It was just past the fifth watch and there was still some time before dawn, but for a reason known to everyone, hundreds of ministers had already arrived at Tailouyuan early on, riding horses with lanterns from all corners of the city, waiting for the latest news that might come out today.
Although there were many people, there was no sound in the hall. Only those with lower status would occasionally peek at the ministers sitting in front of them. They were either waiting quietly with their eyes closed, or had serious expressions, as if they were thinking about something. Seeing this, the others naturally refused to speak.
Han Kerang entered the palace early as usual, preparing to go to the Jinwuzhangyuan to arrange his duties for the day. He lowered his head slightly, walking on the palace road, obviously with a lot on his mind, when he suddenly heard someone calling him from behind. It was the eldest princess' husband, the attendant Lu Jinghu.
Lu Jinghu approached him and whispered that he had something to say. Seeing him looking towards the direction of Ziyun Palace, he said, "Don't worry! It's just a few words. It won't delay the general from taking up his post."
They both followed the sage to conquer the world. In order to avoid suspicion, they didn't have much contact in private, but they have always been good friends. Han Kerang thought for a moment, and seeing that it was early, he nodded and followed him to Lu Jinghu's duty room in the South Court. As soon as he entered, he was startled.
The Imperial Guards General Lu Jingchen was already in the room, and it seemed as if he had been waiting for him for a long time.
Although Han Kerang and Lu Jingchen have worked together for many years and are considered to be the two great men of the Saint, their actual relationship is average. In recent years, the two sides have been fighting for power, and even their subordinates have been in a dispute on the street, which has further exposed the rift. Not only that, more than a year ago, Lu Jingchen's subordinate Jiang Zhao arrested Gu Twelve in the West Market, but was stopped by Han Kerang. Afterwards, although Lu Jingchen laughed and said it was okay, the rift between the two sides has deepened, there is no doubt about this.
Han Kerang stopped at the door and turned to look at Lu Jinghu. Lu Jinghu looked ashamed and bowed to him repeatedly to apologize, then left and closed the door.
Across from him, Lu Jingchen had already strode forward and invited him in to talk. Han Kerang had no choice but to suppress his displeasure and asked what was going on.
"Why don't you just say it directly if you have something to say? Why are you being so secretive?"
Lu Jingchen exchanged a few pleasantries, then stopped laughing and said, "Brother Han is a straightforward person. In that case, I won't beat around the bush. The latest situation of that person..."
He pointed to the sky above the tiled roof and lowered his voice, "Brother Han, do you have any definite news?"
The person he was talking about was of course the emperor. Han Kerang did not answer. Lu Jingchen said, "It's not just us. I think you, Brother Han, have also been turned away and will not be able to see the saint. You should also know what Pei Er looked like when he was holding a sword and taking advantage of the situation. Brother Han, don't you worry about the future at all?"
"What do you mean?"
Lu Jingchen's eyes flickered. "Need I say more? In the matter of Beiyuan, I was the advocate and you were the one who made the decision. As long as the saint is here, we can be fine. Once the saint is gone, if Pei Er uses the princess's power to ascend to the throne, others can continue as usual, but you and I can't escape. The blood feud has been forged, how can it fade away? What happens in the future depends on others and his intentions. I don't believe you have never thought about this."
Han Kerang's face changed slightly as it seemed that what he said hit the nail on the head.
"The Saint has not woken up since he vomited blood and fainted beside the pool that day. He has been completely at the mercy of the princess. In addition, we have received news that the princess sent a secret order at an expedited speed of 800 miles to transfer Xue Mian, Yuwen Zhi and other troops who were not scheduled to arrive next month to the capital in advance. They will arrive soon. What is her intention? Since the Saint lost two sons in a row, she has been assisting in the administration. Looking around, the whole court is full of newcomers like Lan Tai. A new emperor appoints new ministers, and we old guys naturally have to give way to the wise. For now, there is only one way to protect ourselves."