Done! Your Majesty is going to prostitute me for free!

The threat of the Jian Nu is imminent, like a dark cloud pressing down on our heads. In accordance with the strict order of Lord Yan, the governor of Xuanfu and the right assistant minister of the Ministry of War, we must move to Longmenwei as soon as possible for refuge. Time is pressing and there is no time to lose. Everything in the house, whether it is food, utensils, clothes, firewood or farm tools, must be taken away. What cannot be taken away must be burned to prevent it from falling into the hands of the Jian Nu. Fortunately, the caravan's carriage will arrive as scheduled and help everyone transport things for free. This is Lord Yan's painstaking effort.

In Yunzhou Fort in Xuanfu, a dozen cavalrymen came galloping like the wind, wearing iron armor, holding long spears, and loudly conveying the news. The sun shone on their armor, reflecting a dazzling light. However, faced with this sudden order, the people looked helpless and anxious. The old man stood at the door, wearing a tattered cotton coat, with white hair and wrinkles on his face. He pointed at the cavalry and said helplessly: "The wheat is ripe, who will harvest it if everyone leaves?" Others also echoed, their faces full of worries about the future: "Without food, what will we eat?" Someone else said: "Please go back and tell Lord Yan that we are not afraid of death, but dying in the hands of the Jiannu is better than starving to death."

The cavalrymen stopped, their eyes revealing firmness and determination. They announced loudly: "Lord Yan has ordered that those who are willing to migrate will be rewarded with two taels of silver per household, and each person will be given three months of food. If you are unwilling to migrate, your property will be confiscated and you will be punished." When the people heard this, they were stunned. They looked at each other, with doubts and expectations flashing in their eyes. When they confirmed that this was a military order, the attitude of the people immediately changed. They knew that Xuanfu was often invaded by the Jiannu. Every time the Jiannu came, they killed and set fire, looted the people, and took away food. Now the court helped everyone to take refuge and gave them food and silver. Of course, the people were happy.

The whole city suddenly became busy, and the people went home to pack their bags. They hurriedly shuttled between the streets, some carrying bags, some holding children, and some driving livestock. Although their faces were tired and anxious, they were also full of hope and expectation for the future.

At the same time, the situation in Dushibao was quite different. It seemed quiet and strange. The people in the city had been relocated by the Ming army to Longmenwei, where the city walls were strong, the artillery fire was powerful, and it was easy to defend but difficult to attack. The streets of Dushibao were empty, with only the sound of wind blowing through the eaves and the occasional barking of dogs in the distance. At this time, two Ming soldiers came out with white cloth covering their mouths and noses, carrying a large package on their backs, their eyes revealing vigilance and tension. While chatting, they poisoned the wells in the city, their movements were quick and skillful.

To the west of Dushibao, the Ming army and civilians were using earth and rocks to block the Dushi River. Because of the drought and lack of rain, the once surging river now meanders like a thin snake. Jiang Yingkui stood on a high place, observing the terrain with his clairvoyance and directing the work of blocking the flow. He was wearing armor and holding a spear, his eyes revealing firmness and determination. As earth and rocks continued to pour into the river, the flow of Longmenchuan was cut off. Jiang Yingkui showed a satisfied smile on his face, knowing that this step was the key to success.

At the same time, outside Xuanfu Town, Zhu Fenghui walked on the path beside the field with more than a hundred soldiers. He saw that the wheat ears had turned yellow, and he couldn't help but sigh. His eyes revealed his love and helplessness for this land. He ordered his soldiers to burn the wheat. Although destroying grain was a serious crime in the Ming Dynasty, he was still determined. However, the wheat was not yet ripe, and the weeds did not burn in the wheat fields after they were burned. After Zhu Fenghui frowned and thought for a while, he suddenly smiled and said, "Let's go back to the city! I have a good idea!"

The storm was coming, and the three fronts of the Ming Dynasty were busy. Xuanfu in the upper road was clearing the fields and winning over the people; the capital in the middle road was training troops, preparing for war, deploying troops, and making plans; and the lower road was assisting Hua Ruiqi and the Jinyiwei in planning to get rid of Murong Jiongran. The main force of the lower road, Jian Mingxiao, was sitting in the Shu King's Mansion waiting for the arrival of the Shu King.

The palace of the King of Shu was magnificent, but silent. Jian Mingxiao sat in the palace, his eyes revealing anxiety and expectation. He had been waiting for a long time, but the King of Shu had not shown up. Finally, the King of Shu came out with his heir. He was wearing a gorgeous royal robe and a golden crown, but his face was full of fatigue and helplessness. He knew that this imperial edict must not be a good thing. Sure enough, the imperial edict read by Jian Mingxiao required him to lend 5 million taels of silver to recruit soldiers and raise food to fight against the bandits. Although the number was huge, it was all for the needs of preparing for war. The King of Shu could only accept the edict helplessly, but his heart was full of worries.

The Shu King's lips trembled slightly, and his eyes, which were once full of majesty, now flickered with anxiety and doubt. He slowly said, "Jian Mingxiao, what exactly do you want to do by doing this? Don't you know what this means to our Shu Kingdom?"

"Your Highness, the King of Shu," Jian Mingxiao's voice was calm and firm. He bowed respectfully and then slowly said, "Your humble servant is only following orders to read out the imperial edict. As for the deeper meaning of the imperial edict, Your Highness needs to figure it out yourself! After all, the emperor's will is hard to predict, and we, the ministers, can only obey."

Hearing the name "Jian Mingxiao", the ominous premonition in the heart of the King of Shu became stronger, as if a huge rock was pressing on his heart, making him breathless. He stared at Jian Mingxiao, trying to find a clue from his eyes, but his eyes as calm as the abyss made him even more uneasy.

The content of this imperial edict was clear: he wanted to borrow money! And the amount was unprecedented. The Ming Dynasty had a history of nearly 300 years, and the emperor actually borrowed money in the form of an imperial edict. This not only shocked the King of Shu, but even if you look at the history books of the entire Ming Dynasty, there has never been such a record!
The King of Shu's fingers gently stroked every word on the imperial edict, as if he wanted to find the source of this absurd order. He didn't want to accept the imperial edict, but considering the serious consequences of disobeying the order, he could only reluctantly raise his hands and shouted loudly: "Your Highness Zhu Zhishu accepts the order." There was bitterness and helplessness in his voice that was difficult to conceal.

After standing up, the King of Shu resumed his arrogant attitude. He carefully examined the imperial edict, and every word seemed like a knife, piercing his heart. He sneered, and his voice was filled with endless ridicule and sadness: "Jian Mingxiao, do you think I really believe this imperial edict? Regardless of whether this imperial edict damages the reputation of the royal family, those scholars in the court would never write such an edict!"

"Your Highness, please judge for yourself." Jian Mingxiao followed behind the King of Shu, speaking slowly and calmly, as if everything was under his control. His eyes were deep and complex, showing both sympathy for the King of Shu and helplessness about the situation.

The King of Shu read the imperial edict over and over again, almost tearing it apart. His fingers gently stroked the imperial edict, as if he was looking for a hint of warmth, but the coldness penetrated his heart. Jian Mingxiao finally couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, is this imperial edict true or false?" There was a hint of urgency in his voice, as if this question was of vital importance to him.

This is a matter of principle. Only if the procedures are legal can the subsequent actions be considered legal. If the King of Shu denies the authenticity of the imperial edict, then Jian Mingxiao will no longer need to be polite.

The King of Shu was silent for a moment. His eyes passed through the complicated palace and looked at the sky in the distance dyed red by the setting sun. He knew that the decision at this moment would determine his future fate. Although he was reluctant in his heart, he nodded: "The imperial edict is true." His voice was low and hoarse, as if every word exhausted his strength.

"Your Highness," Jian Mingxiao said with a barely perceptible compassion in his tone, "The bandit Zhang Xianzhong has approached Wanxian and will arrive soon! Our army is short of food and money, and cannot fight for long. I have been ordered to come here to raise money for the army, and I hope Your Highness the King of Shu can help me."

The King of Shu narrowed his eyes and fell into deep thought. His fingers tapped the table lightly, making a rhythmic sound, as if echoing his inner struggle. Borrowing money? This is absolutely impossible. He would never do such a thing in his life. There are so many vassal kings in the world, why would he borrow the money of the King of Shu? Besides, Emperor Lin Xiaofeng is fickle and untrustworthy. The money he lent is like throwing meat buns at a dog, which will never come back.

Thinking of this, he smiled indifferently, with endless bitterness and helplessness in that smile: "Old Governor Qin, you also know the laws of the Ming Dynasty. The princes are not allowed to interfere in state affairs. I was sealed in Shu Kingdom. Dealing with the bandit Zhang Xianzhong is the court's business. According to the law, it is not convenient for me to participate!" There was a hint of determination in his voice, as if he had already made plans for the worst.

Jian Mingxiao looked at the arrogant King of Shu, and the remaining good impression in his heart disappeared. He knew very well that the decision at this moment would determine his future fate. He said in a deep voice: "Your Highness, aren't you worried that the incident with King Fu of Luoyang will happen again?" There was a hint of coldness in his voice, as if he was reminding the King of Shu of a cruel fact.

In the 1641th year of Lin Xiaofeng (), Li Zicheng captured Luoyang and killed Prince of Fu, Zhu Changxun. This historical event was like a shadow, hanging over the hearts of every vassal king. The face of the King of Shu changed, and his fingers tightly grasped the imperial edict, as if he wanted to find a trace of strength from it: "Jian Mingxiao, what do you mean by this? You, a governor, dare to go against this king. Come on, beat him out with sticks!" His voice was filled with endless anger and unwillingness.

At the King of Shu's command, dozens of servants rushed out with sticks in their hands. They looked fierce, as if they were going to cut Jian Mingxiao into pieces. However, Jian Mingxiao had many halos. His footprints were all over the Ming Dynasty, from Liaodong to the Central Plains, and then to Huguang and the southwest. He was also the envoy of Shizhu and had the honorable status of a second-rank imperial lady. In order to commend his merits, the current emperor personally wrote four poems for him!

These servants were not blind, and they were stunned when they saw Jian Mingxiao. In Sichuan, who didn't know Jian Mingxiao's name? His reputation was as hot as the sun, making it impossible to look directly at him.

At the same time, Wang Zhong, a captain of the Imperial Guard standing next to Jian Mingxiao, shouted, "The Imperial Guard is here, who dares to act rashly?" His voice was like thunder, causing pain in the eardrums of everyone present. The scene immediately fell into a stalemate!

Taking advantage of this gap, Jian Mingxiao asked again: "Your Highness, do you want to disobey the order?" There was a hint of coldness in his voice, as if he was reminding the King of Shu of a cruel fact. The King of Shu stared at Wang Zhong and Jian Mingxiao for a while, and suddenly laughed. There was endless ridicule and sadness in that smile: "How could I disobey the order! Come, take out 50,000 taels of silver from the treasury and give it to Governor Qin as military pay." There was a hint of determination in his voice, as if he had already made plans for the worst.

Fifty thousand taels of silver! Jian Mingxiao's face was extremely ugly, it was just like sending away a beggar. He sneered, his voice full of endless ridicule and anger: "Your Highness, is this all you have? Is this your contribution to my Ming Dynasty?" His voice echoed in the palace, like a sharp sword, piercing through the disguise of the King of Shu.

"I have limited money and grain in my treasury. I only have one Chengyun Palace. The old governor can dismantle it and sell it to pay for the army." The King of Shu's voice was filled with helplessness and determination, as if he had already made the worst plan. He knew very well that the decision at this moment would determine his future fate.

"Okay, I'll take my leave!" Jian Mingxiao said and turned to leave. His steps were firm and powerful, as if he was announcing his determination to the world. Chengyun Hall was the name of the main hall in the Shu Palace. Even if he really wanted to sell it, who would dare to buy it? This was just an absurd joke, a mockery of the Shu King to the Ming Dynasty.

Wang Zhong did not dare to stay, and followed Jian Mingxiao reluctantly and left. He knew that the decision at this moment would determine their future fate. After leaving the Shu Palace, Wang Zhong stared at the angry Jian Mingxiao and asked, "Governor Qin, what should we do next?" There was a hint of urgency and worry in his voice.

Jian Mingxiao sneered, his voice full of endless ridicule and anger: "Since the King of Shu doesn't want face, then I won't give him face either. Captain Wang, take my order to the Chengdu government office to mobilize 2,000 garrison troops, quickly!" His voice was like thunder, and it hurt Wang Zhong's eardrums. He knew very well that the choice at this moment would determine their future fate.

Wang Zhong did not dare to neglect it, and hurried to the Chengdu government office with the order. His steps were firm and powerful, as if he was announcing his determination to the world. Not long after, two thousand defenders came to Jian Mingxiao in armor and weapons. They looked determined, as if they had prepared for the worst. The leader of the troops was Liu Zhibo, the governor of Sichuan, who was tall and mighty, with a stern face.

"Sichuan Governor Liu Zhibo greets Governor Qin." He bowed, his voice full of awe and respect. He knew Jian Mingxiao's reputation and achievements and was full of respect for him.

"Surround them!" Jian Mingxiao stretched out his right hand and pointed at the Shu Palace. There was a hint of determination and coldness in his voice, as if he was announcing his determination to the world. The decision at this moment would determine his future fate.

Liu Zhibo was shocked, his eyes flashing with confusion and doubt: "What does Governor Qin want to do? Is he really going to besiege the Prince of Shu's Palace?" There was a trace of trembling and uneasiness in his voice. He knew very well how serious the consequences of this action would be.

"The King of Shu disobeyed the order, I am here to arrest him!" Jian Mingxiao's voice was like thunder, making the eardrums of everyone present hurt. His eyes flashed with determination and resoluteness, as if he had already made the worst plan, "According to the laws of the Ming Dynasty, disobeying the order is a capital crime!"

"But." Liu Zhibo hesitated. His eyes flashed with struggle and helplessness. He knew very well how serious the consequences of this action would be. Not only might it arouse the anger of the King of Shu, but it might also plunge the entire Sichuan into turmoil.

"Do you also want to disobey the order?" Jian Mingxiao drew out his sword! The blade flashed like lightning, reflecting his resolute and cold face. His eyes flashed with unquestionable firmness and determination, as if he had already made plans for the worst. Seeing the cold blade, Liu Zhibo knew that Jian Mingxiao was furious! He gritted his teeth and waved his hand: "Come on, surround the Shu Palace, and don't let anyone go!" There was a hint of helplessness and determination in his voice, as if he had already made plans for the worst.

The siege was quick, but the King of Shu got the news even faster. He walked out of the palace with more than a hundred servants, staring at Jian Mingxiao: "Jian Mingxiao, do you dare to rebel?" His voice was filled with endless anger and unwillingness. He knew very well how serious the consequences of this move would be, which might not only arouse the anger of the court, but also plunge the entire Shu Kingdom into turmoil.

Jian Mingxiao ignored him and shouted, "I was ordered to borrow five million taels of silver from the King of Shu, but the King refused to lend it. This is disobeying the order!

With a clear and loud clang, like the first ray of sunlight in the morning penetrating the mist, Jian Mingxiao's saber and the Shu King's waist saber clashed in an instant, sparks flying, like the brightest stars in the night sky. Although the Shu King was still young, handsome, and revealed an extraordinary heroic spirit between his eyebrows, compared with Jian Mingxiao, he could only be barely considered a "fighting scum". Jian Mingxiao was agile, and with a light flick of his right hand, his saber deviated from its direction like a swimming dragon. Then he took small steps forward with steady steps, and the tip of the saber had quietly touched the Shu King's neck, and the cold light reflected the Shu King's astonished face.

"You disobeyed the imperial order and assassinated an official appointed by the imperial court. I can execute you right here and now!" Jian Mingxiao's words were filled with unquestionable majesty. Every word was like a heavy hammer, hitting everyone's heart. Everyone was stunned after hearing this. The air seemed to freeze, and even breathing became cautious.

How could Jian Mingxiao dare to go to war with the vassal king? This was not only a challenge to authority, but also a gamble on fate.

In the past, Jian Mingxiao always kept a respectful distance from the King of Shu, and never dared to make any rash moves. But now is different, she holds the imperial edict tightly in her hand, which is the sword of her action. If the King of Shu neither falls into the trap nor lends money, she can just rob it! Speed ​​is of the essence in war. If there is a delay, the whole army may be annihilated and the country will be in danger.

She had no intention of dealing with the King of Shu, so she just took action. The King of Shu saw the flash of the knife, and the cold light seemed to be able to penetrate everything, and suddenly realized the seriousness of the situation. This person is actually serious! She must have an imperial edict in her hand! Without an imperial edict, who would dare to do this to him? The King of Shu was filled with anger at being humiliated, but more of a fear of the unknown.

Thinking of this, the King of Shu angrily threw the knife to the ground, making a loud "clang" sound, but still said in a proud manner: "Jian Mingxiao, I am a vassal king of the Ming Dynasty Shu Kingdom! Without your majesty's order, whoever dares to touch me will be in danger! " His voice was filled with inviolable majesty, but it could not cover up the panic in his heart.

"You can file a petition against me!" Jian Mingxiao said nonchalantly, her eyes firm and resolute. She already knew the changes in the court situation, and the current emperor was very different from the previous one. In order to save the Ming Dynasty, she dared to do anything! And in her hand, she also had an imperial edict that allowed her to do whatever she wanted, which was her amulet for action.

"Come here, go into the palace with the left and right chief secretaries of the Prince of Shu's palace and check the silver. Do not take a penny more or less!" Jian Mingxiao's order was like ice, making everyone present feel a bit chilled.

In the Ming Dynasty, the prince's palace had positions such as the left chief secretary and the right chief secretary. The chief secretary was in charge of the government litigation of the prince's palace, assisted the prince to correct his mistakes, led the prince's palace staff to perform their duties, and managed all the affairs of the prince's palace. This is a complex system, but at this moment, it has become a boost for Jian Mingxiao's actions. "Do you dare!" The King of Shu shouted angrily, his voice echoing in the empty courtyard, "Your duty is to protect the safety of Chengdu and me. Now Jian Mingxiao is leading his troops to cause chaos, and you don't come to rescue him, but instead help him to commit atrocities?" His words were full of doubts about loyalty and helplessness about fate.

Sichuan Governor Liu Zhibo and the two thousand defenders he brought with him looked at each other and stood there. The King of Shu was not lying, but Jian Mingxiao had an imperial decree in her hand. Since she dared to act like this, she must have a secret decree in her hand. Moreover, Jian Mingxiao was now the governor of four provinces, and the Ming army in the four provinces was under her command. If they did not obey her orders, it would be disobedience. This was an unsolvable problem, which put them in a dilemma.

Everyone was intimidated by the majesty of the King of Shu and was afraid of Jian Mingxiao's order, so they did not dare to act rashly. Jian Mingxiao was furious when she saw this. Her eyes were like burning flames. She ordered Wang Zhong, a captain of the Jinyiwei: "Captain Wang, you take your men and go there in person!" There was an irresistible force in her voice.

After receiving the order, Wang Zhong led more than a hundred soldiers into the Shu Palace. Their steps were firm and powerful, as if every step was stepping on the pulse of fate.

"Stop him!" Although the King of Shu did not dare to say anything more to Jian Mingxiao, he was not polite to Wang Zhong. There was anger and unwillingness in his voice, as if he wanted to pour out all his dissatisfaction.

Dozens of armed servants blocked the door, their faces were firm and their eyes were shining with unyielding light. However, facing Wang Zhong's sword, their resistance seemed so powerless.

Wang Zhong had received Lin Xiaofeng's instructions before he stepped forward, so he drew his knife and stabbed the nearest servant without saying a word. His movements were swift and decisive, like a hungry cheetah pouncing on its prey.

"Ah!" A scream rang out, the sound was full of fear and despair. Soon, the servant fell to the ground and died due to excessive blood loss. His body fell gently to the ground like a fallen leaf.

Everyone was shocked. They had never seen such a bloody scene. The King of Shu's face suddenly changed, his eyes flashing with anger and fear: "Rebellion, all rebelled! Will the Ming Dynasty still belong to the Zhu family?" His voice was filled with panic and anxiety that could not be concealed.

"Are you just going to watch him commit the crime?" The King of Shu placed his last hope on Liu Zhibo, with a hint of pleading in his voice. However, Liu Zhibo stood straight and did something jaw-dropping: he closed his eyes and covered his ears! He seemed to isolate himself from the world, unwilling to see or hear all this.

On one side was the vassal king of the Ming Dynasty, and on the other side were the governors of the four provinces and the Jinyiwei from the capital who carried the imperial edict! This was a fight between gods, and a mortal like him could not bear the responsibility. He could only choose to escape and turn a blind eye.

Although the servants wanted to step forward and show off, they put down their weapons when they saw the bloody knife in Wang Zhong's hand. They knew that they could not compete with this Jinyiwei centurion.

The King of Shu's face turned pale, he exhaled heavily and closed his eyes. He knew that he could not stop all this from happening, and could only accept the arrangement of fate silently.

Without the obstruction of the King of Shu, the rest of the things would be much easier. Jian Mingxiao, like a general in command, began to plan the next action.

"Come here, follow me to escort the King of Shu and his family to Chengyun Palace! The rest of you, follow the Jinyiwei and the left and right chief secretaries of the palace to the inner treasury to count the silver!" Her voice was filled with unquestionable majesty and determination.

Soon, under Jian Mingxiao's arrangement, Wang Zhong led his men to open the door of the Shu King's treasury. That door seemed to be a mysterious door leading to wealth and power, which made everyone yearn for it.

Seeing the mountains of gold and silver, Wang Zhong couldn't help but swallow his saliva. This money is at least tens of millions of taels! The largest silver ingot in the Ming Dynasty weighs 500 taels! Ordinary silver ingots are 50 taels each, and there are silver ingots of different weights such as 20 taels, 10 taels, 5 taels, 3 taels, 2 taels, and 1 tael. They are shining with an alluring light, as if telling of endless wealth and power.

Wang Zhong took out the prepared silver scale and ordered people to start weighing silver ingots of fifty taels each. This process was tedious and boring, but everyone held their breath and concentrated, fearing to miss any details.

Time seemed to freeze at this moment, with only the sound of silver ingots colliding with the weights echoing in the air. This process lasted for nearly a day before the five million taels of silver were finally counted. It was a huge fortune, enough to make anyone excited.

The last box of silver was moved out of the vault, and Wang Zhong led the left and right chief secretaries to Chengyun Hall. Their steps were firm and powerful, as if every step was on the edge of victory.

"Reporting to Governor Qin, the silver has been counted, no more, no less, exactly five million taels!" Wang Zhong's voice was filled with a hint of fatigue and satisfaction. He knew that he had completed a difficult task.

Jian Mingxiao turned her head to look at the King of Shu, then bowed deeply: "Jian Mingxiao thanks the King of Shu for his generous loan. There is hope for the Ming Dynasty's war in the southwest." There was a hint of gratitude and respect in her voice, but more of it was firmness and determination for the future.

The King of Shu looked grim and said nothing. As a vassal king, what happened today made him lose all face. He couldn't imagine that he would be forced by a woman like this, which made him feel extremely angry and humiliated.

However, Jian Mingxiao ignored the King of Shu's expression, took out a pen and paper, quickly wrote the loan agreement, and then stamped it with the governor's seal. Her actions were swift and decisive, as if everything was under her control.

"Your Highness, this is the IOU from the court. Please keep it safe! If it is lost, it will not be reissued!" Jian Mingxiao's voice was full of teasing and provocation. She knew that this IOU was undoubtedly a mark of shame for the King of Shu.

Although the King of Shu was reluctant, he still read the IOU carefully. Five million taels of silver, correct, and without any typos. He knew that he could not change this fact and could only accept it silently.

"Your Highness, King Shu, if there are no problems, Jian Mingxiao will take her leave!" Jian Mingxiao's voice was filled with a hint of pride and satisfaction. She knew that she had successfully completed this difficult task.

"Wait a minute!" The King of Shu stood up with the IOU in his hand, his eyes flashing with unwillingness and anger. "Why is the date for returning the silver not specified on the IOU?" There was a hint of questioning and provocation in his voice.

This sentence almost broke Jian Mingxiao, who had always been stern, "This...returning the silver is the business of His Majesty. If you have any objections, please ask His Majesty the Prince of Shu to personally submit a petition to discuss with His Majesty." There was a hint of helplessness and embarrassment in her voice. She knew that she could not answer or explain this question.

The King of Shu wanted to investigate further, but considering that Jian Mingxiao was only following orders, he did not care. He knew that he could not change this fact and could only accept it silently.

Seeing Jian Mingxiao turning around to leave, the King of Shu couldn't help but ask, "Jian Mingxiao, is the war in the capital very difficult?" There was a hint of concern and worry in his voice. He knew that this war was of great significance to the Ming Dynasty.

Jian Mingxiao turned around, looked at the King of Shu respectfully and replied: "The Jiannu Mongols are about to break through the pass and head south, and Li Zicheng could come back at any time. The capital is under attack from both sides. It's difficult!" There was a hint of helplessness in her voice.

Wuchang Prefecture, this prosperous place, at this moment, the hall of the government office is bustling with people, like a vivid market painting. There are two tables with dragons and phoenixes carved on them, and the tables are filled with delicacies from land and sea, and the fragrance is overflowing, as if it can arouse everyone's deep greed, making people salivate at the sight.

In the lobby, a dozen dancers from the Jiaofangsi, wearing thin dance costumes, danced gracefully, like the warm sunshine in spring, adding some vitality and tenderness to the originally solemn hall. They spun and jumped lightly, and every movement was just right, just like fairies from heaven descending to the mortal world. In the Ming Dynasty, the Jiaofangsi was a mysterious institution under the Ministry of Rites. In name, it was responsible for managing official prostitutes, but in fact, it was more like a bridge connecting the music, dance and drama art of the court and the people.

Murong Jiongran, who was bloated and round-faced, sat in the main seat. He raised his glass to toast Hua Ruiqi. The smile on his face was like greasy fat, which almost blocked his eyes: "Come, I'll toast Brother Yuan with a glass of wine!" Upon hearing this, Hua Ruiqi immediately stood up. A polite smile appeared on his thin face. He responded: "Brother Zuo, you are too polite. Come, let's toast!" After that, he drank it all in one gulp, with an imperceptible determination flashing in his eyes.

After three rounds of drinks, Murong Jiongran's eyes began to become cunning. He tilted his head towards the person next to Hua Ruiqi, took a bite of the dish, and then raised his glass to toast that person again: "Eunuch Zhang, Zuo toasts you a glass!" The eunuch Zhang Zhiyu from the Imperial Household Department nodded, and there was no fluctuation on his slightly old but still resolute face, and he drank it all in one gulp.

While Murong Jiongran was picking up food, Hua Ruiqi frequently winked at Zhang Zhiyu, his eyes full of anxiety and expectation. It turned out that after the crown prince Zhu Cilang learned of Hua Ruiqi's predicament, he specially sent Zhang Zhiyu, his capable general, and dispatched more than a hundred Jinyiwei from Nanjing to sneak into Wuchang Prefecture, waiting for the opportunity to take down Murong Jiongran, the thorn in the court's side.

After Hua Ruiqi and Zhang Zhiyu met in Jiujiang, they quickly agreed on a countermeasure. They decided to get rid of Murong Jiongran and his son, and poisoning was considered the best way. However, Murong Jiongran was on high alert, like a solid wall, making it difficult to start. For this banquet, he specially set up two tables, one for Hua Ruiqi and Zhang Zhiyu, and one for himself and his son Zuo Menggeng. The two tables were far apart, like a natural moat, leaving Hua Ruiqi helpless and he could only look to Zhang Zhiyu for help.

Zhang Zhiyu looked calm, picked up the wine pot and drank frequently, but his deep eyes hid unknown strategies. Seeing this, Murong Jiongran winked at his son Zuo Menggeng, his eyes full of vigilance and precaution. Zuo Menggeng reluctantly turned his eyes away from the dancer, raised his glass and asked Zhang Zhiyu: "Eunuch Zhang seems to be worried about something?" Zhang Zhiyu sighed, the voice was low and long, as if hiding endless sorrow: "Don't mention it!" Zuo Menggeng didn't ask any more questions, raised his glass and drank it all, but muttered to himself in his heart.

Drums and music blared in the hall, and the dancers' sleeves fluttered and their bodies swayed gracefully, like willow branches swaying in the wind. As a eunuch, Zhang Zhiyu had no interest in the dancers. He kept his eyes fixed on the wine pot, pouring himself a drink, as if there was some secret hidden in the wine pot.

After a while, Zhang Zhiyu drank up all the wine in the wine pot. He was already drunk. His face was flushed and his eyes became blurry. The servant wanted to give him more wine, but he stood up and walked to Zuo Menggeng and picked up Zuo Menggeng's wine pot. He held the pot in his right hand and the cup in his left hand. With a bang, the cup was full, and then he drank it all in one gulp, as if he wanted to swallow all his sorrows into his stomach.

Zuo Menggeng was absorbed in the dancer's dancing and was startled by Zhang Zhiyu's action. He first looked at Murong Jiongran, whose fat face was full of tension and vigilance, and then stared at Zhang Zhiyu with a serious expression, at a loss. An inexplicable fear surged in his heart, as if something big was about to happen.

Before inviting Hua Ruiqi and Zhang Zhiyu to the banquet, Murong Jiongran had specifically explained that they had offended the court by holding their own troops. The court was now short of soldiers but not generals. In order to prevent the court from plotting against them, they needed to be careful everywhere. Especially at the wine table, they were not allowed to have any contact with Zhang Zhiyu. Because the East Factory and the Jinyiwei were good at poisoning, the consequences would be disastrous if they were poisoned. Thinking of this, Zuo Menggeng felt even more uneasy.

After Zhang Zhiyu emptied the wine in Zuo Menggeng's wine pot, he casually placed the wine pot on the table and walked back to his seat. He burped, and a strange smile appeared on his drunken face: "Hey! Zuo... Brother Zuo, you said... I escorted the prince to Nanjing, is it... a great achievement?" Murong Jiongran used his eyes to signal Zuo Menggeng to stay where he was, then picked up the wine glass and said loudly: "Eunuch Zhang is more than a great achievement, it is simply a wonderful achievement! I must have received a lot of reward silver?" Zhang Zhiyu sneered, with a bit of disdain and ridicule in his voice: "No... Let's not talk about it, I... I toast you and your son!" After that, he raised the glass again and drank it all. Murong Jiongran and his son looked at each other, raised their glasses to accompany the wine, but were secretly on guard in their hearts.

Zuo Menggeng's wine pot had been emptied by Zhang Zhiyu. When the servant wanted to pour more wine for him, Murong Jiongran stopped him with his hand: "No need to pour wine, I still have wine in the pot." Seeing this, Zhang Zhiyu stood up and said: "Wait... wait a minute!" He walked to Zuo Menggeng's side with drunken steps, picked up the wine pot and asked dissatisfiedly: "Zuo... Zuo brother, what do you mean?" Murong Jiongran pretended not to understand: "What do you mean, Eunuch Zhang?" "You... dislike the wine pot I used, right?" Zhang Zhiyu held the pot in his right hand, and his whole body swayed from side to side, as if he would fall down at any time. "Nothing! Eunuch Zhang, you think too much!" "Bullshit! You... you just... dislike me and dislike... I am not clean, right!" Zhang Zhiyu's words became more and more unpleasant, and his drunken face was full of anger and unwillingness.

Hua Ruiqi, who had been watching, stood up and tried to smooth things over: "Brother Zuo, don't take it personally. Eunuch Zhang drank too much." "Bullshit! I... I didn't drink too much!" Zhang Zhiyu pushed Hua Ruiqi hard. Hua Ruiqi's face changed slightly, he exhaled, and came to Zhang Zhiyu again: "Eunuch Zhang has drunk enough today, let's drink another day." He said to Murong Jiongran and his son: "Brother Zuo, nephew, Eunuch Zhang is not good at drinking, I'm sorry." "It's okay, it's normal to drink too much. We can't blame Eunuch Zhang." "No!" Zhang Zhiyu swayed to a servant and ordered him to fill the wine pot with wine. Then he took the wine pot back to the three people and burped heavily, "Today... if you don't dislike me, the four of us will drink this pot of wine together...!" "Stop it, you are not afraid of embarrassment, but I am!" Hua Ruiqi stopped him again. "Yes, Eunuch Zhang drank a lot today, let's drink some other day!" Murong Jiongran said politely, but his eyes were always fixed on Zhang Zhiyu. The poison was administered in an instant, and he must not take it lightly.

"No!" Although Zhang Zhiyu was drunk, his tone was unquestionable, "If you... don't drink with me, I will go back to Nanjing and tell the prince... you want to rebel!" After these words came out, not only Murong Jiongran and his son, but also Hua Ruiqi were stunned. They never expected that Zhang Zhiyu would be so determined and make things so serious. For a moment, the atmosphere in the lobby became extremely tense, as if a storm was about to come. (End of this chapter)