In the Ruby Kingdom in the Breeze Province in the Lightning City, Zixin Quon pretended that arming his farmers was for good reasons: to make his farmers well-prepared to protect his trade from bandits when they travel across the Chinese cities. However, this claim was only a mask behind which Zixin concealed his real intention for arming the farmers. Zixin's real motivation for arming the farmers was for carrying out a coup against the government. Zixin's ambition was to become the emperor of the Chinese Empire and the only way to achieve this was through a coup.
Before carrying out the coup, Zixin wanted to join the Chinese government and become part of it so that he knows more and better about inner parts of the government. An insider knows much more about an organization than an outsider. Zixin wanted to understand the components of the government, the different relationships among people in the government, the organization of the Chinese army, etc.
To join the Chinese government, Zixin had an intelligent plan. He wanted to create a vacant position for himself in the Chinese government by killing one of the imperial ministers: the Imperial Minister of Finance, Wesheng Zihao. According to Zixin's plan, once Zixin assassinate
Wesheng Zihao and his position becomes vacant, Zixin will bribe some ministers so that those ministers will nominate Zixin for the position of the Imperial Minister of Finance in front of the emperor. Due to Zixin's good record and standing with the emperor and the Chinese government, Zixin anticipated that the emperor will welcome the nomination of Zixin as the best candidate to fill the position of the Imperial Minister of Finance. Zixin was not certain about the emperor's decision to choose him over others for the position but he conjectured with great likelihood that the emperor will prefer him to others for this vacant position.
Zixin is currently the leader of the philanthropic project located in the Lightning City and he needs to move to the Jasmine City to stay close to the imperial government. Therefore, Zixin ordered his cousin Guang who is the leader of the philanthropic project in the Jasmine City to swap his position with him. In other words, Zixin will move to the Jasmine City to lead the philanthropic project there while Guang will return to the Lightning City.
After Zixin saw that his farmers are well-prepared and competent enough to carry out a military operation in his favor, he ordered one group of his farmers to assassinate Wesheng Zihao, the Imperial Minister of Finance without leaving a trace. The military unit successfully assassinated Wesheng Zihao while he was returning home in his procession. The assassination of Wesheng Zihao put the government into a state of chaos. The police was carrying out thorough investigations to identify and detain the assassins. Since Zixin's military force left no trace in the assassination spot, the job of the government of identifying the assassins was made harder.
Emperor Wei Jian was curious to identify the assassins of Wesheng Zihao and the motivations behind the assassination. At the same time, he wanted to fill the vacant position of the Imperial Minister of Finance. So he consulted his cabinet ministers about nominating the suitable person for the position. The few ministers that were bribed by Zixin nominated Zixin as the best candidate for the vacant position. The emperor admired Zixin for being a successful businessman and for rendering so many meritorious services to the Chinese government and people. After the emperor heard the nominations of the cabinet ministers, he agreed to appoint Zixin for the position. Some cabinet ministers opposed the emperor's decision of appointing Zixin for the vacant position claiming that Zixin is not experienced with the business of the government. The emperor supported his decision by claiming that Zixin has good leadership and management skills that he accumulated over the years for running his farms with a large number of farmers. At the end of the meeting, the emperor could convince the cabinet ministers of his decision. Finally, the emperor made a conclusive decision that Zixin is the new Imperial Minister of Finance. Zixin was summoned to be informed about his new position and inauguration.
Things were moving in the direction of Zixin's desires. He is now the Imperial Minister of Finance. He started to learn the rules, the regulations and the standards of the government. He also started to make strong relationships and friendships with the ministers and the public officials. One of the dearest friends of Zixin was the Imperial Minister of Defense, Xiaosheng Deming. Zixin came nearer to this minister particularly to gain valuable information about the Chinese army so that he has greater chances of success in his planned coup. In each visit to Xiaosheng Deming, Zixin used to bring precious gifts to the minister to gain his love and trust. After Zixin built a strong relationship and friendship with Xiaosheng Deming, he started to gather useful military information that will assist him in the planned coup. Here is a snapshot of a conversation between Zixin and Xiaosheng:
Zixin: Xiaosheng, I am curious to know about the strategies you pursue for defending our city. Are these strategies your brainchildren or were they developed by former ministers and leaders?
Xiaosheng: Some of the strategies were known before I became the Imperial Minister of Defense while I introduced my own strategies after my inauguration.
Zixin: You are a wise man. So what are the main strategies for defending our city?
Xiaosheng: As you know, our cities are designed to have four gates: the northern, the southern, the eastern and the western gates. Therefore, our army is divided into four parts where each part guards one gate.
Zixin: That is a wise strategy. So how many soldiers do guard each gate? Are the soldiers distributed equally across the four gates?
Xiaosheng: Yes, the soldiers are distributed equally across the four gates. At each gate, there are 3000 soldiers.
Zixin: I admire your strategy. Let us enjoy the delicious dinner together.
Until now, Zixin kept the secret of the coup for himself only. Even his wife, Xiulan, does not know yet about his intention to carry out a coup against the government. Now Zixin wants to share the secret with Xiulan.
Zixin: Xiulan, I have a secret to share with you.
Xiulan: What secret is it?
Zixin: I plan to carry out a coup against the government. I want to become the new emperor of the Chinese Empire.
Xiulan: Really? Are you serious? Are you crazy? What is wrong with you? This is an extremely dangerous move. It can demolish everything that we have built together so far.
Zixin: Yes, I am serious. I am not crazy. Nothing can quench my thirst for power except becoming the new emperor of China. I have all the qualifications to become the emperor. Wei Jian is not better than me for this position.
Xiulan: But what if the coup fails? It will be a catastrophe for us at all levels.
Zixin: You are considering the worst case scenario. This is the pessimistic view. I am considering the best case scenario taking the optimistic view.
Xiulan: But not everything in life works according to the best case scenario. At times, we have to confront the worst case scenario. Zixin, please shun this idea. Let us continue to live peacefully and be satisfied and content with what we have achieved so far. Please Zixin, abandon this idea.
Zixin: It is impossible. I am well-prepared for the coup and I have beautiful dreams about being the new emperor of China. Would not you be happier if you become the new Empress of the Chinese Empire?
Xiulan: Yes, I would be happier if I am the empress but what if the coup fails and we are killed or detained in jail? Will you be happier?
Zixin: Xiulan, you have always stood by my side. Why do you want to frustrate me this time? You should boost my morale, not undermine it.
Xiulan: Yes, I am always by your side but it is my responsibility to open your eyes and alert you to the dangers of steps you plan to take.
Zixin: As I told you. Everything works well in my favor and I have a strong plan to capture the five cities in one night.
Xiulan tried her best to turn Zixin's mind away from the coup but she failed. Zixin was determined to carry out the coup according to his plan. Zixin summoned his four cousins to meet him in the Jasmine City in order to share with them the details and the plan for the coup. After the cousins arrived, Zixin informed them about his intentions.
Zixin: My dear cousins, do you know why I have summoned you?
Jinjing: Obviously, for an important matter.
Zixin: True. Do you know why I armed my farmers across the five cities?
Shirong: For protecting your trade while they travel across the Chinese cities.
Zixin: That was only a camouflage to disguise my real intention.
Bingwen: What do you mean?
Zixin: I armed my farmers and trained them to carry out a coup against the government. I want to become the new emperor of the Chinese Empire.
Guang: Zixin, Are you talking seriously or kidding?
Zixin: Yes, I am serious. I mean it. Will you help me in this endeavor?
Shirong: You know that we are with you always. But this step is very dangerous and if things backfire, all what we have achieved so far will vanish overnight.
Xiulan: I have told him so but he is stubborn and he insists on moving forward with this step. Please convince him to forsake this idea.
Jinjing: If the coup succeeds and you become the new emperor, what will we benefit from it?
Zixin: I will be the new emperor of the Chinese Empire; Guang will be the new king of the Ruby Kingdom; Jinjing will be the new king of the Pearl Kingdom; Shirong will be the new king of the Star Kingdom; Bingwen will be the new king of the Cloud Kingdom;
Bingwen: That looks promising. Zixin, do you have the plan ready for the coup?
Zixin: Yes, the plan is ready for execution. We just need to coordinate our efforts and synchronize our attacks. Are you willing to cooperate with me and help me achieve this goal?
Guang: We started the growth journey together and if we can reach this superior glory, then why not?
Shirong: Our farmers have undergone serious strong training and they will not let us down.
Jinjing: I am reluctant but if Zixin convinces me with his plan, I will support you for sure.
Bingwen: So Zixin, what is your plan?
The Coup Plan
Zixin shared the plan with his cousins and convinced them about its effectiveness and success. Zixin will attack the Jasmine City to capture it and overthrow the emperor and the king of the Crown Kingdom; Guang will attack the Lightning City to capture it and overthrow the king of the Ruby Kingdom; Jinjing will attack the Jade City to capture it and overthrow the king of the Pearl Kingdom; Shirong will attack the Flower City to capture it and overthrow the king of the Star Kingdom; Bingwen will attack the Twilight City to capture it and overthrow the king of Cloud Kingdom.
Since Zixin has 20000 farmers at his disposal in the Jasmine City, he will send the Snake wing (500 soldiers) to the Jasmine City to lurk there in the night of the attack. Zixin will send the Tiger wing (5000 soldiers) to the southern gate of the Jasmine City where they will start a direct battle with the government's forces. When the battle begins, the government will issue an order to close all the four gates of the city to prevent the flow of the enemy's army into the city. Also, the government's forces at the northern, eastern and western gates will start moving toward the southern gate where the battle is occurring to reinforce the Chinese army. A small force will remain at each gate to guard against any unanticipated danger. When the government's army at the eastern gate moves to the south for reinforcement, Zixin will send the Eagle wing (5000 soldiers) to the eastern gate. Since the gate is closed, the Snake wing (500 soldiers) lurking inside the city will attack the soldiers at the gate to open it for Zixin's Eagle wing. When the eastern gate is opened, the Eagle and Snake wings will flow into the city to capture the emperor and the king of the Crown Kingdom. Once these two are captured, Zixin will declare victory and call the government's army to surrender. If the government's army refuses to surrender, Zixin will send all the remaining of his forces to fight the government's army until Zixin becomes the victor. If Zixin's army is defeated, Zixin will flee with his family to a far area.
The same plan will be duplicated across the other five capitals of the four kingdoms. In other words, Guang will duplicate this plan in the Lightning City with his 20000 farmers; Jinjing will duplicate this plan with his 20000 farmers in the Jade City; Shirong will duplicate this plan with his 20000 farmers in the Flower City; Bingwen will duplicate this plan with his 20000 farmers in the Twilight City. The attacks against the five capitals of the five kingdoms must all happen at the same night.
Zixin with his four cousins agreed on the plan and added some details to make it stronger and immune to flaws. They agreed to attack the five cities in one specific night according to the Chinese calendar. Until that date, Zixin and his four cousins ordered their farmers to go through fierce training in preparation for the real imminent battle. Zixin promised his farmers across the five cities that if the coup succeeds, the wage of each farmer will triple. That was a great motivation for the farmers to do their best and fight with zeal until the end. Zixin also promised his farmers that they will become the elite Chinese army upon their victory.
Everything was occurring in Zixin's favor and the government did not expect that Zixin's farmers will be their bitterest enemy one day. Trusting the wrong person can bring disasters. The night of the battle is drawing near and Zixin's soldiers are well-prepared for the attack. The government's army did not anticipate what is in the minds of Zixin's and his four cousins.
The Night of the Coup
Tonight is the planned coup. Zixin wanted to benefit from the element of surprise. His soldiers are well-trained and well-prepared for the coup while the government's army is oblivious of Zixin's moves. The Tiger wing (5000 soldiers) began to march toward the southern gate of the Jasmine City. When the government's army knew about the impending threat, they started to align their forces and prepare for the battle. The battle began between Zixin's Tiger wing and the government's army (3000 soldiers) at the southern gate.
When the battle began, the government's army sent messengers to Xiaosheng Deming, the Imperial Minister of Defense and Junjie Song, the Imperial Minister of Intelligence, to notify them about the attack and alert them. Junjie sent messengers to to notify and alert the ministers and his assistants, including Yingjie Zhuang, the Deputy Imperial Minister of Intelligence. Junjie also sent messengers to alert the king of the Crown Kingdom, Lei Keung. Junjie then moved to the Imperial Palace to notify and alert the emperor. The emperor, the empress, Yueliang and Taiyang were all asleep so Junjie awoke them and informed them about the significant news. Here is a snapshot of the conversation between Junjie and the emperor:
Junjie: Your Majesty, the city is under attack. We do not know how the battle will end. Let us evacuate the palace and move to a secure hidden place.
Wei Jian: Do you know who is the leader of the attacking army?
Junjie: I suspect it is Zixin. He has a lot of farmers under his control. I suspect he misused them in order to carry out a coup against the government.
This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.
Wei: Zixin? It is impossible. He is a righteous man. How can he turn into an evil person overnight.
Junjie: People are like folded books. We cannot judge a book only by looking at the title on the front cover. There are so much things hidden inside a book that are only revealed when we read the entire book. Our soldiers reported that the attacking army came from the countryside of the Jasmine City and this is where Zixin's gargantuan farm is located.
Wei: It is impossible that I retreat and evacuate the Imperial Palace. Junjie, take the empress, Yueliang and Taiyang to a secure hidden place.
Fang Huan: Wei, it is impossible that I leave you alone in this critical time. I will stay with you. Junjie, take Yueliang and Taiyang to a secure hidden place. I will stay with the emperor in the Imperial Palace.
Junjie: Please, Your Majesty, come with me and let us all evacuate the Imperial Palace. Your safety and security are above all the considerations.
Wei: I am not a coward who runs away from his enemy. History records the stances of leaders at critical times. I do not want to be regarded as a coward at the conclusion of my life.
Junjie: Your Majesty, you are not running away from your enemy. It is only a maneuver to ensure your safety and security. Once things are settled, you will have the chance to confront your enemy face to face.
Wei: I am not leaving my palace. It is not Wei Jian who flees from danger. Junjie, take the empress, Yueliang and Taiyang with you to a secure hidden place.
Fang: Wei, I have accompanied your throughout my life. I will stay with you at all costs.
Yueliang: My father, my mother, please let us all evacuate the palace and return to it once things settle well and the threat clears. Please do not jeopardize your lives.
Taiyang: True, my parents, please let us all evacuate the palace. Your security and safety are the most precious. We do not know how the battle will end. If the palace is besieged, it will be very difficult to escape.
Wei: Yueliang, Taiyang, you must escape to save your lives. I do not want to put you in the face of danger.
Fang: Yes, you must save your lives. Junjie, take Yueliang and Taiyang with you to secure hidden place.
Junjie: At your command, your Majesty. Yueliang. Taiyang, let us leave the palace immediately.
Wei: Junjie, from where are you planning to leave?
Junjie: The city is under attach at the southern gate. I will leave from the northern gate.
Wei: There is a better and safer option. In this palace there is a secret tunnel. It is a secret passage that extends underground from the palace to a well-guarded exit. Junjie, you accompany Yueliang and Taiyang and flee through the secret tunnel. At the exit of the tunnel, you will find a troop of 100 men and women. They belong to the Imperial Guards. They are dressed in ordinary clothes, not in military uniforms for camouflage. They will accompany you and guard you wherever you want to go. Ask them to take you to a secure hidden place in the rural areas of the Jasmine City.
Junjie: Consider it done, your Majesty. Yueliang, Taiyang, it is the farewell moment. Say goodbye to your parents and let us now leave.
Yueliang hugged his father while shedding tears and said: “Goodbye, my beloved father. I love you so much. I hope you will be safe. We shall meet again.” The emperor said while shedding tears: “Goodbye, dear Yueliang. I love so much too. Take care of yourself and your sister. In life you face many threats and opportunities so use your wisdom to seize opportunities and shun threats.” Yueliang also hugged his mother while shedding tears and said: “Goodbye, my beloved mother. I love you so much. I hope you will be safe. We shall meet again.” The empress said while shedding tears: “Goodbye, dear Yueliang. I love so much too. Cherish yourself and your sister. You are smart and wise so never surrender to threats.” Taiyang hugged her father while shedding tears and said: “Goodbye, my dear father. I love you so much. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Stay safe. We shall reunite soon.” The emperor said while shedding tears: “Goodbye, dear Taiyang. I love you so much too. Take care of yourself and your brother. Life has sweet and bitter days so be prepared to confront difficulties with patience and hard work.” Taiyang then hugged her mother while shedding tears and said: “Goodbye, my beloved mother. I love you so much. Thank you for everything you have taught me. Stay safe. We shall reunite soon.” The empress said while shedding tears: “Goodbye, dear Taiyang. I love you so much too. Cherish yourself and your brother. You are smart and wise and I am sure you will face hardships with determination and sound judgment.” Junjie hugged the emperor while shedding tears and said: “Goodbye, Your Majesty. Protect yourself. I will do my best to protect Yueliang and Taiyang.” The emperor said: “Goodbye Junjie. Take care of yourself and my children. You are a true irreplaceable hero.” Junjie had a farewell handshake with the empress and said to her: “Goodbye, Your Majesty. Be safe. I promise to cherish Yueliang and Taiyang to the best I can.” The empress said: “Goodbye, Junjie. May happiness and peace surround your way with my children.”
The emperor showed Junjie, Yueliang and Taiyang the entry point of the secret tunnel. He lifted a movable slab on the floor and they entered into the tunnel from therein. After they walked some distance, the emperor closed the tunnel with the slab as it was before. Junjie, Yueliang, Taiyang reached the exit of the secret tunnel and they met the troop of the 100 Imperial Guards. The Imperial Guards accompanied them to a secure house in the rural areas of the Jasmine City. At this point, the emperor and the empress started to chat about what should they do.
Wei: How do you think this matter will end?
Fang: I hope our army will annihilate the enemy's army.
Wei: I hope that too. However, we should expect and plan for the worst case scenario. What if the coup succeeded and they reached the Imperial Palace?
Fang: Do you want to be a captive of your enemy?
Wei: Impossible. This is not my option. Being a captive leads to humiliation. I do not accept humiliation.
Fang: Neither do I. I prefer suicide to becoming a captive of our enemy.
Wei: Yes, suicide is better than humiliation. So in that case, let us fight until we are exhausted and commit suicide at the end.
Fang: That is the best option in that case.
On the battlefield, things were aligning with Zixin's estimation. The battle began on the southern gate where the Tiger wing (5000 soldiers) confronted the government's army (3000 soldiers). When the battle began, the government's army sought reinforcements from the troops situated at the northern, eastern and western gates. Also, the command was issued to close the four gates of the Jasmine City to prevent the flow of the enemy to the city. At the eastern gate, 500 soldiers of the government's army stayed to guard the gate while the other 2500 soldiers left to support soldiers on the southern gate. At this moment, Zixin dispatched his Eagle wing (5000 soldiers) to the eastern gate where they had a battle with the remaining forces (500 soldiers). The Eagle wing wiped out the soldiers at the eastern gate. Now since the gate is closed, the Eagle wing sent a fire signal to the Snake wing (500 soldiers) lurking inside the city so that they launch an attack on the soldiers guarding the eastern gate from inside. The fire signal consists of shooting 100 fire arrows toward the Jasmine City. The Snake wing annihilated the soldiers guarding the eastern gate and managed to open the gate for the Eagle wing. The Eagle wing entered the city and united with the Snake wing. These forces started to attack certain targets such as the Imperial Palace of the emperor, the Royal Palace of the king, the houses of the Imperial Family and the royal family, the houses of ministers, etc.
The Eagle and Snake wings reached the Imperial Palace and they exterminated the Imperial Guards of the palace (300 soldiers) after a fierce battle where the Imperial Guards showed heroic deeds in defending the palace. The Eagle and Snake wings penetrated the main hall of the palace where they found the emperor and the empress standing and carrying two swords with their right hands while their left hands were clenched. The army called the emperor and the empress to surrender but they rejected and started to fight courageously. The emperor killed five soldiers while the empress killed three soldiers. After a long fight, the emperor and the empress were exhausted so when they no longer could fight, each of them swallowed a poisonous pill held by their left hands. The emperor and the empress now are waiting their inevitable deaths. The poisonous pill kills the human being after two hours from entering the body. Now the emperor and the empress are captured by Zixin's army.
The ferocious battle at the southern gate was still in progress. The government's army at the southern gate (3000 soldiers) had reinforcements from the armies at the northern gate (2500 soldiers), the eastern gate (2500 soldiers) and the western gate (2500 soldiers). When Zixin received the news of capturing the emperor and the empress, he dispatched the Lion wing (5000 soldiers) to the southern gate to reinforce Tiger wing there. He also ordered the Eagle and Snake wings to join the battle at the southern gate. Now, the government's army is besieged between the Lion and the Tiger wings from the south and the Eagle and Snake wings flowing from inside the city (the north). There were a myriad of soldiers killed from both sides. The government's army fought with courage but when they had plentiful victims, the leaders of the army decided to withdraw. The government's army withdrew to far areas outside the Jasmine City. By withdrawal, the government's army gave Zixin the chance to be the victor by relinquishing the Jasmine City. The Jasmine City is now under Zixin's control.
Lei Keung and his wife Shui Lim (the king and queen of the Crown kingdom) managed to escape their royal palace by the aid of the Ministry of Intelligence and they are now hiding inside a secure house inside the Jasmine City. Most of the ministers stayed in their houses during the attack and they were all captured by the Eagle and Snake wings. Some ministers fled to secure houses under the supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence. Two of the emperor's brothers chose to stay in their palaces during the attack, namely: Jun Jian and his family and Shen Jian and his family and they were all captured by Zixin's army as a consequence. Two of the emperor's brothers fled to secure houses under the supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence, namely: Li Jian and his family and Laquan Jian and his family.
Not only did the battle end decisively in the Jasmine City in Zixin's favor, the battles in the other four capitals of the four kingdoms ended in Zixin's favor as well. Guang defeated the government's army in the Lightning City and captured Tai Wang and his wife Shuang Yan (the king and queen of the Ruby Kingdom). Shirong defeated the government's army in the Flower City and captured Bai Chin and his wife Mu Jie (the king and queen of the Star Kingdom). Jinjing defeated the government's army in the Jade city but failed to capture Qiang Sheng and his wife Ya Peng (the king and queen of the Pearl Kingdom). Qiang Sheng and his wife fled to a secure house in the Jade City under the supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence. Bingwen defeated the government's army in the Twilight City but failed to capture Dong Hai and his wife Lan He (the king and queen of the Cloud Kingdom). Dong Hai and his wife fled to a secure house in the Twilight City under the supervision of the Ministry of Intelligence. The four cousins of Zixin used identical plans to Zixin's with slight variations.
Now since the battle ended decisively in Zixin's favor in the Jasmine City, Zixin headed to the Imperial Palace to meet the deposed emperor. When the emperor saw Zixin, he was wonder-struck. The last thing that the emperor expected to see Zixin as the coup leader. Zixin disappointed the emperor and betrayed his trust to the fullest. Here is a snapshot of the conversation between the emperor and Zixin:
Wei Jian: So it is you, Zixin. The curse is on you. You betrayed me. You committed high treason. You have been a viper in my bosom.
Zixin Quon: Hello dear emperor. Or the deposed emperor. It does not matter whether I betrayed or not; what matters is that I am now the new emperor of the Chinese Empire.
Wei: The Chinese Empire will never see peace and tranquility under your reign. What a despicable insidious traitor!
Fang Huan: Zixin, you are the worst human being I have ever seen. The emperor ennobled you, honored you and treated you with generosity. Then what? You stabbed the emperor in the back. You are the icon of evil.
Zixin: I am ambitious and my ambition led me to be the emperor. Remember: winner takes all. By the way, where is Yueliang and Taiyang? I do not see them.
Wei: It is none of your business. Yueliang and Taiyang will remain a thorn in your flesh.
Zixin: If they flee today, they will be captured tomorrow. It is only a matter of time.
Fang: Dream well. You will regret evildoing one day.
Wei: Even if injustice has a chance to flourish, it will certainly at the end perish (Wei coined this proverb).
Fang: One day you shall reach despair and my children will be your nightmare (Fang coined this proverb).
Zixin saw the emperor and the empress sweating a lot and suffering pain so he asked his soldiers and they told him that the emperor and the empress swallowed two pills before they were captured. Zixin realized that the emperor and the empress wanted to commit suicide by poison. Zixin asked the emperor and the empress again: “Where is Yueliang and Taiyang?” The emperor and the empress rejected to answer. Zixin said: “So you want to die by poison according to your rules? I will force you to die according to my rules.” Zixin then ordered two soldiers to stab the emperor and the empress with their swords in their abdomens. When the emperor and the empress were stabbed, blood gushed from their mouths. They fell on the ground and started to crawl toward one another. They held each other's right hands and said their eternal last words:
Fang: With you until the last breath; with you in life or death (Fang coined this proverb).
Wei: You are my beloved wife and the best gift in my life (Wei coined this proverb).
The emperor and the empress then died while holding each other's right hands. The last moments of the emperor and the empress were greatly moving. Their ending was a tragedy. Zixin committed a great regicide in Chinese history.
In order to let people despair of the return of the emperor and the empress to the rule of the Chinese Empire, Zixin announced the death of Wei Jian and Fang Huan. He also declared himself as the new emperor and his wife, Xiulan, as the new empress. After Zixin received the confirmations from his four cousins about the success of the coup in their respective cities, Zixin also announced that his four cousins will be the new kings of the four kingdoms. Xiaosheng Deming, the Imperial Minister of Defense, was captured during Zixin's attack on the city. Zixin summoned Xiaosheng and spoke to him about the new Chinese Empire:
Zixin: How are you, Xiaosheng? I hope I did not disturb you by the coup.
Xiaosheng: Zixin, so you are the leader of the coup? I did not know that you are such a strong warrior.
Zixin: Thank you for the valuable information you disclosed to me about the army and the defense strategies. Without your help, the coup could not succeed to this degree.
Xiaosheng: Had I known that you will misuse the information I have given you, I would not have imparted any details to you. I am really disappointed with you, Zixin.
Zixin: Why are you disappointed with me? I am your friend and a friend should rejoice at the victory of his friend. I am the new emperor. Will you render your allegiance to me?
Xiaosheng: It is impossible. My allegiance is to Wei Jian.
Zixin: But Wei Jian is dead now.
Xiaosheng: Really?! You killed him?! I never expected that you would go that far, Zixin. How dare you commit regicide?
Zixin: Wei Jian was going to die at all events. He poisoned himself but I killed him according to my rules. So will you render your allegiance to me now?
Xiaosheng: Give me some time to think.
Zixin: As you like. Think wisely and let me know your decision.
After Xiaosheng thought about the new changes in the Chinese Empire and how Zixin could alter the rules of the game in his favor, he decided to render his allegiance to Zixin. Xiaosheng thought that he should desert a sinking ship and move to a new position where his interests are fulfilled. After Xiaosheng rendered his allegiance to Zixin, Zixin appointed and enthroned him as the new king of the Crown Kingdom. It was interesting how Xiaosheng was transitioned from being the Imperial Minister of Defense in the reign of Wei Jian to being the king of the Crown Kingdom in the reign of Zixin.
The following table shows some statistics about the coup across the five kingdoms. Generally speaking, the losses of the government's army were larger than the coup army. This is because the coup army had undergone strong effective training which gave the coup soldiers a remarkable edge over the government's forces. In total, the coup army had a death toll of 16000 soldiers while the government's army had a death toll of 18500 soldiers.
The Kingdom
The Coup Leader
The Coup Army
The Government Army
The Coup Army Death Toll
The Government Army Death Toll
The Crown
Zixin Quon
20000
12000
3000
4500
The Pearl
Jinjing Quon
20000
12000
2500
3000
The Ruby
Guang Quon
20000
12000
4000
3500
The Star
Shirong Jinhai
20000
12000
4500
5000
The Cloud
Bingwen Jinhai
20000
12000
2000
2500
Total
100000
60000
16000
18500
People across the five kingdoms were dissatisfied with the coup because their life conditions during Wei Jian's reign were good in general. However, since Zixin is the new emperor and since he proved his military power, they choose to stay silent and get accustomed to the new rules of the game. Military power speaks louder than people's opinions and attitudes. The victor dictates his rules to the loser. This is the nature of war across all human civilizations. Zixin will begin now to establish a firm foothold for himself in the Chinese Empire by appointing the suitable people who will help him achieve his goals and realize his dreams. Also, people will watch the policies of Zixin closely and compare their life conditions in his reign to those in the reign of Emperor Wei Jian.