An hour and forty-five minutes.

This number is not the time some foolish author took to write this chapter, but the final time it took Xiaozhao to successfully take over the Imperial Palace.

That's right.

Not even three hours altogether.

The 'loyalist' army occupied the entire Imperial Palace.

After the battle in the Forbidden City began, the choice for the southern, northern, and western garrison troops was only one:

To support the battlefield.

Having abandoned the city gates, which were the defensive 'fortress', the garrison troops lost their most crucial protective barrier, and the entire battle situation instantly turned into a ground confrontation.

Not to mention the Forbidden City had only a little over two hundred personnel on duty; after Old Zhong and others captured the Huaitong Gate, they even had ample time to lay an ambush along the 'enemy's' route using the cover of night.

With double the number of troops and taking the initiative, the final result was naturally a great victory for Old Zhong and others.

Another half an hour passed.

Wende Hall.

At this moment, this outer court hall was gathering more than ten key figures involved in the coup, both civil and military.

Old Zhong, wearing armor, stood in front of the seat, respectfully reporting to the seated Xiaozhao:

"Your Highness, the garrison troops from the south, north, and west have all been captured, and there is no longer any hostile force within the palace."

"The garrison troops from the north and west had formerly served under Chu Dao, and once they realized the situation was lost, Chu Dao himself intervened, and they surrendered without any bloodshed."

"The southern garrison engaged in combat with our troops. We lost twenty-three soldiers, and eighty-six were wounded."

"The southern garrison had one hundred and four casualties, and most of the remaining are injured. Efforts are currently underway to persuade them to surrender."

Upon hearing the casualty figures on both sides, Xiaozhao's face slightly changed, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes.

After all, he was still just an underage prince, a prince only a few months ago.

Although influenced by Emperor Zhezong to harbor ambitions and prepared for bloodshed or even defeat before the coup, it was his first time personally experiencing such a brutal situation.

But very soon.

Xiaozhao realized his identity, and the confusion in his eyes was immediately replaced by determination:

"General Zhong, regardless of whether they are dead or wounded, you must ensure proper consolation for the soldiers after the matter is over—remember, whether enemy or ally, this task is entrusted to you."

Old Zhong immediately clasped his hands in salute and replied:

"Uncle Yi understands!"

Then Xiaozhao glanced outside the hall, noticing dawn breaking, and said:

"General Zhong, what is the situation in the city now?"

Old Zhong produced a letter from his person and had it passed to Xiaozhao via an eunuch, explaining at the same time:

"Your Highness, the forces led by Zheng Ru and Zheng Chen have already controlled the residences of the court dignitaries, including but not limited to Cai Jing, Liang Shicheng, Zhao Tingzhi, Tong Guan, etc....."

"At the same time, a curfew is still in effect in the city, with all gates manned by our troops, and Chu Dao has also proceeded to the city to oversee the situation."

Xiaozhao's heart slightly relaxed.

With careful planning, in addition to the Imperial Guard's right camp being under control, the entire coup, at least from the perspective of the situation, was nearly secure.

Then he thought of something and asked:

"By the way, Qing... what about those captured officials?"

Old Zhong smiled slightly, his expression unchanged, and replied:

"Your Highness, more than seventy captured officials have been rescued from the prison, and the same goes for their relatives and friends."

"Strangely, among all these hundreds of people, not a single one is injured."

"According to the prison guards, this was Master Guo's instruction, explicitly stating that no one should be harmed."

When mentioning the name Master Guo, Old Zhong's tone appeared somewhat solemn, even with a hint of...

Respect.

Just like what was said before.

Just based on what Guo Jing did earlier, let alone Emperor Huizong.

In feudal times, except for a few individuals who never believed in ghosts and gods until death, most people definitely held him in awe and dread, even if they were enemies.

To a certain extent.

Xu Yun practically created an 'Immortal'.

Xiaozhao then slightly glanced at Old Su and Xu Yun beside him, nodding, he said:

"I understand, General Zhong, the task of appeasing these released Yuanyou Faction officials will be jointly handled by you, Scholar Jiang, and Vice Minister Li."

The Scholar Jiang that Xiaozhao mentioned is Jiang Zhiqi, and the Vice Minister Li is Li Qingchen, both of whom are now key figures in the Yuanyou Faction.

After assigning the appeasement task for the Yuanyou Faction.

Xiaozhao laid out some more tasks and then dismissed everyone, leaving only...

Old Su and Xu Yun.

After everyone else left, he first looked at Old Su and bowed deeply:

"Mr. Su, what should be my next move, please, do enlighten me!"

When choosing to enter the palace together with Xiaozhao, Old Su was already prepared to be labeled by future generations.

Now that things were set in stone, he had long adjusted his mindset, and he said:

"Your Highness, may I ask a question first?"

Xiaozhao nodded, gestured with his right hand, and said:

"Mr. Su, feel free to speak."

Old Su gave him a look and asked:

"I wonder how Your Highness intends to deal with Prince Duan?"

"Prince Duan?"

Not having heard the name for a long time, Xiaozhao was first slightly taken aback and then realized Old Su was referring to the deposed Emperor Zhao Ji.

This answer had been considered by Xiaozhao even before the action was taken, so he quickly replied:

"Mr. Su, after all, Zhao Ji is my blood relative. He wanted to kill me, but I will not, and cannot, kill him."

"Therefore, I plan to build an Imperial Manor on the outskirts of Bianjing, appoint twenty to thirty servants, and Zhao Ji shall live out his days there."

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