Chapter 146: Tempest

lace instantly wielded an influence among the populace that dwarfed that of the cabinet.Even though the cabinet still held considerable power in government, with the support of scholars across the lan...Chapter 146: Tempestuous Winds

When Li Chen received the message, he had just sent Su Jinpa back to the general's mansion.

This message was sent to Chen Tong by the palace's Jinyiwei (imperial guards) via carrier pigeon at the fastest speed possible.

Li Chen was stunned after hearing Chen Tong's report.

"What's wrong"

Su Jinpa saw the change in Li Chen's expression and asked.

Li Chen smiled and said, "It's nothing important. Go in first."

Su Jinpa looked at Li Chen with a puzzled expression, but he was unwilling to say anything. Su Jinpa didn't press him further and nodded before turning back towards the mansion, her skirt held high in her hand.

Seeing Su Jinpa leave, the smile on Li Chen's face gradually faded, replaced by an abyss of cold and unfathomable ice.

"Right now, this matter has spread rapidly, and almost all the civil and military officials in Beijing know about it. The cabinet ministers led by Zhao Xuanji are all on their way to the palace."

Chen Tong said urgently, "The whole city is in turmoil. There are rumors everywhere now, saying...saying..."

"What's that"

Li Chen sneered coldly: "Are you saying it was this palace who killed the Ninth Prince"

Chen Tong didn't dare to answer that sentence, but this attitude obviously meant he already admitted it.

"Kind of interesting."

Li Chen sneered, “Zhao Xuanji’s move is truly interesting.”

"Your Highness, what shall we do now" Chen Tong asked.

"Return to the palace immediately."

Li Chen said coldly, "Send a message back, this palace hasn't arrived, no one is allowed to enter the palace without permission."

Chen Tong immediately replied, "I will send a carrier pigeon right away."

Summon all the mobile Jinyiwei in the capital to the palace. Then, notify Generals Su Zhen'ting and Su Pingbei to be ready. Once there is a change in the capital, they should immediately lead their troops into the capital to guard against it.

After issuing the order, Li Chen rushed to the Imperial Palace under the escort of Jinyiwei without stopping.

Outside the palace, ministers had gradually arrived.

"Bold! This official is the Chief Supervisor of Censors, dare you obstruct this official!"

A dignified-looking official rebuked the guards who were blocking his way.

The guard replied with a stiff, icy tone, "By the Prince's decree, no one is permitted to enter the palace. Furthermore, according to imperial law, anyone who enters the palace after nightfall without an imperial summons will be executed. If you wish to enter, please present the Prince's order. Do you have it"

The middle-aged official flushed red and stammered, unable to speak.

"Judging by your demeanor, it seems there are none left. If you cannot present the Crown Prince's decree, then I ask that you step back."

The guard looked at the Censor who had been arrogant just a second ago and sneered, "Don't even mention you, the censor. How about Zhang Lin, the official of the Department of Censors, who holds the rank of Left Imperial Historian He's still standing outside obediently, isn't he"

He never would have imagined that one day he would be speechless at the words of a palace guard.

He could turn his head and see that among those officials who had been stopped before him, there were indeed quite a few whose ranks were higher than his own. They all looked at him as if they were watching a joke.

"Hmph!"

He snorted coldly and said, "You esteemed gentlemen needn't point fingers at others..."

Before he could finish speaking, a soft sedan chair swayed into view from the end of the snow-covered street.

All the officials, upon seeing the soft sedan chair, were visibly excited, as if they had found their anchor.

Before they could greet him, the soft sedan came to a stop. A hand lifted the curtain, and Zhao Xuanji stepped out from within.

"Grand Chancellor!"

"Greetings, Lord Zhao!"

"The weather was bitterly cold, so much so that even Zhao Shuifu, the chief minister, was alarmed."

Zhao Xuanji bowed to the ministers and said, "Greetings, everyone. The situation is serious now, so there's no time for pleasantries. Let's go into the palace and see what's happening."Chapter 1033: Please Abdicate, Your Highness