However, Huo Wei said, "No, Master. Revenge is an important thing I want to do, but it's not the only thing.
After taking revenge, I still have a life I want to live. So before that, I can't do all the bad things and only be left with redemption and repentance for the rest of my life.
Master, the incident in Danyang City was my idea, and so was the cooperation with Empress Dugu. I will fulfill my responsibilities. You can rest assured."
He Zhizhou never expected Huo Wei to be so stubborn. He had really grown up and was no longer easy to discipline.
He ordered his subordinate to bring a whip. He treated Huo Wei the same way as he did when he was a child.
With a lash of the whip, the flesh on Huo Wei's back was torn open, and the blood instantly stained his light blue robe.
He Zhizhou looked down at him haughtily. "Huo Wei, this is the last time I'll ask you. According to the original plan, when exactly will you kill Empress Dugu, and when will you succeed in seizing power?"
Huo Wei's blood and sweat mingled and dripped to the ground. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I'll never kill her in my lifetime."
Shen Guilan rushed forward and grabbed He Zhizhou's wrist.
"Master, Junior Brother almost lost his life in Danyang City. He has just recovered, and his body is still weak. Please don't use force!"
He Zhizhou roared angrily, "No! Huo Wei, I've endured humiliation and worked painstakingly for more than a decade for this day.
I'm only in my forties, but my hair has already turned white. Do you think you're the only one who has gritted his teeth all these years?
Now Murong Min has already discovered in advance that Xie Jinyang has a child still alive in the world.
You haven't succeeded in seizing power yet. Once he finds out that the orphan of Jinyang is you, all our efforts over the years will be in vain!"
Huo Wei lowered his head and took several lashes. The pain made his lips turn pale.
"Master, Murong Min won't know. The people who know about this are all in this room. I haven't told anyone else.
I won't kill her. She saved my life with the most precious treasure of Southern Chu. I'll never lay a finger on her in my lifetime."
He Zhizhou pushed Shen Guilan away and whipped Huo Wei hard on the spine again. Huo Wei didn't even grunt and just endured it.
Shen Guilan was extremely anxious. This Huo Aman would probably be doomed by Empress Dugu for the rest of his life after meeting her.
Gritting his teeth, he said, "Why don't you beg for mercy? Huo Wei, you crazy guy. Can't you just be a bit softer?"
Huo Wei said hoarsely, "No. I have to make things clear this time. I won't do the thing of plotting to kill the empress."
Shen Guilan said again, "Master, Empress Dugu can help Junior Brother gain a firm foothold in the court. We will support the Third Prince to become the crown prince this time, and Her Majesty will also assist us in the harem.
Once the Third Prince becomes the crown prince, with the support of the Wei family, we can then bring up the blood case fifteen years ago, force Murong Min to write a confession of guilt and abdicate. Whether to kill or torture him will be up to us.
In the future, Junior Brother will have the merit of supporting the new emperor. After the Third Prince ascends the throne, Junior Brother can be protected!
Master, please stop. Empress Dugu's strategy is truly the best one!"
He Zhizhou's eyes turned sinister. "Who told you to support the Third Prince to become the crown prince! Who!"
Huo Wei said, "Master, how can you be so sure that I won't be purged by Murong Min after I hold military power?
Even if I hold military power, the only way to overthrow Murong Min's kingdom is to stage a rebellion.
But at that time, it will be me who rebels. When I bring up the blood case of the nine clans of the Xie family for retrial, do you think the people in the world will still believe me at all?"
Shen Guilan nodded vigorously. "Yes, Master. This is no different from competing with oneself and being the referee at the same time.
By then, the people in the world will only think that the Xie family's case was not a wrong one back then. A traitor appeared in the previous generation, and another traitor appears in this generation. Then the injustice of the Xie family will never be cleared!"
A large area of bright red blood spread on Huo Wei's back. Master He Zhizhou whipped him several more times. Huo Wei could even feel the sound of his flesh being torn open.
Shen Guilan was both anxious and angry. Huo Wei was just so stubborn and could never be soft.
Even he, who was always meticulous, couldn't understand Master for a moment. Why did he have to take revenge in the form of rebellion?
Eunuch Yingxi suddenly arrived at the Prince of Yuzhang's Mansion and announced an imperial edict. In fact, it was just a verbal order from Murong Min.
He said with a smile, "Your Highness, His Majesty will go to Fuyue Temple to burn incense tomorrow. You are the commander of the imperial guards, and His Majesty orders you to lead the troops personally to protect the safety of the imperial carriage."
Huo Wei nodded. "Your servant obeys the order."
Eunuch Yingxi added an extra word. "Her Majesty the Empress will also go with him. She said she will stay in the temple for several days. Your Highness, you should pay attention to the safety issue."
Huo Wei narrowed his eyes slightly. His tone was full of exhaustion, but he still said, "Okay."
After the people from the palace left, Huo Wei felt a bit dizzy. Shen Guilan supported him on one side. "Why didn't you refuse? You're still sick. You could have refused."
Huo Wei shook his head. "I miss her. Can't you tell? I've been so badly injured. I have to show it to her in person and make her feel sorry for me."
Shen Guilan turned around and left without saying a word. After walking a few steps, he came back. "Do you want me to apply medicine for you?"
Huo Wei said with a smile, "Good Senior Brother, no need. I'm sure there will be someone to do it for me."
This time, Shen Guilan turned his head and left, scolding, "Serves you right! Serves you right!"
Before dawn the next day, Huo Wei entered the palace to assemble the troops. The wound on his back made him extremely uncomfortable, but he was used to being injured after years of fighting on the battlefield.
He was in full armor and riding on a tall horse. Behind him followed the imperial carriages of Murong Min and Dugu Luanyue. They set off from the palace city.
Dugu Luanyue raised her eyebrows and looked at Murong Min. "Your Majesty, the imperial physician said yesterday that you were angry about the rumor recently, so your body has some problems.
Don't worry. You'll be fine in a few days. In a few days, the concubines in the harem can serve you again."
In the past few days, Murong Min had noticed that his body was indeed a bit abnormal. In the morning, there was no reaction at all. It was just like a deflated leather drum.
He rushed to find the imperial physician. He took medicine and had acupuncture, but it didn't work.
The imperial physician said that it was because the emperor had been under too much pressure recently and had been too indulgent in women before, so his body had this unresponsive situation and needed to rest and recuperate.
Dugu Luanyue knew very well that after Murong Min left her palace that day, he had also gone to the palaces of several concubines one after another and left angrily.
Two days later, Murong Min scolded the female official Su Rou who served him in bed and sent her back to Fengluan Palace.
Dugu Luanyue thought it was good. She immediately promoted Su Rou to be a first - class maid. From then on, she didn't have to serve that old man anymore.
The imperial carriage arrived at Fuyue Temple. Murong Min was eager to go and burn incense and worship the Buddha.
Dugu Luanyue appeared on the forest path behind Fuyue Temple. Huo Wei also walked towards it.
The serious and majestic commander of the imperial guards squinted his eyes and looked weak. "Why don't you come and support me quickly?"