Li Fangran sneered, showing no fear of the emperor. She had endured enough. Now, she had nothing left except a child who was not in good health. She was a woman with a strong desire for power. When the late emperor was alive, she wanted the empress's throne. Seeing that the late emperor would not let her be empress, she immediately set her sights on someone else.
Mu Yunchang was the crown prince at the time, so he was naturally the most suitable candidate. However, Mu Yunchang was too stubborn and inflexible. He repeatedly responded to her attempts to curry favor with cold words. In a fit of anger, Li Fangran switched her allegiance to Mu Yunsheng.
Fortunately, Mu Yunsheng was shrewd, and the two of them naturally joined forces, plotting together to overthrow the Crown Prince after the late emperor's death. Mu Yunsheng would then be emperor, and she would be empress! They also had a child, who would become the crown prince. Then, Li Fangran could become the empress, the most noble woman in the world!
But it was all just a beautiful dream, a dream shattered completely by Mu Yunhe. She harbored a mad hatred for both Mu Yunhe and Luo Zhiheng. With the Crown Prince's ascension to the throne, she became an old woman, destined to die silently in the palace. She was still so young, so beautiful; she loved desire, and she couldn't allow herself to live such a life of insignificance.
But she was helpless; her only hope lay in her son. However, for three years, her son's health had been fluctuating, and she poured most of her heart and energy into him. She understood very well that as the late emperor's favored concubine, she had survived only because of her child; once that child was gone, her fate would only be more tragic.
Thankfully, heaven has eyes, and today she finally got her chance! She didn't expect Mu Yunhe to come back to her, but Mu Yunhe said that as long as she revealed the emperor's last edict, he would become emperor, and she would be his imperial concubine! Isn't this exactly what she wanted? What's more, Mu Yunhe is such a perfect man. Just based on that alone, Li Fangran is very willing to cooperate with Mu Yunhe.
"Ministers, you have all been deceived by the Emperor and Prince Mu to whom you serve. The truly audacious ones are them! They actually dared to tamper with the late Emperor's will, which did indeed state that the throne should be left to Mu Yunhe. However, at that time, the Emperor had just woken up and only Prince Mu was by his side. The Emperor asked Prince Mu to go out and find the Pharaohs to witness the event, but when he returned, the Emperor had already passed away. Prince Mu then took it upon himself to say that the will should pass the throne to Mu Yunchang."
"This is a deception. Your veneration of him as emperor is disrespectful to the late emperor and an insult to him! You are deceiving the late emperor and the people of the world. Aren't you afraid that the late emperor's spirit in heaven will not rest in peace? Prince Mu, don't you feel ashamed? The late emperor loved you so much. How can you disobey his last will and testament?" Li Fangran said loudly with a sense of righteous indignation.
These words shocked everyone, and the emperor, his eyes wide with horror, stared at Prince Mu and roared, "Uncle, is what this woman is saying true? Is it really true?"
Prince Mu did indeed look ashamed, and at that moment he didn't know how to refute it, so he was speechless.
The silence of Prince Mu sent a chill down everyone's spine. The ministers weren't fools; they immediately realized they had truly been deceived. And for three years! To this day, Prince Mu still hadn't directly addressed what happened back then—this was truly outrageous!
The crowd was abuzz with discussion, angrily blaming Prince Mu. They argued that if it weren't for his actions back then, this war and upheaval wouldn't have occurred. It turned out that Mu Yunhe truly had the right to vie for the throne.
The emperor, his face ashen, staggered backward. Was this truly the case? Was he really not the legitimate heir to the throne? But if so, what had all his years of diligent rule amounted to? In that instant, the emperor lost his resolve to fight and defend his throne. What right did an emperor with an illegitimate claim have to contend with the rightful heir? Would such an emperor still have any ministers supporting him? Perhaps even the pharaohs wouldn't support him anymore?
The ministers were indeed wavering. If the late emperor had truly passed the throne to Mu Yunhe, then Mu Yunchang should not have ascended the throne. But they were puzzled. Was Prince Mu out of his mind or insane? He had actually handed over the throne to someone else. He was truly ruthless to his own son.
The Great Demon King gave Li Fangran an approving look, and Li Fangran lowered her head shyly, but her heart was filled with excitement. She knew she had just done very well, and those people would believe what she said, because she had no conflict of interest with anyone, and she was still the late emperor's concubine. Who else would these ministers believe if not her? Just thinking that Mu Yunhe could smoothly ascend the throne, and she would soon be the new emperor's imperial concubine, and then, she could become the empress!
Everyone in the Li family, do you see this? The daughter you least favored is now the most promising. Li Fangfei, whom you all believed in, ended up dying without a proper burial, not even a complete corpse! Now, you've all been killed by Li Fangfei. She is now the pride of the Li family, the hope of everyone! The future glory of the Li family can only be written by her!
The Great Demon King understood Li Fangran's psychology perfectly. He snorted coldly, "Dreaming, huh? Would he really want a woman who's been with so many men as his empress? Even if he had to choose a woman who's already been unfaithful, it should be someone like Luo Zhiheng! Only a woman like Luo Zhiheng is worthy of him!"
Thinking of Luo Zhiheng, the Great Demon King felt a surge of unease and anxiety. He wondered how things were going over there. With the Prince Shi around, trapping them would be quite difficult. However, once he seized the throne, Luo Zhiheng would have to become his Empress! He refused to believe that any woman could resist the allure of the Empress's throne.
"Now you have nothing to say, right? Mu Yunchang, why don't you quickly relinquish the throne?" The Great Demon King laughed confidently. All of the Great Demon King's men were overjoyed and excited, as if the Great Demon King had already ascended the throne. Mu Yunchang's face turned ashen.
"Is it honorable for you to force someone to abdicate? You impersonate someone else and do such a shameless thing. What right do you have to humiliate others?" A cold and arrogant voice suddenly rang out, sounding very abrupt in the deadly silence of the standoff.
Upon hearing that voice, the Great Demon King's expression changed, and he turned his head sharply, whereupon he saw Luo Zhiheng!
Luo Zhiheng rode in on horseback, and was now standing beneath two opposing high walls. Corpses lay scattered at her feet. She was dressed in a flamboyant, fiery red outfit, her face veiled, with only her beautiful eyes, red as jewels, radiating stunning beauty.
Alone on horseback, amidst the corpses, she appeared exceptionally desolate and proud, yet also possessed a fearless spirit. Looking up at the city wall, a single glance drew everyone's attention to her, captivating them completely.
People were surprised by the woman's appearance and began to speculate about her identity.
Luo Zhiheng said loudly, "My lords, please listen to me. Regardless of what Prince Mu's motives were back then, his actions were not wrong. All people yearn for a peaceful and prosperous life, and Prince Mu's starting point must have been for this purpose. Moreover, if he truly harbored ill intentions, why didn't he pass the throne to his own son? It would have been plausible for him to become emperor himself, or even if he had the ambition to do so, he could have passed the throne to an outsider. But Prince Mu did not do that."
"He passed the throne to the Crown Prince, whom you had already accepted. Isn't it only natural for the Crown Prince to succeed to the throne? Have you ever considered that Prince Mu's actions might also be a way to appease the people? Compared to Mu Yunhe, who was still seen as sickly at the time, who makes you feel more at ease and the people feel more at ease, the Crown Prince, whom everyone knows is the emperor?"
Luo Zhiheng's words were truly from the bottom of her heart. She spoke earnestly and truthfully, causing those who had just been angry and suspicious of Prince Mu to lower their heads in shame.
Upon closer reflection, isn't that exactly the case? Although Mu Yunhe achieved instant fame back then, the deeply ingrained impressions remained. Even with Mu Yunhe's noble status, in the hearts of the common people, only the emperor was truly revered; gods or the heavenly palace existed only in mythology. To ensure the people's peace of mind, it was essential to appoint someone familiar and reassuring to be emperor.
Therefore, Prince Mu's actions back then were not entirely unreasonable.
A high-ranking official on the Great Demon King's side immediately retorted, "But Prince Mu shouldn't have deceived us, or the people of the world. He also deceived the late Emperor. The late Emperor loved and trusted Prince Mu so much, yet Prince Mu did such a thing right after the late Emperor's death. I believe this is truly unforgivable! Moreover, Prince Mu did indeed have many grievances and conflicts with Your Excellency in the capital back then. We believe that Prince Mu's failure to speak the truth was entirely for personal revenge! He feared that Your Excellency would take his life once you became Emperor. Because he also knows what heinous things he did to Your Excellency! At the very least, Prince Mu personally bore Your Excellency and the Lady Protector's first child!"
They all looked down at her, the high-ranking official exuding arrogance and anger, his gaze towards Luo Zhiheng filled with contempt and threat. He seemed to be trying to intimidate her with his domineering aura.
Luo Zhiheng chuckled, her gaze suddenly shifting to the high-ranking official. Her icy gaze seemed to pierce through the air, instantly reaching him. Her sharp aura made the official feel as if someone had a knife pressed against his neck at close range, causing him to instinctively take a step back, his face turning ugly.
Luo Zhiheng coldly questioned, "What is deception? When well-intentioned concealment becomes deception in your mouth, have you ever considered that your words are also a form of deception! You stand up to rebel, constantly calling upon the late emperor's banner, but have you ever considered that your actions are also a great disrespect to the late emperor!"
"The late emperor was a good emperor. Wasn't his greatest hope for peace and prosperity for the country? When he changed his mind and wanted to pass the throne to Mu Yunhe before his death, did you ever consider that his true intention was actually for peace? He believed that Mu Yunhe, with his status as a priest, could better benefit the people and deter neighboring countries from invading. You—" Luo Zhiheng suddenly pointed directly at the official, showing no anger whatsoever, yet her aura was overwhelming, carrying a thunderous rage: "Do you dare say that the late emperor didn't intend this back then?"
Everyone fell silent; all was still.
At this point, who would dare say no to such a question? Would they be courting death?!
Amidst billowing smoke, Luo Zhiheng sat proudly on her horse and said coldly, "You only mention one aspect of what happened back then, but never the other. You bring out an unrighteous, disloyal, unfilial, lewd, and shameless slut like Li Fangran to speak. What right do you think you have to mention the late emperor?"
First update! There will be another update today, the second one will probably be up around 3:30 PM. Please vote, leave comments, and give monthly tickets! It's almost over, time to bring out all the characters who need a proper ending, haha!
546 Taking an unconventional approach, first inflicting damage then seeking redress! (Part 2) Bonus chapter for 43,000 comments
Updated: 2014-01-09 23:30:41 Word Count: 3546
Luo Zhiheng glanced at Mu Yunhe, ultimately deciding not to reveal that Mu Yunsheng was the father of Li Fangran's child. She wanted to save face for the Mu Dynasty's royal family. It was best not to let such a morally reprehensible matter become public knowledge.
But based solely on Luo Zhiheng's previous words, it was enough to plunge Li Fangran into an abyss!
Prince Mu still harbored resentment over the emperor's death years ago, always believing that he had delayed things and caused his elder brother's hasty departure. But now, suddenly learning all this, how could Prince Mu not be furious?
Pointing at Li Fangran, he roared, "You wretch! Tell me, was it you? How did you get in? What did you say to the Emperor?"
Li Fangran was also stunned. She didn't know how this woman knew so much about what happened back then. Her child was her last lifeline, but now it was also involved. Li Fangran was dumbfounded and roared in horror, "It's not true! Nothing this woman said is true! I did nothing wrong to the late emperor, my child is the late emperor's. It's her, she's slandering me!"
Luo Zhiheng remained unperturbed even when Li Fangran pointed at her, and continued slowly, "Do you need certification? Your child is the best certification! Why don't you bring your child out for everyone to see, and see who your child looks more like? Don't think that just because the late emperor is gone, you can't have a blood test to prove paternity. There are plenty of other ways to let the world know that this child is a bastard!"
Li Fangran was completely stunned upon hearing this, and retreated with a deathly pale face. She wanted to calm down, but she really couldn't.
Now that things have come to this, although no one can completely believe what Luo Zhiheng said, they believe it to be about 80-90% true. Judging from Li Fangran's appearance and expression, they know that she must have something to hide.
The emperor's men said, "You wolves in sheep's clothing, daring to bring up the late emperor's affairs and do such absurd and disrespectful things. What right do you have to claim the throne? Mu Yunhe, even if you are the last heir chosen by the late emperor, the emperor is not without the right to compete. After all, the emperor was the crown prince before."
"That's exactly right. Mu Yunhe, for your own purposes and desires, you actually dared to drag your own father into this without hesitation, betray him, and even confront him directly. You unfilial person have no magnanimity and only think about your own gains and losses. How can such a person shoulder heavy responsibilities and ascend the throne? You foolish ministers have defected to the side of such a despicable villain. How much better will your fate be than that of Mu Yunhe's own father?" someone else said angrily.
Those who were pulled away by the Great Demon King couldn't help but feel a little apprehensive.
Luo Zhiheng watched everything with a smile, secretly pleased by their verbal sparring, but her gaze was sharp as a knife. She was willing to watch them argue, but they couldn't insult Mu Yunhe's name every time. Her Yunhe was innocent!
"Even if you are right, so what? Prince Mu has undeniably deceived everyone and disobeyed the late emperor's edict. For that alone, Prince Mu should die, and Mu Yunchang, you should return the throne to him!" The people on the Great Demon King's side provoked again.
The emperor's side was instantly speechless. Even Prince Mu was in the wrong in this matter.
Just as they were gloating, thinking they had found a handle to attack, Luo Zhiheng spoke up at that very moment: "You all think that Prince Mu's actions are driven by impure motives and ulterior motives, and that he has betrayed the late emperor and is wrong. But do you know that when the late emperor decided to pass the throne to Mu Yunhe, there was a prerequisite!"
Everyone was taken aback, and the emperor quickly asked, "What are the prerequisites?"
Luo Zhiheng turned her gaze to Li Fangran and sneered, "Li Fangran, since you know everything, why don't you tell us what the late emperor said to Prince Mu?"
Li Fangran was retreating steadily when she was suddenly brought up again, which naturally startled her. But what could she say at this moment? Anything she said would be wrong!
Everyone grew anxious seeing her remain silent. Luo Zhiheng said leisurely, "The late emperor told Prince Mu that he would pass the throne to Prince Mu, and then Prince Mu would pass it on to Mu Yunhe. If Prince Mu himself does not wish to be emperor, then Prince Mu can become the retired emperor. What difference is there between that and Prince Mu becoming emperor?"
Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked. The implications were clear to them without Luo Zhiheng needing to explain them explicitly.
If the late emperor had truly made Prince Mu the emperor, what reason would Prince Mu have to refuse? That highest position in the land was practically within his grasp. Yet, in the end, Prince Mu did not become emperor, and without a trace of reluctance, he placed Mu Yunchang on the throne.
If they were to say now that Prince Mu's concealment was motivated by ulterior motives, could they still bring themselves to say it? They wouldn't say it even if given a hundred excuses. At this moment, even those who didn't believe Prince Mu deeply understood how difficult his initial choice was, and how selfless he was.
For a time, more people in the Great Demon King's camp wavered.
This is exactly what Luo Zhiheng wants; her words must resonate with everyone and gain their approval. Although she seems to be making things difficult for Mu Yunhe at every turn, she is actually just setting up a trap.
"Mu Yunhe, you've pushed a concubine forward, saying one thing but not the other. Everyone probably knows your true purpose by now. Do you still have anything to say?" Luo Zhiheng questioned coldly.
The Great Demon King coldly stared at Luo Zhiheng. Beneath the city wall, she appeared so small, yet amidst the smoke and the corpses, she possessed an alluring and desolate beauty. She had said she would definitely kill him, and now she was sabotaging him! He should kill her, but at this moment he didn't want to.
Or perhaps it's because they can't bear to part with it?
Isn't this woman so interesting? Isn't it normal to be reluctant to part with such an interesting female slave?
"You really know that much. I want the throne, and what can you do about it? Even if you don't have a legitimate reason, no one can stop me from getting what I want! You are even less likely to!" The Great Demon King spoke coldly, his gaze fixed on Luo Zhiheng like a hawk. She was alone and powerless, and he could reach her in the blink of an eye, seize her, and destroy her!
Luo Zhiheng's gaze was sharp, her whole body exuding a murderous aura. She said, word by word, "I didn't mean to stop you, but what you do is your business. I beg you, beg you to give me back my Yunhe!"
She herself is an enigma, and her words have plunged everyone into further confusion.
What do you mean by "her Yunhe"? What do you mean by "what are you going to do"? Isn't he Mu Yunhe? Are there two Mu Yunhes?
The Great Demon King realized that Luo Zhiheng was trying to expose his secrets, and he naturally wouldn't allow her to do so. After all, the demon race wasn't exactly a righteous path, and there were demon hunters in this world; he had to be careful at all times.
But it was too late for him to stop it.
Luo Zhiheng raised her head and looked at Prince Mu, saying, "Prince Mu, you're probably wondering why your son has turned out this way, aren't you? Actually, you've all worked with Mu Yunhe for many years. Even though Mu Yunhe is usually aloof, he's definitely not a cruel or cold-blooded person, much less someone who would launch such a brutal war without regard for the safety of the common people! Mu Yunhe would never kill indiscriminately or turn his back on his family for personal gain! He would only retaliate if someone cornered him. But today, the person wearing Mu Yunhe's face has done things that contradict Mu Yunhe's character. Don't you all find that strange?"
"Why did Mu Yunhe suddenly start forming cliques without any prior indication? Why is he trying to usurp the throne? And why so suddenly? I'm sure everyone is puzzled. The person you see before you is indeed Mu Yunhe, but the soul inside this body is no longer Mu Yunhe. Mu Yunhe has been controlled by this demon. All the evil deeds you see Mu Yunhe committing now are not actually done by Mu Yunhe, but by the Great Demon King of the Demon Clan!"
The entire place was silent, save for the crackling of the burning flames. Everyone was stunned by the unbelievable words they had heard.
They thought, "This girl who just gave us so much inspiration and hope... has she gone mad?"
Otherwise, why would she say something so ridiculous and unrealistic? Or perhaps this girl is an enemy, someone from Mu Yunhe's side, waiting here to gain their trust! They initially thought she was a mysterious person helping them, but now it seems she's definitely helping Mu Yunhe! Mu Yunhe just did something unforgivable, and someone's already trying to salvage his reputation? Truly worthy of being a diviner, so incredibly insightful!
Luo Zhiheng knew they didn't believe her, so she said, "I know you don't believe me, but Prince Mu, do you really believe that your son is such an ugly, narrow-minded person who would do anything to achieve his goals?"
Prince Mu did not speak immediately. His brief hesitation made it seem as if he lacked confidence in his son, which in turn lowered Mu Yunhe's reputation.
Luo Zhiheng's eyes darkened, revealing that she held no respect for Prince Mu.
Just then, a slightly hoarse voice rang out behind Luo Zhiheng: "I believe you!"
The voice rang out just when everyone doubted Mu Yunhe's character, a timely and much-needed boost. Luo Zhiheng turned around in surprise, and was stunned to see the man who looked like a lazy, dissolute wanderer.
The man spoke in a low but firm voice: "I believe in Mu Yunhe's character and conduct. Mu Yunhe would never do what happened today. I believe this woman's words. This person with Mu Yunhe's appearance is definitely not Mu Yunhe!"
547 Mu Yunjin awakens hearts beneath the beacon fires! Luo Zhiheng's wrathful whip exposes the lies!
Updated: 2014-01-10 19:34:20 Word Count: 4514
He didn't make a dashing entrance, nor did he have a handsome and neat appearance. He was only dressed in plain clothes, with messy long hair, a decadent temperament, and deep eyes. He walked step by step out of the smoke of war and towards Luo Zhiheng.