Chapter 579: Take Over the Imperial City!

Jiang Feng looked up and clearly saw the Emperor's expression, which was obviously a bit angry.

The young face was taut at this moment, the blue veins on his forehead twitched slightly, and his eyes seemed ready to spew fire.

His hand pressed on the table, his knuckles whitened, his body leaned slightly forward, like a fierce tiger ready to pounce.

Jiang Feng thought, Senior Brother Zi Jian is really not giving the Emperor any face.

In the grand Imperial Palace Main Hall, he just barges in as he wishes.

It's more casual than entering one's own home; he doesn't even knock once on the door.

No wonder even the Emperor is fuming.

No matter which ruler, being entered like this would never earn a good look.

Yet the National Teacher shows not the slightest panic at this moment.

He merely offered a light clasped fist, his movements lazy, as if performing routine business.

He lifted his hand casually, then lowered it, without even bending his waist.

"I am only worried that you, Emperor, might be used by schemers."

The National Teacher's voice was very flat, as if speaking of something ordinary.

But his gaze swept over Jiang Feng, carrying a few hints of deep meaning.

"Marshal Yun was attacked at the Military Department Building, Duan Grand Tutor suffered a sudden relapse of an old ailment an hour ago, and the Heaven-Inspecting Hall has already mobilized all members. It is said that even the Three Great Prince Mansions have been active these past days."

He paused, and his voice grew even deeper.

"Emperor, a storm is coming; you are linked to the empire's lifeline, so you naturally cannot venture into danger lightly."

When these words were spoken, the Emperor's complexion changed, and he couldn't help but speak.

"Heaven-Inspecting Hall is emerging en masse? National Teacher, are you going to pierce the sky of the entire Kyoto?"

The Emperor's voice was loud, echoing through the spacious hall, shaking the books on the shelves slightly.

His eyes bulged, his face full of disbelief.

Jiang Feng could tell that the Emperor was already very angry.

His tone carried obvious anger, plus a trace of an inexplicable worry.

Yet the National Teacher remained calm, showing no panic.

"This is necessary. Moreover, effective immediately, the Heaven-Inspecting Hall will replace the Imperial Guard to defend the Imperial City!"

His voice was not loud, but each word was firm.

Moreover, his tone sounded more like announcing a decided matter rather than seeking permission.

When these words were spoken, the Emperor could no longer sit still.

He sprang up abruptly, slapped the table with one hand, producing a heavy thud.

The teacups on the table jumped up, spilling tea across the table.

"Zang Zijian, are you planning to rebel?"

The Emperor's voice was deafening, his face flushed bright red, the blue veins on his forehead bulging.

"Heaven-Inspecting Hall taking over the Imperial City—does that mean my position will also be handed over to you tomorrow?"

He pointed at the National Teacher, his fingertips trembling, his gaze full of anger.

"Regarding Marshal Yun's matter, I see you as a thief shouting to catch a thief!"

The Emperor's chest rose and fell violently, his whole being like an enraged lion.

His gaze was full of murderous intent, as if any further word from the National Teacher would prompt him to order his capture.

Yet the National Teacher's expression remained unusually calm.

His face showed no expression, his eyes no fluctuation, as if the Emperor's fury was but fleeting clouds to him.

He simply spoke lightly.

"All I do is for the public; sooner or later, one day, Emperor, you will understand."

"It's getting late... Emperor, please rest a bit earlier."

Saying that, he turned his gaze to Jiang Feng, revealing a kindly smile.

"Junior Brother, it's rare you come to Kyoto; since the Emperor has already seen you, how about Senior Brother treats you well for the rest of tonight?"

His smile was sincere, his tone gentle, a stark contrast to the coldness when facing the Emperor earlier.

Then, disregarding the Emperor's attitude, he reached out, grabbed Jiang Feng's arm, and turned to walk out.

Jiang Feng felt bewildered, his mind a complete mess.

What on earth is happening?

Why do these two seem like water and fire, unable to coexist?

But Jiang Feng knew clearly that, compared to the newly met Emperor, Senior Brother Zi Jian was absolutely trustworthy.

Jiang Feng did not struggle, allowing the National Teacher to lead him out.

The Emperor stood behind the desk, watching their backs, his face ashen, lips trembling, unable to utter a single word.

His hand clenched tightly, knuckles white, yet in the end he gave no order to block them.

The two walked straight out through the Palace Gate.

The night was deep, the Moon hidden by clouds, only a few stars twinkling.

The Palace Lanterns on the Palace Wall swayed gently in the night wind, casting wavering shadows.

Jiang Feng noticed that the entire Imperial City indeed sounded like wind and crane cries.

Where the two passed, everywhere stood the well‑equipped Heaven-Inspecting Hall elite cavalry.

They wore black battle armor, slung long swords at their waists, held torches in hand, eyes blazing, expressions stern.

The torchlight flickered in the night wind, stretching their shadows long and long.

Three steps a post, five steps a sentry, guards strict, the atmosphere tense as a bowstring pulled taut.

Sure enough, as the National Teacher said, the Directorate of Astronomy has already taken over the Imperial City!

Jiang Feng was stunned.

He turned his head, looking at the National Teacher, his eyes full of shock and doubt.

Is this Senior Brother planning to overthrow the dynasty?

Jiang Feng couldn't help but ask in a low voice.

"Senior Brother, what on earth is going on? The Directorate of Astronomy has taken over the Imperial City, you're......"

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was already clear.

The National Teacher glanced at him, the corners of his mouth slightly rising, revealing a faint smile.

"Junior Brother, do you think I want this?"

His voice was kept very low, only the two of them could hear.

"The waters of Kyoto are deeper than you imagine. Around the Emperor, there is hardly anyone trustworthy left. Marshal Yun's assassination, Duan Grand Tutor's old ailment flaring up, the Three Great Prince Mansions stirring—these people are all waiting for an opportunity."

The National Teacher's eyes grew deep, like two ancient wells with no bottom in sight.

"If I don't act, by tomorrow morning the master of this Imperial City might no longer be the one who holds it today by tomorrow morning."

Jiang Feng's pupils contracted sharply.

【7 the master of this Imperial City might no longer be the one who holds it today."

He vaguely understood something, but not fully.

The National Teacher offered no further explanation, pulling Jiang Feng through gate after gate, corridor after corridor.

Along the way, the Directorate of Astronomy's cavalry saw the National Teacher and all bowed their heads in salute, their attitude respectful.

Leaving the Imperial City, a black carriage waited at the entrance.

The National Teacher opened the carriage door, gesturing for Jiang Feng to get in.

Jiang Feng hesitated not, bent his waist and sat inside.

The National Teacher followed, sitting beside him. The carriage started, slowly moving into the night.

Jiang Feng watched the street scenery flash backward outside the window, fell silent for a moment, then asked.

"Senior Brother, you brought me away from the Emperor—what exactly are you planning to do?"

The National Teacher leaned back in the armchair, closed his eyes, and said lightly.

"I'm bringing you to meet someone."

Jiang Feng asked.

"Who?"

The National Teacher opened his eyes, looking at him, a complex flicker passing through his gaze.

"Marshal Yun."

Jiang Feng froze.

"Marshal Yun? Isn't he at the Military Department General Hospital?"

The National Teacher shook his head.

"The Military Department General Hospital is no longer safe. After Marshal Yun woke, I had people move him to a safe place."

Jiang Feng's brows furrowed.

"You mean someone wants to take action against Marshal Yun?"

The National Teacher nodded.

"It's not that someone wants to act—they already have. Marshal Yun's assassination is just the beginning; more people will meet misfortune ahead."

His voice grew low.

"Junior Brother, you healed Marshal Yun and have already been drawn into this vortex. I never imagined that, after scheming for so long, the first to stir things up would be you......"

Jiang Feng fell silent for a moment, then asked.

"Where to?"

The National Teacher said.

"To a safe place."

The carriage drove along Kyoto's streets for about half an hour, finally stopping before an inconspicuous courtyard.

The courtyard was not large, its walls very high.

At the gate stood two guards in black clothing, their eyes sharp, their breath steady.

Seeing the National Teacher alight, they quickly bowed their heads in salute.

The National Teacher led Jiang Feng into the courtyard, past the screen wall, to the main hall.

The main hall was brightly lit; an old man sat in a wheelchair, covered with a thick blanket, his face pale, but his eyes still sharp.

It was Marshal Yun.

Marshal Yun saw Jiang Feng and a smile appeared on his face.

"Divine Doctor Jiang, we meet again."

His voice was still weak, but much better than in the hospital.

Jiang Feng walked up to him and gave him a once‑over.

"Marshal Yun, how do you feel?"

Marshal Yun smiled.

"Much better. Director Sun's medicine works well; after a few more days of rest, I should be able to get up and walk."

He paused, looking at Jiang Feng, his eyes turning serious.

"Divine Doctor Jiang, thank you for saving my life. If it weren't for you, these old bones of mine would be gone."

Jiang Feng shook his head.

"Marshal Yun was being polite. You are the pillar stone of Da Xia; saving you is what I should do."

Marshal Yun sighed, his eyes grew deep.

"Pillar stone? I'm afraid some people wish this pillar stone would fall sooner."

He glanced at the National Teacher, then at Jiang Feng.

"Divine Doctor Jiang, the National Teacher wants to discuss an important matter with you."

Jiang Feng looked at the National Teacher.

"What is it?"

"Junior Brother, do you know why Marshal Yun was assassinated?"

Jiang Feng shook his head; this kind of thing, he neither cares nor understands.

"That's just a pretense. The real goal is what Marshal Yun holds in his hand."