Chapter 4: Directly Invading the Immortal Palace

If you dare to obstruct again, this sword of the Emperor's decree will first take your dog head

Having heard what she needed to hear, Ling Bo took a few steps forward to catch up with Shangguan Wan'er and whispered in her ear what she had just heard. Unexpectedly, although her voice was low, it did not escape the notice of Princess Taiping

Two seemingly powerful men are, after all, merely two pitiful creatures in the palm of the queen's hand

In the dead of night, Ling Bo was abruptly awakened by an indescribable sense of panic. As she turned over and sat up, she heard a commotion coming from outside. Grabbing a long robe in haste, she quickly threw it over herself and immediately put on the boots she had prepared earlier, rushing into Shangguan Wan'er’s chamber.

Are you foolish or just dazed? Stopping Shangguan Bingbi is one thing, but daring to stop Princess Taiping? When the Crown Prince ascends the throne, she will be the Grand Princess, and even Minister Zhang would not dare to provoke her! Moreover, Zhang Yizhi and Zhang Changzong are already dead, the situation within is already settled, can these two women still turn the tide?

Two people plotting rebellion? Unless Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi have lost their minds, this Empress is their only support. What kind of rebellion are they planning? Ling Bo secretly scoffed; although Zhang Jianzhi is already over eighty, he remains as resilient as ever. He has mastered the use of such a clichéd excuse to perfection.

Upon encountering such a setback, Shangguan Wan'er could not help but furrow her brow, yet she understood that it was indeed not the right time to be too forceful. Just as she was preparing to think of another approach, she suddenly heard the sound of someone stepping on the snow behind her. Turning around, she was instantly filled with joy. There were only five or six people, and the one at the forefront was dressed in a crane cloak, wearing a golden crown, stepping on heavy-soled shoes, with a sword hanging at his waist. The expression between his brows exuded a vigorous spirit; who else could it be but Princess Taiping?

I see, Wan'er, who did you bring? It turns out to be that little girl, Seventeen! Don't be so sneaky; if there's anything you can say to Wan'er, you can also explain it to me clearly!

As she stepped out the door, the snow seemed to be falling even heavier than it had in the evening, presenting a scene reminiscent of the apocalypse. In the southeast, the Yinxian Palace was illuminated by the blazing torches, casting a red glow across half the sky, mingled with the unmistakable sounds of gasps and screams, creating an overwhelming sense of intimidation. At this moment, Lingbo paid no attention to the swirling snowflakes, focusing solely on following Shangguan Wan'er, treading through the accumulated snow towards the Yinxian Palace. As for the two palace attendants behind her, who stood there like wooden statues, she didn't even bother to turn around and command them to follow.

At the height of their power, no one could withstand their might, and it is unknown how many people they have offended and humiliated. Princess Taiping, the one who recommended them, nearly faced backlash herself. This resentment has been brewing for more than just a day or two. Seeing Shangguan Wan'er show a hint of relaxation, Ling Bo quietly curled her lips.

Although there was confidence during the initial light-hearted conversation, at this moment, Shangguan Wan'er’s hands were slightly trembling. Taking a deep breath, she quickly calmed herself down

No matter how one looks at it, this does not seem like a man with opinions. Of course, it is precisely because there are such men that those intelligent women have opportunities, isn't it

The guard had not anticipated that after Shangguan Wan'er, even Princess Taiping would arrive, leaving him in a state of utter embarrassment: "Your Highness, I am also unable to make a decision on this matter..."

Zhang Xiangong has issued a strict order? Although I was still at a considerable distance, Princess Taiping has excellent hearing. At this moment, she slightly nodded to Shangguan Wan'er and then bypassed her, looking down from a height to survey the two guards blocking her path. "Zhang Jianzhi is merely a minister; Your Majesty is my mother, and the Crown Prince is my biological brother. Why is it that at this critical moment, I cannot enter the Yingxian Palace! As for Wan'er... if you obstruct her, you will surely regret it in the future!"

At this critical moment, she certainly did not see the obstructive figure of Wu Sansi, but she did see two eunuchs still bearing traces of snow on their garments. Once Shangguan Wan'er had sent the two away, she hurriedly asked, "Aunt, has the situation over there already escalated?"

And what about the books and people!

Seeing that continuing to obstruct might lead to serious trouble, a nearby guard hurriedly stepped forward to pull his colleague aside, respectfully clearing the way. Ling Bo intentionally stayed at the back, and just a few steps out, she heard a whisper carried by the wind.

Suddenly, a loud bang echoed ahead, followed by a bright flash of fire, revealing two Imperial Guards wielding steel blades. Seeing the fierce expressions on their faces, Ling Bo quietly tugged at Shangguan Wan'er. To his surprise, this female official, who had just appeared somewhat flustered, suddenly straightened her back and stepped forward two paces, her tone unusually stern: "Since when has the Yingxian Palace started to block me as well?"

A guard, upon hearing this tone, quickly raised his torch and, upon closer inspection, revealed a hint of respect: "So it is Lord Shangguan Bingbi. It is not that someone intends to obstruct, but rather that Lord Zhang has issued a strict order; due to the conspiracy of the two Zhangs, no one is allowed to enter the Immortal Palace even a single step"

Although Zhang Changzong and Zhang Yizhi were not good individuals, despite their immense audacity, they never laid their eyes on the women of the palace, or rather, they did not dare to do so, thus having no interaction with her whatsoever. From a political perspective, since she was orphaned and had no siblings, no matter how the two Zhangs schemed, it had nothing to do with her

In the blink of an eye, Ling Bo saw the cold light flash in Princess Taiping's hand; it was indeed a sword that severed the red tassel from the head of the guard. Although she often saw Princess Taiping coming and going in the palace, it was the first time she witnessed such a display of power. It must be said that the imposing demeanor, exuding authority without anger, was remarkably reminiscent of the Empress.

"Sanniang, Wan'er, you have arrived just in time! Empress... these two have died, yet she refuses to say a word. What should we do, what should we do?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Bo dared not conceal the truth and quickly revealed what he had just heard. As soon as she learned that the Zhang Changzong brothers were dead, Princess Taiping immediately burst into hearty laughter, her face betraying a hint of uncontainable malice: "These two ungrateful wretches have finally met their end! Good, they died well! They don't even consider who granted them wealth and nobility, and they dared to slander me!"

Ling Bo's first reaction was not that the palace coup had progressed to its final moments, but rather that he was astonished by Shangguan Wan'er’s extensive intelligence network. This news truly travels fast

The snow on the ground has accumulated to a depth of one or two inches, and walking on it in wooden clogs gives one a sensation akin to walking on cotton. Although there is a bit of stumbling, Lingbo is still doing her utmost to support Shangguan Wan'er, as the latter is in a particularly precarious state, nearly stumbling to the ground several times. This is not a matter of mental state; rather, the snow has clearly been trampled by many people, leaving behind a chaotic array of footprints, and in many places, ice has formed. A moment's inattention could easily lead to a fall.

Ling Bo observed the future emperor, who resembled a headless fly, from behind Princess Taiping and Shangguan Wan'er, and couldn't help but let out a sneer in her heart, feeling pity for Zhang Jian and the others

Upon hearing the instructions from Shangguan Wan'er, Ling Bo immediately donned a snow-repellent cloak, slipped on her pearwood clogs, and casually tucked the short sword she usually carried for self-defense into her bosom. She then promptly exited the Immortal Residence Hall together with Shangguan Wan'er

Although the snow in the sky has not yet ceased and the weather is bitterly cold, as one approaches the Changsheng Hall of the Yinxian Palace, a large crowd can be seen gathered at the entrance. Among them, a middle-aged man surrounded by people stands out remarkably. Just as Lingbo recognizes that it is Prince Li Xian, he notices the prince casting a glance in this direction, and then he shakes off the crowd and hurriedly descends the steps.

At this time, there is no need for a large number of people; the more cowards there are, the greater the trouble will be!

At this moment, saying anything is futile. Let us go to the Immortal Welcoming Palace now

I have just received news that the Left and Right Imperial Guards, along with the Crown Prince, have broken through the Xuanwu Gate and should now be inside the Yingxian Palace. It is likely that Zhang Changzong and his brother have already lost their lives. Wu Youyi is truly incompetent; a Right Imperial Guard General who cannot control his subordinates is still sleeping soundly at home during such a critical time! His Majesty, wise throughout his life, has made a momentary blunder, believing that having Li Zhan would be enough to balance Huan Yanfan and Jing Hui. As a result, it was Li Zhan who just persuaded the Crown Prince to leave the Eastern Palace!