Chapter 615: Chapter 83: Li Longji Returns to the Capital, Words That Strike the Heart

They both understood what this meant.

"Insolence!" Li Longji’s face turned as white as a sheet, and in his shock and anger, he thoughtlessly smashed the jade cup in his hand onto the ground, shattering it to pieces!

"This ungrateful son... dares to commit such a heinous and treacherous act?!"

The envoy’s words about the rumors in Luoyang—that he wasn’t quelling a rebellion but fleeing in panic—now pierced his mind like poisonous needles.

The last thin "veil of decency" covering his incompetence and panic was ruthlessly torn apart in public.

This former "Sage Ruler of Kaiyuan" had his reason completely collapse, like a lion whose disguise was stripped away in public, left only with fury and madness, bereft of any majesty and order.

"Seize him!!!"

"Kill him!!!"

"Kill this sycophant!!"

He pointed shakily at the envoy, his face pale as he vented his rage.

Hearing this, Yang Guozhong immediately realized the situation, first glancing at Li Longji and then at the stunned envoy, finally waved his hand.

Amidst the clamoring voices.

The envoy was quickly taken away by the guards on either side.

Once the hall quieted down again, Yang Guozhong hurriedly stepped forward with clasped hands and said, "Your Majesty, at this critical juncture, we should immediately go to the Shu Region!"

"Go to the Shu Region?" Li Longji looked at Yang Guozhong in astonishment, angrily, "The ungrateful son rebels, and I, as the Emperor, how can I go to the Shu Region at this time?"

"Quickly muster the troops!"

"Follow me to retake Luoyang!"

Whether out of fear or excessive anger, Li Longji’s body kept trembling.

"Your Majesty!" Yang Guozhong still wanted to advise.

But at this moment, Li Longji was completely consumed by rage, ignoring Yang Guozhong’s words, only hysterically issuing command after command.

No matter how reluctant Yang Guozhong was, he had no choice but to comply.

His only support was the precarious emperor before him. Without Li Longji’s backing, given his actions over the years, he would surely have no good end.

He had no choice but to summon everyone and order a return to Luoyang.

But what he encountered was not the obedience of the generals and soldiers.

—With Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi at the forefront, the commanders of Tong Pass all controlled their troops, suppressing their last hope before Yang Guozhong and Li Longji.

"By order of the new emperor and Grand Tutor Gu! An Lushan’s rebellion threatens the state. We must diligently perform our duties and hold fast to Tong Pass!"

Gao Xianzhi’s gaze swept over the pale Li Longji and Yang Guozhong, continuing, "Starting today, escort the Retired Emperor and Right Minister back to Luoyang immediately."

The last sentence carried an authoritative decision and an implicit icy warning:

"—To prevent the rebel army from taking advantage and causing unforeseen disasters!"

Looking at the armored generals before them, Li Longji and Yang Guozhong’s faces were completely devoid of color.

Leave aside the already collapsed Li Longji.

Even Yang Guozhong began to shiver uncontrollably.

At this moment, they were left only with despair.

They did not understand why these people came together, but at this point, what could they do?

Try to connect with their own troops?

Ignoring the fact that they had no chance to do so.

Even if there was, both Li Longji and Yang Guozhong clearly understood their current image in the hearts of the soldiers.

The deep-rooted sense of homeland among the Huaxia people is unmatched by any nation.

No one wanted to leave Luoyang.

Especially now that the Gu Clan had stepped in.

An emperor who had lost his prestige, power, and status, at this moment, how could he compare to the Gu Clan?

Gao Xianzhi, regardless of their expressions, did not overstep his authority.

He directly looked at the eunuch serving Li Longji.

His whole demeanor suddenly changed, carrying a clear intent to kill, "Immediately pack for the Retired Emperor, today I will send someone to escort him back to Luoyang!"

With that, he led the generals to bow before Li Longji.

Then, without concern for anything else,

He directly walked out of the hall.

They didn’t have much time to delay; An Lushan was on his way to attack, and they had to make the most of every moment.

This was the task assigned by Gu Yi.

He wouldn’t interfere with military affairs, but they had to keep An Lushan outside Tong Pass.

This was the core of all their plans.

The key to An Lushan’s scheme was speed and precision. To avoid large-scale disturbances, their main goal was to break An Lushan’s momentum.

And once the war of attrition began,

With the prosperity of the Great Tang over the years and the influence of the Gu Clan, coupled with An Lushan’s overstretched front, it would be enough to completely destroy An Lushan.

What Gu Yi really needed to consider was the post-war recovery, including handling the current situation with foreign races.

This was what required Gu Yi’s attention.

On that very day, Gao Xianzhi immediately dispatched a Forbidden Army unit to escort Li Longji and others back to Luoyang.

The scenery along the way remained unchanged.

They were taking the same route Li Longji had taken when fleeing to Tong Pass.

And the time between these events was even less than five days.

Yet, their state of mind seemed decades apart, making the already aged Li Longji appear even older, and Yang Guozhong looked similarly haggard and withered.

Gu Yi had, of course, received the news in advance.

Two days later, manipulating Gu Xuan, he awaited with Li Heng and others before the city gate, standing behind them were the thousands of citizens of Luoyang.