Chapter 565: Sneaking into the Palace

Chapter 565: Sneaking into the Palace

Chapter 565: Sneaking into the Palace (New January, please give me a guaranteed monthly ticket)

Da da da……

The sound of horse hooves hitting the stone floor, mixed with the sound of wheels rolling, the entire carriage was like a ghost, shuttling through the morning mist.

Zhao Duan was surprised to see the carriage speeding through Yongjia City through the shaking curtain on one side, but the early risers seemed to ignore the carriage.

After a while, the carriage arrived at the city gate. There was no need for him to reveal his identity. The carriage passed through the thick city wall like a ghost and appeared outside the city.

After leaving the city, the "unicorn" became more and more outrageous, with its four hooves almost in the air and its traction wheels seeming to leave the ground.

Zhao Duan seemed to be riding on a "ghost train". The mountains and forests in front of him seemed to be flat on the ground, and the trees were flying backwards outside the window.

"Is this car also a talisman?" Zhao Duan retracted his gaze and looked at the jade sleeve beside him.

The carriage was only of average size, and it was extremely difficult to cram five people in, like sardines in a can.

Zhong Pan was sitting outside the carriage driving the car, Lang Shiba and Ji Yue were at the very edge, and the golden tablet was further inside.

Zhao Duan and Yuxiu were tucked in the innermost, so their bodies were almost sticking together.

"It's not really a car, but the materials used to build the vehicle are special. It can travel a thousand miles a day, thanks to the strange beast with its peculiar bloodline and the spell cast by Senior Brother Zhong." Yuxiu explained.

Then he twisted his body uncomfortably, trying to find a more comfortable sitting position:
"Brother Zhong, if we try our best, we can reach our destination quickly. And it will be concealed enough."

It’s awkward, Taoist priest, it’s awkward... Zhao Duan felt uncomfortable all over and felt the air in the car was stuffy. He tried to twitch his arms and his elbow hit the soft spot.

Feeling the sharp gaze from Yu Xiu, he shaved the scalp of Jin Jian, who was almost leaning against his arms, expressionlessly:
"Sit up straight! You're crowding me."

Because it was bright, Jin Jian, whose eyelids began to droop, was hit unexpectedly. Bewildered, he turned his head, let out a pitiful "oh", and curled up into a ball.

The little butt twisted and turned, trying to find a comfortable position for sleeping, mumbling:

"Put away the flying knife. It's hitting me."

Zhao Duan: “…”

At this time, Zhong Pan, who was sitting cross-legged while driving, did not even turn his head and asked in a deep voice:
"You came in a hurry. You only said you were going to Jingchuan. Where exactly is that? Are you going straight to where King Mu is?"

Zhao Duan shook his head: "No."

He had other plans for this and wanted to find a helper before assassinating Xu Jingtang.

……

……

Jingchuan Town, a forest garden that has lasted for centuries.

This is King Mu’s temporary residence.

At this moment, the atmosphere in the beautiful mountain, water and forest park was solemn.

Xu Jingtang was wearing armor, military uniform, holding a long sword, and sweating profusely in the martial arts field.

"boom!"

The heavy sword chopped down, and the human-shaped target standing on the field broke into pieces!
"Hu Chi... Hu Chi..."

Xu Jingtang was leaning on his sword, breathing heavily, sweating profusely, his eyes filled with bloodshot.

"Your Majesty..."

Beautiful concubines around him came forward, holding towels soaked in clean water in their hands, and carefully tried to remove and wipe his armor.

"Bitch!"

Unexpectedly, Xu Jingtang cursed violently and suddenly swept his sword across, cutting off the concubine's crown with a bang.

"Ah! Your Majesty, please spare me! Your Majesty, please spare me!"

The concubine, who was wearing a low-cut dress with her black hair disheveled, whimpered, knelt on the ground, trembling, her legs limp, and begged for mercy in fear.

A group of servants around also knelt on the ground.

As attendants in the palace, they all knew that when the prince was angry, he would really vent his anger and kill people randomly!

"Get out!" Fortunately, although Xu Jingtang was angry, he did not completely lose control, and the "bitch" he just called did not seem to be directed at the concubines present.

Suddenly, the servants and concubines fled away in a panic as if they had been pardoned.

The prince has been in a bad mood recently!

Ever since Zhao Ke'er ran away, Xu Jingtang has never smiled.

He thought that with the ability of the embroidered clothes to point directly, combined with the layers of guards, he would be able to stop it after a journey of thousands of miles.

Unexpectedly, the imperial shadow guards were much more difficult to deal with than expected. They chased them all the way, and the paper cranes that Nie Yurong kept sending back showed that they were not able to intercept them.

Instead, he folded a lot of embroidered clothes and pointed them out.

"Trash, a bunch of trash!"

Xu Jingtang wanted to kill someone.

Unfortunately, Nie Yurong fled from Jingchuan County on the pretext of being pursued and escaped the disaster.

What really made Xu Jingtang furious was the latest news he received last night.

The group sent to Yongjia City to investigate Zhao Shixiong pointed out that he had escaped with serious injuries and brought back important information at the risk of his life:
"Zhao Shixiong has rebelled. He beheaded the military supervisor of the palace in public, slaughtered all the officers of the palace, and opened the city gates to welcome the Beijing troops into the city!"

The thing I was most worried about finally happened.

"Father——"

In the distance, the second son, who was also dressed in military uniform, hurried over. He looked at his father, who was standing in front of the tattered puppet with a sword in his hand, and stopped without daring to move forward. He clasped his fists and said:
"Father, the army has been assembled and will immediately head north to intercept the imperial army."

"In addition, the ships and convoys responsible for transferring the supplies have also been ordered."

After learning of Zhao Shixiong's rebellion, King Mu held an emergency meeting late last night to formulate a strategy:
The troops of Jingchuan County will be divided into two. One group will go north to intercept Zhao Shixiong by taking advantage of the terrain.

One group started evacuation and tried to transport Huaishui materials back to Yunfu as much as possible within the limited time.

"Rather than fighting to the death with the imperial court and letting Prince Jing take advantage, it is better to take away the supplies and retain the troops. As long as we evacuate in time, relying on the strategic location of Yunfu, it will be difficult for Zhao Shixiong to enter Yunfu Road."

"By then, he will definitely turn around and join forces with Xue Shence to deal with the Jiancheng Dao Jing Wang Army."

At the meeting, King Mu's adviser made a proposal.

Based on the principle that it is better to let my friend die than to let myself die, Xu Jingtang nodded happily.

At this moment, he straightened his hunched back inch by inch, took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, and then turned back and looked at his second son with a gentle and loving expression:
"You did a good job. This time Zhao Shixiong surrendered to the enemy. Your father should have led the army to resist, but evacuation is more important. I have no choice but to let you lead the army north on my behalf. Are you afraid?"

The second son was passionate and said resolutely: "Zhao Ke'er was kidnapped. It was my son's fault. How can I trouble my father to clean up the mess? I will stop the thief Zhao outside Jingchuan!"

"I am very happy to have such a son." Xu Jingtang encouraged with a smile:

"Today's retreat is not a rout, but a strategic shift. When we retreat to Yunfu, we will leave an empty shell for them. When the snow melts in the spring next year, we will launch a counterattack and will surely be unstoppable."

The second young master nodded in agreement.

This set of rhetoric was spread to the entire Yunfu rebel army in order to stabilize the morale of the army.

"Go."

Xu Jingtang gave a few more instructions, watched the Second Young Master stride away, and led the army in the city to march out.

After the second young master left, Xu Jingtang said, "Come out."

Not far away, an inconspicuous figure walked out:

"What are your orders, Your Majesty?"

Xu Jingtang looked straight ahead, gazing out of the garden:
"Go keep an eye on the major Huaishui families in Jingchuan County and make preparations. When I give the order, invite all the leaders of these families back to Yunfu."

Xu Jingtang was unwilling to keep these local gentry.

However, this action cannot be taken too early, so as not to provoke strong resistance from these nobles.

We also need to see how the situation develops. If Prince Jing is willing to send troops to help, we don't necessarily have to withdraw.

The leader pointed at by the embroidered clothes asked: "What if someone disobeys?"

Xu Jingtang's eyes were filled with murderous intent:
"They have no choice but to obey! Humph, there is one Zhao Shixiong who rebelled, and there can't be another one."

"Then the Huai'an Palace will also be there?"

"Of course. When the time comes, you will personally lead people to do it. If necessary, you can ask people from the Shenlong Temple for assistance." Xu Jingtang said calmly: "Invite them in a decent manner, so as to avoid the other princes gossiping and saying that I am ruthless in my work."

"Yes!"

The leader took the order, retreated step by step, and then disappeared.

Xu Jingtang stood alone in the martial arts arena for a while before he threw away his sword and walked to the deepest part of the garden with a stern face.

Deep in the garden, there is a closed gate covered with ivy.

Xu Jingtang pushed the door open with both hands, and saw that in the elegant courtyard, there were sorcerers stationed there. They were wearing white mourning clothes, holding white banners, and had palm-sized coffins of different colors hanging around their waists.

"I want to see the sect leader." Xu Jingtang said coldly.

A disciple in white made a "please" gesture, and soon, King Mu saw a person sitting cross-legged on the ground in the inner courtyard.

He was wearing a pure white hood that covered his entire body.

"The imperial army is heading south, it's time for you to contribute." Xu Jingtang said in a cold voice.

The pure white hood was slowly raised, and as the wind blew, strands of silvery, shiny hair flew out from the hood.

"can."

……

……

Zhong Pan's carriage was very fast, but because it set out two days late, when it arrived at Jingchuan Town, it deliberately avoided the battle site between the two armies.

But one can also clearly feel the atmosphere of war in the air.

And when this ghost carriage passed through the city gate and entered Jingchuan County, the sun had just set.

The night was like a veil, covering the horizon, and the entire sky was dark blue.

Zhao Duan looked out the curtain at the few pedestrians on the street and said calmly:

"Did you feel it?"

Yuxiu was sitting cross-legged in meditation, chanting the meditation mantra all the way. At this moment, she opened her eyes and looked at him suspiciously:
"What do you feel?"

"Fear." In the dark carriage, Zhao Duan's eyes were deep:
"Prince Mu is afraid, and so is the entire Jingchuan County. This is a good signal. This kind of atmosphere also appeared in the capital when the six rebel kings entered the capital and the Qingzhou army approached the city. Now it's their turn."

Jin Jian opened her eyes from her sleep. The girl slowly climbed out of Zhao Duan's arms, took out her gold-rimmed glasses and put them on, and said softly:

"The moonlight is beautiful tonight."

Around the 15th of every month, the stars and the moon shine brightest at night.

This was also the period when the power of the Golden Tablet Magic was the strongest.

Only when it is dark and the stars and the moon are bright can the golden tablet exert its true power.

This also means that if Zhao Duan wants to take action, it is best to do it at night.

Zhong Pan held the reins in his hands and did not look back. His tall figure was like a mountain, giving people peace of mind. He then said:

"Boy, we've arrived. You should tell me where you're going, right?"

Zhao Duan smiled and said:

"According to intelligence, Xu Jingtang is stationed in Baishi Garden. But given the current situation, the old intelligence may not be accurate, so our first stop tonight is Huai'an Palace."

Huai'an Palace? Everyone was a little surprised.

Zhao Duan continued:

"If everything goes well, we will take action tonight to capture and kill Xu Jingtang. You must also be prepared."

Hearing this, several people in the car were startled, not because of fear, but rather a little excitement.

After holding it in for the whole journey, they were almost exhausted and wanted to fight right away to stretch their muscles.

However, Zhao Duan, the "mastermind", was extremely cautious about this action and was secretly worried.

Zhang Yanyi's words with him in the capital kept lingering in his mind.

It is almost clear that if there was no major crisis on this trip, the old Taoist priest would not have given him the secret bag to save his life.

But at the same time, the fact that Lao Zhang did not dissuade the situation also means that the danger is controllable.

"So, the danger exists, but it should be within the controllable range? However, the revelation given by the way of heaven is vague and can be changed. It is not a predetermined fate.

So I have to act before they discover our infiltration. I can't delay it for too long, but I also have to get enough intelligence or get help."

While Zhao Duan was thinking, the ghost carriage passed through the streets, went into the alleys, and turned the last corner.

The carriage suddenly stopped in an alley.

"We have arrived at the palace."

Zhong Pan's deep voice sounded, and he said jokingly:
"Should I not need to drive the carriage into the mansion?"

It would be best if you are willing to deliver it to my door... Zhao Duan complained in his heart, but a smile appeared on his face:
"Senior brother is joking."

Several people who had been feeling depressed for a long time came out of the carriage one after another.

The white unicorn exhaled air, and Zhong Pan grabbed a bag of strange food, hung it around the white horse's neck, and let it eat on its own.

"call……"

Zhao Duan put his feet on the ground and exhaled deeply, feeling the cool breeze of the autumn night blowing away the heat all over his body.

My body feels a little lighter.

Yuxiu, Jinjian, Lang Shiba and Jiyue were also moving their hands and feet, and then cast their gaze outside the alley, to a very imposing and large mansion diagonally across the street.

Under the shade of red lanterns at the main gate is a huge plaque that reads "Huai'an Prince's Palace".

"We can't go in directly. There might be people watching nearby. It's best to hide our tracks to avoid being noticed by King Mu." Zhao Duan said, turning his gaze to the three disciples of Tianshi Mansion.

Warlocks are better at this kind of thing.

As night fell, Jin Jian, who was particularly energetic and active, pushed his glasses, volunteered, and raised his hand:
"I come!"

She still remembered that Zhao Duan promised to give bonuses to those who performed well, so she was very motivated.

The female priestess grabbed with one hand a staff that looked like it was made of a vine and had a golden eye fixed on the top.

She held the staff and drew a circle in the air in front of her with the sharp end.

"Chichi-"

The mottled starlight gathered together and followed the trace drawn by the staff, condensing into an illusory full moon.

Teleportation!

Back then, in the battle to capture Zhuang Xiaocheng on the Huai River, Jin Jian had used this signature technique, which could allow people to cross space within a short distance.

Jin Jiandan stepped into the full moon, and grabbed Zhao Duan with his free hand, and Zhao Duan grabbed Yu Xiu... One by one, like a string of candied haws, they went into the full moon.

The young Taoist priest Zhong Pan did not enter, but remained beside the carriage and smiled:
"I'm keeping watch outside."

In name it was to spread the word, but in reality it was to prevent the Mu Palace from having spies around. If the whereabouts of Zhao Duan and others were exposed, someone would want to deliver a letter.

Zhong Pan can intercept at the periphery to prevent his whereabouts from being leaked and causing the operation to fail.

Even if there were experts in the Huai'an Palace, it would be impossible for them to defeat Zhao Duan and his four companions in a short period of time.

If there is a real accident, Zhong Pan will be able to provide support immediately.

In the alley, the four people disappeared, and the full moon shrank into a point of light and disappeared.

……

Deep inside the Huai Palace.

In a garden, a full moon appeared out of thin air.

Zhao Duan and the other three stepped out and put their feet on the ground. They saw mountains, rocks, and vegetation all around them, and pavilions and towers in the distance.

"Where is this? It seems not to be the front yard, but the inner house."

Zhao Duan had never been to Huai'an Palace, but the general structure of the garden mansion was always similar.

He looked around, trying to determine his direction.

Jin Jian held his eye sockets awkwardly and stammered, "I don't know the way either..."

The main feature is a random teleportation, you can tell whether you have entered or not.

"Well, let's investigate before taking action..."

As Zhao Duan was speaking, his ears moved and he vaguely heard the voice of a maidservant talking in front of him.

Following the sound, I saw red lanterns approaching from afar.

It should be a servant on night patrol.

Zhao Duan was wondering whether he should avoid it, when suddenly, a figure like an eagle swooped down from the roof nearby.

A grey-robed old man can be vaguely seen!
"Who dares to trespass into the palace?"

As soon as the words fell, two violent gusts of wind blew over the garden, and strong winds blew, with sand and rocks flying everywhere!
……

Correct typos first and then correct them
(End of this chapter)