Holy crap, the imperial city has been breached? The Right Envoy attacked, and he didn't even have time to react. The Sage was being chased so fast he lost his shoes, and he had absolutely no idea what would happen to him. This is unbelievable... He didn't even dare to think about what his fate would be.
After venting his anger, Li Longji knew now was not the time to deal with Song Hun. He casually tossed aside his polo mallet and slumped into a chair nearby.
"Song Hun, I'll settle accounts with you after this matter is resolved. For now, all personnel and supplies of the Imperial City Guard are to be handed over to County Commandant Lu. You are responsible for cooperating with him to resolve this rebellion as soon as possible."
Song Hun, who had previously appeared to be on the verge of death, suddenly sprang to his feet. The Sage's words seemed to suggest he still had a chance to live. As long as there was a chance to live, what difference did it make who he served as a dog for? Even now, he wouldn't mind calling Lu Xuan "Dad."
"Master Lu, what should we do now?" Song Hun looked at Lu Xuan pitifully, making Lu Xuan's hair stand on end.
"Our top priority is to ensure His Majesty's safety. Immediately mobilize all armed personnel of the Imperial City Guard to establish a martial law in this area and ensure His Majesty's safety."
Song Hun: "...This..."
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Chapter 85 No Way Out
"Report... General, we have just received news. The Dragon Martial Army stationed in the Imperial City, as well as the Dragon Martial Army that was supposed to be changing shifts, have all lost contact."
Chen Xuanli felt a wave of dizziness wash over him, and he almost couldn't catch his breath.
When did this happen?
About half an hour ago.
"The imperial guards lost contact half an hour ago, why did it take so long to find out?" Chen Xuanli roared, almost drawing his sword to strike.
"Reporting to the General, it seems the Longwu Army's sentries have been compromised."
Chen Xuanli took a deep breath and refrained from further anger. He knew something serious had happened. However, it was precisely in moments like these that he needed to remain calm.
"Issue my order: summon all Dragon Martial Army soldiers to the Imperial City for support. I don't care what their missions are. From now on, they will be dealt with according to wartime military law. Anyone who disobeys will be executed without exception."
After this menacing order was issued, Chen Xuanli personally led his guards towards the Hua'e Xianghui Tower. There was no way to ride a horse; the roads were simply too crowded.
Fortunately, the Dragon Martial Army was responsible for the safety of the imperial city, and was extremely close by. He could arrive in the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. When he arrived, the guards at the main gate were completely bewildered. What was going on? Why was the General rushing over with such a serious expression?
"You've been guarding this place the whole time. Has anything unusual happened?" Chen Xuanli asked first.
"Reporting to the General, there is nothing unusual," the guard replied confidently. However, no sooner had he finished speaking than a rapid pounding sound came from the city gate behind him, accompanied by desperate cries for help.
"Help! Someone help me...!"
..............
*Swoosh!* That was the sound of Li Longji drawing his sword. He had reached his limit. He had finally managed to rush outside the city, only to find the Dragon Martial Army had vanished. He had then finally reached the Imperial City Guard, only to find...
"Li Linfu, Li Linfu, is this world truly mine, or Li Linfu's? My entire army has gone to protect Li Linfu? What am I then? Song Hun, are you a subject of my Great Tang, or a subject of Li Linfu!"
Li Longji's final question terrified Song Hun. This wasn't just a question that could cost him his life; it was a question that could lead to the execution of his entire family!
"Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I... I truly knew nothing about it. Right Chancellor... Li Linfu said he was attacked and killed by the Turkic Wolf Guards in Pingkang Ward. He asked me to send reinforcements."
At this moment, Lu Xuan suddenly spoke up.
"Lord Song, are you certain that the Right Chancellor was truly attacked and assassinated? How many assassins were there? And what was the outcome? As far as I know, the Right Chancellor should have been protected by over a hundred Right Valiant Guards. And that's not enough? Nearly five hundred Imperial City Guards are needed to provide support?"
Then, as if he had remembered something, he said to Li Longji.
"Your Majesty, it seems that the two Dragon Martial Army units on the east side of the imperial city are also..."
"Yes, yes, yes, it was Li Linfu who transferred him. I even signed the transfer order..." Song Hun hurriedly interjected, only to realize afterward that his response was...
Lu Xuan looked 'solemn'.
"Your Majesty, it seems we can no longer count on the Right Chancellor," Lu Xuan said somewhat subtly. But everyone present was of average intelligence and naturally understood his meaning. In fact, Li Longji's thoughts were even more direct.
As an emperor, the most taboo thing is the throne beneath his feet. From the moment Song Hun revealed that all the guards of the Imperial City Guard had been transferred to Li Linfu's residence, he was certain of Li Linfu's intentions. After all, when it came to the throne, it was absolutely better to kill the innocent than let the guilty go free.
"Which available troops are closest to us in Chang'an?" After resting for a while, Li Longji began to regain his composure. He started to rationally analyze his situation and quickly concluded that his first priority was to find a reliable army to ensure his safety as quickly as possible.
"Your Majesty, there are still a dozen or so guards on duty in the Imperial City Guard, and a dozen or so constables on duty in the Dali Temple next door."
Li Longji: "..." At this moment, Lu Xuan showed a hesitant expression. Li Longji, who had been watching him closely, immediately spoke up.
"Captain Lu, you are now in charge of the Imperial City Guard. Speak your mind. Even if you offend me, I will forgive you."
"It's not meant to be offensive, but I just realized it. Actually, I can quickly gather a group of men. When I was the county magistrate of Wannian County, I noticed that Zhang Xiaojing, the leader of the local thugs, was extremely good at training his men."
Later, His Majesty bestowed upon them some military equipment, and the Crown Prince's residence also donated a batch. Now, the unruly men of Wannian County are equipped and skilled enough to meet the standards of Tang Dynasty soldiers. Most importantly, these men were originally from the streets and would never be recruited by others. I only need to send a few specific emergency communication signals from the nearest watchtower. Once they receive them, they will come to their aid.
Lu Xuan phrased his words tactfully. To put it bluntly, the Bad People came from too humble a background. They would never be noticed by a high-ranking figure like Li Linfu. Therefore, they were all the more trustworthy.
"Nonsense! His Majesty is of inestimable worth; how can he be entrusted to a bunch of street thugs for protection?" Song Hun suddenly interjected, trying to get his attention. But Lu Xuan retorted with a casual remark.
"Does Lord Song have a better option?"
Song Hun opened his mouth, almost exclaiming "Holy crap!" He realized that the Dragon Martial Army, the Golden Guard, and the Right Valiant Guard all had connections to the Right Chancellor. At this critical moment, contacting these three armies was a risk he couldn't bear if anything went wrong.
"And the Crown Prince's Guard." A sudden thought struck Song Hun, and he blurted it out. But as soon as he finished speaking, he wanted to dig a hole and bury himself.
When the emperor is assassinated and only has a few dozen guards by his side, summoning the Crown Prince's guards—is this an insult to Emperor Li Longji or to Crown Prince Li Heng?
Li Longji was too angry to bother with Song Hun. He didn't trust his son. After all, not everyone was as loyal as Commandant Lu.
"Captain Lu, just as you said. Immediately summon the Bad Guys to come to the rescue."
..............