117: Shen Zhong was posthumously named Taibao! Li Changan's arrogant secret

Chapter 117: Shen Zhong Posthumously Honored as Grand Tutor! Li Chang'an's Arrogant Secret Memorial! (23)

Shang Shanhu encountered Lang Tao. Although both were Ninth Rank Upper Level, there was still a significant gap in their strength.

After dozens of moves, Shang Shanhu was still firmly bound by Lang Tao's iron chains, completely unable to escape.

Almost simultaneously, the Garrison Army from the capital arrived and took Shang Shanhu away.

The Meritorious Nobles and high officials who participated in the rebellion acted as if nothing had happened, returning to their residences with their retainers.

Lang Tao visited several more places and finally clarified the entire situation.

After dawn.

In the Imperial Study, the commander of the Garrison Army, the commander of the Imperial Army, the general of the Capital Garrison, and other important ministers were all gathered.

"Empress Dowager Wei, Tan Wu and the Panlong Mountain bandits colluded with the West Gate guards last night, escaping to Northern Qi with Xiao En's corpse!"

"The Brocade-Clad Guards suffered over five hundred casualties, and the Bureau of Surveillance office was completely burned down. Fortunately, it did not affect the surrounding civilian houses."

"Lord Shen Zhong was beheaded by Shang Shanhu, and Shang Shanhu has already been imprisoned in the Ministry of Justice's dungeon."

"This case was orchestrated by Shang Shanhu, who exploited the fear of the Brocade-Clad Guards among several Meritorious Nobles, coercing them into launching the rebellion!"

"In Shen Zhong's residence, everyone was killed except for his sister, who happened to be away and thus escaped harm."

Empress Dowager Wei and the young Emperor Qing felt a weight lift from their hearts when they saw the Garrison Army and Imperial Army intact, and the Capital Garrison troops in position.

"My son, how should we deal with Zheng Guogong and the other seven families?"

Zhan Doudou's heart was turbulent, like a raging storm.

How could Shang Shanhu have planned such a meticulous operation? He didn't have the cunning for it.

Although there was no concrete evidence, Zhan Doudou could already conclude that this was Li Chang'an's doing.

In less than ten days, Shen Zhong was killed, and Shang Shanhu became a fish on the chopping block, ready to be slaughtered at any time.

This fellow not only overfulfilled his mission but also conveniently burned down the Bureau of Surveillance!

Zhan Doudou didn't dare to imagine if the confidential intelligence in the Bureau of Surveillance had been secretly taken by Li Chang'an.

What a Li Chang'an, truly ruthless and deadly without a trace.

And now there was no evidence to prove that this matter was related to Li Chang'an.

The Brocade-Clad Guards who were guarding the posthouse last night, along with the corpses, vanished without a trace.

It was said they went to reinforce the Bureau of Surveillance office and were killed on the way.

What Zhan Doudou didn't know was that behind her, a young eunuch was a spy for the Net.

She couldn't help but grit her teeth. Were the Bureau of Surveillance office and over five hundred Brocade-Clad Guards the price for threatening Li Chang'an?

Li Chang'an had indeed helped her greatly, removing the two great mountains weighing on the Northern Qi royal family overnight.

However, he must have also profited significantly. According to Zhan Doudou's intuition, Li Chang'an must have gained immense benefits.

It wasn't just about dealing with two opponents for Southern Qing and severely damaging the Brocade-Clad Guards; there must have been something else.

Zhan Doudou was both shocked and fearful, yet also somewhat curious.

A person who could write dream of the red chamber, a person who could write so many poignant and lingering verses, was actually such a ruthless individual!

Haitang Duoduo, on the other hand, saw the outcome. Li Chang'an had said he would rebel against Northern Qi.

Now, even the Brocade-Clad Guards were almost annihilated, and he hadn't even used his most perverse martial power.

Haitang Duoduo couldn't help but shake her head. It's better to stay far away from such a monster!

At this moment, Zhan Doudou said, "The seven Meritorious Nobles and important ministers were all coerced and intimidated by Shang Shanhu."

"Shang Shanhu is the principal offender in this case; the others merely followed blindly. Moreover, they are all important ministers in the court, so your son believes they should not be severely punished."

"Your son suggests that they be fined three years' salary and given a stern reprimand, and that would be all."

The Empress Dowager Wei said sharply, "That's not enough! Those with noble titles shall all be demoted one rank!"

"Shen Zhong, the Commander of the Brocade-Clad Guards, was a pillar of the country, yet he was murdered by that scoundrel Shang Shanhu!

It is this palace's intention to posthumously confer the title of Grand Tutor upon Shen Zhong, to honor his devotion to the country!"

"Shang Shanhu instigated a rebellion and attacked the Bureau of Surveillance office, which is tantamount to treason. He shall be handed over to the Ministry of Justice for sentencing!

Shang Shanhu's generals, Tan Wu and others, and the Panlong Mountain bandits, gathered to plot rebellion. The Ministry of Justice is ordered to swiftly apprehend them and bring them to justice!"

"The Bureau of Surveillance office shall be temporarily managed by Commander Wei Hua. He is ordered to quickly select another location, restore the operations of the Bureau of Surveillance office, and capture the escaped major criminals without delay!"

Dawn broke in the capital city. The bloodstains on the streets had been cleaned, and the great fire at the Bureau of Surveillance was completely extinguished.

The entire capital city was in an uproar. Overnight, the two most powerful figures in the Qi Country's court and public life had fallen!

Inside the posthouse.

Fan Xian was also shocked by the events of last night. The Qi Country's sky changed just like that!

Shen Zhong, who was still flaunting his power in front of Shang Shanhu yesterday, was beheaded by Shang Shanhu last night!

The dignified Bureau of Surveillance office was actually breached and then burned to the ground!

And these things were all done by the Northern Qi people themselves!

"Zong Zhui, do you think our Supervisory Council is also so hated?"

"If something happens in the future, will we be besieged like this?"

Zong Zhui bared his teeth, thought for a long time, and then uttered two words: "Hard to say!"

"Whether it's the Brocade-Clad Guards or the Supervisory Council, they must be directly subordinate to the Emperor. With His Majesty in the palace covering us, no one would dare to go too far."

"Last night's incident definitely has something to do with that young Emperor Qing in the Northern Qi Imperial Palace."

"And... when I returned last night, I noticed unusual activity from Prince Yong's Shadow Guard, and all the surrounding Brocade-Clad Guards were gone."

Fan Xian's eyes widened. "What! You're saying Prince Yong participated in last night's events?"

Zong Zhui analyzed, "Think about it. If it was a Northern Qi internal conflict, why would Shang Shanhu and the Imperial faction want to kill Shen Zhong and burn down the Bureau of Surveillance office?"

"Burning down the Northern Qi Bureau of Surveillance would most benefit Great Qing."

"And during last night's disturbance, many common people went out with their faces covered, seeking revenge for grudges and grievances!"

"The Shadow Guard are all experts. Dressed in night clothes, who would know whose people they are!"

Fan Xian clicked his tongue in admiration, "Prince Yong, truly ruthless!"

"You are to pass down the order: those who noticed unusual activity last night must not speak of it."

Zong Zhui nodded. "Of course."

Fan Xian continued, "Young Miss Shen has suffered a great change. Don't ask her about Yan Bingyun yet."

"With such a major incident happening to the Brocade-Clad Guards, if we inquire carefully, we should be able to find Yan Bingyun."

Zhuang Mo Han's residence.

At Zhuang Mo Han's invitation, Li Chang'an finally found time today to visit the Zhuang residence for a chat.

Actually, even if Zhan Doudou hadn't made a deal with him, Li Chang'an would still have dealt with Shen Zhong and Shang Shanhu.

Now that the mission was overfulfilled, Li Chang'an could prepare for the poetry gathering with peace of mind.

This morning, Li Chang'an had already instructed Wang Qinian to inform Zhao Gao about the destruction of the Bureau of Surveillance office.

It was time for Western Qin to prepare for war. By exploiting Northern Qi's intelligence weakness, they could swiftly occupy a prefecture!

Li Chang'an and Zhuang Mo Han played chess and chatted.

"Mr. Zhuang, if I may be frank, it's a good thing that Mr. Xiao's remains were taken by his subordinates."

"You see, these past few days, Shen Zhong even tormented a dead man just to hassle Shang Shanhu."

Zhuang Mo Han nodded with a sigh. "Those subordinates are very loyal to him. They should be able to find a secluded place to bury him, and I can rest assured."

"I originally thought Xiao En could return to Northern Qi to live out his golden years peacefully. Now it seems this old man thought too simply."

Li Chang'an also felt that Zhuang Mo Han's idea was a bit too naive.

"With Mr. Xiao's capabilities, how could he possibly live out his golden years peacefully? Even if he wanted to, his opponents wouldn't allow it."

"Mr. Zhuang, this is what they call being in the Jianghu, unable to control oneself!"

Zhuang Mo Han gave a bitter smile. "Indeed, one cannot control oneself..."

"To think that Your Highness, upon first arriving in Qi Country, would encounter such a major upheaval, unseen in Qi Country for over a decade!"

"Since His Majesty ascended the throne, there has never been such a major change in court, with two important ministers falling on the same day."

Zhuang Mo Han sighed for a while, then said somewhat dejectedly, "Xiao En is gone. I'm afraid this old man doesn't have much time left."

"This old man always feels that Prince Yong's talent is restrained. When he composes poetry, there's always a sense of holding back."

"Whenever his talent is unleashed, it's instantly reined in, always making one feel it's intentional."

Old Zhuang was indeed a literary master; he could perceive such things that could only be understood implicitly, not explicitly stated.

The poems and verses he had copied all this time were mostly gentle and ornate, with few that were passionate and spirited.

There were many famous verses, but no timeless masterpieces.

Ultimately, it was because he didn't want to express his ambitions through poetry.

And timeless masterpieces throughout history have always been filled with heroic aspirations.

However, this taboo no longer existed.

Ever since Li Chang'an gained the ability to contend with a Great Grandmaster, he no longer restrained himself in his actions.

When one possesses sufficient power and displays it openly, it is often the opponent who is put on the defensive.

"Old Zhuang, I have a premonition that at this poetry gathering, my talent might not be able to be contained any longer."

Hearing Li Chang'an's words, Zhuang Mo Han stroked his beard and let out a long laugh. "If that can happen, this old man will die without regrets!"

In the Imperial Palace.

Zhan Doudou irritably threw the memorial in her hand onto the table, then coughed twice.

Haitang Duoduo, guarding nearby, picked up a grape for the young Emperor Qing and put it in her mouth, but said nothing.

Ever since Li Chang'an came to the capital, the young Emperor Qing's girlish tendencies had grown more and more.

Who are you throwing that for? Aren't you just trying to make this Saintess ask, 'What's wrong, Your Majesty?'

This Saintess just won't ask, let it vex you to death.

"Little Martial Aunt, you said Li Chang'an finished his business, why hasn't he come to report to me!"

Haitang shook her head helplessly. It was over. The young Emperor Qing was already fretting over Li Chang'an.

Strong women only show their girlish side for the men they care about.

"Your Majesty, he is not a Northern Qi subject, and you two have a transaction.

He's not acting on your orders, so why should he report?

The matter you agreed upon was to kill Shen Zhong. How could that be mentioned casually? He's done it, and you two just have a tacit understanding.

Don't obstruct The Eldest Princess's marriage proposal anymore, and the transaction will be complete."

Zhan Doudou stared blankly out the door, a sense of loss welling up within her.

"Li Chang'an will leave after the poetry gathering?"

Haitang Duoduo pouted and said, "Yes, and The Eldest Princess will also go to Southern Qing with him, to be married in half a year."

"From then on, Your Majesty will never see Li Chang'an again in this lifetime."

Haitang thought to herself, it's better you don't see him. Li Chang'an has too many tricks and bad intentions.

Zhan Doudou's mind was in turmoil, and she felt an inexplicable irritation.

"Haitang, I want to personally attend the Yunmen Poetry Gathering!"

Haitang wasn't surprised at all, saying without even lifting an eyelid, "Attend if you want to."

Zhan Doudou said, "The poetry gathering is hosted by my teacher, and he won't be able to host many more, so I must go this time."

Haitang secretly praised, 'What a good reason she found!'

But you're not a famous poet, and an Emperor writing poetry might not be good. Whether you go or not, old Zhuang won't care.

"Your Majesty truly has filial piety! This Saintess is truly ashamed!"

Zhan Doudou looked solemnly at Haitang Duoduo. "Little Martial Aunt, you understand me best!"

A few days later, in the Imperial Study of Southern Qing.

Chen Pingping joyfully held the intelligence from Northern Qi and handed it to Emperor Qing.

"Your Majesty, great news!"

"Northern Qi's Bureau of Surveillance has been burned down!"

"Northern Qi's famous general, Shang Shanhu, has been sentenced to death!"

"Shen Zhong, the Commander of the Brocade-Clad Guards, almost his entire family is dead!"

Emperor Qing put down the shiny arrowheads he had been polishing, then picked up Chen Pingping's memorial and read it carefully.

"Oh! So these are the matters. What a grand gesture!"

Chen Pingping asked doubtfully, "Your Majesty, these matters should be related to Prince Yong, shouldn't they?"

"Since he accomplished the task, he should have sent a secret memorial to Your Majesty. Let this old subject take a look!"

Emperor Qing looked at Chen Pingping's eager gaze and showed an impatient expression.

"What's there to see? You're even more ruthless when you do things than him!"

Chen Pingping chuckled. "How can this old subject's methods compare to Your Majesty's blood brother?"

"To be in the dragon's den, the enemy's capital, and accomplish such a great feat, how was it done? This old subject is curious!"

Chen Pingping's urging made Emperor Qing even more impatient. "Look, look! Take it and look! What's so good about it!"

"You've grown more capable, and your temper has grown too. You've learned to play coy with me!"

Emperor Qing threw a memorial to Chen Pingping, then continued to polish his arrowheads.

After reading the memorial, Chen Pingping showed an awkward expression. It turned out Prince Yong hadn't explained how he did it.

Emperor Qing only knew that Li Chang'an had accomplished the task, but didn't know exactly what he had done until he read Chen Pingping's memorial just now, then he understood what had happened.

Li Chang'an's secret memorial to Emperor Qing contained only six words.

"I handle things, you can rest assured."

Chen Pingping's eyelids twitched. His Majesty had been on the throne for twenty years, and Li Chang'an was the only one who dared to write a memorial like that to His Majesty.

Originally, only he and Fan Jian dared to be so informal with His Majesty, but neither of them would dare to write something like that.

Prince Yong was His Majesty's blood brother, closer in kinship, so he could be a bit bolder, a little more arrogant.

However, being arrogant in front of the Emperor had a prerequisite: your capabilities had to be great enough.

But now it seemed Li Chang'an's capabilities were indeed great enough!

Chen Pingping coughed twice, then straightened his sleeves, clasped his hands, and bowed solemnly.

"Your Majesty is sagacious!"

"For Great Qing to have such a Prince is Your Majesty's fortune, and Great Qing's fortune!"

"An elder brother is like a father. Prince Yong has achieved such extraordinary merit for Great Qing, all thanks to Your Majesty's excellent guidance!"

Emperor Qing continued to lower his head, tending to his bow and arrows, as if he hadn't heard. "Get out! Get out! Hurry and get out!"