5: Get it!

Meng Yun's expression changed, and his attitude became respectful: "What are those people below doing, standing around? Why aren't you opening the gates for Zhenyang Prince?!"

Seeing Meng Yun's demeanor, Zhenyang Prince Martial Universe Qiankun smiled, but a hint of disdain and a sneer rose in his heart.

Before coming to the capital, the common people along the way praised this Meng Yun to the heavens, saying he was unmatched. Zhenyang Prince thought about what kind of person he was and whether he would affect his grand plans…

Now it seemed he was merely a person with a false reputation, not worth noticing at all.

With this attitude, Martial Universe Qiankun's actions and posture became even more arrogant.

He just waited for the city gates to open.

Not long after, Meng Yun's reply finally came: "Reporting to Zhenyang Prince, the City Guard said that without His Majesty's permission, the gates cannot be opened for anyone!"

After relaying the message, Meng Yun was momentarily stunned.

He immediately cursed at the people below: "Are you blind? Can't you see this is the esteemed Zhenyang Prince? Does His Majesty's decree include even Zhenyang Prince?"

Martial Universe Qiankun froze for a moment, his expression suddenly darkening.

Good, good, so this is how it's going to be.

Slamming the big hat of disrespecting the imperial decree right on him, this was trying to kill him!

Originally, he thought this Meng Yun was just a sycophant, but he never expected him to dare to criticize him indirectly in public!

Should he say he was a newborn calf, or that he was fearless because he had support…

Randomly thinking of Meng Yun and Wu Yinyao's engagement, Martial Universe Qiankun's heart grew colder.

Meng Yun, already half a royal family member, acting this way must have the Emperor's tacit approval!

Since Emperor Brother was so unmerciful, then this younger brother shouldn't be blamed for turning his back on him!

A scarlet glint flashed between his brows, and Martial Universe Qiankun quickly showed a look of panic, dismounting his horse:

"Assistant Minister Meng, mind your words! Mind your words! How dare this old man violate His Majesty's golden words and arbitrarily open the city gates!

This old man was fortunate enough to receive His Majesty's favor, which is why he holds his current position. Every time he thinks of it, he is filled with gratitude and tears, not knowing how to repay it!

Now, upon hearing that bandits are besieging the capital, he has been sleepless all night and has specially come to serve the king. His sincere loyalty is clear to the heavens and earth!"

Meng Yun, listening from the city tower, just wanted to roll his eyes.

If it weren't for his previous simulation experience and Wu Yinyao's guidance, he might have actually believed Martial Universe Qiankun's acting, truly thinking he was some loyal and patriotic righteous person.

Heh, see? This is an old actor!

As Meng Yun was evaluating him in his heart, Martial Universe Qiankun's voice came again:

"Pass on my military order! The entire army is to retreat ten li!"

As his words fell, a surging sound converged into one word:

"Yes!"

Their morale soared.

The rear guard became the vanguard, and the hundred thousand strong army slowly retreated.

"He's putting pressure on me." Meng Yun's eyes narrowed slightly. Fortunately, he was well prepared, otherwise he would have really been bluffed by this old man.

From his position, he could clearly see the black shadow, extending beyond the horizon, slowly receding.

Like a black tide.

After about half an hour, the army had almost retreated out of sight.

"Open the city gates!" Meng Yun ordered, and the city gates slowly opened.

"I heard that Zhenyang Prince's son, Wu He, is exceptionally brave. Why not come to the capital for the banquet together?" Meng Yun extended an invitation.

"How dare I refuse? He'er, come!" A voice mixed with true qi spread out, and in less than two minutes, a figure came galloping on horseback.

The person arrived, the horse died.

Watching Wu He arrive, Martial Universe Qiankun's gaze turned slightly cold. Wu He was currently only After Heaven Peak, at most capable of fighting a hundred men. If he truly wanted to harm the Emperor in the city, he might be somewhat hesitant.

With these thoughts, Martial Universe Qiankun and Wu He, father and son, entered the city one after another.

[You used a small trick to open the city gates and invited Martial Universe Qiankun and Wu He into the city. A net has already been set up in the city, just waiting for Martial Universe Qiankun to make a single mistake.]

[All the bandits outside the city are actually under your command. With just one order, even a hundred thousand strong army can be decimated.]

The central gate wide open, Martial Universe Qiankun enjoyed the reverence of thousands as he strode into the imperial palace.

Power, status, reaching the pinnacle…

He was just one step away!

"Play the music—"

Zhenyang Prince received the highest courtesy.

Meng Yun had already returned to the palace ahead of him; now, the palace gates were like half of his own home.

On the Qilin Hall, delicacies were already laid out.

Meng Yun sat quietly at the lower seat, slowly recuperating. He had been truly exhausted these past few days.

The confrontation with Martial Universe Qiankun just now had also drained him. Meng Yun unconsciously looked up and met Wu Yinyao's eyes.

For some reason, he felt that Wu Yinyao was somewhat restless.

The autumn wind was very cold, but it was far less chilling than the ice hidden in her gaze.

Did she have such a deep hatred for Martial Universe Qiankun?

Never mind, perhaps she felt that this biological uncle actually wanted to usurp the throne.

If he couldn't understand, he wouldn't think about it.

At a certain moment, as the imperial ritual officials and eunuchs collectively called out, Zhenyang Prince Martial Universe Qiankun, accompanied by his son, entered the hall in armor.

"This subject (little nephew) kowtows to Your Majesty. Long live Your Majesty, long long live!"

Amidst the clang of metal, the two knelt and kowtowed meticulously.

"One step…"

As he lowered his head, a scarlet glint flashed in Martial Universe Qiankun's eyes.

At this very moment, he only needed to draw his sword, take one step forward, and he could cut off the Emperor's head!

With one order, the hundred thousand strong army, even if the city's garrison were all present, would not fear in the slightest!

Only… his son Wu He, by his side, might be hacked to death by the palace's experts.

Knowing that it was impossible, Martial Universe Qiankun's expression became humble again when he looked up.

Wu He looked up and unconsciously met Wu Yinyao's gaze.

For no reason, he shivered.

Clearly, the other party was a delicate woman with no strength to bind a chicken, and clearly, he himself was the After Heaven Peak expert capable of fighting a hundred men.

But he, for some reason, felt a bone-chilling cold!

With an almost imperceptible cold snort, Wu He averted his gaze. Whether he admitted it or not, in that brief exchange of glances, he had been defeated by Wu Yinyao.

[The Emperor held a welcoming banquet, but Zhenyang Prince declined drinking, citing military duties.]

[During the banquet, Wu Yinyao proposed a sword dance. You looked puzzled, but the Emperor agreed, and you had no choice.]

[Wu Yinyao invited Wu He to dance the sword with her. Wu He was surprised but then agreed.]

[Wu Yinyao was full of flaws, and even with Wu He deliberately holding back, she was still no match. You showed concern and were about to speak up to stop her. The Emperor was displeased.]

[A sudden change occurred. Wu Yinyao thrust her sword out, like a hanging antelope horn, directly at Wu He's neck. The sudden burst of strength was actually also After Heaven Peak!]

[Wu He was too late to dodge and hastily blocked, his palm being pierced.]

"Wu Yinyao, are you crazy?!" Wu He was greatly alarmed. If he hadn't entered the hall in armor, his entire hand might have been cut off!

Wu Yinyao's face was as calm as water. She twirled her sword and came again.

Ten years of sharpening a sword, its frosty blade yet untried!

"Yinyao, withdraw!" The Emperor's expression changed slightly. The head eunuch by his side understood, and a whisk lightly struck out, forcing Wu Yinyao's sword back.

Wu Yinyao knew the time was not right and retreated, holding her sword.

"Royal Brother, forgive my rashness, but I tend to get carried away when I see sword moves." She spoke grandly, but her face only held coldness.

The atmosphere suddenly turned cold. All the civil and military officials stammered, not uttering a word.

Just as the tension was high, a hearty laugh came: "Hahaha, with Yinyao's unprecedented spirit, this subject truly envies Royal Brother greatly."

Martial Universe Qiankun laughed loudly, his face flushed: "Wu He, your skills are not refined, why don't you quickly withdraw and go back to the army for treatment!"

"Oh, there's no need for such trouble, quickly summon the imperial physician!" The Emperor waved his hand.

"Royal Brother, you may not know, but this subject's army physicians are truly unparalleled in treating injuries from blades and axes." Martial Universe Qiankun laughed: "Wu He has not yet dedicated himself to the country, so his hand injury must not be ignored…"

Wu He gritted his teeth, glanced at the Emperor, and seeing that the Emperor no longer insisted, he bowed and withdrew.

As he left, he and Martial Universe Qiankun exchanged glances, then he hurried away.

[After Wu He left, Martial Universe Qiankun became even more at ease in his conversation, discussing border customs with civil and military officials, speaking endlessly for a time.]

[You frowned, feeling that things were not simple. Wu He's unexpected departure left Martial Universe Qiankun with no further worries. This was by no means the best time to act, but waiting for Martial Universe Qiankun to return to his army would be like a fish entering the sea; catching him again later would be extremely difficult!]

"Sigh, I painstakingly set up the stage, but this woman tore it down for me. I must have owed her in my previous life…" Meng Yun's heart was filled with helplessness. Since this was the case, all the plans could only be brought forward.

[You had already agreed with the Emperor that raising your cup would be the signal. As long as the Emperor responded to your invitation to drink, inside and outside the palace, Martial Universe Qiankun and his army would be captured in one fell swoop.]

Meng Yun stood up, cupped his hands: "Your Majesty, Zhenyang Prince has such a patriotic heart. As Yinyao's fiancé, I am truly ashamed. Please forgive this humble subject's rashness, but I offer a cup of wine to Zhenyang Prince!"

The Emperor pondered, then nodded slightly, also raising his cup: "Raise your cups, let us drink together!"

As if receiving some signal, within the imperial palace, apart from the guards around the royal nobles who remained motionless, several figures rushed forward, with swords, spears, axes, and halberds, directly targeting Zhenyang Prince Martial Universe Qiankun!

Clang, clang, clang, clang!

The clang of metal on metal was incessant.

If Martial Universe Qiankun had only After Heaven Peak strength, he would surely have died beyond death!!