Chapter 493 Sky About to Change (1)

em slightly.Even if this isn't the best work of Master, it is still a piece created with his efforts. Masters don't create things carelessly; they wouldn't tarnish their reputation by doing so, as it...Chapter 493: The Sky Begins to Change, Part 1

"I bid the National Elder farewell," Luo Yunqing said with a smile as he observed the attendees at this banquet. It seemed that everyone who was supposed to come had arrived; all was set except for the right moment.

"Minister Luo, here you are. The show is about to start. Today's program will be quite spectacular," the king waved Luo Yunqing over.

"Yes, Your Majesty," replied Luo Yunqing.

Indeed, it'll be very thrilling. You'll see soon enough," he thought.

The banquet proceeded as usual, with laughter and music filling the air. From the surface, no one would believe that a major upheaval was about to unfold beneath this veneer of tranquility.

Soon after, a play began in the middle, a famous skit: The Empty City Stratagem!

The characters in this stratagem were Zhuge Jing and Sima Yi...

"How do you find it, Minister Luo What did you think of the show" asked the king with a smile.

"It was well performed. Both actors were commendable," replied Luo Yunqing. Indeed, in terms of performance alone, both characters were praiseworthy.

"But which character do you like better, Minister Luo" the king probed further.

"Of course I prefer Zhuge Jing. Standing alone against a host of enemies with his wisdom and presence is unparalleled," said Luo Yunqing.

"I too admire Zhuge Jing for his dedication to duty until death, unlike that traitor Sima Yi who seeks to usurp the throne," replied the king.

Luo Yunqing frowned. He couldn't fathom what the king was getting at, especially now.

"Minister, do you have some thoughts" asked the king again.

"Indeed I do. Actually, I wish to be that Sima Yi," said Luo Yunqing coolly. Since it had come to this, he might as well speak plainly. He was ready at any moment.

Yet when he expected shock from the king, there was none; the king remained composed, seemingly unaffected by his words.

How could a king misunderstand such an open declaration

Evidently, this wasn't possible. The king's calmness implied foreknowledge of the situation—yet why then did everything still seem so tranquil

"Have you already known" Luo Yunqing asked.

"I knew it would come to this day long ago. I just didn't expect it to happen so soon. The Lu family will either devour us or cast us aside; though I dislike both options, I hoped for the latter but now find myself disappointed," said the king shaking his head.

At this moment, besides them two, no one else seemed aware of what was transpiring as they continued their activities—watching plays and drinking wine.

This was because neither had signaled anyone; it was just a private conversation between the two to honor years of loyalty.

"Rest assured, your royal family won't be harmed. I'll merely take over your throne but you will remain a major clan in Lushan Kingdom and retain your property," Luo Yunqing said calmly. This had been his plan all along; perhaps because he didn't care about the royal family's personal assets.

"So should I thank you" the king smiled at him, his feelings unreadable—was he angry or pleased

Luo Yunqing sensed something amiss. The king's attitude suggested he had some countermeasures, unforeseen ones that Luo Yunqing hadn't considered.

"What do you think" Luo Yunqing asked.

"I will remain the king and your Lu family will continue as vassals but must be loyal. Otherwise, all your hard work could vanish," said the king smilingly.

With these words, "you mean to say there's something you're counting on" Luo Yunqing frowned, then made a gesture signaling action; regardless of whether his opponent had real backing or was bluffing, he must strike first.

The Lu family began acting, drawing their swords. This sudden commotion...

"What's going on What are the Lu family doing"

"Could it be... a coup..."

Instantly, some started talking while most remained silent and observed cautiously without immediately taking sides.

Of course, those who originally supported the Luo family or the royal clan had already taken sides. But soon, things seemed to be going wrong, and everyone felt powerless.

"Executioners..." The king also prepared some people who appeared on the outskirts of the square, approaching the people inside.

In this way, the Luo family now had to split their defense. At this moment, everyone didn't think there was any problem here; these people were enough to deal with everyone here, including those executioners.

"Do you think these people can do anything" Lu Qing asked with a somewhat sarcastic smile.

"I advise you not to move. This is a good opportunity for you, but it's also a good opportunity for me to eliminate all of you at once," the king still maintained his smile, as if he was confident that something would happen. What exactly

Lu Qing wanted to say something when he suddenly realized that his internal energy couldn't be gathered. Not only him; everyone seemed to notice this.

The expression on Lu Qing's face changed. Could they have been poisoned with some strange poison Unfortunately, Xianyao wasn't here; otherwise, for him, this kind of poison would be simple to handle. He had solved the soft-bone powder before, hadn't he

No mistake, if Xianyao were here with them, things would be very different...

"Did you find out You've been poisoned by some strange venom; I don't know what it's called, but I can tell that your strength has been suppressed," the king said with a smile.

He indeed didn't know its name. It wasn't because he was being evasive; he had only obtained this substance today, yet its effect was excellent enough to deal with holy rank individuals.

The current situation seemed to be turning around quickly; the Luo family appeared controlled and in absolute disadvantage. But, was it really like that

"Even if our strength is suppressed, what can you do" Lu Qing said coolly. If this were a war, then this place would merely be a small battle and not decisive for the entire conflict.

Indeed, here was just a small aspect of today's situation; there were many more things that Lu Qing had already arranged.

Beyond this place, his people would appear once again to surround everyone present. This layer upon layer of encirclement made one feel rather strange.

"I know you've controlled the entire palace and soldiers will soon arrive; therefore, there's no need for you to be afraid," said the king, seemingly quite familiar with this environment without showing any surprise.

Lu Qing frowned and asked, "Do you have a way to resist"

"No way. But having all of you in my hands is enough." The king calmly replied.

"What do you plan to do" Lu Qing asked.

"Simple: I'll capture you and use you as hostages against those outside, then make you submit to me. With the current situation, you should understand," said the king. This was a simple approach but also very effective.

Catching bandits starts by capturing their leader; with the Luo family's core here, were they afraid of dealing with those outside

However, sometimes seemingly certain things often went awry because no one considered what would happen if something exceeded normalcy.

If Lu Qing didn't follow conventions...

"I underestimated you. I never thought you could be so tenacious, but it seems your expectations are too high; even if we die, this matter will continue on. Do you think the Luo family would collapse without us" said Lu Qing coldly.

"What do you mean by that" asked the king with surprise. He originally planned to gradually control the Luo family without any issues, but if there was a change, their royal clan would be in danger.

From what Lu Qing had said, he seemed to hear something he didn't want to know about.

"Before this happened, I issued an order that if anyone resists, they all die. Even if we're captured by you, they won't hesitate; those who accomplish great things are prepared for sacrifice, even themselves!" Lu Qing said coldly.

"Can the Luo family continue without us" The king didn't expect Lu Qing to be so ruthless and willing to sacrifice himself to achieve his goal.

People in this position usually cherished their lives, and they had children here; how could he treat all of them as sacrifices

The most important thing was that these people were the core of the Luo family. If all of them died, could the Luo family continue to exist

"I said you underestimate us too much. The Luo family doesn't need anyone; when we die, new ones will take our place," Lu Qing said coolly, "Moreover, we might not even die!"

Outside came shouts of killing, clashes of weapons, and people's cries of pain, suddenly appearing in the previously calm royal palace. Soon, squads of soldiers rushed inside to surround everyone.

"Poisoning is just a minor tactic. You'll face these iron-blooded soldiers; I didn't want any sacrifices but ended up with them anyway," said Lu Qing coldly (to be continued...).l skills.No one dared to object to this arrangement. As long as Dongfang Wuniang can eat, they wouldn’t mind at all. They would be glad if Xiaoyao handled it like this because then they could learn hi...