The Prince Is Abolished

Chapter 23

Lu Xang was hearing patiently while the monk explained it all to Xi Jiang.

He knew, that this would make Xi Jiang feel at peace for a long time, and waited till he saw prince's frown dissolve. Seeing Xi Jiang take deep breaths, he understood that the prince is now totally ready to fight the battle.

'If we go inside, I will likely get arrested. But they won't dare harm me, at least, if the empress had any wits about her,' Lu Xang said.

'Sir, you really think she has any wits left?' Zhing said wryly.

'No.' Lu Xang admitted after a while.

'Then even you know it is dangerous. I think, we are going in a haste sir. We should steer clear of these lunatics and figure a new plan. We also need to have a backup plan too.'

'Well. I am here, and I am ready to hear your thoughts.'

They brainstormed for hours and still were not able to draw a conclusion.

Lu Xang remembered clearly that the Himalayan master had also sent a message with the monk; to be ready for upheaval as he saw a vision of great battle that will engulf the Mi kingdom. Master told the monk, to inform Lu Xang to keep Xi Mang away from the throne at all costs.

When the monk came with the message of the master, they had discussed this in detail.

'Monk. What to do of current emperor? I do not trust him anymore and I cannot be in politics either as it doesn't suit me much.'

'I don't want him on throne either but I am not a native here and thus cannot do much, nor will my objection matter. Emperor should have ensured that his empress and son were kept in check, but now, he himself is knocked out and if it weren't you helping him again, then he would have died.'

'Lu Fan told the physician to make him parrot that Xi Jiang should be sent out. So, in case of bloodbath, we have a legitimate heir to throne.'

'Excellent. Lu Xang. Although, I came on master's order but I have heard a lot about this Xi Mang and his abusive streak. Hear me, whatever you do, stay clear of Xi Mang. He hates you as he thinks you took Lu Ran away from him.'

Lu Xang laughed!

'He is angry because I didn't allow Lu Ran to be abused by him! But he forgot, that we merchants deal and trade in goods, and not in daughters. I am not going to send my daughter to hell just because of a fiend's obsession. Death will always come, if not today then tomorrow, but I won't allow myself or my daughter to be bullied.'

Lu Xang recalled this previous conversation with monk and said:

'I will go to palace today. Zhing, I heard you, but time is of value here. Also, you will have to come as well, later. But stay away on the north door of the palace.'

'I am ready to lay down my life for you sir. But what would I do if you get hurt? He may call you a rebel and get you killed before the emperor even wakes up! Sir, let us calm down and think it through. Please.'

'Mang has already rebelled. Empress has rebelled, and now the court is about to rebel. You tell me how can we still sit idle, and stay alive? And what about the bloodshed of other common people?'

'Sir...All this happened because of me. I am the harbinger of disaster to everyone.'

The strong and fiery Zhing broke down at last. Neither Xi Mang's assault nor Song Wu's ridicule could break her. But this completely strange family are about to die because they want to fight for her. How could she ever bear this pain? 

Lu Ran and Lu Fan tried to calm her. But the more she contemplated, the more she cried. Even Lu Xang failed to calm her.

The monk walked up to her and said:

'Zhing, my child, don't worry, I will protect your idol!'

'Who is her idol?'

'Xang! You are her idol. Don't you know yet?'

'Oh! I thought it must be you my dear monk!'

'Of course, I always outshine you. You see even the Himalayan master has to send me because he knew you are always breaking bridges with all types of important people! See now you made this fan of yours cry too. Don't worry Zhing, I promise I will protect him and only get him arrested.'

Lu Xang and Lu Fan touched Zhing's head while she tried not to sob aloud. Lu Ran hugged her as she knew that what Zhing needed was to be held closely.

After Kang Zhing calmed down, the team went on to planning mode yet again after Ji Gang also appeared.

'Here is what we have decided; Ran, you and Fan must come after we have not returned from the palace after 1 hour. How much time apart? You decide. Ji Gang stay here and help Miss Zhing. Gang and Zhing, make posters, pamphlets, as many as you can. We have a printing division, Gang you also take drums out; the heaviest ones. This is to attract the crowd to the north gate after Fan and Ran go to the main gate of the palace. Prince, you will be needed as soon as you collect your guards. Lay siege to the palace.'

'I am ready sir Xang.'

'Well shall we go?' Lu Xang looked at the monk and he shook his head in affirmation and went out.

It was decided that the two men will go to check on the emperor who was in deep sleep and try to wake him with the medicine that they had on them. This way they will be able to revive the emperor and ensure that empress, Mang and the traitor ministers are bought to justice and pave for a peaceful takeover by Xi Jiang.

If they didn't come out in an hour, then after this hour Lu Ran would set out with a huge contingent of armed guards towards the palace's east gate and there, Xi Jiang would join them encircling the palace with his guards while a more expansive circular formation of foreign guards would also be there but not to fight but be on standby. These foreign guards were there only for show of strength. After 40 minutes of Lu Ran's arrival, Ji Gang and Kang Zhing would create commotion with drums, distribute pamphlets, will collect citizens and let them know that the rapist prince's power and office needed to be abolished as he now intends to usurp the throne and kill the emperor and the Lu family.

With this the downfall of the royal family should begin but Lu Xang would present Xi Jiang as the heir chosen by the people and he will formally ascend to the throne then and there or at least a declaration will be made.

It was a dangerous gamble, but it was now ornever. And Lu Xang wanted to ensure that Mang will have no one to bank on.