The revitalization of the Tang Dynasty began with the Ganlu Incident.

Chapter 7: The Quarrel

As a square that was only used during the grand court sessions, the Hanyuan Hall Square has long been characterized by solemnity and dignity.

However, at this moment, the only word that filled the square was chaos.

The shouts of the crowd scattering in all directions, the clash of weapons between officials, and the shrill cries unique to the eunuchs.

The various sounds mingled together, plunging the entire hall into an atmosphere of extreme tension.

Li Ang sat on the throne, with Privy Councilor Xue Jiling and Chancellor Wang Ya at the head, surrounded by the remaining eunuchs and attendants in the hall.

Everyone's eyes were fixed on the tightly closed palace doors, as if trying to see through the thick sandalwood doors and witness what was happening outside.

Now, even the most oblivious person would realize what is happening outside the palace.

If they win, they'll all be heroes, but if they lose...

The heavy palace doors were slowly pushed open, and the flood of sunlight instantly illuminated the dark hall. Then, Chen Junshang, dressed in military attire, strode into the hall and began to speak.

"Your Majesty, the traitors Qiu Shiliang and Yu Hongzhi have been executed. Privy Councilor Liu Hongyi, Chancellor Li Xun, along with Military Governor Wang Fan, Guo Xingyu, Censor-in-Chief Li Xiaoben, and Vice Prefect of Jingzhao Prefecture Luo Liyan, are waiting outside the palace for further instructions."

Only when those words resounded throughout the entire hall did Li Ang finally feel completely at ease.

He let out a long breath, and a wave of exhaustion washed over him, almost causing him to collapse.

However, it was only for a short while before Li Ang forced himself to sit up straight.

The deaths of Qiu Shiliang and others do not mean the end of the matter. Although the subsequent arrangements are logical, we cannot let our guard down.

He waved his hand, signaling the officials around him to return to their posts. Then, instead of immediately letting Li Xun and the others in, he asked a question.

"What's the situation outside the palace?"

This is also what everyone present is most concerned about.

Chen Junshang naturally understood this point and quickly responded.

"Your Majesty, Qiu Shiliang rushed to the outside of the palace, intending to break in, but I killed him with my own hands. Yu Hongzhi fled to Xuanzheng Gate, intending to enter the inner palace to mobilize the Shence Army, but was captured and killed by Privy Councilor Liu Hongyi."

"The remaining members of the two men are scattered among the officials outside the palace. Just now, Prime Minister Li Xun sent two garrison officers to search and arrest them. Please give instructions on the rest, Your Majesty."

It is concise yet clear in its key points.

Although Li Ang keenly sensed the obvious hidden meaning in these words, now was clearly not the time to consider that.

and……

"What about Han Yue?"

Li Ang did not rush to arrange the follow-up matters, but instead asked about the person who should have been the core of the plan.

Just then, everyone in the hall suddenly realized that Chen Junshang's reply had mentioned almost everyone, but the Left General of the Golden Guard was conspicuously absent.

Given Han Yue's status, even if Chen Junshang wanted to steal credit from him, he wouldn't have done it so obviously, right?

unless……

As expected, just as everyone was making their own guesses, Chen Junshang continued to speak.

"Your Majesty, the only one who chased after Han Yue from the left wing of the Imperial Guard was General Li Zhensu; Han Yue was not seen."

In other words, Han Yue disappeared throughout the entire process, and even now, with everything basically settled, he has not appeared.

This means that he is either dead or... escaped!

Between the two, the latter is clearly more likely.

Li Ang shook his head, but did not get angry.

After all, it has long been proven that Han Yue is unreliable.

On the contrary, Han Yue's absence at this time actually saved him a lot of trouble.

Without wasting too much energy on this matter, Li Ang quickly gave his instructions.

"General Chen, you shall immediately lead 500 men of the Imperial Guard, together with the Privy Councilor Xue Jiling and Liu Hongyi, to the Shence Army's garrison to assist them in taking over the Shence Army's defenses. You shall also summon Shence General Chen Junyi to come and receive orders."

"Li Zhensu, the General of the Golden Guard, is hereby appointed as the Left General of the Golden Guard, leading 500 Golden Guards to take over the defense of Xuanzheng Gate and Hanyuan Hall. All personnel without imperial decree are still prohibited from entering or leaving. The officers and soldiers of the two towns are still under the command of Wang Fan and Guo Xingyu, and are to guard outside the hall. They are not allowed to move without imperial decree."

The Shence Army is the key!

Although Qiu Shiliang and others died, they had cultivated their influence in the Shence Army for many years and had many confidants in the palace.

Although the possibility is small, Li Ang still has to prevent anyone from taking this opportunity to incite a mutiny within the Shence Army.

Therefore, the most urgent task is to immediately take control of the Shence Army.

Before this, even the simple act of returning to the palace was quite risky.

"Your subject obeys the decree."

Chen Junshang bowed his head to accept the order, then rose and left the main hall.

With his departure, the atmosphere in the hall finally became a little more relaxed.

Although many people are still shaken by what just happened, at least the most dangerous time has passed.

But just when everyone thought everything was settled, the sound of clashing swords suddenly came from outside.

"What happened?"

Li Ang was startled and quickly sent his attendant out to check.

A moment later, the waiter hurriedly returned and said.

"Your Majesty, Minister Li, along with officers from the two garrisons, blocked General Chen and his entourage outside the palace. He claimed that this is a time of turmoil and that he must see Your Majesty's countenance before he will obey the imperial decree."

As soon as he finished speaking, everyone in the hall frowned.

What kind of trouble is Li Xun causing at this critical moment?

Especially Li Ang, whose eyes flashed with a sharp light, leaned down slightly and asked.

"Say it again, what did Li Xun do?"

The waiter hesitated for a moment, somewhat puzzled, but still dutifully repeated himself.

"Your Majesty, Minister Li, along with officers from the two garrisons, stopped General Chen and his entourage, claiming they wish to see Your Majesty."

The air pressure around the throne suddenly dropped, and Li Ang clenched his fists instantly, his expression turning extremely cold.

That's absolutely outrageous!

It should be noted that before taking action against Qiu Shiliang, Li Xun clearly saw that Li Ang had entrusted many important tasks to Chen Junshang and others.

In fact, Li Ang had this in mind when he sent the three of them out together, so that they could verify the authenticity of the imperial edict to each other.

As the prime minister, Li Xun could not possibly be unaware of this principle.

Even so, he still managed to stop these people.

To put it bluntly, this is almost tantamount to disobeying a sacred command!

Of course, if that were all, Li Ang wouldn't be so angry.

The real key point is that Li Xun did not simply verbally obstruct, but directly mobilized the officials of the two towns to forcibly intercept him.

It should be noted that before taking command of the Shence Army, Li Ang could only rely on the Jinwu Guard and the officers of the two garrisons.

But Li Xun's actions at this moment were undoubtedly telling Li Ang that he could mobilize these troops at will, even without the emperor's order.

It's only being used to stop Chen Junshang and the others right now, so... what's next?

With his right hand lightly resting on the armrest, Li Ang felt a surge of anger rising within him, but he forced himself to calm down in a moment.

Chen Junshang and his group were stopped at the palace gate, which means that they had not yet been able to mobilize the remaining troops at the Jinwu Guard.

Currently, there are only about two hundred Imperial Guards on duty in the palace, while the two garrison commanders lined up outside the palace have at least five or six hundred soldiers.

In this situation, you must not act impulsively!

So, after taking a deep breath, Li Ang tried his best to calm himself down and quickly said.

"Summon Li Xun and the other officials to the palace for a response!"