SFS Chapter 1163
Chapter 1163
Zhou Ge, who was also somewhat panicked, once again brought out the 100,000-strong Jiangnan navy.
But when he finished his angry roar, all he got in return was the sound of Master Xu slurping his tea.
In an instant, the imperial study fell into an eerie silence.
The silence was broken only when Xu Shan handed the teacup back to Hong Gu and said "thank you" with a faint smile.
"Lord Xu, now is not the time to act rashly. The capital is at a critical juncture."
"The rebel army in Jiujiang successively captured Shuzhou, Tongguanshan and Wuhu, and even bypassed Dangtu and headed straight for Lishui."
"And now it's even more so..."
An official personally promoted by Zhu Youwei offered earnest advice at this time.
In his view, Xu Shan was so tough because of Zhou Ge's arrogance just now.
But now, in order to protect the capital, they still need to rely on his nephew's Jiangnan navy.
However, before the other person could finish speaking, Xu Shan looked up and asked, "What did you say?"
"The rebels of Jiujiang?"
"When did the Jiujiang navy, which was ordered to enter the capital to defend the emperor and quell the rebellion, become a rebel army?"
'boom.'
After Xu Shan finished speaking, the entire Imperial Study erupted in an uproar.
Even Hong Gu, who was standing next to him, was stunned and speechless.
Not far away, Jia Ke and Zhou Ge, along with other "former imperial faction" ministers, stood at the door, their faces filled with astonishment and shock.
"Nine, the Jiujiang Navy, are they... are they ordered to enter the capital to defend the emperor and quell the rebellion?"
"Lord Xu, what... what does this mean?"
Hearing this, Xu Shan sneered and raised the corners of his mouth, saying, "Don't you understand?"
"Should we ask Grand Secretary Zhou?"
"He and other ministers, including Vice Minister Jia, have been plotting for many years in the capital and even in many other parts of the Ming Dynasty. They should know the specific details better than I, the Imperial Envoy."
"After all, he was one of the masterminds!"
'Uh-huh. '
After Xu Shan finished speaking with a cold laugh, many ministers in the room turned their gazes once again to the panicked faces of Zhou Ge, Jia Ke, and others.
At this moment, their scalps tingled, their heads were buzzing, and some of them were even trembling uncontrollably.
"Xu Shan, you, you stop distorting the truth and spouting nonsense."
"This Grand Secretary is loyal to the Ming Dynasty and to His Majesty; the sun and moon bear witness to this."
After Zhou Ge finished speaking, feigning composure, Xu Shan countered with, "Which emperor are you loyal to?"
The most fatal answer instantly made Zhou Ge, Jia Ke, and the others realize that this young man had already discovered their deepest secrets.
But at this point, they absolutely refused to admit it.
"Our loyalty is naturally to His Majesty the Great Ming."
"Xu Shan, stay away from here..."
This time, before Zhou Ge could make any more excuses, Xu Shan interrupted him directly, saying, "Go and urge Grand Secretary Lai, Grand Secretary Zhang, and General Ma to hurry up."
"The irrefutable evidence is right in front of them, and it was all found in the Zhou and Jia families' homes."
"They insist on following procedures and checking everything!"
"Is it that you'll only believe me if I, the Imperial Envoy, display the heads of Li Cheng and the members of the Assassin's Guild inside the palace..."
"The Zhou family of Jiangnan and their associates rebelled."
"Is the Jiangnan navy plotting a rebellion in the capital?"
'Pah-ta-ta.'
Upon hearing Xu Shan's words, Jia Ke and the others couldn't help but stagger back several steps.
Even Zhou Ge turned pale, his pupils dilated as he stared at Xu Shan, who remained calmly seated.
"Damn it, they even dare to collude with the concubines in the harem to plant spies in the palace?"
"They even sent people to assassinate high-ranking officers of my city defense battalion and patrol battalion?"
“Zhou Ge…”
"This is the capital city."
When Xu Shan finally laid all his cards on the table, Zhou Ge, Jia Ke, and the others finally realized...
It turns out that my supposedly flawless plan was actually under the other party's control!
The reason for letting them run wild was probably to lure the Jiangnan navy into the capital.
If the 100,000-strong Jiangnan navy were to remain within its own territory, it would be able to attack or defend as needed. It could even escape overseas!
But now?
Once they are lured into the heart of Nanjing, if someone cuts off their retreat route...
Then those 100,000 naval troops would truly be gone for good.
'Clatter.'
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from outside the Imperial Study.
"Tianshi!"
"Lao Gelao..."
'Plop.'
When the guards outside announced their identities, some ministers who had colluded with Zhou Ge and Jia Ke collapsed to the ground, unable to withstand the pressure.
They know perfectly well what they did and what they planned!
Since Xu Shan was so blunt, there's only one explanation for their arrival—to close the net and settle scores.
"Heavens! Celestial Master! Elder Lai! What exactly is going on?"
"Xu Shan falsely accused us of rebellion, and even said..."
'Snapped. '
Before Zhou Ge could finish speaking, Lai Mingcheng, who was standing next to the Celestial Master, slapped him across the cheek in a fit of rage.
"Still trying to argue your way out of this?"
"Catch him."
"Yes."
At Lai Mingcheng's command, the guards outside rushed in and quickly bound Zhou Ge and the others.
"How did you end up in the palace? Wasn't it agreed that you would handle external affairs while I would handle internal affairs?"
Upon hearing the Celestial Master's words, Xu Shan replied with a smile, "The concubines in the harem have all placed shamans from the Demon-Sealing Clan within the palace. They are even attempting to reawaken His Majesty's 'Soul Curse'."
"Is it possible for me to feel at ease, Celestial Master, since we are unsure of His Majesty's safety?"