There are twelve city gates in the outer city of Kyoto. The north gate is Jingyao Gate, the east side is Linfang Gate, and the west side is Gwanghwamun Gate.

At three o'clock in the morning, the emperor's guard of honor came out of Jingyao Gate and meandered towards the official road. Many people knelt down and worshiped on the roadside, shouting "Long Live the Mountain". This move was completely spontaneous among these ordinary people, except for the awe of the imperial power in their hearts.

, they also knew that His Majesty’s trip was to pray for rain for the victims.

The Liu royal family has always been tolerant to the people of Li, especially the two emperors Taizong and Zhongzong who tried their best to reduce the burden on the people. Coupled with the continuous development of commerce, this made Daliang's national power flourish, gradually leaving Western Wu and Southern Zhou behind.

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The people were very content. As long as they had enough food to eat and clothes to wear, and they could save some money throughout the year, they would be very happy.

Now that they saw the emperor personally praying for rain for the victims, they naturally burst into tears of gratitude.

Listening to those grateful cheers, Emperor Kaiping looked at the three princes sitting in front of him with complicated eyes in the spacious and comfortable royal chariot and asked: "What do you think?"

The second prince was the first to praise: "My father is wise and powerful and is loved by all the people. Daliang will surely bring peace to the world and unite the four seas!"

Emperor Kaiping was noncommittal and turned his attention to the sixth prince beside him.

Liu Zhi has become taciturn in the past few years since he was sidelined by Pei Yue in the Ministry of Punishment. He rarely interacts with courtiers on the surface, and it seems that he has long given up on competing for the throne. Even though Emperor Kaiping granted him the power to observe government some time ago,

He was not as eager as the second prince from the same mother. He just went to a few yamen to observe the situation symbolically, and was very respectful to the courtiers, which made his reputation better and better.

Facing Emperor Kaiping's indifferent gaze, Liu Zhi said calmly: "Father, the people are simple and honest. As long as the imperial court treats them well, they will definitely remember it in their hearts."

Emperor Kaiping nodded slightly and looked at the eldest prince who looked solemn: "What about you?"

Liu Xian hesitated and said, "Father, please forgive me."

Emperor Kaiping said calmly: "What mistake did you make again?"

Liu Xian was still a little nervous. Even though he had been struggling for the past few days and had made countless psychological preparations, he still felt fear when he came in front of Emperor Kaiping. After all, this was the fear that had been immersed in his bones since he was a child. After hesitating for a moment, he

He plucked up the courage and gritted his teeth and said: "Father, I think it is better to build water conservancy facilities in Yuzhou and other places than to pray for rain. This way, even if there is a drought next year, the people can irrigate their fields in time without affecting farming."

Emperor Kaiping looked at him strangely.

The courage Liu Xian had just brewed up immediately disappeared, and he said with shame: "My son is talking nonsense about state affairs. Please forgive me, father."

The second prince next to him sneered secretly, obviously gloating about his misfortune.

The Sixth Prince silently clenched his right hand in his sleeve, feeling quite surprised.

Emperor Kaiping asked expressionlessly: "Who taught you these words?"

Liu Xian quickly stood up and replied: "Father, no one has taught me. These are my own wild thoughts."

Emperor Kaiping said: "Sit down, I don't blame you."

Liu Xian was stunned. Did his father agree with his statement or not?

He was a little confused.

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The royal chariot was surrounded by a large number of palace people, guarded by court guards in front and behind, and accompanied by 3,000 imperial troops.

The Zangfeng Guard was divided into three groups. Chen Xianda led 3,000 men to temporarily replace the Kyoto garrison and firmly hold Jingyao Gate in his hands. Of course, Pei Yue did not have this power, and the garrison was not in his turn. However, because Emperor Kaiping

The defense chief was set up on a whim, and at least in the recent period, he can intervene in the defense of Kyoto.

Tang Linfen led three thousand cavalry forward, responsible for clearing the way and responding to emergencies, ensuring that no one would disturb the holy driver.

Wei Rui led five thousand cavalry on the periphery of the Forbidden Army to be responsible for the protection. In addition, there were more than 10,000 Wuding Guards who had rushed to Xingliang Mansion in advance to arrange defenses. Overall, a layer-by-layer protection system was formed. Logically speaking, there would be no danger.

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Xingliang Mansion is more than fifty miles away from Kyoto. The road does not seem to be long, but the emperor's ceremonial guard does not move very fast. If you set off in the morning, you will arrive in the evening at the earliest. The ceremony of offering sacrifices to the sky and praying for rain is relatively complicated. Pei Yue asked

Officials from the Ministry of Rites, everything goes well

It would take at least five days. This was why he was worried. Although the Zangfeng Guards and Wuding Guards were top-notch in strength and their loyalty was unquestionable, he always felt a little uneasy when they were far away from the impeccably guarded palace.

In the second half of the procession were the carriages of several important ministers, including Wang Pingzhang, the Duke of Wei, Han Gongduan, who participated in the affairs of the East Government, and Tang Jian, the Minister of Rites, and the rest were riding horses.

In the carriage at the front, Wang Pingzhang closed his eyes and meditated.

After Mo Haoli fell ill, no one in the court was more senior than him. Except for Huang Rentai, the imperial censor, almost all the courtiers were his juniors. However, he did not get carried away because of this. Instead, he became more and more cautious.

Most of the military affairs of the Xifu were left to Gu Liang, which seemed to express his intentions to Emperor Kaiping.

Except for Wang Jiuxuan, no one knew what the old man was thinking.

More than ten feet behind the carriage, Pei Yue was riding the precious horse that Pei Cheng had given him. His eyes seemed to want to penetrate the carriage wall and see clearly the thoughts of the old and strong Duke of Wei.

When he was at Mo Haoli's house, an idea suddenly popped into his mind. This pair of monarchs and ministers who cooperated tacitly were most likely setting a trap for Wang Pingzhang. However, the other party acted too well-behaved, as if except for the Western Camp of the Beijing Army, he

He can give up everything and does not care that the power in his hands is gradually weakened by Emperor Kaiping.

"Marquis Pei, Your Majesty has invited me."

An internal eunuch knew that he was coming on horseback, and he raised his hands on the horse and said.

Pei Yue nodded slightly, and then quickly came to the vicinity of the royal chariot.

He looked up and saw that the emperor was the only one on the chariot, and the three princes were missing.

Emperor Kaiping said calmly: "Pei Yue, come up and speak."

Pei Yue was slightly startled and said hesitantly: "Your Majesty, this is not in line with etiquette."

Emperor Kaiping frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "What are you talking about?"

Pei Yue sighed. Didn't he say that he would allow me to live a safe and honorable life in the palace? In the past few days, he changed his mind and insisted on roasting me on the fire. He can only say that the emperor is indeed the third kind of person besides men and women.

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The royal chariot symbolizes the majesty of the emperor. Most of the time, ministers are not qualified to board it, which means the emperor's absolute trust.

Sure enough, when Pei Yue stepped onto the royal chariot, the nearby palace and court guards couldn't help but look envious.

However, before Pei Yue could calm down, Emperor Kaiping asked softly: "You said before that the conspiracy was most likely planned by the fourth child, so besides the fourth child, who else do you think would be involved?"

Pei Yue considered his words and said slowly: "It can only be someone who is a distinguished member of the military."

Emperor Kaiping chuckled, stared into his eyes, and said word by word: "Wang Pingzhang?"
Chapter completed!