Huh? The Tyrant Cries After My Inner Thoughts Were Exposed!-Chapter 220: Mutiny

On Su Juan’s birthday, the Emperor sent not only the Right Token, but also a decree sealed with the Imperial Seal, allowing the deployment of fifty thousand troops from Huai State at Su Juan’s command.

He was entrusting Su Juan with a heavy responsibility. Duke Ping thought, with this trust, the establishment of the Crown Princess would not be far off.

With this Commander’s Seal in hand, Su Juan could truly establish her footing in the court and no longer need fear other forces.

He heavily patted his grandniece’s shoulder, "You must keep it well; this item is of great importance. It can dispatch the nearest troops from Huai State. Do not let others know."

Everyone in the world covets the Tiger Talisman. If others find out, it will bring pursuit and plunder to Su Juan.

Su Juan clearly understood the use of the item in her hand and was aware of its significance. "Uncle, rest assured, I know."

The Old Emperor had entrusted his life to her. If there was a rebellion, she could take the Tiger Talisman and the decree to Huai State and mobilize troops to protect the Emperor.

Late at night, when no one was moving in the Princess Mansion, Shen Ruhui went to find Su Juan.

"Song Qianfan has been frequently leaving the Capital recently. Our people have lost track of him a few times; it seems he has quite a few helpers in the shadows."

His arrangements and preparations were thorough, intercepting the people from Ruyi Building every time. It was certainly no coincidence. Thus far, they had not been able to find out what Song Qianfan was doing in the Capital’s suburbs, so they could only look for any anomalies around the Capital suburbs.

Su Juan had a gut feeling it was Yan Zizhan. "Has there been any news from Yan Zizhan’s side?"

This person was still unclear, without knowing his identity, origin, or purpose.

Compared to the obvious danger of Song Qianfan, Yan Zizhan was the real threat, lurking in the shadows with unknown backing and motives.

Shen Ruhui shook his head, "No, still investigating."

This person was very concealed, deliberately hiding his tracks and identity. What kind of person would live for ten to twenty years intentionally hiding themselves?

...

After Su Juan’s birthday, everyone in Capital City knew the specifics of the banquet that day. They all said she could no longer stir up any waves.

Many who knew the inside story felt sorry for her. If she hadn’t insisted on pleading for Prince Jing and the Pei Family that day, she wouldn’t have ended up with the reputation of being in league with the traitors. A single wrong move and the whole game was lost.

Many also thought that someone who came in halfway, relying on the Emperor’s favor, foolishly believed she could do as she pleased, antagonizing many in the court and making numerous enemies, causing several ministers to either die, get imprisoned, or be exiled.

Now, as the tables turned, it was likely even Princess Jinyang was regretting her actions.

With the Emperor’s attitude there, everyone thought Su Juan was hopeless in making a comeback, and they began to speculate about the Old Emperor’s intentions, wondering who he might bequeath the position to, whether from the Capital’s imperial family or others from afar.

But currently, the most capable young people in Capital City were the Heir of Prince Han and Song Jingwen. However, Prince Han was still under house arrest.

Prince Jing had some skills earlier, but his reputation was later completely ruined... and it was related to Princess Jinyang.

Truly, the world is ever-changing.

The Emperor ordered the preparations for the autumn hunt. Every autumn, the Emperor would take many officials to stay at the Hunting Palace on Huating Mountain for more than half a month, which was more significant than the spring hunt.

Military Generals in the court looked forward to this event annually, where they could gallop and hunt on Huating Mountain, roast meat, and drink wine, a truly delightful affair. Unfortunately, Prince Han was still under house arrest and could not participate.

While everyone in the Capital eagerly awaited showcasing their skills on Huating Mountain, nobody knew that Song Qianfan, far away at the Capital Suburb Camp, was readying himself. He planned to collaborate with Yu Ting in the Imperial City, waiting for the Emperor to leave for Huating Mountain with Yan Zheng, to then mount a direct attack on the Imperial City. Under the guise of Princess Jinyang uniting with Prince Han to rebel, they would march on Huating Mountain.

The Emperor only took three thousand Forbidden Army soldiers with him. Once they occupied the Imperial City, using fabricated Commander’s Seals and Decrees to mobilize the Huai State troops, they could kill the Old Emperor and those ministers with him at Huating Mountain, seizing the world for themselves!

That Shi Yuan at the Huai State Camp had better know what’s good for him, or else he would be killed as well.

...

On the day of the Emperor’s departure, half of the court’s officials left, many bringing their families.

Su Juan patted Liu Miaoying’s hand, "I’ll only be gone for more than half a month. I’ll be back soon. If you have the time, visit the palace often to keep my Grand Empress Dowager company."

Liu Miaoying paused, withdrew her hand into her sleeve, and nodded, "Alright."

Watching the grand procession leave Capital City, Liu Miaoying immediately went to the palace to see the Empress, clutching the jade token Su Juan had just given her.

At this time, following at the back of the convoy, Su Juan had the feeling of being watched. It must be Song Qianfan’s informant. Her red lips curved slightly; it would happen soon.

If Song Qianfan really rebelled, the Capital would be his grave.

Beside her, Xie Xun glanced around, unable to help but mutter, "Why does it feel like there are more people going to this autumn hunt this time?"

Not just Military Generals, even those Civil Servants who usually refrained due to age had come along.

Su Juan laughed, "Maybe they all like excitement?"

But Xie Xun had a gut feeling something was off.

Following the Emperor was the Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, laughing and joking with others, but inside, he was very anxious. Song Qianfan had instructed him to keep an eye on His Majesty during this journey. If there was any unusual movement, he was to report back to the Capital. This arrangement didn’t seem right no matter how he looked at it.

Yet he dared not inform the Old Emperor. Revealing it would mean being implicated with Song Qianfan if he truly rebelled, risking a potential charge of conspiracy and losing his head.

Better to feign ignorance and act based on the situation.

On the very first day after the autumn hunt group left the Capital, Song Qianfan led a significant number of men into the Capital at night. He collaborated with the city gate leaders he had long since bribed, killing the others to seize control of the city gate defenses.

He then opened the city gates wide, greeting several hundred people into the Capital.

Song Qianfan sneered, "Go to the major residences in the Capital, invite all the court’s ministers and their families to the palace. If they refuse... kill them."

"Yes!"

Hundreds of troops carrying torches weaved through the streets and alleys of the Capital. Every household had its gates firmly shut, listening to the commotion outside and realizing that something major was happening.

Song Qianfan, donned in heavy armor, rode his horse toward the Imperial City. As long as he controlled these ministers and their families, he could ensure they obediently supported his rise to power.

Their lives were in the hands of this princely heir; who would dare defy him?

His gaze fixed on the Imperial City; they were all surnamed Song. Why should that mocking place remain under the control of that old fool? Despite his struggles and efforts, he couldn’t gain the Emperor’s favor, and his own uncle trampled him into the mire.

It was that old fool who was unjust first, so he couldn’t blame him for responding in kind.

Prince Heng, Prince Han, Su Juan—all were merely defeated beneath his hand. Ultimately, the world would belong to him, Song Qianfan!