Chapter 348: Chapter 315: Please Your Majesty—Offer the Head!
"Your Majesty,"
A familiar, sharp voice emerged from the crowd. Upon closer inspection, it was Wang Shaoji gradually stepping out from the orderly line of the Imperial Guard. He took a step forward, leisurely cupped his hands, and bowed towards the person on the red steps, saying, "Apologies for disturbing Your Majesty; we are guilty."
Seeing so many Imperial Guards suddenly appear below, after a moment of shock, Chu Yang immediately understood. But he quickly calmed down, coldly waving his hand, still exhibiting that arrogant demeanor.
"You know you’re guilty, yet you don’t step down!"
Wang Shaoji didn’t retreat a step and continued, "However, the soldiers of the Imperial Guard have something to say to Your Majesty. I thought that we couldn’t keep them silent forever. If the voices and wills of the people cannot reach the ears of the ruler, that would be the sin of us ministers. Therefore, today, I specifically brought them to report to Your Majesty."
As soon as he spoke, some of the Imperial Guards below also loudly said, "Yes, we have something to say!"
"Please, Your Majesty, hear us out!"
"Please, Your Majesty, accept our counsel!"
Looking at the dense crowd below, especially those faces full of menace made even more intimidating by the reflection of the flames, Chu Yang clenched his cold, sweaty hands, took a deep breath, and said in a deep voice, "Speak your mind!"
Wang Shaoji smiled as he stepped up the stairs, ascending one step at a time, saying as he walked, "Your Majesty has toured Jiangdu Palace and stayed for over a month. Now the Eastern Capital has fallen, and the war situation is precarious, and the families of the Imperial Guard soldiers are there. If we cannot return promptly to aid the Eastern Capital, it’s feared that these people may face disaster. For the country, for the court, and for the peace of mind of these soldiers, please, Your Majesty, issue a decree to immediately return to the Eastern Capital."
"..."
"If we cannot—"
At this point, he had already crossed half of the steps, very close to the two people in the hall, and Shang Ruyi could even clearly see his eyes raised at this moment, emitting a cold, sharp light.
He said, "Then, we have no choice but to escort Your Majesty back to the Eastern Capital."
These words were, of course, spoken with grandeur, but with these armored, menacing Imperial Guard lined up in front, how was this a request for an imperial decree?
This was clearly a coup!
And at this moment, looking at these people, and Wang Shaoji’s icy gaze, Shang Ruyi couldn’t help but shiver.
Indeed...
The warning on that handkerchief turned out to be true.
The Imperial Guard indeed rebelled under Wang Shaoji’s lead today!
But it was just a momentary shiver, and the next moment, Shang Ruyi suddenly relaxed—or rather, it was a calm acceptance.
She had known all along, hadn’t she?
Actually, just now when she said Chu Yang shouldn’t easily give up, those words stabbed back into her own heart—hadn’t she also given up? Knowing that Duke Sheng and his son had raised an army, knowing that Yu Wenye was utterly heartless and ruthless towards her, even disregarding her life and death, hadn’t she intended to accompany Chu Yang in a last moment of splendor like these fireworks?
Then, whether to be submerged in darkness or to return to eternal silence.
She had no retreat from the first day she was taken to Jiangdu Palace, so why not walk it calmly, with more open-mindedness at this moment.
Thinking of this, she silently stepped forward, standing beside Chu Yang.
At this time, Chu Yang coldly said, "Whether to go or stay, I will decide, not something for you Imperial Guards to manage. Wang Shaoji, take your men and step down immediately!"
As he spoke, another firework exploded overhead. The dull sound didn’t drown out his voice; instead, it seemed to amplify it countless times in a silent push, surging down from above like a mountain towards the Imperial Guards in the square.
Immediately, those people were shocked by the majestic voice, their spirits trembling slightly.
After all, in front of them was the Emperor, the venerable emperor!
He was naturally sheltered by heaven, and if they acted recklessly before him, would they face heaven’s punishment?
Thinking of this, some within the army who were initially not too firm became hesitant, exchanging glances and hunching over, seemingly with a retreating intent.
Wang Shaoji standing on the steps, facing the two above, naturally couldn’t see this scene, but Wang Shaoqiu behind him saw it all clearly.
A cold light flashed in his eyes, he suddenly raised his head, and said to the people on the red steps, "Your Majesty, is it because of treacherous villains around you spreading slander that you’re separating yourself from the wise ministers? Not only disregarding the country’s welfare but also turning against the loyal Imperial Guard!?"