Yes, Lu Xuan never intended to kill Li Longji tonight. It wasn't a good decision. The traditional methods of succession in the Tang Dynasty had always been criticized. Even if it could temporarily suppress public opinion, it was ultimately a hidden danger. If possible, allowing Li Heng to naturally succeed to the throne was the best option.
A legitimate and flawless ascension to the throne is of paramount importance to an emperor and even a dynasty. Consider the fates of later emperors who gained power illegitimately.
Of course, Li Longji couldn't be allowed to live another ten or twenty years as he did in the original history. Therefore, shortening his lifespan was Lu Xuan's main objective. Originally, this arrow should have been shot by Zhang Xiaojing or Li Fushan amidst the chaos of the crowd. However, having Long Bo shoot it was actually more perfect. Unbeknownst to him, Long Bo, at the last moment, perfectly aligned with his plan.
Li Longji finally came to his senses. He felt a sharp pain in his chest. But it seemed he wouldn't die.
"Your Majesty, it's alright. All the thieves have been beheaded. Your Majesty is safe."
Li Longji nodded somewhat blankly.
"Good, good, good," she said three times. Then, with the help of Lu Xuan and Yang Taizhen, she tried to stand up.
However, at that moment, a scoundrel rushed in and loudly reported.
"Report... A large number of soldiers have appeared around the Imperial City Guard. They are sealing off all the surrounding streets."
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Chapter 89 He Will Come
Lu Xuan always believed that the highest level of scheming was turning the false into the true. It's easy to accuse someone of treason; all you have to do is open your mouth. But true skill lies in accusing someone of treason and actually carrying it out on your behalf.
Li Linfu knew he had violated the emperor's absolute taboo, and barring any unforeseen circumstances, he would be dead after tonight. However, the emperor was alone, while he had men by his side. Given the situation, what would you choose? Lu Xuan handed the knife to Li Linfu; it was up to him to decide.
In reality, regardless of which option Li Linfu chose, Lu Xuan had follow-up plans in place. It's important to understand that, as the situation has unfolded, the Crown Prince's Guard's elite troops have remained on the sidelines, observing from beginning to end without making a move.
Li Bi, who had been keeping a close eye on the movements at Li Linfu's residence, received the news at this time.
"It seems Li Linfu has made his choice. A dozen scouts just left. They must have gone to contact the other soldiers." Li Bi casually reported this news to the Crown Prince while placing a piece on the chessboard.
"Does Li Linfu want to fight to the death, or to fight to the bitter end?" The Crown Prince also responded with a move.
"No matter what he wants to do, the result will be the same. I have also sent people to the other guards in Chang'an to persuade them. After tonight, the Crown Prince will know who is loyal to His Majesty, who is loyal to the Crown Prince, who is loyal to the Tang Dynasty, and who... is a traitor."
Looking at the chessboard before him, the prince sighed. It was clear he had lost again. This friend of his never let him win when playing chess.
"Changyuan, why do I feel something is strange? Li Linfu is a powerful official with immense influence in the court. He has countless retainers, but why does he seem so powerless here with you?"
Li Bi paused for a moment while playing chess. The Crown Prince's question carried a myriad of implications. Even though he and the Crown Prince had been friends for many years, he still needed to answer cautiously.
After a moment's thought, Changyuan placed a piece, ending the game completely. He then spoke.
"Perhaps it is because the glory of the Tang Dynasty protects Your Highness."
Li Heng was stunned, not expecting his friend to say such a thing. Just as he was about to say something, a subordinate's report came from outside the door.
"Report... A large number of Right Valiant Guards, Golden Guards, and Dragon Martial Army are on their way to the Imperial City Guard."
Upon hearing the report, the Crown Prince chuckled and said...
"It seems our Right Chancellor is getting restless."
"Sure enough, the sooner he takes action, the greater his chances of winning."
"Then it's time for us to get started."
"Yes, sir." Li Bi nodded in acceptance. He then issued the order.
"Where is the Lüben camp?"
"Your subordinate is here," Cui Qi replied loudly, his tone filled with indescribable excitement.
"Right Chancellor Li Linfu has plotted a rebellion, gathering forces from the Right Valiant Guard, the Dragon Martial Army, and the Golden Guard to besiege the Imperial City Guard. His Majesty's safety is now hanging by a thread. The Lüben Battalion is to set off immediately for the Imperial City Guard to quell the rebellion and protect His Majesty."
"Yes, sir. Brigade Commander, assemble."
Cui Qi roared, and three hundred elite troops headed straight for the Imperial City Guard. Li Bi personally led the Crown Prince's Guard under Lu Xuan, following closely behind. To ensure everything went smoothly, Li Heng even brought along all the retainers from the Crown Prince's residence. The group of over seven hundred men marched in a grand procession towards the Imperial City Guard.
Inside the Imperial City Guard.
Li Longji heard the sounds of a large group of people moving about outside. His already pale face turned even paler.
Who is it?
"Your Majesty, they have blocked all the exits; I fear their intentions are not good."
"What a hostile visitor! What a Li Linfu! I... cough cough cough." Li Longji looked indignant and wanted to say something. But a sharp pain shot through his chest, and he coughed up blood repeatedly.
"Your Majesty need not worry. The Imperial City Guard is well-equipped. Two hundred Bad Guys are enough to guard all the entrances. We only need to hold out for one night, and the various guards of Chang'an will naturally come to our aid."
Li Longji was filled with bitterness. He was now trapped in the Imperial City Guard, and the various garrisons of Chang'an were receiving no messages from him. Given Li Linfu's current influence, there was no way he could expect any reinforcements.
A general's loud shout came from outside.
"All soldiers, listen to my command! The rebels have been trapped in the Imperial City Guard. Seal off all exits. All traitors, kill them without mercy."
"Bad Men, listen to my command! Guard all entrances!" Zhang Xiaojing and Li Fushan were also quickly setting up defenses. Although outnumbered, the Imperial City Guard had ample weaponry and a certain level of defensive capability. So the situation wasn't actually as bad as it seemed.
Outside the Imperial City Guard, Li Linfu used both kindness and force to persuade the guards. However, he knew this number was far from enough. He sent men to contact the generals of the Sixteen Guards with whom he had frequent dealings, hoping to gather an overwhelming force to decisively defeat the enemy.
The soldiers outside made several tentative attacks, but Zhang Xiaojing and his men repelled them each time. They then fell silent, waiting for reinforcements, and more importantly, for heavy engineering equipment.
Lu Xuan and Zhang Xiaojing were in the courtyard, listening to the commotion outside.
"The Crown Prince's men should have arrived by now."
"They should be here, but it's not time for them to make their appearance yet. Since they're here to save the day, they should naturally show up at the most crucial moment. So, they'll still have to fight eventually."