Chapter 1306: First Volume, Chapter 1306: Qin Feng

First Volume, Chapter 1306: Qin Feng's Arrangement

Faced with the sudden forced palace coup, the Liang Emperor was naturally caught off guard.

But fortunately, having held power for decades, he would not be so easily thrown into chaos.

As long as Zhao Li remained Grand Commandant, he would surely support the Liang Emperor.

The reason is simple: if the Liang Emperor abdicates, it inevitably means the end of the Northern Expedition, at which point the Zhao Family would surely be purged.

Zhao Yuxiong in the Northern Border has truly betrayed the Northern Border.

Even if Qin Feng were to spare him, the fierce lions and tigers of the Northern Border would never easily forgive Zhao Yuxiong.

The Liang Emperor knew Zhao Li did not wish to oppose the Qin Family, yet he was deeply entangled and unable to extricate himself—and the Liang Emperor precisely exploited this psychological vulnerability.

Facing the officials' demands, the Liang Emperor said nothing, simply sitting upon the imperial throne, waiting for Zhao Li to serve as his shield.

And as proven, the Liang Emperor was not mistaken: Zhao Li indeed stepped forward and interrupted the clamor.

"My lords, your urgency to force His Majesty to abdicate and yield the throne stems solely from your desperate desire to end the war."

"But have you considered what will happen after our army retreats?"

"Will the Shedynasty truly achieve the peace you imagine? I doubt it."

"Everyone now knows our troops have penetrated the Northern Border, and many Northern Border civilians have already perished. Given the Northern Border's nature, how could they simply let this pass?"

"Even if His Majesty truly abdicates, who could replace him?"

"Could it be Li Yong?"

As former Dragon Tiger Army Grand Commander and current Grand Commandant, Zhao Li naturally knew all the secrets within Jingdu.

Li Yong has been under soft detention this long solely because he could replace the Liang Emperor—but the problem is, Li Yong resembles the Liang Emperor too much.

Chen Zheng's goal is to prop up Li Yong and replace the Liang Emperor.

Upon hearing this, Chen Zheng immediately retorted: "What is wrong with the Seventh Prince?"

Zhao Li shook his head, his gaze resolute: "In times of peace, the Seventh Prince inheriting the Imperial Throne would not be inappropriate."

"But now the Shedynasty's national strength is weak, and we are at enmity with the Northern Border—the Seventh Prince is the worst possible choice."

"Because based on my understanding of Qin Feng, Qin Feng will never allow the Seventh Prince to inherit the Imperial Throne."

This conclusion took everyone by surprise—even the Liang Emperor was momentarily stunned.

Wasn't Li Yong being held under soft detention precisely so he could inherit the throne soon? If not Li Yong, then who else could it be?

Under the puzzled gazes of all present, Zhao Li had no more reason to conceal the truth and immediately explained.

"Qin Feng has said more than once that Li Yong is nearly identical to His Majesty—in character and in conduct."

"If the Seventh Prince inherits the Imperial Throne, it would be like welcoming a younger, stronger version of the Liang Emperor—this would be utterly detrimental to the Northern Border."

"Therefore, Li Yong is merely a decoy. Qin Feng's true preferred heir is someone else."

At these words, the entire Imperial Court erupted in uproar.

Even Chen Zheng was stunned. Though he had no wish to voice such treasonous words in court, he had been cornered and had no choice.

Just as he had finally accepted Qin Feng's presumed plan and prepared to place Li Yong on the throne, Zhao Li's words utterly shattered Chen Zheng's understanding.

Had Qin Feng deceived everyone?

The Liang Emperor was also deeply anxious and asked bluntly: "Grand Commandant Zhao, who is this person you speak of?"

Under all eyes, Zhao Li took a deep breath and said solemnly: "If nothing goes awry, this person is likely… the son of the Ming Prince, Li Zhang."

Li Zhang…

The entire Imperial Court fell silent.

All faces wore expressions of disbelief.

The Liang Emperor could not possibly accept this outcome—he could barely accept the throne passing to any prince, but not Li Zhang, for Li Zhang was merely a crown prince's son.

Even Chen Zheng, who desperately wished for the war to end, now firmly opposed Li Zhang's succession.

His Majesty has many other sons; no matter who, it should never be Li Zhang.

Li Zhang is merely the son of a prince—unless every single prince perished, his succession would violate the order of seniority.

As an official of the Ministry of Rites, Chen Zheng could never allow such a thing to happen.

Just as everyone believed this forced palace coup would fizzle out, another voice rang out in the court.

This voice came from the Minister of Revenue.

Under all eyes, the Minister of Revenue bowed and said: "Though there are princes alive, the throne cannot possibly pass to a crown prince's son—but under current circumstances, to end the war, there is no alternative but for the crown prince's son to ascend."

"For whether His Majesty remains on the throne or the Seventh Prince does, this war will continue."

"The Northern Border cavalry has already begun advancing toward Jingdu; it is merely a matter of time before they reach the capital."

"Though the Southern Campaign has ended, we still require large forces to garrison the region and prevent the Powerful Clans of Nan Jing from rising again."

"And all available armies have been dispatched to the Northern Border and are now trapped on the Front Line."

"Once Qin Feng's hand reaches Jingdu, it will inevitably become a brutal Jingdu Defense Battle."

"At that point, even if Qin Feng has no intention of ascending the throne himself, the survival of the entire Li Imperial Clan will lie entirely in his hands."

In truth, this was already clear: if we do not withdraw now, we will never get another chance.

When Qin Feng breaks through Jingdu's Door, who becomes emperor will be nothing more than a word from him.

If Li Zhang currently lacks the qualifications to be emperor, then killing all the princes would give him those qualifications.

The Liang Emperor frowned deeply and said sternly: "Qin Feng cannot easily shake Jingdu!"

Though the Northern Border is militarily strong, it must still face the Front Line; the number of troops it can send inland is extremely limited—only twenty thousand cavalry.

Even if the Shedynasty's strength is now stretched thin, crushing these twenty thousand cavalry within the Rear Area is by no means difficult.

Therefore, in the Liang Emperor's view, the Minister of Revenue's words were merely bluffing.

But the Minister of Revenue had long anticipated this response and added: "Now it is twenty thousand cavalry—what about later?"

The Liang Emperor raised an eyebrow: "What exactly does the Minister of Revenue mean? Why beat around the bush?"

The Minister of Revenue no longer concealed his words: "Those who oppose the Northern Expedition are not just in the Imperial Court—they are throughout Heaven."

At these words, the Liang Emperor drew in a sharp breath.

These twenty thousand cavalry may not be heading for Jingdu—they will recruit soldiers and buy horses along the way, sparking countless uprisings.

And with Qin Feng's prestige, supporters will sprout like mushrooms after rain.

At that time, Beijing will instead fall into an extremely passive position.