Chapter 5: Determination
Bored and listless, Zhang Lingyang ate a piece of pastry, drank a cup of tea, and leaned on the table humming an unknown tune, gradually feeling drowsy without realizing it
The true emperor has returned, and Zhang Lingyang, this false one, can no longer show his face.
Unable to comprehend what Zhang Zhiyuan was thinking, Zhang Lingyang said: "In that case, let us proceed according to the wishes of Master Sun!"
It is important to note that Sun Ding'an is also one of the prominent figures in the court. If Zhang Zhiyuan is regarded as the head of the civil officials, then Sun Ding'an is the head of the military officials
Zhang Lingyang cast a glance at Wang Qinyi.
To wish to escape from the palace is no different from a fool's dream
Before even stepping through the grand gates of the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Zhang Lingyang caught sight of a group of ministers gathered in clusters, engaged in lively conversation and laughter.
Get up
What will Zhao Chenxi do in the face of a useless substitute
Of course, on the way to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, it was naturally Wang Qin leading the way in front, with Zhang Lingyang following behind.
Because he realized that as long as he stayed in the palace, he would eventually meet the same fate of death
The answer is obvious: that is to destroy all evidence of oneself as a false emperor.
What do you think should be done, my dear minister? Since we do not know who this person is, let us engage in some Tai Chi and pass this matter back to Zhang Zhiyuan
Wang Qin held a short blade in his hand, smiling as he looked at himself, his expression exceedingly sinister
Hmm? Did you not just say that you wanted to execute Li Sheng? Why are you now asking me to make a unilateral decision?
Sun Ding'an replied: "This old minister believes that it would be better to assign Li Cheng to Hami, allowing him to redeem his sins through merit. I wonder what Your Majesty thinks of this proposal"
After speaking, Wang Qin clapped his hands a few times towards the outside, and soon several young palace maids entered, dragging water basins, towels, and clothing with them
Although the pace was swift, Zhang Lingyang couldn't shake the feeling that Zhao Chenxi's steps were somewhat unsteady
Attend the court!
What is referred to as a "little black room" is actually a very elegant and quiet room, fully equipped with tables, chairs, and refreshments including tea and snacks
Zhao Chenxi nodded in satisfaction: "Well done!"
As the sound echoed, the ministers lined up in an orderly fashion and proceeded towards the Qianqing Palace
Since he had grown somewhat weary of the entertainment, Zhao Chenxi naturally no longer needed to leave the palace every day
Who is Li Sheng? Zhang Lingyang felt quite puzzled, as Wang Qin had only mentioned some prominent figures in the court and had not provided him with the names of other officials.
The retired pseudo-emperor Zhang Lingyang was soon invited by Wang Qin to a "small black room" within the Yangxin Hall.
The reason Zhao Chenxi uses himself as this false emperor is to allow him to go out and seek pleasure in the company of others
Wang Qin hurriedly stopped Zhang Lingyang, saying, "Remember, you are now the Emperor, and there will be people to assist you in dressing!"
With such thoughts in mind, Zhang Lingyang then opened his mouth to ask: "What is the matter?"
This statement was made to Zhang Lingyang
Sun Ding'an stepped forward and said: "Your Majesty, this old minister Sun Ding'an opposes. This old minister believes that although Li Cheng is guilty of delaying military affairs, his crime does not warrant death. Moreover, considering Li Cheng's numerous contributions to the Great Zhou over the years, I implore Your Majesty to spare his life"
As expected, after all the ministers stood up, Wang Qin shouted, "If there are memorials to present, please proceed; if not, the court is dismissed"
In his dreams, the Emperor of Tai'an has grown weary of the courtesans.
Saying this, Wang Qin plunged a knife into Zhang Lingyang's chest
Zhang Zhiyuan stated: "I, the humble minister, believe that Li Sheng's refusal to comply with the orders of Governor Zhang Guangzhi of Guizhou has resulted in a delay in military affairs, leading to the deterioration of the situation in Miao territory. For this, he should be sentenced to death!"
Hearing Zhang Lingyang's words, Wang Qin felt quite satisfied: "Good lad, you have some insight. We won't let His Majesty know about what happened between you and the two ladies last night!"
At Wang Qin's gesture, Zhang Lingyang entered the main hall and took a seat on the dragon throne
Zhang Lingyang knelt on the ground, repeatedly bowing his head in supplication, but Wang Qin smiled and said: "From the moment you stepped into the palace gates, your fate for today was sealed. When you reach the King of Hell, do not blame us!"
Wang Qin recounted the matters of today's morning court session to Zhao Chenxi in detail
You see, sometimes the customs of ancient times are indeed beneficial. Before discussing matters, one should first protect their own household; otherwise, how could Zhang Lingyang distinguish who is who among them
Once this substitute dies, naturally no one will dare to speak out again
Having dealt with some trivial matters, I have finally endured the morning court session
It is evident that the true Emperor Zhao Chenxi had no time to attend to the false emperor Zhang Lingyang, and instead directly inquired of Wang Qin: "Are there any significant matters in the court today"
Just now, Wang Qin mentioned that Sun Ding'an hails from the Duke of Ning's residence, one of the three dukes and four marquises established at the founding of the nation, and is the contemporary Duke of Ning
Attend the court!
Zhang Zhiyuan replied: "Your Majesty, the guerrilla general Li Sheng has been escorted to the capital. I am uncertain how to proceed with him"
However, Zhang Lingyang did not know who they were, and could only helplessly look towards Wang Qin
... ...
With Wang Qin's loud call, a series of sounds echoed from outside the hall.
On the way, Wang Qin mentioned the names of several important ministers in the court and their relationships, in order to prevent any mistakes from Zhang Lingyang
One would only naively believe that impersonating a eunuch could allow one to evade scrutiny if they have watched too many television dramas
While speaking, Emperor Zhao Chenxi of Tai'an hurriedly walked in
Wang Qin did not answer directly, but instead asked Zhang Lingyang: "Do you know who the Governor of Guizhou, Zhang Guangzhi, who impeached Li Sheng, is?"
This is something you must slowly comprehend on your own! Wang Qin did not speak in riddles
Having understood this point, Zhang Lingyang's back was instantly drenched in cold sweat
... ...
Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead haphazardly with his sleeve, Zhang Lingyang suddenly fell into a daze
Moreover, one cannot leave the palace at will; otherwise, if discovered by others, it would lead to yet another scandal
Suddenly awakened, Zhang Lingyang hurriedly got up and looked around, only to realize that it had just been a mere dream.
Only after the ministers entered the grand hall did Zhang Lingyang clearly see the appearance of everyone.
In countless films and television dramas of previous eras, this is how emperors conducted their court sessions.
Upon returning to the Yangxin Hall, Zhang Lingyang inquired of Wang Qin: "Master Wang, I find myself somewhat perplexed. It was previously advocated by Zhang Zhiyuan to execute Li Sheng, so why did he remain silent in the end?"
Zhang Lingyang replied: "The common people do not dare to take credit; it is all thanks to Lord Wang's guidance from the side"
Zhang Lingyang was completely confused, "Since Zhang Guangzhi is also a person of Sun Ding'an, why is there still a need to impeach Li Cheng?"
I shall obey your command!
Therefore, Zhao Chenxi ordered Wang Qin to kill him
After all, for so many days, the benevolent and loving Emperor Zhao Chenxi has been staying in the Yangxin Hall to handle state affairs
Have you not noticed that the Emperor has been busy for a long time and has not gone to the harem?
At this point, Zhang Lingyang was about to agree, but unexpectedly, someone below could not hold on any longer
As Zhao Chenxi does not leave the palace, there is naturally no longer a need for this false emperor to provide cover.
What, you don't believe it
Wang Qin, however, smiled and shook his head: "You are mistaken, Zhang Guangzhi and Li Sheng are both people of Duke Ningguo!"
Attend the court!
Since the true Emperor Zhao Chenxi of Tai'an has returned, this false emperor naturally must abdicate
The Ningguo Duke's residence has been a family of military nobility for generations, and Duke Ningguo Sun Ding'an is the most esteemed old general of the Great Zhou.
Oh! Upon hearing Wang Qin say this, Zhang Lingyang intended to get up from the bed and put on his clothes
Zhang Guangzhi? Hmm, yet another unfamiliar name. However, since this Li Sheng dares to disregard his superior's orders and has caused a delay in military affairs leading to the deterioration of the situation, it seems he deserves to be executed
I humbly pay my respects to Your Majesty, may Your Majesty live for ten thousand years, ten thousand years, and ten thousand times ten thousand years!
I, Zhang Zhiyuan, have a memorial to present
Zhang Lingyang did not rush to answer, but instead looked at Zhang Zhiyuan: "What does Minister Zhang think?"
Wang Qin signaled to Zhang Lingyang to remain calm and then shouted to the ministers: "Kneel!"
And once Zhao Chenxi grows tired of the courtesans outside, there will naturally be no need for a substitute like myself
After simply washing my face, I finished dressing under the service of the young maid, and the sky outside was already dimly bright.
Zhang Zhiyuan? Hmm, I know this person. Wang Qing just mentioned his name on the way here. It seems his official title is the Chief Minister of the Cabinet, and of course, he is also the head of the civil officials.
The meaning is, if there is something to discuss, then discuss it; if there is nothing, then go home and rest.
As he watched the torrents of fresh blood flowing from his chest, Zhang Lingyang's consciousness grew increasingly blurred
"All of you, please be seated!" This point, of course, does not require Wang Qin's instruction; Zhang Lingyang will manage it himself.
Zhang Zhiyuan replied: "It all depends on Your Majesty's sole discretion; I have no objections!"
"Who should we listen to this time?" Zhang Lingyang looked at Wang Qin with a hint of exasperation.
Zhang Lingyang hurriedly stood up and knelt on the ground behind Wang Qin, saying: "Commoner Zhang Lingyang pays his respects to Your Majesty"
Wang Qin discreetly pointed at Sun Ding'an, and Zhang Lingyang then had an idea in his mind. He cleared his throat and said: "Minister Sun, what do you think should be done about Li Cheng?"
I don't know!'' Zhang Lingyang shook his head, ``But it should be someone from Zhang Zhiyuan, right!''