Chapter 162 Zhao Gou has no retreat When Zhao Ding returned to the palace and truthfully conveyed the conditions proposed by Zhao Yingluo to Zhao Gou, it was almost dusk. The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the empty hall, reflecting Zhao Gou's gloomy face. He was sitting on the dragon chair, his hands clenched into fists, and the joints were faintly white, showing the anger and unwillingness in his heart. "How dare she insult me like this!" Zhao Gou's voice echoed in the empty hall, with anger that could not be concealed, "I am the emperor, how can I be manipulated by her!" Zhao Ding stood aside with his head lowered, not daring to look directly into Zhao Gou's eyes. He could feel Zhao Gou's anger and despair, as if the entire hall was enveloped by this emotion. He knew that Zhao Gou was extremely angry at this moment, and no words could calm his anger. As night falls, the light in the hall becomes darker and darker. Zhao Gou was still sitting on the chair, motionless, like a sculpture. His heart is full of struggles and contradictions. On the one hand, he was unwilling to give up the throne just like this; on the other hand, he was also aware of his situation and knew that it would be futile to continue to resist. At this time, a gust of cold wind blew through, blowing the curtains in the hall and making a rustling sound. Zhao Gou couldn't help but shiver, as if the cold wind was blowing straight into his heart. He looked up out of the window and saw that the sky was already covered with dark clouds, as if foreshadowing the coming storm. At this moment, Qin Hui, Huang Qianshan and others also hurried over.
As soon as they entered the door, they felt the oppressive atmosphere in the hall. When they learned about the conditions proposed by Zhao Yingluo, they were even more stunned. "Guan family, what should we do?" Qin Hui asked in a trembling voice. He was usually eloquent, but at this moment he couldn't hide the panic in his heart. He knew Zhao Gou's temper well and knew that any persuasion at this moment would be in vain. However, what he knew better was that if Zhao Gou really agreed to Zhao Yingluo's conditions, where would these former powerful officials go?
Their power and status will cease to exist, and they may even lose their lives. Thinking of this, he couldn't help but feel a chill. Huang Qianshan also looked anxious. Although he was not as Machiavellian as Qin Hui, he also knew what Zhao Gou's abdication meant to them. Their hard work and dedication over the years will be in vain, and their future destiny will become uncertain. Zhao Gou didn't answer, just looked out the window silently. His mood was like the sky, gloomy and depressing. He knew that he had no way out. If he doesn't agree to Zhao Yingluo's conditions, then there is only death waiting for him. Qin Hui and Qin Hui knew that Zhao Gou was in a very difficult situation at the moment, but there was nothing he could do. He could only pray silently that Zhao Gou could make the right decision. The hall fell into a deathly silence. Only the occasional sound of cold wind and the rustling of the curtains broke the silence. Zhao Gou's heart was as empty as this hall, filled with endless loneliness and despair. After an unknown amount of time, Zhao Gou finally spoke: "You go out and leave me alone for a while." His voice was hoarse and tired, as if he had suddenly become much older. When Qin Hui and others heard this, they had no choice but to retreat silently. As Qin Hui and others left, the hall fell into silence again. Zhao Gou was still sitting on the chair, motionless. His eyes were empty and confused, as if he had lost all hope and fighting spirit. The night is getting darker and darker, and the light in the hall is getting darker and darker. Zhao Gou's heart was getting darker and darker like the night. He felt as if he had fallen into a bottomless abyss and was unable to extricate himself. Just then, a bolt of lightning pierced the night sky, followed by deafening thunder. The storm finally came. The raindrops pattered on the windows, as if they were about to swallow up the entire hall. Zhao Gou walked out of the palace and let the rain wet his clothes and hair. He seemed not to feel anything about the outside world and was just immersed in his own inner world. I don’t know how long it took, but the rain gradually stopped. There was a glimmer of light in the sky, as if heralding the arrival of dawn. Zhao Gou's heart gradually became brighter like the sky.
He knew he couldn't just give up, but what could he do? Fighting to the death will only increase casualties. Not only that, I am afraid that I and my son may not be able to save their lives. He decided to accept Zhao Yingluo's conditions and abdicate in favor of talents. Although his heart was full of reluctance and regret, he also knew that this was his only way out. When the first ray of sunlight shone into the hall, Zhao Gou had already made a decision. He felt as if he had been reborn, and his heart was full of hope and fighting spirit. He summoned Zhao Ding and others and told them his decision. Zhao Ding rode a fast horse through the winding mountain road and once again came to Zhao Yingluo's camp, fifty miles away from Suzhou City. It was already early autumn, and the leaves in the mountain forests began to turn yellow. The autumn wind blew by, and the fallen leaves fell to the ground, making a rustling sound. Flags were flying in the camp, and the soldiers lined up neatly, looking majestic and solemn. After Zhao Ding dismounted, he was led by soldiers to Zhao Yingluo's camp. He took a deep breath, adjusted his emotions, then opened the door curtain and walked in. In the camp, Zhao Yingluo was sitting in front of the case, holding a book in her hand and reading intently. When she heard someone coming in, she looked up and when she saw it was Zhao Ding, she put down the book in her hand and motioned for him to sit down with a smile. "Master Zhao, you are back so soon. It seems that my royal brother has made a decision." Zhao Yingluo said with a hint of joking in her tone. Zhao Ding nodded and said in a deep voice: "Yes, the official has agreed to your conditions, but he also hopes that you can abide by your promise and guarantee all the honors after he abdicates." Zhao Yingluo sneered when she heard this and said mockingly: "Brother Huang really doesn't distinguish between loyal and traitorous people. At this time, he still cares about those false reputations." Zhao Ding frowned slightly. Although the officials were indeed confused and favored incompetent people such as Qin Hui, he could not tolerate her mocking the officials like this. He took a deep breath and continued: "Your Highness, please be careful with your words. The reason why the official family made this decision is to avoid more bloodshed and sacrifice. Now the conditions are here. If Your Highness agrees, everything will be easy. If His Highness doesn't Agree, the head of a certain item will be taken by His Highness." When Zhao Yingluo heard this, she curled her lips in disdain and said, "Mr. Zhao, you don't have to say these high-sounding words to me. I know what you are thinking. Aren't you just afraid that I will be disadvantageous to you if I gain real power? I am the emperor brother. Compatriots, there is no need to embarrass him, as for Qin Hui and others you are talking about, it is easy to talk about." Seeing Zhao Yingluo's attitude, Zhao Ding couldn't help but feel worried. Based on her previous attitude, he didn't think Her Royal Highness would let Qin Hui and others off so easily. what is it today? He actually said that he would not pursue Qin Hui and others, so why should he still be entrusted with such important responsibilities?
(End of this chapter)