In the city of Chang'an, people were crying in the alleys.
Chai Wu, Wang Tianqi, and Hou Feng set up martial law in Chang'an as quickly as possible. No entry or exit was allowed. When the soldiers ran quickly on the streets, the sound of their armors could scare the children in the house.
Dare to cry, but the sound of horse hooves was unresolved. The people hiding in the house gradually became accustomed to the sound of horse hooves outside the house. They didn't know what they were doing, but they were inexplicably afraid.
From time to time, you can hear screams and heart-wrenching cries coming from outside the house.
"Queen Mother! No way! No way!"
In Changle Palace, Zhou Chang sat on his knees in front of the Queen Mother, his face ashen.
"These rebels can be investigated and handled by Ting Wei. Those who are implicated and those who have not been implicated should be carefully verified... How can this be done!!"
Ever since she learned that Wu Zui was trying to curse the emperor to death, the Queen Mother was furious and immediately ordered Hou Feng, Wang Tianqi and others to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Immediately, he cut Wu Zui in half and killed his clan, and also broke up all the chariots of Wu Zui's retainers to kill his clan.
If it was just like this, Zhou Chang could still accept it. After all, it was rebellion. However, the Queen Mother immediately pointed the finger at those nobles who had a good relationship with Wu. She ordered a search for Wu throughout the city. Initially, he had to interrogate and verify his crime.
Later, it simply became a matter of execution without mercy. Many witches died tragically at the hands of the Queen Mother, and many of them were innocent people who did not participate in this incident.
Wu Zui's clan, neighbors, friends, people he had recommended, and even people who knew him and his fellow villagers began to be arrested and questioned. The number of cases involved continued to increase, and more and more people were implicated.
More, in the future, it will not only be Wu Zui's business, but also all those who have raised witches in their homes, asked witches to tell their fortunes, and even those who have tortoise shells hidden in their homes will be arrested and questioned.
Zhou Chang couldn't bear it anymore and came to see the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother's attendants refused to let him in. Zhou Chang wounded one person and was caught by a soldier before he was brought to the Queen Mother.
"Are you trying to protect those rebels?"
"I'm not trying to protect you!"
"It's just that the Queen Mother's behavior has really implicated too many innocent people. You want to kill them all. This is something I cannot allow!"
"Are you blaming me for not caring about human life?"
"The Queen Mother's current behavior cannot be called benevolent government! Because of the sins of Wu Zui and a dozen other people, the Queen Mother actually wanted to kill 30,000 or 40,000 people... This is simply... simply... simply like Jie and Zhou.
behavior!!"
Zhou Chang became more and more anxious as he spoke, even stuttering, but he still said what was on his mind.
Empress Lu just looked at him coldly, "I once owed you a favor, so I pardoned your death penalty, but just this time... someone, please take Prime Minister Zhou down."
Zhou Chang raised his head angrily and was about to curse, but the attendant Zhang Qing tightly covered his mouth, dragged him out, and cursed as he walked: "You are an old dog who can't speak anything! You are still here.
What are you talking about here?! Take it down! Take it down!"
Just when Zhou Chang was brought back to the palace and placed under house arrest, the officials gathered in the Xuanshi Hall.
"Prime Minister Zhou was taken away just now..."
"Sigh... What should we do now? Wang Tianqi and Hou Feng are all from the Queen Mother, and they don't care about us at all... Chai Wu also obeys the Queen Mother's orders and will not get close to us unless the emperor is there...
"
Zhao Ping frowned and looked at the ministers in front of him, his face full of helplessness.
The Queen Mother has never been a person who is easy to talk to, and she has nothing to do with gentleness and kindness. As a ruthless person who almost killed Emperor Gao and exterminated his heirs, when she started to take action, it was not a question of whether to drink or not. Some
Sometimes, many things are scarier than drinking.
It seems that the Queen Mother now wants to kill all the witches in Chang'an, and even the people who look like witches. Everyone related to Wu Zui will probably die tragically.
There are too many people involved, and many of them are indeed innocent.
For example, Jiuqing Feng Jing was arrested. Feng Jing was arrested because his daughter married Wu Zui's daughter from the same family, so he was implicated and went to jail directly. And this married Wu Zui's daughter.
He is also an old acquaintance, General Qin Tong, who fought with Zhou Bo and others in Hexi. This general did not die on the battlefield, but at this moment he was imprisoned because of Wu Zui, and the Queen Mother was preparing to kill his clan.
The actions of Wu Zui and others touched the Queen Mother's nerves, and the Queen Mother immediately went crazy.
Not many people know that Wu Zui colluded with those people to curse the emperor. In the Queen Mother's view, as long as all those who may have anything to do with him are executed, those who want to rebel will also be executed together.
Zhaoping had never missed Liu Chang so much, "Is there no news about His Majesty yet??"
"No."
"Hou Feng doesn't allow our people to leave the city at all..."
The good brother shook his head bitterly.
Zhao Ping glanced around and asked angrily: "Where is Mr. Zhang, the young master??"
"Master Zhang said he was feeling unwell..."
"This old..."
Zhao Ping took a deep breath and tried not to curse.
He looked around, and his eyes reluctantly fell on Zhang Buyi.
"Mr. Zhang... do you have any solution to this matter?"
If it weren't for the urgent matter, Zhao Ping really didn't want to ask Zhang Buyi, but there was nothing he could do about it. Han Xin ignored these things, Liu Hou had left Chang'an, Chen Ping was recuperating at home, and Zhang Cang thought about whether it was important to save his life.
If you dare to participate, Liu Jing will be imprisoned by the emperor, Wang Tianqi is the Queen Mother's man, Zhou Chang has been arrested, Zhang Shizhi has been arrested... At present, the only one who can still discuss this matter with Zhao Ping is Zhang.
No doubt.
Zhang Buyu didn't look as sad as other ministers.
"What are you worried about? The Queen Mother doesn't want to abolish His Majesty, she just wants to punish those who murdered His Majesty. What's the point?"
Among the legal eagles, only Zhang Shizhi was firmly opposed to the Queen Mother's behavior. The others all felt that the Queen Mother's handling method was right. The thief like Zhi Du was already helping the Queen Mother, Zhang Buyi
Being able to continue to stay here is already much better than him.
"If Your Majesty were still in Chang'an, you would never allow the Queen Mother to go on such a killing spree!"
Zhao Ping said solemnly: "You Zhang Buyi are His Majesty's confidant and His Majesty's first minister. Are you also afraid of the Queen Mother and don't dare to do things for His Majesty?"
Hearing these words, Zhang Buyi was like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. The fur all over his body exploded, and he shouted in a sharp voice: "I will die for Your Majesty! Why should I be afraid?!"
"Then why are you still so calm?!"
"Those thieves are plotting to kill Your Majesty. I think they should kill not only the three tribes, but also the five and nine tribes!"
"That should be decided by Your Majesty! They are His Majesty's ministers by birth. If they rebel, they are His Majesty's rebels. They should be dealt with by Your Majesty. How can the Queen Mother be allowed to deal with these people on behalf of Your Majesty? Besides, Shang Fang Mansion
Those alchemists here are all valued by His Majesty, they are not even witches, and the Queen Mother wants to get rid of them... Your Majesty will definitely be extremely disappointed with us when he comes back!"
As a layman for many years, Zhaoping still knew Zhang Buyi's lifeline very well, and he spared Zhang Buyi with just a few words.
"You actually want me to save those who are plotting to murder His Majesty?!"
"I can't wait to eat its flesh!"
"Which of the ministers here does not hate Wu the most? But what are the faults of Feng Jing, Qin Tong, Chen Tao, and the alchemist Shang Fang? Among so many people who have been implicated, there are many
The innocent people His Majesty is appointing and preparing to reuse...those who are really involved in the rebellion should not be ignored, but you must protect these people!"
"What about you? As the Prime Minister, what are you going to do?"
Zhao Ping said calmly: "I have no talent and can't do anything. I can only hope that you will do these things."
Zhang Buyu glanced at him and said, "Okay, I'll find a way."
When Zhang Buyu walked out of the hall, the soldiers at the door blocked his way.
"I'm going to relieve myself!!!"
Zhang Buyi pushed away the soldier in front of him with disdain. The two soldiers hesitated for a moment, but then did not stop them. After all, they were Sangong.
Zhang Buyi walked quickly, his expression careful and cautious. The palace was also very serious. There were patrolling soldiers inside and outside. The servants were not allowed to move around at will. Even Jiuqing was temporarily required to discuss government affairs in the Xuanshi Hall. Zhang
Undoubtedly, the destination is the Prince's Palace.
Considering the current situation, the only person who can persuade the Queen Mother is Prince Liu An.
Everyone knows that the Queen Mother is extremely fond of this prince, even more than His Majesty.
Zhang Buji knew that in this case, the best solution was to find Liu An.
However, obviously the Queen Mother also knew this. In order to prevent traitors from seducing her beloved grandson, she ordered Liu An to study in the palace. Zhang Qing and four or five soldiers stood at the entrance of the palace and were not allowed to enter or exit.
Also not allowed to go out are the queen and others.
Zhang Buyu immediately took a deep breath and looked at the sword on his waist. It was a pity that there were five armored soldiers. If there were a few less, he might still have a chance. When Zhang Buyu appeared in front of the Prince's Palace,
When he came, Zhang Qing was startled, but when he saw that the person coming was Zhang Buyi, he immediately felt a lot more relaxed.
He walked to Zhang Buyi's side in a few steps and said, "Mr. Zhang, you are lost... The Xuanshi Palace is over there."
"I'm here to see the prince."
"The prince is studying in An Xin and cannot go out. Please go back."
"What if I have to go in?"
Zhang Qing sighed helplessly, why do I always meet such a guy today?
"Mr. Zhang, I don't want to take action against you. Please go back."
Zhang Buyu directly bumped into him. Zhang Qing raised his elbow in front of him and hit Zhang Buyu directly on the chest. Zhang Buyu groaned and fell directly to the ground. He felt as if his breathing had stopped.
It took a while before I could breathe normally.
Zhang Buji stood up again, and this time, he drew his sword.
His face was particularly ferocious.
"Come, come, today I want to go in to find the prince... If you dare, kill me. After I die, your majesty will definitely kill all nine of your tribes!! Dig up all your ancestors and throw ashes! Come on! Kill them!"
!!!”
"As long as I am alive! I will go in! Unless you kill me! Come on! Kill me!!"
Zhang Buyi put the sword directly in front of his neck, roared loudly, and kept approaching Zhang Qing.
Zhang Qing was obviously frightened, but he did not dare to take action at this moment. He just kept retreating, his eyes full of fear, and he shouted: "Mr. Zhang! Gong Zhang! I am following the order of the Queen Mother! Put down the sword! Let go.
Come down!!”
The soldiers around Zhang Qing were also constantly retreating.
At first glance, it seems that Zhang Buyi is walking forward with five soldiers, unstoppable.
Zhang Qing retreated all the way to the door, unable to retreat.
His hands also trembled. He was really afraid of the lunatic in front of him.
Can I disobey the Queen Mother's orders? No, what will happen if I disobey? Wu Zui has given the best answer.
But Zhang Bujie can die? No, if Zhang Bujie dies here, well, why doesn’t the emperor peel off his own skin?
Zhang Qing's eyes were full of despair. He stared at the sword in Zhang Buyi's hand. He hesitated for a long time and said through gritted teeth: "In this case, don't blame..."
"Bang~~~"
With a sound, Zhang Qing fell to the ground.
Liu Xuan threw away the case in his hand and looked at the other soldiers warily. Liu An walked out surrounded by them. The person next to him was none other than the unreliable second-generation sages.
Liu An looked at the murderous Zhang Buyi in front of him and couldn't help but sigh: "He is also a true righteous man!"
When Zhang Buji saw the prince coming out, he naturally sheathed his sword immediately.
"Your Highness!"
Zhang Buyi did not dare to waste a moment, and directly told the Queen Mother everything she had done during these days. Several soldiers not far away just looked at the fallen Zhang Qing blankly, and looked at the prince, helpless.
.
"I see..."
"I'm going to find the eldest mother... Chen Tao and Shang Fang's alchemist can't die... I'll try my best to save the others... However, you still have to go to Tingwei and say I gave the order.
, tell them to stop, lest there will be a crowd over there before I can convince the eldest mother... This is my token... Please take it first."
"only."
Zhang Buyi's attitude was quite cold, and he turned around and left.
"An? Do we really want to go?"
By this time, Liu Xun was a little timid. As the most capable of these people, he would timid very quickly when encountering such a big event.
"Of course we have to take care of it. General Qin Tong's daughter is so beautiful, how can she die tragically like this?!"
Liu Xiang said confidently.
Liu Xian also nodded, "It does look good, and the sound is also nice and crisp..."
Liu Qi also nodded, "Yes, and it's also soft when you hold him..."
"Um???"
Soon, these people appeared in front of the Queen Mother. The Queen Mother's people dared to stop others, but they did not dare to stop Liu An.
Empress Lu looked at the few people in front of her with a straight face.
"Auntie... please temporarily detain the criminals and wait for my father to come back before dealing with them!"
Liu An paid his respects with a serious expression.
Liu Qi and Liu Xian hurriedly followed him and paid their respects. Liu Xun was a little scared, but he also followed him.
Liu Xiang's face was full of decadence, his expression was in a daze, and his eyes were lifeless. Liu Xuan pulled him, and he hurriedly saluted.
"An...you are still young...you don't understand..."
"No, eldest mother, I know very well. Please calm down your anger a little. Those who rebel should be executed. But it is up to my father to decide who is implicated. I am not here to save anyone.
Others just don’t want to make their eldest mother sad. I’m here as a grandson, we all are here, and I’m not just pretending to teach my eldest mother how to do things.”
"Oh? Why should I be sad?"
"Many of the people you have arrested now are people whom my father wants to use. If you execute so many people without telling my father, my father will definitely be very angry when he comes back.
, I'm afraid that my father will offend you. You have always loved my father, but he is stubborn and has an impatient personality. I don't want to see my eldest mother quarreling with my father over such a thing."
"Where did you learn the art of vertical and horizontal? This is too unconvincing..."
Queen Lu didn't mean to be moved at all, she just shook her head.
Liu An immediately put on an aggrieved expression, "Auntie... I don't know how to persuade her, but when my father comes back, he will definitely be very angry."
"It is because he is soft-hearted that there are so many people with evil intentions...Kill them all, and no one will dare to do this again for at least ten years...Your father is just as powerful as he says,
But he is so conniving with his ministers, Zhang Shizhi dared to stop my people, Zhou Chang dared to scold me to my face, all the ministers colluded with each other and made arrangements for marriage... And you, how did you come out? Which one is it?
Minister? It’s lawless and should have been dealt with long ago!”
"Auntie... It's because of my father's character that so many ministers are willing to die for him."
........
In front of Tingwei's gate, Zhang Buyi was surrounded by a group of soldiers.
He left the palace with the crown prince's token, but the token met with obstacles from Tingwei.
The biggest obstacle came from the Queen Mother's number one eagle dog, Hou Feng.
Hou Feng can be imagined as Zhang Buyi to Empress Lu.
He only had Empress Lu in his heart, and he only obeyed Empress Lu's orders. He always regarded himself as Lu's retainer. Not to mention the crown prince's token, even the crown prince himself could not make him step aside.
"Mr. Zhang... you stole the crown prince's token and you are going to take over the Tingwei. Isn't this appropriate?"
"I am the Third Duke of the Han Dynasty... The Tingwei should obey my orders."
"I am here under the order of the Queen Mother... If you take a step forward, I will give the order."
Hou Feng is different from Zhang Qing, he is not afraid.
Zhang Buyi sneered, "Old dog... you are nothing compared to that Zhao Ping... I will definitely let you eat the token in my hand... Do you believe it or not?"
"The troops in Chang'an all obey the Queen Mother's edict... Who will Duke Zhang use to make me eat it?"
"Of course you use me!"
There was a roar from the side, Hou Feng raised his head, and a group of people rushed from all directions. These people were wearing brocade clothes and holding powerful crossbows. They blocked Tingwei's door directly, surrounded everyone, and the leader
The man is Liu Zhang, King of Chengyang.
Hou Feng was stunned, "How dare a foreign king participate in this..."
"Buzz~~~"
The arrow flew out and hit Hou Feng's shoulder directly. Hou Feng flew out and fell to the ground.
Liu Zhang put away the crossbow and said angrily: "I obey the emperor's order!!! If you don't want to die, please put down your weapons!! Otherwise, I will kill you!!!"
As he spoke, he raised the edict in his hand high.
At that moment, the soldiers in the distance immediately knelt on the ground, not daring to resist. Xiu Yi stepped forward, grabbed Hou Feng directly, and took the tiger talisman from him.
Zhang Buyu looked at him in surprise, "Your Majesty is back?"
Liu Zhang said seriously: "Zhao Xiang came to me and gave me the emperor's edict, asking me to assist you. It is probably because His Majesty is coming back and someone will send the edict in."
"Fart, the city gate is guarded by Hou Feng..."
Zhang Buyi looked at the edict in his hand and suddenly realized.
"The internal dynasty...that old dog Zhaoping...is so bold, hahaha~~~~"