In the massive fire that engulfed half the Eastern Palace’s sky, three imperial decrees spread throughout the Forbidden City, reaching the Eastern Palace guards and imperial troops in battle. Zhang Jing stood on the high wall of Chonghua Gate and proclaimed, “Wei Shu has poisoned and murdered the monarch and his father, with conclusive evidence. He has been stripped of his title by the Empress and reduced to a commoner. The Fifth Prince is about to ascend the throne. Those who are sensible should lay down their weapons. Chief Supervisor Gu will only pursue the primary culprits, pardoning accomplices. But if you remain stubborn, you know Chief Supervisor Gu’s methods!”
The commanders of the Imperial Guard and Tiger Cavalry countered, “Don’t listen to them! The Crown Prince is the rightful heir. He has certainly been wrongly accused. Charge in and rescue the Crown Prince – this is a merit that will bring glory to your families!”
Before he finished, a small arrow struck the throat of the Imperial Guard commander. Gu Lianzhang appeared beside Zhang Jing and declared, “Have you understood? The new Emperor is about to ascend the throne. The criminal Wei Shu has been captured. I will only eliminate the mastermind. Soldiers coerced will be pardoned if they lay down their weapons!”
The leaders’ hearts were gripped with terror.
Who didn’t know that Gu Lianzhang’s martial arts were immeasurably deep? If he personally made a move, who could guarantee their safety? They dared not resist and melted into the crowd, calling for their soldiers to charge.
However, the soldiers hesitated. Their original goal was to rescue the Crown Prince and eliminate traitors. Since Wei Shu was now deemed a criminal who murdered the monarch, and with a new Emperor established without pursuit of their crimes, many threw down their weapons. The once fierce rebel army disintegrated.
Gu Lianzhang observed for a moment, noting the retreating rebel army, before turning to leave.
Halfway, he was stopped by an Eastern Factory commander who said, “Chief Supervisor, there’s a secret passage in the palace. Wei Shu and the Crown Prince’s wife have escaped!”
Gu Lianzhang’s heart skipped a beat. A secret passage he didn’t know about? What about Ruan Ning?
