mesbooks Chapter 133 Emperor Xia
Chapter 133 Emperor Xia
After saying this, Chen An turned around and led the refugees away, disappearing into the twilight.
Chu Jingru watched Chen An's departing figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
He never imagined that criminals being hunted by the government could be so loyal and righteous.
Chen An's refusal made him realize that some people have their own world in their hearts and are not swayed by power.
Seeing this, Xu Bo said in a low voice, "Your Highness, we should leave this place first and get to the capital as soon as possible. These assassins must have powerful figures backing them, so we must not be careless."
Chu Jingru nodded. Although he had many questions in his mind, his life was at stake at this moment, so he could only put those thoughts aside for now.
He and Uncle Xu set off again, proceeding cautiously all the way, and finally arrived in the capital region at dawn.
However, the situation in the capital had already changed dramatically, and an even greater storm was quietly brewing.
At the same time, Jiang Xiaoyong, commander of the Cangzhou garrison, suddenly disappeared, and Li Polu was appointed as the new commander of the garrison in a time of crisis.
He was well aware of the seriousness of the matter and immediately began an investigation.
“Jiang Xiaoyong’s disappearance is very likely related to Qu Dacheng.” Li Polu instructed his subordinates, “Immediately search Jiang Xiaoyong’s residence for possible clues.”
His voice was steady, but his eyes revealed a coldness.
The garrison soldiers obeyed the order and left, while Li Polu personally led his soldiers to Qu Dacheng's residence to investigate again.
However, Qu Dacheng's mansion was deserted, leaving only some insignificant items.
Li Polu frowned, thinking to himself, "It seems that Qu Dacheng has already made preparations for the evacuation."
However, he did not believe that all of Qu Dacheng's accomplices had made preparations in advance; there must have been some who were unable to evacuate or were unable to evacuate.
"Order to strengthen the city's defenses to prevent the rebels from escaping Cangzhou," Li Polu coldly commanded.
His voice carried an unquestionable authority, and the soldiers immediately carried out the order.
Meanwhile, Princess Changning discovered more rebels in Cangzhou, including some from influential families in the city.
She decisively gave the order, and Li Polu led his troops to quickly quell the rebellion.
In a hidden warehouse, they discovered a large quantity of prohibited weapons.
“These weapons are sufficient proof of the traitor’s crimes,” Princess Changning said coldly. “Immediately seal these weapons as evidence.”
Her voice was cold, but her eyes were filled with worry.
Li Polu nodded and immediately arranged for soldiers to transport the weapons back to the government office.
However, at this moment, Liu Shan discovered Qu Dacheng's remaining forces in the Kang King's personal guard camp.
"Qu Dacheng's remaining forces must be completely eliminated," Liu Shan said coldly. "Start a search immediately, and don't let a single one escape."
Under his leadership, the personal guard swiftly acted to eliminate these remaining forces, ensuring the loyalty of the entire battalion.
After the cleanup, Liu Shan personally went to the Kang Prince's residence to report the situation to Princess Changning.
“Princess, Qu Dacheng’s remaining forces have been eliminated.” Liu Shan’s voice revealed worry, “but the rebels’ influence seems to be greater than I expected.”
Princess Changning nodded, her expression grave, her voice cold: "Lieutenant Liu, this matter is of utmost importance. We must act swiftly to prevent the rebel forces from expanding further."
Just then, news suddenly came from the capital that the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review had falsely accused Prince Kang of plotting a rebellion and provided conclusive evidence.
"Oh no!" Princess Changning exclaimed, her face paling. "Judging by the time, Father should have already entered the capital."
After a moment of contemplation, Liu Shan said, "Princess, it's too late to send someone to the capital now. We must immediately contact reliable people in the capital and find a way to send a message to buy time for the Prince."
Princess Changning shook her head bitterly, "It's too late. We can only pray that my father will be blessed by the heavens."
Immediately afterward, a resolute glint flashed in her eyes: "Order Li Polu to act immediately, strengthen the defenses of Cangzhou, and guard against any rebellion taking advantage of the situation. At the same time... Commander Liu, prepare for war. If there is any change in the capital, we will have no choice but to take a risky gamble and send elite troops straight to the heart of the enemy to rescue my father!"
Upon hearing this, Liu Shan smiled bitterly. If it were really that easy to strike at the heart of the enemy, then it would be better to directly capture the capital and force the Xia emperor to abdicate.
……
In the capital, shortly after Prince Kang and Xu Bo entered the inn, they were surrounded by the Imperial Guards.
Looking out from his vantage point, Xu Bolin noticed that nearly a thousand imperial guards had arrived, but fortunately, no top-tier palace guards had appeared.
He was skilled in martial arts and confident that he could escape safely from a large army, but he was not sure if he could break through with Prince Kang.
"Uncle Xu, you go first!" King Kang commanded loudly, his voice resolute yet his eyes revealing helplessness. "I'll hold them off."
Upon hearing this, Xu Bo smiled bitterly. The only way for Prince Kang to hold off the Imperial Guards was to surrender...
However, under the repeated orders of Prince Kang, Xu Bo had no choice but to obey, kneeling on one knee and bowing: "Your Highness, take care!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Uncle Xu swayed and quickly broke through the encirclement.
Prince Kang was surrounded by the Imperial Guards and sent to the palace for house arrest.
Inside the palace, the Xia Emperor and the Kang King, brothers, faced each other in silence.
"Brother, I..."
King Kang wanted to explain, but Emperor Xia waved his hand to stop him, saying, "Second Prince, I don't want to hear it."
“Brother, this matter is not as you think.” Chu Jingru’s voice was urgent, but his eyes revealed helplessness. “I have evidence to prove my innocence.”
Emperor Xia responded coldly: "Evidence? What evidence do you have? The Minister of the Court of Judicial Review has already provided conclusive evidence proving that you intended to rebel."
His voice was cold, but his eyes revealed helplessness. He took a deep breath and continued, "But I know that you, Second Brother, have been wronged."
Upon hearing this, Chu Jingru was overjoyed and quickly said, "Brother, you know I've been wronged? Then why don't you quickly find out the truth and clear my name?!"
Although he did not bow, King Kang's voice was full of pleading.
Emperor Xia remained silent for a moment, then shook his head: "Second son, the truth is no longer important. You stay in the palace for now, and we'll talk about it after the matter is investigated."
His voice was cold, and his eyes were equally cold.
King Kang looked helpless, but he knew in his heart that this matter was beyond his control. He could only hope that Uncle Xu would send a message as soon as possible, and that his daughter and Liu Shan would find out the truth and rescue him.
Just as King Kang was deep in thought, Emperor Xia suddenly spoke up: "Chu Jingru!"
Upon hearing this, King Kang immediately broke out in a cold sweat. The Xia Emperor usually called him "Second Brother," but whenever the Xia Emperor called him by his full name, something drastic would happen.
When he looked up, he indeed found that the Xia Emperor's eyes were as cold as ice.
The Emperor's tone was cold and emotionless: "Chu Jingru, if I kill you, will you blame me?"
Chu Jingru's expression immediately changed, and he shouted in disbelief, "Chu Shengqi, I am your own brother, born of the same father and mother!"