Iron Dynasty Chapter 1094

Yizhou.

A peculiar glint flickered in Luo Hong’s eyes as he examined the telegram dispatched from Qingzhou.

Among the vast expanse of cities within the Empire, Yizhou, a significant locale in the Bashu region, was among the last to be integrated into the telegraph network.

Despite the delay, the Telecommunications Department had exerted considerable effort to establish a connection here, ensuring the unimpeded dissemination of information across the Empire.

“Ge Yiren has been apprehended,” Luo Xin stated, presenting a telegram from the Luo family to Luo Hong before retrieving another. “It’s rather baffling. Why would the Emperor suddenly summon the military region commanders back to Qingzhou for a strategic assembly?”

“You must not return to Qingzhou. The Emperor has unequivocally laid a snare for you,” Luo Hong declared with firm resolve.

Upon hearing this, Luo Xin let out a chuckle. “Elder Brother, what are you implying? How could the Emperor possibly devise a scheme against me?”

Since his arrival in Yizhou, Luo Hong had indulged in some preliminary explorations but had yet to disclose his connection to Ge Yiren to Luo Xin. The timely arrival of the telegram, however, made him realize his precarious position. Should Ge Yiren divulge incriminating information, escaping the Empire's justice would become an impossibility.

Noticing the grave concern etched on Luo Hong’s countenance, Luo Xin inquired further, “Elder Brother, what precisely is amiss?”

Taking a profound breath, Luo Hong responded, “Do you comprehend the reason behind Ge Yiren’s arrest?”

“It likely pertains to those who harbor dissent against the Emperor,” Luo Xin surmised. He harbored no fondness for Ge Yiren himself, and the news of his arrest brought him a measure of satisfaction.

Luo Hong offered a nod. “Your assessment is accurate. Since ascending the throne, the Emperor’s actions have grown increasingly audacious. He displays utter disregard for the influential families and aristocracy who were instrumental in his conquest of the empire, repeatedly enacting decrees that curtail our privileges. Now, his actions have become even more extreme, effectively barring the nobility from official positions, a move that has sown widespread discontent.”

Luo Xin’s expression shifted to one of mild surprise. “While that may be true, Elder Brother, the Emperor’s intentions are ostensibly for the Empire’s long-term prosperity. The times have evolved. Could our forces have realistically wielded Han-style rifles and mortars just over a decade ago? Besides, the Emperor merely requests that the nobility exercise restraint and remain subservient to the Empire’s laws.”

“Your unwavering conviction is indeed remarkable,” Luo Hong remarked, a hint of annoyance surfacing due to Luo Xin’s lack of agreement. Ge Yiren’s sudden detainment had heightened his anxiety.

The arrival of Xiao Ming’s telegram clearly indicated the Emperor's apprehension regarding Luo Xin potentially defecting and joining forces with him. If that were the case, his own exposure was imminent, leaving him with no alternative but to commit fully.

“He currently enacts decrees unfavorable to us with impunity. In the future, he could simply consign us to imprisonment without cause. Have you never, even for a fleeting moment, contemplated limiting his authority and fostering a collaborative approach to state affairs?” Luo Hong posed the question directly.

Luo Xin, whose smile had previously graced his features, saw his expression transform abruptly. “Elder Brother, such talk constitutes treason. How can you utter such profanities? The Emperor holds supreme authority. Were it not for his leadership, would we possess the Empire we cherish today? Never again broach the subject of curtailing imperial power. For my part, the Emperor’s decisions have always been infallible.”

“He may not err now, but what of the future? Do you wish to witness the disintegration of our present Empire due to his potential missteps? Permit me to ask, after the Emperor’s passing, can Xiao Yi truly bear such a formidable burden?” Luo Hong pressed.

“Xiao Yi is the Crown Prince. Having been raised alongside the Emperor, he has naturally assimilated the Emperor’s governing philosophy. At the very least, he will not prove to be an inept ruler.”

“And what of Xiao Yi’s lineage? Who can assure us that a succession of wise rulers will perpetually occupy this throne?”

“Do you genuinely believe that restricting imperial power will eradicate the possibility of foolish rulers?” Luo Xin retorted, his voice laced with indignation.

“At the very least, should a misguided ruler ascend, we would possess the means to intervene rather than remain utterly powerless. Luo Xin, this Empire belongs to all of us, not solely to the Emperor,” Luo Hong attempted to persuade him.

Luo Xin shook his head resolutely. “Elder Brother, what has befallen you? Who has filled your mind with these notions? It is all baseless conjecture. The Emperor is the linchpin of the Empire; without him, there can be no order. If you permit numerous nobles to wield decisive influence, it is difficult to guarantee they will not become mere mouthpieces for their respective factions within the court. At that juncture, any matter that fails to serve their personal interests will incite their opposition, plunging the Empire into genuine ruin.”

“Luo Xin, you have been profoundly swayed by Xiao Ming. His sole ambition is for the Xiao family to reign eternally. Why should we concede to that!” Luo Hong blurted out involuntarily.

Luo Xin’s heart plummeted. The memory of Luo Hong’s expression upon seeing Ge Yiren’s arrest flashed in his mind. "Elder Brother," he began, his voice now quite stern, "tell me the truth. Are you and Ge Yiren involved in something?"

Luo Xin’s tone was already quite stern as he posed the question.

"Since things have reached this point, I won't hide it from you anymore. Ge Yiren and I secretly planned to curtail the imperial power. When the moment was right, we intended to rally the influential families and the army to compel the Emperor to heed our counsel. I simply didn't anticipate Ge Yiren encountering trouble so abruptly; it completely blindsided me. But it's not too late. We still have an opportunity, Luo Xin. If you and I publicly declare our support for limiting imperial authority, the powerful families across the realm will surely rally to our cause." Luo Hong seized Luo Xin’s hand tightly, his demeanor bordering on frenzied.

Luo Xin violently wrenched his hand away. Disbelief was evident in his eyes. "Elder Brother, have you lost your mind? You lead the Luo family now. By indulging in this scheme, you are dragging the Luo family into utter ruin! I absolutely refuse to consent."

"You have no other choice!" A chilling smile played on Luo Hong's lips. "Don't you grasp the reality yet? The Emperor's summons of the six major military commanders is a test for you. The Emperor harbors suspicions regarding us. Even if you were to return to Qingzhou, you'd be deposed instantly. We are both scions of the Luo family; neither of us can evade this fate."

Luo Xin’s countenance turned noticeably ashen upon hearing this.

Luo Hong pressed on, "Furthermore, have you forgotten about that Zhu Sansi? Who is he, to warrant being one of the six commanders? How many years have you and I spilled blood on the battlefield serving the Emperor, and how long has he been in such a position? Can you not perceive the Emperor's erratic judgment from this alone?"

Indeed, Zhu Sansi presented numerous points of contention for Luo Xin. It wasn't that he harbored contempt for Zhu Sansi; rather, he found Zhu Sansi's meteoric rise to be perplexing, diminishing their own achievements in comparison.

Observing the flicker of uncertainty on Luo Xin's face, Luo Hong's heart swelled with elation. He declared with an air of triumph, "Should our endeavor succeed, such preposterous occurrences will cease to plague us. Heed your elder brother's words. If Xiao Ming persists in his obstinate path, consider the third imperial prince, Xiao Zhen, in Yizhou. By right of seniority, Xiao Zhen is the rightful heir to the throne."

Luo Xin regarded Luo Hong intently for a prolonged moment after these words. A sigh finally escaped his lips. "Elder Brother, your younger brother understands that the Emperor's decision not to appoint you as one of the commanders has fueled your discontent. However, your current actions constitute not just treason but also a path to the Luo family's eternal damnation. Moreover, what purpose do you believe the Emperor's establishment of chief scribes within the army serves? I can assure you, should I lend my voice in support of curtailing imperial power, the soldiers would revolt in an instant, and Chief Scribe Huang would marshal the troops to apprehend us both. This Southwest Army is replete with graduates from the Qingzhou Army Academy. They possess independent thought; they are not mere private soldiers of the Luo family. From the moment they entered the academy, their sole allegiance has been to the Emperor. Therefore, Elder Brother, for the sake of the Luo family's future, I must issue an apology."

After a brief pause, he commanded, "Guards, apprehend Luo Hong!"