At this juncture, even if you are ambiguous about not joining the team, it is much better than clearly expressing your support for which brother. Most people understand this truth, and the two pillars of the country are no exception.
They are all mature characters. There was not much communication. They only exchanged glances with each other. The censor Zhang Han took the lead and said: "Brother, the late emperor did pull the ribbon. Everyone saw this. But what does that mean specifically, and how can we ministers dare to speculate on the holy will without authorization?"
"What Zhang Yushi said makes sense." Without giving the others time to answer, Prime Minister Jia stroked his beard and added:
"When it comes to the royal family's decision to kill, the eldest brother is responsible for his duties. When it comes to governing the country, the second elder brother is the most suitable candidate. As for the third elder brother, he has a compassionate and benevolent mind, and governing the Chu Kingdom must be no problem. , As for these four elder brothers and five elder brothers, they are kind-hearted people. If it is really the emperor's favor, they will definitely do some extraordinary things when they get to the throne."
No one dislikes the feeling of being praised. Jia Yinqiao praised every prince, which made them put down their aggressive attitude.
"Brothers, please listen to me, old minister, who is the late emperor?" Prime Minister Jia paused for a moment. Seeing that everyone was looking at him, he asked and answered himself: "The late emperor, that is the great strategist. How can a hero make mistakes regarding his successor?"
"Prime Minister, even if the late emperor is as wise and powerful as you said, you have all seen what he has been like in recent days. I am afraid that he has more than enough ambition but not enough power." The second elder brother Hongyi sighed leisurely.
"No, no," Prime Minister Jia shook his head, looked at the princes and said, "Brothers, you don't know. There was an incident in this dynasty where the late emperor passed away before choosing a successor, but that emperor once He placed his posthumous edict behind the plaque in the Main Hall and waited for it to be taken down in the morning of the next day. This established the orthodox bloodline of our Chu State. I don’t know..."
This sentence was just an introduction, and it immediately aroused everyone's imagination. The fifth elder brother Honglan's eyes lit up: "What the prime minister means...it is possible that the late emperor also left the same edict?!"
Jia Chengsheng immediately waved his hands and said: "It's just a guess, it can't be taken seriously."
"But... in my opinion, brothers, why don't you all just wait and see what happens? Wouldn't it be better for us to witness the ownership of the throne together in front of all the ministers at the court tomorrow morning, and avoid unnecessary conflicts between you?" The struggle.”
As soon as the words fell, the palace fell into silence, everyone was thinking about the meaning of Jia Yinqiao's words.
After a while, the third elder brother Hongyu slowly said: "The Prime Minister's words make sense. Why don't we brothers go back first? If there is a posthumous edict, it will be the late emperor's final decree and no one can overturn it. "
"Okay, just follow what the third child said!" Hongqi, the eldest brother, punched his palm vigorously: "Then I'll ask Emperor Ama to stay here for one more night, and we'll see the outcome tomorrow."
"In that case, let's go." The second elder brother Hong Yi also nodded in agreement. The five people immediately kowtowed to Chu Zhengxiong a few more times, and then rushed out of the palace, leaving only the three of them in the room.
The two ministers said goodbye to Eunuch Li again, and then a group of eunuchs and maids came in to clean up the aftermath.
After leaving the palace, the two of them walked side by side in the dark night. It was quiet all around. Only the big red lantern in the distance flickered, like the weak flame of a candle that was about to be extinguished, and like the slightest bit of cold light from a knife blade unsheathed.
As Zhang Han walked, he finally couldn't help but speak: "Old Jia, what are you doing?"
Jia Yinqiao laughed and said, "Master Zhang, why do you say this?"
"There can be no edict behind that plaque. Why did you say that just now?"
Prime Minister Jia glanced at him sideways: "If you don't say that, how can you give these princes an excuse to leave? Look, the palace tonight is destined to be uneasy."
"Alas!" Zhang Han sighed: "The late emperor lived a wise life, but it's a pity..." Before he could finish his words, he was hurriedly interrupted by Prime Minister Jia's slow and cautious words.
"Master Zhang, do you mind if I stay at your place tonight?" Jia Yinqiao said while walking and chatting with Zhang Han.
Zhang Han asked curiously: "Aren't you going back to the Prime Minister's Mansion?"
"Going back at this time is tantamount to throwing yourself into a trap. I have moved my family long ago. I am just alone. There is no way for a few princes to investigate..." Prime Minister Jia shook his head: "Then again, Mr. Zhang will Don’t worry about this anymore, who can offend you who has so much power?”
"Oh! You, you..."
Zhang Han looked at Jia Yinqiao with a helpless expression, as if he was sighing that the old fox was so cunning and had even planned his escape route.
.......
On the other side, the five elder brothers were also walking in the huge palace. Different from the initial tense atmosphere, deathly silence dominated everything.
The only bond between them was broken, and perhaps everyone knew in their hearts that after tonight, the outcome of victory and defeat was doomed.
"That's it. It's time for us to separate."
The eldest brother Hongqi suddenly stopped and looked at the younger brothers who had been divided into two camps: "Second brother and third brother, don't worry, even if I ascend the throne for my brother, I will not kill you all. No matter what, We were once brothers too."
"What the elder brother said is exactly what I am thinking." Chu Hongyu nodded slightly: "The carriage and horse are not far away. Let's enter the palace together tomorrow morning."
"Okay." Hong Yi nodded, and the five people immediately said goodbye. No matter what happened before, this may be their last harmonious scene.
Since the palace prohibited any horses from entering and exiting, everyone's entourage could only wait outside the city. After saying goodbye, they divided into three parties without looking back, and each walked towards their own home.
"Hong Lan, go and control the imperial guards in the palace immediately. They are already ours! Without further ado, go now!"
Second elder brother Hong Yi waited until everyone could no longer see them, quickened his pace, and spoke hurriedly to Hong Lan, who was also trotting.
"What to do with the soldiers and horses in the camp in the suburbs?" Hong Lan said with great concern: "The third and fourth sons are probably angry with them!"
"There is someone from Hongqi there. He thinks that the mutiny plan is not going so well. If we survive tonight, the world will be ours! Don't talk about it now, Xiao Quanzi!"
Hong Yi and the two had already run out of the palace quickly, raising their hands and waving to the carriage waiting outside.
When they arrived, the entourage knew that the Emperor of Chu might pass away tonight, so they prepared a set of white mourning clothes in advance. Eight people, like white paper figures, wearing pointed hats, were waiting in front of the sedan chair.
"Xiao Quanzi? Xiao Quanzi!! Hurry up!!"
Hong Yi shouted again hastily. He was a little annoyed. It was already this time and he still dared to take his time. Where had his previous cleverness gone?
What answered him was the steady footsteps of a man in mourning clothes, walking towards the two of them step by step. Hongyi's pupils shrank, he realized something was wrong, and shouted angrily: "Stop! Who are you?!"
Chu Honglan quickly stood in front of Hong Yi and said in a deep voice: "Second brother, step back, he is a master!!" Before he finished speaking, he flicked his wrist and pulled out a soft sword from his waist. Carry weapons!
"kill!!"
The leader in white gave an order, and the other seven people rushed over. Hong Lan's expression suddenly changed: "Second brother, leave quickly!! I'm here to hold you back!"
"You should worry about yourself first!!!"
Before Hong Yi could reply, the man in white gave a strange laugh and raised the long sword that had been hidden behind his back. Suddenly, a cold light flashed, and a cold murderous intention passed through the air. With the sound of breaking wind, it struck directly at Hong Lan's head. .
Soon after, Hong Lan swung the soft sword in his hand, and suddenly wrapped around the long sword of the man in white. Both sides used their strength, and they were deadlocked in place.
Click click click....
The sound of the collision of two metals came. The man in white was also a master who had experienced many battles. Seeing that the long sword was under control, he suddenly thrust back with his other hand, and then blasted out fiercely, the target was Hong Lan's On the chest.
As a prince, Hong Lan's attainments in martial arts were extraordinary. He also extended a palm to greet him.
With a snap, the concussive force from the high-fives caused the twin swords to separate instantly!
The two of them took a few steps back at the same time. Hong Lan's face turned red from the pressure. They seemed to be tied, but in fact he suffered a small loss. His wrist shook again, and the soft sword circled like a dexterous snake. He Said angrily:
"Unknown rat, who gave you the courage to assassinate the prince of Chu! What conditions did he give you to make you work so hard!!"
"Stop talking nonsense!" The man in white obviously had no intention of explaining. He suddenly took a big step forward and swung his sword more fiercely than before. An unstoppable force came from top to bottom, shocking Chu Honglan. He was in a hurry, his eyes almost lost sight of the sword, and he almost got stabbed by him.
"Is that all you have?"
The man in white laughed loudly, and the attack in his hand was a little faster, and soon, Hong Lan had a few fine scars on his body.
On the other side, the remaining seven people pursued the second elder brother Hong Yi without hesitation. Contrary to Hong Lan, he was not proficient in martial arts, but at this moment he just gritted his teeth and ran away.
The place they chose to attack was very clever. Late at night, there were very few guards here. Even if Hong Yi shouted, he might only attract one or two doubtful guards. Maybe they would look around and quickly forget about it. .
"Hoo ho ho ho..."
Hong Yi ran so hard that he was out of breath. He escaped dozens of feet but could no longer walk. The other assassins were ecstatic when they saw this. Since he had been captured, don't blame them for being ruthless!
"Ximen, come out quickly! Hurry up!!"
Hong Yi subconsciously raised his head and looked at the palaces around him, looking for the figure he had met by fate.
However, the wind was silent, and except for the imminent arrival of the pursuers behind him, nothing unexpected happened.
"That's all..."
Hong Yi's face turned cold, and he was about to fumble for something from his arms, but a surprising scene happened quietly at this moment.
"Buzz!"
A dull bowstring vibrated, piercing the night sky, and three black arrows shot out in response, heading straight for the heads of the assassins at the front.
A pop sound was heard at the same time, and a bow and arrow was pierced through the foreheads of the three men in white. They fell heavily to the ground, twitched a few times and then stopped moving.
Everything happened too fast. Before Hong Yi could react, there was the familiar sound of bowstrings again, and three of the remaining four assassins were lying down straight. At this time, he suddenly woke up and looked forward. Yi's petite figure is clearly visible.
The visitor reached out and pulled down the mask, with a delicate round face, smiled at Hongyi, and revealed a small tiger tooth, and said in a clear voice like an oriole: "How is it? I saved your life again." "
Seeing six companions fall instantly, the remaining one looked at the little girl behind Hong Yi in horror. He turned around and ran away without hesitation: "Ximen, there is one more!" Hong Yi pointed at the assassin in the distance and said, "Don't leave any of them." Let it go!”
"Don't worry!" The little girl known as Ximen leisurely attached another arrow, raised her hand, aimed, and drew the bow. The whole set of movements was as natural as flowing water, and a whooshing sound penetrated the man's heart. , and his white mourning clothes were instantly dyed red.
It was as if these people were dressed to meet their fate.
"Ximen, go and help Hong Lan! He is fighting to the death with a master with a sword. The situation is not good!!" After repelling the powerful enemy, Hong Yi's worried look still did not dissipate, and he pointed his hand behind him to signal. She rushed to help.
The little girl also realized that this was not the moment for joking, so she hurriedly said hello, and threw the bow directly to Hong Yi: "Watch it and don't lose it!" Immediately, with a few taps, her body briefly flew into the air, He rushed there quickly before.
The moment Hong Yi took the bow, he almost fell down together with the bow. He never thought that this thing was so heavy, "But she was obviously holding it with one hand..."
A different emotion appeared in Chu Hongyi's heart, "It's a pity that she is white!" He sighed.
I feel sorry for certain things, but also sad about the scene before me.
Not long after, a bloody human head was lifted back by Hong Lan. His body was also covered with scars. He was stabbed in the chest by a sword and the wound was more than two inches long. It didn't look too fatal.
In comparison, the little girl looked much better, even her breathing was very even.
"Lao Wu, are you okay?" Hong Yi hurried over to check his injuries, almost crying with excitement, "It's okay, second brother, thanks to this girl, I don't know she..."
"Oh! I forgot to introduce her. Her name is Ximen Yan. She comes from Yinshan. She is a good friend of mine. He is Hong Lan, the son of Concubine Duan and also my fifth brother!"
"Yinshan..." Hong Lan's face turned solemn: "No wonder the girl has such strong martial arts skills at such a young age. I will not thank you for saving my life. If I can be of use in the future, just ask!"
Ximen Yan chuckled and said: "Don't thank me, just thank your second brother. Oh, by the way, this assassin is taught by Xingyue. There is no mistake. They all have a star engraved on their left chests. This will be the same as the others." Is there any connection between people?”
Hong Lan and Hong Yi looked at each other for a moment and said in unison, "Big brother's people..."
They had never thought that Hongqi would be so clever and find a way to cut off their retreat before leaving the palace. Needless to say, the third and fourth children must have encountered the same trouble.
"Hong Lan, you and Miss Ximen each ride a horse. Hurry and take charge of the Imperial Guards. I will go to the palace to coordinate the deployment. Hurry! Don't delay any more!!"
"Second brother, no need! I can go alone!" Hong Lan immediately waved his hand and said, "Miss Ximen, I'd better accompany you to prevent you from being attacked again!"
Hong Yi shook his head and patted his breast pocket: "Fifth brother, you are infallible. I have this thing, so don't worry. Although they will not give us free food, they are really forced to do it. The only choice is to seek skin from a tiger."
When Hong Lan saw that the thing was still there, he immediately felt relieved: "Okay, second brother, please take care of yourself!!"
"Come on! Meet you in the main hall later!" Hong Yi watched Ximen Yan and Hong Lan leave, and he also walked quickly along the palace gate.
It's just that no one will notice anything happening tonight. There are always two pairs of eyes silently watching everything above, beyond the reach of all sentient beings.
"Did you hear their conversation?" Wang Yan asked Chen Mo, who was silent on the side.
"They... must be those two demon cultivators. It seems that these two people did not put their eggs in one basket, but put them everywhere..."
Chen Mo said leisurely: "But now it seems that the second elder brother and the fifth elder brother are the least suspected of killing Chu Chengfeng among all the princes."
Wang Yan smiled and said, "Why do you say that?"
"They still have a bottom line in their hearts, knowing that there are some things they can do and some things they cannot do." Chen Mo said.
Wang Yan asked: "The third prince is now heading to the suburban camp, probably to incite the soldiers to rebel. Do you want to stop him?"
"No." Chen Mo said: "The eldest brother Hongqi has already escaped with the imperial seal. I didn't care about him. Naturally I will not interfere with anything Hongyu does. I will just follow what Brother Wang said and wait and see what happens." Change."
"Then let's go to the barracks and have a look later. I'm also curious about what the fifth-level Qi Refining monk next to Hongyu promised him, so that he can help him solve his problems like this?"
"Brother Wang will know later, let's go!"
Two phantoms of sword energy stayed in the air for a moment, and soon arrived at the military camp on the outskirts.
.
