The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1057 - 240

Chapter 1057: 240

Mo Heng saw her running towards him, his heart skipping a beat; he dismounted and opened his arms wide, embracing her tightly, "Qinqin..." His heart, with its empty space, was filled entirely by her in an instant.

Enveloped so tightly in his arms, Pei Qin suddenly felt a sourness around her eyes and an inexplicable sense of grievance welling up inside her, clinging tightly onto him.

Feeling a warmth against his chest, Mo Heng loosened his hold, "Qinqin? Are you injured anywhere?"

"No," Pei Qin replied in a muffled voice, shaking her head.

Mo Heng lifted her face, seeing her swollen, watery eyes, his heart ached as he held her tighter, "I am late! I am sorry! I am so sorry, Qinqin!"

Pei Qin sniffled, "Stop holding me, there are so many people!"

Looking up and noticing the subtle and curious glances from the combatants, Mo Heng knew this was not the time; he reluctantly let go of her, "Just wait for me a moment."

"Mmm," Pei Qin obediently responded, then asked him, "How many men did you bring? Have my people seen you outside the city?" She had already sent Xiao Yong to move forty thousand troops, yet they hadn’t arrived.

"Only twenty thousand. Your people have been dealt with by me!" Mo Heng explained. That was why he was a step late.

Pei Qin was startled, "Dealt with?"

Glancing at Xiao Guangzhao, Mo Heng did not elaborate further, "Leave the rest to me, just follow behind me!"

After thinking for a moment, Pei Qin agreed and followed him to meet Xiao Guangzhao.

Xiao Guangzhao, seeing Mo Heng coming despite his illness, was naturally pleased, his lips curling up slightly. However, remembering that Emperor Chu Wen’s remains were still in the palace, his expression once again became one of mournful dignity, "Mo Heng! The Emperor has passed the throne to me, and since you arrived with your troops, I delegate the remaining tasks to you and General Pei!"

Upon hearing this, Mo Heng glanced at the Succession Decree and the Jade Seal, kneeling on one knee, "... Long live, my Emperor! I swear to eradicate the Rebel Army and capture all the traitors!"

Xiao Guangzhao showed a satisfied expression.

Standing up, Mo Heng turned and looked at the two clashing groups below, his expression stern, his murderous aura unleashed. Glancing at Pei Qin, he led her forward to take command.

Lu Hai and Liu Feng exchanged glances as they noticed a dozen men subtly protecting them; they understood it was to prevent Xiao Guangzhu from silencing them, as well as to guard against his people, watching over Pei Qin closely.

Mo Heng had already won over the loyalty of his troops, and his Deputy Generals were all his confidants. With no need for further words, they had already surrounded Bao Xun’s men: surrender and live, resist and die.

These twenty thousand troops handpicked by Mo Heng, stringently trained according to the criteria for special forces Pei Qin had described, were elite soldiers capable of taking on ten at a time, and they were well-equipped.

With Prince Qing, Xiao Guangzhu, dead, they had no hope left in rebellion. They couldn’t possibly support Bao Xun, a man with no chances of claiming the throne. The thought of surrender grew in their minds. Surrender and live; to not do so meant certain death.

Observing the dark cavalry below, electric with cold, merciless killing intent, the rebel army one after another dropped their weapons and surrendered.

Bao Xun, seeing the tide turning unfavorably and Xiao Guangzhu slain, immediately fled for his life with his soldiers.

Mo Heng watched him coldly and fired two shots, hitting him in the shoulder armor.

Struck by two shots in the back, Bao Xun stiffened and tumbled from his horse.

Mo Heng’s Deputy General instantly understood—the General wanted him alive. Immediately they surged forward, slaughtering all of Bao Xun’s personal soldiers who were surrounding him, and capturing Bao Xun.

With Prince Heqing, Xiao Guangbi, dead and Great General Bao Xun captured, the soldiers quickly surrendered, crouching on the ground.

As promised, Mo Heng didn’t kill the captives but took them into temporary custody.

Soon, Jiang Gan and Shen Bi, among other officials, were rescued and brought into the palace.

News also came from the inner palace: Consort Yu took her own life in the Empress Dowager’s quarters, while the Empress Dowager remained gravely ill, unconscious.

Having quelled the palace revolt and hearing of Mo Heng’s arrival with a large army, Xiao Guangjing’s heart sank further. Mo Heng had betrayed him as well; husband and wife had both switched their allegiance to Xiao Guangzhao! Of course, they were a couple and naturally acted together. But why had Pei Qin fostered Xiao Yong for so many years?

There must be something he was unaware of. With a dark anger on his face, Xiao Guangjing stayed by the Empress Dowager’s side. Xiao Guangzhao had no right to assume the throne; the decree had been altered by Pei Qin, and only the Empress Dowager and the courtiers could now halt this absurdity!

Although Shen Bi did not know that Pei Hansan and Mo Heng would support the accession of Xiao Guangzhao, the Emperor had previously indicated he would choose between Prince He Qing and Prince Yong’an, excluding Prince Yongle from consideration.

Being of advanced age, Jiang Gan knew he didn’t have many years left to live, even if he remained in good health. As the Grand Secretary, he could not end his days in dishonor. The late Emperor was the one he had supported, and as for the new emperor, he only examined the Succession Decree, inquired of Pei Qin and the Pen-Holding Eunuch, while the kneeling Imperial Physicians didn’t hear clearly; thus, they presumed Pei Qin’s account to be correct, believing that the Emperor did indeed pass the throne to Prince Yongle.

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