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

Chapter 795 Annihilation of the Blood Shadow Cult
The next morning, Zhu Xiong Ying got up early, summoned all the ministers, and announced a major event.

"I will personally lead the army to wipe out the Blood Shadow Cult!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers were in an uproar.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!" an old minister stepped forward to advise. "The Blood Shadow Cult is a powerful force. Your Majesty is of inestimable worth; how can you so easily take such a dangerous risk?"

“Yes, Your Majesty, this matter needs further consideration!” Other ministers also offered their advice.

Zhu Xiong Ying waved his hand and said, "My mind is made up, no need for further words! I will make the Blood Shadow Sect pay for its blood debts!"

After saying that, he turned and left the Golden Palace.

Three days later, Zhu Xiong Ying led his army out of the capital and headed towards the Blood Shadow Sect's stronghold.

He knew this was a battle to the death.

But he was fearless.

Because he firmly believed that justice would prevail!

The army advanced with unstoppable momentum, quickly breaching several of the Blood Shadow Cult's strongholds.

Seeing that the situation was not good, the leader of the Blood Shadow Cult hurriedly sent people to ask the neighboring country for help.

The neighboring king had long coveted the Ming Dynasty, and upon learning that the Blood Shadow Sect had requested assistance, he immediately dispatched troops to provide support.

The two armies engaged in a fierce battle on the border.

Zhu Xiong Ying led from the front, charging into battle and killing countless enemies.

His bravery boosted the morale of the Ming soldiers.

Ultimately, the Ming army emerged victorious, defeating the neighboring country's army.

Zhu Xiong Ying pressed his advantage and captured the Blood Shadow Sect's stronghold in one fell swoop.

The leader of the Blood Shadow Cult was captured, and the rest of the cult members were annihilated.

Thus, the Blood Shadow Cult was completely destroyed.

Zhu Xiong Ying returned in triumph and was warmly welcomed by the people.

Standing atop the city wall, watching the jubilant crowd, he felt a surge of pride and joy.

He knew he had accomplished his mission.

He protected the Ming Dynasty and its people.

He is a true hero!

However, amidst the jubilant crowd, an inconspicuous figure coldly observed everything… It was the man in black who had impersonated Xiao Guizi, stolen the imperial seal, and then attempted suicide by poison. He was still alive! He looked at Zhu Xiong Ying, a strange smile playing on his lips: “The game has only just begun…”

The crowd below the city walls roared with cheers, and Zhu Xiong Ying, bathed in their jubilation, smiled a barely perceptible, cold smirk. Victory? This was merely the beginning. The real game was about to begin.

He glanced at the commander of the Imperial Guards beside him and asked casually, "Commander Zhao, I heard that a new son has been born into your family?"

Commander Zhao was flattered and immediately knelt down to express his gratitude: "Thanks to Your Majesty's great blessing, my son has just turned one month old."

"Oh? Then we must celebrate properly. I will reward you with a hundred taels of gold; go back and hold a full-month celebration for your child." Zhu Xiong Ying's voice sounded exceptionally warm.

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your grace!" Commander Zhao was so moved that he prostrated himself on the ground.

Zhu Xiong Ying sneered inwardly. A hundred taels of gold? Enough for your whole family to dream of in their next life. This Commander Zhao is insatiably greedy, accepting bribes, forming cliques, and should have died long ago. But now is not the time. He's still useful.

In the stillness of the night, Zhu Xiong Ying paced alone in the imperial study. He took out a secret letter from a hidden compartment. The letter contained only a few words: "Everything is ready. Await good news."

Zhu Xiong Ying tossed the letter into the brazier, watching it turn to ashes, a resolute glint in his eyes. Xiao Gui Zi, and that so-called Blood Shadow Cult, were nothing more than pawns in his plan. What he wanted was the whole world!

"Guards!" Zhu Xiong Ying gave the order, and a man in black appeared silently in front of him, kneeling on one knee: "What are your orders, Your Majesty?" "Convey my decree: at noon tomorrow, summon all ministers. I have important matters to announce."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" The man in black accepted the order and disappeared into the night.

The next day, the atmosphere in the Imperial Palace was unusually tense. The ministers whispered among themselves, all speculating about the emperor's true intentions.

Zhu Xiong Ying sat on the dragon throne, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, a meaningful smile appearing on his lips.

"My lords," he said, "I have summoned you here today to announce a momentous event." He paused, then raised his voice, "I wish to abdicate!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the court was in an uproar.

"Your Majesty, it is absolutely impossible!"

"Your Majesty is in the prime of your life, why do you wish to abdicate?"

"Your Majesty, please take back your order!"

The ministers knelt down and pleaded desperately.

Zhu Xiong Ying remained unmoved; he waved his hand, signaling everyone to be quiet.

"My mind is made up, there's no need for further words." His tone was firm and brooked no argument. "I have chosen my successor, and that is my imperial uncle, Zhu Shuang!"

The crowd erupted in uproar once again. Zhu Shuang? That infamous, greedy, lecherous, and utterly illiterate prince? This was utterly ridiculous!

Seeing the shocked expressions on everyone's faces, Zhu Xiong Ying secretly gloated. This was exactly the effect he wanted. Catching everyone off guard and throwing them into chaos would allow him to fish in troubled waters and achieve his ultimate goal.

"I know you have many questions in your hearts, but I hope you can understand my good intentions." Zhu Xiong Ying's voice became low. "My health is deteriorating, and I am no longer able to handle state affairs. For the sake of the Ming Dynasty, I must make this choice."

As he spoke, he clutched his chest and coughed violently, as if he might pass away at any moment.

Seeing this, the ministers became even more uneasy. Was the emperor truly terminally ill?

Just then, a voice suddenly rang out: "Your Majesty, I have an objection!"

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young official step forward. It was Fang Xiaoru, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

"Does Lord Fang have any objections?" Zhu Xiong Ying narrowed his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of warning.

Fang Xiaoru, undeterred, met Zhu Xiong Ying's gaze directly: "Your Majesty, Prince Zhu Shuang is morally flawed and unfit for such a heavy responsibility. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!"

"How dare you, Fang Xiaoru! You dare question my decision!" Zhu Xiong Ying roared in fury, standing up abruptly and pointing at Fang Xiaoru's nose, shouting, "Guards, drag this traitor who has defied his superiors out and execute him!"

Two imperial guards immediately stepped forward and pinned Fang Xiaoru to the ground.

Fang Xiaoru, however, was not afraid at all. He laughed loudly, "You tyrant! You will regret killing me tomorrow!"

"Hmph! I'd like to see what you've got that will make me regret this!" Zhu Xiong Ying sneered, waving his hand. "Execute him!"

Just as the executioner raised his blade, a figure suddenly descended from the sky and stood in front of Fang Xiaoru.

"stop!"

Everyone looked closely and saw that the person who had arrived was... Commander Zhao! Shouldn't he be at home celebrating his son's one-month birthday? What was he doing here?

Commander Zhao held a long sword in his hand, the blade pointing directly at Zhu Xiong Ying, his eyes flashing with cold killing intent.

"Your Majesty, you have gone too far!"

Zhu Xiong Ying looked at Commander Zhao in front of her, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes, before she regained her composure.

"Commander Zhao, are you planning a rebellion?"

Commander Zhao sneered: "Rebellion? No! I just want to get rid of you, this tyrant, for the sake of all the people!"

(End of this chapter)