Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 147 Battle at Chengxiang Hall

Dugu Sheng was in a bad mood and made a gesture of taking a sip of tea.

But he had already drunk all the water in the cup.

The old man's gaze towards Zhou Yi always held a hint of desolation and sadness:

"In the past, His Majesty trusted me greatly. Whether it was accompanying the emperor or the deployment of the Imperial Guards, he was always willing to listen to my opinions. Zhang Xutuo has only been here for a few days and he already enjoys such imperial favor. Your Majesty is confused. I have devoted my whole life to loyalty. Could I really be colluding with a rebel?"

"It must be those scoundrels, the Imperial Censors and eunuchs, who slandered His Majesty, causing him to avoid my sight."

"Although Zhang Xutuo is loyal and righteous, his understanding of the Yuwen clan and his complex relationships and command of the Imperial Guards are still inferior to mine. Even if we were to use the smashing of a cup as a signal, I should be the one to take charge of the axe."

After saying this, he slammed his hand on the coffee table, both angry and sighing.

There were only the two of them in the inner room now, and this was a genuine expression of his feelings.

Seeing his sullen expression, Zhou Yi thought to himself that Yang Guang hadn't misjudged Dugu Sheng.

This little old man isn't very bright, but he's a man of strong will.

When Yuwen Huaji rebelled, Pei Qiantong led his troops to Chengxiang Palace, where the guards all laid down their weapons and fled. Pei Qiantong wanted to persuade Dugu Sheng to retreat, but he stayed by Yang Guang's side, fulfilling his duty to protect the emperor, and protecting Yang Guang until his death.

Zhou Yi shook his head; he also had a headache.

The situation in Jiangdu is now completely different.

If Yuwen Huaji were to destroy Guangshen and then return to the north with the troops from Guanzhong, it would be beneficial and harmless to him.

However, we have recently received news that both the Yuwen Clan and the Demonic Sect have their eyes on Jiangdu.

If Yuwen Huaji succeeds, he will become neighbors with the Great Ming Zunjiao, and perhaps even add Shi Zhixuan to the mix.

Yang Guang was preoccupied with playing music and dancing, but his men were full of schemes.

In comparison, the Yuwen Clan and the Great Ming Zun Sect should be brought down first.

The trouble now is that the Demonic Sect is also involved, so Jiangdu has been in turmoil these days.

Yang Guang wouldn't have risked seeking out Zhang Xutuo if he hadn't been forced into a corner.

"gentlemen."

Mr. Zhou

Dugu Sheng called out twice before Zhou Yi snapped out of his daze and asked, "Sir, do you have a good plan to break this deadlock?"

"Can the Imperial Guards still be trusted?"

"I can't say for sure either, but most of my Right Guards are veterans, so they'll definitely be fine. Although I'm familiar with the people from the Imperial Guard, my third brother is no longer on duty there, so my control over them is greatly reduced. In a critical moment, it's hard to guarantee their unity."

The garrison where Xiong's nephew was stationed was mainly responsible for guarding the outer perimeter of the palace. To transfer them to the Chengxiang Hall in a timely manner, advance notice was necessary, but there was a concern about leaks.

"We still don't have enough manpower."

"What should I do?"

Zhou Yi stroked his chin and said in a deep voice, "The Demonic Sect has infiltrated the palace. There must be their people in the Xiaoguo Army and the Imperial Guard. If we contact Zhang Xutuo to fight the Yuwen Clan to the death, it will be like the snipe and the clam fighting each other."

This matter is of great importance. Dugu Sheng had some ideas in his mind, but dared not offer any suggestions:

"Sir, please teach me how to do it."

"No matter what His Majesty said to General Zhang, we must reach a tacit understanding with him."

Dugu Sheng frowned deeply:
“This is a bit difficult. After meeting His Majesty, Zhang Xutuo said he would close his doors to visitors. I don’t know what arrangements he will make. If I go to his door in person, it will definitely attract attention. It’s even possible that Zhang Xutuo will suspect me because of this. He has seen His Majesty’s attitude before.”

"Leave this matter to me; you only need to write the letters."

Zhou Yi looked towards Linjiang Palace: "Also, before the court assembly, you must go to the palace to see His Majesty every day. The more Imperial Guards you can control, the better."

The two chatted until dark, when Madam Zhang came to light the lamp.

Zhou Yi gathered all the information he knew and, combined with Dugu Sheng's understanding of the capital, laid out all the strategies he could think of at the moment.

He made Dugu Sheng repeat the details twice more before he stopped.

Dugu Feng went to the inner hall and called them to have a meal.

While Dugu Sheng was still pondering, Zhou Yi left first.

Madam Zhang lit the lamp and saw Dugu Sheng watching the two young figures disappear into the distance: "What are you thinking about?"

"I think this kid is excellent in every way except for being impolite to his elders and having an annoying way of speaking. In other words, with such abilities, it's normal for him to be a little arrogant, especially since he's so young."

"Why has my husband changed his mind like this?"

Dugu Sheng's old face was filled with worry: "Madam, Jiangdu is a dangerous place. If it weren't for this boy, I would probably be facing a nine-out-of-ten chance of death."

He took a deep breath: "Even so, it's hard to imagine what will happen at this court meeting. I have no idea. If I can't return to the Eastern Capital, you should go to my mother's side and take care of her in my place."

"Bullshit."

Madam Zhang frowned and scolded, "You must do your job well, and don't be as careless as usual."

The next day.

The sudden appearance of Turkic troublemakers in Jiangdu City shows that Zhang Jun's camp had failed to completely wipe out the bandits from beyond the Great Wall that night.

That night, someone sneaked into Zhang Jun's camp, attempting to set it on fire.

The skilled fighters in the camp were prepared and engaged in a fierce battle with him.

After the battle, You Hongda secretly searched for Zhang Xutuo.

Meanwhile, a petty thief attempted to sneak into the palace.

However, this group's lightness skills were not particularly good, and they were shot and killed by the additional Left and Right Guards and Left and Right Garrison Guards before they could even cross the imperial city walls.

Yang Guang was listening to music in the water palace, completely unperturbed.

He was not only protected by eunuchs like Eunuch Wei, but also by five powerful bodyguards: Dugu Sheng, Pei Qiantong, Yuwen Huaji, Yuwen Zhiji, and Sima Dekan.

Also present were Imperial Censor Pei Yun and Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat Yu Shiji, two trusted confidants who were in charge of confidential matters and participated in the administration of the court.

However, the Imperial Guards were frequently mobilized, and Yang Guang seemed completely unaware of it.

He held a banquet in the palace, drinking with these generals and their confidants, discussing the relationship between the emperor and his subjects, and the relationships between their families.

Everyone was moved and vowed to serve him to the death.

That being said, the atmosphere inside the palace remained unchanged; nowadays, it was no longer something that could be stopped at will.

Having witnessed their attitude, Yang Guang summoned a large number of palace maids to dance after the banquet.

Golden lanterns flickered all around the water palace, casting colorful light everywhere, creating a grand and magnificent scene. Countless palace maids danced gracefully, and the sounds of pipes and strings carried all the way to the Chengxiang Hall. Yang Guang embraced Empress Xiao and made the Imperial Concubine drunk. The magnificent hall made of nanmu wood was filled with his laughter.

Accompanied by decadent music, the imperial guards were patrolling the capital city.

Their official mission, of course, was to capture the assassins who had invaded Linjiang Palace.

Yuwen Huaji gazed at the Sui Palace in the winter moonlight, a hint of weariness on his ancient face.

Pei Qiantong and Sima Dekan watched coldly from the sidelines.

Yuwen Zhiji's narrow eyes held a concerned smile: "The city is really not peaceful. I heard that Brother Dugu's home was also attacked by assassins."

"You're really slow to realize things." Dugu Sheng's tone was unfriendly, and he didn't bother to give him a friendly look.

Yuwen Zhiji didn't mind, saying only, "It's my fault for being too busy. The palace has been damaged by assassins, and I need to lead people to repair it. If it weren't for these things delaying me, I would have already led people to your residence to offer my condolences. After all, we have a long-standing friendship."

Yuwen Zhiji was skilled in civil engineering and construction. In addition to being one of the five chief guards, he also served as the Junior Supervisor. He supervised the construction of the ten palaces of Shugang, including Guiyan and Huiliu, north of Jiangdong City.

Dugu Sheng snorted: "His Majesty once confided in you, I advise you to be careful."

Yuwen Zhiji suppressed his smile. He had been mischievous and fierce since childhood, loved to fight, and was used to hunting hawks and hounds. He had no good temper whatsoever.

He then responded coldly, "That's what I wanted to say to you too. Everyone knows that the Dugu family is colluding with the rebels, so why make such a boastful statement?"

Dugu Sheng turned and left, while also keeping an eye on the reactions of Sima Dekan and Pei Qiantong.

A chill ran down his spine when he caught a glimpse of their expressions.

Even if these two don't intervene, given their personalities, as officials in the same court, they should at least offer some advice to each other.

Mr. Zhou is right; we can no longer harbor any illusions.

Another day later, even more explosive news spread throughout the city.

A captain surnamed Sun from the Xiaoguo Army actually escaped from Jiangdu with eight of his personal guards.

Yuwen Chengdu was ordered to pursue and capture the traitor, and within half a day, he brought the body back to the city.

Following the arrangements of the Jiangdu government, these people were hung on the city tower.

When this news reached the Xiaoguo Army camp, it immediately caused a huge uproar, with constant commotion within the army.

He felt fear of Shangguan, longing for Guanzhong, and confusion about Jiangdu.
The feelings of helplessness and anger had been suppressed to the extreme.

Many generals came to the camp and made promises. From generals to colonels, to brigade commanders, to squad leaders, and then to many soldiers, the atmosphere in the camp was completely different from before.

At that very moment, Yang Guang convened a court assembly at the Chengxiang Hall of Linjiang Palace.

The civil and military officials brought from Luoyang to Jiangdu shouted "Long live the Emperor!" in unison.

Zhou Yi was outside the palace, keeping an eye on his surroundings.

I thought a major battle was about to begin.

However, no large army attacked the imperial city, rendering the defenses on the city walls useless.

"Mr. Zhou."

Dugu Xiong, who was on duty near the city gate, found Zhou Yi and brought him news from Chengxiang Palace, all of which came from the palace.

Judging from Dugu Xiong's words, it sounded like an ordinary council meeting between the monarch and his ministers.

It was even a bit too serious, because Yang Guang hadn't asked about state affairs for a very long time.

Around noon, the civil and military officials finally left the imperial city in a state of fear and unease.

Zhou Yi waited by the imperial road for a while, and then Dugu Sheng came out, his expression extremely complicated.

"what happened?"

Dugu Sheng said, "This is the longest His Majesty has ever sat in the Chengxiang Hall. He listened to the reports from the officials. Some officials guessed His Majesty's intentions and reported all the news, such as the Jianghuai Army occupying most of Jiangbei, Li Yuan's rebellion, and the Wagang Army attacking Luoyang."

These were all news items that couldn't be reported before, and only then did His Majesty learn about the current situation in the realm.

But very strangely, His Majesty only publicly reprimanded Pei Yun and Yu Shiji, but did not punish them.

"His Majesty reprimanded you but did not punish you because you were loyal enough. These two are true friends. If the world were at peace, they might have already been beheaded, but killing them now would be of no use."

Dugu Sheng waved his hand: "Don't be so discouraged."

The old man clearly misunderstood, and Zhou Yi smiled.

"There is one more thing that I just can't understand."

"Oh?"

"After His Majesty left the Chengxiang Hall, he summoned me to speak. He said..."

"What did you say?"

"His Majesty said that doing this is very tiring for the emperor."

"What's so hard to understand? Dealing with state affairs is naturally tiring and exhausting, and everyone gets tired, but those in positions of power should naturally fulfill their responsibilities."

“I naturally understand this principle, but I don’t understand why His Majesty summoned me to say this alone, and only said this one sentence.”

Dugu Sheng looked on with a pleading expression.

Zhou Yi understood immediately: "It's not that complicated, it's just because I trust you."

"Your Majesty gave me an indescribable feeling, as if an old man was doing his last few things in life. After watching it, I was very confused. The Sui Dynasty has not yet reached this point. Only after hearing your words did I feel at ease. It seems that I was just indulging in wishful thinking."

He stroked his long beard and said, "But as for trust, I believe I deserve it."

The old man straightened his back and was about to speak again when he was suddenly interrupted by the sound of horses' hooves.

A fast horse galloped closer with a clattering sound. The left guards in front of the imperial city raised their spears and shouted from afar in a stern tone: "Stop your horse! Do not advance!"

One person immediately stopped the vehicle.

He dismounted and rushed towards the gate of the imperial city, shouting, "Urgent report! Urgent report!"

Dugu Xiong, who was guarding the city gate, asked, "What urgent report is this?"

The man's voice was extremely loud, and everyone around could hear him clearly: "General Dou led several hundred men out of Jiangdu and headed towards Guanzhong! Commander Yuchi Sheng has mobilized nearly 30,000 troops to pursue the rebels and is about to capture General Dou."

"What?!"

Dugu Sheng's eyes widened: "Is this true? Which General Dou?"

"It is Dou Xian, the Lieutenant General of the Imperial Guards."

Upon hearing this, Dugu Sheng immediately sensed something was wrong. The civil and military officials, who were originally leaving the imperial city, quickened their pace upon hearing the news, not daring to glance at Linjiang Palace again.

How could it possibly take 30,000 troops to capture Dou Xian?!
Are they going to attack Liuhe City, which is defended by Du Fuwei?

"Close the palace gates immediately!"

Dugu Sheng gave a loud order, but the men of the Left and Right Martial Guards and the Left and Right Garrison Guards were not under his command.

Even though he was a Right Guard General directly under the Sui Emperor and held a higher status, he could not overstep his bounds.

"General Dugu, without His Majesty's orders, how can we obey orders and act on our own?"

General Yan Jingren of the Left Guard had a gloomy expression and did not give Dugu Sheng any face.

He used to be very respectful to Dugu Sheng, but today he treated him like an enemy.

Just then, another troop of fast horses arrived.

Everyone looked over and saw that the person in the lead was Zhang Xutuo, who had just left the imperial city and returned.

He was already clad in full armor, looking imposing and majestic.

"Stop your horse! Do not advance!"

Yan Jingren shouted again, and Zhang Xutuo continued to ride his horse. At this moment, the archers in the Zuowuwei camp all nocked their arrows.

"General Zhang, if you disobey the order, don't blame me for losing my temper!"

"Drive~!"

Zhang Xutuo urged his horse on, shouting, "Yuchi Sheng is plotting a rebellion, and Yan Jingren is his henchman. Put down your bows and arrows, and I will personally take General Yan to see His Majesty."

The men of the Left Guard Camp hesitated, but the newcomer was Zhang Xutuo, so how could they dare to fire indiscriminately?

"Release the arrows!"

Yan Jingren shouted, and Dugu Sheng also channeled his inner energy and roared, "Who dares!"

A series of sword-drawing sounds rang out in Dugu Xiong's garrison camp. In just a short stalemate, Zhang Xutuo's fast horse had already reached Yan Jingren.

The long sword reflected the sunlight into his eyes.

The next moment, blood spurted out!
Before the men of the Left Guard Camp could react, Yan Jingren's head flew into the air. Zhang Xutuo spurred his horse, stood up, grabbed the head, and glanced around. No one dared to challenge him.

Dugu Sheng was also surprised, not expecting Zhang Xutuo to be so decisive.

He pulled a jade pendant from his robes and said, “This is a token of the Imperial Guards personally granted by His Majesty, ordering me to punish the rebels. No matter who the traitor is, I have the special permission of the Emperor to execute them first and report later.”

Upon seeing this, the men of the Left Guard Camp promptly withdrew their bows.

"Dugu Xiong".

Upon hearing this, Dugu Xiong stepped forward and said, "Your subordinate is here."

"Yan Jingren is plotting a rebellion, and I need to bring him to see His Majesty. You will first assume the position of Left Martial Guard General, and cooperate with the Golden Purple Army to guard the palace gates without fail."

"Yes!"

Zhang Xutuo jumped off his horse, tore off Yan Jingren's clothes to wrap around his head, and walked straight into the palace.

Old Zhang proved to be reliable, Zhou Yi thought to himself, and entered the imperial city with Dugu Sheng.

The guards near the city gate hardly recognized him.

Normally, without a eunuch to deliver a message, even if Dugu Sheng were to bring him, he wouldn't be able to step through the palace gates. But this time, Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng led him into Linjiang Palace together, and no one dared to stop them.

Soon, the sound of horses' hooves filled the area near the imperial city.

The entire city of Jiangdu has entered a state of unprecedented tension.

The shops along the long street were all closed, people and horses were running around in the city, shouting and neighing, and the citizens were rushing home in a panic. The city was in complete chaos.

All the way to the Yangzijiang ferry, the ships suddenly became congested and slowed down because the gates of Jiangdu were closed, and a large number of archers appeared on the magnificent city tower, which was forty feet high.

Many people realized that Jiang was about to change his regime!

"Your Majesty~!"

"Your Majesty~!"

What's the rush?

Eunuch Li ran all the way to Liuzhu Hall and exclaimed in shock, "Yan Jingren has been executed by General Zhang for treason!"

"Since they are traitors, killing them is fine, why panic?"

Yang Guang was drinking, coldly staring at Eunuch Li who had disturbed his enjoyment.

The eunuch Li said tremblingly, "The Imperial Guards in the palace are in turmoil, and there is a fear of war. Your Majesty, with your noble status, should take refuge for the time being."

The wine cup in his hand fell onto his lap, wetting his dragon robe, but Yang Guang seemed completely unaware.

He showed no composure in the face of death.

Eunuch Li stepped forward to help Yang Guang, who was about to fall to the ground.

"Let's go, hurry up!"

Before Yang Guang could give any further instructions, footsteps approached from outside. "Your Majesty."

Yuwen Huaji, Yuwen Zhiji, and Sima Dekan walked over together.

"What brings you, my esteemed ministers?"

Yuwen Huaji said, "Please come to the Chengxiang Hall for a meeting, Your Majesty."

"The court assembly was convened today, so let's discuss the matter here."

Sima Dekan drew his long sword: "Please, Your Majesty, move aside."

"I will go with you."

Yang Guang, along with the others, passed through the Liuzhu Hall and the Water Palace, and arrived at the magnificent Chengxiang Hall.

Seeing the large number of imperial guards lined up outside, he felt nothing but despair.

The place where officials held court was naturally very large. As soon as Yang Guang entered the hall, he sat on the magnificent and dazzling dragon throne that represented the pinnacle of power.

Just then, a large number of imperial guards poured in.

The imperial guards on both sides faced each other but did not make a move.

Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng arrived with their men.

Zhou Yi followed the two men and saw Yang Guang as soon as he entered the Chengxiang Hall.

Half an hour ago, he was still receiving the homage of his ministers, but now he seemed to have experienced a great change.

Besides Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, Sima Dekan, the main hall also contained Eunuch Wei, Yu Shiji, Pei Yun, and Feng Deyi, the Imperial Secretary.

Yang Guang's gaze swept over Zhou Yi, but he didn't pay him any attention.

But as he stared intently at Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng, a glimmer of hope seemed to return.

"My two beloved ministers, why are you only returning now?"

Dugu Sheng cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, Yan Jingren, who was guarding the palace gate, conspired with Yuchi Sheng to rebel. We were just dealing with this traitor."

Zhang Xutuo, carrying a bundle containing a human head, said, "Your Majesty, I have killed him."

"Well done! A generous reward awaits!"

Yang Guang slapped the dragon throne, his expression suddenly changing: "Bring out the head."

"Yes."

Zhang Xutuo took out the human head, and Zhou Yi saw it. After seeing the dead man's head, Yang Guang suddenly laughed: "Indeed, it is Yan Jingren. I have treated him well, yet he dared to rebel. Such a traitor deserves to die a thousand times."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xutuo threw the severed head in the direction of Yuwen Huaji.

Yuwen Zhiji stepped on the man's head and kicked him out the door.

Yu Shiji and Pei Yun ran over to Zhang Xutuo and pointed at Yuwen Zhiji, shouting, "Junior Supervisor, do you also want to rebel?!"

Yuwen Zhiji said, "It is not a rebellion, but to restore a bright and clear world to the Sui Dynasty."

"What makes you say that?" Yang Guang looked at him.

Yuwen Zhiji looked at the scholar beside him: "Feng Deyi, you speak."

Feng Deyi, a court official, said: "Your Majesty has neglected the ancestral temples, constantly on tours, frequently waging war abroad, and indulging in extreme extravagance and debauchery at home. As a result, the people are suffering, and bandits are rising up everywhere. He blindly appoints treacherous officials, covers up his mistakes, and refuses to listen to advice."

"Enough!"

Yang Guang glared at him angrily: "Feng Deyi, you are a scholar, how could you do something like treason?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Deyi blushed with embarrassment and withdrew.

Yang Guang looked at the two members of the Yuwen clan: "I have indeed wronged the people of the world, but you people, your wealth and honor have come to an end, why are you still like this?"

Just then, a voice rang out from outside.

"Your Majesty, that is precisely why we must stand up for the people."

Outside the Chengxiang Hall, there was another troop of imperial guards.

Zhou Yi's eyes lit up; he hadn't expected to see an old acquaintance here.

The tall and imposing Yuwen Chengdu laughed heartily. He glanced at the people brought by Dugu Sheng, but did not take them seriously, and strode into the main hall.

"There are so many people in the world who want to kill His Majesty that they could line up and circle the entire nine provinces; we are just one of them."

Upon seeing the arrival of over a thousand men, Dugu Sheng and Zhang Xutuo's expressions changed slightly.

Noticing the two men's unusual behavior, Zhou Yi glanced at Eunuch Wei, moved closer, and tugged at their backs, signaling them not to act rashly.

Even with his skill, he had to be extremely careful, as there was a large number of imperial guards outside the Chengxiang Hall.

At this critical moment, any action could have far-reaching consequences, so we must not act rashly.

With members of the Demonic Sect mingling in the palace, how could they sit idly by and watch the Great Ming Sect succeed?
If you rush things, you'll only become someone else's stepping stone.

After hearing Yuwen Chengdu's words, Yang Guang looked at Yuwen Huaji and asked, "You want to kill me?"

"Your Majesty, you only need to do three things to enjoy your old age in peace."

Yang Guang perked up: "Tell me about it."

"First, the soldiers are homesick. We request Your Majesty to return to Luoyang with us, and to entrust the management of Jiangdu entirely to Yuchi Sheng."

"I will go back with you."

"Second, have Zhang Xutuo relinquish his military power and hand it over to Yuwen Zhiji, so that he and Yuchi Sheng can deal with the rebels in Jiangnan."

Yang Guang did not immediately agree: "What's the third point?"

Yuwen Huaji looked at Yang Guang: "Third, Your Majesty should abdicate and yield the throne to a more worthy successor."

Yang Guanglong focused his gaze on him and asked, "Do you want to be the emperor?"

"How dare you."

Yuwen Huaji said, "I request Your Majesty to establish Yang Hao, the son of the Prince of Qin, as emperor, and I will be the prime minister."

Yang Hao was the grandson of Emperor Wen of Sui, Yang Jian, and the son of Yang Jun, the younger brother of Yang Guang. Yang Jun himself died in the twentieth year of the Kaihuang era.

Yang Guang shook his head: "Then my son Yang Gao should be made emperor."

Yang Gao was the third son of Yang Guang. His mother was Consort Xiao, who was his favorite. He was enfeoffed as the Prince of Zhao at the age of seven and was taken to Jiangdu.

"Your Majesty, this is very difficult to do."

The sound came from outside again, and then another three thousand imperial guards appeared in the wide square outside the Chengxiang Hall.

The two ruthless individuals walked in together.

Linghu Xingda was half a step behind, while Pei Qiantong, one of the five bodyguards, was walking in front.

The assailant was covered in blood, and he was holding a child in his arms.

Yang Guang gripped the dragon throne, veins bulging on the back of his hands, his pale face flushed with rage.

"The King of Zhao is dead. I personally witnessed him being killed by traitors, but unfortunately it was too late."

Pei Qiantong placed the child's body on the ground; it was none other than King Yang Gao of Zhao.

Zhou Yi sighed inwardly and looked at the dragon throne.

The golden dragon throne seemed to be shrouded in a layer of blood in his eyes.

Yang Guang, sitting on the dragon throne, looked as if he had aged several years in an instant. He closed his eyes, his anger gradually fading, and he appeared even paler.

"Dong dong dong~!"

Outside Chengxiang Hall, another group of people rushed in.

It was the troops brought by General Zuo Xiaowei and his junior supervisor; he too was on the side of the Yuwen clan.

Judging from the troop strength, the Yuwen clan has as many as seven squads.

With only the men brought by Dugu Sheng and Zhang Xutuo, they were doomed.

As for the garrison near the imperial city walls, they were too busy to defend themselves with Yuchi Sheng's attack on the city.

The situation in Chengxiang Hall was beyond saving.

Sima Dekan, the top expert of the Xiaoguo Army, stepped forward and comforted the emperor, saying, "Your Majesty, please accept my condolences. Let's first establish Yang Hao as emperor."

Among Yuwen Chengdu's army, there was a plump woman leading a young man.

The kind mother watched all of this with a smile.

Yang Hao was already a follower of the Zunjiao sect, and later became the Sui Emperor, making the Zunjiao sect of the Ming Dynasty rise to power in one step.

Yang Guang remained silent, while Sima Dekan looked at Dugu Sheng and Zhang Xutuo: "What are your opinions, gentlemen?"

Both Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng had icy expressions on their faces, and they both said, "The affairs of the world are all in Your Majesty's hands."

Yang Guang was furious, but he did not retaliate.

Looking at Yang Guang's expression, Eunuch Wei was unsure of his thoughts and extremely worried that he would make Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng, those two blindly loyal fellows, compromise.

All those plans fell through.

At this moment, he quickly gave Yu Shiji and Pei Yun a wink.

Although the two were afraid, they dared not disobey.

Pei Yun took two steps back from Zhang Xutuo and suddenly shouted, "Your Majesty, Dugu Ba's debauchery in the harem was arranged by the Yuwen family!"

Yu Shiji exclaimed in surprise, his words tumbling out in a knot:

"Your Majesty! You composed the 'Ode of Sorrow' in memory of Consort Chen, and later brought talented women from the lineage of Emperor Chen Houzhu into the palace. But the Yuwen family is malicious, which is why they put Dugu Ba in Consort Chen's bed! They want to anger Your Majesty to death!"

“If they succeed, there will be endless humiliation to come.”

"The Yuwen family is malicious; they...they will definitely use Empress Xiao to humiliate His Majesty!"

Upon hearing these words, Yang Guang's eyes turned bloodshot. He thought of Lady Chen, and even more so of Empress Xiao, who had always been by his side.

Yuwen Huaji's eyes were like knives as he stared at Yu Shiji and Pei Yun: "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Suddenly, a furious laugh rang out from inside the Chengxiang Hall.

Yang Guang's chest heaved: "It's fine if I die here. Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng, listen to my command and execute the rebels!"

After he finished speaking, he reached into his robes, intending to find the poison.

The emperor has his own way of dying. He had thought about this day and this scene when he came to Jiangdu.

but
The small bottle containing the poison was left behind in Liuzhu Hall when Yuwen Huaji and his group brought it.

"Yes, sir!"

The instant Zhang Xutuo and Dugu Sheng received the order, Yuwen Zhiji attacked Yang Guang. Eunuch Wei swept his whisk across, shattering Yuwen Zhiji's Ice Profound Force into pieces.

What shocked him, however, was...

The Yuwen clan's Ice Profound Force should have been just a frosty energy, but Yuwen Zhiji was able to create tiny ice shards, which was clearly beyond his ability to manifest.

However, the two are far too different in skill level.

When Eunuch Wei swept his whisk out for the third time, he used his powerful energy to make Yuwen Zhiji's blood surge.

"You damned eunuch, you're asking for it!"

Pei Qiantong roared angrily, ready to join Yuwen Zhiji in taking down the clueless old eunuch.

Linghu Xingda, who had come with him, also picked up a long sword, eager for battle, and slashed at Eunuch Wei before Pei Qiantong could react.

"Brother Linghu, I'm here to help you!"

Pei Qiantong shouted again and strode forward.

Suddenly a strong gust of wind came, and before I could dodge it, I felt a sharp pain in my chest. My heart had been pierced by a steel knife, going straight through.

Linghu Xingda drew his sword and slashed, then turned back halfway to glare at the moon and thrust it forward.

Although Pei Qiantong's martial arts skills surpassed Linghu Xingda's, he could only suffer a bitter defeat.

"you!"

Amidst the astonished gazes of Yuwen Huaji, Zhang Xutuo, Dugu Sheng, and others, Linghu Xingda drew his sword, drawing out the hot blood from Pei Qiantong's chest.

"The Right Valiant Battalion, follow me to protect His Majesty!"

At this moment, General Zuo Xiaowei, who had been standing with Yuwen Clan, along with his junior supervisor, also shouted: "The men of Zuo Xiaowei, protect His Majesty!"

As he shouted, he swung both swords simultaneously.

They beheaded two of the Ming Dynasty's most skilled martial arts masters in the army.

In an instant, only five of the seven teams from the Yuwen clan remained.

They still had the numerical advantage, but when General Lin, who was hidden in the Beishen Mansion, suddenly wielded his bronze halberd and led his men to stab the Yuwen clan in the back, the chaotic battlefield in front of Chengxiang Hall was immediately balanced!
Sima Dekan was greatly alarmed and, together with Yuwen Huaji and his brothers, attacked Yang Guang.

Eunuch Wei, Dugu Sheng, and Zhang Xutuo joined forces to block them.

Pei Yun and Yu Shiji pulled Yang Guang off the dragon throne. At that moment, a plump figure flashed out from the Yuwen clan with incredible speed.

She is a virtuous mother!
Her target was Yang Guang.

Zhou Yi's mind raced, but he didn't make a move.

Two men emerged from the chaotic army surrounding General Lin and blocked Sha Fang's path.

Zhou Yi then recognized them; they were all old acquaintances. The one in front was Bi Shouxuan, and the one behind him was Fu Gongshi.

Sha Fang unfurled her silver staff, scattering a flurry of afterimages. Its destructive power was terrifying. The six people who rushed forward with Bi Shouxuan were all killed by her in quick succession, each strike hitting their mark. No one could withstand her Qi-breaking technique.

Fu Gongshi was struck by a stick that broke his spirit, so he quickly gathered his energy and retreated, using the Heavenly Lotus Sect's secret technique, the Heavenly Heart Lotus Ring, to neutralize the attack.

His Heavenly Lotus Ring was far inferior to Anlong's; the scorching true energy generated by his heart meridian was not pure enough, and a single blow from it would be enough to make him suffer.

Shanmu was not good at group attacks, and when Fu Gongshi was defeated, she unleashed her full power.

Pi Shouxuan alone could not stop her free and unrestrained attack. At this moment, a loud shout rang out and Lin Shihong charged forward wielding a bronze halberd.

Others couldn't withstand her outbursts, but Lin Shih-hung wasn't afraid.

He unleashed a chilling force field, his face turning purple, and swept away the shadows of his halberd to fight the Great Mother!

There was no movement.

It seems the Great One is not here!

Zhou Yi drifted amidst the chaos, watching the two battle, while maintaining a delicate distance from Zhang Xutuo and the others, ready to lend a hand at any moment.

"Ughhhhhh!!"

At this moment, two screams rang out. Yuwen Chengdu stabbed Pei Yun to death with a spear, and then unleashed an Ice Profound Force with a palm strike. This icy palm strike sent Yu Shiji crashing into Tu Jinzhu.

The two settled the bill on the spot.

Having crushed two easy targets, Yuwen Chengdu ignored the fighting all around him and saw Zhou Yi as the third easy target.

"die--!"

The spear tassel spun out a red shadow as Yuwen Chengdu gripped the base of the spear tightly against his waist, while his forearm, which was holding the middle of the spear shaft, suddenly released its grip, channeling the force to the spear tip. He then thrust forward swiftly in a straight line, producing a sharp, stinging gust of wind that would hurt anyone's face.

With a surge of icy, profound energy, it thrust the spear into the throat!
Zhou Yi held his sword upright in front of him, the blade bending backward as it blocked the spear tip. Before Yuwen Chengdu could unleash his full power, Zhou Yi snapped his sword back and twisted it to the side, deflecting the spear tip.

He had already withdrawn his strength, but he was still far superior to Yuwen Chengdu.

Startled, Yuwen Chengdu dared not expose his vulnerability.

He lacked physical strength, but his marksmanship was superb.

Swift as an arrow, swift as a thread, spear held in front of him, he blocked three swords in succession, followed by a spear strike!
"Sizzle sizzle sizzle~!"

A strip of gold dust was scraped off a golden pillar in the Chengxiang Hall. Zhou Yi turned to dodge and saw the opening, but he didn't rush to use his killing move.

He surveyed his surroundings and effortlessly exchanged dozens of blows with Yuwen Chengdu.

Yuwen Chengdu was increasingly alarmed as the fight progressed, recognizing the Azure Sky Sword Technique.

"Who are you?!"

He spoke with swift, decisive force, and a single, sharp thrust of his spear struck Zhou Yi's heart.

Zhou Yi parried with his sword, then swung his longsword in a backhand motion, causing the spear tassels to fly wildly.

As he drew his sword, he simultaneously focused the sound into a line:
"Yuwen Chengdu, it's been a long time."

"Who are you?!"

He felt that his opponent's swordsmanship was getting faster and faster, and he was already having difficulty speaking. He was unable to retreat and was gradually forced to the corner of Chengxiang Hall.

"You have a bad memory, but I'm your creditor."

Yuwen Chengdu wanted to reply, but he couldn't catch his breath and was unable to speak.

“Outside Taikang City, on the banks of the Cai River, you burn my mountain gate, I will burn your camp.”

"You've forgotten so quickly?"

Upon hearing this, Yuwen Chengdu stared at his face, utterly shocked!

Just as he was about to shout, the sword shadow suddenly disappeared before his eyes, and he gurgled out a note that he himself could not understand.

The spear fell to the ground
He clutched his throat with both hands, his eyes filled with horror and resentment.

Watching that figure walk towards the center of the Chengxiang Hall, a few stray noises echoed in my ears:

"Now that we meet again, let's settle our old scores and travel with clean hands."

……

(End of this chapter)