The Ming Dynasty: The most ruthless imperial grandson, Old Zhu begged me not to kill him.

Chapter 745 A conspiracy is quietly brewing

The King of Annam was captured, and Zhu Xiong Ying deposed him, incorporating Annam into the territory of the Ming Dynasty.

When the news reached the Ming Dynasty, the whole country rejoiced.

Zhu Xiong Ying's prestige reached its peak, and he was hailed as "the greatest emperor of all time".

However, amidst the cheers, a conspiracy was quietly brewing...

The former Annamite troops, dissatisfied with the rule of the Ming Dynasty, secretly gathered and prepared to revolt.

Meanwhile, in the far west, a powerful empire is rising...

The rainy season in Annam arrived earlier than usual, the damp air thick with the scent of earth and decaying leaves. Zhu Xiong Ying stood in the newly built Annamite palace, gazing at the endless rain outside the window, a shadow of gloom hanging over his brow. Conquering Annam had been far easier than he had anticipated, leaving him somewhat bored. He needed a greater challenge, a more exciting game.

"Your Majesty, Nguyen Van Huy, the former leader of Annam, requests an audience," a eunuch reported, bowing.

“Ruan Wenhui?” Zhu Xiong Ying’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Let him in.”

Nguyen Van Huy was brought in. He was short, dark-skinned, and his eyes gleamed with cunning. He knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly: "Your Majesty, the guilty subject Nguyen Van Huy, pays respects to His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Ming!"

"Nguyen Van Huy, you've got some nerve! I've wiped out Annam, and you still dare to come see me?" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was icy cold, like the north wind in winter.

"This humble subject dares not! This humble subject has come to present Your Majesty with a great gift." Nguyen Van Huy raised his head, his face full of fawning smiles.

"Oh? What kind of big gift?" Zhu Xiong Ying asked with great interest.

“There is a secret place in Annam called ‘Valley of Longevity’. A magical herb called ‘Grass of Longevity’ grows in the valley. Taking it can prolong life and keep you young forever,” Nguyen Van Huy said mysteriously.

A glint of light flashed in Zhu Xiong Ying's eyes. Although he was invincible, he still longed for the secret to immortality.

"The herb of immortality? Is there really such a miraculous thing?"

“Absolutely true! Your Majesty, I am willing to lead the way to the Valley of Longevity,” Ruan Wenhui said confidently.

Zhu Xiong Ying pondered for a moment, then sneered, "Ruan Wen Hui, do you think I would believe your nonsense? You are clearly trying to use this opportunity to escape!"

Nguyen Van Huy immediately kowtowed: "Your Majesty, please understand! This humble subject dares not deceive Your Majesty! The existence of the Valley of Longevity is a secret of the monarchs of Annam throughout the ages, known only to a few. This humble subject is willing to guarantee with his life that every word he has spoken is true!"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Ruan Wen Hui with suspicion in his eyes. He knew Ruan Wen Hui was cunning and treacherous, definitely not a good person. However, the temptation of the immortal herb was too great for him to resist.

"Very well, I'll give you one chance. If you dare to deceive me, I will tear you to pieces!"

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!" Ruan Wenhui felt as if he had been granted a pardon and quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude.

Three days later, Zhu Xiong Ying led an elite force, under the command of Ruan Wen Hui, to Changsheng Valley.

The mountain roads in Annam were rugged and difficult to traverse, and the forests were even more muddy after the rain. Zhu Xiong Ying rode his tall horse, enduring the bumpy ride, his heart filled with impatience.

"Ruan Wenhui, how far is Changsheng Valley?"

"Your Majesty, it's almost there, in the valley not far ahead," Nguyen Van Huy said, pointing ahead.

Zhu Xiong Ying looked up and saw that the valley was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see anything clearly.

"Hmph, I hope you're not lying to me!"

The group continued forward and finally arrived at the entrance to the valley.

At the entrance to the valley, there is an ancient stone tablet with three large ancient seal characters engraved on it: Longevity Valley.

Zhu Xiong Ying gazed at the stone tablet, her heart filled with anticipation. Could the herb of immortality truly exist?

He couldn't wait to enter the valley. The valley was beautiful, with birds singing and flowers blooming, like a fairyland.

However, just as Zhu Xiong Ying was immersed in the beautiful scenery, a sudden change occurred!
"Fire arrows!"

At a command, countless arrows shot out from both sides of the valley, pouring down like a torrential rain!

Caught off guard, Zhu Xiong Ying was hit by several arrows and fell off his horse.

"Protect the Emperor!"

The Ming soldiers drew their weapons and engaged in fierce fighting with the Annamese soldiers who were lying in ambush in the valley.

Standing high in the valley, Ruan Wenhui looked at Zhu Xiong Ying, who had been hit by a hail of arrows, and a sinister smile appeared on his face.

"Zhu Xiong Ying, you've finally met your match! Immortality grass? Hahaha, keep dreaming!"

He raised his bow and arrow, aiming at Zhu Xiong Ying who was lying on the ground, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

At this critical moment, a figure suddenly appeared and stood in front of Zhu Xiong Ying...

Arrows rained down like locusts, their sharp, piercing sounds cutting through the air. In the nick of time, a figure leaped down, shielding Zhu Xiong Ying with his own body.

"Chang Yuchun!" Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Chang Yuchun, who had shielded her from the arrow, in disbelief. A sharp pain shot through her chest, not just from the arrow wound, but more from the anger and chilling feeling of being betrayed.

Chang Yuchun groaned as several arrows pierced his back. He endured the excruciating pain and rasped, "Protect...His Majesty..."

"Why?" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice trembled. He couldn't understand why Chang Yu Chun, who had always been loyal to him, would betray him.
A trickle of blood escaped from the corner of Chang Yuchun's mouth, and he gave a bitter smile: "The victor is king, the loser is villain... that's all..."

Zhu Xiong Ying roared, "I haven't been defeated yet! Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"

The Ming soldiers charged at the Annamese soldiers like tigers descending a mountain. Their hearts were filled with anger and hatred; they fought for the emperor, but even more so for the rage of betrayal.

The fierce battle lasted for half an hour, but the Annamese soldiers were ultimately outnumbered and routed. Seeing that the situation was hopeless, Nguyen Van Huy fled in panic.

"Chase! Capture Ruan Wenhui alive!" Zhu Xiong Ying ordered through gritted teeth.

Chang Yuchun lay in Zhu Xiong Ying's arms, barely breathing.

"Your Majesty...this old minister...has failed...your...trust..."

Looking at the dying Chang Yuchun, Zhu Xiong Ying felt a mix of emotions. He had once regarded Chang Yuchun as a confidant, but now he had been betrayed by him. This feeling was more painful than the arrow wounds on his body.

"Why... Chang Yuchun, why did you betray me?" Zhu Xiong Ying's voice was hoarse, carrying a trace of unconcealed grief.

Chang Yuchun struggled to raise his hand, wanting to touch Zhu Xiong Ying's face, but it fell limply to his side. "Your Majesty... Your Majesty has your reasons..."

"Difficulties? What difficulties could make you betray me? Betray the Ming Dynasty?" Zhu Xiong Ying roared.

With his last ounce of strength, Chang Yuchun stammered, "The immortality... the immortal herb... is fake... Ruan Wenhui... he... he..."

Before he could finish speaking, Chang Yuchun breathed his last.

Zhu Xiong Ying held Chang Yu Chun's body tightly, letting tears fall silently. He had never imagined that he would one day feel so powerless, so sorrowful.

"Your Majesty, Nguyen Van Huy has been captured!" A soldier brought Nguyen Van Huy, who was bound hand and foot, to Zhu Xiong Ying.

Zhu Xiong Ying raised her head, her eyes bloodshot, like a wounded wild beast. "Speak! What exactly is this 'Longevity Grass'? What is Chang Yu Chun's true predicament?"

(End of this chapter)