Chapter 325: False Emperor: Yu Qian, you also betrayed me
The next day, morning.

After the court session, the emperor sat on the majestic dragon throne, his eyes like cold and sharp blades, slowly sweeping over every minister below the steps. He was silent, just sitting there quietly, but it seemed as if a heavy weight was pressing on everyone’s heart. The air was filled with a palpitating invisible murderous aura, which enveloped the entire court like a substance, suppressing everyone to the point of suffocation.

What Zhu Qizhen was thinking about was what Xiyao said last night, which reminded him of many people.

Former Minister of Rites Yang Shan, Marquis of Wu’an Zheng Hong, former Prime Minister Shang Lu, etc., all of them eventually betrayed him. They even planned to replace him with the so-called true emperor.

why?
I have worked hard over the years to establish the Ming Dynasty. I have been good to you, my trusted ministers, right? In the end, you still want to rebel against me?

Ridiculous! Ridiculous!
The minister I trust is actually from the Junshan Society. Who else can I trust?
“Your Majesty, the procedures for the 90th anniversary celebration have been finalized. Please make the final decision.” Minister of Rites Li Bing reported.

Zhu Qizhen slowly came back to his senses and glanced at the ministers in the hall again. He now didn’t know how many of these people truly acknowledged him as the emperor.

His gaze lingered on Yu Qian for a moment, and then he waved his hand: “I feel a little unwell today, so I will leave the court.”

After saying that, he strode away. Cao Jixiang was stunned for a moment, then followed closely.

The ministers in the palace were all stunned.

Over the years, His Majesty has never left the court halfway. What happened? Is His Majesty ill?

“Lord Xu, is there something wrong with His Majesty’s health?” a minister asked Xu Youzhen.

Most of the ministers gathered around him, asking questions at once. Xu Youzhen was also confused: “I don’t know either. You all go back to your ministries. I’ll go ask Eunuch Cao. Alas, His Majesty didn’t call a small court meeting today.”

Having said that, he left in a hurry.

……

Qianqing Palace.

After Zhu Qizhen came back, he looked at the pile of memorials in front of him and a fierce look flashed in his eyes.

No matter what I do, will those officials who are loyal to the Zhu family think that I am not qualified to be the emperor? All my hard work over the years has brought me nothing in return?
After so many years, I thought they all recognized me, but I didn’t expect that everything was just my wishful thinking. What is a wise ruler and honest ministers? It’s all an illusion. I tolerated them, but what was the result?
“Your Majesty~” Cao Jixiang came up to the palace cautiously, “Duke Xia Yuqian asked to see you outside the palace, saying that there is a report from the battle in the front.”

Zhu Qizhen took a deep breath and waved his hand: “Announce.”

After a while, Yu Qian strode up to the palace, bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I have received a report from the battle in the Western Regions. Cao Qin has captured Samarkand, and the emperor of the Timurid Empire has hanged himself. This is a great victory, Your Majesty.”

“I understand.” Zhu Qizhen seemed to be in a bad mood. “You five military governors should submit a memorial. I want to reward the soldiers at the front.”

Yu Qian bowed and said, “I obey your order.”

He also saw that the emperor must be worried, so he was silent for a moment and continued, “Your Majesty, the Shenjiying has developed new artillery and muskets. I invite Your Majesty to go and see them.”

“Going to Shenjiying?” Zhu Qizhen raised his eyes.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Yu Qian smiled, “I see Your Majesty is worried, let’s go to the camp to relax.”

Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, “Okay, then I will go with you after the morning court tomorrow.”

“As you wish.” Yu Qian bowed again.

He lowered his head, left the hall, and walked on the imperial road. A cold light flashed in his eyes, and he whispered to himself: “There is no other way. I can only do this.”

He ran into Duke Zhongguo Shi Heng and asked curiously, “Are you here to see His Majesty as well?”

“I won’t go and get into trouble.” Shi Heng waved his hand. “I’m going to look for Shi Biao. It’s my birthday tomorrow, so he has to go back, right? Oh, Lao Yu, you come too.”

Yu Qian smiled and nodded: “Okay, then we have to drink a few more cups. You can call all the military officers in the capital. Finally, there is a chance for everyone to get together.”

“I thought so too.” Shi Heng clasped his fists, “Then I’ll wait for your arrival.”

After saying goodbye, he hurried to the Qianqing Palace. Shi Biao was waiting for him at the door and said in a low voice, “Uncle, His Majesty wants to see you.”

……

The spring sun is shining.

Zhu Qizhen was busy reviewing memorials. A breeze blew by, and he looked out the window.

Outside the window, the spring sunshine is gently falling, like a fine golden brocade, gently covering the earth. The blue sky is clear, and a few white clouds are wandering leisurely, casting a faint shadow, adding a bit of agility to this bright spring light. The willow trees are swaying gently, and the tender green branches are like a girl’s hair, dancing gently in the breeze. Occasionally, a few catkins flutter in the wind, like light snowflakes, slowly falling into the flowers below.

A warm breeze quietly slipped into the house, bringing with it the fragrance of flowers and the freshness of soil, gently brushing Zhu Qizhen’s face, like a whisper from nature. He put down his pen involuntarily, looking through the window lattice, deeply attracted by this vibrant scene. In the distance, a few crisp bird calls penetrated the silence, they were either jumping and playing on the branches, or soaring under the blue sky, free and happy.

“It’s so beautiful.” He whispered to himself, “Isn’t it good to be alive? The world is so beautiful.”

After he finished speaking, a fierce murderous intent suddenly flashed in his eyes. At this moment, footsteps were heard, accompanied by Cao Jixiang’s hasty announcement: “The Queen Mother has arrived~”

Zhu Qizhen collected his thoughts and turned to look at the Demon Queen who was striding towards him.

She wore a glittering purple palace dress with a long skirt that trailed gently on the ground, showing her elegance and grace. Her waist was cleverly tied with a plain satin ribbon, which perfectly outlined her slender waist and further highlighted her graceful figure.

Her long hair was like a waterfall, carefully tied behind her head and fixed with only a simple yet exquisite hairpin. Her hair was also cleverly dotted with a few dark blue gemstone jewels, adding a touch of noble and elegant temperament to her.

It is just this extraordinary temperament that radiates from the inside out that makes people look up to her. She is a lone snow lotus, holy and inviolable, making people worry that any careless action will be a blasphemy to her, so they just want to watch her from afar.

“All of you retreat.” The Demon Queen said calmly.

All the palace maids and eunuchs in the hall retreated, even Shuangxi, who had followed her in, went out and finally closed the door.

“What’s wrong?” Zhu Qizhen raised his eyes and asked.

The Demon Queen walked up to him, leaned over, her long black hair flowing down, her delicate fragrance enticing, her exquisite and beautiful face facing him, and raised her eyebrows: “If you don’t come to see me, I will take the initiative to come to see you.”

“Did you hear something?” Zhu Qizhen smiled, leaned back in his chair and opened his arms.

The Demon Queen fell into his arms, her long eyelashes trembling slightly: “You killed Xiyao, how could I not know? Why did you kill her suddenly?”

Zhu Qizhen put one hand around her waist and the other across her pretty face, asking, “Do you really want to know?”

The Queen smiled brightly, her fair arms still around his neck, and chuckled, “I don’t want to know.”

After saying that, she took the initiative to kiss him.

Zhu Qizhen held her, intoxicated by this deep kiss, for a long time, he finally let go, looked at the demon queen in his arms, and said softly: “I’m a little busy these days, I’ll accompany you for dinner the day after tomorrow.”

“Why is it the day after tomorrow?” The Demon Queen glared.

Zhu Qizhen shrugged: “Because Yu Qian asked me to go to the Shenji Camp tomorrow.” “Oh~” The Demon Queen hugged him again, “Then accompany me for now.”

After saying that, she actually sat on him, hugged his neck with both hands, and kissed him in a very domineering way.

The two of them stayed together for a while before Zhu Qizhen smiled and said, “Well, I still have a lot of memorials to submit. I’m not used to you suddenly being so clingy.”

“Pah~” the Demon Queen spat and stood up.

She walked away with her long legs without looking back, her long black hair hanging down and swaying in the wind.

Leaving the Qianqing Palace and walking on the imperial road, looking at the spring scenery in front of her, she whispered to Shuangxi beside her: “Let’s get started. Once we receive the news tomorrow, we will leave the palace immediately to pick them up.”

“Yes.” Shuangxi lowered his head.

The Demon Queen stopped and sighed softly, “We agreed to live by the Gaoliang River for a while. I hope there will be another chance. He will be Zhu Wusi and I will be Sun Ruowei, his wife.”

Shuangxi pursed her red lips, seeming to want to say something but stopped herself.

……

The night is deep in Changchun Palace.

The virtuous concubine lay lazily in Zhu Qizhen’s arms, her jade-like back charming, and her underwear scattered under the phoenix couch.

“I will go to the Shenji Camp tomorrow.” Zhu Qizhen said softly, “There are some things I want to tell you, and only you know it.”

Xianfei was slightly startled, her fair and delicate face still had a blush on it, and she nodded: “Your Majesty, just give me your orders.”

Zhu Qizhen leaned close to her ear and whispered a few words.

The virtuous concubine widened her beautiful eyes, her voice trembling: “Has it come to… this?”

“Haha, it’s a life-and-death struggle.” Zhu Qizhen sneered, “If that’s the case, don’t blame me for being cruel.”

Xian Fei pursed her red lips, leaned against him tightly, and said, “Your Majesty, you must take care of yourself. I will wait for you to come back in the palace.”

“What if I can’t come back?” Zhu Qizhen smiled, reached out and hooked her chin and asked.

With tears in her eyes, Concubine Xian said with certainty, “If that day comes, I will not live alone.”

Zhu Qizhen was slightly stunned, and then he hugged her gently and sighed, “That’s not necessary. It’s better to live a miserable life than to die. Besides, we still have a child.”

“Your Majesty, please stop talking.” Concubine Xian leaned on his shoulder, “You will definitely win.”

Zhu Qizhen smiled and nodded: “Yes.”

He thought to himself, even if I win, I will be alone. Who can I trust in the government and the country? There are so many beauties in the harem, who can I trust?
Do I have to keep something in reserve for everyone?
“My beloved, after I leave the palace tomorrow, you…”

……

The next day, after the morning court session.

Zhu Qizhen changed into casual clothes, and left the palace with Yu Qian, and also left the capital, heading straight for the Shenjiying outside the city. He galloped along the way, looking at the flowers all over the mountains, and was in a good mood: “Yu Qian, today I and the soldiers will not return until we are drunk.”

“Your Majesty, the soldiers are waiting.” Yu Qian laughed.

Soon, they arrived at the Shenji Camp.

Inside the Shenji Camp, flags were already fluttering, swords and spears were flashing coldly in the sun, and a heavy and sharp murderous aura filled the air, as if it could cut through a person’s skin. On both sides of the camp gate, soldiers in iron armor stood tall like pine trees. When they saw Zhu Qizhen and Yu Qian coming, they all knelt on one knee and shouted in unison: “Your Majesty!”

Zhu Qizhen pulled the reins, the horse raised its front hooves high, and let out a deafening neigh. He glanced at the crowd, his eyes full of relief and pride: “Soldiers, please don’t be polite. Today I want to drink with you.”

Before he finished speaking, he had already jumped off the horse with neat and graceful movements.

Yu Qian followed closely behind and nodded to the generals beside him. The emperor’s personal visit was undoubtedly the greatest encouragement and affirmation to them.

The banquet had already been prepared in the camp. Long tables were neatly arranged and filled with fine wine and delicious food, as well as the latest developed muskets and cannons. The soldiers would demonstrate them in front of the emperor today.

Zhu Qizhen picked up a bowl of wine, stood up, and said in a deep and powerful voice: “I know you have been training day and night and have worked very hard. I drink this cup with you. I hope that our Great Ming Shenjiying will always be like this wine, with a raging fire and oil, and unstoppable!”

After saying this, he drank it all in one gulp, leaving the bowl upside down, and won thunderous cheers.

All the soldiers responded one after another, and their wine bowls clinked together, making crisp and pleasant sounds.

After three rounds of drinking, Zhu Qizhen enthusiastically suggested: “Let’s start. I want to see the latest artillery and muskets with my own eyes.”

Before he finished speaking, a burly general with a red face stood up and said, “I obey your orders!”

Then, he led a team of elite soldiers and quickly lined up to show the training results of the Shenji Camp. With an order, the muskets fired at the same time, and the target fell down with a deafening roar.

Zhu Qizhen praised repeatedly and kept drinking with the soldiers.

……

I don’t know how much he drank, but Zhu Qizhen felt a little dizzy.

Yu Qian ordered his men to help him into the central army tent and called out to him several times: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, are you okay?”

Zhu Qizhen rubbed his eyebrows, looked at Yu Qian in front of him, and smiled: “I am not feeling well.”

At this time, a personal guard came in, ran to Yu Qian, and whispered a few words. Zhu Qizhen looked at him, with a sneer on his face: “What is it that you want to hide from me?”

Yu Qian waved his hand fiercely, and the guard went out. He bowed to Zhu Qizhen and said, “Your Majesty, I have come to report that today is Duke Zhong’s birthday, and all the generals in the army have gone to celebrate.”

“So that’s the case. Then why don’t you go?” Zhu Qizhen asked, looking up.

Yu Qian walked up to him, stood still, and said in a deep voice: “Because today I want to arrest your Majesty, no, I should say the fake emperor.”

As soon as he finished speaking, footsteps and shadows were heard outside the tent. It was obvious that the tent was surrounded. Yu Qian took a step back and bowed to Zhu Qizhen again: “Your Majesty, I will call you Your Majesty again. I am sorry, but I have to return the world to the Zhu family.”

Zhu Qizhen didn’t seem surprised. He just lay there lazily with a gloomy face and sighed: “Yu Qian, Yu Qian, I always thought that you understood me the best among all the civil and military officials in the court. It’s a pity that I was wrong after all.”

“Your Majesty, the late emperor was very kind to me. He entrusted his son to me before his death…” Yu Qian suddenly wanted to explain.

Zhu Qizhen interrupted him and said calmly: “Yu Qian, the relationship between you and me as a subject is severed today!”

(End of this chapter)