Chapter 61

Just as the capital of Great Yong was filled with cheers, Spirit Prefecture lay only one prefecture away from the capital, near the easternmost part of the Eastern Lands.

At that moment, all the experts on the Heavenly Martial Continent who were versed in astrology simultaneously and without prior agreement raised their heads in astonishment, gazing at the star of the Eastern Lands in the night sky as it slowly brightened.

In the boundless, vast night sky, a brilliant emperor star quietly awakened, its light beginning to gradually shine, drawing the surrounding stars into its orbit.

This emperor star ought to have been sleeping in endless darkness at this moment, silent and soundless.

However, at this moment, it seemed to break free of its bonds and began to emit a strong light.

This light was not blinding, but warm and gentle, like the first ray of sunshine at dawn, or like a soaring melody, bringing a sense of tranquility to those who beheld it.

The surrounding stars seemed to be drawn by this light, beginning to slowly and orderly revolve around the emperor star.

Their light intertwined with that of the emperor star, forming a magnificent, splendid picture scroll.

The entire universe seemed to freeze at this moment, with only the emperor star and the stars revolving around it constituting a perfect picture.

Their light wove together, forming a brilliant light track that stretched straight to the horizon.

In Great Yong's complete ignorance, while they were immersed in joy, the emperor star that would one day overturn the entire Eastern Lands quietly awakened.

Spirit Prefecture, Prince Jing's Manor.

That is, the same manor whose occupants had eagerly set out for Qian Capital only to die at Cao Cao's hands.

Under a night sky dotted with stars, the lights inside the manor shone brightly.

At this moment, a silent coup was brewing.

Feudal Prince Jing led his troops in fierce battle against the Great Yong's imperial guards on the front lines, but news arrived that Feudal Prince Jing had fallen on the battlefield.

Within the manor, a power struggle was about to unfold.

As the son of the feudal prince, Shangguan Lie had never been favored.

His biological mother's lowly status meant he had never received his father's favor.

But tonight, he had to seize this opportunity to claim a throne that was not rightfully his.

Under the cover of night, Shangguan Lie sat in his chambers, with a black-clad figure wearing a ghost-faced mask kneeling before him.

It was also an organization he himself had founded, destined to become the nightmare of the entire Eastern Lands.

Wearing a ghost-faced mask, leaving no trace when they kill, like a phantom without shadow or substance—these are called Ghost-Faced Persons!

"Prince, the entire palace is now awaiting your command."

At this moment, the Ghost-Faced Person knelt on one knee and reported to Shangguan Lie.

"Are you certain that the father king has passed away?"

Shangguan Lie slowly tapped the table beside him, his eyes flickering slightly.

"Yes, the news is absolutely reliable."

"But we must act quickly; His Highness the Heir Apparent of Prince Jing will likely receive the news soon as well."

The Ghost-Faced Person clasped his fists and spoke softly.

"Take some men to control the manor's entrances, ensuring no one enters or leaves."

Hearing this, Shangguan Lie hesitated no longer, his brows lifting as his deep, cold eyes narrowed, now exceptionally chilling.

"As you command!"

The Ghost-Faced Person lowered his head and instantly vanished from before Shangguan Lie.

In the darkness of night, Shangguan Lie quietly entered his father's sleeping chambers, his heart a tumult of emotions.

He had once longed for his father's acknowledgment, but now he was bidding farewell to his father in this manner.

He took the secret edict of succession from beneath his father's throne and gripped it tightly in his hand.

Just as Shangguan Lie gazed upon his father's sleeping chambers, his mind filled with myriad thoughts.

A Ghost-Faced Person burst into the sleeping chambers: "Your Highness, everything is ready."

"Good. Go at once and inform the trusted ministers, telling them to prepare."

Shangguan Lie's eyes gradually steadied—having drawn the bow, there was no turning back.

Having taken this step, he could only go forward to the bitter end.

His older brother was narrow-minded, not a magnanimous ruler.

Whether for his own life and property or for his ambition, this coup was a must.

He would not deliberately conceal his ambition, as evidenced by his covert recruitment of military generals and the establishment of his own intelligence organization.

Shangguan Lie had never been a well-behaved child.

Whether his older brother was narrow-minded or broad-minded.

Neither would move him.

Within the Spirit Prefecture Prince Jing's City Lord's Manor, Shangguan Lie held aloft the secret edict, gazing sternly at the ministers: "According to Father's last edict, I shall ascend as the new ruler!"

As soon as his words fell, the manor filled with voices of doubt and opposition.

Some ministers, citing traditional rites, claimed that only the orthodox eldest legitimate son was eligible to inherit the throne, expressing doubt over the new ruler's accession.

They believed the new ruler's mother was of lowly status and had never gained the feudal prince's favor, thus deeming him unqualified to inherit the throne.

Still other ministers were concerned about the new ruler's ability to govern.

They thought the new ruler was young and inexperienced, making it difficult for him to face the many challenges currently confronting Prince Jing's manor.

They feared the new ruler would bring chaos and disaster, causing great losses to Spirit Prefecture and its people.

At the moment the new ruler announced his accession, the manor instantly descended into chaos.

The ministers shouted their arguments, and some even stood up directly to oppose the new ruler.

Their emotions ran high, filled with hostility and dissatisfaction toward the new ruler.

But he had prepared for this.

His subordinate generals led troops charging into the manor, swiftly bringing the situation under control.

All the ministers under the former Prince Jing were forced to swear allegiance to the new ruler.

Although some harbored resentment, under the glint of blades and swords they had no choice but to bow their heads.

At this moment, Shangguan Lie sat high on the throne that originally belonged to Prince Jing, overlooking the City Lord's Mansion: "I know some of you doubt me. But I tell you, I will be a capable ruler."

Shangguan Lie looked at the many veteran officials of Prince Jing inside the City Lord's Mansion, their expressions varied, his face calm as an ancient well.

He simply turned to Gui Mian Ren at his side and ordered: "Go protect the Prince's Mansion; no one is allowed to enter or leave."

"This"

"Your Highness, the situation is still unstable; we must ensure your safety."

Beside him, Gui Mian Ren's figure hesitated a little.

"I know."

"I want you to protect my Empress Mother and my other relatives, ensuring their safety without worry."

Shangguan Lie's expression remained unchanged, his tone grew slightly heavier.

"Subordinate obeys!"

Hearing Shangguan Lie's resolute tone, Gui Mian Ren no longer hesitated and swiftly fled.

The day after the coup, Shangguan Lie began to gradually accept the forces left behind by Prince Jing, and started to slowly stabilize the situation.

He pardoned those who had remained neutral or opposed him during the coup, and at the same time promoted a group of officials he had cultivated over the years who were loyal to him.

He knew that to secure the throne, he must win the people's hearts.

At this moment, in the study of the Prince's Mansion, Shangguan Lie was discussing with his core team the future direction of Prince Jing's Mansion.

Now, the former Prince Jing suffered a fresh defeat, and tens of thousands of troops from Ling Prefecture lie buried in foreign lands.

All the surrounding vassal kings eyed Ling Prefecture with covetous gazes.

They discussed the situation from every aspect of Prince Jing's Mansion and analyzed the enemy.

(End of chapter)