Near New Year’s Eve, the Eastern Palace had been adorned with brand-new bright red lanterns.

The window paper glowed with a layer of warm light as Zhao Yān put down her brush and looked toward Gu Xing, who stood at attention outside the door: “What’s happening with the Northern Wu envoys?”

Gu Xing replied: “The court has dispatched the Second Minister of the Court of State Ceremonial to personally accompany the envoys to tour the capital’s splendid sights and marvel at its treasures. But since yesterday, the Thirteenth Prince and his entourage have only shown interest in brothels and entertainment districts. There’s a constant flow of singing girls and dancers at the Four Directions Inn, with music and revelry every night.”

Zhao Yān pondered, then smiled slightly: “Please work hard for a few more days and keep close watch on them. Everyone who has had contact with the Northern Wu people, whether singing girls, musicians, merchants, or guards, must be strictly investigated.”

Gu Xing acknowledged the order with a solemn “Yes” and went to make arrangements.

Zhao Yān took the hand warmer that Liu Ying handed her and warmed her hands for a while. After some time, she gripped the ink-soaked brush in her hand and drew a heavy ink line across the rice paper.

“I originally just objected to a repeat of Second Sister’s tragedy, but now I see that this marriage alliance absolutely cannot happen.”

Liu Ying couldn’t understand and couldn’t help asking: “Your Highness, why are you so opposed to the Fourth Princess marrying into Northern Wu?”

“It’s not just about Fourth Sister. I would oppose it even if it were another royal lady.”

Zhao Yān put down her brush and analyzed the situation. “If Northern Wu truly valued the marriage alliance and respected the friendship between our countries, they would focus on their reputation and learn about Great Xuan’s advanced farming and craft techniques. Instead, they’re spending their time seeking beautiful women for pleasure. Their indulgence in sensual entertainment either aims to lull Great Xuan into complacency by making us believe they’re reckless and frivolous people not worth fearing, or they have other hidden objectives and are secretly making other preparations. Either way, they are likely not sincere.”

…

…

Liu Ying suddenly understood but quickly frowned again: “The Emperor’s mind is difficult to fathom. Resolving this situation won’t be easy.”

The solution was simple. The only thing in the world that could override imperial power was heavenly mandate.

The Court of Imperial Sacrifices oversaw the Bureau of Divination, which handled divination methods. According to old customs, before a marriage alliance, the couple’s horoscopes must be matched and fortune tested in front of the court officials. All she needed to do was have the divination show great misfortune, and her father would reconsider the marriage alliance between the two countries.

And the Minister of the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, Rong Shiqing, was Rong Fuyue’s elder brother.

Though this strategy seemed simple on the surface, it was dangerous underneath. The slightest mistake could be considered tampering with the national fate—a serious crime. Zhao Yān had carefully weighed all factors before making her decision. With today’s inspiring story of Pei Sa defending the arena, Great Xuan’s morale was high. Striking while the iron was hot, she had already accomplished most of what was needed.

Remembering something, Zhao Yān asked: “Has Mother sent any court ladies to inquire?”

Liu Ying replied: “No. Does Your Highness have concerns?”

“I just feel that Mother seems to know something…”

Zhao Yān stopped speaking, recalling the Empress’s hesitant expression during her visit to the Kunning Palace. She shook her head and sighed softly, “It’s nothing. I’m just a bit tired.”

Liu Ying put down the copper needle she was using to trim the lamp wick and curtseyed: “This servant will arrange for someone to bring washing implements and help Your Highness change and retire.”

Zhao Yān looked at the Zhenguan Zhengyao she had finished studying, closed the book, and rested her chin on it, murmuring to herself: “I’ve read all the passages you circled. When I encounter things I don’t understand, there’s no one to ask…”

Just as she was mumbling, Li Fu hurried in with small steps. As soon as he entered, he smiled and said: “Your Highness, we have news.”

Zhao Yān raised her eyes wearily: “What news?”

Li Fu said: “A letter from Luo Province. Deputy General Zhang from Prince Su’s manor personally delivered it just now.”

Zhao Yān nearly dropped the book in her hands and straightened up: “Bring it to me.”

Li Fu presented the sealed message contained in a small bamboo tube, then bowed and retreated to the side, keeping his eyes straight ahead.

The letter appeared to have been sent by carrier pigeon—a narrow strip of paper only two fingers wide, written in a familiar, bold handwriting with eight characters:

【To capture the long wind, keep it in your heart.】

The term “long wind” had a profound meaning, referring both to the wind beneath the eaves and possibly to her, “Changfeng.”

Wenren Lin always liked to use such ambiguous words, layered with hidden meanings that made one’s heart itch with curiosity. Zhao Yān’s weariness instantly vanished, her eyes bright with clear light as she propped her chin and pondered for a moment before getting an idea.

She gave Li Fu an instruction, and with nimble hands and feet, he quickly went to the storehouse to fetch what she needed.

It was a brand-new jade wind chime, the size of a palm, that would make crisp, pleasant sounds at the slightest breeze.

Zhao Yān dipped her brush in ink, prepared a letter, and carefully wrote her reply:

【The long wind is formless, its whispers have sound. When the wind blows, jade vibrates. Please listen, my lord.】

She was extremely pleased with her response, supporting her chin and smiling for a long time before carefully placing the wind chime in a wooden box lined with velvet, giving it to Zhang Cang to deliver to Luo Province.

When Liu Ying returned to the sleeping chamber with prepared fragrant bath water and washing implements, she found the previously tired and weary young Crown Prince bright-eyed and refreshed, flipping through the books marked by Prince Su, saying: “Wait a little longer. I’m feeling very energetic now. I’ll study a bit more before sleeping.”

Liu Ying looked curiously at Li Fu, who smiled without saying a word.

The next day, after the Bureau of Divination performed their divination, the marriage alliance matter was indeed temporarily shelved, and related memorials were returned by the Emperor.

Zhao Yān felt greatly relieved, knowing that her plan had likely succeeded.

Over the next two days, both the imperial court and palace were calm, with everyone immersed in the joy of the Emperor’s birthday and the approaching New Year.

On New Year’s Eve, in the early morning hours when breath turned to frost, Zhao Yān was awakened from her dreams by Liu Ying.

Zhao Yān opened her eyes to see dim candlelight and the usually meticulous Liu Ying kneeling by her bed in loosely worn clothes, her hair not even properly arranged, simply hanging loose.

She was startled, all sleepiness vanishing as she raised her hand to lift the gauze curtain and asked: “What has happened?”

Liu Ying opened her mouth and said hoarsely, “Consort Xu has given birth to a little prince.”

What?

Zhao Yān was shocked: “Wasn’t Consort Xu’s due date supposed to be after the New Year? How could she deliver early?”

Understanding dawned, and Zhao Yān suddenly felt a chill in her heart.

Today was her father’s birthday, and this child had the auspicious sign of “auspicious clouds entering the embrace.” Being born on the same day as the Emperor, he was considered exceptionally fortunate.

How could there be such a coincidence, happening precisely on this auspicious day? Consort Xu, for the sake of imperial favor and power, truly would stop at nothing.

No, Consort Xu didn’t have the scheming ability or courage for this. Who was really behind it?

“Now is not the time to worry. You should get up first.”

Zhao Yān lifted her bedding and helped Liu Ying up, “Help me dress. I need to go see Mother in the palace.”

At the Kunning Palace, lights blazed, yet there was no sound of voices.

Of course—with Consort Xu giving birth to a prince, everyone in the inner palace would naturally have gone to congratulate her.

Empress Wei hadn’t slept all night. Though her morning makeup was impeccable, it couldn’t hide the fatigue in her eyes. She ordered a court lady to send respectable gifts to Consort Xu’s palace, then turned to gaze at Zhao Yān entering the hall—

This daughter of hers, who had stabilized the situation for nearly a year by replacing her dead son.

“Do you know what it means for Consort Xu to give birth to a prince?” The Empress’s voice was hoarse, concealing too many emotions.

“I know.”

Zhao Yān answered calmly, “It means ‘Zhao Yǎn’ is no longer the only prince of Great Xuan, no longer Father’s only choice.”

“In this half of my life, entering the palace as a consort, then succeeding as Empress, I have diligently supported the Eastern Palace without a single regret. And now, I…”

Empress Wei took a deep breath, then slowly closed her eyes while leaning on a small table, “If you withdraw now, there’s still time.”

“If I leave and the Eastern Palace finds no Crown Prince, the blade will hang over Mother’s head.”

Zhao Yān said calmly, “Besides, I already have suspicions that need to be verified further. Regarding Zhao Yǎn’s matter, behind it…”

“Court machinations revolve solely around ‘benefit’! Do you think if something happened, Wenren Lin would protect you?!”

Empress Wei interrupted her, her voice low and urgent, “He has been plotting for a long time, and is also one of those eyeing the throne!”

Zhao Yān’s eyes widened slightly.

The incense in the hall wafted, and it was so quiet that only their breathing could be heard. After a period of silence, Zhao Yān lowered her eyes and sighed helplessly: “You knew everything all along.”

Empress Wei remained silent, with countless words left unsaid.

How could a mother not know the movements in the Eastern Palace or her daughter’s thoughts? She had lived half a life with iron determination, never experiencing a moment of regret. Her only regret was that last year, for the sake of righteousness and the bigger picture, she had dragged her last child into the raging current…

What could she do? Besides covering up, she didn’t even have the right to be severely reprimanded.

“I did consider using his learning and power. But if he truly betrays me, I won’t be lenient either.”

After a long while, Zhao Yān spoke and gave a gentle bow, “In this life, I am willing to be like a moth flying to a lamp, even if I die seeking the light. Mother, I wish to borrow my brother’s strength once more.”

Empress Wei was stunned.

The same appearance, the same words, the same gentle determination… This was her daughter, most resembling her son in this moment.

But now, she was left only with a heart full of wounds.

“I have already lost one child. I cannot lose you, too.”

From behind came her mother’s voice across the great hall, carrying a slight tremor.

Zhao Yān halted her steps, as if receiving an answer that had spanned many years. Inexplicably, her nose warmed, and her throat tightened.

Dawn broke through the darkness, and cold light slanted in, illuminating the myriad palaces.

On the empty grounds before Yonglin Hall, the inner court was preparing the Ao Mountain Lanterns for the Lantern Festival half a month later. The structure was already taking shape, its brilliance and exquisiteness rivaling nature’s work.

Zhao Yān changed into a crimson gauze robe, tied on a purple gold crown, and had just entered the Yonglin Gate when she saw Liu Baiwei approaching in splendid gold and jade attire.

“Why are you so late?”

He raised his eyebrows with youthful arrogance, his first words a challenge, as imperious as ever.

“Hey, move aside! You’re blocking my way!”

Huo Zhenzhen peeked out from behind Liu Baiwei, took Zhao Yān’s hand, and whispered in her ear, “I know Consort Xu has had a baby boy, but Crown Prince brother, don’t worry. With me protecting you, no one can take what’s yours!”

Zhao Yān found this both heartwarming and amusing.

She reassessed this childhood rival and smiled genuinely: “Thank you for your support, Lady. Yes, I will do my best.”

The birthday banquet was unprecedentedly grand, bustling with activity and colorful displays.

Dancing girls brought by the Northern Wu envoys performed an exotic bell dance, earning applause throughout the hall. After the music ended, it was time for birthday congratulations.

A Taoist priest from the palace presented a mountain-shaped jade ornament called “Eternal Longevity of Mountains and Rivers.”

Such quality jade was already rare, let alone one so large and complete—truly a once-in-a-lifetime sight.

For a moment, officials marveled, but some were unsatisfied and questioned: “If it’s called ‘Eternal Longevity of Mountains and Rivers,’ why do we see mountains but no water?”

The presenter became even more pleased, kneeling with his duster and saying: “Your Majesty, this jade is a divine stone excavated from beneath the foundation of the Star-Plucking Observatory. Its most remarkable feature is that its color changes when heated, a sign of heavenly blessing.”

These words piqued everyone’s curiosity. The Emperor said “Good” and gestured for the Taoist to show everyone.

Servants brought over a fire basin and heated the jade all around.

People craned their necks and indeed saw that as the temperature rose, the jade’s color gradually faded to pale bluish-white, resembling great rivers with visible currents.

At this point, those who had questioned earlier quieted down, having nothing more to say.

But as the jade’s color continued to transform, the amazed onlookers gradually changed their expressions.

“Look! There are words on the jade!”

Someone exclaimed, and Zhao Yān looked over to see a line of bright red characters gradually appearing on the pale bluish-white jade—

【In the seventh month, a female calamity usurps power. Using the false to confuse the true, gods and people alike are angered.】

Like boiling water poured into an oil pot, the entire hall erupted in commotion.

Luo Province, at the government office.

The jade wind chime hanging beneath the eaves jingled, with a flying paper note attached to the bottom by a very fine cotton string, inscribed with neat small characters: “The long wind is formless, its whispers have sound. When wind blows, jade vibrates, please listen, my lord.”

Wenren Lin stood with his hands behind his back, listening to the crisp sound of the bells, as if truly hearing the whispers of someone in his thoughts.

A hawk flew over the roof ridge, bringing intelligence from the capital.

Cai Tian removed the message tube from the hawk’s leg, opened the report, and immediately changed color.

Wenren Lin opened his eyes, took the note, scanned it, and his gaze gradually congealed into a dark, cold pool.

Ding-ling, ding-ling.

Cold wind swirled up, disturbing the rhythm of the wind chime beneath the eaves. The jade pieces frantically crashed and tangled together, emitting urgent sounds.

“It—it was all the priest’s doing. He told us to raise the banner of deposing the Crown Prince. It was also he who colluded with the eunuch supervisor back then…”

From the steps came a man’s desperate plea for mercy, brokenly saying, “I beg—beg Your Highness…”

The harsh, unpleasant voice drowned out the crisp sound of the jade chimes in the wind.

Wenren Lin closed his fingers until the intelligence report crumbled into floating fragments. He slightly lowered his gaze and made a gesture of silence toward the continuously begging man.

“My household has had some trouble. I’m in a bad mood right now.”

His tone was completely calm as he looked at the trembling man and said, “Be quiet. Let’s finish this quickly.”