Regent, please maintain your aloof image.

Prince Qing's Mansion

In the study, Prince Qing looked at Qi Ling and questioned, "Didn't you say that the poison wouldn't last more than three days? It's been five days now, and that eyesore Mu Jinchen is still not dead. What's going on?"

"The Regent's wife has a maid who knows medicine, so she must have suppressed the effects of the poison. However, there is no cure for this poison, so Your Highness can rest assured that the Regent's death is only a matter of time."

"What I want is for him to die now. Don't forget, in a few days, that brat Mu Xinchen will be back. Do you think I will still be safe and sound then?"

"It was due to my lack of consideration."

"Go and make the arrangements immediately. I want him to die before today. If you can't do it, you don't need to come to see me."

"Yes, I will arrange it right away," Qi Ling said, turning to leave.

Mu Qinian ran in excitedly, "Father, news has come from the palace that Mu Jinchen is dead."

"Are you sure?"

"A palace informant reported that the Regent's Consort was seen running back to Qingxin Pavilion in a panic from the Imperial Study. Not long after, she summoned the Imperial Physician, and the Empress Dowager and Chang Le also went to Qingxin Pavilion. When they came out, their eyes were red, clearly indicating that they had been crying. Not only that, the Regent's Consort also summoned the Duke of Su and others to the palace. After they came out, the palace was on high alert."

"It seems something must have happened, but we should still be cautious. Go and fetch Wang Bingkun."

"Yes".

Three-quarters of an hour later, Mu Qinian brought Wang Bingkun to the study.

"This humble official greets Your Highness."

"Doctor Wang, how have you been lately?"

"Thanks to Your Highness, I am doing quite well."

"That's good. The reason I've summoned you today is to ask you something. I hope you will tell me the truth."

"I wonder what Your Highness wishes to ask?"

"Is the Regent alive or dead now?"

"This... The Empress Dowager and the Regent's Consort have strictly forbidden us from revealing any information about the Regent. Therefore, please forgive me, Your Highness, for not being able to disclose this information."

"Lord Wang, you'd better think carefully before you answer... Oh, I forgot to tell you, Lord Wang, that when I came here, I had someone bring your family along as well."

"Second Young Master, what do you mean by this?"

"Lord Wang, there is no need to be nervous. As long as you tell the truth, I will ensure the safety of your family. Moreover, the position of Director of the Imperial Medical Academy is rightfully yours. What do you think, Lord Wang?"

After pondering for a moment, Wang Bingkun asked, "Is Your Highness's statement true?"

"I never boast."

"Very well, Your Highness, I can tell you the truth."

Prince Qing smiled and said, "Lord Wang is indeed a wise man."

"Now that the Regent is dead, the Regent's wife is afraid that the news will cause turmoil in Yunyue, so she is keeping the news a secret and plans to wait until His Majesty grows up and fully takes control of the government in a few years before releasing it."

"When did he die?"

"Two hours ago, the poison that the Regent was afflicted with was incurable. Even the Regent's wife's maid could only delay the onset of the poison for two days."

Upon receiving the confirmation, Prince Qing could no longer suppress his smile and immediately ordered, "Send a message to the third prince immediately, instructing him to lead troops to attack the city. Also, gather the troops in the city and join me in storming the palace."

"Father, you should inform my elder brother."

"No need. Telling him won't help much; it will only add to his burden."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I will make the arrangements immediately."

"Go ahead".

Then, Mu Qinian quickly walked out.

"Congratulations, Your Highness, your great undertaking is nearing completion."

"Thanks to Mr. Qi's help, Mr. Qi, rest assured, you will definitely receive many benefits in the future."

"Thank you, Your Highness," Qi Ling said with a smile, but the smile was unfathomable. However, Prince Qing was so immersed in his joy that he did not notice it.

Royal Palace

At this moment, a large number of people had gathered in the Fengtian Hall, all waiting for news. However, instead of news, Mu Qiyang arrived.

Xu Tao entered and said, "Your Highness, Prince Qing requests an audience."

Su Qianrou was somewhat surprised and asked, "Just him?"

"Yes".

"Let him in."

"Yes".

A moment later, Mu Qiyang walked in, "Regent's Consort."

"What is the purpose of Prince Qing's visit at this time?"

"surrender".

"Surrender? Prince Qing, are you joking? Do you think I would believe you?"

"Why don't you believe it?"

"You must know what Prince Qing is planning to do. And as the heir apparent, if Prince Qing succeeds, you will become the crown prince. Do you think I'm stupid?"

Mu Qiyang chuckled, "Your Highness, if he succeeds, the first thing he'll probably do is cripple me. Besides, he's unlikely to succeed."

Su Qianrou couldn't help but re-examine him. Rumor had it that Prince Qing was weak and incompetent, and therefore not favored by Prince Qing. But now it seemed that the rumors were not entirely true. "Why is Prince Qing so certain that Prince Qing will not succeed?"

"Because the regent did not die at all."

Su Qianrou was somewhat surprised, but she didn't show it, and said calmly, "I don't know why you say that, Prince Qing. The Prince is alive and well, so naturally he is not dead."

"Princess Regent, you don't need to play along with me. I'm here today to make a deal with you and the Regent."

"I wonder what kind of deal the young master wants to make."

“I can tell you everything, but afterwards, I beg the Regent to spare my mother and my wife and children.”

How do I know if what you're saying is true or false?

"What does the Regent's wife think I am here today?"

"Then you'll have to ask the young master himself."

"Princess Regent, rest assured, I, like you, do not wish for him to succeed."

"Why? He's your father."

“I treated him like a father, but he never treated me like a son. In his eyes, I was a piece of trash who could be abandoned at any time.”

Su Qianrou was at a loss for words.

Just then, Little Li ran in and said, "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! Prince Qing is leading his men towards the palace."

"Does anyone know how many men he brought with him?"

"Three thousand," Mu Qiyang said before Xiao Li could answer.

Su Qianrou couldn't help but look at him.

Then, Mu Qiyang added, "Five hundred garrison soldiers plus two thousand five hundred private soldiers. The two thousand five hundred private soldiers are those who have entered the capital in recent months disguised as merchants or ordinary people. After arriving in the capital, they are scattered in various shops and villas."

"Prince Qing should know that you have no way out now. Only by cooperating with us can you save your life. Therefore, please tell us the truth about how many private soldiers Prince Qing has hidden in total."

"Of the ten thousand, excluding the two thousand five hundred in the capital, there are seven thousand five hundred scattered in Lishan and Qishan. However, they are probably already heading towards the capital."

The number was as Mu Jinchen had guessed. Su Qianrou then instructed, "General Xiao, the city gate is in your hands. You must hold out until General Yang arrives with his army."

"Your Highness, the patrol battalion only has 1,500 men, which is three times less than the rebels. I'm afraid they won't last long."

"Commander Xiao".

"Your humble servant is here."

"You shall immediately dispatch 1,500 Imperial Guards to accompany General Xiao to guard the city gates. In addition, you shall lead 1,200 men to guard the palace gates. The remaining 300 men shall be under the command of Xiao Yi to guard outside the Fengtian Hall."

"Yes".

"Seventeen".

"Your subordinate is here."

"Notify Eleven to lead the garrison troops to the city gate for support."

"Yes".

Then everyone went outside.