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Chapter 794: Husband and Wife Conspiracy
"Your Highness, these truly appear to be Golden Guard patrols!" Only after killing them did the Feathered Guard Army clearly see, reporting in panic to Jing Wang mounted on his tall steed.
"Xiao Changyan" remained unperturbed: "This prince has received intelligence that the assassins infiltrating Hibiscus Garden are disguised as Imperial Guards and Golden Guards. These men arrived with such haste, and this prince observed their panicked expressions and evasive eyes moments ago—clear signs of a guilty conscience."
The reporting general carefully recalled the Golden Guards' reactions earlier, confirming they matched Xiao Changyan's description, and his unease largely dissipated.
As a military man with coarse perception, how could he know this Golden Guard squad had merely been terrified upon seeing Jing Wang arriving with massive Feathered Guard troops, mistakenly assuming Jing Wang to be a rebel?
Though military units competed covertly with frequent friction—even resorting to brawls over minor disputes—within the same system, while minor matters could be concealed, major movements could never occur without any ripple.
Since when did Jing Wang command the Feathered Guard Army? Moreover, the Feathered Guard Army was stationed outside the capital. Calculating the timeline, even if signals were sent the moment the banquet began, unless Jing Wang could tunnel through earth, he couldn't have reached the military camp so early—mobilizing troops requires time!
It was utterly impossible for him to arrive here so swiftly!
Everything indicated Jing Wang had foreknowledge of tonight's assassination attempt against the Emperor, having slipped away mid-banquet to assemble his army, thus appearing now with such forces.
Who could know of an assassination plot before its execution? None but the mastermind behind it!
Youning Emperor had indeed granted Xiao Changyan privileges, enabling him to lead troops seamlessly through city gates. He had indeed left Hibiscus Garden before the banquet concluded, galloping out of the city to rally the Feathered Guard.
The Feathered Guard commander, having received covert instructions, cooperated fully and was even prepared in advance.
Thus, the troop mobilization proceeded exceptionally smoothly. Yet, just as they approached Hibiscus Garden's vicinity, they encountered patrolling Golden Guards. When the Golden Guards attempted to inspect them, "Xiao Changyan" demanded passage citing urgent rescue of the Emperor, arousing further suspicion and refusal to yield...
The Golden Guards nearly outright accused "Xiao Changyan" of treachery, while "Xiao Changyan" declared them disguised assassins, leading to conflict between both sides.
"Xiao Changyan"'s men slaughtered this patrol squad of Golden Guards.
With a grand gesture, "Xiao Changyan" led his troops rapidly forward. As they neared Hibiscus Garden's main entrance, unexpectedly, another group arrived with troops to block their path.
"Eighth Brother, what are you attempting?" Third Highness Xiao Changtian confronted "Xiao Changyan" in a narrow encounter.
"Xiao Changyan" narrowed his eyes at the forces behind Xiao Changtian: "Naturally, to rescue the Emperor."
"I say you are the assassin!" Xiao Changtian retorted furiously.
Xiao Changtian's appearance here with substantial troops traced back to two days prior, when Shen Xihe and Xiao Huayong reviewed their entire plan.
"Hibiscus Garden lies near the city gates. Given His Majesty's caution, Jing Wang's troops may reach Hibiscus Garden far quicker than the Golden Guard or Five Cities Garrison," Shen Xihe stated.
Their aim was to incite mutual slaughter between the Golden Guard and Feathered Guard Army—not to militarily confront His Majesty, as no one currently possessed such strength in the capital.
His Majesty was no tyrant but rather a wise ruler; inciting rebellion among military units was utterly impossible!This was precisely the confidence His Majesty had to take action against Shen Yueshan and his son in the capital.
If they could not prevent the collaboration between the Feather Guard and the Golden Guard to quell this "rebellion," their own forces would likely be outmatched. Once His Majesty swiftly tidied up the aftermath, it would be difficult to make him swallow this bitter pill in silence!
Xiao Huayong also fell into deep thought.
The military, especially the troops stationed in the capital, were under His Majesty's absolute control.
If they did not want to lose the battle of public opinion and tarnish the Shen family's legacy of loyalty for generations to come, they could not confront His Majesty with outright force.
"There is one person, however..."
"Not suitable.The tacit understanding between husband and wife allowed Xiao Huayong to immediately understand who she had in mind.
Xiao Changying, the Prince of Lie, was one of the few princes in the capital with authority over troops. While every prince had their own guard unit, these were limited in number—essentially glorified household guards, albeit with higher status for imperial princes.
The only ones who could mobilize substantial forces in the capital, aside from His Majesty's direct command, were those holding crucial military positions. Among the princes, Xiao Changyan and Xiao Changying had previously held such power, but now only Xiao Changying remained.
Although Xiao Changying and Xiao Changqing had tacitly formed an alliance with them, involving Xiao Changying in this matter would likely drag him into controversy. Since they were all on the same side, Shen Xihe saw no reason to use their own ally when better alternatives existed.
"Who does Youyou intend to use?" Xiao Huayong asked.
"What about the Third Prince?" Shen Xihe countered.
Xiao Huayong had only a vague impression of this rigid, detached elder brother who went about his duties like a puppet—punctual, error-free, and never seeking the limelight.
However, Xiao Changtian had previously served in the Imperial Guard. Though his rank wasn't high, his noble status and lack of political maneuvering made him well-liked among military officers. While he didn't actively network, the guards held him in high regard.
"Third Brother pays no mind to worldly affairs, forms no factions, and seeks no personal gain. His loyalty lies solely with His Majesty. Drawing him into this without His Majesty's knowledge would be difficult," Xiao Huayong noted.
"Third Sister-in-law will lend us a hand," Shen Xihe replied with a mysterious smile.
Ever since Li Yanyan had sought an alliance with her years ago, Shen Xihe knew her as someone with sky-high ambitions but paper-thin fate. She possessed ambition but lacked the corresponding capability—or perhaps she wasn't truly ambitious, merely unwilling to watch His Majesty, her enemy, reign supreme.
She might have feelings for Xiao Changtian, yet suffered torment knowing he was the son of the man who destroyed her kingdom.
She wished to die honorably by suicide, but understood the livelihoods and reputations of old ministers still relying on her rested solely on her survival.
She loathed everything, yet couldn't even choose death!
"Third Imperial Sister-in-law?" Xiao Huayong chuckled softly. "Youyou has a clever plan."
"She wants the Third Prince to enjoy the same favor and important appointments as the Prince of Lie and the former Prince of Jing, so she can leverage that to make her move and pursue her schemes."
However, after the previous plot between Xiao Changtai and Li Yanyan was thwarted by Xiao Huayong's interference, resulting in the Third Prince's dismissal from his title, the couple had lain low these past two years. They only appeared at family banquets and were seldom seen otherwise.
But Shen Xihe firmly believed Li Yanyan's restless heart would never remain content.
Given the opportunity, she would certainly not let it slip away."Simply inform her that Jing Wang will stage a rebellion and attempt to assassinate His Majesty tomorrow, and everything will fall into place naturally." Beneath Shen Xihe's calm composure lay the confidence of one who held the universe in his grasp. "The timing must be chosen carefully - deliver the message to her tomorrow afternoon. She will inevitably inform the Third Prince. It shouldn't be difficult for you to ensure the Third Prince cannot meet with His Majesty tomorrow afternoon."
(End of Chapter)
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