The banquet was still going on, but the atmosphere in the palace became a little strange.
The emperor at the head obviously had no intention of socializing. He leaned on the soft couch with his eyes closed and fell asleep. He tapped the table in front of him rhythmically with his right hand. He didn't know what he was thinking.
The first group of feudal lords lowered their heads and were eating and drinking seriously, as if the world had nothing to do with me. All the important ministers in the court were sitting upright, with their brows furrowed, as if what was in front of them was not singing and dancing, but some important court event. The rest The ordinary ministers couldn't figure out what was going on, but they kept whispering in this unknown atmosphere.
As time went by, the banquet gradually came to an end. Seeing that the last song and dance was about to take place, many people turned their attention to the emperor above. However, to their disappointment, the emperor still had no intention of doing anything. The reaction seemed to be waiting for something.
At the same time, outside the Donghua Gate, the cold wind was blowing, and a huge Luan Jia was parked at the palace gate. However, this Luan Jia was different from ordinary Yi Jia. Logically speaking, it matched the Luan Jia. , there are a series of ceremonial guards, but this Luanjia does not have any other ceremonial guards except the main sedan.
On the contrary, around this Luan Jia, in addition to a dozen or so palace servants, there were dozens of people wearing eunuch attire, but they were obviously the Mongolian 'house servants', and on the outside were hundreds of forbidden soldiers. He was facing Luan Jia, obviously in a protective posture.
Looking forward, we can see that the palace gate is already covered with dense guards. Unlike the square, where there are several posts one after another, the Donghua Gate now stretches along the palace wall. There were thousands of people.
There was an obvious confrontation between these imperial troops and the imperial troops guarding Luan Jia. Far away from the palace gate, even though it was the New Year, such movements alarmed the officials on duty at various yamen. In a short period of time, they had already Several officials gathered in the distance.
At the forefront of the densely packed Forbidden Army, Shu Liang was wearing a python suit, standing in the wind and snow. Next to him was the commander of the Jin Yiwei Lu Zhong, who was wearing a flying fish suit and an embroidered spring knife hanging from his waist.
The two of them quietly raised their heads and looked at the frightened Supreme Emperor in the midst of Luan Jia. Then, Shu Liang rolled up his sleeves and bowed slightly, saying.
"I have seen the Supreme Emperor. I dare to ask the Supreme Emperor why he led troops into the palace secretly?"
Zhu Qizhen was wrapped in a thick cloak and sat on the carriage. He frowned and looked at Shu Liangpi's smiling face. He finally suppressed the fear that was rising in his heart and said coldly.
"I have something important to see the emperor. Shu Liang, you just opened your mouth and led troops into the palace. Are you trying to sow discord among my Tian family brothers?"
These words were very harsh, but given the comparison of the number of people on both sides at the moment, they seemed a bit harsh.
Seeing this situation, Shu Liang narrowed his eyes, but he didn't bother too much.
It has to be said that His Majesty the Supreme Emperor is still a bit of a city man now. He just took a rough look around Luan Jia and found that although they were all genuine Imperial Guards, the number of them had just exceeded a hundred.
This number of forbidden troops is just the number that can be mobilized temporarily without using the horse talisman. Under normal circumstances, when Luan Jia goes out to escort, it is almost this number.
Of course, this number does not include the dozens of Mongolian "inner servants". This at least shows that His Majesty the Supreme Emperor has not really lost his mind due to fright.
Sighing regretfully in his heart, Shu Liang didn't hold on to this point and bowed his hands.
"Today is the first day of the new year, and the emperor is holding a banquet for the royal family and ministers in Fengtian Hall. Since the emperor has retired to the South Palace, it may not be appropriate to go at this time. What's more, in such a windy and snowy weather, if something goes wrong with the emperor, the ministers may not be able to bear it. Come on, if there is anything important, you can tell the ministers, and the ministers will report it to the emperor."
There was nothing wrong with this, but it made Zhu Qizhen feel uncomfortable for no reason.
Especially when Shu Liang said so openly that the emperor was holding a banquet for all the ministers, and it was not suitable for him, the Supreme Emperor, to appear, it made him feel faintly angry.
Perhaps it was because this was outside Donghua Gate and people were coming and going. At that moment, Zhu Qizhen said with a cold face.
"You are so presumptuous. I want to see the emperor. How can a slave like you stop me? Get out of here!"
After the words fell, Shu Liang still had a smile on his face, but for some reason, when he looked carefully, he felt that the smile had changed a little from before, as if there was a hint of ruthlessness in it.
However, as the eunuch who supervises the East Factory, Eunuch Shu has naturally seen big scenes and can hold his own, so his attitude became more humble, he said.
"It is the crime of a minister to make the Supreme Emperor angry. However, at this time, it is really not a wise move for the Supreme Emperor to bring so many people outside the Donghua Gate. The minister kindly advises the Supreme Emperor to return to the palace, which may help calm the matter. otherwise……"
At this point, Shu Liang paused and did not continue speaking, but the threat in his eyes overflowed.
Such a look made Zhu Qizhen panic. Although he had the confidence that the emperor would not dare to do anything to him in a place like this, the Shu Liang in front of him was a crazy character...
For a moment, Zhu Qizhen felt that his actions today were a bit reckless. However, thinking of his purpose, he took a deep breath and forced himself to remain calm and said.
"How else?"
Shu Liang did not continue to threaten this time, but lowered his stance and said.
"The Supreme Emperor Mingjian, today is the first day of the year, whatever happens will be spread to the outer court tomorrow. The ministers are still saying the same thing. Since the Supreme Emperor lives in the South Palace, it is really inappropriate to appear outside the palace at this time, and bring so many people with him. If I'm afraid it will be bad if it causes some unnecessary rumors."
Outside Korea?
Zhu Qizhen sneered, but he couldn't help but feel relieved.
He is now the Supreme Emperor who is recuperating in Nangong. He still cares about foreign dynasties. It is also the emperor's business to take care of it.
However, Shu Liang's words showed that he still had scruples. Thinking about it, there were so many forbidden troops that could not be mobilized without the emperor's nod.
So now, although Shu Liang was clearly standing in front of him, in fact, it was him and the emperor who were playing a game.
With this thought, Zhu Qizhen felt a little more confident and said.
"No matter what you say today, since I'm here, I must see the emperor and get out of the way!"
"The Supreme Emperor..."
Shu Liang's expression froze, and there was a hint of danger in his eyes.
However, this time, Zhu Qizhen did not give in. Instead, he glanced at the officials who gradually began to gather in the distance and said.
"It's okay if you don't want to give in. I'll just wait here. It just so happens that I can let all the civil and military officials in the court see how the emperor treats me, the supreme emperor, on this important day..."
Sure enough, as soon as these words came out, Shu Liang's face froze slightly, and he did not reply immediately. Instead, he thought for a moment and said.
"Since the Supreme Emperor insists on this, then the minister will order someone to report it and ask the Supreme Emperor to wait a moment."
After that, Shu Liang dismissed the two chamberlains, passed through the imperial army behind him, and quickly disappeared behind the palace gate.
It was snowing all over the sky and bitingly cold. Zhu Qizhen just sat in his car. He was not in a hurry. He came here today just to make the matter bigger. Therefore, as long as Shu Liang did not dare to really attack him, he would not be able to get in. I have to go to the palace, but it’s nothing serious.
Just like what he just said, it was just for the officials to see how the emperor left him, the supreme emperor, in the ice and snow in this cold winter month.
Of course, Zhu Qizhen naturally ignored his actions of leading people out of Nangong and trying to forcefully enter Donghua Gate.
The wind and snow got heavier and heavier, and the person who sent the message quickly heard back. The two chamberlains hurried back to Shu Liang and whispered to the latter. Immediately, Shu Liang waved his hand and said, They stepped back, turned around again, and said with their trademark smiles on their faces.
"Your Majesty, the Emperor has said that it is a blessing for the whole court to have the Emperor in person on this important day. There is no reason to stop him. Don't worry, the Emperor. The ministers will order people to get out of the way and welcome the Emperor into the palace."
After the words fell, Shu Liang said a few words to the chamberlain beside him. The two of them went down to deliver the message. Sure enough, a moment later, the densely packed imperial army began to retreat, clearing the palace gate into a wide avenue.
Seeing that Shu Liang finally gave in, Zhu Qizhen felt very happy, smiled proudly, and gave instructions to Meng Jun beside him.
"Walk!"
As a result, Luan Jia was lifted up again, and Zhu Qizhen's team began to move forward.
However, as soon as he took two steps forward, Shu Liang stood in the way. Seeing this situation, Zhu Qizhen frowned and said in a sullen tone.
"Bold slave, do you want to resist?"
Shu Liang has seen the furious Supreme Emperor a long time ago, and he has even seen the even more furious look, so the harsh words and stern words on the other side now are obviously a small scene for Shu Liang. He is unmoved by all winds. Standing in front of Luan Jia, he cupped his hands and said.
"The Emperor's words are serious. No matter how courageous the ministers are, they dare not disobey the emperor's orders. Since the emperor allows you to enter the palace, the ministers will naturally not stop you, but..."
As he spoke, Shu Liang glanced at the imperial troops surrounding Luan Jia and continued.
"The Supreme Emperor can naturally enter the palace. However, the palace is such an important area that no one can enter at will. These forbidden troops brought by the Supreme Emperor are all on duty in the Nangong Palace. If you enter the palace, you must obtain His Majesty's special order. Oh, by the way, there are also These... chamberlains must also stay here temporarily and be inspected by the imperial army."
"Please rest assured, the Supreme Emperor. After you enter the palace, Commander Lu will lead the Imperial Guards to take over the defense of the Supreme Emperor. The minister has also dispatched twenty internal servants to accompany you. Please..."
After the words fell, Shu Liang turned sideways and bowed slightly, but the tone of his words clearly did not mean the slightest bit of discussion.
However, just these words made Zhu Qizhen fall into silence.
Shu Liang's intention was obviously to remove all the defenses around him. Except for a few palace attendants, no one else was going to let him in.
If it was just that, it would be fine, but Shu Liang's words seemed to be hinting at something, which made Zhu Qizhen feel uneasy.
Of course, he knew very well that if there was to be a fight, let alone the more than a hundred people around him, even if they increased ten times more, they would not be able to fight against the Forbidden Army.
However, that's not how things work out. With these people around, if Shu Liang wants to do something to him, then with the vigorous resistance of these people, not only can they delay time, but hundreds of people will be killed and injured, which will cause a huge commotion. Once the emperor decided to do this, his crime of killing his brother would never be covered up, and this possibility was slim. Otherwise, the emperor would not have endured it until now.
But once these people are no longer around him, and his defense falls into the hands of the other party, then there is no telling what will happen. Although the possibility is still very small, but what if...if the emperor really takes the risk , then he will explain it here.
For a moment, Zhu Qizhen looked at the palace gate guarded by the imperial guards in front of him, hesitating a little. However, now that the matter was over, if he was asked to go back in despair, Zhu Qizhen was unwilling to do so. He gritted his teeth and ordered. road.
"good!"
Now that he is here, he has to take risks no matter what. He still doesn't believe it. Even if the defense is lifted, on this official day, when all the ministers and clans are in the palace, the emperor can really What can't be done to him?
After saying that, Zhu Qizhen ordered the imperial guards and the Mongolian 'house servants' who were accompanying him to stay where they were. He only continued to move forward with a few personal palace attendants and the warriors carrying the Luan Jia.
At the same time, Shu Liang's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment, but soon, he followed.
Walking on the familiar palace road, Zhu Qizhen was filled with emotions. This should be regarded as one of the few times he set foot in this palace city after returning to Beijing.
It seems that nothing has changed, and it seems that everything has changed...
And just when Zhu Qizhen was sighing, his Luan Jia was quickly surrounded by hundreds of forbidden troops. This appearance made Zhu Qizhen quickly put aside his emotions and stared closely. Looking at Shu Liang and Lu Zhong who were walking in front.
Fortunately, the two did not do anything special. They commanded the imperial guards to surround Luan Jia, and followed Luan Jia step by step, heading towards the brightly lit Fengtian Palace.
At the same time, in the Fengtian Hall, Zhu Qiyu finally straightened up, waved his hand to stop the singing and the dancers to retreat.
Seeing this situation, the non-stop whispers in the palace soon stopped, and the eyes of countless people focused on the emperor.
So, Zhu Qiyu stood up, faced the sects, vassals, kings, court civil and military officials present, and said with a smile.
"I have just received a report that the Supreme Emperor also wants to have fun with all the ministers during the Zhengdan Festival. Now, the Supreme Emperor Luanjia has arrived outside the Donghua Gate and is heading towards the Fengtian Palace."
"My lords, please follow me and come out of the palace to greet the Supreme Emperor..."
