What could happen in half a month?
Half a month was enough for the Crown Prince to take advantage of the fact that Emperor Wen Of Zhou was seriously ill,
To successfully rope in most of the generals led by Donggong Liu,
And deal with those who were not convinced.
Half a month was enough for Prince Jin to gather the manpower that he had nurtured and trained for many years.
Half a month was enough for Prince Qi and King Chu, who were not strong enough to contend against the two above, to join forces.
Half a month was enough for the imperial doctors to make a final diagnosis,
To announce that the current emperor was unable to reverse the situation and would return to normal within three days.
An inevitable sibling war was about to break out.
There was a palace gate in the north of the palace,
It was called the Xuanwu Gate.
However..,
This Xuanwu Gate was not the Xuanwu Gate.
Every year, all the cases that were sentenced to death would be handed over to the Ministry of Justice,
The Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Imperial Censorate would jointly investigate and confirm that there was nothing wrong with the case,
The execution would be carried out in the autumn and winter season at the market entrance in the north of the city.
In the early years..,
When Emperor Wen Of Zhou had just ascended to the throne..,
Dongchang searched everywhere for evidence and hunted down the henchmen of the other princes at that time,
There were many people sentenced to death,
As a result, the commoners living near the north of the city heard cries and indignant voices every night, regardless of whether they were men or women, making people panic.
After Wang Yi heard about this matter, he personally went to investigate. With a wave of his hand, he asked for instructions from Emperor Wen Of Zhou and ordered people to change the palace gate in the north of the palace to the Xuanwu Gate.
Speaking of which, it was also strange..,
After the name was changed, the commoners in the north of the city found that they could no longer hear those mournful cries at night.
The Azure Dragon of the East, the White Tiger of the West,
The Vermillion Bird of the South,
The Black Tortoise of the North together were the four symbols of Yin and Yang and the five elements.
The Black Tortoise,
The combination of the tortoise and snake,
As the Water God, lived in the North Sea, suppressed the north, and ruled over the wind and rain.
The underworld was also in the north, so it was the God of the North.
Wang Yi's move was to use the Black Tortoise of the north to suppress the yin energy in the north of the city. Although the name did not mean well, Emperor Wen Of Zhou was talented and bold. He was confident that with him suppressing it, his sons would definitely not cause any trouble, so he allowed Wang Yi's request.
At that time, he would never have thought that there would be such a situation where family members would fight against each other and kill each other.
"This prince is Prince Jin Li Tianhuang. I have something to discuss with you in the palace!
Hurry up and open the city gates!!
Prince Jin had a heroic look on his face.
However, the soldiers on the palace gate did not move, as if they did not hear him.
Jingtai's original plan was to send people to incite Prince Qi and King Chu to attack first. After the three of them were defeated and injured, Prince Jin would attack and wipe them all out.
However, to his surprise, Prince Qi and King Chu were unusually rational this time. They only gathered their subordinates and didn't make any moves.
Their silence made Prince Jin's party feel extremely uncomfortable.
Prince Jin and the Crown Prince had been fighting for many years, and both sides were like fire and water.
The Crown Prince was the natural heir. If Prince Qi and the others were smart enough to volunteer to guard the Imperial Mausoleum, he could forgive them.
However, if Prince Jin fell into his hands, he would definitely suffer a fate worse than death.
Since he could not become a fisherman, he would use absolute force to remonstrate!
The old fox Jingtai, who had always liked to hide behind the scenes and reap the benefits of others, finally showed his strength for once.
"Hahaha!
Imperial Father is seriously ill and cannot see anyone!
Eldest Brother, if you have any important matters, report to me! "
The Crown Prince suddenly appeared on the palace gate and said condescendingly.
Over the past few days, seeing that Emperor Wen Of Zhou was about to pass away, the Crown Prince had used his advantage as the heir apparent to successfully recruit part of the imperial guards guarding the palace gate.
Prince Jin's expression changed, and he gritted his teeth.
He did not expect that the Crown Prince had also recruited the imperial guards guarding the palace gate.
"Prince Jin, don't speak too much. Things might change if you delay!"
Jingtai approached him and said in a low voice.
If Emperor Wen Of Zhou died the next moment, the Crown Prince would immediately become the new emperor, and Prince Jin would become a rebel.
If he lost his righteousness, it would be difficult to convince others in the future.
Prince Jin swallowed a mouthful of saliva, and a ruthless look flashed across his eyes.
Isn't it just a rebellion?
Which prince doesn't want to be the emperor?
If he rebelled, lost, or was captured … at worst, he would just die!
If he died, he would die with his head facing the sky. If he didn't die, he would live for thousands of years.
"Soldiers, listen to my orders!
The Crown Prince used his position as the heir apparent to form cliques for personal gain, interfering in political affairs, and disrupting the order of the court!
Now, he even took advantage of the Emperor's illness to put him under house arrest.
Lord S killed his father!!
Usurping the throne!!!
Today, this prince will lead you to protect the Emperor!!!
Give Da Zhou a clear and bright world!!! "
Prince Jin drew his sword from his waist and roared.
"Protect the Emperor!!
Protect the Emperor!!
Protect the Emperor!! "
The soldiers behind him felt hot blood rush to their heads, and they excitedly waved their weapons in response.
Prince Jin viciously slashed down with his sword, and the veins on his face bulged as he roared, "Kill!"
"Kill!"
"Kill!!!"
"Kill!"
Just as the soldiers from both sides were raining arrows and clashing at close quarters, the Crown Prince led his trusted aides straight to Yangxin Palace Hall, where Emperor Wen Of Zhou resided.
Firstly, the son of a noble family didn't want to be in danger, and secondly, the Crown Prince was anxious.
He originally thought that as long as he guarded the palace gates well and waited for his father to pass away, he could immediately ascend to the throne. At that time, all the brothers who coveted his throne would have no choice but to bow their heads and submit to him.
However, now that his boss dared to lead troops to attack the city gates, it was hard to guarantee that his restless brothers wouldn't follow suit …
The Crown Prince's footsteps paused.
Since that was the case, then he could only … He didn't expect that in the end, he would have to do what his uncle said.
Father, you've doted on this son for so many years, so why don't you dote on this son one more time!
The Crown Prince silently told himself this in his heart, and his footsteps became even more firm.
"Father, take the medicine."
The King of Qin, who had entered the palace to take care of the Emperor since half a month ago and had never left, tested the temperature of the medicine with his lips, and then patiently fed it to Emperor Wen Of Zhou.
Princess Mingzhu, who was dressed in martial attire, stood by his side and personally wrung out the wet handkerchief.
Every time the King of Qin fed Emperor Wen Of Zhou a mouthful of medicine, she would skillfully wipe away the medicine from the side of Emperor Wen Of Zhou's lips.
Emperor Wen Of Zhou's face was ashen. He weakly lay on the bed, swallowing mouthful after mouthful of medicine with difficulty.
The wise and mighty Emperor of a generation was now on the verge of death, and couldn't even take care of himself. How tragic was this?!
The King of Qin's eyes reddened, and he couldn't help but turn his face away.
"… Gui Nu … Mo … ku …" Emperor Wen Of Zhou's voice was like a mosquito's, and he couldn't speak clearly.
Gui Nu was the King of Qin's nickname.
Ever since he became an adult, the King of Qin hadn't heard his father call him that for twenty years.
"This son didn't cry. It's just sand that got into my eyes."
The King of Qin quibbled. However, Yangxin Palace Hall's windows were closed according to the doctor's instructions, so his explanation was not convincing at all.
Zhou Wendi was so weak that he couldn't even laugh. He could only smile and move the corners of his lips slightly.
"Seventh Imperial Uncle, quickly use a handkerchief to wipe away the sand!"
Princess Mingzhu made a funny face. She took a clean handkerchief, wet it, wrung it dry, and teasingly handed it to the King of Qin.
"You lass!"
The King of Qin said embarrassedly, but he still took the handkerchief.
He seemed to be complaining, "Imperial Father, you should get better quickly, and then help Mingzhu choose a good Prince Consort!
Otherwise, this son is afraid that she won't be able to get married if she's so mischievous! "
"..."
"Nonsense …" Emperor Wen Of Zhou's eyes were half-closed. Even though it was strenuous, he still managed to defend his son with difficulty.
"Imperial Grandfather is still the best!
Seventh Imperial Uncle only knows how to bully Mingzhu! "
Mingzhu giggled as she leaned against Emperor Wen Of Zhou.
Li Tian, who was being blamed?
He rubbed his nose embarrassedly.
Dai Quan, who had been staying in the hall to serve, chuckled as he watched. Feng Zizhi, who was beside him, brought back a few servants with cold sour plum soup.
The atmosphere in Yangxin Palace Hall, which was filled with the smell of herbs, was unusually harmonious.
However, there were some people who found this scene to be very offensive.
"Old Seventh!
Imperial Father's body is not feeling well, yet you still dare to joke around in front of him. You're really becoming more and more unbecoming!
Filial piety has also been read into a dog's stomach by you! "
The Crown Prince's face was gloomy. A trace of jealousy flashed through his heart as he sternly reprimanded.
Emperor Wen Of Zhou didn't know, but the King of Qin knew that the Crown Prince had already taken control of the palace gates. He could decide everything in the palace with a single word and would never leak out any information.
"This subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."
The King of Qin calmly stood up and saluted, as if the Crown Prince hadn't said anything just now.
Although the Crown Prince still didn't give him a good look, he didn't bicker with him anymore. Right now, the most important thing was his throne.
"This subject greets Your Highness the Crown Prince."
Mingzhu's expression also became serious. She meticulously saluted in a way that even the most picky teaching nanny wouldn't be able to find fault with.
"Mm."
The Crown Prince was even more disgusted when he saw Mingzhu. He let out a heavy nasal sound and ignored Mingzhu's formal salute.
Naturally, his disgust wasn't towards Mingzhu himself. Instead, it came from Mingzhu's biological father, who had been at odds with him for more than forty years. Right now, he was attacking the palace gates to compete with him for the throne, Prince Jin Li Tianhuang.
"You … You … Cough, cough, cough …" Emperor Wen Of Zhou saw the Crown Prince and angrily called out twice. He couldn't catch his breath, and waves of heart-wrenching coughs sounded.
Dai Quan nervously helped Emperor Wen Of Zhou up and stroked his chest to help him breathe. He also took a white porcelain spittoon.
The Crown Prince's pupils contracted. He took half a step forward with his right foot, but then, as if saving something, he abruptly stopped. His hands under his long sleeves were already tightly clenched into fists.
It wasn't until Emperor Wen Of Zhou's face was flushed red and he struggled to cough out a mouthful of thick phlegm that he felt much more comfortable.
"Didn't I … already issue an imperial edict … ordering you to temporarily shut yourself in the Eastern Palace … reflect on your mistakes … without being summoned … you're not allowed to enter the palace?"
After that round of coughing, Emperor Wen Of Zhou's face finally had some color. He asked doubtfully.
Seeing that Emperor Wen Of Zhou had taken a turn for the better, the Crown Prince calmly took half a step back.
He said reasonably, "Replying to Imperial Father, this son heard from the imperial bodyguards that Prince Jin joined forces with Jing Wang, Baohe Hall's Grand Scholar Jingtai, and Deputy General Fu Yi to start a rebellion. Under the banner of purging the emperor's side, they led three thousand soldiers and horses to attack the northern palace gate. You want it?
Lord S killed his father and rebelled against the emperor!
This son had no choice but to come and report to Imperial Father! "
"..."
"Oh?"
Emperor Wen Of Zhou said nonchalantly. "Then … according to the Crown Prince's opinion, what should we do?"
"..."
The Crown Prince paused. "The reason Prince Jin dared to start a rebellion is because Imperial Father is old and seriously ill. His life is hanging by a thread.
If the current Emperor was still young and strong, he would definitely not dare to do such a disgraceful thing … "This was simply telling Emperor Wen of Zhou that his days were numbered, and that he should quickly abdicate while he still had a breath left, and let this Crown Prince ascend the throne and become Emperor!
"Bastard!!!
"
Emperor Wen Of Zhou was furious. He slapped the edge of the bed and shouted angrily, "I'm not dead yet. I'm alive and well!
What's the meaning of your words?
"
"Dai Quan!
Issue an imperial edict!
"
The Crown Prince chuckled. "Does Imperial Father want to depose me?"
Unfortunately, it's too late. "
With a wave of his sleeve, the four valiant generals behind him who were in charge of leading the Eastern Palace's troops stepped forward and surrounded Emperor Wen Of Zhou and the others.
"You!"
Emperor Wen Of Zhou stared at the Crown Prince in shock and anger. This was the son he had doted on for decades!
Seeing Emperor Wen Of Zhou's shock and anger and deep disappointment, the Crown Prince's smile froze. It was hard to tell whether he was happy or angry as he said, "Imperial Father, this son has already drafted the imperial edict for you.
Use the imperial seal! "
One of the generals opened a bright yellow imperial edict embroidered with auspicious clouds and auspicious cranes and placed it in front of Emperor Wen Of Zhou.
The handwriting on the "imperial edict" was exactly the same as Emperor Wen Of Zhou's. Even the small habits of Emperor Wen Of Zhou between the vertical and vertical lines were exactly the same.
If it wasn't for the fact that Zhou Wendi clearly knew that he had never written this abdication edict, he would have thought that Zhou Wendi had written it himself.
"Second Prince!
You are falsifying an imperial edict. It is a great crime to rebel!
"
A heroic voice suddenly came from outside the palace.
"This son greets Imperial Father!
"
"This subject greets Your Majesty!
"
Prince Jin, Prince Jing, and several people from Jingtai walked into Yangxin Palace Hall.
Following behind them were Prince Qi and his trusted aides, as well as Prince Chu, Prince Ning, Prince Kang, and the Marquis Of Changxing.
"How did you get here so quickly!?"
The Crown Prince blurted out in shock when he saw Prince Jin.
From the time he left Xuanwu Gate to Yangxin Palace Hall, it had only been the time for an incense stick to burn. The Imperial Army of Xuanwu Gate should be able to hold on for that long!
In reality, as early as half a month ago, when the imperial physicians had spread the news that Emperor Wen Of Zhou did not have long to live, Jingtai had already sent many elites to disguise themselves and sneak into Consort Hui's palace in batches during the palace's monthly purchase.
Just as Prince Jin was leading his men to attack Xuanwu Gate, those elites came out from behind. With cooperation from both inside and outside, Prince Jin and his men successfully entered the palace.
Prince Qi, Prince Chu, and the others, who had formed an alliance long ago, suddenly led their troops and appeared.
Although their combined forces could not compare to Prince Jin, Prince Jin's soldiers had just fought a huge battle and had suffered many casualties.
Moreover, Prince Jin also didn't want to fight with them until both sides suffered losses, causing the Crown Prince to take advantage of the situation. Under Jing Tai's persuasion, the three sides agreed on three rules. Each side would bring 100 elites into the palace.
"Second Prince, you want to stop me with those useless soldiers of yours?
You underestimate me too much! "
Prince Jin smiled smugly.
"Second Brother!
Imperial Father is seriously ill, and you dare to bring people to force Imperial Father to abdicate!
You stole the divine artifact!
How are such actions different from animals!? "
Prince Qi reprimanded bitterly and did not even address him as Crown Prince.
"Second Brother … sigh …" King Chu sighed pretentiously.
The Crown Prince shouted in exasperation, "How dare you disrespect me!?
"
The situation was very clear. Prince Jin, Prince Qi, and King Chu had formed an alliance to fight against him.
There was no other way. The Crown Prince was the heir apparent. As long as he was not deposed, he would be the rightful successor.
He had to be kicked out first so that the remaining people could fight for the throne with peace of mind.
The Crown Prince was a little flustered. He had come in a hurry and was afraid that the men he had left outside the palace had already been killed by Prince Jin and his men.
He still had four brave generals in the palace, but Prince Jin and his men were enough to kill them easily.
As he reprimanded Prince Jin and his men, he secretly wanted to retreat to the side of his trusted subordinates to plan for the future.
Unfortunately, Prince Jin saw through his thoughts.
Prince Jin grinned. Wearing his black armor, he strode towards the Crown Prince.
"Second Brother, Big Brother has something to ask you to help Big Brother."
His tone was unusually gentle, and his eyes hinted at King Qi, King Chu, and the others.
The Crown Prince followed his gaze and understood.
He was afraid that Big Boss couldn't suppress Old Fourth and Old Ninth, so he wanted to drag him along to kill Old Fourth and Old Ninth!
With this thought, he felt slightly more at ease and slowed down his retreating steps.
"Yes!
"
The Crown Prince's eyes widened as he stared at Prince Jin with hatred, pain, and confusion.
"My good younger brother, please help Big Brother. Go to hell …" Prince Jin happily pulled out the sword that had pierced through the Crown Prince's chest.
The Crown Prince staggered and fell to the ground.
"Your Highness!!!"
The Crown Prince's trusted subordinates shouted in shock as they pulled out their weapons and charged towards Prince Jin, vowing to avenge their Crown Prince.
Jingtai frowned inwardly as he signaled the soldiers beside him to fire their crossbows and turn the four Crown Prince's trusted subordinates into porcupines.
Prince Jin had acted too quickly just now, and he had not been able to stop him in time.
In Jingtai's opinion, the Crown Prince's "dethronement" was already a foregone conclusion. Why would Prince Jin do it himself?
If the "Emperor" killed his younger brother, it would be a source of gossip and would only increase resistance.
"Hahaha!
Big Brother did well! "
The brainless Prince Jing clapped his hands and laughed.
Emperor Wen Of Zhou, who was half-lying on Dai Quan's body, couldn't help but tremble slightly.
The Crown Prince fell to the cold ground and spat out large mouthfuls of blood.
As his body gradually turned cold, he knew that he would not be able to escape.
At this moment, the Crown Prince thought of many things.
He thought of the first time he had been worshipped by the court officials. He thought of how he had monopolized the power when he was regent. He thought of how they had stuck together like glue. However, he just couldn't remember when his thoughts had started to change.
When he was young, he had clearly adored his father so much, learning from his father's every word and action.
The relationship between father and son was like that of ordinary people. The father was compassionate and the son was filial.
Scenes of his childhood interactions with Emperor Wen Of Zhou flashed before his eyes.
He was wrong.
He looked up at Emperor Wen Of Zhou with regret, his mouth silently moving.
Then, the eyes that had once been lost in power slowly dimmed.
Emperor Wen Of Zhou's entire body trembled as tears streamed down his face.
"Now that the Crown Prince is dead, I wonder if Prince Jin, Prince Qi, and King Chu have decided on a candidate for the next Crown Prince?"
His tone was somewhat casual, but it was enough to make people listen attentively.