After the morning court session, Minister of Personnel Cheng Yun Du followed Minister of Works Wei Xiang out.

Both men came from prestigious families and were in their thirties. They had served together in court for many years, and their families even shared some marriage ties going back generations. Cheng Yun Du glanced sideways at Wei Xiang and smiled, “Why has Brother Wei suddenly become so interested in Prince Rui’s family affairs?”

Half an hour earlier during the morning court session, the Ministry of Rites had submitted a memorial regarding Yan Chi, the Prince Rui’s heir, inheriting his father’s title after the Prince Rui’s death. The Emperor had no objections to this. When the court officials were consulted, Wei Xiang in particular strongly supported it, and with Minister of Justice Song Huai’s approval, the matter seemed about to be settled. At that moment, however, Cheng Yun Du objected.

The military provisions case in the Northwest had not yet been cleared up. Although the Prince Rui had passed away, if there was any connection to the Xi Region, then the Prince Rui and his son would at least be guilty of negligence. Therefore, it seemed inappropriate to immediately allow Yan Chi to inherit the title.

This statement caused quite a stir. The Prince Rui had been a pillar of the state, guarding the Northwest for many years. Cheng Yun Du’s words somewhat violated a taboo, yet there were not a few who agreed with him, causing an immediate deadlock.

In the end, no conclusion was reached, but the matter had been brought before the court. The Emperor’s intention seemed to be that it needed further discussion.

Cheng Yun Du was slightly plump with a kindly face, his eyes flashing with intelligence. Wei Xiang, on the other hand, was very thin with graying temples, looking older than Cheng Yun Du. His narrow eyes were slightly squinted, his face showing a trace of cold mockery. “Brother Cheng’s words are inappropriate. After the Prince Rui’s death, his heir inheriting the title is natural and proper. You brazenly suggest the Prince Rui was connected to the military provisions case—would you dare say such things if the Prince Rui were still alive today?”

Blocked by this argument, Cheng Yun Du couldn’t help but laugh. “Brother Wei’s words cut to the heart. Everyone in and out of court knows the military provisions case isn’t solved. Earlier, when Yu Wen Xian went to the Northwest, he didn’t bring back any definitive answer. Now that Xi Region hasn’t been investigated clearly, we naturally can’t completely clear the Prince Rui’s mansion. Delaying the inheritance is for the court’s benefit.”

Wei Xiang gave a cold snort. Compared to Cheng Yun Du’s impassiveness, Wei Xiang was more expressive. He smiled mockingly, “Stop trying to fool me with such talk. Zhang Kai De has already returned, and His Majesty hasn’t decided who will command the Xi Region army. At this time, if Young Lord Yan inherits the title and another Prince Rui appears, it’s obvious who the military and civilians of Xi Region are hoping for!”

He waved his sleeve. “Hmph, such hypocrisy…”

Cheng Yun Du was well aware of Wei Xiang’s stubborn temperament. Even when scolded like this, he didn’t anger but instead smiled. “Brother Wei, look at your temper. That’s not how to put it. General Zhang returned to report for duty. How His Majesty arranges things is His Majesty’s business. Neither of us is in the Ministry of War—we can’t manage these matters!”

Wei Xiang shook his head. “The Crown Prince wants to control Xi Region now, but it’s too early. You’re an old fox, yet you don’t even advise the Crown Prince. The Prince Jin’s case has only been temporarily suppressed—Li Mu Yun just submitted a memorial today.”

Cheng Yun Du smiled bitterly, looking around to ensure no one was nearby.

He caught up two steps. “Those are all baseless matters. How can Brother Wei believe them? Could it be that Prince Cheng said something? Today you speak for Young Lord Yan—is that also on Prince Cheng’s orders?”

Wei Xiang let out a “Ha!” His eyes fixed on Cheng Yun Du as he stopped walking.

“Prince Cheng is still in the hall—do you want to go ask him directly?! What orders? You’re the Minister of Personnel of the great Zhou Dynasty, yet you lower yourself to become the Crown Prince’s retainer. Don’t think I’m like you!”

Wei Xiang held his hands behind his back, almost wanting to point at Cheng Yun Du’s nose as he scolded him.

Cheng Yun Du just laughed at this. “Brother Wei, the Crown Prince respects and seeks out talent. You, on the other hand, have been deceived by others—”

Wei Xiang straightened his neck. “What’s wrong with Prince Cheng? Last year, Prince Cheng went to manage the Wu River waterways—I saw it with my own eyes. The year before, during the Xiang River floods, Prince Cheng personally supervised for a month to save the common people from suffering. These are facts!”

As head of the Ministry of Works, Wei Xiang had a bad temper but had never made mistakes over the years. It was thanks to this uncompromising temperament that the Ministry of Works remained diligent and uncorrupted. Being straightforward and disliking palace politics, he particularly disliked how the Crown Prince was controlled by the Empress. In contrast, Yan Qi had impressed him.

In the two-plus years Yan Qi had overseen the Ministry of Works, though he acted without restraint in private matters, he was never careless with official business. Managing waterways and flood relief were not simple tasks, yet Yan Qi was willing to set aside his princely dignity. He was harsh on his subordinates and himself, camping by the rivers during water management and sleeping among refugees during disaster relief. His several swift and decisive actions had shown marked results, earning him the favor of this old minister Wei Xiang.

Seeing Wei Xiang like this, Cheng Yun Du knew their political choices were far apart this time.

Prince Cheng was arrogant and cunning, knowing best how to win people’s hearts. He naturally preferred the virtuous and wise Crown Prince.

Cheng Yun Du sighed and had to say, “Brother Wei, this isn’t just about a title. Right now, His Majesty’s people are still in Xi Region, and you know how the Xi Region army and the Northwestern people revere the Prince Rui. The Prince Rui is gone, and now the Northwestern situation is unstable. Whether it’s His Majesty, the Crown Prince, or Prince Cheng, none want the Prince Rui’s mansion to continue intimidating the Northwest. So, it’s best not to have another Prince Rui appear in the short term. An heir and a prince mean different things to the Northwestern military and civilians…”

Cheng Yun Du lowered his voice as he spoke, appearing very candid.

Hearing this, Wei Xiang’s eyes almost bore through Cheng Yun Du. “Stop framing Prince Cheng—these are the Crown Prince’s thoughts! Not Prince Cheng’s! Prince Cheng has long felt Young Lord Yan should inherit the title. Young Lord Yan has brilliant military achievements and has been in Xi Region for many years—who among the younger generation can compare to him?! Prince Cheng isn’t petty-minded like that; your thoughts are the truly sinister ones…”

A straightforward temperament is good, but if someone’s mind doesn’t like to think flexibly, it’s not such a good thing. Cheng Yun Du looked at Wei Xiang with a headache, truly not understanding how he had maintained his position as a minister all these years with such a temperament. He could only sigh, “If you won’t listen to advice, so be it. You’ll see—if Young Lord Yan inherits the title, even His Majesty will be displeased.”

Wei Xiang stared at Cheng Yun Du. This time he didn’t argue, but after a moment snorted, “I don’t care about all that. In my view, this is right. I’m not as calculating as Brother Cheng.”

Wei Xiang left after speaking. Cheng Yun Du stood there, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

With a light sigh, Cheng Yun Du helplessly followed.

…

…

In Shou Kang Palace, the Empress Dowager coughed twice and asked, “Is that what was said at court?”

Madam Chen nodded. “Yes, Minister of Personnel Cheng and others said so. Ai, the Prince Rui is already gone, yet these people still want to splash dirt on him. The Prince Rui loved his soldiers like sons—how could he be connected to military provisions corruption? Even if there was negligence, it couldn’t fall on the Prince Rui and Young Lord Chi. Why not investigate the Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue instead…”

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes. “This is the Eastern Palace and Empress’s intention.”

Madam Chen dared not say more, hurriedly bringing the Empress Dowager sweet soup for her lungs. The Empress Dowager waved it away, unwilling to eat. “This inheritance of the title is proper. Send someone to watch Chong Zheng Hall. When the Emperor is free, have him come see me. *cough cough cough*…”

Madam Chen quickly agreed and went to pat the Empress Dowager’s back. “Let the Princess prescribe another medicine—your cough has started again.”

The Empress Dowager laughed helplessly. “The body is failing, medicine won’t help. Just keep taking tonics.”

Madam Chen’s eyes darkened slightly, and she said nothing more for the moment.

The Empress Dowager seemed somewhat weary. Seeing it was only noon outside, she said, “I’ll rest for a while. Remember to wait at Chong Zheng Hall. There’s no hurry—tell him after he’s finished his business.”

“Please rest assured, this servant understands.”

…

…

Yan Huai arrived at Shou Kang Palace only by evening.

The Empress Dowager reclined on the arhat couch in the warm chamber, her smile deepening when she saw Yan Huai arrive.

“Mother, what did you especially summon me for? Your complexion isn’t good again—should we have Qin Wan enter the palace?”

The Empress Dowager waved her hand, carefully examining Yan Huai. This was her son—now that she was growing frail with age, Yan Huai’s temples too showed frost. “Don’t worry about my health, I just haven’t slept well. I called you today about Yan Chi’s succession to the title.”

Yan Huai smiled slightly. “Does Mother feel sorry for Yan Chi and want him to inherit the title quickly?”

The Empress Dowager shook her head. “No, it’s not that I feel sorry for him. I think he should have this title—he deserves it.”

Yan Huai’s smile remained, seemingly wanting to hear more from the Empress Dowager. She leaned against the pillow and sighed, “This is your good quality—you’ve always been steady since childhood. Che’er took after you in this regard. No matter what Mother says, you’re always willing to listen. So later on, Mother simply spoke less, because you did well enough.”

The Empress Dowager’s gaze suddenly became distant, thinking of something. “Your brother wasn’t like this. You were only a year apart, but your temperaments were opposite. He… ah, Mother isn’t making excuses for him. Mother knows his temperament isn’t suited for this position, but in the end, Mother bears some responsibility for that matter. He felt aggrieved, yet Mother let your Royal Father send him to his fief, intensifying his anger, which led to…”

The smile at the corner of Yan Huai’s lips held some faintness, but he grasped the Empress Dowager’s hand. “Does Mother miss Brother?”

The Empress Dowager started, nodded, then shook her head, seemingly unwilling to say more. She only said, “Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Even you have gray hair now. My health declines day by day—I don’t know how much longer I’ll live. Among you brothers, Yan Lin spent the most time by my side. I originally thought, with your brother gone, at least Yan Lin could accompany you, but now…”

The Empress Dowager gripped Yan Huai’s hand in return. “Being Emperor is bitter—having no one behind you, Mother’s heart aches. Yan Chi grew up with Yan Lin. In leading troops and warfare, he excels. I don’t oppose you keeping him in the capital, but I think if one day Xi Region needs him, it’s better to let him return. Though this child’s thoughts may not be as upright as his father’s, he won’t easily go astray. These years, his achievements in the Xi Region have been brilliant. Now that Yan Lin is gone, if he doesn’t inherit the title, what will others think? Wait a few more years, and I fear the Prince Rui’s mansion’s fortune will be completely exhausted…”

Speaking of this, grief welled up in the Empress Dowager’s heart. “He and Yan Li both grew up under my watch. As for the others, let’s not speak of Yan Zhi. Yan Ze now has Yan Xiang by his side. Though his fate is somewhat bitter, your aunt has informed me that the girl Yue Ning has already shown her inclination—they would make a good match. Only Yan Chi and Yan Li…”

“That year’s events were so treasonous. As they say, sons pay for their fathers’ debts—I won’t say much for Yan Li. All these years, I’ve just let him be. With his temperament settling down in a couple more years, find him a kindred spirit, and that will be that. As for Yan Chi, when Shou Xin died that year, Yan Chi was only this tall, just ten years old, and was taken directly to Xi Region. All these years, he has…”

The Empress Dowager suddenly tightened her grip on Yan Huai’s hand. “Emperor, do you understand my meaning?”

Yan Huai’s face had maintained a faint smile throughout. Hearing this, he sighed, “Mother, I understand.”

After a brief pause, Yan Huai said with some relief, “That matter was twenty years ago. Mother needn’t keep it in her heart. Speaking of inheritance, Yan Li also has a title to inherit. I know you care for both of them. I think we might as well confer titles on both of them together.”

The Empress Dowager’s breath caught, looking at Yan Huai with immense surprise. She had come to plead for Yan Chi but never imagined Yan Huai would include Yan Li’s portion as well. This was both unexpected and delightful!

Yan Li had been held back for so many years, without any real power. If he never inherited his title, the latter half of his life would likely be bitter without her protection. But now that Yan Huai had relented, with a Prince’s title, Yan Li would have security!

“Emperor, do you truly mean this?!”

Yan Huai smiled broadly, his features appearing especially refined in the dim lamplight. “Of course it’s true.”

The Empress Dowager breathed quickly, her eyes reddening. “Huai’er, you…”

Since becoming Emperor, the Empress Dowager rarely called his name anymore. Her doing so now showed how moved she was. Yan Huai squeezed her hand. “Mother needn’t say more. I understand your concerns. I promise you, I will not mistreat Yan Li.”

The Empress Dowager nodded, her eyes already wet. Yan Huai was the ruler of Great Zhou—he had many concerns and obligations. The Empress Dowager understood all this. After Prince Gong’s failed rebellion, because she wanted Yan Han’s cenotaph placed in the imperial tomb, Yan Huai had been estranged from her for a time. Fortunately, mother and son eventually reconciled, and over these years, the Empress Dowager had never pressured Yan Huai about Yan Li’s succession.

She had been waiting, thinking she wouldn’t live to see it, but unexpectedly, this day had come.

“Mother is very happy, truly. Huai’er, Mother can rest easy now.”

Yan Huai smiled as he comforted the Empress Dowager. Mother and son spoke for a long while more, and only when the Empress Dowager showed signs of fatigue did Yan Huai leave.

After leaving Shou Kang Palace, a faint smile faded from Yan Huai’s face. Upon entering his imperial carriage, his whole being emanated a cold heaviness. Yuan Qing, who followed closely, knew what Yan Huai had just promised. Seeing his master’s demeanor, he kept his head down, not daring to make a sound. Only after they had traversed the straight palace path outside Shou Kang Palace did Yan Huai speak: “Go to the Noble Consort’s quarters.”

This had been planned. Yuan Qing quickly responded, “To Chang Xin Palace!”

The night wind was cold, early winter drawing closer day by day. Yan Huai’s dark, unstable gaze remained hidden behind the curtains. Only when they reached Chang Xin Palace did he raise his chin and relax. The palace servants had been waiting, and Feng Ling Su was also waiting at the palace gates. Seeing Yan Huai descend from his carriage, she didn’t bow but came forward to meet him. “Your Majesty has arrived—”

This was the special privilege of Feng Ling Su, who had been favored by Yan Huai for nearly twenty years. She affectionately took Yan Huai’s arm as they walked inside. Yan Huai patted her hand, saying, “It’s so cold outside, why did you come out to meet me?”

Feng Ling Su said coquettishly, “This consort wanted to see Your Majesty sooner.”

Yan Huai tugged at the corner of his mouth. Feng Ling Su quickly said, “This consort has prepared white fungus and snow pear soup for Your Majesty, simmered for two hours, just waiting for Your Majesty to come tonight. Fortunately, this consort’s wait wasn’t in vain.”

Yan Huai smiled faintly as they entered the main hall’s warm chamber. The snow pear soup was indeed ready. Feng Ling Su first helped Yan Huai remove his outer robe, then personally served it to him. After dismissing everyone else, she said with slightly flushed cheeks, “Would Your Majesty like to taste it? This consort added many medicinal ingredients, but guarantees Your Majesty won’t taste any bitterness.”

In the warm yellow lamplight, Feng Ling Su’s beauty seemed frozen from twenty years ago. Only upon careful observation could one see the fine lines at the corners of her eyes and nose. Her beautiful eyes gazed moistly at Yan Huai, the flush on her cheeks not from rouge. There was the reason for Feng Ling Su’s enduring favor over these years—her figure held the allure of a mature woman, yet her face remained fresh and pure. Combined with her constant display of reverence and tenderness toward Yan Huai, he could hardly help but favor her.

Yan Huai tasted a spoonful from Feng Ling Su’s hand, showing satisfaction.

Feng Ling Su smiled slightly. “This consort still remembers the first time I made soup for Your Majesty—it was snow pear soup. Back then, this consort added too much sugar. Even though Your Majesty likes sweets, it was hard to swallow, yet you couldn’t bear to disappoint this consort and force yourself to eat it. From that moment, this consort knew she would deeply love Your Majesty for a lifetime…”