si-mexico Chapter 472 Turbulent Times Rise in Pingzhou, Undercurrents Stir in the Capital
Chapter 472 Turbulent Times Rise in Pingzhou, Undercurrents Stir in the Capital
The carriage departed from the capital of Zheng and headed east.
Once they crossed the border of Zheng, Gu Junze and his party changed into ordinary clothes that had been prepared beforehand, and replaced their carriages with warhorses, and traveled day and night.
It's time to close the net that's been woven by the subordinates in the capital...
Looking at Gu Junze's slightly tired but still resolute profile, Chu Ruohan said softly, "Can the child handle traveling day and night like this?"
Gu Junze sighed softly and squeezed her hand. "Pingzhou is not far away. The sooner we arrive, the sooner we can have peace of mind."
The accompanying physician, Dr. Qian, observed the herbs along the way, occasionally picking some and putting them into his medicine bag. In the past few days, besides treating everyone's health, he had been pondering something.
After traveling for several more days, they stopped to rest at a dilapidated temple. Doctor Qian took out a small porcelain bottle from his bosom and handed it to Gu Junze: "General, these are some new ingredients I have prepared."
Gu Junze took the porcelain bottle, opened it, and smelled it; it was colorless and odorless.
"This medicine is called 'Forget-Me-Not Powder'," Dr. Qian explained. "Inhaling a small amount can temporarily make a person feel dazed and obedient, but it will dissipate on its own after half an hour and will not cause any harm to the body. It is for emergencies."
Gu Junze's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded, saying, "Thank you for your trouble, Doctor Qian."
He carefully put the porcelain bottle away; perhaps it would come in handy someday.
The group traveled by day and hid by night, enduring wind and rain, and finally arrived at the territory of Pingzhou in the Eastern Jin Dynasty after half a month.
Pingzhou City was fortified with high walls and strict defenses. Gu Junze went straight to the Pingzhou Garrison Commander's Mansion.
Inside the garrison commander's residence, Zhang Wei, the garrison commander of Pingzhou, was somewhat impatient upon hearing that someone from the capital had come to request an audience.
His expression changed drastically when he saw the token that Gu Junze presented, especially the half of the tiger tally engraved with the image of a tiger roaring at the moon.
"This is... an imperial tiger tally!" Zhang Wei's voice trembled slightly. He carefully examined the tiger tally and found that it fit perfectly with the other half in his hand. He couldn't help but gasp.
This tiger tally can mobilize 100,000 troops stationed in Pingzhou. After the late emperor passed away, it disappeared without a trace. I never expected it to end up in this person's hands.
"This humble general Zhang Wei greets Your Excellency!" Zhang Wei dared not be negligent and immediately knelt on one knee to pay his respects.
Gu Junze helped him up: "General Zhang, there's no need for such formalities. There's been a change in the capital, and I've come here on a secret imperial edict. I need your cooperation to secretly gather troops and await your command."
Zhang Wei replied solemnly, “Rest assured, sir, the troops stationed in Pingzhou are ready to receive orders at any time!”
He knew in his heart that whoever possessed this tiger tally must be carrying an important mission, and something big was probably about to happen in the capital.
Meanwhile, in the capital of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Zhao Yunci, dressed in plain clothes, looked haggard and was staring blankly at a game of chess.
Outside the palace, Qingmo Valley's spies were everywhere, and the palace guards had already been quietly replaced.
A steward from Qingmo Valley brought in some medicine, and said with a forced smile, "Your Majesty, it's time for your medicine. This is a fine medicine that the Valley Master specially found for you; it can calm your mind and stabilize your spirit."
Zhao Yunci seemed not to hear her, and after a long while she slowly raised her head, her eyes empty: "I know, put it down."
The steward's eyes flashed with disdain upon seeing his appearance.
This emperor is indeed a useless spineless coward; he's now trapped like a turtle in a jar and can't cause any more trouble.
The person in charge of Qingmo Valley in the capital was extremely pleased with himself, waiting only for the Valley Master's order, and the throne of the Eastern Jin Dynasty would be changed.
These days, Zhao Yunci is completely unguarded with the food and medicine sent by Qingmo Valley, and even "voluntarily" cooperates with some of their "small requests".
He spends his days reading, writing, and tending to flowers and plants in the palace, looking as if he has completely given up resistance and is only seeking to prolong his life.
This made those monitoring him even more complacent.
However, no one knew that a sharp glint would flash in Zhao Yunci's eyes when the night was deep and quiet.
He had already made contact with several loyal and senior officials in the court through his confidants, and was just waiting for the right opportunity.
On this day, the person in charge of Qingmo Valley in the capital, a middle-aged man with a sinister face, personally came to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
“Your Majesty,” he said, his voice tinged with feigned respect, “the Valley Master has heard that Your Majesty has been quite cooperative recently, which has greatly pleased him. He has specially sent word that he wishes to have a talk with Your Majesty.”
Zhao Yunci slowly turned around, her face showing just the right amount of panic: "Valley Master... he wants to see me?"
“Exactly.” The middle-aged man smiled. “The Valley Master greatly admires His Majesty’s pragmatism. He has specially arranged to have a long talk with His Majesty at Jingxin Villa on the outskirts of the capital in three days to discuss state affairs.”
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunci's hand trembled slightly, and his voice trembled as he said, "I...I understand."
The middle-aged man watched his reaction with satisfaction, thinking to himself: This emperor is indeed terrified.
After the man left, the fear on Zhao Yunci's face vanished instantly, replaced by a cold glint in her eyes.
He walked to the window, looked at the Imperial Guards outside the hall who were under the control of Qingmo Valley, and a cold smile appeared on his lips.
"The fish is finally going to take the bait," he muttered to himself, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of excitement and murderous intent.
The study in the Pingzhou garrison commander's residence was brightly lit by candlelight.
Gu Junze unfolded the secret letter in his hand. The handwriting on the letter was messy and hurried, and it was Zhao Yunci's own handwriting.
"Three days later, at Jingxin Villa on the outskirts of Beijing." After reading the letter, Gu Junze handed it to Zhang Wei, who was standing beside him.
Zhang Wei took the document, quickly glanced through it, and his expression grew increasingly grave: "My lord, this is clearly a trap set by Qingmo Valley! His Majesty's journey there is likely to end in disaster!"
Gu Junze's eyes were deep as he said in a deep voice, "His Majesty is using himself as bait to buy us time."
He walked to the sand table, his gaze shifting between the capital and Pingzhou.
“Pingzhou is five days away from the capital, even traveling day and night at full speed. Our main force won’t be able to make it in three days,” Zhang Wei said worriedly.
Gu Junze pointed to the location of the capital: "Therefore, we must split our forces into two groups."
He turned to Zhang Wei, his tone resolute: "General Zhang, immediately muster all available troops in Qiping Prefecture and march towards the capital at top speed. Remember, conceal your movements along the way and do not reveal your location."
"Your subordinate obeys!" Zhang Wei clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.
Gu Junze continued, "I will personally lead an elite squad, carrying 'Forget-Me-Not Powder,' to rush to the capital under cover of darkness. If His Majesty's situation becomes critical, this squad will be a surprise force."
Zhang Wei's eyes narrowed: "Sir, you're personally leading the infiltration? That's too dangerous!"
"The capital is a den of dragons and tigers. Qingmo Valley has been operating for many years, and there must be an inside agent by His Majesty's side."
"Only if I go in person can I adapt to the situation and ensure that nothing goes wrong," Gu Junze said in a tone that left no room for argument.
He looked out at the pitch-black night and made up his mind.
Back in the temporary courtyard, Chu Ruohan had not yet rested. She was sitting under the lamp, holding a baby's clothes in her hand, her expression gentle.
"It's so late, why aren't you asleep yet?" Gu Junze approached, his voice softening.
Chu Ruohan looked up and saw a hint of weariness in his eyes, and she understood.
"Are you leaving?" she asked softly.
Gu Junze nodded, sat down beside her, and took her hand: "Yes, things are urgent in the capital, I must leave immediately."
He briefly explained the plan to split the troops into two groups.
Chu Ruohan listened quietly, her eyes showing worry, but without any hesitation or obstruction.
"The capital is dangerous, you must be careful on your journey." She gripped his hand tightly, her fingertips tightening slightly.
"Don't worry," Gu Junze looked at her, his gaze firm, "I will come back safely."
Chu Ruohan gently rested her head on his shoulder: "I will take good care of myself and the child, and wait for you to come back and pick us up."
Her voice was soft, yet it carried a calming power.
Gu Junze felt a warmth in his heart, tightened his arms, and pulled her into his embrace.
"wait for me."
"Ah."