Chapter 1349: The Night of the Coup

Wang Yan confirmed the secret seal on the envelope sent by the Crown Prince's mansion, opened it, and confirmed Yang Guang's handwritten letter and Yang Guang's personal seal.

It was Yang Guang's name, along with patterns of auspicious beasts and flowers and plants.

Speaking of which, this seal was actually carved by Wang Yan. After all, when giving gifts, one must pay attention to sincerity; Yang Guang lacked nothing, only sincerity. There was nothing more sincere than someone like Wang Yan personally putting in the labor and effort.

I still remember that when he received this yellow jade seal, Yang Guang was very happy, while Yuwen Huaji, who was giving a gift at the same time, felt disgusted.

The content above was also simple, without reasons, only the instruction: "Quickly lead your subordinates to don armor and come to the palace to guard."

Under the gaze of the person from the Crown Prince's mansion, Wang Yan took a whistle out of his pocket, walked to the courtyard, and blew it.

Following the tense and urgent sound of the whistle, the mansion began to move.

The maidservants in the courtyard were at a loss, but the men in the mansion, who had been gathering in twos and threes to talk or work, exchanged glances after a moment of stunned silence, and then nervously ran to the family's warehouse.

The sound of cursing and shouting also spread from the front courtyard to the back courtyard.

A while later, Xiao Mei walked out, holding the eight-sided Han sword she had previously obtained from the Chen treasury, leading several maidservants and old women carrying a large box.

Opening the box, one could see the bright, metallic luster of the polished Mingguang treasure armor, as well as combat boots.

Several maidservants and old women worked together nimbly to put the armor on Wang Yan, and Xiao Mei also hung the Han sword on his belt.

Wang Yan rubbed Xiao Mei's delicate face. "Lead the people and guard the house well. Do not open the door for anyone who comes. If anyone tries to force their way in, kill them without mercy."

Having said that, Wang Yan fastened his helmet and strode out.

Xiao Mei did not say a single word of nonsense from beginning to end...

Leading the person from the Crown Prince's mansion to the front courtyard, the courtyard was already filled with a murderous atmosphere. The men in the household were all already armed with armor, holding long spears and crossbows, looking majestic.

The men in the old Wang family were all retainers; they trained on ordinary days and did some rough and heavy work in the mansion. The family had legal and compliant military equipment, all paid for by Wang Yan himself and forged with the imperial court, which was very fine and could be fully armed directly when needed.

"Pick thirty people to follow me, and the rest listen to the Second Mistress and guard the house well."

Wang Yan took the horse lance handed over by his subordinate, turned around, and led the people to the largest stable, mounted his treasure horse, and rode straight out of the mansion gate.

The thirty knights behind him, as well as the person from the Crown Prince's mansion, followed, charging into the imperial city from the half-opened gate and going straight to the Eastern Palace.

Wang Yan held the Han sword with one hand, the plates of his armor rustling and clattering as he walked with the stride of a dragon and a tiger, arriving inside to see the restless Yang Guang, as well as Yang Su, Yuwen Huaji, and others.

"How many people did you bring?" Yang Guang asked at the first opportunity.

"Thirty."

Yang Guang nodded and then said, "My father wants to depose me and let my elder brother be the Crown Prince again. What do you think, Ziyan?"

"Your Highness, I have always followed Your Highness's lead. Your Highness said to don armor and enter the imperial city, so I brought my subordinates. Where is there any need to look? Whatever Your Highness says, I will do."

"Good."

Yang Guang nodded with satisfaction and then ordered Yuwen Huaji, "Let Yuwen Chengdu take action."

Yuwen Huaji responded and then walked out quickly to arrange for Yuwen Chengdu to mobilize troops.

Yuwen Chengdu had also been promoted in the past few years and was in charge of the imperial city's garrison, which was quite useful. Speaking of the troops Yang Guang controlled, of course, there were more than just these.

Even the forces Wang Yan could mobilize were not just these retainers in his home. After all, he also had old subordinates. The troops stationed in the capital were all rotated. The officers he had brought up who had no background were scattered into various units, but there were always some who would come to Daxing, and he could also pull out a force of over a thousand men.

Any more than that wouldn't work; the troops he had led were still too few, and his old subordinates were not numerous enough.

Of course, the quality of the troops he had led was relatively high; he could pull out five or six out of ten, while it would be difficult for others to pull out two or three out of ten...

While preparing, Wang Yan also learned the ins and outs of the matter.

It was just like in the original drama: Gao Jiong and others had always believed that Yang Guang was no good and wanted to pull him off his horse. They had indeed found some problems before, but they were all minor problems. This time, it was Princess Yu who went to see Yang Jian, discovered the matter of Yang Jian being poisoned, learned that it was Yang Guang who had been poisoning Yang Jian, and then told Yang Jian about this matter.

Yang Jian was furious, dragging his dying breath, and went to find Yang Su, whom he trusted, wanting to depose Yang Guang. But he didn't expect that Yang Su had long been of one mind with Yang Guang.

Or even if they weren't of one mind, at this time, with the Emperor about to die and the Crown Prince healthy, Yang Su would also take the secret edict to find Yang Guang to submit his letter of allegiance.

It could only be said that Yang Jian had been poisoned stupid by his good son and had lost his mind, finding the wrong person. In fact, the people Yang Jian should have found were Gao Jiong and others; this group of people still had strong power, only lacking military power.

But just waiting until dawn, the military power Yang Guang controlled would be useless; after all, Yang Jian hadn't really died yet. At that time, the actions Yang Guang would have to take would be large, basically equivalent to the Crown Prince rebelling.

Yang Guang also had to do that, otherwise he would die; it was also to save his own life, and he had no choice.

But it was still better than the current situation, where Yang Guang controlled the gates of the imperial palace and still had to mobilize troops to enter and seal off the imperial city. One night could solve many problems; once dawn arrived, everything would be beyond redemption...

Inside the room, Yang Guang and Yang Su and others were discussing how to wrap things up after the matter was accomplished, and who else should be called over, and so on.

Wang Yan didn't say a word, sitting by himself in the position below Yang Guang, drinking clear tea and eating pastries. He didn't need to express any opinions; just getting things done was enough.

He didn't even need to get anything done; as long as he stood by Yang Guang's side, his credit wouldn't be less than anyone else's.

After all, Yang Guang had so many subordinates; at a time like this, the first person Yang Guang called to protect his safety was Wang Yan. This trust was right there.

This was, of course, accumulated by Wang Yan's loyalty over the past ten-plus years. It was also because his actions today were decisive; just as he said, whatever he was asked to do, he did.

Having Wang Yan by his side gave Yang Guang a great sense of security. If it succeeded, he could be the Emperor; if it didn't, Wang Yan could also protect him as he retreated. Whether going to Bingzhou or Yangzhou, plus an invincible commander and warrior like Wang Yan, Yang Guang had the capital to make a comeback wherever he went.

The people in the room also looked at Wang Yan differently. The nature of this kind of matter today was different; they all knew that after today, Wang Yan was destined to walk into the core of the Great Sui's power.

Amidst the tension and intensity, they were already considering how to get along with Wang Yan in the future...

From beginning to end, no one thought that Yang Guang couldn't succeed. After all, Yang Guang was already the Crown Prince; as long as they blocked Yang Yong and cleared out the people around Yang Jian, the matter would be over.

The main point still lay with the officials at all levels who guarded the palace; how to balance these people was the key, and Yang Guang's imperial art was also reflected here.

A while later, Yuwen Huaji and some others returned, indicating that all matters had been arranged.

Yang Guang stood up, smoothed out the wrinkles on his body, then flicked his sleeves and walked out first.

"Let's go. You are all loyal officials of my Great Sui; it is only right to go and send His Majesty on his final journey."

Wang Yan held the Han sword at his waist, followed behind Yang Guang, and the others followed in turn. Once they left the Eastern Palace, the thirty retainers from Wang Yan's home who were waiting guarded them on the sides, and the group went together toward where Yang Jian was.

Arriving near the great hall, this place had already been controlled by Yuwen Chengdu. This kid was standing there majestically, propping up his weapon and posing. Seeing Yang Guang come over, he bowed politely and didn't even look at Wang Yan, who was following behind Yang Guang. After bowing, he followed on the side.

And so they arrived at the sleeping palace where Yang Jian was. The group stopped, and Yuwen Huaji gestured with his hand. "Your Highness, please."

Yang Guang was already prepared and was about to push the door open to go in and kill his own father.

Wang Yan blocked him with one hand. "Your Highness is a sage monarch of a generation; how can you do this? Yuwen Huaji is loyal and devoted; why not let him go?"

"Wang Yan! You..."

"You are unwilling?" Wang Yan turned his head with a smile and looked at Yuwen Huaji.

Yang Guang also shifted his gaze, squinting at Yuwen Huaji.

"Wang Yan, you dog thief!"

Yuwen Chengdu couldn't hold it in anymore, directly raising the phoenix-winged gilded halberd in his hand, intending to stab over.

At this very moment, with a clanging sound, the sword light flashed past. Wang Yan was already holding the long sword, leaving a red mark on Yuwen Chengdu's neck.

"Nephew Chengdu, you are not qualified enough; roll to the back and stand!"

Wang Yan sheathed his sword, ignoring Yuwen Chengdu, whose cheekbones were bulging with shame and anger, his teeth grinding and squeaking, his face distorted and ugly, and looked at Yuwen Huaji, whose face was also livid.

"Yuwen Huaji, His Highness regards you as his right-hand man; now is the time for you to repay His Highness. Why is your face so ugly? Are you truly unwilling?"

"Your Majesty, I request to go!" Yuwen Huaji gritted his teeth, trying his best to control his facial expressions, and took the initiative to request the order from the smiling Yang Guang.

Yang Guang patted Yuwen Huaji's shoulder with satisfaction. "Go. Lady Xuanhua is inside; you must keep her for me; don't learn from that Li Yuan."

"Yes, Your Highness."

Yuwen Huaji nodded heavily, then let out a long breath, as if he had finally made up his mind, pushed open the heavy doors of the great hall, and walked in...

Yang Guang gave Wang Yan a look of satisfaction, then stepped forward, his hands folded in his sleeves, his figure standing straight at the open door, watching Yuwen Huaji's actions and listening to Lady Xuanhua's terrified screams.

A while later, there was no more movement inside, and Yuwen Huaji walked out with a face full of grief. "Your Highness, His Majesty has passed away..."

He had already started to get into character and directly started acting.

Perhaps it was also because he was truly grieving; after all, he was the one who had killed Yang Jian. Killing the Emperor was a big deal, and so many people present had witnessed it. From now on, Yuwen Huaji could only do these dirty jobs.

How could someone who dared to kill the Emperor gain the Emperor's trust? Even though this was what Yang Guang had let Yuwen Huaji do, it didn't prevent Yang Guang from not trusting Yuwen Huaji.

The matter was just like this.

Yang Guang gave a grunt, wiped away non-existent tears, and ran in as if in a panic to confirm the situation.

"Wang Yan!" Yuwen Huaji stared at Wang Yan, gritting his teeth.

"What are you looking at me for? Yuwen Huaji is loyal and devoted; I still have to learn from you." Wang Yan raised his eyebrows at him, making Yuwen Huaji so angry he looked like he was about to ascend to heaven.

"Old Yang, what do you say?" Wang Yan hugged Yang Su's shoulder.

Yang Su gave a start and couldn't help but tremble a little. "Yes, the Duke of Danyang is absolutely right; we must learn more from Yuwen Huaji."

"Look, the current Prime Minister recognizes you."

Wang Yan smiled, then ignored them and stepped into the sleeping palace.

At this time, Yang Guang was kneeling in front of Yang Jian's bed, blankly looking at his father's dead face, not knowing if he was thinking of the fatherly kindness and filial piety of the past.

Not far away was Lady Xuanhua, who had already been scared silly. That is, the Princess of Chen, Chen Shubao's younger sister, who had been fished out of the well along with Chen Shubao. Later, she was treated as spoils of war and stuffed into Yang Jian's harem.

No one paid any attention to her; they all stood silently in the back, looking at Yang Jian's dead face, each with their own thoughts.

A while later, Yang Guang came back to his senses. "Isn't there a secret edict? Isn't my elder brother to be released? How is it over there? Has it been controlled?"

"The imperial city has already been sealed; none of them can run."

"Go. According to the original plan, get things done properly."

Yang Guang waved his hand, and so the group dispersed.

Yang Jian had been strangled to death by Yuwen Huaji, so they had to find an imperial physician to provide a guarantee. The leaked news had to be suppressed, and key figures like Yang Yong, Princess Yu, etc., all had to be controlled.

Inside the imperial palace, a great purge had already begun.

At the same time, Yang Guang also threw himself into his role. Under the consultation of the group, one order after another was sent out, wanting to stabilize the situation before dawn; otherwise, if the delay was too long, the impact would be too great, and if things went wrong, there would be big problems.

Because of the hasty actions and lack of preparation, as well as the lack of some necessary communication and exchange, it was necessary to communicate well with all parties tonight.

It was already November, and the end of the year was approaching. Some vassal kings who were coming to the capital to pay their respects had probably already packed their luggage, and those from further away had probably already set out.

If they couldn't unify the central imperial court before that, the trouble would be huge. If things went wrong, the Great Sui might be filled with rebel kings everywhere, and the good Great Sui empire would be torn apart...

Wang Yan was not idle at this time either. He took the fake imperial handwritten letter forged by Yang Guang and took over the troops guarding Daxing City inside and out.

Yang Guang still had an understanding and acted decisively. For such a big matter, he directly handed it over to Wang Yan to handle. At this time, the troops guarding Daxing absolutely could not be in chaos. The one who could suppress those people was, of course, none other than Wang Yan.

And Wang Yan did not disappoint. While intense interest negotiations were going on in the inner city, Wang Yan controlled the inner and outer city gates, locking all the civil and military officials in the inner city. Then he controlled the outer city gates, ensuring the safety of the entire Daxing City.

When the sky was just beginning to brighten, after killing dozens of generals and small soldiers and imprisoning hundreds of people, Wang Yan peacefully took over the large army outside the city.

Then he increased his forces, guarding the city gates of the outer city everywhere. Then he dispatched troops to enter the inner city and the imperial city, guarding against others taking risks.

After doing all this, the sky was not yet fully bright.

The commoners, and even the vast majority of the officials, didn't know what had happened...

"General, at the East Gate, we caught a team of people faking an imperial edict, trying to trick the city gate open. Among them, someone claimed to be the Crown Prince..."

"Bring them over."

A while later, Yang Yong, Princess Yu, and others were caught and brought over.

"Duke Wang!" Princess Yu saw an acquaintance and wanted to ask for help.

Wang Yan waved his hand. "Find a few women to come over and search the Princess. Tie that person up for me, and lock everyone else up."

"Wang Yan! You are helping the tyrant!" Princess Yu condemned loudly.

Wang Yan ignored her accusations and curses. After finding the women and searching Princess Yu once, confirming that there was nothing, Wang Yan took a few pieces of silver out of his pocket, pried open Princess Yu's hand, and slapped them into her hand.

"Princess Yu, you had better let those things you just cursed me with rot in your stomach. I have no intention of arguing right or wrong with you, and I don't care about these words of yours, but if news leaks out from somewhere one day, you, the Prince of Kaoshan, and Shubao, all of you will die. You have caused big trouble this time; go find Shubao, don't go home, and live a good life with Shubao."

Patting her shoulder, Wang Yan led a horse over and let her go...

Princess Yu looked at Wang Yan, then rode away.

At this time, Yuwen Chengdu forcefully broke out, looking foolishly at Princess Yu disappearing.

He turned his head and said to Wang Yan, "Thank you. I will say that I let her go."

People who move themselves are too terrifying.

And so Wang Yan went with the flow and fulfilled his wish.

Wang Yan patted Yuwen Chengdu's shoulder. "Yang Yong is yours..."

Watching Wang Yan flip onto his warhorse and gallop into the city, Yuwen Chengdu looked at the direction where Princess Yu had disappeared with a complex expression, speechless for a long time...

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? (End of chapter)