Yan Han’s voice became urgent and rushed, frightening Yuan Qing who didn’t know what to do. “Your Majesty? It’s not dark yet, there’s no need to light the lamps!”

Yan Han, covered in sweat, suddenly sat up from his bed. Although his eyes were open, all he could see was darkness. He frantically reached out his hand, “Yuan Qing?! Yuan Qing! Bring the lamps…”

At this moment, Yan Han seemed like a madman, his black hair disheveled, his words delirious. Yuan Qing quickly held onto Yan Han’s arm, raising his voice, “Your Majesty?! Your Majesty, this servant is here. It’s not dark yet, there’s no need for lamps. What’s wrong with Your Majesty’s eyes?”

As soon as Yan Han touched Yuan Qing’s hand, he grabbed it tightly. Tilting his ear like a deaf person, he strained to hear Yuan Qing’s words. Upon catching fragments of what was said, Yan Han’s expression changed dramatically. He immediately touched his own eyes, “It’s not dark yet… then We… what’s wrong with Our eyes? We can’t see… Quick, summon the Imperial Physician…”

Yuan Qing was terrified. How could Yan Han, who had only been coughing blood earlier, suddenly go blind? “Your Majesty, are you certain? How could your eyes suddenly stop seeing? Perhaps the room is too dark? Let this servant light the lamps…”

Although it wasn’t dark yet, the sun had set, making the room indeed dim. Hearing these words, Yan Han quickly let go. However, even after Yuan Qing lit the lamps, Yan Han still couldn’t see anything. “We truly cannot see. Summon the Imperial Physician! Quickly!”

Yuan Qing glanced outside, but there were no young eunuchs in sight. Trembling, he said, “Your Majesty, something seems to have happened. This servant ordered someone to summon the Imperial Physician this morning, but they haven’t arrived. Commander Zhao has disappeared, and Wang Fu and the other young ones are nowhere to be seen.”

Yan Han’s brows furrowed deeply. Just then, a faint sound came from not far away. Yan Han quickly turned his head, “Who? Who’s there?”

Yan Ze stepped forward, “Your Majesty, it is your subject.”

Yuan Qing quickly added, “The Crown Prince has been here the whole time, never leaving.”

Yan Han had suddenly gone blind, and his hearing was also poor. Having been emperor for twenty years, he was now suddenly incapacitated, seeming to have lost control over everything and everyone. In his panic, hearing that Yan Ze was present brought him some comfort. “Yan Ze, Yan Ze, you’re here? Where is Zhao Yu?”

Yan Ze didn’t answer the question, only saying, “Your Majesty, it’s getting late.”

A cold light flashed through Yan Han’s mind, “What time is it?”

Yuan Qing replied, “Your Majesty, it’s the first quarter of the Xu Hour.”

The first quarter of the Xu Hour meant nightfall was approaching. Thinking of Yan Chi and his army of over a hundred thousand, Yan Han became anxious, “Have you written it?”

Yan Ze said, “It’s already written. Now it only needs Your Majesty’s Imperial Seal.”

Hearing this, Yan Han quickly patted Yuan Qing, “Go, go get the Imperial Seal—”

Upon receiving the order, Yuan Qing headed to the outer study, while Yan Ze remained standing, watching Yan Han.

Once Yuan Qing left, Yan Han lost his support. With his black hair disheveled and covered in cold sweat, his expression showed extraordinary panic and fear. He kept touching his eyes, his fear growing increasingly visible. Yuan Qing went to the outer study, walked behind the Imperial desk, activated the hidden compartment, and took out the Imperial Seal. Just as he turned around, he saw Zhao Yu standing at the hall entrance. Yuan Qing was startled but then relieved to see him, “Commander Zhao! You’re finally here! Quick, come see His Majesty, something’s happened to him—”

Zhao Yu nodded. Yuan Qing hurried back to the bedroom hall, and upon reaching the entrance, urgently said, “Your Majesty, I’ve brought it.”

Yan Ze walked to the desk, waiting to apply the seal. However, Yan Han suddenly said, “Yuan Qing, you read it, you read it. Though I cannot see, I can still hear…”

Yuan Qing acknowledged and walked to Yan Ze’s side, looking at him with some hesitation.

Yan Ze glanced at Yan Han and gracefully stepped aside, “Please read, Master Yuan.”

Only then did Yuan Qing step forward and open the document, reading from the beginning: “We, with Our modest virtue, have inherited the great lineage, intending to renew the realm and restore the ancestral ways. Unexpectedly, We gradually developed a heart of self-indulgence, leading to an inability to tolerate others. In the 232nd year of the Great Zhou…”

Yuan Qing read each word extremely slowly. Yan Han tilted his head to listen, seeing that Yan Ze had indeed written all the rumors that had been circulating. What surprised Yan Han was that Yan Ze seemed to know the inside details of these matters clearly, writing them with precise detail. Yan Han had thought Yan Ze would write perfunctorily just to get it done, never imagining he could write such damning accounts. The more he listened, the deeper his doubts grew, and his anger rose. Only with extreme suppression did he manage not to interrupt Yuan Qing.

As Yuan Qing continued reading, the sweat on his forehead increased. Having finally struggled through the details of the Concubine Jin case, he thought it was finished, but pulling the document revealed several more pages.

“The above ten crimes do not fully encompass Our transgressions. If speaking of sins, We…”

Yuan Qing, who had been reading with trepidation, glanced at what came next and suddenly stopped, his mouth agape, unable to utter another word. He looked at the document almost fearfully, then turned to stare at Yan Ze in disbelief.

When Yuan Qing stopped, Yan Han became impatient, “Why have you stopped reading?! What other crime is there? All the outside rumors have been written down, what more could there be?”

Yuan Qing’s heart was nearly jumping out of his throat. His lips moved, but he couldn’t speak a word. Yan Han grew very impatient, “Yuan Qing?!”

Seeing Yuan Qing frightened and speechless, Yan Ze said gently, “Why does Master Yuan hesitate? Quick, read on.”

Though Yan Ze’s words weren’t frightening, Yuan Qing looked at the refined Yan Ze as if seeing a ghost, stepping back in fear. Holding the document with trembling hands, he stuttered, “We… We… raised an army in rebellion, and after being defeated by wind and thunder, by chance survived and took the position of Our elder brother. We violated morality and virtue, committed adultery with Our sister-in-law, plotted against Our minister’s nephew, and have ruled for over twenty years under the name of Yan Huai, the legitimate grandson of the twelfth generation of Great Zhou, We…”

“Silence!” Yan Han, who had frozen at the words “raised an army in rebellion,” finally roared. His entire body trembled like sifted chaff, pointing in the direction of the voice, “Yuan Qing… what, what are you reading… what are you saying?!”

Yan Han shouted like a madman, and in his extreme anger forgot his blindness, lunging toward the dragon bed on all fours, but missed and fell to the ground. Though he fell heavily, he still tried to get up, wanting to tear apart what Yuan Qing held. Yuan Qing trembled in fear, dropping the document, “Your Majesty, this… this was written by the Crown Prince… this servant…”

Yan Han’s brows knotted tightly, not believing what he heard, “What?! Yan Ze wrote this? How is that possible… impossible…”

Yuan Qing fell to his knees, picking up the document but handling it like a hot potato, unsure whether to hold it or put it down. Yan Ze stood gracefully to the side, unmoved by the chaos before him. By now night had fallen, and though palace lamps were lit, the room was still dim. Yan Ze’s face was hidden in the light’s halo, showing nothing but chilling coldness in its alternating light and shadow. Yuan Qing began to understand where the palace’s chaos had originated.

Yan Han stood up but stumbled in a circle, forgetting which direction Yuan Qing was in. He couldn’t help but shout, “Yan Ze! Yan Ze? How dare you write such things… who… who made you write this?! Was it Yan Chi?! You have such audacity, daring to not inform Us…”

Yan Han shouted accusations, then called, “Guards! Guards—”

At this shout, Zhao Yu, who had been standing outside, came to the door. Hearing the movement, Yan Han turned toward the door, “Who’s there? Who has come?”

Zhao Yu said, “Your Majesty, it is your subject.”

Hearing this voice, Yan Han’s face showed joy, “Zhao Yu?! You’ve come at the perfect time! Quick, first arrest the Crown Prince of Prince Yi, I suspect him of conspiring with the enemy—”

Hearing this, Zhao Yu didn’t move. Yan Han’s brows furrowed as he shouted, “Zhao Yu! You quickly—”

“Your Highness, everything is prepared at the palace gates.”

Zhao Yu interrupted Yan Han’s words, reporting directly to Yan Ze. Yan Ze nodded and said softly, “Place the Imperial Seal on His Majesty’s confession edict, then take both the edict and seal to deliver to Prince Rui. Tell Prince Rui he may enter the city now – this is my gift to him.”

Zhao Yu came forward to comply. Yuan Qing, trembling like a sieve, handed over the document without requiring any force from Zhao Yu. Zhao Yu took the document and applied the seal while Yan Han was nearly going mad, “Yan Ze! I trusted you in vain! You truly are conspiring with the enemy— Yuan Qing! Go send orders, where are the Imperial Guards? Where are the Imperial Guards?!”

Yuan Qing shrank his shoulders in fear, not daring to say a word. Zhao Yu wrapped up both the document and seal together, bowed, and walked out.

Hearing footsteps, Yan Han shouted, “Zhao Yu! Zhao Yu, stop! I sentence you to the execution of nine generations of your family!”

Zhao Yu left without looking back. Yan Han stumbled backward three steps and fell to the ground. At this point, what was there left for Yan Han not to understand?!

Yan Ze and Zhao Yu had conspired together, using his trust to control the palace early on. Though he was still the Emperor of Great Zhou, he was now like a prisoner!

How could he have trusted Yan Ze?! At the height of his anger, his previous headache struck again. Yan Han clutched his head while leaning against the dragon bed, his voice unsteady as he spoke, “You… why did you… I trusted you so much, yet you dare… ah…”

The pain was so intense that Yan Han suddenly roared and struggled to rise. He reached out blindly, and upon finding the dragon bed, began banging his head against the white jade edge due to the pain.

Seeing him like this, Yan Ze’s voice carried a mocking laugh, “Yan Han, even at this point, you still don’t know why?”

Yan Han kept banging his head repeatedly, and after a few hits, blood began flowing from his forehead. Yan Ze continued casually, “Twenty-three years ago, when you were still Prince Gong, due to your fondness for martial arts, you met a wanderer from South Shu who was skilled in poisons. This person didn’t teach you much martial arts but gave you one of the world’s deadliest poisons. This poison was called Butterfly Dream, derived from a highly toxic five-colored butterfly in Shu…”

At this point, Yan Han had turned around in disbelief. Seeing his shocked expression, Yan Ze smiled, “You remember now. You obtained this poison and used it on someone four years later. This person was your lifesaver. Your benefactor died suddenly from this poison. Though she was the world’s finest physician, she couldn’t identify this colorless, odorless poison that could only be detected after taking effect. She was barely twenty, yet died suddenly in her residence. Her last words were to tell her family to leave the capital… But her only son, determined to investigate the cause of her death, made multiple attempts to investigate in the palace. When you noticed this, you even attempted to kill her only son with the same poison. Unfortunately for you, his poisoning was too mild – he only lost his sight but didn’t die.”

“He suffered the same poison as his mother but dared not tell anyone it was poison. He found a perfect excuse… Later they indeed left the capital, and you thought you could rest easy. But you never imagined that a child would never forgive his mother’s murderer.”

Yan Ze’s tone started calm but grew fierce toward the end.

Yan Han opened his mouth but couldn’t speak a word due to the pain. Yan Ze smiled again, “That’s right. Later, I found the same poison. Five days ago, it was in the tea cup Yan Sui gave you. Yesterday and today, it was also in your medicine. How does it feel?”

After hearing this, Yan Han suddenly understood everything and knew Yan Ze intended to take his life. Knowing the poison’s potency, he realized he wouldn’t survive. Though blind, murderous intent instantly arose in him. He suddenly stood up from the ground and stumbled toward the wall left of the dragon bed. He fumbled until he found the Dragon’s Roar sword hanging on the wall, drew the blade, and swung toward where he remembered Yan Ze to be.

He slashed wildly like a madman, cutting through the bedroom curtains and shattering the ornaments on the tall cabinets.

Yuan Qing shrank fearfully into a corner, but Yan Ze gave a cold laugh, “You only have the time of one incense stick. When you reach the Nine Springs below, remember to kneel and apologize to my Imperial Mother.”

Yan Han had difficulty finding Yan Ze’s direction, but hearing these words, he thrust forward like a madman. However, Yan Ze dodged effortlessly and continued, “And your poor elder brother – for your immoral and unethical crimes, who knows how many lifetimes as a beast you’ll need before you can be human again—”

“I— I’ll kill you—”

“I— I did better than him—”

Yan Han had truly gone mad now. Blind and hard of hearing, plus the intense head pain, was torture enough, let alone Yan Ze’s provocations. He kept slashing following Yan Ze’s voice. The once-luxurious inner chamber became chaos – porcelain shattered everywhere, objects from low cabinets, couches, and writing desks flew around, and curtains and gauze were split apart. The entire bedroom had no place to step.

At one point, Yan Han’s blade struck a fallen crane-headed lantern stand. With a crash, the palace lamp and candle fell onto the curtains. The curtains and gauze caught fire, which quickly climbed up to the ceiling beams. The bedroom ceiling was also layered with hangings, and the fire roared up, instantly spreading throughout the room. Yuan Qing, who had been shrinking in the corner, saw this and screamed in terror, “Fire! Fire—”

He rushed to run outside, but hearing this commotion, Yan Han roared with a twisted expression, “No one leaves!”

As he spoke, he fumbled toward the dragon bed. Yuan Qing, who had taken a few steps, was startled, “No—”

Before he could finish shouting, Yan Han collapsed onto the dragon bed. He felt around the jade carving on the left side of the dragon bed, and suddenly, the half-closed hall doors slammed shut. Several iron bars crashed down at the doors and windows, sealing all exits!

Hearing this sound, Yan Han burst into loud laughter, “Yan Ze! It’s Heaven that wants to destroy me, not you! What does it matter if I die – you won’t live either—”

The fire spread along the curtains, reaching the dragon bed first. The magnificent embroidered silk instantly caught fire, and the flames immediately engulfed Yan Han beside the bed. However, Yan Han seemed not to feel the fire’s burning, remaining motionless while spouting mad words.

Yuan Qing frantically searched for exits but found none, while Yan Ze stood at a distance, quietly watching the flames engulf Yan Han.

The fire crawled up Yan Han’s clothes like a snake. Only then did he suddenly cry out in pain. He tried to run but tripped over debris on the floor, falling into the sea of flames. Yan Ze stepped back and coldly said to Yan Han, who was rolling in the flames, “It should have been you who died in the fire back then. Dying like this now is indeed Heaven’s will. Go on then – when you reach the Nine Springs below, don’t forget to see that the Great Zhou throne belongs to another—”

The throne was what Yan Han cared about most. Hearing these words while dying, he could only cry out in despair. The fire grew stronger, and on this autumn night of the 241st year of Great Zhou, it mercilessly consumed Yan Han’s last breath.

At the same time, outside the imperial city, Yan Chi was receiving the gift personally delivered by Zhao Yu.

Zhao Yu came under cover of night, still wearing his Imperial Guard Deputy Commander uniform. He knelt before Yan Chi with imperial ceremony and said, “The Crown Prince of Prince Yi commanded this subject to deliver this item, saying that Your Highness may enter the city upon receiving it.” After a brief pause, Zhao Yu added, “Everything is arranged at the palace gates, and at the city gates, the Duke of Weiguo and the heir of Marquis Anyang are already waiting for Your Highness.” He concluded with clasped hands, “Please enter the city immediately—”

Yan Chi opened the package and immediately saw the Great Zhou Imperial Seal and the confession edict.

He quickly scanned through the confession edict, and upon reaching the final pages, his expression changed as he asked, “Where is the Crown Prince of Prince Yi?”

Zhao Yu replied, “When this subject left, His Highness was still confronting the Emperor in his bedchamber.”

Yan Chi nodded and told Zhao Yu to rise. He had been waiting for Yan Ze’s word, and now after two days, he had readied his troops by afternoon. Receiving such news now, he could naturally enter the city immediately. Yan Chi called for Chu Feisheng and others, and with one command, half an hour later, Yan Chi and Qin Wan led over a hundred thousand troops to Linan City’s gates. Though the gates were closed, they suddenly opened wide upon seeing the Shuoxi army’s arrival.

Yue Jia and the Duke of Weiguo waited inside the city gates. Seeing Yan Chi outside the gates, they immediately led all the patrol garrison soldiers to kneel in welcome.

“We welcome Prince Rui into the city—”

Such a ceremonial welcome was the best form of submission. Yan Chi narrowed his eyes and rode through the dark gateway of the city gates, re-entering the long-absent capital with imperial bearing. He had left the capital eight months ago, branded as a rebel. At that time, he hadn’t imagined he would return so soon, and in such a different capacity.

Qin Wan, following behind Yan Chi, was equally moved. After eight months away from the capital, everything had changed. Through various twists of fate, she and Yan Chi had finally taken this path. The capital inside the gateway was both familiar and strange to her. This time, she would not return to the Zhongyong Marquis Manor in the east city but would follow this imperial road to the imperial city at its end. She would stand beside Yan Chi, ascending to that position before which all kneel.

Qin Wan frowned thoughtfully, suddenly feeling an unprecedented sense of heavy responsibility in her heart.

“We greet Prince Rui! We subordinates have been waiting long!”

As Yan Chi rode into the city and approached Yue Jia and Peng Huaichu, Yue Jia said this with clasped hands.

Yan Chi sat atop his tall horse, his gaze sweeping over the patrol garrison soldiers. Most of these men feared him and kept their heads lowered, not daring to look up.

Yan Chi fixed his gaze and said, “Everyone rises! I come to uphold Heaven’s way. Now, the deposed emperor’s confession is in my hands. Your allegiance to me proves you are loyal ministers and generals of Great Zhou. On this eventful night, I rely on you all to maintain the curfew in the city—”

“We obey Your Highness’s command!”

The soldiers responded in unison. Yan Chi then turned his gaze to Yue Jia and his companion, “Duke Weiguo, remain here to enforce the curfew. Young Master Yue, accompany me.”

Yue Jia and Peng Huaichu both nodded in acknowledgment. Just as Yan Chi was about to ride on, he suddenly frowned, looking toward the end of the imperial road.

Yue Jia and others, sensing something amiss, also looked in that direction. They saw a crimson glow of fire illuminating half the night sky at the horizon.

Yue Jia hurriedly said, “It’s the palace – the palace is on fire!”

Yan Chi’s frown deepened, “There’s no time to waste. Let’s enter the palace first.”

He then ordered Chu Feisheng to keep a hundred thousand troops outside, taking only twenty thousand trusted Shuoxi soldiers toward the palace gates.

It was now midnight, and the entire capital was under curfew.

The silent streets were deserted, with only the frightening fire at the end of the imperial road visible. The hoofbeats of twenty thousand Shuoxi troops sounded like rolling thunder. The nobles, officials, and common people hiding anxiously in their dark houses all knew that Great Zhou was about to change hands!

As expected, everything had been arranged at the palace gates. When Yan Chi arrived, all palace guards knelt in welcome. Whether genuinely submitting or forced by circumstances, at this point, no one dared question or disrespect, Yan Chi, even though he brought only twenty thousand troops.

After entering the palace gates, someone immediately reported, “Prince Rui, it’s His Majesty’s bedchamber that caught fire. After the Deputy Commander left, only His Majesty, the Crown Prince of Prince Yi, and Master Yuan remained in the chamber. When we noticed something wrong and went to fight the fire, we found all doors and windows sealed. Before we could open them, the fire had spread.”

Yan Chi focused his gaze, “Has the fire been contained? Has it spread elsewhere?”

“It’s contained! The fire is only within Chongzheng Hall and hasn’t spread elsewhere. We’re still fighting the fire!”

Hearing this, Yan Chi was relieved, “Have all Imperial Guards help fight the fire.”

With this order, more people rushed toward Chongzheng Hall. Yan Chi stood at the palace entrance, surveying the imperial city that had stood majestically for over a hundred years. His martial aura suddenly intensified, “Xiao Cheng, Zhao Yu, secure the palace. Execute without mercy anyone who tries to cause trouble. Chu Feisheng, Yue Jia, immediately summoned all officials and titled royal family members to the palace. Time is of the essence – tonight, I will stabilize the capital’s chaos!”

The three men immediately complied and soon left with their respective tasks – some deeper into the palace, others out to summon officials. Soon, only Yan Chi and Qin Wan remained at the front of the procession.

Yan Chi turned to Qin Wan. Though they weren’t riding together, he reached across three feet to hold her hand, “Let’s go see the Empress Dowager.”

This palace takeover, though involving more troops than any previous upheaval in Great Zhou’s history, caused minimal waves and chaos in the capital. Yan Chi and Qin Wan ordered the remaining Shuoxi troops to wait outside the first ceremonial gate, taking only about ten people with them to Shoukang Palace. The closer they got to Shoukang Palace, the more peaceful it seemed. If they hadn’t turned to look at the fire in Chongzheng Hall’s direction, the two might have thought they were back eight months ago, except then they had no right to ride horses in the palace.

When they reached Shoukang Palace, palace servants had already opened the gates. Though aware of Yan Chi’s palace takeover tonight, the people of Shoukang Palace felt warmth seeing their return, showing none of the fear typically directed at true usurpers.

Just as Yan Chi and Qin Wan crossed the front courtyard, they saw Yan Sui running out in small steps.

Yan Sui was running urgently but stopped abruptly upon seeing Yan Chi and Qin Wan. His eyes were bright with light as he looked at them both – nervous when looking at Yan Chi but unable to suppress a smile when looking at Qin Wan. Qin Wan’s eyes also brightened seeing Yan Sui, “Ninth Prince—”

Qin Wan stepped forward quickly, and as soon as she bent down, Yan Sui threw himself into her arms, hugging her tightly.

He only reached her waist, too small to fully embrace her, yet full of dependency and joy, unwilling to let go of Qin Wan for a long time. Yan Chi stood behind them, frowning but saying nothing.

Qin Wan smiled, “Your Highness has grown taller and stronger, showing you haven’t been lazy these days. Your Highness, have you been well during this time?”

Only then did Yan Sui release Qin Wan, looking up at her and nodding. Qin Wan took his hand, “Where is the Empress Dowager? Can you take us to see her?”

Yan Sui turned to lead Qin Wan inside, asking as they walked, “You won’t leave again?”

Qin Wan thought about how Yan Sui might have become emperor, but now circumstances had changed. She nodded with complex emotions, “No, I won’t leave.”

Yan Sui’s face lit up, but he asked nothing more, simply leading Qin Wan and Yan Chi to see the Empress Dowager.

Upon seeing the Empress Dowager, Qin Wan could no longer smile. The Empress Dowager’s memory was stuck twenty years in the past, muttering incoherently with confused thoughts, not even recognizing Qin Wan and Yan Chi. It was now deep night, and being woken, she showed much impatience. After speaking briefly, she turned over to sleep again. Nurse Chen smiled bitterly at the two, “My apologies to Your Highness and Lady, the Empress Dowager has been like this all year—”

Chen’s tone carried some caution. As a palace veteran, she knew the realm would have a new master after tonight, naturally feeling subconscious reverence.

Qin Wan quickly said, “It’s fine. Now that I’m back, I’ll treat the Empress Dowager later.”

Chen showed great gratitude and invited them to rest in the outer flower hall.

Though Yan Chi and Qin Wan were taking over the palace, between the palace chaos and Yan Chi’s yet undefined status, they weren’t sure where to settle, so naturally rested at Shoukang Palace. Despite the late hour, Yan Sui remained energetic, sitting beside Qin Wan and telling her in detail about the past half year’s events. When he mentioned Yan Ze, Qin Wan asked, “Then what? What did he have you do?”

Yan Sui said, “He told me becoming emperor would save you both, but I had no way. Then he had me please Father Emperor, so I went. He didn’t have me do anything else, just told me to properly serve Father Emperor tea and grind ink for him…”

Yan Sui’s eyes still showed innocence and purity. Qin Wan sighed in relief, thought for a moment, and asked, “Do you know what happened tonight?”

Yan Sui shook his head but added, “Only know there was a fire…”

Qin Wan held Yan Sui’s hand and said, “Yes, there was a fire. We don’t know the casualties yet, but it’s very likely your father…”

At this point, Yan Sui froze. Understanding Qin Wan’s meaning, his pupils trembled slightly, seeming somewhat reluctant, but finally gave a small snort as if relieved, then clenched his fist and said, “He must have done too many bad things. How did the fire start? Was it heaven’s fire?”

Qin Wan still half-embraced Yan Sui, seeing him shrink with fear and confusion. She shook her head, “We don’t know yet, but from now on, the Emperor will no longer be your father—”

Hearing this, Yan Sui’s face showed sudden understanding. He looked at Yan Chi, who had been silent beside them, “Will you be Emperor?”

Yan Chi looked at Yan Sui, “Indeed. What do you think?”

Yan Chi was completely serious, and Yan Sui responded equally seriously, “I think it’s good. You’re better than the Crown Prince and Prince Cheng.”

Yan Chi then asked, “What about compared to you?”

Yan Sui puffed up his chest, “I’m not grown up yet. I’ll know when I grow up.”

A faint smile appeared in Yan Chi’s eyes, “By the time you grow up, I’ll be middle-aged.”

Yan Sui seemed not to have considered this and suddenly froze, “Ah… then I still won’t compare to you…”

The last four words were barely audible, his tone dejected. The smile in Yan Chi’s eyes faded as he looked deeply at Yan Sui for a moment before turning his gaze elsewhere. Qin Wan also looked thoughtfully at Yan Sui for a moment before choosing to change the topic, and with his childish nature, Yan Sui began telling her about his interactions with Yan Ze.

They had entered the city near the Zi Hour, and by half past the Yin Hour, Xiao Cheng and Zhao Yu returned to report that they had inspected all parts of the palace. Since there had been no fighting, the palace wasn’t in great chaos. Though many were frightened, most stayed at their posts without causing trouble, so the palace remained largely orderly.

Half an hour later, Yue Jia, who had left the palace, arrived at Shoukang Palace and reported to Yan Chi, “Your Highness, among the officials, none have defied orders. Though two elderly royal uncles among the royal family expressed doubts, after learning the Grand Princess entered the palace first, they dared not be disrespectful. Now over forty people are waiting outside the palace gates. Before dawn, all officials, royal family members, and titled nobles can enter the palace for an audience.”

Yue Jia’s speech was now very formal. After hearing this, Yan Chi was relieved and ordered Xiao Cheng to prepare Zichen Hall west of Chongzheng Hall, planning to gather officials and royal family members there after dawn. Xiao Cheng left with his orders, and Yue Jia returned to oversee the palace gates.

With these arrangements, the capital’s chaos and tension were initially settled!

Yan Sui had stayed by Qin Wan’s side all night. Seeing dawn approaching, Qin Wan ordered him to sleep.

Knowing Qin Wan and the others had important matters to attend to, Yan Sui didn’t persist and went to sleep without further mention.

After Yan Sui left, only Qin Wan and Yan Chi remained in the flower hall.

It was now the darkest and coldest time before dawn. Yan Chi embraced Qin Wan, wanting her to rest briefly in his arms. Qin Wan complied, leaning against his chest, and though her eyes were closed, she wasn’t truly relaxed. This was their most ordinary scene, but Qin Wan knew future days would be somewhat different. What Yan Chi needed to do might be harder than leading armies to victory, and she would no longer have her previous leisure.

Qin Wan hugged Yan Chi’s waist, cherishing this moment of warmth.

Both rested briefly, then rose and walked to the window together, watching the sky’s blue turn to a gradually deepening fish-belly white.

Seeing the time was right, Yan Chi took Qin Wan’s hand and said, “It’s almost time, let’s go to Zichen Hall—”

Qin Wan raised her hand to smooth Yan Chi’s collar, studying him deeply.

Her gaze carried solemnity and gravity, making Yan Chi laugh, “What is it?”

Qin Wan’s hand was caught again, and she smiled in the morning light, “I want to look at you properly. From today, my husband will become the master of the Great Zhou. I want to remember this moment forever because the coming great era of Zhou begins today.”