu Long's eyes filled with utter panic and despair.

The First Guardian looked at the two "Empresses" in the arena who were almost identical in appearance, height, and even temperament. Even with his extensive experience, he couldn't help but frown and fall into great confusion and shock.

The situation has developed in a way that has completely exceeded his expectations and control.

However, the fake empress "Hua Nongying" reacted extremely quickly.

Suppressing the turmoil within her, she stepped forward, preemptively launching an attack, pointing at the plain-clad Mu Congshuang and shouting sharply, attempting to seize the moral high ground:

"Who are you, you sorceress?!"

"How dare you use sorcery to transform into my likeness and bewitch people here?! You deserve to die a thousand deaths!!"

Looking at the woman who had stolen her identity and occupied her palace, Mu Congshuang's eyes erupted with long-suppressed rage and deep-seated hatred.

She met his gaze without fear, her voice trembling slightly with excitement, yet exceptionally clear and firm:
"You audacious vixen! You usurped the throne and wreaked havoc in the palace! You are the imposter who deserves to be torn to pieces!"

"I have returned today, and I will uproot you and all those who instigated you, and tear them to pieces!!"

The Empress gave a disdainful sneer, her composure impeccable:

"What a sharp-tongued vixen! How utterly shameless!"

"Behind me lies the entire Great Qian Dynasty, the glorious Mandate of Heaven!"

"You, a wild mountain demoness, what virtue or ability do you possess to dare oppose the entire world?!"

The two women faced off across the distance, their arguing voices, tones of voices, and even the slight trembling of their fingers when they were angry, all seemed to be cut from the same mold!

If it weren't for the fact that one was dressed in a phoenix coronet and embroidered robes while the other was dressed in plain clothes and a simple hairpin, everyone would almost think they were seeing things or dreaming!
The First Guardian's gaze swept back and forth between the two "Empresses," trying to find any flaw, but ultimately to no avail.

He couldn't help but turn his gaze, filled with immense doubt and pressure, to Liang Jin, his voice grave:
"Liang Jin! What on earth is going on?!"

"You need to give this commander, and everyone else, an explanation!"

Liang Jin stepped forward, stood between the two sides, faced the crowd, and spoke in a clear and resonant voice that echoed throughout the Meridian Gate Square:

"Ladies and gentlemen! The truth of the matter is this: Not long ago, Her Majesty the Empress went to the Great Buddha Temple to pray for the country, but was ambushed and assassinated by a villain!"

"Hong Wei, the deputy commander of the Southern Imperial Guard who accompanied the emperor, had already been bribed. He colluded with Bei Huan, the abbot of Wanfo Temple, and Hua Nongying, the master of disguise, to plan and carry out this kidnapping!"

"They kidnapped the real Empress, and then Hua Nongying used evil magic to disguise herself as the Empress, impersonating her to infiltrate the palace, intending to manipulate the government and wreak havoc on the country!"

"As for the real Empress, she was rescued by me and Lord Zhao Bao of the Investigation Bureau after going through many dangers and making many efforts!"

"Today is the day to set things right and expose your true colors as a counterfeit!!"

Liang Jin's words were clear and logical, with a specific target.

Many people subconsciously looked at Hong Wei, who was lying on the Imperial Guard's stretcher with his eyes closed, as if he had fainted.

Hong Wei's silence seemed to be a silent testimonies.

"Hua Nong Ying" immediately retorted in a shrill voice:

"This is utter nonsense! Utterly absurd!"

Many people's gazes were involuntarily drawn to the dragon carriage that remained perpetually silent.

Perhaps only His Majesty the Emperor himself can reveal the truth behind this age-old mystery.

But alas, the imperial carriage remained lifeless.

The First Guardian's brow furrowed deeper and deeper. This matter was complex and concerned the very foundation of the nation; he dared not be careless in the slightest.

"This matter is extremely important!"

"Liang Jin, your accusations sound reasonable, but besides these two... ladies who look alike, is there any other evidence?!"

"It should be understood that relying solely on one side's account is unlikely to convince the public!"

Liang Jin seemed to have been prepared and calmly replied:

"The real can not be fake, the fake can not be real."

“The true Empress has ruled the world for many years, spent every day with His Majesty, and is familiar with all the affairs of the palace. She must know many details that outsiders could never know.”

"A simple confrontation will immediately reveal whether it's true or false!"

Upon hearing this, the First Guardian's heart stirred, and a deeply buried memory suddenly surfaced.

He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and respectfully bowed to the two "empresses" in the arena. Then, in a deep voice, he spoke with unprecedented solemnity:
"Forgive my boldness! A year ago, after the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet, His Majesty and the Empress summoned me privately in the pavilion of the Imperial Garden and gave me some encouragement."

“During this time, Her Majesty said something of paramount importance to me. Only Your Majesty, Her Majesty, and I were present. No one else knew it.”

"I wonder... do the two ladies still remember what was said that day?"

Mu Congshuang answered immediately, her tone firm:

"Of course I remember!"

"Hua Nongying" spoke almost simultaneously, her expression calm:

"I remember the scene from back then vividly; how could I forget it?"

Both insisted they remembered, which dashed the hopes that had just been raised by others, leaving the situation even more perplexing.

Seeing this, Shouzheng bowed again, his attitude becoming even more respectful yet brooking no refusal.
"In that case, in order to ascertain the truth and rectify the foundation of the nation, I humbly request that the two Your Highnesses come forward one by one and tell me privately what Your Highnesses meant that day."

"This matter concerns the Empress's reputation and even the fate of the nation. If there has been any offense or disrespect, I am willing to accept any punishment once the truth is revealed!"

His proposed method sounds fair and reasonable, and since it verifies memory rather than appearance, it seems feasible.

Liang Jin coldly observed the First Guardian's series of actions.

His real purpose was not only to expose Hua Nongying, but also to take this opportunity to thoroughly understand the true stance of the First Righteousness.

If the First Principle can remain neutral and act in accordance with the law, then the plan is half successful.

If he harbors ulterior motives... then Liang Jin will not hesitate to reveal his true strength at this moment!

Mu Congshuang immediately expressed her opinion:
"That's only right! I'll go first!"

As she spoke, she calmly walked towards the first righteous person.

The First Guardian solemnly replied:
"To ensure that no one can spy on or interfere, please forgive my rudeness, Your Majesty."

After he finished speaking, his inner strength surged forth once again.

But this time it wasn't for intimidation. Instead, it formed a huge, transparent, and violently undulating semi-circular air shield, like an inverted giant bowl, which firmly enveloped him and Mu Congshuang!

The internal force on the surface of the air shield flowed continuously, violently distorting the light, making it impossible for people outside to see the specific expressions and lip movements of the two people inside, thus eliminating the possibility of lip reading.

Not even a single sound could escape, so no one else could know what was being said inside.

"Your Majesty, you can speak now."

The voice of the first defender was blocked by the air shield.

Inside the protective barrier, Mu Congshuang spoke clearly in a low voice without the slightest hesitation:

“Last Mid-Autumn Festival, I did indeed meet with the First Commander at the Imperial Garden Pavilion with the Emperor.”

"But that night I was in a bad mood because of trivial matters and did not say a word from beginning to end."

Upon hearing this, the First Guardian's eyes flashed with a sharp light. He nodded slightly, his tone remaining respectful:
"I understand."

"Next, we need to ask another lady to verify this. I hope that Your Majesty will forgive any offense caused."

Mu Congshuang nodded.

The First Guardian immediately withdrew his internal energy shield.

Mu Congshuang remained expressionless as he turned and walked back into the protective perimeter of the police station.

All eyes were on the first Shouzheng, waiting for his next move.

The first guard turned to "Flower Playing with Shadows," and bowed again:

"We humbly request Your Majesty to come forward and verify."

"Hua Nongying" snorted coldly, her posture arrogant:

"I have nothing to hide! I'll let you verify it!"

She walked forward with graceful poise, also enveloped in that distorted and fluctuating aura.

Inside the air shield.

"Your Majesty, you may speak now."

First Shouzheng spoke again.

"Hua Nongying" looked at the First Guardian and did not immediately answer the so-called "Mid-Autumn Festival words".

Instead, he suddenly took half a step forward, lowered his voice, and his voice was filled with an indescribable seductive and oppressive power:
"First Commander, what exactly are your so-called Mid-Autumn Festival words? Do they really matter?"

As the saying goes, those who understand the times are the heroes.

"After tonight, the world in the capital will change! The entire court, and even the entire country, will undergo earth-shattering changes!"

"I know that you, First Lady, have lived a life of integrity and incorruptibility, never forming cliques or engaging in personal gain, only knowing loyalty to the Emperor and patriotism. But have you never considered the descendants of First Lady's family? Are you willing to let the glory and wealth of First Lady's family vanish into thin air after your death?"

"You are old, how many more years can you protect them? If you pass away one day, how will your children and grandchildren, who have lost their protection, cope in this cannibalistic capital, in this treacherous officialdom? Aren't you afraid they will become fish on someone else's chopping board, living a life worse than pigs and dogs?"

"but--"

Her voice suddenly became incredibly seductive:

"If you nod your head right now, everything you and your descendants desire—power, wealth, and lasting favor for generations… I, and the power behind me, can give you! This is my promise to you!"

"So, the First Commander is a smart man... Tell me, what exactly did I say last Mid-Autumn Festival? Hmm?"

After she finished speaking, her beautiful eyes stared intently at First Guardian, awaiting his decision.

Coercion and enticement, their true intentions revealed!

(End of this chapter)