Book Two Chapter Sixty-Three

  That young man was being escorted by the Blood Dragon Special Forces and had just walked to the door when he suddenly turned his head around, saying to Zhou Lun with a tone of unwillingness: "Our plan can be said to be flawless. How did you manage to switch our personnel?"

  Zhou Lun looked at him with a smile and said, "The son of Zhang Xianzhong. What a pity. What a pity." Zhou Lun said several "what a pity" before his face turned angry and he said, "Do you know how many civilians will be plunged into suffering if you succeed? How many civilians will become homeless?"

  He said with a scornful expression: "Besides, do you think you have the ability to govern a country well?" Finally, four words came out from between his teeth: "Death is not worth mourning!"

  The young man burst out laughing at Zhou Lun's words and said, "I've failed! I don't want to say anything more, you can scold me if you want. But I want to know why you guys succeeded?"

  Song Mingfeng walked in from the main entrance with his sister Song Mingfeng and said, "It's me!"

  The young man looked at Song Mingfeng, with a surprised expression on his face, and said in disbelief: "You?" After saying this sentence, he seemed to have realized something and said: "I should have thought of it earlier. It's you."

  "After finishing speaking, he turned his back to Song Mingfeng and faced Zhou Lun: "Have I failed? Director Zhou. Not yet. You just wait for the military change of Japan and Li Dingguo. Without the naval blockade, I'd like to see what you use to resist the Japanese pirates' attack. Hahaha"

  Zhou Lun furrowed his brow and waved his hand at the soldiers: "Take him away and keep a close eye on him!"

  At the same time.

  The heads of several Japanese families sat together, a shifty-looking person said: "Haha! Zhu Xiao thought we would continue to fight with the low-quality weapons he sold us. Unexpectedly, we have secretly united. This time, the rise and fall of my great Japanese Empire depends on you gentlemen." After finishing speaking, he stood up and bowed deeply.

  The man sitting next to him said, "Oda-san, based on the information I've gathered from various European countries, China (I don't want to use that name, let's just call them China for now) has accepted Annam and is currently at odds with England, France, Portugal, and Holland over the Macau issue. So when our great Japanese Empire sent out an order to build the largest fleet in Asia, these countries didn't hesitate to accept it. The fleet disguised as pirates in the South China Sea is almost approaching my homeland."

  Several others also lavished praise on him.

  Everyone stood up and raised their glasses: "To the revival of the Great Japanese Empire, cheers!"

  Li Dingguo gazed at the northern horizon, waiting for the signal flare to be fired.

  On the Chinese Navy's Zhonghua-class battleship, Shi Lang looked at a confidential order sent by a self-proclaimed special forces unit: "To Commander Shi Lang, execute the first military exercise of 1662, codenamed 'Life is like a summer flower'. On the surface, indicate obedience to the political commissar and wait for the Japanese fleet to enter our encirclement circle. Immediately control Zeng Qing. If necessary, arrest or shoot him. Seize command of the Chinese Navy. Strive to annihilate the entire Japanese fleet that has invaded us. The National Defense Committee of the Chinese Empire ? Commander-in-Chief of the Three Armies Zhu Xiao."

  Shi Lang fell into a moment of contemplation. This was indeed the Emperor's handwriting. Could it be that Zeng Guofan had some ulterior motive?

  Zeng Qing had no expression, he was already completely numb at this time. Since the time when he rescued a woman from the sea and made her his wife, Zeng Qing did not realize that he was changing step by step. The distortion of human nature. Even himself didn't notice. The woman's huge desire for power and dissatisfaction with being just a Navy Political Commissar made him unable to hold his head up.

  Even Lian Shengde, a Taiwanese escapee, can be above his own head, but after following Zhu Xiao for so many years, he is just a general political commissar.

  A delicate woman walked in, climbed onto Zeng Qing's back and said: "Husband, my master, what are you thinking about? After today, you will be the emperor who dominates one side, my Your Majesty. Come on! I haven't enjoyed your favor for a long time." After finishing speaking, a hint of murderous intent flashed in this woman's eyes.

  On the flagship of Admiral Deng Zijiang. Deng Zijiang stood at the bow, watching as the paper in his hand burned into ashes and fell into the vast sea with the ocean breeze. A secret order, a conversation. Yet he found himself facing two choices. Two completely different choices. He clearly knew that he had already fallen into a struggle between justice and evil. If he wasn't careful, he would be doomed forever. At this moment, Deng Zijiang's heart was in intense turmoil. He thought of the hardships of his childhood, the wandering of his homeless days, Deng Zijiang fiercely extinguished the cigarette butt in his hand, using his fingers to flick it into the distant sea water. He steeled himself and walked towards his office.

  I'm sitting on a newly launched train, with no one around me, only myself in a spacious carriage. Minmin, you're about to give birth soon, right? Yeah, just a few more months and the baby will be born. At this moment, I'm completely immersed in happiness.

  The knock at the door pulled me out of my happy thoughts. I sat up, adjusted my armor and said: "Come in!"

  Chen Jinnan walked in and said: "Your Majesty, Song Mingfeng and his sister Song Mingfeng are outside asking to see you."

  I was amazed at how they knew I was on this train, something that even Li Min didn't know. I nodded and suppressed the doubts in my heart. Facing Chen Jinnan, I said, "Well, then let them come in."

  Song Mingfeng and his sister walked in with a haggard look, I raised my head to take a closer look at the two siblings. Unexpectedly, when Xuan Feng's sister impersonated him before, I didn't notice it, but now seeing Song Mingfeng still gives me a stunning feeling. I thought the appearance of the two wouldn't be too different, but now that I see the real person, I didn't expect the difference to be so great.

  When she played Mingfeng in the past, she had a heroic spirit. Now, with a haggard face and willow eyebrows, her eyes are like clear springs that pierce deep into one's heart, making it hard to forget. Her height is almost the same as Song Mingfeng's. With her tall stature, paired with a long white dress now, she exudes an air of purity.

  I came to my senses and saw that the two of them had already bowed down. All I could see was Song Meifeng's plump figure bowing down, accompanied by a haggard face. I lost my composure again. With great effort, I regained my composure and said: "Alright, what's going on here? Didn't I say that a slight bow would be enough for the etiquette of the Chinese Empire? Get up quickly!"

  The brother and sister stood up, I pointed to the side and said: "You sit down, let's talk about it when we're seated."

  Song Mingfeng and his sister sat down, looking a bit stiff. Song Mingfeng looked at me with an expression that seemed to want to say something but hesitated. I smiled and eased the tense atmosphere: "Mingfeng, what's going on? Just say it directly. You've done a great job this time."

  Song Mingfeng looked at his sister's resentful eyes and finally steeled himself to say, "Your Majesty, since you said I have made great contributions, I would like to ask Your Majesty for one thing."

  Looking at the two siblings, I knew what was going on. I said in a low voice: "Mingfeng, let's not talk about this matter anymore. You know that although I have the highest power of pardon, Premier Xu and Minister Zhou have already spoken out, so we have to wait for the trial of the Imperial Supreme Court. So, I'm also powerless in this matter." After finishing, looking at Song Meifeng's thoroughly disappointed eyes, I couldn't bear it and said: "However, I can tell you a method. If you can publicize the reason why your grandfather did such a thing, and use your familial affection to appeal, I think maybe with your grandfather's past merits, the jury and judges might give a lighter sentence."

  Song Mingfeng and his sister's delighted expressions had already been revealed, although I didn't explicitly tell Song Yingxing that he was off the hook, but by pointing out this path to them, it was equivalent to telling them that at least I wouldn't ask the court and jury to deal with him severely.

  Song Mingfeng and his sister both smiled happily at me and thanked me before leaving.

  The signal flare shone exceptionally bright in the dark night of dawn. Li Dingguo had not fallen asleep all along. Watching the signal rise from the horizon, the battle preparation horn for the entire army had already sounded. This was a long-planned arrangement. The soldiers were also dazed and didn't know where they would be going, only knowing that the horn hadn't been sounded in a very long time.

  All levels of officers received the order from the group army commander, after the battle horn sounded, each unit was divided into four routes to rush to take over the county town and implement military control.

  In the naval aspect, Zeng Qing also commanded the navy to disperse in a fan shape according to plan. In the distance, it can already be seen with binoculars that there are groups of things moving.

  A train slowly pulled into Tianjin Station, and Lei Feng and others were already waiting on the platform. I patted the dust off my uniform and walked down, muttering to myself: "Father-in-law, I hope I can still make it in time to see you one last time."

  Li Dingguo felt a sudden sense of unease for no reason, things were going too smoothly. The telegrams from various directions showed that they had already occupied the county towns and implemented military control. Looking at Tianjin City in front of him, Li Dingguo's heart was touched without warning. Maybe something big is about to happen. After thinking, he shook his head and said, "Never mind." He told the guard beside him, "Go up and call the door, say that General Li Dingguo, Commander-in-Chief of the First Group Army, has been ordered by His Majesty the Emperor to take over Tianjin's defense affairs. Urgent military situation. Tell them not to delay."

  Searchlights on the Tianjin city wall suddenly lit up everywhere. The densely packed soldiers below were startled by the strong light, and a chorus of curses erupted.

  Lei Feng was followed by a group of people who walked out, and I also mixed in among them without being discovered. Lei Feng stepped forward and said: "General Li, I must obtain the imperial edict from His Majesty before handing over the defense to you. Let's just handle this matter officially."

  Li Dingguo was furious at this time, and he shouted: "Lei Feng, you are too presumptuous! In terms of military rank, I am the commander-in-chief of the First Group Army. And also the commander of the Jinan Military Region. In terms of official rank, I am the emperor's father-in-law. A dignified national father-in-law. Can't you believe what I say? As he spoke, he ordered the people beside him: "Come on, take down Lei Feng for me. Remove all his duties. Those who disobey orders will be killed without pardon!"

  After he finished speaking, the people next to him wanted to rush up. The people on Lei Feng's side were also ready to protect him. Chen Jinnan pulled away from the crowd beside him, and I followed him out. Lei Feng's guards automatically parted a way for me.

  I stepped forward and gazed at Li Dingguo: "Father-in-law? Do you still remember that you are my father-in-law? Alas!"

  Li Dingguo was stunned by my sudden appearance and asked incredulously: "You, you know our plan?"

  I smiled and looked at him: "Not bad, Song Yingxing has been arrested in Beijing, you just haven't received the news yet."

  Everyone looked at me as if I were the real emperor and bowed down saying: "Long live Your Majesty, long live, long live!"

  Li Dingguo looked at Lei Feng's back and saw that there were no troops, then looked at me and smiled: "Things have come to this point, I also don't have anything good to say."

  "Alas, Zhu Xiao, you shouldn't have come. I had intended to let you live out your days in seclusion for the sake of Min'er's face, but you don't know what's good for you. Sigh... it's too late now." With that, he was about to order his trusted subordinates to take action. The troops also began to move forward.

  I let out a cold snort and said to the soldiers moving towards me, "Halt! I've already given you your last chance. Now I'll give you one more. Those who aren't in cahoots with Li Dingguo, step aside. Otherwise, you'll regret being born into this world. Think about how your families are still waiting for your return."

  As soon as the words were spoken, many soldiers had already begun to waver. Li Dingguo burst out laughing and said: "I knew it early on, the Emperor of the Empire is good at attacking the heart. Indeed, his reputation is not in vain. Brothers, take a look at how many people are around the Emperor. As long as we kill him, I guarantee that everyone will be promoted one rank. Whoever gets Zhu's head will be granted the title of Marquis and Prime Minister."

  Looking at the soldiers who were about to move, my heart had already chilled. Almost in the loudest voice, I said: "Heaven's fault can be forgiven, but self-inflicted fault cannot be survived." After finishing speaking, I took out the pistol hanging on my waist and fired a shot into the sky. Suddenly, from the sky came the rumbling sound of airships slowly flying over. On land, troops from all directions rushed in from all sides.

  Li Dingguo looked at the fearful eyes of the soldiers around him, and helplessly lowered the gun in his hand. His last conscience did not want to see too many families lose their sons, husbands, and loved ones.

  Looking at my cold eyes, Li Dingguo suddenly pointed the gun at his own head and fired a shot. The people around him did not have time to stop it. Other soldiers saw that their commander had committed suicide, so they put down their weapons one after another. After the arriving troops took away their weapons, several other trusted followers of Li Dingguo also killed themselves by swallowing bullets.

  All the soldiers saw that things had been settled and burst out in thunderous cheers: "Long live our Emperor, long live, long live, forever!"

  A warrior dressed as a guard rushed out from beside me and pounced on Li Dingguo's body. At this moment, I looked at her back, but clearly saw that she was Li Min.

  I walked up and stroked her shoulder, saying: "Minmin, don't cry, okay?" At this time, I didn't know how to comfort him anymore. In fact, I myself didn't know how to face it either.

  I turned around and walked back and forth, wanting her to calm down and cry it out before going over to comfort her.

  "Your Majesty, don't!" Lei Feng shouted at me.

  I turned my head in shock, but it was already too late. Three consecutive gunshots rang out. Minmin had already fallen on Lidingguo's body. I rushed over and hugged Li Min, who was covered in blood, and sobbed: "Minmin, what's the point of this? What's the point of this?"

  Li Min's mouth was already shot three times, and after she came to her senses, she looked at me with a miserable smile and said: "A Xiao, I'm sorry, I won't be able to take care of you for the rest of my life. I won't be able to leave you any children." After that, she coughed twice.

  I raised my head and shouted at the side: "Quickly go call a doctor, quickly go!"

  Li Min pulled my hand, shook her head and said: "A Xiao, don't. I won't make it. I don't want to die. But I'm afraid of being thrown into the cold palace. I'm not afraid of death. But I'm afraid that you will leave me in the future, then I would be more miserable than death." After saying this, a mouthful of fresh blood spurted out from her mouth.

  I gazed at her with tears in my eyes, gently stroking her face and saying: "How could it be? How could it be? I love you, I promised you that you would always be my wife. I won't."

  Li Min heard this and a relieved smile appeared on her face. She struggled to lift her hand to touch my face, but she was already too weak.

  I held Li Min's slowly cooling body and stood up, muttering to myself: "Minmin, let's go home. Let's go back to Beijing!" After taking a few steps, I turned my head and said: "Lei Feng, there has been too much bloodshed tonight. If those soldiers were not willing participants, then let it be. As for the other officers, I'll deal with them myself. Give Li Dingguo and his men a proper burial."

  After finishing, he looked at the blue sky of the air force with a grateful look and said: "Blue Sky, pass my order to Shi Lang and Zheng Chenggong. The navy, army and air force must work together to eliminate the invading Japanese people. We must annihilate them completely. If one person is missing, you will come to see me with your own head."

  The fleet in the distance had approached, and the sound of the waves slapping against the hull could be clearly heard. Zeng Qing was still immersed in happiness at this time. Looking at his dream goddess, he hoped that it would soon come true. Zeng Qing's spirits were high as he hugged the delicate woman beside him and kissed her once. He turned to the guard standing behind him and said: "Pass down the order, have the vanguard destroyer launch flares, raise the flag! Welcome the Japanese fleet friends to help me, Zeng Qing, achieve my great cause!"

  An illuminating bomb suddenly flew up to the sky, with a long tail behind it! The entire horizon was lit up transparently. All the ships of the First Fleet were originally dispersed, and now they slowly gathered together! The ships commanded by Zeng Qing had no movement at all, just as they were about to fire, they saw that Shi Lang's flagship had hoisted a flag signal: "All Japanese pirate fleets listen! You have already entered the 300-mile sea area of my Chinese Empire. According to the international convention signed in July this year, you are now considered to be invading our territory. We order you to leave within one hour, otherwise we will declare war on Japan!"

  Zeng Qing, who had been mixed up at sea for so long, must still be able to understand this flag language. He pushed away the woman beside him and ran into the combat communication room on his own ship, saying to the communicator: "Quickly, get me in touch with Shi Guang!"

  Shi Lang's voice still had that lifeless tone as it came through, Zeng Qing almost yelled: "Shi Lang, you son of a bitch, what the hell are you doing?! I already made an appointment with you. You actually took action on your own, and now you'll have to pay for your actions! I'm formally telling you that you're being stripped of your position, and the fleet command will be taken over by your deputy!"

  "Zeng Qing, although you are my superior in name, I am the Commander-in-Chief of the Navy. Even if it were an imperial order, I would not necessarily obey it, let alone one from you. Moreover, I hereby formally notify you: 'By order of His Imperial Majesty, Shi Lang commands all naval officers and men that Zeng Qing is to be punished for treason. He is hereby stripped of all duties, effective immediately, and will be escorted back to the capital for severe punishment.'"

  The communication was cut off with a "click".

  Zeng Qing didn't realize how badly he had messed up until now, and his face fell. He turned around to see his woman staring at him coldly. Just as he was about to say something, the seemingly delicate woman suddenly transformed into a different person. She walked up to him with a cold expression, and in an instant, a dagger flashed in her hand and stabbed into Zeng Qing's heart.

  Zeng Qing looked at the woman with an expression as if she didn't dare to believe it, her voice filled with discontent: "Wh...why?"

  The woman slowly crouched down and said, "Why? I'll let you die with a clear conscience. I am the number one killer of the Great Japanese Empire's Chrysanthemum Organization. Remember to tell Yama when you get there that my name is Takeda Yumi." After finishing speaking, she looked at Zeng Qing's chest, which was constantly flowing out fresh blood, and turned around. The nearby operator had already been frightened into a stupor. Takeda Yumi glanced at the operator and walked up to him, slashing his neck with one knife.

  All that could be heard was the sound of a gunshot from behind, and a bullet had already pierced through Takeda Yuu's heart. Takeda Yuu turned around with a resentful gaze.

  Zeng Qing coughed and smiled, saying: "I'm dead, you can't live either. I love you! We will be husband and wife even in death." With his last strength, he fired several more shots at Takeda Yumi.

  Notice: One chapter every other day, if not updated will be supplemented the next day.