Chapter 354: Abdication (4K)

Hearing news of Zhang Jian, Zhang Zhao hurried over.

"Father!"

Under the jujube tree, Zhang Jian opened his eyes and looked at Zhang Zhao before him.

Zhang Zhao is also twenty-two years old this year; he has been handsome since childhood, his appearance combining the best traits of Zhang Jian and Qi Yuhua, surpassing the blue from which it came.

At this moment, the youth's visage is handsome and refined.

Rarely tempered by experience, his bearing is steady and composed.

As for this heir he personally cultivated, Zhang Jian is fairly satisfied; in fact, Zhang Yi is even more satisfied.

Zhang Zhao stood before him, and in his eyes, his father naturally bore an air of dignity that could not be directly met.

In truth, he also wished to learn from a few brothers, or his sister Zhang Chang'an, to be able to relax and draw close, but for some unknown reason, each time he reached the final moment, it felt as if he encountered a bloodline suppression, daring not to let go.

Only after a moment did Zhang Jian's voice come.

"Zhao'er, how has your cultivation progressed lately?"

Zhang Zhao replied respectfully.

"Replying to Father's words, my cultivation speed is not slow, but the execution of techniques always remains somewhat obscure, still requiring practice!"

Zhang Jian nodded, his gaze fixed on Zhang Zhao.

Among his siblings, Zhang Zhao's aptitude might be the most 'mediocre'; although he also possesses a spiritual root, he lacks a Dao body.

Yet he is still diligent.

Moreover, with Zhang Jian's guidance, he finally completed the foundation-establishing cultivation of mana this year through the Testing Life method.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step; Zhang Jian also felt no disappointment because of this.

Early mediocrity does not mean one's achievements will be weaker than others'; it simply means the foundation is solid, step by step, and ultimately one can still achieve something.

Zhang Jian encouraged thus.

"The formation of techniques requires countless refinings; you need not rush, remember, keeping the Dao heart tranquil is the key to casting spells!"

After thinking, Zhang Jian added: "Within the study, there is a book I wrote, the 'Supreme Forgetting Emotion Method'; you may read and cultivate it, which will benefit your future cultivation of techniques!"

Zhang Zhao nodded, his expression serious and solemn.

Zhang Jian gave a slight nod, then said: "Furthermore, the matter that occurred three years ago, you may now begin to handle!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Zhao's eyes brightened.

There was still some excitement in his depths.

What happened three years ago was a collective recommendation by many generals, though Zhang Jian rejected it and even struck Zhang Lu with a board.

Zhang Zhao had also privately inquired of Zhang Jian before, but Zhang Jian always refused on the grounds that the timing was not ripe, and warned him in private not to make any small moves.

Zhang Zhao felt joy in his heart and immediately contacted Zhang Lu, Zhao Qingshan, Song Yingzhen, Wang Xiao, Wang He, and other direct descendants of the Zhang family.

The Golden Orchid Wine Tower, this is a large wine tower established by the Zhang family; Zhang Zhao often hosts banquets here for many Zhang family close aides, and also frequently conducts secret transactions there.

After leaving the Chancellor's mansion, he then invited everyone over.

When everyone had gathered, Zhang Lu directly asked.

"Second Lord, has the lord truly loosened his mouth?"

He and the Chancellor's mansion are on the closest terms, so he need not be too wary.

Zhang Zhao nodded toward the crowd's gaze.

"Uncle Lu, rest assured, this time there will be no mistake; recently the Zhang family has had auspicious signs, Father also believes this is a good omen; this is a heaven-sent opportunity; to not take heaven's gift brings disaster!"

A handsome youth beside him, upon hearing this, brightened and hurriedly said: "I heard the sages of the Divine Cavern Observatory also say that above the Chancellor's mansion, myriad zhang of purple qi has appeared; within and without Fengyang Commandery, there are dragon and phoenix presenting auspiciousness, qilin offering blessings; this is a good omen, foretelling a new master descending upon the world, replacing the Qian dynasty; we should together meet the Son of Heaven, advise him to abdicate, fulfilling heaven's will and people's hearts!"

He is the eldest son of Wang You, the Central Defender Commander.

Also the legitimate grandson of Wang Huan, the Grand Marshal; for eight years he has followed Zhang Zhao in revelry, and now he immediately seized the opportunity.

Sensitive as he is, he instantly knew that before him lay a great fortune.

The merit of leading the dragon is right before him.

His countenance solemn, he also glanced at Zhang Lu beside him.

Three years prior, the leader of the Black-Clothed Guards before him, Zhang Lu, had wanted to take this recommendation's primary merit, leading a group to the Chancellor's mansion to advise, but ended up being beaten with boards; for this, people laughed at him for two or three years; now, seeing Zhang Erlang himself speak, it seems the time has come, and there will be no mistake.

No matter what, the Wang family cannot absent itself from such a great affair.

Zhang Zhao glanced at Wang He.

There was some astonishment in his eyes.

As the designated heir of the Zhang family's next generation, he has been permitted to know part of the Zhang family's foundation.

Wang He's flattery, to a certain extent, actually hit upon part of the truth.

Fengyang Commandery indeed has dragons and phoenixes, but if one speaks of qilin, that is 'nonsense'!

Zhang Lu, listening nearby, was startled for a moment, then he glared angrily at Wang He; merely slightly dazed, the merit of leading the dragon was actually snatched by Wang He, who there stood complacent, clasping his hands toward Zhang Lu; Zhang Lu had no time to quarrel with this Wang family's slippery blade, and also rose to his feet.

"Second Lord, I long ago said the lord possesses the Son of Heaven's aura; look, I am not wrong; when shall we act? Many brothers of the Capital Camp have already waited long!"

Beside him, Song Yingzhen and Wang Xiao also showed strange expressions; they had not expected such a turn, and Wang Xiao was the first to react.

At this moment he hurriedly said.

"Uncle Lu, in my view, this matter need not involve you acting; it is better left to my father and several other uncles; with them acting, all will surely be settled!"

Song Yingzhen smiled slightly: "We many martial meritorious ones can also exert effort in the court!"

Zhang Zhao, upon hearing this, secretly nodded.

Taking action is the worst strategy; the best way is for ministers to request the tassel, the Son of Heaven, before the face of all under heaven, 'voluntarily' abdicating.

Now, with the Zhang family's influence in the court, this can be achieved.

Zhang Zhao rose and said to Wang Xiao and Song Yingzhen: "Then we must rely on you, brothers!"

Wang Xiao's eyes brightened and he nodded; at that moment he exchanged a glance with Song Yingzhen, then hurriedly returned to the Minister of Justice's mansion, the Defying Distant Marquis's mansion; the merit of leading the dragon is right before him; if missed, thereafter there may be no such fortune.

Zhao Qingshan, Zhao Yu, and the others also hurried away, having obtained such confidential information; they naturally knew how to profit from this dragon's merit.

This degree of favor is also the "grace and honor" bestowed upon everyone by Zhang Zhao.

Zhang Lu stayed until the end; at this moment he felt somewhat embarrassed. As the commander of the Black-Clothed Guards, his primary duty was to monitor the court inside and out, while also assisting the Left Garrison in guarding Haojing City. It would hardly do for him to follow the crowd to the Chengtian Hall to cause a commotion.

Yet he still thickened his skin and asked Zhang Zhao.

"Second Lord, do I need to do something?"

Zhang Zhao glanced at Zhang Lu, who had long been entrusted with an important task, and spoke solemnly.

"Please, Uncle Lu, have someone properly guard the palace gates and monitor the mansions of the various clans. If anyone causes trouble..."

A hint of severity flashed in Zhang Zhao's eyes.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Lu's eyes brightened, and he immediately replied in a deep voice.

"Good, I will now summon the brothers of the Black-Clothed Guards and the Garrison, and dispatch them all!"

He hurriedly departed.

Zhang Zhao stood in place, pondering slightly. After checking for gaps and making up for deficiencies, he first returned to the Zhang household, awaiting good news from the court.

What needed to be done, he had already done.

As for what should not be his concern, there was no need for him to interfere.

……

As Zhang Zhao had anticipated, he merely hinted at some rumors, and the many Zhang family allies who had long been "waiting eagerly" immediately sharpened their knives.

After eight years of division and winning over.

In the court, many high-ranking officials clearly understood that they were now bound to the Zhang family, like grasshoppers on the same rope.

If the Zhang family were to abandon their post, the most unfortunate would not be the Zhang family, but others.

Therefore, many civil and military officials were even more enthusiastic about this matter than the Zhang family.

Grand Commandant's Residence!

After eight years in seclusion, the Grand Commandant Wang Huan emerged once more, personally inviting the Minister of Justice Wang Yan, the Marquis of Dingyuan Song Shang, the Marquis of Hancheng Gu Chen, the Marquis of Yubei Duanmu Yun, the Censor-in-Chief Wei Gui, the Marquis of Zhenbei An Ruiming, the Defender-in-Chief Song Dingshan, the Minister of Rites Zhang Duan, the Director of the Lesser Treasury Zhou Qun, and the Director of Agriculture Qian Pan, among forty or fifty civil and military officials, all entering the inner hall together to petition the Emperor Xianyuan to abdicate in favor of the Chancellor.

In the inner hall, Emperor Xianyuan wore a dark red imperial robe and donned the imperial crown. At this time, he was full of vigor, reviewing memorials at his desk. Upon hearing the officials' purpose, he broke into a sweat, his hands and feet turning cold.

The hand holding the imperial brush trembled slightly, nearly losing its grip; fortunately, the little yellow gate attendant supported him, preventing him from falling.

Grand Commandant Wang Huan gazed upon Emperor Xianyuan on the throne, a flicker of reluctance in his eyes, yet he stepped forward first and declared: "Your Majesty, since the Chancellor ascended to power, he has overwhelmed heaven and earth, spread virtue to all directions, benevolence reaching all things, grace covering the myriad people of the world, and moreover, he has salvaged the Great Qian from impending collapse. Such achievements surpass even the ancient sages."

Now, the assembled officials all declare that the mandate of Great Qian has ended. They urge Your Majesty to follow the way of the ancient sages Yao and Shun, to regard mountains, rivers, and the state as paramount, to abdicate in favor of the Chancellor, so as to conform to heaven's will above and the people's will below. Then Your Majesty may enjoy tranquil blessings, and the ancestors and myriad people shall rejoice! We officials have deliberated and thus come to petition!"

Upon the throne, Emperor Xianyuan could no longer remain seated; he could not help but rise from the dragon throne, hurriedly supporting Grand Commandant Wang Huan as he pleaded:

"Why do you beloved ministers go to such lengths? Since I ascended the throne, though I am of dull talent and cannot compare to my ancestors, I have been diligent and conscientious, with no fault. How could you beloved ministers..."

At this moment, his face turned pale, his eyes gazing upon the officials with a pleading look.

Yet merely beholding those pairs of eyes, blazing like flames, his heart could not help but give rise to myriad fears.

It seemed that the many civil and military officials, once so familiar over the past few years, had now each become fierce gods and evil spirits.

Beside him, Minister Wang Yan stepped forward upon seeing this and spoke in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty, since the Chancellor took charge of state affairs, Great Qian has swept away the vestiges of the previous dynasty, calamities have been eliminated, the people have laid down arms, qilin have been born, phoenixes have come to grace, red dragons have appeared, and furthermore, various auspicious signs, good harvests, and sweet dew have descended. This is heaven's manifestation of auspiciousness, indicating the advent of a new sovereign."

After a slight pause, Minister Wang Yan glanced briefly at Xue Dongming, the Director of the Astronomy Bureau, standing nearby.

Xue Dongming's eyes flickered; he could only step forward and kowtow: "Your Majesty, we officials oversee the Astronomy Bureau and have also observed the heavenly signs at night. We see that the fate of Great Qian has ended, the imperial star of the previous generation has vanished, the imperial star of this generation has not yet arisen, while the Chancellor's heavenly signs display purple vapors surging, vast as heaven and earth, indescribable in words!

Since ancient times, where there is prosperity there must be decline, where there is flourishing there must be decay. Is there any state that does not perish, any family that does not fall? Great Qian has been transmitted to this day for over four hundred and sixty years, passed down to Your Majesty, whose fate is exhausted; it is proper to retreat early, without hesitation, for delay brings change!"

"You..."

Emperor Xianyuan pointed at Xue Dongming at this moment, nearly unable to catch his breath.

This young emperor only felt his chest surging with qi and blood incessantly.

Even if he were to abdicate, it would not be so humiliating to him.

What is meant by "the previous emperor's star has vanished, this generation's emperor star has not yet arisen"? Does he feel he possesses not the slightest aura of an emperor?

Minister Wang Yan, however, paid no heed. As the overseer of the Judicial Prison, his countenance naturally bore a fierce aspect; at this moment he advanced with a sinister chill, speaking in a low voice.

"All under heaven know that Your Majesty lacks the blessings of a sovereign, to the extent that upon his initial accession the imperial palace collapsed, all princes and princesses were utterly slaughtered, and the four directions fell into great chaos!

Had it not been for the Chancellor suppressing divine weapons in the court, disturbing the court's order, and bringing calamity upon the people, how many would there be? Not just one or two!

Nor need we mention the Shen-Chen night; it may well happen again!

Your Majesty, since childhood, has read the sages' books; you ought to understand gratitude and requital, and not do something you will regret forever!"

As he finished speaking, a hint of menace already appeared in his eyes.

The "Shen-Chen night" he refers to is the old affair of the late emperor's demise!

At this moment, the officials advanced step by step, while several generals stared like tigers eyeing their prey, their eyes gleaming with ferocity.

Faced with such coercion from the officials, Emperor Xianyuan's face turned pale.

How the Martial Emperor met his downfall, he knows perfectly well.

Beside him, the Marquis of Dingyuan Song Shang also stepped forward onto the steps and stared intently, saying:

"Your Majesty, why hesitate? Although Great Qian currently flourishes, everything is built upon the Chancellor's divine might. Without the Chancellor, Great Qian cannot withstand the destruction and assassination by those transcendent masters from beyond. Better to abdicate the throne to seek tranquility—why not do so?"

Minister Wang Yan, seeing this, was about to step forward to seize Emperor Xianyuan's dragon robe for explanation, but was grabbed by Wang Xiao, who looked at the emperor before him—though barely twenty years of age, his form weakened—and said:

"Your Majesty, virtue does not match position; disaster must follow. Please abdicate!"

Saying this, he solemnly bowed before Emperor Xianyuan.

Song Yingzhen stood aside at this moment, gazing afar at this scene; he silently shook his head, for Wang Xiao ultimately still had a soft heart.

Indeed, having come to this point, personal will can no longer resist the torrent of the court above.

Emperor Xianyuan gazed upon the officials and also understood that he now lacked the power to bear heaven.

At this moment, this young emperor sat somewhat collapsed upon the jade steps.

"How can I bear it in my heart that the founding ancestor of my Great Qian rose from humble beginnings, enduring hardship and poverty, only to build the foundation we have today—yet in less than four hundred years, it is to perish at my hands?"

Wei Yuan sat upon the jade steps, overcome with emotion and weeping bitterly.

The ministers all watched him with cold eyes.

The collapse of Great Qian was already destined; without Chancellor Zhang Jian, the entire Great Qian would be naught but a castle in the air.

No matter how loudly Wei Yuan wept, he could not save the fate of Great Qian.

Forging iron ultimately still requires one's own strength.

After losing the dragon's aura, Great Qian had already lost all its capital.

Wang Yan, seeing the situation, could not help but sneer slightly and said.

"Your Majesty, do not indulge in such petty emotions; state affairs brook no hesitation. Please make a decision swiftly, lest unexpected complications arise, which would only make things worse in the end!"

Having grown impatient, he waved his hand, and immediately the blade-armed imperial guards stepped forward to threaten, while simultaneously, in the presence of Emperor Qiyuan, he dragged several young eunuchs out directly.

Witnessing this scene, Emperor Qiyuan's face drained of color, trembling, he could only say.

"I wish to abdicate the throne to the Chancellor, only begging the Chancellor to show mercy and allow me to linger out my remaining years in peace."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers rejoiced greatly.

The elderly Grand Commandant Wang Huan said: "The Chancellor will surely not disappoint Your Majesty; Your Majesty may issue the edict at once, to set the hearts of the court above and below at ease."