Chapter 849 - 846: Difficulty
In the eighteenth year of Xuanjia, on the third day of the fifth month, the scout sent by Left Prime Minister Li Mao’s mansion to Daliang to inquire about the military movements returned to Dadu City. He reported to Li Mingrui that Princess of Zhen and Liu Hong were leading the army back to the country at great speed, and that the people and officials along the way were already aware of King Liang’s treacherous plot, causing a heated discussion.
Li Mingrui clenched his fists tightly, knowing he could not delay any longer. He requested King Liang to order Fan Yuhuai to attack the Imperial City with full force immediately, to force the Emperor to issue an edict passing the throne to King Liang.
Just as Fan Yuhuai gave the order to attack the Imperial City, the gates of Wude Gate suddenly opened on their own...
Xie Yuchang and Fu Ruoxi came out from within Wude Gate. Xie Yuchang’s face was extremely grim, and he said, "His Majesty has commanded, please request King Liang to enter the palace."
Yesterday, the Imperial Palace had already run out of food, which was not a big issue. However, the saltpeter the Emperor used for alchemy was running out and needed to be transported from outside the palace. So, the Emperor ordered Xie Yuchang to convey the command to invite King Liang to the palace.
Prime Minister Lu, the Minister of War, and Xie Yuchang had all argued with the Emperor on this issue, but it was to no avail. The Emperor, infatuated and deluded, ordered Xie Yuchang to detain Prime Minister Lu and the Minister of War, among others. Prime Minister Lu, who was usually so astute, was furious and cursed the Emperor as a fatuous ruler.
Taking advantage of the situation, the Emperor stripped Prime Minister Lu of his position as Prime Minister and questioned Xie Yuchang whether he only obeyed the Crown Prince and not him, the Emperor, accusing him of disobeying the imperial decree... and not allowing defiance of the orders.
A heavy burden fell upon Xie Yuchang, and it was Fu Ruoxi who stopped him from dying while remonstrating. He accepted the command and accompanied Xie Yuchang to the city gate to invite King Liang.