mesbooks Chapter 144 Entering Beijing
Chapter 144 Entering Beijing
Chu Lan opened his arms, letting the morning breeze fill his sleeves.
She recalled the year she came of age when Prince Kang took her to climb a mountain. At the summit, he pointed to the sea of clouds and said, "Ning'er, look, all things in the world are but a drop in the ocean."
At that moment, she seemed to hear the Xia Emperor's whisper: "I have forged the empire into the sharpest sword, and now I hand it over to you."
Suddenly, the rising sun pierced through the clouds, igniting two clusters of fire in the eyes of the golden dragon embroidered on her dragon robe.
Chu Lan slowly stepped back and picked up the crown tassels that had rolled to the ground.
The twelve jade tassels collided with each other, producing a clear and melodious sound, like the bronze wind chimes that would ring every spring from the eaves of the Prince Kang's mansion.
She stood up, straightened her clothes, and then went outside...
Inside the imperial study, Chu Lan rubbed his forehead, his gaze fixed on the secret letter that had just been written on the desk.
In the letter, she explained the current situation and her concerns in detail, hoping that Liu Shan could come as soon as possible to help her.
She took a deep breath, slowly rolled up the secret letter, stuffed it into the exquisite jade tube, and then sealed the jade tube with beeswax.
"Someone come here!" she called out, her voice hoarse yet carrying an undeniable authority.
The palace maid hurried into the bedchamber, knelt on the ground, and bowed her head to receive orders.
Chu Lan handed the jade tube to a palace maid: "Send someone to Cangzhou immediately and make sure to deliver it to Liu Shan personally."
The palace maid took the jade tube, carefully put it into her bosom, and withdrew, accepting the order.
Chu Lan gazed at the gradually brightening sky outside the window, a resolute glint in her eyes.
Although the letter left to her by the Xia Emperor mentioned that the Longxiang Army, Zhentian Army, and Shenwu Army stationed outside the city were absolutely loyal, she still had doubts in her heart.
She knew all too well that morale in the military was fickle, especially during periods of power transition.
Especially the Imperial Guards within the city, an army filled with scions of aristocratic families, whose loyalty is hard to guarantee, and whose officers are easily influenced by their families.
Chu Lan frowned, the gloomy face of the Imperial Guard Commander flashing through his mind.
She understood that to secure her throne, she had to first gain control of the army.
Furthermore, when she was commanding the battle in Cangzhou, she clashed with the Shenwu Army and killed many of its soldiers. How could such a blood feud be resolved by a single edict from the Xia Emperor?
Chu Lan tapped her fingers lightly on the table, pondering a solution in her mind.
"Liu Shan..." she murmured softly, her eyes catching the image of the man in the blue robe who always wore a calm smile.
He was the person Chu Lan trusted most in Cangzhou, and the only one who could put her at ease.
Liu Shan's wisdom and loyalty are her greatest assets at this moment.
She hoped that Liu Shan could take command of an army so that her safety could be guaranteed.
She believes that as long as Liu Shan is by her side, she can face any challenge with peace of mind.
……
Three days later, Liu Shan received a secret letter.
He unfolded the letter, his eyes scanning the lines, his brow furrowing slightly.
In the letter, Chu Lan earnestly requested that he come to the capital immediately to help her stabilize the court.
Liu Shan pondered for a moment, weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
He knew that Chu Lan's request concerned not only her safety, but also the future of the entire dynasty.
He took a deep breath and decided to set off immediately, gathering his trusted confidants and traveling day and night to the capital.
"Lieutenant Liu, has something happened in the capital?" Yin Nantian asked, seeing his solemn expression.
Liu Shan handed him the letter and said in a deep voice, "Her Majesty summoned me to the capital, which suggests that the situation in the court is more complicated than she anticipated."
After reading the letter, Yin Nantian frowned and pondered for a moment before saying, "The situation in the capital is indeed worrying, and the movements of the Imperial Guards are particularly crucial. Captain Liu, you must be careful on your journey."
Liu Shan nodded, a resolute glint in his eyes: "I understand, I will act cautiously. I entrust Cangzhou to you all."
Yin Nantian and others solemnly promised, "Lieutenant Liu, rest assured, Cangzhou will be as solid as a rock."
Liu Shan clasped his hands in thanks, then turned and left.
A few days later, Liu Shan quietly entered Beijing without alerting anyone.
Led by palace servants, he passed through many palace gates and arrived at Chu Lan's bedroom.
"Liu Shan, you've arrived." Chu Lan was deep in thought at her desk when she saw him enter. She smiled slightly, a hint of joy flashing in her eyes, which then dimmed.
She dismissed those around her and gestured for Liu Shan to sit down.
"Your Majesty summoned me to the capital, is it for the matter of military power?" Liu Shan asked directly, his gaze calm.
Chu Lan nodded, his tone heavy: "Indeed. The reason I summoned you to the capital this time is to discuss the matter of military power."
Liu Shan smiled slightly and said, "Your Majesty, please speak. Liu Shan will do his utmost."
Chu Lan's eyes were full of exhaustion: "In the letter that Emperor Xia left me, he said that the Dragon Soaring Army, the Heavenly Thunder Army, and the Divine Martial Army were absolutely loyal, but I still have doubts. Especially the Imperial Guards, most of the officers in this army are from aristocratic families, and their loyalty is hard to guarantee."
Liu Shan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty can first stabilize the Longxiang and Zhentian armies, and then gradually replace the key generals in the Imperial Guard to ensure their loyalty. As for the Shenwu Army, it needs to be observed secretly to prevent any changes."
Upon hearing this, Chu Lan's eyes flashed with approval: "This plan is excellent. We will proceed as you say. The matter of the Imperial Guards still requires your personal supervision."
Liu Shan accepted the order, his expression solemn: "Your Majesty's concerns are very valid. The Imperial Guards are indeed a hidden danger. However, to command an army, one must have a legitimate reason. Does Your Majesty have a solution?"
Chu Lan pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "I have already drafted the decree, appointing you as the commander of the Imperial Guards. It is perfectly legitimate."
Liu Shan shook his head and advised, "Your Majesty, this move is too hasty and may incur public wrath. It would be better to appoint him as deputy commander first, keep a close watch on things, and then promote him when the time is right."
Chu Lan nodded silently, deeply agreeing: "You've considered things thoroughly, so we'll do as you say."
Liu Shan clasped his hands in acceptance of the order: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your trust."
The two reminisced about the past, and Chu Lan's mood gradually calmed down.
She looked at Liu Shan with eyes full of trust: "With you here, I feel at ease."
At the same time, a somber atmosphere pervaded the Fang residence.
Fang Mingzhe stood before the desk in his study, his face grim, a secret letter clutched tightly in his hand. He said in a deep voice, "Liu Shan's entry into the capital must be for some purpose. We must take precautions as soon as possible."
Fang Hao knelt before the desk, his forehead pressed against the ground, cold sweat trickling down his temples.
Fang Mingzhe sat back in his armchair, expressionless, but his eyes revealed a hint of coldness and anger.
Fang Hao dared not look up, yet he felt the pressure from above, his heart filled with fear and unease.
"Useless!" Fang Mingzhe slammed his hand on the table, shattering the teacup. "You can't even handle a small task, what use are you to me!"
Fang Hao trembled with fear and begged in a low voice, "Father, please calm down. This was indeed my oversight, but I will definitely make amends. Please give me another chance."
"Negligence?" Fang Mingzhe sneered. "Do you know how much trouble Qu Dacheng and Jiang Xiaoyong would cause us if they were alive?"
Fang Hao knelt on the ground, his voice trembling: "Father, please calm your anger..."