◎She walked at the very front of everyone, covered in fresh blood, the blade in her hand still dripping.◎

Lan Shanjun kept following Zhu Shan attacking the south city gate.

She raised her blade quickly and withdrew it even faster. Between raising and lowering the blade, she was as efficient as someone who had fought countless battles and killed innumerable enemies.

The general beside Zhu Shan saw this and muttered: “Did the Grand Prince Imperial deliberately hide her away to use today?”

Zhu Shan shook his head. “As far as I know, this is her first time killing people.”

The general was truly shocked now. “First time? Impossible.”

Zhu Shan hesitated to explain: “Perhaps she’s killed many pigs before?”

The general wiped blood from his face. “Killing pigs and killing people aren’t the same. Look at her—she doesn’t even blink, just like I was initially.”

He too was drawn by the thrill of the hunt, couldn’t help but raise his blade and go over, loudly asking: “Madam Yu, have you killed people before?”

Lan Shanjun was tensely watching the slowly opening city gate.

Only through experience could one understand—in a palace coup, it was impossible to deploy siege weapons like catapults to attack the city. The only thing that could open the city gate was that gate’s key.

They were killing people outside; the people inside were key. The south city gate opening from within meant the situation inside the imperial city wasn’t too dire.

She finally breathed a sigh of relief. Then hearing the general’s words, she paused and shook her head. “Never.”

The general said happily: “Then you’re very formidable. As formidable as me.”

Lan Shanjun hadn’t expected to receive such praise and couldn’t help but smile. “Thank you.”

With the noise around them, she also asked loudly: “Do we enter the city gate now?”

Though she led the Luoyang Prefecture people, since this was her first battle, she followed Zhu Shan’s orders for everything.

The general laughed heartily. “Enter, enter, enter! Damn it, Prince Qi attacked from the north and only needed to attack three city gates. We’re going from south to north and must pass through the south city gate, Ning city gate, palace gate, hall gate, Shanghe gate, Tongnei gate—by the time we fight through, the day lily will be cold.”

He said: “Hope those inside can hold on a bit longer.”

Lan Shanjun knew the Grand Prince Imperial had made preparations, so she wasn’t worried. She said: “Palace coups aren’t about having many soldiers, but about speed. Prince Qi was fast enough, so he took the palace interior first.”

“But to succeed, having few soldiers is a fatal weakness. At least His Majesty still has other Imperial Guards. He can break through the first two gates, but the last one is difficult to breach.”

Just as she was speaking, a person not far away who wasn’t quite dead suddenly stood up dazedly to strike someone. Lan Shanjun’s dagger flew over, inserting straight into his chest.

She walked over to pull out the dagger. When she turned back, she saw the general looking at her with shining eyes, urgently asking: “You’ve trained, haven’t you?”

Lan Shanjun nodded. “I’ve trained.”

The general: “Where did you train?”

Lan Shanjun: “At home. But I trained in killing moves to defeat enemies with one strike.”

For many years she never dared slacken, not even one day of laziness.

The general could follow the Zhu family father and son because he shared the same hobby—he was very particular about killing people. He really liked Lan Shanjun’s efficient energy and said: “Later you just follow me, Old Hu. With such skills, we’ll go straight instead of roundabout, kill in and out seven times—how about it?”

This was approval. Lan Shanjun’s eyes brightened. She nodded. “Good.”

She didn’t speak much, but didn’t shirk responsibilities and was straightforward—very much having a military general’s character. By the time they killed their way into Ning city gate, she was already familiar with several leaders.

She also saw Gong Lin.

Gong Lin had come later. He kept his head lowered, very embarrassed—when the killing started at the city gate initially, his parents had blocked him from coming.

He was furious!

By the time the south city gate was opened and the situation inside became clear, his parents shoved a blade into his hands and had him ride a horse to hurry over.

Wasn’t this just claiming unearned credit?

He deeply despised himself, then to make himself look more imposing, more formidable, less like someone just claiming credit, he stood behind Lan Shanjun, ready to protect her.

He was imperial clan. Though others weren’t clear about Lan Shanjun’s background, he knew. Not to mention her relationship with Duan Boyan and the Grand Prince Imperial couple—just based on his relationship with Court of Imperial Stud Minister Yu, he had to ensure her safety.

However, the Grand Prince Imperial’s faction must truly have no one available to actually have women leading troops to kill enemies.

He sighed: “Madam Yu, I’m very close with Court of Imperial Stud Minister Yu.”

He was a dandy with martial skills—he should be able to protect her.

Hearing this, Lan Shanjun looked at him with surprise. After pondering a moment, she shook her head. “General Hu and I are taking a risky route. It’s not suitable for you to follow behind me.”

Gong Lin was about to explain when General Hu came over laughing. “Quick, Shangzhi Gate opened. Madam Lan, let’s continue killing in.”

Seeing Gong Lin was also there, he looked him over with disdain, then also shook his head. “No good, bringing him is inconvenient.”

Lan Shanjun: “That’s what I thought too.”

She said to Gong Lin: “You’d better handle cleanup.”

If something happened to Gong Lin, she couldn’t explain to the Gong family and Princess Anning. Better he honestly claim credit.

Lan Shanjun followed General Hu away.

Though today was her first time participating in such a major event, because the murderous energy hidden in her heart had been there too long and she desperately wanted to kill her way to Prince Qi, she felt no anxiety at all.

She anticipated the dust settling and success.

Too long… that year was too long, and these four or five years were also too long.

She would send Prince Qi to meet Song Zhiwei.

Her blade grew steadier. Following beside General Hu, she didn’t fall behind at all. The two coordinated well, their momentum surging. The soldiers behind unknowingly multiplied, and looking carefully, there were even many minor officials mixed in fighting.

They all understood and like Gong Lin had come to claim credit.

Gong Lin was pushed along through the city gate. Seeing Lan Shanjun from afar walking at the very front, he was completely dumbfounded.

—Court of Imperial Stud Minister Yu, you never said your wife was like this!

Otherwise, he wouldn’t have just said such embarrassing words.

…

Inside Cheng’en Hall, the Emperor coughed violently from extreme anger. He even felt somewhat faint.

The Empress quickly brought him a cup of tea. “Your Majesty, you must moisten your throat.”

The Emperor didn’t take it.

The Empress didn’t insist he drink, only set it down. “We don’t know how the Grand Prince is doing. That damned Prince Qi!”

The Emperor laughed coldly. “Prince Qi is too arrogant. Originally planning to directly attack Nongxuan Gate, he dared to kill his way to the Eastern Palace midway.”

He even felt somewhat disappointed. “Even in a palace coup, he remains obstinate and reckless. How could such a temperament have been personally taught by me?”

Speaking of this, he coughed several more times.

In the room, most guards had gone out to fight enemies, leaving only consorts and eunuchs. Consort Cai stepped forward to push the Empress aside, tremblingly patting the Emperor’s back. “So terrifying—we concubines are all frightened.”

But the Emperor knew in his heart. He said: “He can’t attack in anyway. Prince Qi even went to the Eastern Palace—ha!”

While helping him calm his qi, Consort Cai poured warm water. “Your Majesty, drink some water.”

The Emperor still didn’t drink.

So Consort Cai drank it herself. Her hands were trembling. She said softly: “This concubine is extremely frightened.”

The Emperor’s gaze paused, looking toward Liu Guan. Liu Guan poured him a cup of water. “Your Majesty, calm your anger. Don’t let yourself get too upset.”

Only then did the Emperor drink it.

His throat had been uncomfortable all along. Just now he’d been enduring, not daring to easily consume anything—the people who usually guarded him had all left. He had to be vigilant.

Now having drunk water, he felt somewhat more comfortable.

Just then, shouts came from outside. The Emperor’s eyes brightened. “It’s the Grand Prince.”

The Empress collapsed onto the couch. “Heaven be praised.”

The Grand Prince Imperial had indeed arrived at Cheng’en Hall with Yu Qingwu and others.

Prince Qi had been defeated.

Yang Kui, Prince Qi, Prince Qi’s heir and other rebel forces were surrounded outside by the Yulin Army—approximately three hundred soldiers remained.

Prince Qi’s heir was dejected, Prince Qi angry, but Yang Kui said resentfully: “Prince, we clearly agreed to directly take Cheng’en Hall. Why did you change course to kill the Grand Prince Imperial at the Eastern Palace?”

Prince Qi lowered his head, rarely feeling guilty.

He had indeed been rash.

He said: “I originally thought, when cutting grass one must remove the roots…”

Yang Kui rebuked: “That’s all talk for later!”

He took a deep breath. “Prince, we’ve been defeated.”

Prince Qi remained silent.

Only at this moment did he recognize reality.

He laughed bitterly. “Yes, this prince has been defeated.”

Just as he finished speaking, he saw the Zhu family father and son arriving with troops—a mass of people, including various officials who had heard the news and come, clearly having broken through all the southern city gates.

This palace coup had completely failed.

Seeing this, Yang Kui knew the momentum was lost. He closed his eyes. “The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind. Though we planned in advance, the Grand Prince Imperial is no weakling.”

Yang Kui could accept defeat, but when losing, he remained unwilling.

Four years ago the situation had been excellent—why had it gradually become like this?

But Prince Qi keenly noticed someone staring at him unwaveringly.

He raised his head to look and saw Lan Shanjun continuously watching him.

She walked at the very front of everyone, covered in fresh blood, the blade in her hand still dripping.

The look in her eyes as she watched him flickered with a strange light that Prince Qi couldn’t quite interpret.

He certainly knew Lan Shanjun’s background. He thought her appearance was for Duan Boyan’s sake.

He scoffed, thinking of that regretful matter from years ago.

—If he had known Duan Boyan was still alive, he would have captured him and lit the sky lantern.

If he had won this time, he would have definitely lit one for Lan Shanjun too.

He wanted to see how tough the bones were of the student Duan Boyan taught.

What a pity.

He coldly looked back, not intimidated by a little girl. But when she passed by him, she suddenly silently mouthed three words to him.

—Sky lantern.

Prince Qi narrowed his eyes. He didn’t understand how she would know these three words, or how she knew he had thought these three words in his heart.

But Lan Shanjun had already passed him, walking forward, no longer looking at him.

Ahead, Yu Qingwu had also been watching her, trying hard with his eyes to distinguish which blood was hers and which was others’.

Seeing her spiritedly watching Prince Qi, her hands and feet normal, movements unimpeded, only then did he relax.

Then he waited for her to look at him.

When she looked toward him, he showed a peaceful smile, telling her he was fine.

Their eyes met. Lan Shanjun likewise breathed a sigh of relief.

This risky plan had won half the victory. But her vigilant heart didn’t dare relax—she knew what came next was most important.

—

The Emperor on the high platform saw the great army had arrived. With no more concerns, he drew a longsword from the scabbard Liu Guan held and walked toward Prince Qi.

He shouted: “Unfilial son! I already forgave you—why did you still rebel!”

Prince Qi laughed coldly. “Forgave? What is forgiveness? You led me down this path for thirty years, suppressed me, humiliated me, finally abandoned me, reducing me to commoner status to guard an imperial tomb?”

He cursed loudly: “Old thief, why aren’t you dead yet! If you had died, where would all these matters come from!”

The Emperor stared at him fiercely. “You want to die yourself—I don’t care. But look how many people you’ve implicated—A’Bai is such a gentle and kind child, yet you forced him onto a dead-end path. Doesn’t your conscience hurt?”

Hearing this, Prince Qi laughed loudly again as if hearing an incredible joke. “My conscience? My conscience?”

“Imperial Father, even at this point, every word you speak is still such false mercy. In your whole life, have you never seen yourself clearly?”

The Emperor stood outside the circle formed by soldiers, holding his sword. “Evil son! Shut up!”

Prince Qi mocked: “Why should I shut up? Do you think others can’t see through your false mercy? Do you think they don’t find it nauseating playing along with your act?”

“Do you think the Grand Prince Imperial is anything good? Just watch—he hates you more than I do. You killed his father, confined him for over ten years. He’s already a sharpened blade. Once I die, it’s your turn.”

Speaking to this point, he actually felt somewhat satisfied. The person he hated most was the Emperor.

His eyes bloodshot, he cursed: “Back then I followed Big Brother—I was fine following Big Brother. I could have become a virtuous prince, but you insisted on promoting me to fight with him!”

“Initially I refused, and you showed me a cold face, thinking I was useless—until I listened to you and opposed Big Brother did you let me be, did you praise me as promising—Imperial Father, you say I have no conscience, that I’m cruel to A’Bai. You should piss and look at your own reflection, look at your beast in human form, think about how you forced A’Bai down this path too—can’t remember the distant past? Surely you remember the recent?”

“You even wanted to make A’Li and A’Zhi fight!”

The Emperor was furious. “Shut up, shut up! I command you to shut up!”

He shouted: “Someone, bind Prince Qi for me, bind him!”

Prince Qi didn’t resist. A’Zhi was still alive.

His own death was insignificant, but before dying, he still wanted to preserve A’Zhi’s life.

Prince Qi’s heir fell to his knees with a thud, crying loudly: “Imperial Grandfather, we beg your mercy.”

Seeing someone soften, the Emperor felt somewhat better. He walked over and kicked Prince Qi’s heir in the chest. “How have I wronged you! Ah?”

He’d been too stimulated today, anger constantly unable to subside. Raging continuously, before long he kicked Prince Qi’s heir into unconsciousness.

Prince Qi kept watching without saying a word.

He knew—his son’s life was preserved.

On the high platform, the Grand Prince Imperial’s gaze slowly swept over the people below. He asked softly: “Have all officials arrived?”

Yu Qingwu nodded. “They have.”

The Grand Prince Imperial: “Have people prepare.”

Yu Qingwu: “Yes.”

He looked toward Lan Shanjun. Lan Shanjun lightly nodded.

She had no problem.

—

The Emperor was still kicking Prince Qi’s heir.

He seemed intent on venting all his anger and resentment at once.

Just then, someone in the crowd suddenly shouted loudly: “Your Majesty—Your Majesty, spare us!”

Gasping for breath, the Emperor turned to look and saw among the surrounded three hundred, a major general beside Prince Qi shouting: “This subject was deceived by Prince Qi.”

The Emperor’s face was cold, paying no heed.

He turned to leave, to clean up this evil son’s mess. But then he heard the general shout: “Prince Qi deceived us, saying Your Majesty was without virtue, stealing what you guard, embezzling one hundred thousand soldiers’ pay, killing over ten thousand Shu Province civilians, then framing him for it. Only then did we fall for it—Your Majesty, we beg you to investigate clearly.”

The Emperor paused, immediately looking toward Prince Qi.

Prince Qi was also stunned.

After a long while, he laughed loudly. “Imperial Father, Imperial Father, I told you—you killed someone’s father. How could they possibly spare you?”

The Emperor looked distantly toward the Grand Prince Imperial.

The Grand Prince Imperial looked directly back—

He suddenly remembered that night.

That night when Father died, he and Yuanniang were locked in a pitch-black little room, constantly waiting for the Emperor to decide their life or death.

Life or death—all within the Emperor’s single thought.

Near dawn, the Emperor came.

The Emperor asked: “Grand Prince, do you know why your father died?”

At that time, when he asked this, the Grand Prince Imperial had looked at him just like this.

Directly, without any evasion—

He said: “Didn’t Father die from sudden illness?”

The Emperor had smiled then.

He and Yuanniang were allowed to live.

But he had always hated himself. Hated these eyes that could be without hatred.

Now, he could finally look back with hatred, directly, without any evasion.

**[Author’s Note]**

Actually I spent all day yesterday researching attacking city gates, and finally discovered city gates cannot be attacked QAQ.

Better to have someone open the gate from inside.

There’s another chapter tonight.

Damn, the completion will be delayed another two days.