The capital fell into chaos.
In just one day, the scene of devastation had left a deep and shameful scar on the country that would never be forgotten.
On this day, the empire had lost its sovereign, and the Empress Houtu had lost her Imperial Army. What was truly unacceptable was the truth beneath the smoke and ruins. The awakened officials of the court had to accept an even more unacceptable truth. The so-called Imperial Army had been a trap set up by the Sky Demon several hundred years ago. The revived Sky Demon had almost taken over the bodies of the empire's elite and usurped the country.
The officials could only remember the heated debate in the golden palace. In the blink of an eye, the world had been overturned, the Imperial City had been reduced to rubble, and the living Emperor had been reduced to a gruesome corpse.
Weeping could be heard all over the capital.
This generation had experienced the most difficult moment of the Tianyuan War and had personally witnessed victory. They had weathered all sorts of storms, but at this moment, even the most shrewd of officials paled in shock.
Because the Empress Houtu had lost her Imperial Army.
All the Imperial Army had been turned to dust, and the transcendent martial artists of the Imperial Army had become mortals once more. The source of their strength no longer existed, and all the people who had relied on the might of the Imperial Army for so long were plunged into an enormous void and confusion … They had long ago gotten used to the Imperial Army, and now, they were like modern people who had lost their cell phones forever.
Unrest broke out in the capital. Many martial artists found it impossible to accept this reality. They drowned their sorrows in alcohol or gathered together to cause trouble. Rumors and disputes arose, and those 'losers' were even more unwilling to be left out. The martial artists of the Imperial Army had always been arrogant and lofty, but now that the Imperial Army had been destroyed, they had become mortals once more. That overwhelming difference in strength no longer existed.
Grudges must be repaid with grudges.
The old order had collapsed and shattered.
And the capital was only a microcosm of the empire. The various grudges and grudges that had taken place in the capital would also be played out across the Central Plains. This was because the Imperial Army was a strategic weapon that had struck fear into the hearts of all countries. When it was being forged, the price had been secretly set.
Now, it was time for repayment.
For this country, the consequences of losing a strategic weapon like the Emperor's Armament were far more far-reaching than anyone could imagine … Very abruptly, a new era had arrived.
Two days had passed since that shocking change.
In the dilapidated golden palace, the officials gathered again. Most of them had recovered from the emptiness and discomfort of losing the Imperial Army. They had also accepted the shocking facts one after another. Everyone had a worried look on their faces, but many of their eyes were shining brightly.
Humans were the most adaptable creatures on this planet. They could always break free from a huge blow and instinctively run towards benefits, starting to scheme against each other.
The Court assembly was reconvened. Although the Emperor's body was not yet cold, there were still many important matters in the country that needed to be resolved.
For example … the ownership of the throne.
A country cannot go a day without a ruler.
"The Emperor has passed away, and the Crown Prince is dead. The current plan is to pacify the people of the world and quickly choose a wise and generous prince from the royal family to inherit the throne and stabilize the country!"
As soon as this was said, someone said gloomily, "The Emperor has lost his virtue, causing the country to fall to this state. Jiancheng is the Crown Prince, but he has followed the Emperor's lead and does not have the qualifications to be the Crown Prince. Lord Cai is in a hurry to choose a new ruler from the Crown Prince. What virtue do they have to sit on the throne?
Are they not afraid of being ridiculed by the world? "
The one who spoke just now was the Minister of Remonstrance, Cai Yun. Hearing this, he said angrily, "Who spoke!
Please speak out! "
Android stood out proudly. "It is I, Lord Cai. What is your opinion?"
Cai Yun sneered. "I was wondering who it was. So it is you, Lord An. What, Lord An does not agree to choose a new ruler? Do you want the Li family to abdicate and abdicate to your master?"
Android looked up to the sky and laughed wildly, his voice shaking the golden hall. "The country has fallen, and the Emperor is the mastermind. The one who turned the tide and saved the country is General Shentse. He saved the country from this collapse, and his contributions are thousands of years old. Who in the world can compare to him?
Even if he is the Emperor, why not? "
As soon as this was said, the hearts of all the officials shook.
It's here!
Their minds were like wheels, they held their breath and quietly thought — as expected, An Zhuo was already waving the flag and shouting, it must be Sun Lang who instigated him. This person's intention was to unify the country, most likely he wanted to be the Emperor.
Of course, this cannot be.
It has nothing to do with ability or merit.
Even if he has saved the Empire, even if he has saved everyone, he cannot be the Emperor.
It is precisely because Sun Lang is too outstanding. His civil and military skills are top-notch, his reputation is unparalleled, and he has the old subordinates of Tianyuan as his claws and fangs. He is famous throughout the six armies, and he has made great contributions to the country. His popularity has reached the peak. If he becomes the Emperor, there is no reason for the court to object. He has wings and is overflowing with talent. Once he ascends the throne, he will seize power and rewards, and embezzle the benefits of the officials.
Such a thing cannot be allowed to happen.
Compared to this, it is more appropriate to find a soft-tempered prince to ascend the throne.
After all, the previous Emperor made such a grave mistake, and the political credibility of the Imperial Family is completely ruined. Even if the new Emperor ascends the throne, his power will be wantonly suppressed by the court, and he will be a clay puppet from then on. The power and benefits given by the new Emperor would be enough for everyone to eat their fill.
Therefore, Sun Lang must not be allowed to become the Emperor.
He has a more suitable place to go.
The leaders of the Imperial Court exchanged glances with each other.
These two days of recuperation at home, no one has been idle.
Cai Yun and Android are the pawns of the court officials. Cai Yun said, "First, the Empire is in chaos, and stability is the priority. How can there be unexpected twists and turns in the face of a major event?
The abdication of the throne was too hasty, and will only make things worse. As for the second … "
He looked at Android and said slowly, "Whether it was General Shentse who saved the country, or whether it was the previous Emperor who colluded with the Sky Demon, we did not see it with our own eyes. There are still doubts. General An, don't be happy too early."
Android was startled at first, and then he laughed grimly.
He looked around at the courtiers present. Some looked at him calmly, some looked away, and many had uncertain expressions. These were the people that the marshal had saved.
"A group of ingrates."
He spat on the ground. "Bastards who deserve to be f * cked. Lying through your teeth, you don't even have a conscience. Although you didn't see it with your own eyes, don't you remember it at that time?
Didn't you see the testimony of the palace guards?
Didn't you hear the account of the people involved in Tensei Province? "
Cai Yun said slowly, "Forgive me for being blunt, but the testimony of Tensei Province is not completely trustworthy …"
There was a commotion. Sun Lang's political hooligans were ready to move, but at this moment, a clear voice came from outside the hall.
"Oh?
If there are any problems with the testimony of Tensei Province, why don't you tell me in person, Lord Cai? "
Everyone turned their heads and saw the door of the hall being pushed open forcefully. A figure carrying the sunlight strode in with large strides. His gait was majestic and imposing.
Everyone recognized this person and her face.
It was the General of Tensei.
Wei Zheng and the others immediately left their positions and knelt on the ground, but there was a trace of disappointment and sadness in their faces.
They said in unison, "Greetings, General of Tensei."
"Empress" walked towards Cai Yun step by step. The latter's forehead was already covered in sweat, and the oppressive aura made it difficult for him to breathe … It was as if she had never lost the Imperial Army.
"Lord Cai, please explain."
Empress's clear voice echoed in the hall, "What's wrong with the testimony of Tensei Province?"
Cai Yun didn't say anything.
"My father colluded with the Sky Demon for his own selfish desires and caused this disaster. This is a scandal of the royal family, and I should have tried my best to cover it up, but the Li family made a mistake, and the Li family has to take responsibility!"
She said sternly, "That's why I'm telling you everything frankly. It's to let you know the truth. It's to let the martyrs who died for the country get the honor and reputation they deserve. Otherwise, even if I make up a set of lies, how can you people who have been sleeping and listening to the opera tell the truth?"
Cai Yun couldn't help but look at his superior, who returned a sharp gaze.
"…"
He gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, after all, seeing is believing. Perhaps you were also deceived. Why did His Majesty suddenly attack Sun Lang that day in the Golden Palace? Shouldn't we find out the reason?"
Empress raised her eyebrows and sneered, "What's wrong? A conspiracy? Is there any inside story?"
"That's not necessarily true," Cai Yun said, "After all, it takes two hands to clap …"
As soon as he finished speaking, there was a loud explosion.
Cai Yun's body flew into the air. His face was strangely twisted and dripping with blood. He spun a few times in the air and fell to the ground. He struggled for a long time but couldn't get up.
Empress slowly retracted her hand and said indifferently, "Is it going to make a sound?"
The officials were surprised and silent at first. The air was strangely quiet, and then a commotion was brewing.
Before someone could make a move, Empress strode to the front of the steps and looked around at the officials in the hall, "I'm not here to argue with you, but to tell you two things!"
She shouted, "First, the throne of the emperor is temporarily vacant!
Times have changed, and we have to find a new path for the country!
The most urgent thing is to get through the difficult times, reorganize the court, and stabilize the world. The important matters of the country require the joint efforts of the court. The three provinces and six departments should perform their duties. The Martial Arts Hall should be in the center. Everything should be as before!
As for the power of the emperor to make decisions, I, General of Shentse, Sun Lang, and Zhuge Wuhou will discuss and preside over it! "
"Who agrees!
Who opposes! "
General of Tensei's phoenix eyes were fierce. People who were swept by her eyes all bowed their heads and felt awe-inspiring.
She was the only child of the Li family who could stand here with her head held high.
This was because the testimonies of the Palace Guards and many common people could prove this point. When the Imperial Capital was in a state of chaos, only the General of Heavenly Strategies and his father had turned against each other. Many people had seen the flag flying in the Imperial Capital, and no one could deny this point.
Wei Zheng and others said without hesitation, "We agree!"
Zhao Yunlong said, "Shinto Province also agrees!"
Bao Xiren, the governor of the capital, said loudly, "I also agree!"
More and more people chose to stand in line.
But more people were still watching.
Because the conspiracy was not over yet.
"I object —"
Minister of the Ministry of War stepped out slowly.
Empress's eyes were sharp, "Mr. Guo."
Minister Guo said calmly, "General of Tensei's words are very good. But the choice of the three-person council needs to be discussed. I think that General of Shentse's meritorious deeds should lead the position of the world's army marshal and the military power of the world. In order to avoid suspicion, it's better to choose someone else to make decisions."
Empress raised her eyebrows and said, "Is there going to be a war at the border?"
Minister Guo's expression changed, and then he said calmly, "To tell you the truth, the Ministry of War is in a hurry. Li Huo and Rui Jin have sent all their troops to our border. They are going to the south and go straight to the capital. Our Houtu has suffered such a disaster and lost the Imperial Army. Our national strength has been greatly damaged. It is really difficult for the generals guarding the border to resist the two countries. We need a peerless genius and a pillar to lead the army to the north to fight with them. Only then can we frighten the rascals and restore the courage of Houtu."
He said slowly, "I am old. This important task can only be done by General of Shentse. If the Commander Of War doesn't come out, what can we do?"
The fangs were finally revealed.
There was a lot of discussion in the court.
"That's reasonable."
"Only General of Shentse can't do it."
"After all, it's our dynasty that supports the sea."
"Capable people do more work …"
A silent but fierce storm was gathering.
This was the most despicable trap.
Almost all the tactics and military concepts of the Empire revolved around the Imperial Army. At this time, the Imperial Army had been destroyed, and the strength of the six armies had been greatly reduced. Many of the armies didn't even know how to fight. Under such circumstances, if they hastily led the army to fight against Li Huo and Rui Jin, even if the General of War came back, they would still be defeated.
However, a single defeat could completely wipe away all the glory, glory, and achievements that one had earned.
If Sun Lang didn't want to, they could only bow their heads and admit defeat according to the rules.
The corners of the Empress Concubine's mouth held a hint of a smile.
Minister Guo said, "If I may ask, Your Highness Empress, where is General of Shentse now?
We are willing to visit him and ask him to come out and help the country … "
Empress said indifferently, "Don't bother. I just want to let you know that two days ago, Sun Lang has already left for the north to fight against the army of Li Huo and Rui Jin."
Sir Guo was taken aback. "What?
How many soldiers did he bring? "
Empress was silent for a moment.
Her eyes became distant, and then, a smile bloomed on her face. Her face was filled with worry, trust, and pride … She trusted that man more than anyone else.
Master, I will work hard.
Sister … please don't worry, I will inherit your efforts.
I will continue to act as you, govern the country, coordinate the troops, and protect the country. Until the situation is settled, I will return to myself and do what I want to do.
Before that, I am willing to be you.
Please watch over us from the sky …
Facing all the civil and military officials, Ping Yang's voice was soft but firm.
"He went alone. Speed is the most important thing in war, so he left in a hurry. He wants to stop the two armies outside Houtu's borders. This is what he wants to do."
Looking at Minister Guo who was in a daze, her tone was still relaxed. "But I have heard your suggestion about the General of the Army."
"I agree."