Subtle sobs from Bishui Pavilion reached outside the courtyard.
The imperial guards standing at the gate looked at each other. The captain in charge of guarding Bishui Pavilion said to Du Heng, “General, we are enough here. As long as we are here, Consort Zhen can’t escape.”
“Hmm, there must be no mistakes. You all heard clearly how His Royal Highness the Crown Prince instructed you,” Du Heng said coolly, his gaze sweeping over Zhao Yujie. Zhao Yujie was the deputy commander of the inner palace imperial guards.
Having given these instructions, Du Heng turned and headed out of the palace. It was already getting late, and it was Zhao Yujie’s turn to stand guard tonight, so he could go back to rest.
Watching Zhao Yujie’s figure disappear at the end of the pebble path, Zhao Yujie, who had been respectfully expressions, suddenly revealed a cold smile.
At this moment, one of the soldiers said, “Captain, why doesn’t His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hand over the command of these inner palace imperial guards to you? This Du Heng is a close confidant of the Emperor, which is worrying.”
Zhao Yujie said coldly, “It is precisely because of this that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sent us to guard Bishui Pavilion. It shows that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also does not trust him. However, only he can mobilize these inner palace imperial guards. If we were to move against him now, it would inevitably lead to a massacre. Moreover, this Du Heng, like Yang Zhen, actively pledged allegiance to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince also has doubts.”
“Hehe, I used to think this Du Heng was a loyal minister, but I didn’t expect him to be nothing more than a fence-sitter,” another soldier mocked.
“Loyal minister? How many loyal ministers are there left in this Great Yu Empire? Being able to protect one’s status and wealth is what truly matters,” Zhao Yujie said lightly. Initially, according to the plan, they were supposed to kill Du Heng and take control of the inner palace.
However, they never expected Du Heng to pledge allegiance to the Crown Prince first, and because of this, they smoothly gained control of the inner palace.
‘It’s a pity I was a step too late.’ Zhao Yujie felt a little annoyed. He was just one step away from becoming the commander of the inner palace imperial guards, and now he still had to be subservient to others.
However, he believed he wouldn’t have to wait too long. Once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, Du Heng would surely die, so he should make himself known to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince now.
Thinking of this, he looked into Bishui Pavilion and said sternly, “Keep your eyes wide open and watch carefully. Not even a fly can get in, otherwise, watch your heads.”
“Yes,” the imperial guards at the gate said in unison.
Outside the palace gate, Du Heng mounted his horse and headed home.
At this time, Chang’an city was still prosperous and as peaceful as usual, showing no signs of abnormality, and the common people were completely unaware.
But what they didn’t know was that great changes had already taken place within the imperial palace.
Turning from Zhuque Avenue to Fang Street, then entering the civilian quarters, Du Heng instinctively felt a hint of danger when passing a crossroads in the quarter.
Just as he reined in his horse, preparing to escape, sixteen people suddenly appeared in front of and behind him.
He vigilantly looked at these sixteen faces, five of whom were actually Chang’an common people who had always lived in this residential area.
“Who are you!” Du Heng drew his sword and said angrily.
As soon as he finished speaking, a voice sounded, “General Du, our Prince has treated you well, so why did you pledge allegiance to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince? This is truly disheartening.”
Du Heng looked towards the source of the voice. At this moment, the young man stepped aside, and a person walked out, stroking his chin.
“Li San!” Du Heng was greatly surprised to see the newcomer.
“It is me.” Li San’s smile was somewhat eerie. “General Du, let’s talk. You should understand what they are holding. Your martial arts, however high, are useless.”
Du Heng’s eyes swept over the hands of Li San and the others. These were all short, stick-like weapons, and he immediately understood what they were.
“Firearms.” Du Heng knew he couldn’t resist at all. He had seen the power of these firearms; armor simply couldn’t stop them.
Li San gestured, and a secret guard member immediately blindfolded Du Heng with a cloth.
Then Du Heng only felt himself getting into a carriage and traveling a long distance. When he could see again, he found himself in a woodshed, with Li San facing him.
“General Du, let’s get straight to the point. How are His Majesty and Consort Zhen now?” Li San asked coldly. To rescue Consort Zhen, he had to use every means necessary.
Du Heng looked steadily at Li San. He did not answer Li San’s question but said, “I didn’t expect Yang Zhen’s words to be true. This secret service indeed exists.”
“Yang Zhen.” Li San showed a hint of disdain. “Yang Zhen of Lijing Gate? Truly a traitorous dog who changes allegiances with the wind.”
“That’s wrong. Whether it’s a treacherous official or a loyal one, who isn’t trying to survive in these troubled times?” Du Heng’s voice was a little hoarse.
Li San said contemptuously, “So General Du and those who betray their country for glory in court are all the same. In that case, I can kill you with a clear conscience.”
With that, Li San raised his short-barreled firearm and aimed it at Du Heng.
“Kill me, and who will rescue Consort Zhen and the Emperor from the Imperial Palace?” Du Heng looked directly at Li San, seemingly having guessed Li San’s thoughts.
Li San suddenly chuckled upon hearing this, then he slowly put down his firearm. “General Du is indeed a clever man, but sometimes cleverness can lead to mistakes. Do you think I can’t rescue Consort Zhen without you?”
“If that’s the case, why did you come to me?” Du Heng still looked confident.
Li San said leisurely, “It’s for purging the corrupt officials and removing the wicked ministers!”
As soon as he finished speaking, Li San raised his firearm and aimed it at Du Heng’s forehead, “General Du, you should have expected this day.”
“Wait!” Just as Li San was about to pull the trigger, Du Heng suddenly spoke.
“What, does General Du have any last words? Or are you scared…” Li San said contemptuously.
Du Heng looked at Li San, seemingly having made a great decision. He said, “If the Emperor told me to feign allegiance to the Crown Prince, would you believe it?”
“The Emperor told you to feign allegiance to the Crown Prince?” Li San’s expression changed slightly.
Du Heng sighed softly. He had not intended to reveal this secret, but now Li San made it impossible for him to remain silent. Otherwise, if he died before achieving success, how could he face Emperor Xiaowenxuan?
“What’s going on?” Li San’s expression became confused.
Du Heng then slowly said, “After the Emperor’s first faint, he already suspected the East Palace and the Empress. When he woke up, he secretly summoned me to discuss this.”
The Emperor knew well that if the Crown Prince dared to act like this, he must be fully prepared, and there must be people planted by the Crown Prince within the inner palace guards.
In order to control this palace, the Crown Prince would definitely kill me. Rather than that, it’s better to feign allegiance to the Crown Prince, perhaps I can save my life and act when the opportunity arises.”
After a pause, Du Heng continued, “Moreover, a father knows his son best. In the Emperor’s view, the Crown Prince is incompetent, conceited, and arrogant.”
After I pledged allegiance, the Crown Prince was indeed extremely happy and did not make things difficult for me. However, what the Emperor truly worried about was not the Crown Prince, but Prince Zhao.
Now, all the schemes and intrigues within the palace bear Prince Zhao’s shadow. Once Prince Zhao enters the capital, with his cunning and foresight, it will be impossible to reverse the situation.
Although I really want to see Chancellor Fei and General Luo, Yang Zhen has pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince, and his spies are everywhere in Chang’an. I am also a key person under his surveillance, so I simply cannot transmit the news.”