Liang Guangyi had initially suspected that Cao Dejiang was colluding with Xiao Yan, perhaps even aware of the He family’s affairs and aiding in the palace siege. He thought Cao might tamper with the edict.
But after scrutinizing it twice, Liang Guangyi found the edict’s contents matched Emperor An’s promises perfectly, with no flaws or anything that could be criticized. It seemed Cao Dejiang genuinely intended to help Emperor An appease Xiao Yan, urging him to withdraw his troops and resolve the palace siege.
Liang Guangyi couldn’t help but feel puzzled.
Could he have misjudged?
Was Cao Dejiang, this old fox, simply driven by righteous indignation over past events, which explained his repeated pressure on Emperor An and his clashes with them?
“Grand Tutor Liang…”
Eunuch Feng, seeing Liang Guangyi’s prolonged hesitation, softly prompted him.
Liang Guangyi took the brush, dipped it in ink, and signed his name next to Cao Dejiang’s.
Eunuch Feng retrieved the brush and ink, moving on to the others.
Seeing that Liang Guangyi had signed and the edict was unproblematic, the aristocratic courtiers followed suit. On the military side, General Yin and Marquis Wenxin also signed. Then, after a moment’s hesitation, Prince Ji and Prince Huan added their names as well.
When the edict bore the signatures of over twenty people, encompassing nearly all the key civil officials, military leaders, and imperial clan members, Eunuch Feng returned to the high platform and placed it before Emperor An.
Emperor An looked at the edict’s contents, feeling utterly stifled and faintly unwilling.
A verbal promise could be reneged upon later. If he survived this crisis and Liu Tong’en arrived with troops to deal with Di Tao and the others, he could easily handle Xiao Yan, ensuring that those who dared collude with him tonight would meet a grim fate.
But with this edict, it was as if he’d handed these rebels a protective talisman.
Witnessed by the court, sealed with an imperial decree.
He couldn’t touch Xiao Yan or those involved in tonight’s siege.
He knew the truth about the He family better than anyone, especially how He Wenzhuo had died.
If the Jiangnan affair were thoroughly investigated, he could pin everything on the Lu family and Lu Chongyuan, extricating himself. But Xiao Yan would undeniably become the Marquis of Xuanyi.
“Your Majesty…”
Eunuch Feng, standing beside Emperor An, whispered a reminder.
Emperor An looked up to see everyone in the hall watching him, Xiao Yan’s gaze particularly icy. He curled his fingers, suppressing his rage and reluctance, and took the brush to sign the blank space. Once finished, Eunuch Feng carried the edict and the ring to Xiao Yan.
As Xiao Yan took the edict and reviewed its contents, Emperor An forced a smile: “Now, are you satisfied?”
Xiao Yan’s lips curved: “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
Seeing Xiao Yan accept the edict, not only Emperor An but everyone in the hall breathed a sigh of relief.
No palace siege in history had ever ended without bloodshed. For someone as ruthless as Xiao Yan to resolve this crisis “peacefully” was a miracle.
Liang Guangyi spoke: “Since Lord Xiao has accepted the edict and His Majesty has promised to thoroughly investigate the He family’s case, what about these Black Armored Guards…?”
Xiao Yan replied calmly: “They will naturally withdraw.”
Standing before the hall, his expression was aloof:
“I never had any intent to rebel. The He family was unjustly wronged. All I wanted was to clear my father’s name. If not for others repeatedly scheming against me, I would never have resorted to forcing the palace. Since His Majesty has promised a thorough investigation, I naturally won’t become a traitorous rebel.”
“I only hope Your Majesty remembers tonight’s promise. If you dare go back on it…”
Xiao Yan’s chilling gaze swept toward Emperor An.
Emperor An hurriedly said: “A ruler’s word is no jest. I will not.”
Only then did Xiao Yan soften his edge, waving a hand: “Canglang, lead the men out.”
Canglang nodded and led the Xiao family’s men away.
As the Black Armored Guards began retreating from the hall, the others’ expressions eased, their tense nerves relaxing with a sense of surviving a calamity. But Prince Zeng’s face turned deathly pale.
Hadn’t Xiao Yan promised him that tonight they would force Father Emperor to abdicate and help him seize the throne? Hadn’t he said he wouldn’t let Father Emperor remain in power?!
Prince Zeng had risked everything, bringing the matter into the open, offending Father Emperor, the aristocratic families, and nearly isolating himself completely, all because Xiao Yan had promised to place him in the Eastern Palace afterward.
Yet now, Xiao Yan was taking the edict and ordering a retreat.
If he withdrew, he’d have this edict as a shield, untouchable by anyone, even protecting the Black Armored Guards and Di Tao.
But what about him?
He had offended everyone tonight. What was he to do? Once Father Emperor was free, he would surely take his life!!
Prince Zeng’s vision darkened, and he rushed forward: “Lord Xiao, didn’t you…”
Before he could finish accusing Xiao Yan of breaking their agreement, a scream erupted outside, followed by the clash of weapons.
“What’s happening?”
“Didn’t the Black Armored Guards retreat?”
“Why are there still sounds of fighting?!”
The hall erupted in shock at the screams outside. Liang Guangyi spun around, shouting coldly: “Xiao Yan, you dare go back on your word?”
Xiao Yan’s face was icy: “I didn’t!”
He shouted toward the outside: “Canglang!”
Canglang, who had just led the men out, returned to Zichen Hall, his face grim: “Lord, the guards at the Forbidden Garden were killed. Liu Tong’en has broken through with his men…”
Liu Tong’en!
Emperor An’s face lit up with joy.
The sounds of fighting outside grew fiercer, almost at their doorstep.
Some in the hall were elated, others panicked, while Xiao Yan seemed unprepared for Liu Tong’en’s arrival. His face frosted over as he ordered Canglang: “Take men and capture Liu Tong’en. Tell Di Tao to bring troops into, ”
*Swish*,
Before he could finish saying “the palace,” chaos erupted in the hall.
The unremarkable young eunuch who had entered with Eunuch Feng suddenly sprang into action, lunging at Xiao Yan, who was close by.
His movements were swift and agile, like a ghost, reaching Xiao Yan in an instant. A glint of cold steel flashed as he aimed for Xiao Yan’s vital points.
“Lord, be careful!”
“Brother!!”
Canglang and Tang Ning, seated among the courtiers, cried out almost simultaneously. Even Cao Dejiang’s heart skipped a beat, nearly shouting.
Xiao Yan spun, narrowly dodging the lethal strike, though a cut appeared on his neck.
He struck the “young eunuch” with a palm, but despite spitting blood, the assassin landed and lunged again, relentless in his intent to kill.
“Courting death!”
Xiao Yan roared, colliding with the “eunuch.” Their hands and feet clashed several times, blurring with speed. When they stopped, Xiao Yan had seized the assassin’s wrist, snapping it and driving the dagger back into the attacker’s chest.
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You can read ahead to chapterr 470 (100+ extra chapters) here
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