"Your Highness."
"Your Highness!"
Soon, a middle-aged man in black robes slowly strolled into the study, and with him came a sturdy man clad in armor, walking with the bearing of a dragon and tiger—equally extraordinary.
Both men bowed respectfully upon seeing Xue Feng.
One was gentle and humble, like a spring breeze brushing the face;
The other was deep and domineering, like rolling thunder.
And they were both Xue Feng's confidants—Wu Dao handling civil affairs, Ge Hong handling military affairs. Among them, Wu Dao had only joined Xue Feng's command a few months ago, but his outstanding talent, considerable strength, plus clean background, caused Xue Feng to regard him as a confidant despite breaking convention. But unlike Wu Dao, Ge Hong had followed Xue Feng for many years. He was a descendant of the Ge family from the Tian Dou Empire ten thousand years ago, which once possessed the top-tier martial soul "Ya Zi." But with the split of the Tian Dou Empire, the Ge family left their homeland and followed the Xue family to found the Dou Ling Empire in Ling Dou City.
Unfortunately, the brutal war during the empire's division caused the Ge family to sacrifice their lives for the country, with fewer than one in ten family members surviving. Plus, with the changes of time and the degeneration of martial souls, the "Ya Zi" martial soul never again appeared in the Ge family's bloodline. Now the Ge family only had the "Dragon Wolf" martial soul, and the strongest in the family were at best Soul Douluo, their position gradually being replaced by the Li family.
So by Ge Hong's generation, he was valued by Prince Xue Feng—not only did they share the same goal of restoring the glory of the Tian Dou Empire (Ge family), but with Prince Xue Feng's help, he became a Soul Saint level powerhouse, with hopes of becoming a Titled Douluo in his lifetime.
How could he not pledge his life in service!
"Your Highness, what orders do you have for summoning us?"
Xue Feng slightly closed his eyes, then opened them.
"His Majesty has passed away."
Five words struck like five thunderbolts, exploding in the hearts of the two men!
"Your Highness, the opportunity is tonight!" Wu Dao was the first to react, his tone exceptionally certain, "This humble one observed the celestial phenomena tonight—act tonight, and by tomorrow Your Highness will ascend to the great treasure!"
Xue Feng: "???"
He didn't even know the situation just now, and now he's observing celestial phenomena saying I can ascend to the throne? That's too fake!
But even though he thought this in his heart...
"Is this true?!"
Xue Feng sprang to his feet, his face full of shock.
"What the celestial phenomena reveal is precisely what the heavens show!"
"Precisely!"
Wu Dao's solemn expression brought Ge Hong back to his senses as well.
"Congratulations, Your Highness, on becoming the ruler of the world."
"Eh!"
Xue Feng raised a hand to stop him, "What ruler of the world—don't speak too extravagantly. This world still has the Sun Moon and Star Luo, not to mention the Tian Hun. This Prince is merely a Dou Ling prince—how can I speak of being ruler of the world?"
"Your Highness should not underestimate yourself." Wu Dao slightly cupped his hands, "The celestial phenomena are heavenly revelation, a prophecy to the people of the world! Your Highness is currently a hidden dragon; when you ascend to the great treasure, you will soar from the abyss!"
"It seems this Prince truly has heaven's mandate." Xue Feng sighed, seeming to believe this explanation, then changed the subject, "But although we act tonight, do you have specific plans for implementation? Moreover, those elders of the Worship Hall are not to be trifled with."
"This humble one has a strategy."
Wu Dao offered counsel: "As long as Your Highness has trusted men guarding the inner city gate, we can enter the gate and ambush both sides of it. Because His Majesty has passed, the Empress will certainly want the Crown Prince to quickly ascend to prevent delays from causing changes. As long as we kill all of His Majesty's line, those elders will naturally have nothing to say."
The Empress's confidence came from those elders. But once the princes of the deceased His Majesty were all dead, those elders would no longer support the Empress but would choose another royal relative to become emperor.
Because worshippers should prioritize the empire.
As for who ascended the throne... legitimate succession was best.
If that truly wouldn't work, then someone with the Xue surname would be next best.
Thus, as long as all princes of the deceased Majesty's line were completely dead, then the hardest obstacle would be removed.
Hearing this, Ge Hong immediately glared with round eyes, murderous aura permeating.
"I am willing to hold the spear for Your Highness and kill them!"
But Xue Feng frowned at this, saying: "This plan is too risky."
Over the years, he had made many preparations for ascending the throne.
Like the inner city.
Many years ago, he had planted one trusted man and one loyalist inside, and these two didn't know each other's identities. For years, he had never had them provide intelligence, and on the surface there was no connection whatsoever.
Even though...
Their positions were already not low.
But even so, the chance of success was only two or three out of ten.
"Is there a better strategy?"
Xue Feng's greed received no response.
Wu Dao shook his head, indicating there was no other way.
Because his strategy was merely to catch them by surprise, making the Empress and others unable to anticipate such developments. After all, in the vast annals of history, never had there been such a drastic move.
Even the Empress only worried that Xue Feng would launch a military coup and rebellion around the time of the Crown Prince's ascension to seize the throne.
"Your Highness, hesitation is not advisable."
"Hesitation?"
Xue Feng looked at the advising Wu Dao, his gaze incomparably firm.
"This Prince is not one to hesitate."
These words completely revealed Xue Feng's determination.
Since the coup had been decided, preparations needed to be made in advance—after all, only half a day remained until the opportune moment.
But when Wu Dao and Ge Hong withdrew to make their respective preparations, Wu Dao suddenly grabbed Ge Hong's hand and held it tight.
"Mr. Wu, what are you doing?"
"General Ge." Facing Ge Hong's confusion, Wu Dao had an inexplicable expression. "Just now with His Highness present, some words were difficult to speak. Once the coup succeeds, there are matters that we subordinates must..."
"I know."
Before Wu Dao could finish, Ge Hong spoke to stop him, "Mr. Wu speaks of Her Majesty the Empress."
Wu Dao slightly nodded, "Precisely."
Ge Hong's eyes narrowed, "Rest assured, sir. As long as the Worship Hall doesn't interfere, someone will give Her Majesty the Empress a dignified end."
When His Highness sits on the throne, he absolutely cannot be despised by the people.
This concerns His Highness's prestige and future great undertakings!
"It's good that General Ge understands."
Wu Dao slightly cupped his hands, "General Ge, take care!"
"Sir, take care!"
Ge Hong swung his cloak and gradually disappeared around the corner.
Wu Dao watched him leave until no one was around, when a figure quietly appeared beside him, "You've done well."
A crisp female voice caused Wu Dao to instantly kneel.
"This humble one greets the Lady."
"Rise."
This shadowy figure waved her hand lightly, lifting Wu Dao through the void.
"You've done well in this matter. Our task is not to help anyone win anything, but to incite war. The person you chose is excellent—ambitious, fitting our goals. But you must also be careful not to let him realize he is a puppet."
"Yes."
"Go. Only when your plan truly succeeds and this pawn of his has crossed the river will I truly reveal myself."
"Yes, my Lady."
With Wu Dao's departure, the shadowy figure pulled down her hood, revealing the face of an absolutely beautiful woman, a seemingly smiling expression at the corner of her mouth.
Turning back, she looked at the prince's residence.
"What a wonderful piece—he not only walks the path set for him by himself, but also doesn't arouse suspicion from others. After all, who knows what detection methods the people of this world have? Douluo Star... the Lord said the waters here run deep."
The murmur fell, audible to no one.
A gentle breeze blew, and this beauty vanished without a trace. And in her place, only faint motes of light remained.
...
The night wind blew cold, making Ling Dou City deathly silent. This city that should have been plunged into darkness had one place brightly lit.
At Prince Xue Feng's residence.
All of Prince Xue Feng's confidants were gathered here, fully clad in armor, ready to depart—a scene of solemn killing intent.
"How are the contacts?"
Xue Feng's face was severe, his tone serious. Today's matter concerned their lives—no mistakes could be tolerated.
"Rest assured, Your Highness!" One man stepped forward, "Today the inner city gate is manned by Chang Wei and Lai Fu, and everything has been arranged privately."
"Good!"
Xue Feng dispelled all distracting thoughts, drew the soul guidance sword at his waist, and commanded: "Everything proceeds according to plan!"
"Ge Hong and Li Da will lead one hundred soul masters and two hundred city garrison troops to enter the inner gate with this Prince! Zhang Wu, Wang Hao'er and others will lead five hundred troops from the garrison camp later, awaiting Mr. Wu's orders at any time!"
"Understood!"
Everyone cupped their hands in unison.
Whoosh whoosh—
Outside, one hundred elite soul masters and two hundred trusted city garrison troops in the residence stood solemnly, already fully prepared!
Besides the elite soul masters, the rest were carefully selected elite forces! Plus the five hundred garrison soldiers stationed at the camp, every one of them obeyed Prince Xue Feng.
Xue Feng wasted no words, swinging his sword.
"Depart!"
Three hundred elites—men biting cloth, horses with wrapped hooves—under the leadership of Xue Feng and the two generals, left the prince's residence under cover of night. The remaining five hundred city garrison soldiers also, at Wu Dao's command, lay in wait in the imperial city, watching Xue Feng and the others lead their troops into the distance.
Along the way, Xue Feng and his party passed through the imperial city, heading straight for the inner city, suppressing all sounds to avoid attracting attention.
Soon, atop the inner city.
Chang Wei and Lai Fu guarded the inner city, staring intently below. With the coup happening tonight, it would be a lie to say they weren't nervous.
Fortunately, with their prestige, plus the error caused by the news of the emperor's death not being spread, the two of them had temporarily arranged the imperial guards under their command guarding the inner city tonight. Xue Feng's dispatch of troops was not mentioned as a coup, but under the pretext of martial law.
Just as the two were anxious, they heard a voice calling from outside the Xuanwu Gate. "Prince Xue Feng is summoned to enter the palace for an audience!"
Chang Wei and Lai Fu, hearing this, quickly raised torches to see the faces below, and the dark mass of people behind.
"It is indeed Prince Xue Feng."
Chang Wei and Lai Fu immediately descended from the gate tower.
"Open the gate!"
Clank clank clank—
The gate swung open, and Xue Feng rode in.
Behind him, Ge Hong and the others followed silently. The three hundred elites also maintained silence, stepping through the gate together.
"Your Highness."
Chang Wei and Lai Fu cupped their hands toward Xue Feng.
"Hmm."
Xue Feng said no more, scanning the imperial guards on both sides. Seeing their attitude of turning a blind eye, he said solemnly: "The palace has undergone changes. This Prince is ordered by His Majesty to guard the inner gate and await imperial command."
As he spoke, he produced an imperial edict that could pass for genuine.
Though the imperial guards still had doubts, after Chang Wei and the others had greeted them... the imperial guards thought: We are merely following orders!
At this moment, Chang Wei looked solemn and cupped his hands, "Yes."
Lai Fu extended his hand in invitation, "Your Highness, please."
Xue Feng said nothing, only waving backward. Ge Hong and the others understood, leading their troops to ambush at the pre-selected location inside the inner gate—open field of vision, ample space, plus normally no visitors, an excellent place to hide troops.
Silently, the three hundred elites were concealed.
"Now, I'm afraid the Crown Prince has no chance of survival."
Chang Wei murmured softly, and Lai Fu deeply agreed.
"But doing this is still better than His Highness forcibly seizing the throne later. Otherwise, the empire would fall into greater turmoil."
"Indeed."
Chang Wei and Lai Fu returned to the top of the inner city gate, gazing at the darkness below, "Now we just wait for the Crown Prince to enter the trap."
Whew—
The two exchanged glances, exhaling a breath of turbid air.
Nervous!
Damn nervous!
...
When the first light appeared in the dark night sky, within the Crown Prince's residence in the imperial city, the Dou Ling Crown Prince had already been dressed in ceremonial robes by maidservants, his expression solemn, his face full of excitement.
Although yesterday he had received news from his mother that his father had passed away. As a son, he should have been overcome with grief. But the second message from his mother made him incomparably excited—the Crown Prince should succeed before the spirit tablet tomorrow!
"Crown Prince Your Highness."
When the Crown Prince stepped out of his room, an old man was already waiting outside. Though emaciated in form, his aura was extremely powerful.
Clearly, this was a Soul Douluo level powerhouse.
"Elder Zhang, I must trouble you to accompany me."
Elder Zhang slightly nodded, then spoke.
"Your Highness, should we have some trusted men accompany us?"
"No."
The Crown Prince shook his head, "Mother instructed me to travel light at dawn today, to conceal this from others. Especially from that uncle of mine."
"If I bring others, I'm afraid the movement would be too great. Moreover, I have Elder Zhang's protection, and the palace has elders stationed there. Nothing will happen."
The Crown Prince's tone was quite confident, and logically speaking there was no problem. Thus, Elder Zhang no longer insisted.
After tidying up, the two left the Crown Prince's residence.
...
"Why hasn't the person arrived yet?"
Li Da saw a hint of fish-belly white gradually appearing on the horizon and couldn't help but grow nervous, but was directly rebuked by Ge Hong.
"What are you panicking about! Be patient."
But at this moment, Xue Feng opened his eyes.
"They're here, hold your breath!"
At this moment, outside the inner gate.
Elder Zhang had already brought the Crown Prince to arrive, but for some unknown reason, his heart had been trembling with fear the entire journey. He constantly felt that something bad would happen—this was a Soul Douluo's intuition.
But the matter of ascension was of great importance and could not be delayed!
"Elder Zhang, call for the gate."
The Crown Prince's words interrupted Elder Zhang's thoughts.
Elder Zhang nodded and shouted toward the gate: "Generals atop the gate, listen! The Crown Prince is ordered to enter the palace—open the gate quickly!"
Creak—
The gate opened, and Chang Wei and Lai Fu came to greet them.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince."
"Hmm."
The Crown Prince slightly nodded, stepping through the gate.
But at this moment, the unease in Elder Zhang's heart grew even stronger.
And at this time, he suddenly turned back to see Chang Wei and Lai Fu impatiently closing the gate. Seeing this scene, Elder Zhang, realizing what was happening, immediately shouted!
"What are you trying to do!?"
Just as the Crown Prince was still confused, a slightly frivolous yet heavily murderous voice sounded in his ear.
"My good nephew, your uncle has missed you so much."
The Crown Prince's instinct made him turn back. But the moment he turned, his pupils suddenly contracted—a soul guidance beam of considerable power entered his vision. Along with it came a dragon wolf, and numerous soul rings illuminating the final darkness.
—
T/N: The Xuanwu Gate Incident was a coup that occurred on 2 July 626.
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