jdhmnovel Chapter 288 The truth comes out
Chapter 288 The truth comes out
Thanks to Xiao Nanyi's efforts and the convergence of clues from various sources, Xiao Jingchuan immediately organized a team to conduct an in-depth analysis of the information obtained from the investigation. Soon, a mysterious network surrounding Xinglong Trading Company gradually became clear to everyone.
It turns out that Xinglong Trading Company was just a front, behind which lurked a massive organization—the Black Eagle Society—that plotted to overthrow the Nanzhao Kingdom. This organization had been secretly developing its power in the Nanzhao Kingdom for years, accumulating enormous wealth by controlling key commercial channels, and then recruiting assassins with the intention of launching a coup, overthrowing the Xiao Dynasty, and establishing its own rule.
Lin Yu, originally a chivalrous swordsman, accidentally learned of the Black Hawk Society's conspiracy. In order to expose the organization's crimes, he gathered evidence everywhere, but unfortunately, he was discovered by the Black Hawk Society. As a result, the Black Hawk Society sent assassins to hunt him down, which led to him being seriously injured and fleeing to the suburban estate where the Emperor Emeritus and Empress Dowager lived.
Upon learning that Lin Yu possessed crucial evidence, the Black Hawk Society was naturally unwilling to give up and risked breaking into the manor in an attempt to silence him. As the investigation deepened, Xiao Jingchuan also discovered that the ministers in the court who questioned the investigation were also intricately connected to the Black Hawk Society. They accepted bribes from the Black Hawk Society, created public opinion in the court, interfered with the investigation, and attempted to delay the investigation so that the Black Hawk Society could complete its final deployment.
To eradicate this scourge completely, Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Nanyi decided to devise a meticulous plan. On one hand, they feigned falling into a trap, making the Black Hawk Society believe that the investigation had reached a stalemate and lower their guard; on the other hand, they secretly mobilized elite troops to prepare for a surprise attack on the Black Hawk Society's stronghold.
The night before the operation, Xiao Jingchuan summoned all the generals involved to the imperial study. His gaze was sharp as he surveyed the crowd: "This operation concerns the life and death of the Nanzhao Kingdom. Success is the only option; failure is not an option. We must wipe out the Black Hawk Society in the shortest possible time and restore peace to the Nanzhao Kingdom."
Xiao Nanyi also stood up, his expression resolute: "Generals, I will fight alongside you all. For the sake of Nanzhao Kingdom and for our loved ones, we must do our utmost!"
Late the next night, under the pale moonlight, the streets of Nanzhao were silent. A team of elite guards, led by Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Nanyi, quietly made their way towards the Black Eagle Society's stronghold.
When they arrived at the valley where the Black Hawk Society was located, it was pitch black all around, with only a few eerie buildings standing in the valley. Xiao Jingchuan signaled everyone to take cover, and then sent out scouts to investigate.
Soon, the scouts returned and reported: "Your Majesty, the stronghold is heavily guarded, with numerous traps and hidden sentries. However, they do not seem to have noticed our movements."
Xiao Jingchuan nodded and gave the order to attack. Instantly, shouts of battle filled the air as guards surged towards the stronghold like a tidal wave. Caught off guard by the sudden attack, the Black Hawk Society members hastily took up arms to resist.
Xiao Nanyi charged ahead, plunging into the enemy ranks. His martial arts were superb; his longsword moved like a dragon, cutting down enemies wherever it went. Under his leadership, the guards' morale soared, and they quickly broke through the enemy's first line of defense.
However, the Black Hawk Society, having operated for many years, had laid numerous traps within its stronghold. As the guards penetrated deeper, countless arrows suddenly rained down from all directions. In an instant, many guards fell to the ground, struck by arrows.
"Watch out!" Xiao Jingchuan shouted, directing the guards to find cover. Just then, Xiao Nanyi discovered the mechanism that launched the hidden arrows. Ignoring the danger, he rushed towards the mechanism and destroyed it.
As the battle continued, both sides reached a stalemate. Just then, Xiao Jingchuan suddenly remembered the blue powder he had found in the manor earlier. He guessed that this powder was likely the raw material Black Hawk would use to make sleeping gas. So, he ordered his guards to collect the powder, make smoke bombs, and throw them at the enemy.
After the smoke bombs exploded, the entire stronghold was filled with thick smoke. The Black Hawk Gang members coughed incessantly from the smoke, and their vision was severely impaired. Taking advantage of this, Xiao Jingchuan ordered his guards to launch a general attack.
Under the cover of smoke, the guards swiftly charged towards the enemy. After a fierce battle, the Black Hawk Society members finally could not withstand the onslaught and surrendered one after another. Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Nanyi successfully located the leader of the Black Hawk Society.
"Why did you betray the Nanzhao Kingdom?" Xiao Jingchuan glared at him angrily.
The leader of the Black Hawk Society sneered, "Hmph, the Xiao Dynasty has ruled the Nanzhao Kingdom for many years, but we have always been suppressed. Now, I will overthrow you and establish a country that belongs to us."
Xiao Jingchuan sneered, "You're delusional! Under the rule of my Xiao family, the people of Nanzhao live in peace and prosperity, and the country is thriving. For your own selfish desires, you're trying to provoke a war and plunge the people into misery. Your crime is unforgivable!"
Subsequently, Xiao Jingchuan ordered the Black Eagle Society leader and all those involved in the rebellion to be brought back to the palace to await further punishment. Thus, this conspiracy to overthrow the Nanzhao Kingdom was completely thwarted.
When the news spread, the entire Nanzhao Kingdom was filled with jubilation. People took to the streets to celebrate the end of the crisis. Xiao Jingchuan and Xiao Nanyi, for their bravery and wisdom, won the praise and love of the people.
The night in the palace of the Nanzhao Kingdom was quiet and gentle. Moonlight streamed through the carved window lattices, illuminating the bed in the Hall of Mental Cultivation and draping the room in a silvery veil. Gu Liuli lay on her side on the bed, gently fanning herself with a round fan to ward off the summer night's mosquitoes, her gaze occasionally falling on Xiao Jingchuan, who was reviewing memorials beside her.
"Your Majesty, it's getting late, you should rest early," Gu Liuli said softly, her voice like a babbling brook, especially melodious in the quiet night.
Xiao Jingchuan put down the memorial, rubbed his temples, and sighed, "These past few days, after dealing with the remnants of the Black Hawk Society, I have to prepare for Yi'er's enthronement ceremony. I'm really exhausted."
Gu Liuli sat up with a pained expression and reached out to massage Xiao Jingchuan's shoulders: "Your Majesty has toiled for the Nanzhao Kingdom for half his life. Now that Yi'er is capable of handling things on his own, we should also make some plans for our future."
Xiao Jingchuan turned his head slightly, looking at Gu Liuli with tenderness in his eyes: "My dear wife, what are your thoughts? Why don't you tell me?"
Gu Liuli hesitated for a moment, then said, "I was thinking that after Yi'er ascends the throne, we should follow the example of the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager and go to live in a manor in the suburbs. We can get away from the strife in the palace and live a more leisurely life."
Upon hearing this, a hint of longing flashed in Xiao Jingchuan's eyes: "That's a good idea. Over the years, although I've enjoyed all the riches and honors in this palace, I've also been entangled in all sorts of trivial matters. Going to the estate, planting flowers and plants, and fishing would be quite pleasant."
Thinking of the leisurely life ahead, Gu Liuli smiled: "Moreover, I can often accompany the Emperor Emeritus and the Empress Dowager, and the whole family can enjoy the happiness of family life."
Xiao Jingchuan nodded in agreement: "Indeed. Yi'er has been exceptionally intelligent since childhood, and he has accumulated a lot of experience by assisting me in handling state affairs over the years. Now, it is time to hand over this empire to him."
As the two were talking, a melodious flute tune suddenly drifted in from outside the window. Gu Liuli stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the moonlight shining on the palace walls. She sighed, "Your Majesty, listen to this flute music. It seems to be telling the story of the changing years. We have spent countless days and nights in this palace. Now, it is time to start a new life."
Xiao Jingchuan walked to Gu Liuli's side and gently put his arm around her waist: "My dear wife, after Yi'er's enthronement ceremony is over, we will start preparing for our trip to the estate."
Gu Liuli leaned on Xiao Jingchuan's shoulder, her heart filled with anticipation: "I've already started to imagine life in the manor. In the morning, I'll wake up to the birdsong and go to the garden to breathe in the fresh air; in the afternoon, I'll enjoy tea and play chess under the shade of the trees; in the evening, I'll stroll along the stream with my family and admire the sunset."
Xiao Jingchuan smiled and said, "My dear wife, we can also hold family banquets at the estate, so that Yi'er and Yao'er can bring the children over for a get-together often."
Gu Liuli's eyes sparkled: "It must be very lively. The children will be laughing and playing in the yard, and our family will sit together, sharing delicious food and chatting about everyday life."
However, the thought of leaving the palace where she had lived for so many years filled Gu Liuli with a sense of reluctance: "Your Majesty, although I long for life on the estate, this palace holds too many memories for us."
Xiao Jingchuan gently stroked Gu Liuli's hair: "My dear wife, memories don't disappear just because we're gone. Every corner here has witnessed our love and the rise and fall of the Nanzhao Kingdom. In the future, we can come back to visit often."
Gu Liuli nodded: "Your Majesty is right. A new life may bring even more wonderful memories."
Back on the bed, the two were still immersed in their dreams for the future. Xiao Jingchuan held Gu Liuli's hand and said, "My dear wife, all these years, I am so grateful to have you by my side, helping me face all kinds of difficulties. From now on, we will spend our days together."
Tears welled up in Gu Liuli's eyes as she said emotionally, "Your Majesty, to know and accompany you is the greatest happiness of my life. No matter what the future holds, I am willing to walk with you."
In the scorching summer sun of the capital of Nanzhao, the bluestone streets shone with blinding brilliance. Shopkeepers lined the streets, fanning themselves and attending to customers. Amidst this bustling activity, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli's third son, Xiao Nanxu, and fourth daughter, Xiao Nanyue, secretly slipped out of the palace, unbeknownst to the palace guards.
Xiao Nanxu, dressed in an indigo brocade robe, wearing a jade crown and a delicate jade pendant at his waist, exuded an air of dignified elegance yet his face revealed a mischievousness. Xiao Nanyue, on the other hand, wore a pale yellow dress, a pink peach blossom hairpin adorning her hair, her bright eyes and lively deer-like features. The two strolled through the bustling market, filled with curiosity about everything.
"Third Brother, look over there!" Xiao Nanyue's eyes suddenly lit up as she pointed to a street performance stall not far away. At the stall, an entertainer was performing a fire-breathing act, surrounded by a large audience who cheered enthusiastically. Xiao Nanxu pulled Xiao Nanyue along, squeezing into the crowd.
Just as the two were engrossed in watching, Xiao Nanxu accidentally stepped on a burly man's foot. The burly man turned around, his face full of menacing features, his eyes wide with anger: "You little brat, can't you see where you're going?!"
Xiao Nanxu, who was usually pampered in the palace, had never been scolded like this before. He immediately retorted, "I just stepped on your foot, what's all the fuss about!" Upon hearing this, the burly man rolled up his sleeves, as if to attack. Seeing this, Xiao Nanyue was so frightened that she hid behind Xiao Nanxu.
At this moment, Crown Prince Xiao Nanyi was handling state affairs in the palace when he suddenly received a report from a guard that the Third Prince and the Fourth Princess had caused trouble outside the palace. He frowned, put down the memorial in his hand, and immediately led a team of guards to the market.
When Xiao Nanyi arrived, the burly man was grabbing Xiao Nanxu by the collar, while Xiao Nanxu struggled fiercely, his face flushed red. Xiao Nanyue, standing nearby, cried out in distress, "Let go of my third brother!"
"Stop!" Xiao Nanyi shouted, his voice booming like a bell. The burly man turned around and saw that the newcomer had an extraordinary bearing and was followed by guards. He was startled and unconsciously released his grip.
Xiao Nanyi strode forward and shielded Xiao Nanxu and Xiao Nanyue behind him: "What happened?" Xiao Nanxu, looking indignant, recounted what had happened.
After listening, Xiao Nanyi bowed to the burly man and apologized, "Brother, my younger brother was impetuous and stepped on your foot. I hope you will forgive him." As he spoke, he took out a silver ingot from his pocket and handed it to the burly man, "This little bit of silver is for your apology."
The burly man's angry expression softened as he looked at the gleaming silver. He took the silver and muttered, "For His Highness the Crown Prince's sake, let's just let this go." With that, he turned and squeezed out of the crowd.
Xiao Nanyi turned around, looked at Xiao Nanxu and Xiao Nanyue, and said with a grim face: "Do you know the disaster you have caused? If you hadn't arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable!"
Xiao Nanxu lowered his head and said softly, "Crown Prince, we just felt too stuffy in the palace and wanted to come out for some fresh air." Xiao Nanyue also sobbed and said, "Brother, we know we were wrong."
Xiao Nanyi sighed helplessly, his tone softening: "I understand you feel stifled in the palace, but the outside world is a mixed bag and fraught with danger. If something happens to you when you leave the palace without permission, what will become of Father and Mother?"
Just then, a commotion erupted in the market. It turned out that a group of thugs were bullying a young girl who was performing for money. The girl was dressed in tattered clothes, her eyes filled with terror, and the people around her dared not speak out.
Seeing this, Xiao Nanxu's blood boiled: "Crown Prince, these people are bullying us too much, we can't just ignore it!" Xiao Nanyue also chimed in: "Yes, brother, let's go help her."
Xiao Nanyi nodded: "Okay, but you must stick close to me and not act on your own." With that, he led the group forward.
"How dare you bully a little girl in broad daylight? Do you have any respect for the law?" Xiao Nanyi said coldly.
The leader of the thugs sized up Xiao Nanyi, noticing his fancy clothes but not knowing his identity, and sneered, "Hmph, who do you think you are, daring to meddle in our business!"
Before Xiao Nanyi could speak, Xiao Nanxu had already rushed forward. Although young, he had practiced martial arts since childhood, and after a few rounds, he had the thugs utterly defeated. Seeing that things were going badly, the thugs slunk away.
The young girl performing for money stepped forward and bowed to Xiao Nanyi and the others, saying, "Thank you so much, young master and all my benefactors, for saving my life." Xiao Nanyi took out some silver from his pocket and handed it to the girl, saying, "Take this and find a safe place to live." The girl was moved to tears and left after thanking him profusely.
After all this commotion, it was getting dark. Xiao Nanyi led Xiao Nanxu and Xiao Nanyue back to the palace. At the palace gate, he once again instructed the two: "What happened today must not be repeated. If you wish to leave the palace, you must report to your father and mother and have the guards accompany you."
Xiao Nanxu and Xiao Nanyue nodded repeatedly, "Crown Prince, we've remembered." Xiao Nanyi looked at the two of them and smiled with satisfaction, "Go back and get some rest."
Back in the palace, Xiao Nanxu and Xiao Nanyue lay on the bed, reflecting on the day's events, feeling both excited and guilty.
They knew that if their elder brother, the Crown Prince, hadn't arrived in time, they would have suffered a great loss today.