Having made up her mind, Qin Wan sent Bai Ying to inform Uncle Han. Since considerable time had passed since deciding to establish the burial site, they needed to allow Uncle Han time to make arrangements. Uncle Han quickly sought out a Taoist priest for divination, and they ultimately set the date for the twenty-seventh of the tenth month to establish the burial site outside the city.
Qin Wan then made a special trip to the Shen residence to inform Sun Muqing of this matter. With four or five days remaining, it would be enough time for Sun Muqing to prepare.
Yan Zhen had only left the capital two days ago. The capital, which had just been bustling with celebrations for Yan Zhen’s wedding, was now shrouded in dark clouds. The reason was simple – negative discussions about the Crown Prince in court were increasing.
On the twenty-fourth of the tenth month, just four days after Yan Zhen’s departure, Minister of Revenue Yang Han led dozens of senior officials in jointly submitting a memorial, requesting the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince and select another prince as heir apparent. This memorial sent shockwaves through the entire capital!
The Empress Dowager was reading Buddhist scriptures in the morning when Matron Chen suddenly strode in from outside. “Your Imperial Highness—”
Matron Chen’s face was filled with urgency, bearing the look of someone with grave news, but upon seeing the Empress Dowager raise her eyes, she found herself unable to speak. Given the Empress Dowager’s poor health, she truly dared not speak directly. The Empress Dowager sensed something was wrong and frowned, asking, “What is it?”
Matron Chen’s face was full of bitterness. “Your Imperial Highness, there was some trouble during the morning court. This servant just heard the report and came to inform you, but please don’t be angry when you hear it. This servant fears for your health—”
The Empress Dowager laughed. “Something from morning court? What could make me angry? Just tell me.”
Matron Chen hesitated for a moment before saying quietly, “The Minister of Revenue, along with others, jointly submitted a memorial requesting the Crown Prince’s removal.”
The Empress Dowager’s hand, still turning the pages of the scripture, froze. “What kind of memorial did they submit?”
Matron Chen seemed caught between speaking and silence. The Empress Dowager suddenly slammed down the scripture. “Depose the Crown Prince?! Do they dare submit a memorial to depose the Crown Prince?! Such audacity!”
After her last angry outburst, the Empress Dowager found herself struggling to breathe, her body falling backward. Matron Chen’s face changed drastically. “Your Imperial Highness! Someone come quickly, summon the Imperial Physician! Summon the Imperial Physician—”
The servants outside immediately burst into activity. Matron Chen supported the Empress Dowager while helping her regulate her breathing. Fortunately, the Empress Dowager soon recovered.
Taking a deep breath, the Empress Dowager managed to calm herself. “How dare they! Simply outrageous! To dare ask the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince!”
The Empress Dowager grabbed Matron Chen’s hand. “What was the Emperor’s reaction?”
“His Majesty has retained the memorial without issuing a response,” Matron Chen quickly replied, then poured some tea for the Empress Dowager. After drinking a few sips of hot tea, the Empress Dowager’s breathing completely steadied.
She leaned against the large backrest behind her, her eyes half-closed, while her hand resting on the table trembled slightly. Soon, she opened her eyes wide and said, “Summon the Emperor to me. I must give him some important advice…”
Matron Chen smiled bitterly. “Your Highness, this isn’t a decision that can be made hastily. You mustn’t be anxious. His Majesty is still in council now.”
At Matron Chen’s words, the Empress Dowager came to her senses. Yes, she couldn’t be hasty. If she made the Emperor feel pressured, that wouldn’t be good.
The Empress Dowager’s hands trembled more and more until she couldn’t even hold a teacup steady. Seeing this, Matron Chen quickly took the cup from her, saying softly, “Don’t worry. It’s just because of recent events. Rest assured, His Majesty knows what to do…”
Thinking of the Emperor’s recent actions, the Empress Dowager felt no certainty in her heart. She shook her head and sighed deeply. “The heir apparent concerns the nation’s fate and is the foundation of the state. Even if the Crown Prince has made mistakes, they’re all minor ones. If we depose the Crown Prince this way, let alone there being no other candidates I find satisfactory, even if there were, our Great Zhou’s destiny would be squandered. These people… these people are far too bold. Yang Han, you say? Yang Han is from the Ministry of Revenue, which used to be under the Crown Prince’s supervision. How did he end up leading this? Ah, Crown Prince, you’ve been too conventional these years. How could you not know to plan for yourself?!”
By this point, the Empress Dowager was filled with both hatred and anger. Matron Chen quickly tried to comfort her, “Shall we invite His Majesty in the evening instead?”
The Empress Dowager nodded. “Very well, I was too hasty. We’ll wait until evening to make the request.”
As she spoke, the Empress Dowager suddenly frowned. “The matters in court, is Prince Cheng behind them?”
Matron Chen smiled bitterly. “This servant naturally wouldn’t know about that.”
The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes, falling into deep thought.
At the same time, the news had also reached Changxin Palace.
Baodie entered the inner chamber with a joyful expression. “Your Highness! Good news! This morning at court, Minister of Revenue Yang Han, along with more than ten other senior officials, jointly submitted a memorial asking His Majesty to depose the Crown Prince. Your Highness! Our Prince now has hope!”
Feng Ling, who was drinking water, dropped her teacup with a clatter upon hearing these words.
Baodie’s expression changed. “Your Highness! What’s wrong? What’s the matter?”
Feng Ling leaned against her bed, deathly pale. Since Yan Zhen’s wedding until today, she hadn’t had a single good night’s sleep, which was why her complexion turned so quickly ashen. These past few days she had been claiming illness and staying in bed, and the Emperor hadn’t come to see her. Unexpectedly, after just a few days of not inquiring about outside matters, they were already moving to depose the Crown Prince.
With her hair loose, Feng Ling’s small face appeared even more ghastly white. She leaned against the headboard in a daze for a while before suddenly asking, “What was His Majesty’s reaction?”
Baodie smiled, “His Majesty retained the memorial without response. He probably wants to consult with other officials.”
Deposing the Crown Prince was certainly a major matter that needed to be discussed with other officials, but…
Feng Ling suddenly remembered Prince Luo’s past regard for Yan Che. Even then, it had been obvious. Though Prince Luo was still young, he had cherished his legitimate son born of his principal wife, and very early on, people said that if Prince Luo ascended to the throne, the future Crown Prince would certainly be Yan Che.
Yet now, barely a year after Yan Che’s investiture as Crown Prince calls for his removal had already risen in court!
The Emperor’s decision to retain the memorial without response – such an attitude made Feng Ling’s blood run cold.
The more Feng Ling thought about it these past few days, the more she felt the Empress must have been deceiving her. But even so, an eerie feeling still enveloped her, keeping her awake at night, filling her with panic and terror. Feng Ling pulled the brocade quilt higher around herself, then after pondering for a moment, said, “Have… have Prince Cheng come see me.”
Baodie, seeing Feng Ling’s state, felt worried but quickly complied and left.
These past few days, Feng Ling had been ill, though no one knew why. Originally, Baodie thought Feng Ling would be happy to hear this news, but Feng Ling still appeared frightened, like someone who had received a terrible shock. Not understanding the situation, Baodie only wanted to quickly summon Yan Qi to the palace.
Yan Qi arrived swiftly. After morning court today, Yan Tuan had kept the memorial about deposing the Crown Prince in the Imperial Study. This was very telling – at least it showed that Yan Tuan had considered this possibility. Since he hadn’t outright rejected it, their chances were even better going forward. Yan Qi was pleased and had already planned to visit Changxin Palace when, just as he left the Imperial Study, a servant said someone from Changxin Palace had come to summon him.
Though surprised, Yan Qi immediately went to Changxin Palace.
Feng Ling got up from her bed and, although she had changed clothes, still looked ill. Yan Qi was quite shocked to see her this way. “Imperial Mother, what’s wrong? I only heard you were claiming illness and staying in, and I sent someone to inquire just two days ago. How have you become so seriously ill in just two days?”
Feng Ling weakly waved her hand. Today she wore no makeup, making her wrinkles quite visible. Combined with her lack of spirit, she looked as if she had aged ten years overnight. Feng Ling didn’t speak of other matters, only asking him, “Was today’s memorial your doing?”
Yan Qi took a seat and smiled at the question. “Yes, I’ve been planning this for the past few days. Others don’t know about my relationship with Yang Han, so Imperial Mother need not worry.”
Feng Ling’s gaze became somewhat vacant. She stared straight out the window, and after a moment suddenly said, “From today forward, do nothing more.”
Yan Qi was startled. “What does Imperial Mother mean? Now that the memorial has been submitted and Father Emperor hasn’t immediately responded, it shows this isn’t impossible. If we can truly depose the Crown Prince this time, wouldn’t that benefit us?”
Feng Ling shook her head. “It’s not good. If the Crown Prince is deposed, I fear even…”
I fear even you won’t be chosen…
Feng Ling didn’t speak these words, only insisting firmly, “Listen to me, don’t be too aggressive. Do you think your Father Emperor doesn’t know everything? If you don’t handle this carefully, even if the Crown Prince is deposed, don’t forget, there are several others below you. He doesn’t only have you as an option.”
Yan Qi frowned. Just days ago, Feng Ling had said this was their best opportunity. How had she changed her mind today?
However, after some thought, Yan Qi nodded. “Don’t worry, Imperial Mother. I understand your meaning. I won’t let Father Emperor become suspicious of me.”
If he aroused Yan Tuan’s suspicion, that would be the greatest of taboos – this much Yan Qi understood.
Hearing Yan Qi say this, Feng Ling nodded. “That’s good then.”
After saying this, Feng Ling began to zone out again. Yan Qi, seeing her like this, felt extremely uncomfortable. “Imperial Mother, what’s wrong with you? Didn’t the Imperial Physician say you were just overthinking things? Why do you keep seeming distracted?”
Feng Ling came back to herself and shook her head. “Nothing, it’s nothing.”
Yan Qi couldn’t believe this. He knew better than anyone what Feng Ling used to be like, so he frowned and asked, “What exactly did the Empress say to you that day?”
But as soon as he mentioned this, Feng Ling immediately frowned. “Don’t ever mention that day’s events again! Don’t mention it to anyone!”
Feng Ling’s hoarse voice carried a hint of ferocity that startled Yan Qi. Seeing how serious Feng Ling looked, Yan Qi nodded. “Alright, alright, I understand. I won’t ask anymore, okay? But Imperial Mother, you’re like a completely different person now. Weren’t you always fond of dressing up? How can you win Father Emperor’s favor by looking so sickly? If the previous Imperial Physician wasn’t effective, we should find a new one. Getting well quickly is what’s important.”
In the past, whenever the Emperor’s favor was mentioned, Feng Ling would always be proud and pleased. But today she showed no reaction; instead, her face showed signs of confusion and bewilderment.
Seeing her like this, Yan Qi was again surprised, but Feng Ling waved her hand. “Enough. Just remember this – from now on, you must neither compete nor struggle. Don’t add fuel to the fire regarding the Crown Prince’s situation. Just be an observer watching the show.”
Feng Ling’s attitude was unusually cautious, completely unlike her. Yan Qi wanted to ask more but held back when he saw her dispirited state.
After Yan Qi left, Feng Ling went to lie down in her inner chamber. She felt as if all her strength had been drained away. Unable to sleep or eat, her entire being seemed to exist in a dream state. She dared not think about anything, didn’t want to think about anything anymore…
News of the petition to depose the Crown Prince spread rapidly. When the news reached the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor, Qin Shu also fell ill.
After half a month of worry, now that the memorial to depose the Crown Prince had been submitted and they knew the Emperor hadn’t immediately responded, Qin Shu, who had been immersed in officialdom for many years, immediately knew the situation was truly dire. He took sick leave, becoming completely dejected. Qin Wan was summoned to examine Qin Shu, who looked at her several times as if wanting to speak but ultimately said nothing. In the current situation, even Qin Wan could be of no help.
Qin Wan checked his pulse and prescribed medicine, carefully explaining things to note, and didn’t plan to say much more.
Madam Hu held Qin Wan’s hand and said, “Wan’er, your Uncle he…”
“It’s just excessive worry, nothing serious. Please don’t worry.”
Hearing this, Madam Hu breathed a sigh of relief. “That’s good then, that’s good… ah…”
Everyone knew what Qin Shu was worried about, and Madam Hu had no solution either. She could only tell the servants to go brew the medicine.
As Qin Wan bid farewell to Madam Hu and Qin Shu and left the main house, Qin Yan followed her out.
“Ninth Sister—”
Qin Wan turned around to see Qin Yan looking at her and saying, “Ninth Sister, may we speak privately?”
Qin Wan followed Qin Yan a few steps under the corridor, where Qin Yan asked quietly, “Ninth Sister, what you told me before, was it from Prince Rui?”
Qin Wan raised an eyebrow. “Of course not.”
Qin Yan was confused, because looking at things now, everything Qin Wan had said proved correct.
Qin Wan sighed. “No one told me those things. I simply thought of them myself. I didn’t expect my words to become a self-fulfilling prophecy.”
Qin Yan asked with a grave expression, “Does Ninth Sister know something?”
Qin Wan did know some other things, but she hadn’t yet discerned the truth, and even if she had, she wouldn’t tell Qin Yan with certainty. “I don’t know anything. It’s just that all things have variables. Uncle has staked everything on the Crown Prince, so naturally there’s the possibility of rising or falling together.”
Qin Yan looked deeply at Qin Wan for a moment, finding himself speechless. After a while, he could only sigh. “I understand.”
“It’s not too late to understand now,” Qin Wan said quietly.
Qin Yan thought for a moment, then smiled gratefully. “Good, I’ll speak with Father and Mother. If you… if you have a chance to go to the Eastern Palace, please comfort Yu’er more. Right now, she must be more frightened than any of us. We can’t do anything, so we can only rely on you.”
Qin Wan nodded, and only then did Qin Yan bow his head and enter the room.
Qin Wan sighed and turned to head toward Songfeng Court. Now, the Loyal and Brave Marquis Manor could indeed only seek ways to protect itself. Not only was the Crown Prince in an unfavorable position, but she would not stay at the manor much longer. If that day truly came, would the manor become implicated because of her?