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An ancient saying goes: the worries of the Seasonal Grandson do not lie with Zhuan Yu, but within Internal Strife. This is where the calamity of Internal Strife originates, reflecting the current predicament of the Tang Dynasty.
At that time, the Tang Dynasty was prosperous, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that nations came to pay their respects. However, the situation was delicate, with many princes and powerful officials eager to make their mark.
During the New Year celebrations, Han Wang Li Yuanchang launched an assassination attempt by Taiye Pool, colluding with Zhao Jie and other minor officials who held some military power. Their murderous intent filled the air, staining Taiye Pool with blood. Xu Zhen, relying on her foresight, defended Chengtian Gate. Along the way, a group from the Eastern Palace emerged and joined forces to storm into Daming Palace!
As Zhao Jie and Li Yuanchang pressed forward with their four to five hundred men, although insufficient to eliminate the Imperial Guard and Qian Niu Guard, they could create opportunities for Li Yuanchang and his Dancer to carry out their assassination.
If it were another emperor, chaos would ensue. However, the Current Sovereign was a remarkable general by nature, accustomed to battles and eager to join the fray. He would not fear such a scene and immediately shouted, "Where is Qibi General!"
Qibi Helix was a loyal subject of the Sovereign, unlike those ordinary civil and military officials. He had seized a massive Golden Battle Axe early on and fought fiercely against the rebels, causing them to tremble in fear. Upon hearing the Sovereign's call, he swiftly dispatched one rebel and rushed over, responding loudly, "Qibi Helix is here!"
Seeing Qibi Helix covered in blood and exuding strength calmed the Sovereign's heart. He removed his Golden Belt and threw it over, instructing, "My dear minister, gather some good men and break through. Bring my token to summon the troops from both sides!"
Qibi Helix was worried about the Sovereign's safety but was also a man of great principle. He accepted the belt and headed towards the north gate!
The distance to Xuanwu Gate was not far. If Qibi Helix arrived and brought over the troops from both sides, Li Yuanchang would have no tricks left to play. Thus, Zhao Jie was sent to obstruct him!
Zhao Jie was merely a novice; how could he stand against a fierce general like Qibi Helix? The rebels had already lost their courage as they watched Qibi Helix charge out like a tiger!
Seeing that he could not stop Qibi Helix, Li Yuanchang knew time was running out. He urged many Dancers to fight desperately against Holy Presence!
Xu Shiji and other old ministers fought valiantly to protect Holy Presence while Sage could no longer remain seated. He drew a golden knife from Qian Niu Guard and prepared to engage in battle but was held back by Li Mingda.
Zhang Liang and Hou Junji fought fiercely but intentionally distanced themselves from Holy Presence, exposing vulnerabilities that Zhao Jie’s rebels seized upon for a major assault!
Although Caesar's dual blades were fierce, they were merely tools for assassination. In front of powerful generals and soldiers engaged in open combat, he found himself at a disadvantage.
Li Yuanchang mingled among the rebels, pushing his Dancers forward to sacrifice themselves while he waited for any opportunity to assassinate Sage!
Just at that moment of crisis, outside Dan Phoenix Gate came shouts of battle; the sound of armored footsteps shook the palace as Helan Chushi and Hou Bolu Duan Zan led their Eastern Palace Guards rushing over!
Tubo felt immense joy and quickly called out for his Guards to slay the rebels. Seeing his own men charging forward made Hou Junji laugh heartily. However, Li Yuanchang turned pale as he realized he had been betrayed by the Crown Prince. His face twisted in rage as he disregarded his own life and charged towards Holy Presence!
Xu Zhen saw Helan Chushi’s forces beginning to eliminate the rebels and finally felt relieved. She looked around and found that her key people had suffered little harm—this was indeed a stroke of luck. Spotting Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide hiding by Water Curtain, she hurriedly sent Zhou Cang to assist them while recalling something important she needed Zhang Jiunian to do.
Zhou Cangru charged down like a fierce tiger, cutting a bloody path through the rebels. Not only did he rescue Li Chunfeng and Yan Lide, but he also ensured the safety of Li Jing and the other old ministers, demonstrating the bravery of a single man capable of facing ten thousand troops.
Zhang Jiunian arrived at Taiye Pool and noticed the chaos around him, with no one paying attention. He approached the edge of the pool, where the water had already turned red. Due to the cold weather, a thin layer of frost had formed on the surface. Beneath the wooden bridge, Zhang Suling lay pale as snow paper, having long since frozen stiff.
Zhang Jiunian quickly pulled her up and wrapped her in his cloak for warmth. Seeing that Zhang Suling was disoriented, he called out, "Miss, wake up! The Lord sent me to rescue you!"
Zhang Suling suddenly jolted awake, her eyes widening as she recognized Zhang Jiunian's face and realized she had been saved. She hurriedly tore off her disguise and stuffed it into her bosom, then tightened the cloak around herself to conceal the armor belonging to Xu Zhen before leaving with Zhang Jiunian.
Zhao Jie knew that their situation was dire and rallied the remaining rebels to fight their way out of the city. However, before they could exit, Qibi Helix and his troops from the northern gate blocked their path. Caught off guard, Zhao Jie was cleaved in two by Qibi Helix's Golden Battle Axe.
Li Yuanchang sighed heavily, filled with grief and anger. Like a cornered beast facing its end, he fought back fiercely despite the imminent danger. His men were unable to withstand his ferocity.
Seeing this, Xu Zhen feared that stray knives might harm the crowd. Gripping her long knife tightly, she charged forward, cutting down several rebels along her bloody path. However, a silver-armored warrior rushed ahead and thrust his spear toward Li Yuanchang's back.
The Sovereign observed this young hero's extraordinary demeanor and praised him: "This Hou Family boy is truly remarkable!"
Hou Junji had been watching the Sovereign's movements closely. When he saw Hou Polu ambushing Li Yuanchang, he felt a surge of joy. However, Hou Polu was merely a spoiled youth; even with his silver armor and golden spear, he was useless in battle. Before long, Li Yuanchang snatched the spear away from him.
Onlookers mistakenly believed that Hou Polu had come to deliver the spear to Li Yuanchang.
Li Yuanchang sneered as he swung the spear toward Hou Polu. Terrified, Hou Polu's face turned as pale as gold leaf. Fortunately, Helan Chushi was there to assist him, saving his life.
With the spear in hand, Li Yuanchang felt invincible as if Zhao Yun himself had possessed him. Countless Imperial Guard soldiers fell beneath his spear as he advanced toward the Holy Presence!
Many princes protected Sage from harm; however, Prince Qi (Li You), who was usually arrogant and boasted about his martial prowess, turned into a coward during this crisis. As Li Yuanchang approached with his spear, he pulled one of Sage's concubines in front of him as a shield!
Li Yuanchang was blinded by rage and thrust his spear into the concubine's chest. Blood splattered all over Prince Qi (Li You), rendering him speechless in terror while he soiled himself in fear.
At this critical moment, Hou Junji seized a long spear and hurled it at Li Yuanchang's back leg, pinning one of his feet to the ground!
Hou Junji was a ruthless warrior known for his bloodshed. He grabbed a broadsword and sprinted forward with intent to behead Li Yuanchang!
Seeing that Li Yuanchang was at his end with no way out, Li Shimin couldn't help but shed tears and shouted at Hou Junji: "Do not harm my brother!"
However, Hou Junji turned a deaf ear and was about to take Li Yuanchang's head!
Changsun Wuji and the other old ministers, no longer fearing for their lives, began to observe the expressions of those around them. Instead of looking at Hou Junji, they scanned the various princes, and just as the blade was about to fall, they noticed the Crown Prince and Helan Chushi subtly smiling.
Hou Junji also sneered repeatedly. Li Yuanchang suddenly turned around, his eyes filled with resentment, but this resentment was not directed at the Sovereign; it was aimed at Hou Junji and the others!
Just as the head was about to fall, a blood-red figure dashed out from the side. The narrow blade clashed with Hou Junji's horizontal sword, sparks flying; it was none other than Xu Zhen, who had earlier been preempted by Hou Polu!
"What a brat! I will kill you!" Hou Junji shouted in rage as he saw his good fortune blocked by Xu Zhen. He gripped his sword tightly and pointed at her, cursing, " Xu Zhen! Are you really going to protect this traitor?"
Xu Zhen raised her long sword in front of her chest, standing tall despite being drenched in blood that dripped continuously. Her expression was unusually cold as she half-opened her eyes, raised an eyebrow, and calmly asked, "My Sage said not to kill, so no one is allowed to act. Do you, Duke Hou, wish to defy the divine will?"
Li Mingda and many princesses looked at Xu Zhen with admiration as she displayed such power and authority, unable to contain their admiration for a hero.
However, many seasoned officials scoffed at Xu Zhen. After all, she was still young and inexperienced; did she really think that just because the Sage said not to kill meant it couldn't be done?
If today Hou Junji defied the divine will and killed Li Yuanchang, every Elder Minister would be certain that not only would Hou Junji not be reprimanded, but he would also gain merit and rewards. There were some things the Sage could not do or say directly; it required a ruthless character who understood the Sage's intentions to carry out such wicked deeds!
Xu Zhen was not unaware of these intricacies; she merely speculated that Hou Junji must be connected to Li Yuanchang's rebellion. If Li Yuanchang were gone, how could they pursue it further?
Moreover, she believed that history would not change; those who were meant to rebel would still rebel—it was only a matter of time. Tubo and Hou Junji might have intentionally sold out Li Yuanchang to create an opportunity for themselves to shine in front of the Sovereign and other officials.
But if they took advantage of this situation to cause chaos alongside Li Yuanchang, then Qibi Helix's troops would eliminate them without leaving a trace!
It could be said that Li Yuanchang was merely a test pawn for the Crown Prince and Hou Junji. If Li Yuanchang remained alive, he would undoubtedly expose those behind the scenes inciting trouble; neither Hou Junji nor Tubo could escape!
Xu Zhen's thoughts might have been correct or perhaps not so complicated, but she ultimately saved Li Yuanchang; however, he did not appreciate her kindness!
Seeing Xu Zhen expose her back, Li Yuanchang gritted his teeth and pulled out the spear lodged in his calf, thrusting it backward toward Xu Zhen's lower back!
Caesar was not far away; she was not one of those scheming bureaucrats. Her full attention remained on Xu Zhen as she kept watch over the surroundings. Immediately, she threw her short blade over; before Li Yuanchang's spear tip could reach Xu Zhen's body, three of his fingers were severed by Caesar's blade!
Xu Zhen suddenly turned around only to see Li Yuanchang charging toward Li Shimin like a trapped beast fighting for survival!
Li Shimin lamented in deep sorrow, "Seventh Brother, why are you so heartless and ungrateful! It pains your brother greatly!"
Li Yuanchang, with blood and tears on his face, pointed at the current emperor with a spear and shouted, "Do not pretend to be righteous! When you killed my elder brother and Fourth Brother, did you not say you were heartless and ungrateful? You are allowed to kill your own brothers, but I am not allowed to take revenge on you! Is it only you, Li Shimin, who is fit to be emperor in this world?"
Li Shimin was most sensitive about Li Zhi. Being publicly insulted by Li Yuanchang regarding this matter made his face turn ashen, and he found it hard to defend himself.
Seeing that he had successfully insulted Li Shimin, Li Yuanchang leaned on his spear and laughed heartily, looking up to the sky as he sighed, "One should live like a hero, galloping on horseback and singing for immortality. Do not pretend to be righteous and self-righteous; come, come! Let all drink to this king's head! I will descend into the underworld and then wear the dragon robe!"
A heavy blood-red gloom hung low in the air. By the vast Taiye Pool, the battle had long since ended. The so-called rebel was left standing proudly—Li Yuanchang—leaning on his spear, covered in blood. His figure seemed taller than the palace towers!
Li Shimin wanted to say something more, but beside him, the defeated Hou Polu caught his father's meaningful glance. Taking advantage of Li Yuanchang's unguarded moment, he suddenly drew his sword from his waist and struck down, severing Li Yuanchang's head from his body!
It seemed heaven was compassionate; at that moment, heavy snow began to fall, starting to cover the blooming bloodstains and shrouding the royal palace. Meanwhile, the streets of Chang'an were celebrating the New Year, completely unaware of the upheaval in the palace—as if none of this had ever happened in this world...
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