Not only Chongzong, the sudden loud noise stunned everyone present, but it was not over yet. Strings of sparks flew out from both sides of Chengtian Palace and exploded into the night sky.
The gorgeous fireworks lit up the night sky, and the beauty was so heart-stopping that Master Xiao took a step forward with a smile: "I arranged the fireworks without permission, and I hope that the emperor will forgive me."
Only then did all the officials come back to their senses. It turned out that the surprise was caused by the Grand Master. Chongzong seemed to understand, and he twitched his lips and smiled awkwardly: "Ai Qing serves the country with all his heart, what crime is there? Come on,
Give the Grand Master a brocade stool."
Master Xiao bowed deeply and said, "I thank you for your holy grace!"
The wedding ceremony officially started amidst fireworks all over the sky. Li Luoyan, who was wearing a full dress, was supported by the palace maids and arrived in front of Chengtian Palace. Her head was covered with a big red scarf, which was the same as the custom in the Central Plains. It is said that it was because the princess's mother had rescued her.
The loyal guards in the palace chaos were all Song people, so the princess insisted on getting married in Song customs.
The Prince Consort also came to the singing stage early, clad in red and colorful clothes with a big red flower hanging on his chest. He looked very festive, but his handsome face was a little tired. Everyone present knew that the Prince Consort's father was still in
In a coma, it is uncertain whether he will ever wake up again.
The auspicious time has come. The Heavenly Official of the Ministry of Rites presided over the ceremony. The princess and the consort stood quietly on the stage. All the officials and envoys also stopped talking and watched quietly. All around were the Imperial Guards in full armor, all with high spirits.
Full of energy, Emperor Chongzong was the only one sitting in the audience, with a cheerful smile on his face. The princess he loved the most married his most loyal minister, so he was naturally happy.
Xu Zizhen is also standing at this moment, right next to Master Xiao. Today he is wearing the clothes of a palace deacon, standing at the table with his hands hanging down, serving the banquet of Master Xiao and several adults at the next table. Of course, he
His appearance has been altered, his face is painted gray, and his eyebrows are painted upside down. No one would recognize that this is Xu Zizhen, a defector from the Song Dynasty who Chongzong ordered to arrest.
"The Western Xia rules are really strange. I went out so early in the morning and was so busy that I only saluted now. It's too late for my time. It's troublesome."
Xu Zizhen muttered in his heart and looked around. This open place was in order. The emperor and the princess consort were on the stage. The nearest seats below were envoys from various countries. They were seated according to their national power. In the center
Naturally, the first one is the Jin Kingdom, followed in that order by the Tubo, Black Khan, and Uighur Kingdoms.
The Forbidden Army is responsible for the security of the entire site, while the emperor is in charge of the front department. Hundreds of tall and capable soldiers stand on both sides. The difference from the Forbidden Army is that in addition to the large spears in their hands that are more than ten feet long, they also have handles hanging on their waists.
Strong crossbow.
The wedding ceremony was not too long. The emperor was worshiped amidst the singing of the Heavenly Officials of the Ministry of Rites, and then the princess and the consort went back home first. Chongzong stayed here to have a banquet with hundreds of officials and envoys. The Xixia people did not
There were so many rules, but the Tubo and other countries were even more casual. The atmosphere became lively at the sight, and even the officials who usually had low eyebrows relaxed at this time.
Xixia people are fond of wine, and Chongzong is famous for being a hard-drinking emperor. Today, he was in a good mood and even abandoned the emperor's reserve and took the initiative to drink with officials and envoys. The scene quickly changed from lively to
Enthusiastically.
Everyone was happily drinking and chatting, but Master Xiao kept smiling and calmly sipping his drink. Everything was going according to plan. But that day was going to change soon.
The once all-powerful and famous commander Yu Size was deposed due to the failure of the southern expedition to the Song Dynasty. Now he is imprisoned in the sky prison waiting for his fate. This is an excellent opportunity, because many military commanders and commanders such as Zhensi and others are mostly in conflict with Yu.
Si Zejiaohou even obeyed his orders. If today's operation goes smoothly, it will be easy to receive the power of various military divisions, because the Xiao family has already arranged for people to infiltrate everywhere.
Chengtian Palace was bustling with excitement, and the people in the city were wearing new clothes and eating wine and meat as if they were celebrating the New Year. The emperor had issued a notice to grant amnesty to the whole country and reduce rents and taxes. This was the most beneficial thing for the people and was worthy of celebration.
Suddenly, several cannon shots were heard outside the palace, the dull sound shook the ground a little, and then a wave of shouts of death came faintly from far to near.
Everyone present was stunned, even Chongzong understood. His face suddenly turned pale and panicked, and he stood up helplessly, almost knocking down the people in front of him.
Is there a mutiny in the city?!
Eunuch Li, the eunuch next to Chongzong, was very calm. He pulled Chongzong's sleeve secretly without leaving a trace, and shouted sternly: "What's going on? Come on, quickly block the doors. If there are any intruders, shoot them!"
The Forbidden Army reacted very quickly and immediately separated several teams to guard the gates of Chengtian Palace. The remaining soldiers quickly drew their swords from their sheaths and formed into small teams to protect the officials and envoys. The soldiers of the Palace Front Division
At the same time, they stood up around Chongzong with guns and protected him tightly.
"Report!" A fast horse galloped towards the city. The knight on the horse jumped off his horse before he reached the palace gate. He shouted in panic from a distance, "The horse and foot armies mutinied and occupied each city gate. At this time, they were heading towards the palace.
Come to the door!"
Chongzong was so frightened that he sat down on the ground, his face turned pale and he trembled: "What? Is this... is this a rebellion? Come on, hurry up and find out who dares to do such a rebellious and unethical thing!"
Grand Master Xiao suddenly laughed and stood up: "Hahaha! Hunjun, don't bother to investigate. It's me who wants to take your life to rectify the country's policy!"
"You?!" Chongzong's face was filled with astonishment, and his eyes were full of disbelief, "Master, you... I treat your Xiao family well, but you actually..."
Grand Master Xiao snorted coldly: "How can such a mediocre king like you possess the world? Today, I will do justice for Heaven and restore a pure land to the people of Great Xia! Soldiers, why don't you take action?"
"Yes!" There was a loud shout like a mountain. The imperial army that was originally guarding this place suddenly turned around and pointed the steel knives in their hands at the civil and military officials. Another group ran directly towards the people sitting at the top.
Emperor Chongzong.
This turn of events made Chongzong even more stunned. All the officials present took a breath, and even the imperial guards who guarded the royal family rebelled. Could it be that the world is really going to change its surnames from now on?
The hundreds of soldiers in front of the palace reacted instantly. They quickly moved their feet to protect Chongzong. They cocked long spears with flat ends and short crossbows. The cold crossbow arrows glowed coldly under the moonlight and lights.
"Secretary in front of the palace!"
A calm and cold shout sounded, and then a figure flew out from the Chengtian Palace behind Chongzong. It was Yu Qi, the commander of the Imperial Guards. He was very fast, and in a few ups and downs, he had reached the front of the palace.
, holding a long sword, coldly stared at the rushing imperial troops. Although the imperial troops were menacing, they were shocked by Yu Qi's appearance and stopped for a moment.
Master Xiao snorted coldly: "Mr. Xu, I'm done."
Under the gaze of everyone, a deacon who was trembling with fear slowly stood up straight, pulled out a steel knife from behind, looked at Yu Qi and grinned: "Don't worry, Taishi, no matter how good his skills are, it's useless.