Madam, don't do this!

Chapter 481 Luo Yuheng's Daughter (7,000 words)
An envoy from the Xiongnu or Jurchen has come to visit?
The voices of the imperial guards still echoed in the ears of the officials.

In an instant, the once quiet hall fell into a deathly silence because of Fang De's words. This situation was obviously beyond everyone's expectations. No one expected that the Xiongnu and Jurchen would send envoys to Da Ning at this time. What did they want to do? After a few breaths of quiet, the entire hall suddenly became restless, and the expressions on people's faces were all different. They were all trying to figure out the purpose of Suochuoluo and Wanyan Guangzhi.

In a secluded spot, Fang De and Ning He exchanged glances, both able to see the gravity in each other's eyes.

Calls to execute Song Yan had been circulating in the court for some time, especially in the last two weeks. Almost all other affairs of the court had come to a standstill, with daily arguments revolving around whether or not to kill Song Yan. Fang De's main tactic was stalling. Whenever the Yang family, Bailu Academy, or a group of officials led by Lu Yuanzheng proposed executing Song Yan, he would cleverly shift the blame onto them.

Even with Fang De's shrewdness and cunning, he was exhausted after so many days. Just at this crucial moment, the Hunnic Jurchens appeared. Although Fang De couldn't guess their purpose for the time being, he had a vague premonition that things were going to develop in a bad direction.

Compared to Fang Dehe and Ning Hedi, Yang Hetong, Gao Hong, and Chu Licheng all had a hint of smugness on their faces.

In their original plan, it would be best to bring Song Yan back and kill him in Dongling. If that was not possible, then they would directly declare Song Yan a traitor, so that they could mobilize the three guards in the capital, the border troops, and even the troops of the prefectures and counties to punish him together.

They then secretly contacted the Jurchens, offering to cede Pingyang in exchange for the Jurchens sending troops.

In exchange for the cession of Anzhou, the Xiongnu would send troops.

In this way, even if Song Yan had three heads and six arms, he would be doomed to die in the face of the combined forces of Ningguo, Xiongnu, and Jurchen. He would have no chance of survival whatsoever.

As for the loss of Ningguo's territory, Yang and the other two were not particularly concerned. After all, it was Ningguo's territory, not theirs. Moreover, Pingyang and Anzhou were barren lands to begin with, so losing them was no big deal. As long as Ningguo's prosperous areas remained under their control, there wouldn't be any major problems. In this way, they could completely eliminate Song Yan, the most important threat, at a minimal cost.

Their power, wealth, and status can all be preserved.

Emperor Ninghe will also lose his greatest support and become a puppet, completely at their mercy. This is a huge win for them.

Cost-effective!

The only surprise was that the collusion with the Xiongnu and Jurchens should have been a secret affair, but for some reason, Suochuoluo and Wanyan Guangzhi actually sent an envoy and made a grand appearance.

However, this is also a good thing. After all, with Emperor Ninghe, Fang De, and Li Weicheng holding the line, the pressure to kill Song Yan is not enough. If the Xiongnu Jurchen delegation could also demand the killing of Song Yan, and with the Chu Kingdom watching from the sidelines, even Emperor Ninghe and Fang De would probably not be able to withstand such pressure and would have no choice but to submit.

As expected, Fang Dehe and Ning Hedi's expressions had become extremely gloomy at some point.

After a long silence, Emperor Ninghe let out a heavy sigh, his gaze sweeping over the officials in the court, and slowly said, "Enough, it seems that it will be difficult to reach a conclusion today. Moreover, the court meeting has been going on for a long time, and all of you ministers are exhausted. Why don't you go back to your residences to rest? I am also a little tired. We should meet with the envoys from the Jurchen and Xiongnu another day."

"Take a break at the Court of State Ceremonial and make sure the foreign envoys are settled."

Emperor Ninghe had already vaguely guessed the purpose of the Xiongnu and Jurchen delegations' appearance, and could only try to delay the event as much as possible.

Just then, Yang Hetong suddenly stepped forward, bowed respectfully, and said, "Your Majesty, the envoys from the Xiongnu and Jurchen have come from afar and have even presented a letter of state. They must have something urgent to discuss. Why don't you come and see them?"

"National affairs are of utmost importance. Although my colleagues are exhausted both physically and mentally, they are working hard for the country and should do their utmost."

"It's just a little tired, my colleagues will be able to overcome it."

Yang Hetong's voice was hesitant and calm, without a trace of anger. His words were reasonable and well-founded, leaving no room for criticism.

Emperor Ninghe narrowed his eyes.

His cold gaze was fixed on Yang Hetong, a murderous intent surging within him.

it is good!
it is good!
it is good!
Is this how you do it?
Since you're so determined to sever my most important ally, then let's just go all out and let no one survive. Anyway, he has a tumor in his brain and doesn't have much time left to live. It's not a loss if he can take a few down with him.

Emperor Ninghe did not speak, but pursed his lips and looked at the officials kneeling and kowtowing. A violent thought grew and swelled in his heart: Why not just kill all these people who impeached Song Yan right here in the court?

There were also envoys from the Xiongnu and Jurchen.

killed.

killed.

Kill them all.

Of course, he will die, but so what? The power of Bailu Academy and the Yang family in Ningguo will be severely reduced, and they will never regain their former glory.

Originally, everyone was sharing the spoils at Ningguo's table, and how much they actually got to eat depended entirely on their own abilities. But you insist on teaming up with outsiders to monopolize all the delicacies on the table, so don't blame me for flipping the table over.

In this way, Ningguo will inevitably fall into chaos.

Song Yan could also take this opportunity to start a rebellion in Pingyang.

Let's just consider this the last path he paved for Song Yan, Yu Heng, Tian Xuan, and Tian Shu.

A dying emperor is absolutely terrifying and insane.

Even the usually cautious Emperor Ninghe couldn't help but have some obsessive and crazy thoughts.

Once such a thought appeared in his mind, he could no longer control it. Silently, Emperor Ninghe gave Wei Zhong a wink.

Wei Zhong, who had served Emperor Ninghe since he was a prince, understood Emperor Ninghe's thoughts with just a glance. His pupils contracted slightly, and his wrinkled old face seemed to turn a little pale. He didn't say a word, but just lowered his head slightly. When everyone's eyes were focused on Emperor Ninghe, Wei Zhong quietly retreated.

Slowly, Emperor Ninghe smiled: "Lord Yang is right. In that case, let us summon the Xiongnu and Jurchen envoys to the palace."

Huh?
Yang Hetong was slightly taken aback.

He had thought that Emperor Ninghe would try every means to refuse and delay, but he never expected that he would agree so easily.

This should have been a good thing for him, but for some reason, Yang Hetong felt a vague sense of unease, as if something was slowly breaking free from his control.

……

Today is hardly a good day.

The rain was pouring down, and even though the guards at the gate of Dongling City had taken shelter under the gate tower, they were still soaked.

In the distance, only faint, indistinct sounds could be heard in the air.

"Pah, what are they? Just barbarians from beyond the Great Wall, what are they pretending to be when they come to Dongling?" A garrison soldier cursed, his expression clearly showing his displeasure.

It was probably because of the Xiongnu and Jurchen delegations that had just passed by.

They were all arrogant and haughty, with their eyes looking down on the top of their heads. Even when they arrived at the capital, they refused to dismount, completely disregarding the rules of Ningguo. If they were slightly obstructed, they would curse and even raise their whips to strike. At that time, the soldiers at the city gate had already drawn their swords.

Unfortunately, the officials from the Court of State Ceremonial rushed up and slapped them across the face, loudly scolding them for not knowing the rules, for not having the magnanimity of a great nation, and for offending a distinguished foreign envoy, saying that even ten heads wouldn't be enough to pay for it... After teaching them a lesson, they bowed and scraped before the envoys of the Xiongnu and Jurchen, fawning and smiling obsequiously, which made the guards furious.

"Damn it, a bunch of spineless cowards."

"If the Marquis of Champion were here, with his temper, he would probably chop off their heads on the spot."

"And those barbarians, why weren't they arrogant when the Marquis tricked hundreds of thousands of them to death from freezing last year? Why didn't they dare to shout when the Marquis burned hundreds of thousands of them to death?"

"Damn it, if it weren't for the talismans they had and those bastards from the Court of State Ceremonial, I would have chopped their heads off."

"Alright, enough of that. What's the point of all this cursing? Those higher-ups are all bowing and scraping, what can we do?"

The rain intensified.

In this kind of weather, there are far fewer people entering and leaving the city, and occasionally a horse-drawn carriage will pass by, splashing water everywhere.

Those who guard the gates of Dongling City are all extremely discerning. They can often tell which noble family owns a carriage just by looking at the markings on it, and even if the carriage is going very fast, they dare not stop it.

He couldn't help but recall the time when the Marquis was still alive. Although it was only a short two months, the atmosphere of Dongling City changed completely after the two mounds of Jing were built. Even the most arrogant young masters became well-behaved and dared not cause trouble.

However, with the departure of the Marquis, everything returned to normal.

Boom...boom...boom...

At some point, I could hear faint, indistinct sounds.

Because of the heavy rain, the sound wasn't very noticeable.

But as time went by, the sound seemed to grow louder and louder.

Gradually, the rumbling sound, like muffled thunder, echoed in everyone's ears, and even the ground beneath their feet seemed to tremble slightly. Looking up, the rain curtain separated the world before them, leaving only a blurry shadow; nothing more could be discerned.

However, a certain invisible pressure weighed heavily on everyone's heart.

Many of the garrison soldiers had a vague sense of unease.

They all stared wide-eyed, their eyes fixed intently on what lay ahead.

The shadowy figure was rapidly approaching in the torrential rain, moving at an extremely fast speed.

In just a few breaths, the outlines became clearer and clearer, and it was already vaguely clear that they were tall horses with riders standing upright on their backs.

cavalry!

The moment those two words appeared in their minds, almost all the guards felt like their heads were about to explode.

Damn it, how did the cavalry suddenly appear outside Dongling City?

Could it be that the rebels have attacked?

"Enemy attack..."

A piercing scream tore through the rain and echoed inside and outside the city walls.

In an instant, countless figures appeared on the city wall, letting the torrential rain lash their bodies as they gripped their weapons tightly. Some of the more astute ones frantically ran towards the military camp, seeking reinforcements from the Imperial Guard commander.

In this weather, it's impossible to light a signal fire. The garrison soldiers aren't equipped with warhorses, so they have no other means of transportation besides their own two legs.

Rumble, rumble!

The dull thud of hooves sounded like thunder rolling across the sky.

The horses' hooves pounded the mud like a surging torrent.

Thousands of cavalrymen charged explosively through the rain, sweeping in like dark clouds covering the earth.

"Close the gate, quickly...close the city gate quickly."

The piercing scream sounded hoarse, as if the throat had cracked and was unable to produce a normal sound.

In a panic, dozens of guards tried to close the city gate by turning the rope, but the imperial city gate was so heavy that closing it was by no means an easy task.

The tremors on the ground grew stronger, and the distance drew closer. They could even see through the rain the gleaming silver armor, the wet raindrops slowly rolling down the manes of the warhorses, and the splashes of water as their hooves hit the ground…

The overwhelming aura made everyone's heart beat faster, almost as if it were about to break free from the restraints in their chests.

Just as the gate was half-closed, thousands of iron cavalry had already charged forward. Just as they were about to crash into the city gate, the knight at the front suddenly tightened his reins.

Then a long neigh was heard from the warhorse.

Its tall body came to an abrupt halt on the ground, its two front legs raised high before slamming heavily to the ground.

It felt as if it had struck everyone's heart.

From a rapid sprint to a complete stop, it all happens in an instant.

The once imposing cavalry legion now stood quietly before the gates of Dongling City, each rider standing ramrod straight, letting the torrential rain fall on their armor and create a hazy mist.

Even the warhorse beneath him remained extremely quiet, not even uttering a neigh.

For a moment, the atmosphere at the scene became particularly eerie.

The garrison soldiers swallowed hard, their eyes filled with fear and a hint of suspicion. They didn't understand what was going on. The city gates weren't closed yet; if they wanted to attack, wouldn't this be the perfect time? Why had they suddenly stopped?
Are they not planning to attack Dongling City?
So what exactly do they want to do?
Just then, a series of heavy footsteps came from inside the city.

Turning around, one could see that the Imperial Guards were already prepared for battle and were rapidly deploying their defenses on the city walls. The person in charge was none other than Zhao Gaizhi, the Grand Commander of the Imperial Guards.

The Imperial Guard consisted of three thousand men per guard.

Each guard is assigned a commander.

There were ten guards in total, each headed by a general. However, the general was only a figurehead; although his rank and position were high, it was essentially a nominal post. The actual military power of the Imperial Guards was held by the ten commanders.

Zhao Gaizhi, who commanded 12,000 men in four guards, was privately referred to as the Grand Commander.

In the entire Eastern Mausoleum, Zhao Gaizhi was undoubtedly one of the most powerful military figures. The once-declining Marquis of Anning's mansion had risen again thanks to Zhao Gaizhi. These days, Zhao Gaizhi could be described as riding high on a whim. Although his wife and son had died during the New Year, both at the hands of the Marquis of Champion, he had recently married Yang Shuyi, the younger sister of his ex-wife Yang Shuxuan, and taken several concubines. It was rumored that some of these concubines were already pregnant.

His life was even more carefree than that of the legal wife and the legitimate son before their deaths.

The military boots pounded on the ground, making a clattering sound.

Zhao Gaizhi strode towards the city gate. The attack on the imperial city was a major event, and if he couldn't resolve it, he might as well give up his position as the Grand Commander.

However, even Zhao Gaizhi had some doubts when he saw the neatly arranged cavalry outside the city gate.

He had a vague idea in his mind.

Thinking of someone he had suddenly met a few days ago and a letter he had received, Zhao Gaizhi's eyes suddenly brightened, and he quickened his pace, heading straight for the city gate.

"Commander, please be careful, something's not right." A garrison soldier kindly advised, even though the other side didn't seem to intend to attack, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Zhao Gaizhi suddenly waved his hand: "Get out of the way."

As soon as the voice faded, the person went out the door.

Looking at the knights at the front of the procession through the rain, Zhao Gaizhi suddenly burst into laughter: "So it's the Marquis of Champion returning to the city. Why such a grand procession?"

Marquis of Champion?
Upon hearing this, the expressions of the many imperial guards on the city wall and at the city gate all changed.

It's a good thing that Champion Hou is back.

But what are they planning to do with such a force? Are they planning a rebellion?

In particular, Zhao Gai's ex-wife and legitimate son were both killed by the Marquis of Champion. Although Song Yan has never admitted it, everyone knows that he was the one who did it.

That's a blood feud that can't be extinguished.

Isn't this giving Zhao Gaizhi a weakness?

The next moment, Zhao Gaizhi's eyes narrowed, and he shouted sharply, "Song Yan, this is Dongling, not a place for you to run wild. What are you trying to do by leading troops to storm the gates of Dongling? Do you intend to rebel?"

As expected, the Grand Commander would never let go of such an opportunity to attack Song Yan.

The lead cavalryman removed his helmet, revealing a handsome face. Raindrops fell on his head and rolled down his cheeks.

Who else could it be but Song Yan?

Dismounting, Song Yan walked straight towards the city gate, completely ignoring the murderous intent in Zhao Gaizhi's eyes and the thousands of imperial guards behind the gate. Instead, he smiled and said, "Marquis Anning, don't talk nonsense. I am a loyal subject of Da Ning. How could I possibly plot a rebellion?"

"Then what were you trying to do by leading your troops to storm the gates of Dongling City?"

Song Yan's smile deepened, but his tone was unmistakably sarcastic: "I recently slaughtered a few Xiongnu cubs... I heard that some people in the court are as distressed as if their parents have died."

puff.

Although the atmosphere at the scene was extremely tense, some people couldn't help but laugh out loud upon hearing this.

The Marquis's mouth is truly sharp.

However, you're being too modest. You didn't just rip off a few people; you ripped off hundreds of thousands.

Zhao Gaizhi turned around and glared at them with some resentment, and the imperial guards who had laughed immediately became obedient and dared not utter a sound.

“Those people were clamoring to take me back to Dongling and subject me to the torture of being cut into a thousand pieces.” Song Yan didn’t care about that and continued, “Considering their commendable filial piety, I will personally go to Dongling to be judged.”

Zhao Gaizhi's lips twitched. If he didn't have to maintain the dignity of the Grand Commander and the irreconcilable relationship with Song Yan, he would have almost lost his composure.

Is filial piety commendable?

This was definitely the dirtiest thing he had ever heard.

"Then why did you bring so many cavalry?"

"They are all brothers who have chopped off the heads of Jurchen and Xiongnu wolves on the battlefield. Since there is to be a trial, let's all come together. If His Majesty finds us guilty, we will not resist and will gladly accept our fate. In addition, there are 50,000 brothers in Pingyang who are waiting for the outcome of the trial. If we are killed, the 50,000 soldiers of Pingyang will also march south to capture the dragon... Bah, beg for death!"

hiss.

Even a fool could hear the threat in Song Yan's words.

The idea of ​​"waiting to be executed" is pure nonsense.

Even the dragon-catching creature has slipped out.

This is a blatant threat.

They practically said it outright: if anyone dared to kill them, the 50,000-strong army would immediately rise up in rebellion and chop off the heads of all the high-ranking officials and nobles in Dongling City.

The idea of ​​going south to seek death is something even a fool wouldn't believe.

Fifty thousand soldiers may not sound like a lot.

But those were elite troops capable of trampling through royal courts and annihilating the Xiongnu. The garrison troops of Ningguo would probably collapse at the first touch, with no one able to stop them.

It seems that the Marquis of Champion really has the idea of ​​rebellion.

But strangely enough, no one found it odd.

It makes sense. He was fighting against foreign invaders at the border, yet the court was clamoring for his life. Anyone would feel disheartened.

Under such circumstances, rebellion might still offer a glimmer of hope.

Obeying orders is certain death.

The fact that the Marquis of Champion led five thousand cavalry to block the gate of Dongling City was already considered quite restrained.

Song Yan said in a long voice, "Lord Anning, would you be so kind as to allow me to enter the city?"

Zhao Gaizhi's expression grew increasingly solemn, his eyes narrowing into slits: "The Marquis can manage alone, but the rest of the soldiers cannot."

Song Yan cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you for your kindness, Lord Marquis."

He immediately turned around and shouted sternly, "Dismount!"

"Set up camp on the spot."

At a command, five thousand elite troops quickly dismounted, and tents were erected in a short time.

Only three carriages remained.

"Lord Anning, three carriages shouldn't be a problem, right?" Song Yan smiled.

"It doesn't matter."

As Marquis Anning spoke, he gave a wink, and the guards at the gate immediately opened the city gate a little, just enough for a carriage to pass through.

Song Yan casually tossed the riding whip to Zhang Han and strode into the city, with Zhao Gaizhi following beside him.

Three carriages followed slowly behind.

In the torrential rain, no one held an umbrella, letting the downpour soak them to the bone.

That figure in the rain exuded a heroic spirit.

Both sides of Chang'an Street were already guarded by the Imperial Guards, with countless soldiers standing with long spears in hand, their eyes unconsciously fixed on Song Yan.

Even though these soldiers were not under Song Yan's command, they greatly admired what Song Yan had done... Thinking of how Song Yan suppressed the Jurchens, slaughtered the Xiongnu, and protected the country's peace, yet was impeached by civil officials and whose ultimate fate was still unknown, a sense of tragic grandeur filled the air.

Wherever Song Yan walked, the Imperial Guards instinctively straightened their bodies.

Dark clouds over the city.

Boom... click.

A bolt of lightning tore through the dark sky.

The rain seemed to be getting heavier.

The sound of the pouring rain drowned out everything.

Only from his side and slightly behind, Zhao Gaizhi's voice quietly slipped into Song Yan's ears:

"You shouldn't have come."

"I shouldn't have come, but I came anyway."

"Now that you're here, do you intend to extinguish all the light of heaven?" Zhao Gaizhi exhaled and said quietly.

Song Yan pursed her lips; the days when no one picked up on her jokes were truly as lonely as snow.

"Five thousand people, is that enough?"

"not enough."

"Then what else is there to say?"

"Then you should be careful. For the past half month, the court has been clamoring every day to execute you." Zhao Gaizhi glanced around furtively, his face tense and gloomy. Although he commanded the Imperial Guards, he couldn't be sure if there weren't people planted by the Yang family among them. "If it weren't for His Majesty, Fang De, and Li Weicheng risking their lives to protect you, the imperial edict to execute you would have already reached Pingyang."

"That would only work if the angel could live to reach Pingyang." Song Yan scoffed.

“That’s why I said you shouldn’t have come. In Pingyang, the emperor is far away, and even if they cause a huge commotion, they can’t do anything to you. But you came to Pingyang, which is like entering a tiger’s den. Many things are beyond your control.” Zhao Gaizhi’s tone was slightly reproachful: “It’s not too late to go back now.”

"No need to say more, I have a reason why I had to come."

Zhao Gaizhi sighed helplessly, "Alright, whatever you say. I received a letter from my sister-in-law the day before yesterday, but I didn't expect you to arrive so quickly. However, the situation in Dongling is more complicated than you imagine. The Xiongnu and Jurchen delegations have also arrived."

Song Yan was slightly taken aback: "An envoy from the Xiongnu and Jurchen?"

"That's right, didn't you encounter them on the road in the two quarters of an hour before you?"

"No, perhaps we're just on different paths." Song Yan shook his head, not really caring; he was just a defeated opponent.

“Be careful. When they passed through Chang’an Street, I arranged for my confidants to eavesdrop on their conversation from nearby. I roughly know that they have two main objectives this time. The first is to target you.” Zhao Gaizhi paused briefly. “They seem to want to use diplomatic pressure to force Ningguo to execute you.”

"The second thing is to ask for Princess Ningguo's hand in marriage."

Song Yan's eyes flickered: "Those barbarians, the Jurchens and the Xiongnu, want to marry a princess? Do they even deserve it?"

"Heh, of course they are not worthy." Zhao Gaizhi's face was also contemptuous. It was only because the military generals of Ningguo had been tormented by the civil officials that they were able to do so. If it were during the reigns of Emperor Taizu and Emperor Taizong, anyone who dared to make such a request would be met with an army pressing in. Although they had declined, their arrogance remained: "That Wanyan Guangzhi is trying to marry Princess Yongning."

"Princess Yongning is the daughter of Consort Yang and the younger sister of the eldest prince. She is only thirteen years old this year."

"As for Suochuoluo, he is seeking to marry Princess Yongle, His Majesty's eldest daughter and the Empress's only daughter."

Suddenly.

Song Yan stopped in her tracks.

The Empress's daughter?
Isn't that... Luo Yuheng's daughter?

(End of this chapter)