Chapter 519: Chapter 352: Rong Heng Belongs Only to Gu Lan

Just beyond the wall, Prince Xiang’s army pressed on, laying siege to the city.

Was it rebellion or an imperial command to enter the capital? Yan Mo no longer knew whose words to trust, but he knew that if he did not open the city gates, the Commandery Princess and the County Princess before him would rush at him first!

The person Yan Mo sent for an imperial decree never returned, and the only order he received was Song Zhi’s words from half a two-hour ago.

Just as Yan Mo hesitated, at the corner of the city walls, a torch-bearing procession appeared.

"Who are those people?" Yan Mo asked in surprise, looking intently.

Han Xuan’er suddenly became excited and tightly grasped Bao Yi’s hand.

"It’s... it’s my father and his men!"

"Prime Minister Lu Bingxin welcomes the return of Prince Xiang to the capital, seeks redress for the Xiao Family, once the Pingnan Marquis, and for the Gu Family."

"Minister of Personnel Han Ande requests the return of Prince Xiang to the capital, to vindicate the Gu Family, to vindicate the Xiao Family!"

"Minister of Revenue Xie Yun requests the Pingnan General to return to the capital. Xie Yun wishes to clear the name of the Gu Family. The affair of the female impersonating a male was by the former Emperor’s decree. Prince Xiang, please return to the capital and take charge of the situation."

"Vice Minister of War Fu Feichen welcomes the return of Prince Xiang to the capital—"

"Vice Minister of Public Works Qin Zhenghu welcomes the return of Prince Xiang to the capital, and the return of the Pingnan General to the capital!"

"Yan Qing of the Imperial Family requests Uncle Fifth to return to the capital, and the Heir of Duke Dingyuan to return to the capital."

...

The civil and military officials who once stood in the court formed a long queue, each appearing at the city gate.

Their voices demanding a decree echoed in the night, some were deep and solemn, some still youthful, but they shared the same indignation, their hot blood slightly chilled.

Gu Lan remained silent, hearing Lu Bingxin’s voice inside the city.

Once, Lu Bingxin was the Capital City Governor who planned Dayan’s military strategy against the Snowfield Qiangrong, later he wanted to marry his daughter into the Gu Mansion as Minister Lu, and now, he was Prime Minister of Yan Country.

Lu Bingxin regarded the honor and disgrace of his family as his own life. For the status of the Lu Family, he did not hesitate to force his daughter to marry into Dingyuan Marquis Mansion. Yet more important than his family in his heart was his loyalty to the sovereign, and more important than loyalty to the sovereign was the righteousness of the nation.

"The Xiao Family of the past, the Gu Family of today, as the Prime Minister and head of all officials, I should set an example for all officials. The haze over Dayan has lingered for over ten years; someone should be able to dispel confusion, exchange the long night for the end of night, and restore clarity to the world— I am powerless. Prince, please return to the capital and take charge of the situation."

Lu Bingxin shouted loudly with tears in his eyes.

Vice Minister of War Fu Feichen spoke in a clear voice:

"The Young Master dressed as a man was by former Emperor’s decree. Yet, Your Majesty accuses Dingyuan Marquis Mansion of disloyalty. In these seven days, four loyal ministers trying to advise have died miserably. Panic reigns in the capital, and such a state of affairs will lead to Dayan becoming another Bian of Wei Country.

I, Fu Feichen, am willing to shed my armor and beg for my life, asking Prince Xiang to return to the capital, thoroughly investigate the treacheries, wash away grievances, and take charge of the situation!"

Xie Yun stepped forward, standing out in his pure white cloak amidst the crowd. Various gazes fell upon him, but he seemed oblivious, maintaining his gentle and refined poise.

Xie Yun raised his head. Though he couldn’t see Gu Lan, pride and a sharp gleam shone in his eyes, and his voice was clear: 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"With the Pingnan General here, with Prince Xiang here, Dayan will not fall into chaos, but if they insist on removing them blindly, only then will Dayan descend into irrevocable turmoil. Be it man or woman, I know only that heroes care not for origin nor gender. Xie Yun wishes to welcome the Prince and the Pingnan General back to the capital, restoring clarity and peace to the realm."

The current Young Lan has already accomplished what has never been done in this world, and he is willing to become a green ladder for her to pave the road ahead.

In the corner, Yan Qing, with a pale handsome face, wiped his tears with his sleeve, murmuring softly: "Only you all can return Dayan to clarity. Uncle Wu, Brother Lan, come home."

Qin Zhenghu also looked at Yan Mo, his face flushed, and said:

"General Yan, you should be aware of Dayan’s current political situation. Zhenghu is merely a man of letters, ignorant of military affairs, but knows that Dayan’s stability was secured by Dingyuan Marquis Mansion, the former Pingnan Marquis Mansion, the Pingnan General, Prince Xiang, and Prince Rui risking their lives to attain.

They fought valiantly for Dayan, disregarding their own safety for the people’s well-being, sacrificing their family’s comfort for the people’s peace and prosperity. When have they ever harbored a shred of selfish intent? His Majesty now treats the meritorious ministers this way... is it just to them, to the people of the world?"

As Qin Zhenghu finished speaking, in the darkness, the people near the city gates emerged from their homes, defying the curfew to witness the scene before them.

They already knew everything. Prince Xiang of Dayan and the Young Master, who once defended the nation, were right outside the city, yet branded as rebels.