Chapter 4

Wang Xiu spent a full three hours, nearly turning over every paper, historical interpretation, and wild gossip he could find online about the Divine Dragon Coup.

He also specifically pulled up a map of Tang-era Luoyang City, compared it with the game's map, and firmly memorized the location of Tongyuan Gate and the surrounding streets and wards.

When the preparations were nearly done, he let out a long sigh.

Now, his understanding of this coup far surpasses that of most later people.

He knew who was the mastermind, who was the helper, who was a fence-sitter, and even knew that after the coup succeeded, those few chief ministers, due to power struggles, all ended badly.

"Zhang Jianzhi, Jing Hui and the others—we can't stick too close; after success we must quickly figure out how to get away."

"Li Duo Zuo is a military representative, we can rely on him, but we can't fully trust him."

"The real promising prospects are Crown Prince Li Xian, his younger brother Prince Li Dan, and his sister Princess Taiping…"

Wang Xiu muttered under his breath, making various calculations in his mind.

What he needs to do now is, on the premise of ensuring his ancestor Wang Jin's safety, exchange the smallest risk for the greatest benefit.

He glanced at the time and decided to delay no further.

The game's time was still flowing; if he missed the third‑watch appointment, the trouble would be great.

He put the helmet back on and selected 【Era Name Transition Simulation】.

After the familiar sensation of weightlessness passed, he returned to Wang Jin's body, standing in that simple study.

He glanced out the window; the moon was high in the sky, and the night was deep.

It's about time.

He carefully put away that letter, then took out the 【Strengthening Pill (Small)】 from the item bar.

【Are you sure you want to use the Strengthening Pill (Small) on Wang Jin?】

"Use!"

As he confirmed, he felt a weak warm current rise from his dantian, quickly flowing through his limbs and bones.

The sense of emptiness that this body originally had due to lack of exercise seemed to have lessened considerably. Although the change was not big, at least it made him feel his body a bit lighter.

"Better than nothing." Wang Xiu moved his limbs a little, feeling his condition was not bad.

He walked out of the study; the ancestral grandmother had already gone to sleep.

He didn't disturb her, merely slipping out quietly through the back door and merging into the silent night.

In the city of Luoyang during the first year of the Shenlong era, a strict curfew was enforced.

As soon as evening fell, the streets were empty of people, with only occasional patrols of the martial marquises passing by.

Wang Xiu controlled Wang Jin, keeping close to the wall, relying on his memory of the map, and cautiously made his way toward the southern Tongyuan Gate.

Along the way, he several times nearly collided with patrolling martial marquises, frightening him so much his heart felt like it would jump out.

This wasn't a game; if caught, he would really face imprisonment or even beheading.

Fortunately, Wang Jin's home was not too far from Tongyuan Gate, and he managed, with some danger, to reach a shadow near the gate before the appointed time.

Tongyuan Gate was one of Luoyang's southern gates; at this moment the gate was tightly shut, lanterns hung on the city wall, and soldiers stood guard.

Wang Xiu hid in the darkness, carefully observing his surroundings.

Not long after, a man in plain clothes but of sturdy build, whose every step bore a military air, also came alone to the vicinity of the gate.

He looked around warily, then lowered his voice and shouted a sentence toward the direction where Wang Xiu was hiding.

"Are you the Wang brothers?"

Wang Xiu's heart tightened; he knew the main person had arrived.

He took a deep breath, stepped out of the shadow, imitating the ancient manner, and clasped his hands.

"Elder Brother Li, it's me."

The comer was none other than Li Duozuo.

Li Duozuo strode forward quickly, grabbed Wang Xiu's arm in one grip, and pulled him into a more concealed corner.

"You brat, you've got guts, actually daring to come." Li Duozuo's voice was low and deep, yet full of vigor.

"Since Elder Brother Li summoned me, how could I dare not come?" Wang Xiu tried to keep his tone as calm as possible.

His mind was now racing wildly, speculating what exactly the relationship between Li Duozuo and Wang Jin was.

From his tone, they seemed quite familiar.

Li Duozuo stared at him for a few glances, as if confirming something.

"Long story short," he said in a deep voice, "tonight we are going to do something big."

Wang Xiu's heart jumped violently—here it comes!

He feigned surprise and asked, "A big deal? What big deal?"

Li Duozuo lowered his voice: "The current emperor is gravely ill, the Zhang brothers have thrown the palace into chaos and disrupted the court, arousing the wrath of both men and gods. We have decided that tonight we will purge the emperor's side, kill the two Zhangs, and restore power to the Prince of Luling (that is, Crown Prince Li Xian)."

Although he had known the script beforehand, hearing these words spoken by a historical figure in person still gave Wang Xiu a tremendous impact.

He was personally participating in history!

He forcibly suppressed his inner excitement, his face showing an expression mixed with shock and panic.

"This… this is rebellion! Elder Brother Li, this must absolutely not be done! If exposed, it would mean extermination of nine clans!"

These words were exactly the reaction an ordinary commoner should have.

Li Duozuo seemed to have anticipated his reaction; he patted Wang Xiu's shoulder and said, "Seek wealth and honor through danger! I have already discussed this matter with Chancellor Zhang Jianzhi, Jinghui, and a few other ministers, and with the Feather Forest Army's assistance, success is assured!"

He paused, then shifted his tone: "Brother Wang, we have met before. Though you are merely a commoner, you are quick-witted and quite resourceful. If it weren't for your warning back then, I would probably have already been harmed by Lai Junchen."

Wang Xiu's heart gave a sudden thump.

So there was yet another layer of connection!

Lai Junchen was a cruel official during Wu Zetian's reign, notorious for fabricating charges and slaughtering the innocent. Wang Jin had actually saved Li Duozuo while under Lai Junchen's command?

No wonder Li Duozuo remembered him and even recruited him at this critical moment.

This is simply a goodwill that fell from the heavens!

Wang Xiu's mind raced, and he immediately replied: "Old matters of years past are not worth mentioning. Brother Li, a virtuous person will naturally have heavenly favor."

"I, Li Duozo, will repay any kindness!" Li Duozo said in a deep voice, "Tonight, I need you to meet me outside. After success, you will be a minister who followed the dragon, riches and honor, awaiting in the near future."

"Meet me? I, a mere commoner, lack even the strength to truss a chicken—how can I meet you?" Wang Xiu hurriedly asked; this was the key.

Li Duozo took out a small order token from his bosom and shoved it into his hand.

"This is my waist token. Later I will lead troops into the palace to control Xuanwu Gate. But the situation inside the palace is complex; I need you outside the palace to handle a matter for me."

"Brother Li, please speak!"

Take my waist token, go to the Feathered Forest Army's great camp outside the North Gate. Find a general named Wang Tongjiao, give him the token, and tell him that Xuanwu Gate is open, and to immediately lead his thousand troops into the palace to reinforce!

Wang Tongjiao!

Wang Xiu's heart jolted again; this person is also one of the important figures of the Shenlong Coup.

Li Duozo entrusted me with such an important order-delivery mission; this is both trust and a test.

If handled well, it will be a great achievement.

If botched, or if I flee, the consequences are unimaginable.

"Brother Li, this... this matter is of great importance; I, your younger brother, am afraid..." Wang Xiu feigned hesitation and fear.

"No fear!" Li Duozo interrupted him, "Wang brother, you are a clever person. Think of your wife and children, think of your lifetime—could you be content to remain an unknown commoner? This is your only chance!"

"As long as you deliver the order, the rest has nothing to do with you. After daybreak, this Tang Dynasty will undergo a change of heaven!"

Every word of Li Duozo struck Wang Xiu's heart like a hammer.

He knew he had no way back.

He clenched the cold waist token in his hand, gritted his teeth, and nodded heavily.

"Good! I, your younger brother, will obey you! Even if I must stake my life, I will surely deliver the message!"

Seeing his agreement, Li Duozo's face finally showed a hint of a smile.

"Good brother! I didn't misjudge you!"

He glanced at the sky, his expression turning solemn.

"The time is near; I am going to Xuanwu Gate. Remember, when you see firelight rising from the direction of Xuanwu Gate, set out immediately, without delay!"

"I understand, younger brother!"

Li Duozo said no more, gave him a deep look, turned, and vanished into the night.

Wang Xiu stood alone on the spot, feeling the waist token in his palm heavy beyond compare.

He lifted his gaze toward the direction of the imperial palace; the night was deep, all sounds hushed.

But he knew that beneath this stillness, a storm capable of overturning an era was about to begin.