radicalducati Page 667
Page 667
"why?"
The high priest of Loulan had no doubts, but he just didn't understand why.
The people of Loulan were so pure and united before, but now they have developed a desire to seize power? Even if she doesn't care about power, she knows that the survival of Loulan is closely related to the Zhang family.
If the Zhang family loses its support, Loulan will inevitably be attacked by all sides.
Moreover, she has now developed ambitions for power. Since becoming a member of the Zhang family, the interests of the Zhang family have become equal to those of Loulan. She wants to protect this gateway to the Western Regions for Zhang Xiaoshan.
Therefore, after this moment of doubt, a murderous intent arose in her heart for the first time.
It is the intent to kill the rebels.
"This is normal. Before Loulan was born, there was only pure faith."
But now that the Loulan ancient tribe has suddenly emerged, their interests are inextricably linked to their survival, and they are no longer the Loulan ancient tribe they once were.
In particular, some people, driven by desire and greed, may do things that you consider rebellious.
This is human nature!
"Is this what human nature is?"
Chapter 795 The Loulan Queen's Plans for the Frontier
"These are all malignant tumors; if they are not removed, they will surely cause future troubles!"
The Kyushu court is currently unstable, and turmoil could erupt at any moment. It is also a time when people's hearts are restless and greed is rampant.
The consequence of these people leaving behind might be that Loulan would be divided in two, and ultimately a great war would be inevitable.
The best approach is to nip this rising trend in the bud.
Zhang Xiaoshan's suggestion resounded like thunder in the ears of the paladins.
If it were someone else, they might think it was alarmist.
But Zhang Xiaoshan's power was deeply imprinted in their hearts; he was a being who could control demons.
Moreover, at this point, Zhang Xiaoshan's relationship with the High Priest was already clearly confirmed.
Furthermore, the High Priest has already broken through to the Grandmaster level, making his position even more secure.
"High Priest, we are willing to atone for our sins by eliminating these hidden dangers of '733'!"
They are all knights of the temple, and their loyalty is only to the temple!
Therefore, the so-called political power grab and the King of Loulan were all seen as rebellious figures in their eyes.
Since these people have harbored inappropriate thoughts, they are naturally enemies and traitors to Loulan.
Moreover, during this period, they were all somewhat distracted by these people.
This is also why they apologized.
Ultimately, the Zhang family were outsiders before, and they naturally trusted their own people more than these people's instigation.
Now, Zhang Xiaoshan's relationship with the High Priest of Loulan can be considered that of half 'one of their own'.
"Go! Capture all the masterminds and bring them to the temple. Expel the clansmen from Loulan!"
After becoming a Grandmaster, the High Priest's state of mind changed very quickly.
She clearly distinguished between her original benevolence and kindness. Towards the people who supported her, she was naturally kind; but if they harbored ill will towards Loulan, she would not hesitate to use swift and decisive measures.
This is the realm of a Grandmaster!
After the group of holy warriors retreated, Bai Feifei stepped forward and handed a letter to Zhang Xiaoshan, her beautiful face solemn as she said:
"Young master, this is a message sent by the divine eagle of the Yagyu family three days ago. The Dragon Emperor may have met with misfortune."
Even Yan Fei, who was standing to the side, couldn't help but gasp upon hearing this news.
Although she knew the empire was about to fall into disarray, Yanfei still couldn't believe it when she heard that the Dragon Emperor had met with misfortune.
Moreover, she hadn't noticed anything unusual before, which shows that the Zhang family's information was extremely well-kept, and Zhang Xiaoshan had probably already anticipated all of this.
Otherwise, Bai Feifei wouldn't have remained so calm and indifferent after receiving the news.
Where is Meng Yi?
"When Yagyu Meike discovered this, Meng Yi had been dead for a long time, as had the commander of the Black Ice Platform."
At this time, the imperial convoy returning to Xianyang was accompanied only by Zhao Gao and Li Si.
Zhang Xiaoshan nodded, probably because the imperial edict ordering Fusu's death had already arrived. For a moment, a look of regret appeared in Zhang Xiaoshan's bright eyes.
If Fusu were to succeed to the throne, not only would his rule be legitimate, but his civil and military officials would also submit to him.
Furthermore, Fusu's advocacy of benevolent governance could alleviate the oppressive policies both domestically and internationally, allowing the empire to settle down smoothly.
After all, although Fusu advocated benevolent governance, he was also the first prince who had followed the Dragon Emperor for many years. When it was time to be decisive, he would never hesitate.
"Zhao Gao and Li Si were both ambitious men, and they probably both wanted to use the emperor to command the feudal lords."
The prince who best suits their interests is the eighteenth prince, Huhai. Therefore, their primary target next is Prince Fusu, the rightful first heir to the empire.
"Feifei, go to Yumen Pass. If an imperial envoy arrives, immediately relay the message to me!"
"Yes, son!"
Bai Feifei twisted her slender waist and flew away.
Yan Fei, however, had a cryptic expression, knowing that Zhang Xiaoshan was setting up a grand scheme, with Zhao Gao, Li Si, and Fusu all involved.
"Your Highness is certain that Zhao Gao and Li Si will target Prince Fusu, but Meng Tian is protecting Yumen Pass. Even if Zhao Gao is setting a trap, they should still give way!"
"Your Excellency Dongjun is mistaken. It's not just Prince Fusu they're targeting; Meng Tian is also among their objectives."
According to the news brought by Piaoxu, Meng Yi, a close minister of the Dragon Emperor, had also fallen victim to their treachery. Meng Yi was Meng Tian's younger brother, so how could they let such a great calamity go unpunished?
Zhang's goal was to rescue Meng Tian and capture the empire's 300,000-strong, battle-hardened army!
Hiss...
Upon hearing Zhang Xiaoshan's purpose, even Yan Fei suddenly realized what was going on, and was also shocked by Zhang Xiaoshan's intentions.
No wonder Zhang Xiaoshan specifically asked about Meng Yi; it turns out he was trying to persuade Meng Tian to defect.
Once Meng Tian learns of Meng Yi's death, he will surely fight Zhao Gao and Li Si to the death.
As for Prince Fusu?
Once Fusu falls, Meng Tian will be like a thoroughbred horse without a master, a crucial pawn in the Zhang family's strategy to control the Western Regions and intimidate the north.
"Your Excellency Dongjun should also make preparations. The Yin-Yang School will definitely take action this time to support Huhai."
"Only in troubled waters can one fish; the Yin-Yang School will likely join forces with Zhao Gao this time to assassinate Prince Fusu and Meng Tian."
"Yan Fei understands!"
By this time, the Mirage had been on its way for four or five months, and had at least reached the South Seas, or even south of Luzon. Therefore, Yanfei no longer had many concerns.
Furthermore, with the Moon Goddess already allied with the Zhang family on the mirage, there is no longer any threat to her.
"Fusu is bloodthirsty, but Meng Tian is a peerless martial arts master at the peak, so the Yin Yang School will definitely have to send out top experts."
This is my folding fan, also a supreme divine weapon. Its surface can defend against attacks from Grandmaster-level True Qi, and its ribs can unleash a three-foot-long sword beam, making it indestructible. Moreover, it represents my status.
"Thank you, sir!"
Dongjun Yanfei naturally knew the value of this meteorite iron folding fan. The fan surface could defend against attacks at the Grandmaster level, making it one of the most top-tier treasures in the world, far superior to the Heavenly Silkworm Armor.
Moreover, the fan ribs can unleash a three-foot sword beam, making it both offensive and defensive, and it is a peerless divine weapon.
However, compared to other things, the greatest value of this folding fan is Zhang Xiaoshan's identity.
With this folding fan, even if Meng Tian was wary of her, he wouldn't openly break off relations. Moreover, when dealing with the experts of the Yin-Yang School, the 2.0 alliance would have to consider the folding fan's influence.
"High Priest, Loulan will also expand the number of Holy Warriors, by at least one thousand."
As for the organization of the army, the current three thousand is not enough; it needs at least tens of thousands, and the more the better.
Based on the journey, it should take at most a month for the Zhang family's 30,000 armored troops to arrive. The stronger the Loulan army becomes then, the greater its deterrent effect on the surrounding areas.
"Don't worry, young master, Arno knows how to do it."
With some already harboring ambitions of becoming king, the high priest naturally understood the importance of military and political affairs going forward.
Her divine authority could supersede politics. As long as she held military power, she was the true Queen of Loulan, and those people's schemes were futile.
Next, she will have children of the Zhang family, which will allow her to transform divine power into royal power and pass it down through generations.
Chapter 796 The Heavenly Assassins of the Net – Pan Ying and Yu Chang
"By the mandate of Heaven, the Dragon Emperor decrees:"
Recently, remnants of the Changping Emperor's faction have been active, with the peasant hero Tian Guang, the Ghost Valley master Gai Nie, and the former leader of the Mohist school plotting the Azure Dragon Plan. They attempted to assassinate me at Bolangsha, causing heavy losses to the empire and leading to the tragic death of the Wu'an Emperor…
An investigation revealed that Prince Fusu had previously maintained close ties with imperial rebels—Jing Tianming, the newly appointed leader of the Mohist school, and Zhang Liang and Zi'an of the Confucian school—and had met secretly on multiple occasions, intending to overthrow the court…
"By imperial decree, Prince Fusu is hereby granted a length of white silk. So be it!"
Fusu looked in disbelief at the imperial edict that the eunuch had gathered up, along with a piece of white silk.
As expected, Zhang Xiaoshan's prediction came true. This time, someone in the court attacked him on the grounds of being a "remnant of Changping Jun," and the Dragon Emperor even believed it.
Otherwise, why would he have been sentenced to death for this?
However, Fusu felt that this was a conspiracy.
Who could have imagined that Zhang Liang, Zi'an, and Ziming would be traitors to the empire? Coupled with the influence of Lord Changping, Fusu gradually came to his conclusion. Even if he wanted to defend himself, he couldn't find any reason to do so.
But he was truly wronged.
"Young Master Fusu, why haven't you received the imperial decree yet!"
The eunuch personally handed the imperial edict to Fusu.
Fusu awoke from his shock, opened the imperial edict, and looked at the seal that read "By the mandate of Heaven, may your reign be long and prosperous," confirming the truth without a doubt.
19 It really was the Dragon Emperor's decree.
For a moment, even with a glimmer of hope, Fusu couldn't help but feel sorrow.
The imperial family is the most ruthless, which filled him with despair and disappointment.
As for resistance?
The Dragon Emperor's prestige was ingrained in his very bones, like a tiger roaring in the mountains, the king of beasts. Anyone's first instinct would be to flee or submit.
"Fusu accepts the decree!"
The eunuch was an envoy, so naturally he had to personally witness Fusu hang himself before he could return and report back.
Fusu had no further doubts. He looked at the white silk ribbon, his mind reeling. Despite the dissuasion of the generals, he finally chose to hang himself amidst the imperial edict held up by the eunuch.
Despite the desperate pleas of the border generals, none dared to take a single step forward in the face of the Dragon Emperor's decree.
This is the majesty of the Dragon Emperor.
The Dragon Emperor was both their strength and their downfall!
···
A lone plume of smoke rises straight from the desert, while the setting sun hangs round over the long river!
Under the setting sun, the desert stretches for thousands of miles, its sands ablaze with crimson light, like golden sands burning in the sun.
Meng Tian, who had just wiped out a small Turkic squad, was leading his Golden Fire Cavalry back to the main camp to celebrate his small victory.
The Golden Fire Cavalry, along with the Emperor himself, was no ordinary small Turkic unit; rather, it was a cavalry force of several thousand men, tasked with raiding the surrounding area.
It was also after the Turks heard about the turmoil within the empire that they began to probe its strength.
Therefore, Meng Tian launched a massive attack, using the swift and powerful Golden Fire Cavalry to annihilate the enemy and the area three hundred miles away from Yumen Pass.
Just as Meng Tian was about to enter the Yumen Pass, ten miles away.
Suddenly, a murderous aura rose and fell, obscuring the sky and the sun.
What was originally a setting sun in the desert was suddenly swallowed up by a celestial dog, just like a solar eclipse.
"Net Assassin - Sunshade!"