My older brother is Gao Huan.

Chapter 340 Does Your Majesty Want to Kill Me?

How can something happening inside the palace be kept secret?
Soon, the news was spread under the cover of night, and Erzhu Rong was quite pleased when he heard it.

"Excellent! She truly is my daughter!"

After Erzhu Rong conceived the idea of ​​forcing Yuan Ziyou to abdicate and prepared to put it into action, his attitude changed dramatically.

In the past, he might have put on a show by writing a letter and sending it to the palace to severely reprimand his daughter, but now there was no need for that.

He even felt a pang of regret, wondering why Yuan Ziyou hadn't impulsively slapped Erzhu Ying'e.

This, in turn, gave him an excuse.

the other side.

Erzhu Shilong also learned of this news, and he immediately summoned his trusted confidants.

"Have you all heard what happened inside the palace?"

"I've heard that His Majesty was quite amiable towards the Empress before, but I never expected that after the Prime Minister went south to Luoyang, the two of them would become so tense? The infantry captain being arrested and imprisoned has had a great impact on His Majesty. His Majesty, who is usually so amiable, has lost his composure like this."

Yuan Ziyou has a very good public image.

This time, he actually lost his composure and attacked a maid in the palace, which clearly shows that he was pushed to the limit.

"It seems that the conflict between the Prime Minister and His Majesty has become irreconcilable."

No one responded. Was Erzhu Shilong asking a question he already knew the answer to?
Anyone with eyes to see could see that Erzhu Rong's trip south to demand the Nine Bestowments was aimed at forcing Yuan Ziyou to abdicate so that he could then ascend the throne himself.

There's nothing we can do about it. Our predecessors cut down trees, so our descendants have to endure the scorching sun.
The Duke of Zhou, who was the first to receive the Nine Bestowments, did not usurp the throne, but he could not withstand the fact that powerful ministers such as Wang Mang eventually seized power.

Just like Liu Xiu, after making the oath at the Luo River, he never let down the noble families who supported him throughout his life, but he couldn't withstand Sima Xuanwang's shady dealings.

Trust takes time to build, but it can crumble in just one moment.

Who would still believe that someone who was granted the Nine Bestowments didn't have thoughts of usurping the throne?

Who would still believe a vow made by someone pointing to the Luo River?

Since ancient times, the struggle for the throne has been a life-or-death struggle, with no room for compromise.

"No, I have to go and persuade the Prime Minister."

"General, you mustn't..."

Upon hearing this, Erzhu Shilong immediately retorted, "Why not?"

"General... this matter is of great importance. If you go to see the Prime Minister at this time, outsiders will think you are trying to persuade him to ascend the throne, which may damage your reputation..."

He urged him to take office.

Isn't that just urging Erzhu Rong to kill the emperor?

Erzhu Shilong suddenly realized that he might not take action himself, but as long as he went to Erzhu Rong, he would become the second 'Jia Chong'.

After his eyes darted around a few times, Erzhu Shilong had a sudden inspiration and called his trusted confidant to his side, whispering a few words of advice in his ear.

The next morning.

"General! General!!"

Erzhu Shilong was startled awake from his sleep. His face darkened as he demanded, "What is it that has you all in such a panic?"

The servant quickly presented a letter.

"General, we don't know who hung this letter on the gate of your residence."

Erzhu Shilong opened it up and was immediately horrified. "Quick! Prepare the carriage!"

After dressing, Erzhu Shilong hurriedly took a carriage to the outside of Erzhu Rong's Tianzhu General's Mansion, where he was quickly brought before Erzhu Rong.

"Prime Minister! Prime Minister!"

"what's up?"

"Prime Minister, look! Someone has hung this letter on my door. The contents of the letter are truly horrifying."

Erzhu Rong took the letter, glanced at it, and couldn't help but smile contemptuously before tearing it to shreds.

Then he looked up at Erzhu Shilong and said, "Shilong, someone as cowardly as you is indeed not suitable to lead an army alone. The affairs of the world are in my hands today. Who would dare to have any thoughts of harming me?"

Erzhu Shilong's face turned pale and then red. He really didn't expect Erzhu Rong to take this opportunity to humiliate him like this.

In the past, Erzhu Rong would have defended Hulao Pass despite the fact that he was facing the overwhelming Southern Liang army and was terrified by the name of General Chen Qingzhi. He praised him in public, saying that he knew he was no match for the enemy and that his decisive retreat to preserve his strength was a wise move and a great achievement.

But right now?

Erzhu Rong's eyes were gloomy. Could he not see through such a little trick?

Erzhu Shilong dared to have such petty thoughts in front of him. It seems that I have been too lenient with the Erzhu clan members in the past, and it is time to give them a good talking-to.

"Come with me to the palace to meet His Majesty!"

"Prime Minister, you mustn't!!"

Erzhu Shilong was shocked and quickly shook his head, but found Erzhu Rong glaring at him fiercely, so he dared not continue speaking.

"go!"

Erzhu Rong, holding Erzhu Shilong's hand, led his entourage to the palace.

There is no court assembly today.

Yuan Ziyou was handling government affairs in Xianyang Palace when he heard a guard report that Erzhu Rong had arrived, which surprised him greatly.

Stunned.

Erzhu Rong had already led Erzhu Shilong into Xianyang Palace.

Without waiting for the guards to announce their arrival or obtaining Yuan Ziyou's permission, they barged in!

How rude!

Yuan Ziyou's face showed anger, but he quickly regained his composure and asked with a kind expression, "I wonder if the Prime Minister has come to report on some state affairs?"

Erzhu Rong shook his head. "Your Majesty, I have come here not for official business, but to inquire about something."

"What's the matter?"

“This morning, Erzhu Shilong, the governor of Xiangzhou, came to see me and said that someone had hung an anonymous letter on the gate of his residence. The letter stated with certainty that His Majesty wanted to harm me.”

Upon hearing this, Yuan Ziyou remained outwardly calm, but inwardly he was in turmoil.

He didn't understand what Erzhu Rong meant by this.

I wasn't sure what to do for a moment.

Erzhu Rong then said, "After much thought, I believe there must be treacherous officials in the court who intend to sow discord between me and Your Majesty in this way!"

"In order to stop the rumors spread by petty people."

"Your Majesty, I have come here specifically to pay my respects and have dared to ask a question!"

"Could it be..."

Erzhu Rong said loudly, "Does Your Majesty truly intend to kill me?"

"If Your Majesty truly has such thoughts, you may speak frankly. Your Majesty is the ruler of all under Heaven, the Son of Heaven, representing Heaven in governing your subjects and all people. Since ancient times, it has been the case that if the ruler commands the subject to die, the subject must die. How dare I disobey Your Majesty's will?"

Yuan Ziyou quickly denied it, saying, "The Prime Minister is a pillar of the nation, a white jade pillar supporting the sky of our Great Wei, and a purple gold beam spanning the sea. How could I have such thoughts? It must be the island barbarians of the Southern Dynasty who want to disrupt the politics of our Great Wei and cause discord between us. I hope the Prime Minister will not easily believe the words of villains! I have absolutely no intention of harming the Prime Minister!"

Erzhu Rong then laughed loudly, "Haha! Your Majesty is indeed of one mind with me, how could I doubt Your Majesty?"

"Did you all hear that? His Majesty's words are law, and he has no intention of harming me. Go! Let everyone know, and stop those petty people who want to spread rumors from doing such useless things!"

"Our great Wei, with its ruler and ministers united as one, how could we be so easily alienated by the words of such petty men?"

Yuan Ziyou suddenly realized...

The words were on the tip of my tongue, but I just couldn't bring myself to say them.

Damn!

That damned Erzhu Rong, how dare he plot against me!
He was so angry he had reached his limit, but he still had to put on a smiling face.

Not wanting to see Erzhu Rong's smug look, Yuan Ziyou almost gritted his teeth and asked, "Does the Prime Minister have anything else to say?"

"I also have many official duties to attend to, so I will not disturb Your Majesty any longer."

"I also have official business to attend to, so I will not see you off."

(End of this chapter)