The Lone Walker

In a bustling town, Chen Fan was on his way to the capital and stopped here to rest. At this moment, he was ragged and his face was black, and he had not taken a bath for many days.

The sun pierced through the clouds and shone on the ancient town. On both sides of the street, there were all kinds of shops. Wooden signs with black words swayed in the wind, attracting passers-by.

In the middle of the street, vendors set up their stalls, shouting their wares one after another, fresh fruits and vegetables exuded an enticing aroma, and colorful fabrics sparkled in the sun.

Some craftsmen demonstrated their unique skills. For example, paper-cutting artists held scissors and could cut out lifelike patterns in a moment.

There was an endless stream of pedestrians in the streets and alleys. There were wealthy merchants in gorgeous robes, and there were also ragged beggars. Children were running around in the streets, playing and laughing happily from time to time.

In the distance, the bells of the bell tower rang, echoing over the town, reminding people of the passage of time. In the center of the town was a magnificent temple, filled with incense, and believers prayed devoutly, hoping to be blessed by the gods.

The whole town is full of the breath of life, lively and harmonious, like a flowing ancient scroll, showing the rich and colorful life of ancient towns.

Chen Fan came to a restaurant, and after having a good meal and a few drinks, he took a shower and changed into clean clothes, looking somewhat presentable now.

……

In the palace, Zhu Houzhao stood in front of the main hall, and Eunuch Sun walked over quickly, looking a little panicked.

"Your Majesty!"

"Is there no morning court today?"

"Didn't the Emperor order the morning court session to be suspended for half a day?"

"Yes, I haven't been able to sleep these days. Everything is a mess. They disappoint me so much. I really don't want to see them look so cowardly," Zhu Houzhao said helplessly.

"But, but, but, Your Majesty," Eunuch Sun stuttered and was unable to speak.

"Eunuch Sun, why are you so flustered?" Zhu Houzhao asked.

"God, Marquis Shen is coming to the palace with ten generals." It seemed like the emperor's attitude, which gave Eunuch Sun some confidence, and he said it in one breath.

"Did you bring any troops with you?" Zhu Houzhao asked in shock.

"No, there are only eight, eight guards." Eunuch Sun replied.

"Tell the guards not to lock the door." At this time, there was a sound at the door. Zhu Houzhao turned around and saw Zhu Wusi wearing a dragon robe, surrounded by ten generals and eight guards. With a majestic look in his eyes, he walked towards Zhu Houzhao with the gait of a dragon and a tiger. At this moment, his ambition had expanded extremely and he didn't want to pretend anymore.

"Uncle, you came to the palace so early in the morning, you slave boy, why didn't you inform me in advance so that I could hold a banquet for your uncle in Xining Palace." At this time, Zhu Houzhao also showed the bearing of a king, with an attitude neither humble nor arrogant, and spoke in a roundabout way. Sure enough, in the end, it was Eunuch Sun who took all the brunt of the consequences.

"Puzhao, there's no need for me to be polite. I came here today just to treat you with courtesy before force." The Divine Marquis said to his nephew in front of him with a haughty look.

"You" Zhu Houzhao was a little broken.

"This throne originally belonged to me, but for the sake of the late emperor, I let you sit on it for so many years. It's time for you to have enough." Zhu Wusi's tone was aggressive.

"Although you are the emperor's uncle, what you just said is extremely treasonous." Zhu Houzhao saw that the situation was hopeless, but he still argued and refused to put down his airs.

"The so-called winner takes it all, don't you understand such a simple truth? I am really disappointed. There are ten generals here, and they control eight out of ten troops in the world. Humph, ask them whether they support you or me?" Zhu Wusi continued.

"Come on, capture this traitor for me." Zhu Houzhao gave the order, but no one around moved. He couldn't help but feel a little panicked. Eunuch Sun was also secretly worried for his master.

"Hmph, your ministers are all trying to protect themselves and won't help you. What do you call me?" Zhu Wusi asked the people around him.

"Your Majesty," the ten generals said in unison.

"That's right, they call me, Your Majesty." Zhu Wusi felt that he had reached the peak at this moment and was extremely confident.

"Rebellion, rebellion, a total rebellion." Zhu Houzhao's eyes swept across the ten generals, and the momentum of the superiors frightened Eunuch Sun who was standing beside him, and several of the ten generals were also frightened.

"You are my nephew. I will never hurt you, and I will never let anyone hurt you. You are given three days to hand over the jade seal and then announce to the world that you abdicated to me due to illness. I will then reward you with a fiefdom in Guilin, Guangxi, where the mountains and rivers are picturesque, the four seasons are like spring, and there is no snow in winter. It is perfect for you to recuperate there." Zhu Wusi continued unscrupulously.

"You" Zhu Houzhao was also a little flustered and nervous at this time.

"Although you are young, you must learn how to respect your elders. In the future, you must never say "you" to me. You must call me Your Majesty. I will forgive you this time, but it will not happen again. The government is busy and you are sick, so you should rest more. I have already ordered that all memorials must be sent to the Hulong Villa and I will review them personally. You can rest assured and I won't send them off." After Zhu Wusi finished speaking, the eight guards surrounded him.

"Your Majesty, the dragon is in good health." Eunuch Sun said hurriedly.

Then Zhu Houzhao left angrily, surrounded by his eight guards and eunuch Sun.

……