vrcanaries Chapter 1105 The Fish Has Taken the Bait
Chapter 1105 The Fish Has Taken the Bait
The city of Chang'an, inside and outside the palace, was decorated with lanterns and colorful decorations, creating a joyous atmosphere.
According to Lin Zhen and Murong Yan's plan, the wedding of the Emperor and Empress of the Great Qian Dynasty was not canceled due to the rumor that "the Empress is seriously ill". On the contrary, it was held in a grander and more luxurious manner than originally planned.
The entire city of Chang'an was immersed in an unprecedented carnival.
The people spread the news with great excitement. They knew that this wedding was not only the union of the emperor and empress, but also a symbol of the prosperity of the Great Qian Dynasty and the peace of the world.
The day before the wedding, Lin Zhen and Murong Yan sat in Qifeng Pavilion, listening to Du Ruhui report on the arrangements inside and outside the capital.
Murong Yan wore the black and gold "Divine Phoenix Descends to Earth Dress," the golden phoenix on the hem of the dress shining brightly in the candlelight.
She had a slight weariness on her face, but her eyes were full of determination.
Lin Zhen, dressed in a black casual outfit, was playing with a jade pendant in his hand, his expression calm.
“Your Majesty, Your Highness,” Du Ruhui said respectfully, “as you instructed, the capital city and its surroundings have been thoroughly secured. All suspicious persons are being secretly monitored by ‘Night Owl.’ The city gates have also been reinforced, and no movement will escape our notice.”
"Hmm." Lin Zhen nodded. "Have those lurking villains made any unusual moves?"
"Your Highness," Du Ruhui's eyes flashed with a shrewd light, "we deliberately spread the rumor that His Majesty was seriously ill and the wedding was canceled, which indeed made some people lower their guard. In the past few days, several spies in Chang'an City have started to be active frequently, as if they are passing on some message."
“Very good.” Lin Zhen’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Let them continue to pass it on. We want them to think that we have lost our composure, so that they will walk right into our trap.”
Murong Yan also asked, "What about Jiangnan? Have Kong Zhiqian and Li Xian taken the bait?"
“Your Majesty,” Du Ruhui said, “according to the latest secret report sent back by ‘Night Owl,’ Kong Zhiqian and Li Xian have decided to launch an uprising in Jiangnan on the eighth day of the month, the day of their wedding. They seem to believe our rumors and think this is their best opportunity.”
"Hmph." Murong Yan snorted coldly, "Do they think they can hide from my eyes?"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Du Ruhui quickly complimented.
Lin Zhen then looked at Du Ruhui and said in a serious tone, "Prime Minister Du, you must be in charge of the central command and coordinate all parties during the wedding tomorrow. If there are any unusual developments, notify me immediately."
"Old minister, I obey the order!"
After Du Ruhui left, Murong Yan leaned against Lin Zhen's chest and asked softly, "Husband, are you really sure?"
"Of course." Lin Zhen gently stroked her long hair and said softly, "Warfare is based on deception. Kong Zhiqian thought he had no flaws, but little did he know that all his actions were under our control."
"So...when are we going to Jiangnan?"
"Tomorrow." A sharp glint flashed in Lin Zhen's eyes. "We'll set off immediately after the wedding."
Upon hearing this, Murong Yan's heart stirred. She knew that the real battle was about to begin.
The next day was the wedding day.
As dawn broke, the entire palace was abuzz with excitement.
Palace maids and eunuchs bustled about, busy setting up the wedding venue.
Inside Qifeng Pavilion, Murong Yan was awakened early.
She wore that black and gold "Phoenix Descending to Earth" dress; the soft cotton fabric clung to her body, light and comfortable.
The golden phoenix on the skirt, bathed in the morning light, exuded a restrained yet gentle radiance.
Several experienced nannies and palace maids were dressing her up.
They carefully drew her eyebrows and applied rouge.
Murong Yan looked at her stunningly beautiful self in the mirror, but felt no joy.
She knew that this wedding was just the beginning.
Lin Zhen pushed open the door and entered. He was wearing a bright red prince's ceremonial robe, embroidered with a unicorn totem in gold thread, which made him look majestic and extraordinary.
As soon as he entered the room, he saw Murong Yan in the mirror and was instantly amazed by her beauty.
"Yan'er, you are so beautiful." He walked to her side, gently took her hand, and his eyes were full of tenderness.
Murong Yan looked up at his handsome face, and a wave of emotion washed over her. She knew that he was giving her strength.
“My husband, you are very handsome too,” she said softly.
Lin Zhen smiled and took out an exquisite brocade box from his pocket, inside which was a phoenix-head gold hairpin.
A huge luminous pearl was inlaid on the hairpin, its light shimmering and dazzling.
"This is something I prepared especially for you." He placed the gold hairpin in her hair, and the light of the luminous pearl instantly illuminated her face.
"So beautiful." Murong Yan looked at herself in the mirror, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
"I'm glad you like it," Lin Zhen said softly.
The auspicious time has arrived, and the wedding ceremony officially begins.
Murong Yan wore the black and gold "Divine Phoenix Descending to Earth Dress," covered by the most solemn black and gold shawl.
The flowing, dark gold brocade train of her skirt, trailing behind her phoenix throne, intertwined with the train of Lin Zhen's black Qilin prince robe of the same material and length, cascading down and covering the entire massive imperial steps, forming a magnificent scene of black and gold interwoven with supreme majesty and absolute power.
The emperor and empress sat side by side, receiving the homage of the officials.
The entire wedding ceremony was solemn and dignified. Officials presented their gifts to congratulate the Emperor and Empress on their marriage.
Lin Zhen and Murong Yan both wore faint smiles, but their eyes often flashed with a sharpness that was hard to detect.
They knew that their enemies were watching them from the shadows.
After the wedding, Lin Zhen and Murong Yan did not return to Qifeng Pavilion as usual.
Instead, he secretly changed into civilian clothes, boarded an inconspicuous carriage, and left Chang'an overnight, heading straight for Jiangnan.
At the same time, following Lin Zhen's instructions, Du Ruhui secretly arrested the officials who had behaved abnormally at the wedding.
He knew that a bloody storm was about to break out.
Meanwhile, Kong Zhiqian and Li Xian, far away in Jiangnan, were still engrossed in their conspiracy and completely unaware of the impending danger.
They thought they had successfully deceived Lin Zhen and Murong Yan. They thought they had seized the initiative.
......
In the Jiangnan region, there is the city of Suzhou.
The night is dark and everything is silent.
In a secluded courtyard, Kong Zhiqian and Li Xian were busily making the final preparations for their uprising.
Li Xian was dressed in coarse linen clothes, but his brows betrayed a hint of excitement and nervousness that he couldn't hide.
He had been waiting for this day for a full twenty years!
"Mr. Kong, is everything ready?" Li Xian asked anxiously.
Kong Zhiqian nodded, a sinister smile on his face: "Your Highness, rest assured, everything is going according to plan. We have contacted our old subordinates and powerful families in various parts of Jiangnan. They are all eager to fight and will respond immediately at Your Highness's command."
"Moreover..." A cold smile curled at the corner of Kong Zhiqian's lips.
“We have already sent people to spread rumors everywhere, saying that the Emperor and Empress of the Great Qian are seriously ill and the court is in chaos, which is the perfect opportunity to restore the country. The people are already dissatisfied with the Great Qian court, and with our instigation, they will surely stand on our side.”
Upon hearing this, a fervent glint flashed in Li Xian's eyes: "Master Kong's strategic brilliance is truly admirable! After I restore my kingdom, I will never forget your great kindness!"