The most detestable mortal enemies in this world are neither political rivals in the court nor sworn enemies on the battlefield, but rather “love rivals.” Without a doubt, the love rival Su Ying hated most in her heart was precisely that complete stranger “Lu Yun.”

Lu Yun had also tasted this flavor before. When he heard that Gu Qianxi had married another, his heart felt pierced by an awl, and he nearly wept on the spot—this was the first great suffering of his life. What made it worse was that his former fiancée could have married anyone, yet she chose to marry Yang Suguan, becoming the pillow companion of an old acquaintance—this was the second great suffering of his life. During sleepless nights, tossing and turning, he longed to pour out his feelings to someone, but his parents had passed away, his friends had scattered, he had no relatives to turn to, and he had lost both his scholarly achievements and official position, wandering about like a homeless dog. These three sufferings surged through his heart together, driving him to such painful bewilderment that he was reluctant to even return to Beijing.

Love, hate, resentment, and the pain of separation had already left him heartbroken, yet Su Ying’s situation was even worse. At least he still knew Yang Suguan, understanding deeply that this man had the appearance of Cao Zijian and the ambition of Cao Cao, having personally created the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard”—truly a great hero of the present age, definitely not some bedroom trifler. Gu Qianxi marrying him at least didn’t bring her disgrace. In contrast, Su Ying didn’t know him at all. When she closed her eyes, her mind filled with wild thoughts, countless unspeakable scenes flying into her heart, all projected onto Qiong Fang.

Lu Yun had lived his life with a clear conscience. Even if he could rule the world, he felt no attachment to such power. But if he truly ruined Qiong Fang’s reputation and drove Su Ying to her death, this lifetime would be completely wasted. Today, at this moment, even if it cost him his life, he had to get to the bottom of this matter.

Heavy snow struck his face, yet Lu Yun ran faster and faster. Following the small path behind the tea hall, he rushed out and saw footprints in the snow—precisely those left by Qiong Fang. Lu Yun urgently gave chase. After running past the small path, he found a low wall ahead. With a single leap, he vaulted over it. In an instant, green bamboo waves surged before him, causing him to cry out “Ah!” and stop in his tracks, stunned.

The season seemed to have arrived at the summer solstice, as if he had come to Jiangnan. Looking around, green bamboo covered the mountains and fields everywhere—this was one of Hongluo Temple’s three scenic spots, the “Imperial Bamboo Grove.” Legend had it that this bamboo grove was transplanted by the Mongols from the south, personally planted by the Tatar barbarian emperor. Unexpectedly, it survived in the cold northern lands and became one of Hongluo Temple’s wonders.

Though frost and snow filled the sky, suddenly seeing this bamboo grove felt like reliving his time in Yangzhou. As Lu Yun walked and observed, he suddenly noticed a house in the grove. There were footprints at the door, so he hurried over, only to hear voices from inside: “Minister Hu, what do you think should be done about this matter?”

Lu Yun felt slightly disappointed, knowing he had looked in the wrong place. Just as he was about to leave, he heard again: “Since Bazhou suffered a new defeat, we of the ‘Lin-Hui-De-Qing’ alliance bear unavoidable responsibility. This prince is willing to request punishment from His Majesty! But this morning’s death of Second Brother in battle was due to internal strife, not the fault of war! Minister Hu! You are the head of the Court of Judicial Review. This prince requests today that you expose the traitors. I hope you will consider the people of the realm and step forward to uphold justice!”

Lu Yun’s heart awakened, realizing the speaker was one of the leaders of the Royalist Army—the Prince De who had just led troops into the temple.

The great battle at the imperial city gates had shocked the court above and awed the people below. At that critical moment, when facing great enemies, “Prince Qing” had cowered and fled with his head covered. When the chaotic army rushed toward the city gates, he actually caused the death of the “Grand Commander of the Royalist Army,” Prince Hui Zhu Qi. Now they were settling accounts.

Lu Yun had originally been eager to leave, but hearing that this involved the great affairs of the realm, he instead concealed himself and came to the base of the wall, crouching down to eavesdrop.

Inside the room, footsteps paced back and forth—there were two people walking about. In the corner, there was also the sound of breathing, one inhalation and one exhalation, low and steady—clearly a practitioner of internal energy cultivation. His power seemed considerable, so Lu Yun further suppressed his breathing to avoid exposing his hiding place.

Footsteps came and went, yet that “Minister Hu” remained completely silent. Hearing Prince De urge: “Minister, the situation is now urgent! The court’s war and peace factions are quarreling irreconcilably. You hold the position of Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, yet why do you remain completely silent? If you worry that Prince Qing might bear grudges and seek revenge later, you might as well speak frankly!”

Hearing Prince De’s repeated urgings, with blame already implied in his words, that “Minister Hu” finally spoke: “Your Highness, why do you say such things? If Hu were someone who feared trouble, how would I have dared to offend Jiang Chong in those days? How would my mother have been killed by violent mobs? You should know these past events.”

Hearing these words, Lu Yun suddenly understood: “So I wondered who this minister was? It turns out to be him—Hu Zhixiao.”

During the Jingtai years, there was a famous scholar who had befriended Liu Jing and repeatedly submitted direct memorials, thereby incurring Jiang Chong’s wrath and bringing great disaster to his family. This was the “Minister of Rites” Hu Zhixiao of that time. This man also had a younger brother who had achieved the rank of Tanhua (third place in imperial examinations)—Hu Zhilian, who had been in the same examination class as Lu Yun. Unexpectedly, ten years had passed, and the former “Minister Hu” had changed positions to take the judicial seat, becoming the impressive Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.

Hu Zhixiao’s tone carried dissatisfaction, so Prince De softened his manner: “Minister, let’s say this prince wrongly suspected you. But don’t you think about it yourself—in those days, you didn’t even regard Jiang Chong with respect, yet now you’re merely impeaching Prince Qing and still have such concerns? I think we should do this: for this impeachment memorial, I won’t let you bear the responsibility alone. This prince will accompany you and co-sign it.”

Originally, after this new defeat of the Royalist Army, one would expect that the “Lin-Hui-De-Qing” alliance would shift blame and push all responsibility onto the “Zhengtong Army” to avoid court investigation. Who would have thought that Prince De would actually act with principled righteousness, intending to formally memorialize the court to openly impeach his own brother? Lu Yun couldn’t help but feel some admiration: “What a fine Prince De! Such righteousness in destroying family ties for the greater good—how many in this world could accomplish this?”

Just as he was feeling solemn respect, he heard Hu Zhixiao sigh: “Your Highness, ah, Your Highness! The common people often say: ‘To fight tigers, you still need your own brothers.’ In your desperate efforts to impeach your own family, are you truly seeking righteousness in destroying family ties, or are you seeking to cut off a limb to save the body? This old minister truly cannot understand.”

Prince De flew into a rage: “What are you saying?” With a bang, he slammed his palm on the table, causing the teacups to rattle—clearly he was truly angry. Hearing this, Lu Yun suddenly understood and silently cursed his own stupidity.

There are no undefeated armies in this world, but there are generals who never fall. The secret lies in these four words: “golden cicada sheds its shell.” Seeing that the Royalist Army had suffered defeat and Prince Qing had caused Prince Hui’s death, once the court became furious and investigated, everyone in the “Lin-Hui-De-Qing” alliance would be in trouble. Therefore, Prince De’s urgent priority was to clear his connections as early as possible. The sooner he impeached Prince Qing, the more he could demonstrate his absolute refusal to show favoritism. As for the signature on the memorial, the two words “Prince De” should naturally be as large as possible—best written in finger blood to truly demonstrate those four words “righteousness in destroying family ties.”

Ancient righteousness in destroying family ties, modern severing of limbs to save life—both involve the same knife stroke, yet the intentions are vastly different. Prince De, hearing such mockery, couldn’t help but feel ashamed and angry: “Minister Hu! This prince regarded you as a person of character and discussed principles with you—how do you respond with sarcasm? Very well! Even if this prince misjudged, I’ll memorialize on my own!”

Hu Zhixiao said: “Your Highness need not be angry. You fear Prince Qing will implicate you, so you sever the limb to seek self-preservation—this is also understandable. But this official must ask: when a viper bites the hand, you cut off the hand; when a viper bites the foot, you cut off the foot. But if it bites the head, surely you can’t really cut off the skull?” Prince De angrily demanded: “What exactly are you trying to say?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “Your Highness, this official will speak plainly. Now that Prince Hui is dead and Prince Qing has fled, if we truly impeach Prince Qing, what do you think His Majesty will do when he receives our memorial?”

Prince De declared solemnly: “What else would he do? His Majesty is so wise that upon receiving the impeachment, he would immediately approve it and order Prince Qing’s arrest.” Hu Zhixiao responded: “That’s why you’re not His Majesty. Think about it—the Royalist Army is managed by you four. Now one is dead, and you want to arrest another. But look outside Fucheng Gate—disaster victims are like an ocean, swarming in, causing panic in the city. Everyone says the capital cannot be defended. If you were His Majesty, would you really choose this moment to investigate Prince Qing?”

These words reminded Prince De, causing him to exclaim: “You… your meaning is… we shouldn’t memorialize at this time?”

Hu Zhixiao replied: “Precisely. During the great battle, even if we impeach Prince Qing, His Majesty will not punish him. Instead, he’ll blame Hu for not understanding the big picture, changing generals before battle, and shaking military morale. When the dragon’s wrath descends, this official losing this black cap would be a small matter, but if it also implicates Zai Yun’s Eastern Palace prospects, that would truly be a mortal sin.” Prince De pondered: “This… this seems too unreasonable. Prince Qing violated military law—how could His Majesty show such favoritism?”

Lu Yun also thought: “That’s right. Prince Qing caused the death of his own commander. No matter how foolish the emperor might be, he shouldn’t protect him. This Hu Zhixiao doesn’t understand military affairs to such an extent.” Just as he was shaking his head, he heard Hu Zhixiao continue: “Your Highness, if you want to discuss military law, then this old minister will teach you a kind of military strategy used in officialdom. Think about it—what surname do those angry bandits outside the city bear?” Prince De replied: “They’re all surnamed ‘Qin.'” Hu Zhixiao asked: “And what about the Zhengtong Army? What surname do they all bear?” Prince De answered: “That goes without saying—they’re all surnamed ‘Wu.'”

Hu Zhixiao continued: “Exactly. The angry bandits are surnamed ‘Qin,’ the Zhengtong Army is surnamed ‘Wu,’ but the only troops in the city surnamed ‘Zhu’—which force is that?” Prince De exclaimed: “It’s… it’s our Royalist Army.” Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Correct. Now with the Qin family rebels outside and the Wu family army inside, the court is shaky and unstable—this is precisely the time when the Royalist Army should be heavily relied upon. His Majesty should be stabilizing military morale, yet you’re rushing to submit an impeachment against your own people? Isn’t this hitting your own foot with a rock?”

Prince De cried out: “Oh! This prince has been utterly foolish! How did I not think of this!”

Lu Yun’s heart awakened, finally understanding Hu Zhixiao’s reasoning. Now with great enemies at hand and the internal and external situation unstable, the emperor’s urgent priority was to first secure control of his own troops. Therefore, not only would he not choose this moment to investigate Prince Qing, he would probably promote him three ranks and heavily favor Prince De. Following this opposite logic would surely lead to disaster.

Prince De whispered: “So this means… my memorial…” Hu Zhixiao interrupted: “Must not be submitted. Even if submitted, it would be useless. His Majesty would only summon you to scold you, saying you don’t understand reason.”

This Hu Zhixiao truly lived up to his reputation as a minister serving two dynasties—his grasp of human nature and principles was crystal clear. These words convinced Prince De completely, and Lu Yun also sighed silently: “Lu Yun, ah Lu Yun! You claim to be well-versed in military strategy, but could you have articulated such analysis?”

Lu Yun’s peerless literary works and chess game strategies would certainly surpass Hu Zhixiao’s, and in battlefield duels he would surely maintain steady victory. But in the officialdom, he would definitely suffer complete defeat. The reason lay precisely in those two words: “human nature.” In Lu Yun’s eyes, the Royalist Army and Zhengtong Army were merely chess pieces on a board, no different when killing enemies in battle. Yet he didn’t realize that in the emperor’s eyes, these chess pieces were actually vastly different—not only distinguished by closeness and distance, but also separated by the divide between family troops and external troops. If Lu Yun were to sit in Hu Zhixiao’s position, he would probably be imprisoned within two or three days, not even knowing how he died.

The room fell silent. Hu Zhixiao took his seat, while Prince De sighed: “Thanks to Minister’s reminder, this prince nearly made a great mistake. But now that Prince Hui is dead, what exactly should we do? We still need Minister Hu’s guidance.”

Hu Zhixiao replied: “Since Your Highness can understand, then this official will speak directly. Our next step now is definitely not to impeach Prince Qing, but to first find Commander Wu and agree on an explanation. When the court discusses Prince Hui’s death, everyone won’t be talking at cross-purposes.”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled, and Prince De also whispered: “Sir, you want Wu Dingyuan to cover for us?”

Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Exactly. Prince Hui died at the front—this could be described as dying while fighting valiantly, or as dying while fleeing in defeat. It all depends on how we write our memorial. Commander Wu must provide support in this matter.” Prince De whispered: “This matter has some difficulties… The Zhengtong Army has never gotten along with us, and this Wu Dingyuan is a crude man—how would he do us such a favor?”

Lu Yun also thought: “That’s right. No matter how foolish Dingyuan might be, he wouldn’t conspire to deceive heaven and earth, engaging in such deception of superiors and concealment from subordinates.”

But Hu Zhixiao had his reasoning. He said: “Your Highness, don’t underestimate Wu Dingyuan. How did he achieve such high office? Precisely because of those two words: ‘confusion.’ He understands how to see the big picture and observe which way the wind blows, so he knows when to open his eyes and when to close them. This official dares guarantee that when Wu Dingyuan sees us, he will definitely help with the cover-up and absolutely won’t refuse.”

Prince De murmured: “Then… what if he refuses?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “In the Battle of Bazhou, if Wu Dingyuan hadn’t usurped Prince Hui’s command authority, the Royalist Army might not have been defeated. If everyone really speaks openly about this, no one will come out well. Weighing the pros and cons, I don’t believe we can’t convince him.”

Prince De was left speechless, and Lu Yun also sighed silently, realizing that Wu Dingyuan had long since become a court minister, his thoughts and calculations vastly different from the small constable of years past. Prince De continued: “Minister’s words indeed make sense, but this morning’s battle at the city gates was witnessed by many. What if Ma Renjie goes completely mad and finds censors to jointly memorialize, revealing the entire truth? How should we handle that?”

Hu Zhixiao replied: “This Ma Renjie is indeed more vicious than a mad dog, but this old man is not afraid of him. As long as Commander Wu and I get our memorial submitted first and His Majesty has the situation in mind, if that mad dog still dares to bark, His Majesty will surely break his dog legs.”

Though Lu Yun didn’t know who this “Ma Renjie” was, hearing Hu Zhixiao call him a “mad dog,” he must be one of those who dared to speak truth—someone worth getting to know. Prince De added: “Sir, you’ve settled matters with the court officials, but what about the princes? How do we get past that obstacle?”

Since this involved the succession, the room fell silent. Lu Yun thought: “Yes, there’s not only Wu Dingyuan in the court, but also the Eight Princes. To silence all the talk under heaven, I’m afraid this obstacle cannot be passed.”

The situation was even more complex. These Eight Princes were unlike court officials whose eyes were only on the Eastern Palace position—they couldn’t be bought or intimidated. Now that the Royalist Army had suffered a crushing defeat at Bazhou and Prince Qing had caused Prince Hui’s death, heaven had granted them an excellent opportunity—how could they easily let it pass?

The Eight Princes’ obstacle was the hardest to overcome, yet it absolutely had to be overcome. Hu Zhixiao’s mind was somewhat troubled, and he could only pace back and forth repeatedly. Prince De said: “Minister, ‘careful sailing ensures ten thousand years of safety.’ I think we shouldn’t take risks. Let’s just impeach Prince Qing. Even if His Majesty blames us, it’s still better than letting people scratch our faces. If this monstrous lie is exposed, when His Majesty withdraws his hand, won’t it be our heads that get chopped off?”

This was indeed the case. Worldly affairs cannot overcome a single word: reason. Though the emperor wanted to protect Prince Qing, he couldn’t ignore reason entirely. Once Prince Qing’s shameful acts were exposed, even if the emperor wanted to protect him, he couldn’t. At that time, Prince De, Hu Zhixiao, Wu Dingyuan, and all these people who had lied and fabricated stories would fall together. If the emperor forced himself to rescue them, even the court might collapse along with them.

Prince De whispered: “Sir, what do you say? Should we impeach Prince Qing or not?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “No… we shouldn’t.” Prince De exclaimed: “How so?” Hu Zhixiao explained: “Some people will do business that costs heads, but no one does business that loses money. Yes, Prince Qing would fall at a touch, but don’t forget that with the current situation, whoever wants to topple him will have to fall together with Prince Qing.”

Prince De frowned: “You… you mean that no matter who impeaches Prince Qing, it will result in mutual destruction?”

Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Exactly. We few have told lies, but these are lies His Majesty wants to hear! Whoever dares to act against this at this critical moment is going against His Majesty. By then, having worked hard to topple us, they themselves become thorns in His Majesty’s side—isn’t that just giving others a free advantage? Would Prince Tang and Prince Feng, with their shrewd calculations, do such a foolish thing?”

As they say, “when snipe and clam fight, the fisherman profits.” Prince De pondered for a long while, then nodded: “That’s right… the protruding wood rots first. This would be a mutual destruction scenario. I think the various princes will check each other, and none will dare to move.”

Hu Zhixiao said: “I thought it over just now. Prince Tang and Prince Feng are both deeply scheming individuals and naturally won’t act rashly. The other princes lack sufficient strength—even if they wanted to move, they have the will but lack the power. What I worry about are only Prince Lu and Prince Xu.”

Prince De chuckled: “Right! I almost forgot about those two. These two usually can’t tell east from west or north from south. If someone teaches them from behind and makes them the sacrificial pawns, what should we do?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “Then we must take precautions. Your Highness, do you know people close to them? We need to find a way to give them a heads-up and smooth things over.”

Prince De pondered: “For Prince Lu, I do know someone—the father of his princess consort, Lord Pinghu. This elderly gentleman Cui lived on Yan Island in his youth and received kindness from my father prince. I can go speak with him shortly and have him pass word to Princess Lu.”

Hu Zhixiao agreed: “Very good. This matter will trouble Your Highness. Does Your Highness also have connections you can use with Prince Xu?” Prince De sighed: “Sir, let me be frank—Prince Xu has a powerful backer I cannot persuade.” The room fell silent again, as everyone, like Lu Yun, surely thought of those three resounding words: “Yang Suguan.”

Hearing a long sigh, Hu Zhixiao seemed exhausted to the point of collapse and fell completely silent. Prince De lowered his voice: “Minister, this Yang Suguan is no easy opponent. If he intends to oppose us, then we might as well forget everything.” Hu Zhixiao sighed: “I know. That’s why I said nothing.” Prince De coughed: “Minister, didn’t you have some friendship with Gu Siyuan in the past? Could you approach Madam Yang to smooth things over?”

Hearing them mention his beloved, Lu Yun couldn’t help but tense up. Hu Zhixiao sighed: “Your Highness, that’s wishful thinking. The Yang household is not like the Wu household—not so easily managed. If you want me to find Gu Qianxi to plead our case, that’s futile.”

Prince De asked: “What do you mean by Yang household and Wu household? Who said that?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “This came from within the palace.”

Lu Yun was startled, and Prince De was also very curious: “What? This… His Majesty said this?”

Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Exactly. I heard that a few days ago, His Majesty was chatting casually with Consort Li and said these words. He said women who don’t meddle don’t seek power, and women who don’t seek power don’t want money. Madam Yang doesn’t want money, so she doesn’t seek power—this makes her more clever than his goddaughter. He told Consort Li to learn from her example.” Prince De quickly asked: “This goddaughter you mention—that would be Yan Ting?”

Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Exactly. Madam Wu, His Majesty’s top favorite.” Prince De spat: “What top favorite? How shameless of Wu Dingyuan! He practiced martial arts his whole life, and all his skill went to his face! His own wife doesn’t serve her husband at home but goes to the palace to serve His Majesty instead? Even if he’s not ashamed, I’m embarrassed for him!”

Lu Yun had also heard people mention this matter of Yan Ting becoming the emperor’s goddaughter. It seemed that when Wu Dingyuan married, he was already of high rank and great power, yet Yan Ting was still a village girl from a common family. To make their social status compatible, Emperor Zhengtong took her as his goddaughter—this became a celebrated tale. But in Prince De’s mouth, it sounded utterly unseemly.

Hu Zhixiao coughed: “Imperial families adopting outsiders as daughters has precedent since ancient times. Han and Tang emperors even adopted foreign peoples as sons. What’s one goddaughter? Moreover, Madam Wu is naturally beautiful and eloquent. His Majesty enjoys listening to her act coquettish—that’s human nature.”

Prince De sneered: “Is that so? Then why does His Majesty criticize her behind her back?” Hu Zhixiao coughed: “My words aren’t finished. At that time, after His Majesty said those words, Consort Li immediately responded. She said Madam Wu wants power, money, and face—she seems to want everything, but there’s actually nothing wrong with that. If a person understands loving money and power, then she understands loving His Majesty, loving her husband, loving the country. But if a woman doesn’t even want money, then what does she want? Sooner or later, she’ll be rebellious and unfilial.”

“Damn it!” Prince De cursed: “What kind of nonsense is that? Did His Majesty slap Consort Li’s mouth after hearing it?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “No, he didn’t. His Majesty said these words had considerable merit—arguing from the reverse side, worth deep consideration.” Lu Yun was horrified to hear this, and Prince De also trembled slightly: “So His Majesty still remembers the events of years past?”

Hu Zhixiao sighed: “Isn’t that so? I heard from people in the palace that whenever His Majesty drinks soy milk, he thinks of Gu Siyuan’s affairs. He always breaks a dozen or so bowls and scolds Madam Yang as well. Empress had to order the imperial kitchen to stop grinding soybeans—if His Majesty falls ill from anger, who would take responsibility?”

“Two generations of court discussions at the Book Forest Study, specializing in discussing the world’s injustices”—Lu Yun had also heard people mention these past events. He knew that Gu Qianxi had once operated a study hall, defying the Son of Heaven and despising the state. From this perspective, the emperor must have once directed his anger at Yang Suguan as well.

Lu Yun sighed silently to himself. People said Yang Suguan was cold and emotionless, “severing six relationships and cutting seven emotions,” yet his treatment of Gu Qianxi was quite different. Without him, ten Gu Qianxis would have been executed—how could she still be alive today?

Prince De snorted coldly: “In the end, His Majesty still favors his goddaughter more! No wonder I can never outfight the Zhengtong Army. Damn it! I think Wu Dingyuan’s military achievements were all earned by his wife’s **!”

Lu Yun was shocked, and Hu Zhixiao was also horrified: “Your Highness! Don’t speak so recklessly! His Majesty has no heirs and shows extra affection to his goddaughter—what’s wrong with that? How can you speak so carelessly?” Prince De spat: “How am I speaking carelessly? No matter how His Majesty favors the Wu family, he can’t let his elbow bend outward! True Dragon! True Dragon! Just these two words alone could get his whole family’s heads cut off!”

Hu Zhixiao hurriedly said: “Your Highness, listen to me—it’s better to resolve enmities than to deepen them. No matter how inadequate your Royalist Army might be, you’re all of imperial blood—fingertips and heart’s flesh. It’s not worth conflicting with outsiders. For Zai Yun’s sake, you should speak well of Madam Wu.”

Prince De raged: “What? You want me to fawn over her, flatter her? Damn it! A rotten whore, and I should curry her favor? Why not go kowtow to Yang Suguan while I’m at it and beg for some second-in-command position?” These words shocked Lu Yun greatly, and Hu Zhixiao also took a deep breath: “Your Highness speaks too harshly. The Yang Party is the Yang Party, the Wu Family Army is the Wu Family Army—this ‘Wei-Wu-Wen-Yang’ cannot be lumped together.”

Prince De retorted angrily: “Why not? Aren’t they both involved in restoration conspiracies, achieving great merit and receiving ranks and titles?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “Your Highness, Yang Suguan is a civil official. According to ancestral system, he hasn’t been enfeoffed yet.” Prince De said: “I think that’s coming soon! If His Majesty won’t reward him, he’ll reward himself!”

Hearing this, Lu Yun’s heart was even more shocked: “Could it be… could it be that Yang Suguan intends to rebel?”

This Yang Suguan’s high position and great power were similar to Jiang Chong of the past, yet fundamentally his status was vastly different from Jiang Chong’s. Consider that Jiang Chong was Jingtai’s loyal minister, like two sides of one body. But Yang Suguan always refused to relinquish the “Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard”—how could Emperor Zhengtong be at ease? Thinking that the “Asura Command” was on his own person, he was terrified when he heard Hu Zhixiao dissuade: “Your Highness, how can you say such things? Even His Majesty wouldn’t dare say this, yet you speak it so casually? Do you know how far-reaching the implications are? The entire court could immediately fall into chaos!”

Prince De shouted: “How can I not speak? This Yang Suguan forming cliques for personal gain in the court—has this been going on for just a day or two? Minister Hu! Do you dare say this person has no rebellious intent?” Hu Zhixiao replied angrily: “Your Highness, the position of rebel is already occupied by someone else—I’m afraid it’s not Yang Suguan’s turn yet!” Prince De sneered coldly: “Not his turn? When the literary Yang and martial Qin coordinate from inside and outside, that would truly be beautiful.”

The more extreme Prince De’s words became, the more Hu Zhixiao couldn’t help but lose his temper: “Your Highness, let me speak plainly with you—without Yang Suguan in those days, there would be no Zhengtong Dynasty today, and you of the Lin-Hui-De-Qing alliance wouldn’t have such power now. When drinking water, remember its source—shouldn’t we show some verbal restraint toward these meritorious officials?” Prince De spat: “Fine, Minister Hu! You’re wholeheartedly speaking for Yang Suguan—which side are you really on? Could it be you’re also a member of the Nation-Stabilizing Iron Guard?” Hu Zhixiao flew into a rage: “Your Highness, do you want to see my arms? Come! This official will strip off my robes right now!”

The two had begun quarreling irreconcilably when suddenly there was a slight rustle of clothing in the room. Someone stood up and said: “Prince De, Minister Hu, Yan has a few words to say.”

This voice was clear and bright, speaking with substantial inner strength—precisely the internal martial arts expert Lu Yun had detected earlier. Hu Zhixiao restrained his anger and said breathlessly: “Master Yan… if Master Yan has insights, please speak freely.” Lu Yun’s heart stirred: “Master Yan? Could this be Yan Song of Mount Emei?”

Earlier, Lu Yun had encountered a young man named Yan Bao in the tea hall who claimed to be Yan Song’s junior and had spoken much about the succession. From this perspective, the entire Mount Emei sect had truly placed itself under the patronage of the “Lin-Hui-De-Qing” alliance.

Yan Song said: “Your Highness, Minister, you two are arguing back and forth here, but this old Daoist can’t understand a word, nor do I have the mind to listen. This poor Daoist now has only one matter to inquire about: Prince Hui died innocently and unjustly—how do you plan to explain this to the princess consort?” Hu Zhixiao coughed several times: “Master Yan, I’ll speak truthfully—Prince Hui’s case cannot be pursued. With great battle imminent, you must let it go.”

Yan Song asked: “How to let it go?” Hu Zhixiao replied: “Some deaths are weightier than Mount Tai, others lighter than a feather. If we impeach Prince Qing, it may seem we’re seeking justice for Prince Hui, but actually we’re just giving other princes an advantage. With the current situation, we can only turn a blind eye and cover this matter up.” Yan Song asked: “So according to your meaning, Prince Hui’s death absolutely cannot be investigated?”

Hu Zhixiao confirmed: “Exactly. Not only can it not be investigated, we must also protect Prince Qing with all our strength. This is the supreme strategy.” The room fell silent, with only a sigh audible. Yan Song slowly said: “Your Highness, Minister, I won’t hide the truth—I am Zai Yun’s master, bearing the responsibility for orphan and widow. Now with the prince’s bones still warm…” His voice rose sternly: “You two want to deceive heaven and earth, letting go this chief villain Prince Qing! I ask here: if Princess Consort questions this, how should Yan explain?”

These words were righteous and stern, leaving Lu Yun stunned: “What a fine Yan Song! Ten years unseen, and he’s actually reformed completely!”

This Yan Song was formerly Jiang Chong’s running dog and lackey, caring only for profit. Who would have thought that ten years later he could speak such words—truly every word resonating, every sentence reasonable. But Hu Zhixiao was also annoyed: “Master Yan, the princess consort is a woman of the inner chambers who cannot understand the stakes of matters—surely you understand? Lin-Hui-De-Qing share the same fate—if one falls, all fall; if one prospers, all prosper. If Prince Qing falls, the ‘Lin-Hui-De-Qing’ alliance must all fall together! When Prince Tang and Prince Feng move the hundred officials to memorialize, saying Prince Hui was incompetent in military command and caused his own chaos, leading to the capital being besieged, could we still withstand that? If Zai Yun accompanies Prince Hui into the grave, would Princess Consort be happy then?”

With these words, Yan Song was struck speechless, and Prince De also persuaded: “Master Yan, battlefield matters have always been ever-changing. Moreover, Fourth Brother usually got along best with Second Brother—if not forced by circumstances, how would he harm Second Brother? If we’re really talking about the chief villain, it’s that Qin Zhonghai fellow. Please go explain to the princess consort—Second Brother is already dead, shouldn’t we still plan for Zai Yun?”

With everyone united in persuading Yan Song to let the culprit go and no longer pursue Prince Hui’s death, poor Prince Hui, despite his status, would die so inexplicably. Lu Yun shook his head greatly upon hearing this. Yan Song must also be deeply troubled, as he sighed and said: “I cannot make this decision. Master Uncle, what do you say?”

Hearing the words “Master Uncle,” Lu Yun was greatly shocked—he had never expected there was a fourth person hidden in the room! Just as he was alarmed, there was a creaking sound in the room as a wooden chair was pushed aside. A deep sigh arose: “Away from the capital for decades…” The voice paused slightly, then continued softly: “Yet nothing has changed…”

This voice carried seven parts melancholy yet concealed three parts mockery. Everyone in the room fell silent, none daring to respond. After a long while, Prince De was heard whispering: “Elder Bai, if you feel this matter is improper, then please speak… If you want us to memorialize the court and impeach Prince Qing, that’s also acceptable…” Hu Zhixiao also changed his tone: “Naturally so. Prince Hui was your son-in-law—you make the decision, and we’ll all follow your instructions.”

Hearing that this “Elder Bai” was both Yan Song’s master uncle and the princess consort’s father, Lu Yun felt puzzled, not knowing who this person really was. He heard the old man sigh: “Whether to impeach Prince Qing or not, this old man doesn’t care. Everyone has their fate—Zhu Qi is already dead, what more can be done? Sigh… When I married my daughter into the prince’s mansion, I should have anticipated today’s events…” As he spoke, his voice gradually approached the window. Lu Yun also grew very nervous. Then he heard the old man say: “Yan Song.” A voice responded from within the room: “Master nephew is here.”

The old man asked: “What are the princess consort’s thoughts? Does she want to avenge her husband, or does she want her son to become emperor?” Everyone fell silent, none daring to utter a word. After a long while, Yan Song was heard saying: “Replying to Master Uncle—Princess Consort’s lifelong wish is for the heir apparent to inherit the throne and become a renowned emperor praised by all for eternity.”

“Eternal glory…” the old man chuckled softly: “Good daughter, truly thinking of country and people.” Prince De, not detecting the mockery, loudly agreed: “Exactly! With Princess Consort having such intentions, the people are blessed! Think how this chaotic world has caused suffering to so many common people? If we don’t put ourselves in their place and think for them, who will take on the responsibility of saving the people from deep waters and burning fires? When Zai Yun ascends the throne in the future and the princess consort becomes empress dowager, the people will have abundant food and clothing, and Elder Bai will become the current national father-in-law, achieving ultimate wealth and honor…”

Just as he was speaking enthusiastically, he suddenly heard Yan Song roar in fury: “Your Highness, take back those words! What kind of person is my master uncle? How could he be someone who covets wealth and honor?” Prince De hurriedly said: “Yes, yes… this prince spoke wrongly…” Yan Song declared loudly: “Both ministers must remember! My master uncle came down the mountain this time only to assist his grandson. If he coveted these empty titles, he would have descended with sword in hand sixty years ago. With his peerless martial arts, even Ning Bufan would have been dealt with—why would he need to rely on his grandson to conquer the world?”

Hearing these words, Prince De was struck speechless, and Lu Yun also exclaimed in surprise, not knowing who this old man really was. Could he be the “White-Browed Patriarch” heard about in the tea hall earlier? Just as he was thinking of quietly retreating, there was a sudden crash as the front door of the room burst open, and a figure leaped out, his body shimmering with changing light—seeming human yet not human, immortal yet not immortal.

Seeing this supernatural movement, Lu Yun’s heart was greatly alarmed. Knowing his whereabouts were exposed, he decided not to flee, simply holding his breath, steadying his steps, and standing flat against the wall.

The light and shadow faded, and the newcomer stood proudly, revealing his true appearance. He had long white eyebrows hanging down, hands tucked in sleeves, and a decayed wooden sword at his waist—he appeared to be several hundred years old. His gaze was profound as he looked around the corridor corners, yet he didn’t notice Lu Yun pressed against the wall just a few feet away.

This was the skill of “concealing qi.” Lu Yun practiced the “Orthodox Seventeen” and had been praised by Abbot Lingzhi as “second in benevolent swordsmanship,” which gave his martial arts some resemblance to the Huashan Yuqing style. Once he suppressed his breathing and hid his martial arts phenomena, his body became like a roadside stone—completely unremarkable. This had similarities to Ning Bufan’s “qi concealment” technique.

While suppressing his breathing, several people had already rushed out from the room. The leader was a sword-bearing Daoist—Yan Song himself. The other two were: one wearing grand red official robes—Minister of the Court of Judicial Review Hu Zhixiao, and another in golden helmet and iron armor with a princely sword at his waist—the commander of the “Royalist Army Cavalry Battalion,” Prince De.

Everyone had been talking in the room when sudden changes occurred. Prince De was terrified and fearful, thinking he had offended the old man, and hurriedly said: “Is Elder angry?” The white-browed old man raised his left hand to stop the talking. Prince De didn’t understand and was about to apologize again when Yan Song had already put his finger to his lips and whispered: “Everyone be silent—someone was eavesdropping outside the door just now.”

Prince De exclaimed in alarm: “Someone eavesdropping? Is it… Prince Feng’s people? Or Prince Tang’s dogs?” Yan Song whispered: “Neither. If it were an ordinary martial artist, how could they hide from me, Yan Song?” Prince De panicked: “So formidable? I… I’ll go find guards…”

The white-browed old man slowly straightened up: “No need.” Prince De murmured: “Why not?” Hu Zhixiao coughed softly: “Your Highness, if this assassin could evade Master Yan’s notice, how could your soldiers be a match?”

One principle leads to all principles—Hu Zhixiao’s mind was clear and could see the reason in everything. Yan Song said no more, raising his long sword: “Minister Hu, Prince De, I’ll escort you both away.”

Lu Yun understood this place couldn’t be lingered in. While everyone was talking, he quietly retreated to the side. Suddenly hearing a great wind, that wooden sword swept horizontally with momentum both thick and fierce, the contained force so great it was like a thousand-year divine tree striking across the waist. Lu Yun was greatly shocked and hurriedly leaped upward with all his strength, flying away from the corridor, his hands tightly grasping tree branches, immediately channeling internal power to stop the branches from swaying.

Prince De was so frightened he fell to the ground, trembling: “Again… what happened again?” The courtyard was once more silent. Lu Yun hung high in the branches while the white-browed old man stood under the corridor—the situation was extremely perilous. The old man slowly turned around, only examining where Lu Yun had been hiding. Yan Song whispered: “Master Uncle, did you… did you see that assassin again?”

The old man nodded. His attention momentarily divided, Lu Yun knew the opportunity was not to be missed. He quickly released his hands and dropped from the treetop into the grass. With a soft “whoosh,” the sound was faint but still made the old man exclaim in surprise and look around.

Lu Yun was covered in cold sweat, thinking: “Lucky.” He hid in the grass and focused his attention on where he had previously stood. He saw that the white-browed old man’s sword had cut the floor, creating a mark about two feet long—as if drawn by a sharp needle, perfectly straight and penetrating over an inch into the ground.

Seeing that this old man, with just a decayed wooden sword, could carve over an inch into the ground without the slightest deviation, Lu Yun, relying on ten years of cultivated internal strength, felt he could also accomplish this. However, his own sword energy was too domineering—when unleashed, it would cause earth to collapse and tiles to shatter, sand and stones to fly. To carve such needle-fine detailed work, he feared his strength was still insufficient.

This old man before him was extraordinary—able to contain hurricane-force winds within the space of an inch. This level of pure power had reached a transformative state. Lu Yun understood that if he were to cross swords with this person, he absolutely couldn’t go empty-handed—he must rely on a sword.

At this time, “Cloud Dream Lake” was not with him, and he couldn’t find a weapon in this short time. Lu Yun could only hide in the grass like a small dog, crawling with a completely disheveled appearance. Hu Zhixiao, seeing the strange situation and long wanting to leave, hurriedly pulled Prince De and whispered: “Alright, time is pressing. Let’s divide our forces—you go see Princess Lu while I find the Mighty Marquis. Each of us will settle matters. We also need to notify Prince Qing so he doesn’t torment himself with guilt and actually drive himself to a dead end.”

Prince De whispered: “Minister, rest assured. Fourth Brother is such a tough character—he wouldn’t have harmed Second Brother. I guess after causing such trouble, he’s definitely holed up in Yihua Courtyard, getting dead drunk without a care in the world.” Hu Zhixiao hurriedly said: “Alright, alright, enough talk. Elder, Master Yan, this official takes his leave.” He cupped his hands and ran off in panic. Prince De, being a military man, simply pressed his hand on his waist saber, bowed slightly, then turned to leave.

The white-browed old man was quite alert. Though he hadn’t found Lu Yun, he still held his wooden sword and looked around. Yan Song whispered: “Master Uncle, was there really an assassin just now?” The old man shook his head: “I don’t know.” Yan Song was stunned: “Don’t know?” The old man said: “I felt someone was hiding nearby, but I could never sense his internal strength.” Yan Song was dazed for a long while, then laughed: “Master Uncle is overthinking. If there were assassins around, we would sense their killing intent. With your cultivation level, is there anyone in the world who could hide from you?”

The old man shook his head: “That’s hard to say. Just now that Zhengtong Army Grand Commander could receive my ‘No Sword’ technique.”

Yan Song hurriedly said: “That Lord Wu is the top expert of the Zhengtong Dynasty. In today’s world, there probably isn’t a second person with such skill.”

The old man sighed: “I’ve lived in seclusion for most of my life, not concerning myself with worldly affairs, fully expecting there would be no more opponents in the world. I didn’t expect that martial arts in this world also advance a thousand li in a day… The younger generation is formidable, the younger generation is formidable…” Yan Song said: “Master Uncle speaks incorrectly. You say the younger generation is formidable, but don’t you know the younger generation fears and dreads you far more than you fear them? Please go back to your room and rest. In a while, we still need to chant sutras for Prince Hui…”

The old man asked: “Where is the princess consort?” Yan Song replied: “She cried for half the day and has fallen asleep.” The old man snorted: “Useless.”

Yan Song whispered: “Master Uncle, how can you say this? My junior sister’s husband died—how can she not be heartbroken?”

The old man sneered: “Heartbroken about what? That Zhu Qi had so many concubines—seeing one, loving one—he made her a living widow long ago. Why wasn’t she heartbroken then? Only now shedding tears—I suppose when I gave birth to her, I gave her too little brain, right?” Yan Song looked around and whispered: “Master Uncle, please speak more quietly. If His Majesty heard these words…”

The old man flew into a rage: “What about His Majesty? I’ve even met Emperor Yongle—am I afraid of that brat Zhu Yan? Yan Song, Master Uncle has a good assignment for you. Since my daughter is widowed anyway, you can sleep with her from now on! Sleep with her until she stops crying.”

Yan Song knelt down, trembling: “Master Uncle, junior sister is a noble princess consort! This treasonous act… you want nephew to…” Just as he was shaking, his cheek received a sharp slap—he had actually been struck by his master uncle. He heard the old man roar in fury: “Useless thing! What about princess consort? Isn’t she just the junior sister you’ve admired your whole life? Back then you didn’t dare compete with Zhu Qi, and now that Zhu Qi is dead, you still don’t dare compete? You deserve to become a monk and Daoist, letting your Yan family line end with you!”

Yan Song, having been struck, only rubbed his cheek and dared not make a sound. The old man shouted sternly: “Useless thing! Why don’t you get up quickly?” Yan Song slowly climbed to his feet. This Mount Emei sect leader’s face was miserably bitter as he said softly: “Master Uncle still mocks me? If you could have seen through this emotional attachment back then, why did you have to live in seclusion in deep mountains, not concerning yourself with worldly affairs?”

The old man glared at Yan Song: “Are you worthy to compare yourself with me?” Yan Song whispered: “Nephew wouldn’t dare.” The old man was quite tyrannical—after hitting someone, he continued: “Where is my grandson?” Yan Song hurriedly said: “Zai Yun is keeping vigil in the north courtyard. Master Uncle, it’s not that I’m flattering you, but this grandson truly has the style of Emperor Taizu. Though his father died, he still hasn’t shed a single tear.”

The old man showed a rare smile: “What Emperor Taizu? It’s because he resembles his grandfather.” Yan Song hurriedly said: “Yes, yes, exactly—he’s inherited the old master’s true teachings…” After a few flattering words, he finally escorted his master uncle into the room and closed the door. The courtyard was once again cold and quiet.

Lu Yun breathed a great sigh of relief, thinking: “What a Mount Emei—to think there’s still such an ancient elder here.” Then he thought again: “Right, this old man just mentioned Dingyuan—could they have crossed hands?”

This old man’s martial arts were so high they could only be compared to the Four Great Grandmasters of the past. However, during the Jingtai years, no one had heard of Mount Emei having such an expert. From this perspective, the old man probably truly had lived in seclusion for most of his life as he claimed. Otherwise, if he had emerged ten years ago to challenge Ning Bufan, whether that “World’s Number One” position could still be held securely would really be hard to say.

After experiencing this event, Lu Yun had put away his contemptuous attitude, deeply knowing that Hongluo Temple was a place where dragons and tigers lay hidden—staying one moment longer meant one moment more danger. He dared not linger and slowly moved away from the side building. After retreating several hundred zhang and just about to turn around, he suddenly saw an old man standing clearly before him—white eyebrows and white beard. If not the white-browed old man from just now, then who could it be?

Lu Yun was greatly shocked. His left foot lifted to take a step and pivot to get behind the old man, but the old man’s right foot in a bow stance happened to block his path. Lu Yun was secretly alarmed: “So formidable.” Before he could change his move, he heard a soft whistling sound as the old man raised his wooden sword and struck through the air. Instantly, the sky seemed to split open, and a surge of sword qi accompanied by rumbling thunder came like an overwhelming tide.

Lu Yun gave a sharp cry, pushed off hard with both feet backward, and thrust his left palm forward with all his might, concealing profound energy. He heard his palm center crack with a bright sound, causing his eyes to see stars with pain. Before he could retreat, a great force was already pressing down. Lu Yun didn’t try to resist anymore and simply followed this momentum, flying backward.

With continuous swishing sounds, bamboo shadows moved rapidly beside him. This retreat seemed endless when suddenly his back ached—he had struck a pine tree, then staggered and tumbled out. Reaching around frantically for support, he touched a wall and found himself collapsed beside a wooden house.

Lu Yun breathed heavily, leaning against the wall and sitting down, first concealing his form before raising his hand to look. He saw his left palm center bore a red mark, burning painfully as if severely whipped, the pain penetrating to the bone.

Earlier, Lu Yun had concentrated his internal strength, filling his palm center with protective energy—precisely the “Kunlun Sword Radiance” he had relied on for survival in the past. Thanks to Zhuo Lingzhao’s protection, this hand had just barely been preserved and not severed by the white-browed old man.

Lu Yun shook his head with a bitter smile. Here he was, a forty-year-old man, yet encountering this White-Browed Patriarch made him seem like a young student again, actually receiving a good beating from the master? Next time he met that old man, he must prepare a treasured sword and absolutely couldn’t allow himself to be slaughtered again.

The weather was cold and the wind harsh, making his struck palm numb with pain. Lu Yun shook his hand and was about to stand when he suddenly heard whistle sounds from deep in the bamboo grove. Several yellow-clad guards flew past with extremely fast movement techniques. Then on rooftops and in bamboo groves, figures appeared everywhere, changing posts with each other—apparently a large number of imperial guards were hidden in this area.

Lu Yun quickly crouched down, not knowing where he had ended up. He hurriedly reached into his chest to take out the paper given by Lingzhi to check. With this look, he couldn’t help but open his mouth wide, realizing this was the “Patriarch’s Meditation Chamber”—the location of Emperor Zhengtong’s temporary residence.

In an instant, Lu Yun felt as if struck by five thunderbolts, his back against the wall and his chest heaving even more violently.

Emperor Zhengtong, Emperor Zhengtong! For fifty years, all the wind and clouds rising in the world, all waves and tides, had originated from behind this wall. The person in this room had conquered the Oirat, suffered defeat in the western frontier, been captured by enemy invaders, then seen Jingtai ascend the throne. From then on, this legitimate emperor had disappeared without a trace. Who would have thought that just when the world had forgotten him, he had joined hands with Wu Dingyuan and Yang Suguan to successfully stage a coup, creating this “Zhengtong Dynasty.”

Now, at this time and place, separated only by a wall, Emperor Zhengtong was right behind him. Lu Yun’s body grew slightly warm. Looking up at the sky and thinking of the aspirations he had pursued his entire life, tears suddenly welled up.

“Establishing a heart for heaven and earth, establishing life for the people, continuing lost learning for past sages, opening peace for ten thousand generations…” For these few sentences, Gu Siyuan had died, Liu Angtian had died, and also Jiang Chong, Liu Jing, and Qin Baxian… and those known and unknown, those righteous and wicked, those ambitious and heroic—they were like moths to flame, all perishing in this raging inferno.

Thinking of those heroes who had gone forth one after another, wave upon wave dying in court disasters, Lu Yun’s eyes had reddened. He raised his sleeve to wipe away tears, suddenly stood up, and turned toward the room behind him, gazing at that paper window.

For those already dead and those about to die, for those countless hungry ghosts flickering like candles in the wind with nowhere to turn, for those vast multitudes of beings in the six realms of existence, struggling and fighting in confusion—today, at this moment, Lu Yun must meet Emperor Zhengtong face to face.

Every inch of his body burned with hot blood. At this moment, not to deliver memorials nor to plead for the people—Lu Yun was neither Confucius nor Zhuge Liang. He only wanted to tell the emperor a few words from his heart, words that had been bottled up since his first day entering court service and which he had never had the courage or ability to say until today.

“Your Majesty…” Lu Yun took a deep breath and slowly raised his hand forward, about to push open the window when he suddenly heard someone behind him say: “Eunuch Fu, is His Majesty awake?” Lu Yun was greatly shocked and quickly crouched low, glancing sideways to see two people—one military officer and one eunuch—talking quietly in the courtyard, only a few zhang away from him.

The two had their backs to Lu Yun and hadn’t seen him. He heard the eunuch scold: “You, Gao Jiong! How did you slip into the courtyard? If you disturb His Majesty, you’ll be the one getting beaten!” Lu Yun glanced over and saw that “Gao Jiong” wore a red sash and military uniform—presumably one of Wu Dingyuan’s subordinates. Fearing this man’s sharp eyes, he quickly crouched lower to avoid detection.

That Gao Jiong lived up to his name with truly piercing eyes. Hearing the rebuke, he remained composed and cupped his hands: “Eunuch Fu, Gao is but a crude military man. If there are any lapses in palace etiquette, please forgive me. But you are also a court official and should know how urgent the military situation outside the city is. If His Majesty continues refusing to receive us, I fear it will delay military affairs—who could bear such responsibility?”

That eunuch was called “Eunuch Fu.” Despite his young age, his temper was considerable. Hearing these words, he immediately scolded: “How is it that you people eat imperial grain and hold high office, yet when facing real matters, you become useless? Go call Wu Dingyuan here—I’ll speak with him myself.”

Gao Jiong replied: “Eunuch Fu, my Grand Commander is in the front courtyard.” Hearing this, Lu Yun moved to the wall’s edge and stole a glance, indeed seeing a general kneeling outside the courtyard, covered in dust from travel—if not Wu Dingyuan, then who?

Lu Yun was behind the building while Wu Dingyuan was in the front courtyard—the two were separated by only a few chi. Lu Yun gazed at his old friend from afar and saw that Wu Dingyuan had removed his helmet, revealing his topknot. His temples were frosted white, and most of his forehead had gone bald—he looked much older than when they had parted. Watching him, Lu Yun’s heart couldn’t help but feel sympathy: “It’s truly difficult for Dingyuan. Being this Grand Commander is really not easy.”

This morning’s battle at the city gates had left Wu Dingyuan tormented inside and out—on one hand needing to suppress the disaster victims, on the other hand needing to protect the capital. Now coming to the temple to pay respects to the Son of Heaven, yet being kept waiting indefinitely—he truly didn’t know how this battle could continue. Just as he was sighing, he heard Gao Jiong say: “Eunuch Fu, you also know the situation outside the city. This morning Prince Hui died in battle, yet Prince Qing abandoned his post and fled. The entire Royalist Army is in chaos. Now whether we negotiate or fight, everything must be decided by His Majesty. Please go in and report once more—tell him my Grand Commander absolutely must see His Majesty.” As he spoke, he handed over a stack of silver notes and whispered: “For the sake of the people of the realm, I beg you.”

Eunuch Fu pushed away the silver notes and dragged him several steps away, far from the meditation chamber, before whispering: “Lord Gao, it’s not that this servant won’t do you a favor. Since the first day of the month, His Majesty’s temper has been unpredictable—when his wrath rises, even immortals couldn’t withstand it. Without his saying he wants to see someone, who dares disturb him? I think you should go back.”

Gao Jiong whispered: “Eunuch, my Grand Commander also said that if His Majesty doesn’t see him for one moment, he won’t leave for one moment.” Eunuch Fu became annoyed: “Gao Jiong! Don’t try to pressure me with Wu Dingyuan! You now have only two paths to choose from—either go find Her Majesty the Empress right now and see if she’s willing to help with this favor, or go find Ma Renjie and have him storm the Patriarch’s Meditation Chamber. Just don’t keep pestering here.”

Gao Jiong said: “Eunuch Fu, Lord Ma only has one leg left.” Eunuch Fu became unreasonable and sneered coldly: “A single foot can still hop! Sun Bin had both legs completely severed, yet didn’t he still conduct warfare? Go, go, go! If you want to see His Majesty, figure out your own way. Leave quickly!”

Seeing Eunuch Fu’s cold and heartless face, Gao Jiong had no choice but to walk back to the front courtyard and kneel beside Wu Dingyuan. The three great advisors plus one “Zhengtong Army” Grand Commander—four people arranged in a line. It seemed they only needed Gong Zhi to complete the kowtowing brigade. Lu Yun thought: “So His Majesty isn’t seeing anyone. Very well, let Lu make this attempt.”

The advantage of being a free-spirited wanderer was having no ties or burdens. Even if the emperor became furious and ordered his arrest, he could simply flee far away and hide in the Great Waterfall for another ten years—who could do anything to him? With this thought, he resolutely stood up and headed directly toward the window to push it open.

The window before him was tightly shut. After pushing several times without it budging, it was clearly locked from the inside. Lu Yun applied slight force, about to shake the window frame open, when he suddenly heard low voices from within the meditation chamber: “Eunuch Wang… you tell me…” Lu Yun, hearing there was another attendant inside the meditation chamber, crouched down again. The voice sounded quite aged as it continued: “Who truly are my loyal ministers?”

Lu Yun’s heart jumped, thinking secretly: “This speaker… could this be Emperor Zhengtong?”

Lu Yun’s palms grew sweaty. He listened for a long while without hearing any more speech, then immediately raised his finger and channeled his strength, about to pierce through the window paper, when he heard a sharp voice say: “Reporting to Your Majesty… in this servant’s opinion…” This voice was both sharp and small, as if spoken through a pinched throat. Despite Lu Yun’s deep internal strength, he could barely hear it. He took a deep breath of true qi, instantly achieving clarity of mind and spiritual transcendence—the wind blowing through grass and trees in the forest, the eunuchs’ conversations and laughter in the courtyard, all entered his ears one by one.

This sharp voice spoke lightly and softly, as if afraid of being overheard. Though Lu Yun had channeled his full qi, he still missed most of the passage. Then he heard that aged voice whisper: “Nonsense… nonsense… I ascended the throne as a youth and have been enthroned twice. Under my command are countless capable men and righteous scholars—how dare you say there are no loyal ministers around me?”

That faint voice said: “Your Majesty, around you there’s no shortage of capable men, but as for loyal ministers, there isn’t a single one.”

Just as he was channeling his qi to eavesdrop, that elderly voice suddenly rose loudly: “Nonsense! That Wu Dingyuan kneeling outside the door is upright and incorruptible—isn’t he my loyal minister?” These words thundered like lightning. Lu Yun’s ears felt great pain, and there were rustling sounds from the front courtyard, as if someone had moved. No doubt Wu Dingyuan had also heard the conversation.

Lu Yun’s heart awakened as he pondered: “Yes, His Majesty has long known Wu Dingyuan is kneeling outside. These words are purely meant for him to hear.”

Imperial authority is unpredictable. Seeing Wu Dingyuan kneeling in the snow before the throne, yet the emperor refusing to grant audience—there must be some hidden circumstances. Lu Yun held that memorial written by “Yu Yushan,” his heart vaguely filled with worry, not knowing whether he should deliver it. Just as he was hesitating, he heard that faint voice say: “Your Majesty, let’s speak truthfully between us two—do you really consider Wu Dingyuan a loyal minister?”

Lu Yun was secretly annoyed: “This eunuch is far too presumptuous! Knowing Dingyuan is right outside the door, he actually dares openly doubt a great minister?” Just as he was feeling indignant, Emperor Zhengtong also became angry: “Audacious beast! Today I have this realm, and Wu Dingyuan should be credited with the first achievement. With such dedication and loyalty, isn’t he my loyal minister?”

Sounds of hard objects hitting the ground came from the front courtyard. Lu Yun listened carefully and knew Wu Dingyuan in the front courtyard had kowtowed, his forehead probably striking the ground, his heart surely filled with trepidation. Then he heard that “Eunuch Wang” sigh: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, there are no outsiders here—let’s not speak such empty words… Do you truly feel Wu Dingyuan’s loyalty is directed toward you?”

The more Lu Yun listened, the more his hair stood on end. With such words spoken, how could Wu Dingyuan continue to live as a person? Just as he was alarmed, the emperor had already begun to scold: “Here you go again! Always sowing discord here. If Wu Dingyuan doesn’t serve me loyally, whom else could he serve? Could it be he should serve Jiang Chong or Yesen?”

This Yesen had once defeated Emperor Wuying and pursued him to the ends of the earth. It seemed that though the emperor had aged, he still deeply resented this matter, placing this person alongside Jiang Chong as his two greatest hatreds in life. Eunuch Wang hurriedly said: “Your Majesty misunderstands! Though this servant didn’t say Wu Dingyuan is a loyal minister, I also didn’t say he’s a treacherous minister. Of course, he wouldn’t collude with Yesen and Jiang Chong either. But if this servant truly had to say, he actually hasn’t served you loyally either.”

The emperor sneered: “Then whom does he serve?” Eunuch Wang replied: “The people of the realm.”

The emperor laughed coldly: “Ignorant creature! ‘The people are most important, the state comes next, the ruler is least important.’ If Wu Dingyuan serves the people of the realm loyally, then he serves me. We share the same aspirations—what distinction is there between us?” Lu Yun breathed a sigh of relief, thinking: “Yes, this is the true way of a sage ruler.”

“The people are most important, the state comes next, the ruler is least important”—these were Mencius’s words. Countless monarchs harbored distaste for them, yet Emperor Zhengtong had easily crossed this first hurdle. It seemed this realm had hope. Just as he was feeling fortunate, Eunuch Wang laughed again: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, this servant is confused again! Since Wu Dingyuan serves the people of the realm so loyally, why doesn’t he go work for the common people now, but instead comes kneeling outside your door?”

The emperor said grimly: “The angry bandits have reached our doorstep. Wu Dingyuan, thinking of loyal service to his sovereign and serving the country, but lacking sufficient talent, can only seek my guidance.”

Eunuch Wang cried out effeminately: “Your Majesty! Wu Dingyuan commands hundreds of thousands of troops, organizing them with perfect order—when has he ever sought your guidance? If he truly wanted to resolve the capital’s crisis, would he lack methods? Why would he need to ask others?”

The emperor angrily shouted: “Shut your mouth! What do you understand about military and state affairs? Wasn’t it your beast’s rotten idea for the imperial expedition that year? Now you’re wagging your tongue again? Get out!”

Lu Yun was even more shocked, not knowing what kind of divine figure this Eunuch Wang was to have actually accompanied the imperial expedition—wouldn’t that make him even more senior than Liu Jing? But he heard Eunuch Wang say eerily: “Your Majesty, you know best in your heart how the imperial expedition was defeated. Did we really lose to Yesen?”

Hearing these words, Lu Yun couldn’t help but cry out softly “Ah!” This sound immediately caused Wu Dingyuan in the front courtyard to also exclaim “Eh!” as if detecting someone hiding in the back courtyard. Lu Yun deeply understood the capabilities of a “True Dragon” and quickly concealed his breathing, not daring to breathe a single breath. As for whether Wu Dingyuan would come investigate, he could only leave it to fate.

Wu Dingyuan had detected something unusual, but the emperor and Eunuch Wang lacked such hearing ability and didn’t know there were ears against the wall. Eunuch Wang continued in a low voice: “Your Majesty, think about it—the Royalist Army has 1.2 million men, all hereditary military households. The Zhengtong Army recruited 720,000 soldiers. These two armies combined have nearly two million troops. If they truly wanted to drive away the disaster victims, couldn’t they accomplish it?”

The emperor pondered: “You’re saying… Wu Dingyuan’s troops could actually suppress the disaster victims?” Eunuch Wang laughed: “Exactly! This servant has long inquired—Wu Dingyuan’s forces are strong and clearly capable of quelling the rebellion, yet why does he kneel at the door? Doesn’t Your Majesty find this strange?”

The emperor asked in a low voice: “He… he doesn’t dare act on his own authority, so he comes to request my instructions?”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty is truly wise! Do you know what the people call military officers who order the killing of civilians?” The emperor hurriedly asked: “What do they call them?” Eunuch Wang whispered: “Butchers and executioners.” The emperor sighed: “These words aren’t wrong either. What good reputation could those who harm the people have? In my view, the First Emperor of Qin was a great butcher.”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, you see Wu Dingyuan as such an upright and simple person—does he want to be an executioner?” The emperor whispered: “Of course not.”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “So Your Majesty should also understand—he doesn’t want to be an executioner, but someone still needs to play the villain.”

“Outrageous!” The emperor flew into a rage. There was a thunderous crash as the table was overturned, followed by loud clanging as something else was smashed. Eunuch Wang laughed: “So Your Majesty should also understand—Wu Dingyuan’s loyalty is directed neither toward you nor toward the people of the realm, but toward Wu Dingyuan himself.”

Sobbing sounds came from outside the courtyard—no doubt Wu Dingyuan was weeping. Lu Yun, hearing this, couldn’t help but feel sad for him.

Wu Dingyuan possessed a True Dragon’s constitution with keen hearing, definitely no less than his own. Yet Emperor Zhengtong was deliberately performing this dialogue with someone in the room for him to hear.

In the silence, sounds of kowtowing came from the front courtyard—someone was expressing gratitude for imperial grace. Soon, military commands rang through the courtyard as Wu Dingyuan departed. Even if he were a hundred times more foolish, he would now understand the emperor’s meaning.

In this great battle, someone had to bear the burden of being the butcher—and that someone was Wu Dingyuan. He had to take the blame for the emperor.

Inside and outside the room, all was cold and silent. Lu Yun sat quietly beside the building, having nothing more to say. He looked at the memorial in his hands, shook his head, and was about to turn and leave when voices came from within the window again.

The emperor said: “Look, you’ve driven away another of my ministers. When he resigns and stops working, who will chase him back for me?” Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, rest assured. Wu Dingyuan is an honest man—if we don’t provoke him like this, how would he bring out his true abilities?”

Only after Wu Dingyuan left did the two in the window begin speaking honestly. Lu Yun’s heart trembled, and he crouched down again. He heard the emperor sigh: “I know this. Sigh, Wu Dingyuan is good in every way, just too soft-hearted. Forget about common people—I think he’d hesitate a long time even to kill a dog. Sigh… but I can’t personally give such orders, can I? After this matter passes, I must greatly reward him. Otherwise, if he really resigns, I’ll lose an arm.”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, rest assured. If Wu Dingyuan leaves, your precious goddaughter will definitely chase him back to serve you for another hundred years.” The emperor said displeasedly: “How wonderful you think it would be! This Yan Ting is Wu Dingyuan’s childhood sweetheart—she cares for her husband and wouldn’t have time for anything else. If Wu Dingyuan really resigned, she’d definitely curse me in her heart and leave together with him!”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, that’s not necessarily so. This Yan Ting—does she favor her husband more or you more? We should investigate this thoroughly.” The emperor spat, then laughed and scolded: “You scoundrel! Always bringing up me and Yan Ting? Am I that kind of person?”

Lu Yun had no particular friendship with Yan Ting, but hearing her become the subject of others’ ridicule, he was still deeply displeased, thinking: “It seems this Eunuch Wang is truly a scourge to the Zhengtong court. His harm probably far exceeds even Jiang Chong’s.”

Since returning to the capital, Lu Yun had met countless princes and ministers—Yang Suguan, Wu Dingyuan, and even the “Prince De” and “Prince Xu” from earlier. What he had seen was considerable, yet he had never heard anyone mention this “Eunuch Wang.” Even last night’s righteous courtesan “Miss Qi” probably didn’t know such a figure existed in the court. Yet he had stumbled upon him.

Lu Yun was kind-hearted, but at this moment he felt extreme disgust toward this Eunuch Wang. If he could bind this man and throw him into the northern desert or southern wilderness where the emperor could never find him again, perhaps the court would be at peace. Just as he was thinking, the room fell quiet again. He heard Eunuch Wang say: “Your Majesty, this servant’s earlier remarks about Yan Ting were purely in jest. Please don’t take them seriously.”

The emperor hummed in acknowledgment: “I know. But this Yan Ting is indeed a good woman. If Wu Dingyuan doesn’t treat her well, I absolutely won’t forgive him.” Eunuch Wang whispered: “Your Majesty is reluctant to part with her again? Why not simply summon her to the palace? See whom she truly loves in her heart?”

A friend’s wife should not be trifled with, let alone a minister’s wife! Lu Yun’s heart burned with anger, and he was about to rise regardless of consequences when the emperor also became furious and scolded: “More tongue-wagging! Am I that kind of person? Yan Ting is like my own daughter to me! If you dare talk nonsense again, I’ll have you boiled alive!”

The emperor seemed truly angry. Sounds of pitiful pleading came from the room—that servant seemed frightened. Then Emperor Zhengtong was heard saying sternly: “Listen well! In my lifetime, I’ve had two great loyal ministers—in the Wuying Dynasty it was Qin Baxian, in the Zhengtong Dynasty it’s Wu Dingyuan. These two men devoted themselves completely until death, thinking only of my imperial territory and state, harboring no other intentions. Truthfully, when outsiders call them ‘True Dragons,’ I feel no displeasure hearing this, but rather rejoice for the people of the realm.”

Hearing Qin Baxian’s name, Lu Yun calmed down. But Eunuch Wang spat: “Your Majesty, you’re confused again! There are no truly loyal ministers in this world, only those forced into loyalty. Do you still remember? Back then, where did Qin Baxian imprison you?”

The emperor’s noble spirit vanished entirely, replaced by deep sighs as he whispered: “Shenji Cave…”

“Exactly! Shenji Cave!” Eunuch Wang launched into a rapid-fire tirade: “That bastard son of a bitch! He clearly commanded tens of thousands of troops at Mount Nucang, yet refused to bring us out. Your Majesty, think for yourself—what were his intentions?” The emperor said painfully: “I… I don’t know…”

Eunuch Wang declared loudly: “Your Majesty! After all these years, don’t you understand yet? This Qin Baxian wanted to keep his options open! To make peace with Prince Min! Otherwise, with such powerful forces at his command, why would he hide you away? Wasn’t it just to use you as a bargaining chip to exchange for some official position with Jingtai? How foolish you are—to this day you still consider this man a loyal minister, never forgetting him. You’re truly making everyone under heaven laugh their bellies off!”

“Shut up! Shut up!” The emperor screamed wildly: “Back then Qin Baxian lost his entire family to protect me! Was that fake too? That day when we went to pay respects at the Wude Marquis’s mansion, didn’t you also shed tears with me? His whole family died! His son was forced to rebel by Prince Min! His entire family fell to such a state—what more do you want? Speak! Speak!”

Lu Yun rarely heard people mention Qin Baxian’s life story, so hearing this exchange, he only half-understood. But Eunuch Wang seemed to hate Qin Baxian thoroughly and continued cursing: “Your Majesty, people change. The Qin Baxian of those days perhaps wouldn’t bow to Prince Min, but what about later? If he hadn’t been determined to accept amnesty, how could he have been framed by Liu Angtian and died miserably at the Demon-Ghost Pavilion?”

Lu Yun’s heart was greatly shaken: “What? The Marquis killed Qin Baxian?” Just as he was shocked and doubtful, he suddenly heard a “meow”—a cat’s cry from within the room. Emperor Zhengtong laughed: “Jade Lion has come to amuse me again.” He made several humming sounds, apparently kissing the little cat.

Meowing sounds arose, followed by purring—the little cat seemed quite content. The room fell quiet again. After a long, long while, the emperor was heard saying eerily: “Eunuch Wang, so many years have passed. Qin Baxian is dead, Liu Angtian is dead, even Master Tianjue is dead. All the past is gone—let’s not pursue these old matters anymore. Let these things pass.”

Eunuch Wang sneered: “Your Majesty, what about Ning Bufan? Do we pursue him or not?” Lu Yun’s heart trembled: “Ning Bufan? How is he involved? What grievance does he have with Emperor Zhengtong?” Just as he was wondering, he heard the emperor snort heavily and say grimly: “Eunuch Wang… Ning Bufan rendered great service to the state. Without him, we’d still be imprisoned in the Western Regions. Who had the ability to bring us back to the Central Plains? If you dare say one word against Hero Ning, I’ll press your head into the furnace and burn it to ashes.”

Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, do you think Ning Bufan rescued you for your sake? I think he did it for someone else entirely.”

The sharp voice stopped, thick breathing arose, then suddenly there was a “bang” as His Majesty heavily slapped the table and shouted: “Shut up!”

With a meow, the little cat was apparently frightened and leaped to the ground, scurrying about the room. Eunuch Wang also dared not speak carelessly. The room was silent for a long time before the emperor was heard saying quietly: “Eunuch Wang, we are nominally sovereign and subject, but truly intimate friends. But don’t always arrange others’ affairs and make it difficult for me to conduct myself…” Eunuch Wang sneered: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, it’s precisely because you have such womanly kindness that you’ve brought disaster upon yourself. If you don’t believe it, you can go out and inquire—in this vast realm, who still considers you the Son of Heaven? They’re all waiting for you to hurry up and die!”

The emperor flew into a rage: “Audacious beast! How dare you speak such words to me?” Lu Yun was greatly alarmed—he truly hadn’t expected this Eunuch Wang to be so wildly rebellious. In the Jingtai Dynasty, he would have been executed long ago. But he heard Eunuch Wang advise: “Your Majesty, this servant has served you my entire life and speaks rather directly, but honest words are hard to hear, good medicine tastes bitter. Even if you don’t like to hear it, this servant still has words to say!”

“Speak! Speak! Speak!” The emperor heavily slapped the table and roared: “If you want to speak, then speak! Have I ever stopped you? Ah! Ah!” Eunuch Wang said quietly: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger—this servant does all this for your good… Look at today’s court, everywhere there are cliques and factions, each group to themselves. Tell me, what are they all working toward?”

The emperor snorted: “Entering the Eastern Palace, inheriting the throne.” Eunuch Wang replied: “Exactly! Everyone says you’re old and won’t live more than two years before ascending to heaven—who isn’t planning for the future? You say Wu Dingyuan is a loyal minister, but why don’t you summon him in and personally ask which prince he privately supports?”

Hearing such slanderous words, the emperor seemed extremely troubled, gnashing his teeth and breathing heavily: “You say… Wu Dingyuan is privately close to which prince? Is it that bastard Prince Tang or that turtle Prince Xu?”

Eunuch Wang said: “Your Majesty, Wu Dingyuan is tight-lipped—how would he reveal anything? But tell me, regarding the succession matter, how many times has he urged you?”

The emperor snorted: “Every year he brings it up.” Eunuch Wang continued: “Exactly! Not only Wu Dingyuan, but people like He Rong, Ma Renjie, Yang Suguan, Mou Junyi—they all keep pushing you to establish an heir, while privately seeking new masters and supporting new kings, playing those old games of wealth and glory. What use are such people? Better to kill them all.”

“Bastard!” The emperor roared, though it was unclear whom he was cursing. He was heard panting: “Actually… they’re not wrong either. I am indeed old. If I don’t establish an heir soon and suddenly die, this realm cannot be without a master for a single day…” Eunuch Wang sneered: “Why should you worry about this? When Your Majesty went on the imperial expedition and disappeared for just two days, didn’t that old hag immediately install Prince Min?”

“Bastard!” The emperor erupted: “What old hag? That was my mother empress! How dare you curse her?”

Eunuch Wang said coldly: “Your Majesty, this servant rarely uses such three-character curses, but I’d risk execution to say them. Tell me, how vicious was that hag? How venomous? You say Jiang Chong was evil—I think he couldn’t match even a fraction of her malice. When you went on the imperial expedition, that vile woman had already arranged her poisonous scheme—first neutralizing Qin Baxian, then having Prince Min serve as regent, then having Jiang Chong collude with Yesen, attacking from within and without to push you from the throne in one stroke… That bitch! If this servant still had those parts, I’d violate her corpse three hundred times! You keep calling her ‘mother empress’ this and ‘mother empress’ that—did she ever consider you her son?”

“Beast!” Sounds of trampling came from below as the emperor erupted in fury: “Damn it! You dare screw my mother! I’ll screw you to death first, you bastard!” Sounds of kicking and beating came from the meditation chamber. That Eunuch Wang could endure what others couldn’t—remaining completely silent. Lu Yun’s palms were covered in cold sweat, feeling family and state affairs all tangled together, his mind in complete chaos.

After a long, long while, Emperor Zhengtong finally caught his breath and whispered: “Eunuch Wang, did… did I hurt you?” Eunuch Wang sobbed: “Your Majesty, for you this servant could die a thousand times—what is a little pain? If you find this servant displeasing, just kill me!” The emperor whispered: “How could that be? You… you’ve always been the person closest to me…” At this point, he actually began crying: “Sigh… I’m truly so miserable… not a single person around me can be trusted…”

After crying for a while, there was suddenly a meow from the room as a cat jumped onto the windowsill and wandered about there. The emperor hurriedly said: “Ah… Jade Lion wants to go out and play? I’ll let you out.” Eunuch Wang said: “Your Majesty, don’t let it out—this beast just returned and is all dirty again. So annoying.” The emperor was annoyed: “Eunuch Wang, are you even jealous of a cat? You’re more womanish than women.” Light footsteps sounded, then with a creak, the window was pushed open—coincidentally, right above Lu Yun’s head.

Lu Yun’s heart was greatly alarmed. He quickly crouched lower, fearing to come face to face with Emperor Zhengtong. At this moment, a small cat poked its head out from the windowsill. Suddenly seeing Lu Yun, it meowed with its fur standing on end, then fled back into the room.

“What’s wrong with Jade Lion? Didn’t I open the window? Why won’t it go play?” Emperor Zhengtong’s voice from within sounded quite gentle. Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, Jade Lion knows your temperament and has come back to please you.” The emperor laughed heartily, then closed the window again: “Jade Lion is still the best. Jade Lion is truly my loyal minister.”

The emperor played with the little cat for a while, then said: “Eunuch Wang, actually I’ve taken in all the words you said. But there are some things you still don’t understand. Take Ma Renjie, for instance—do you know why I’ve never killed him?” Amid meowing sounds, that sharp voice said: “Your Majesty wants to check Yang Suguan.”

Hearing this, Lu Yun couldn’t help crying out “Ah!” Fortunately, neither person in the room noticed. Lu Yun’s heart pounded as he heard the emperor sigh loudly: “What a pity!” The imperial voice gradually lowered, followed by deep regret: “Zhu Qi actually died… Among these eight princes, I actually valued him most, which is why I let him hold military power. Pity his fortune was thin—he was actually killed by that beast Prince Qing… Sigh… At this critical time for employing people, how should this case be handled?”

Hu Zhixiao’s prediction was divine—he had indeed calculated the emperor’s thoughts. He never intended to prosecute Prince Qing at all. If the Court of Judicial Review submitted a direct memorial, it would only make things difficult for the emperor. Eunuch Wang said: “Your Majesty, this servant honestly asks you—now that Zhu Qi is dead, which of the eight princes most suits your wishes?”

“Among these eight princes, Prince Hui was truly the best—both loyal and capable. Sigh, but he’s dead… This Prince Tang seems respectful… Prince Lu is truly hot-tempered… Prince Feng…” Sounds of teacup clinking came from the room—someone had drunk some water. The emperor was pondering something. After a long while, he suddenly said: “Right, in the twelfth month when I saw Consort Li, she was vomiting terribly—all sour water. What was that about?” Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, she was drunk! After downing a whole jar of Shaoxing wine, how could she not vomit?”

“Screw your mother!” The emperor erupted again: “I’m asking whether Consort Li is with child, and you give me this nonsense? Speak! Is she pregnant or not?” Eunuch Wang hurriedly said: “Your Majesty, this… this requires summoning the imperial physician to examine—how would this servant know?”

“Damn it!” The emperor gritted his teeth: “That Imperial Physician Yuan’s family has served in the palace for generations… Every time I summon him to take the pulse of my consorts, he’s never been right once! When it’s clearly pregnancy, he calls it stomach upset! This time Consort Li vomited—there’s definitely something in her belly! I’ll summon Imperial Physician Yuan again. If he still dares say ‘no,’ I’ll boil him alive immediately!”

Seeing Emperor Zhengtong’s desperate desire for an heir, he probably wouldn’t listen to the truth. Though Lu Yun didn’t know this Imperial Physician Yuan, he couldn’t help but worry for him secretly. The emperor cursed several times, then roared: “Where’s Little Dezi? Didn’t he go find Yuying? Why isn’t he back yet?” Eunuch Wang laughed: “Your Majesty, Little Dezi and Little Fuzi are all the Empress’s people, not yours—naturally they’re negligent in their duties.”

The emperor angrily said: “Here you go again! Anyone who belongs to Yuying belongs to me! Husband and wife are one family—how can there be distinctions? If you dare wag your tongue again, I’ll pull it out just like last time!” Eunuch Wang panicked: “This servant deserves to die! This servant deserves to die! Empress and Your Majesty are one body—her treatment of you is truly loving and righteous, one in ten thousand!”

The emperor said irritably: “Do I need you to tell me this? When I was young, how many consorts did I have? After thirty years, how many remain? Only she alone remained devoted, doing everything possible to help me restore the throne. I couldn’t repay this kindness in three lifetimes.” Eunuch Wang sighed: “Yes, entering the palace at thirteen, staying with you less than a year before becoming a living widow—who knows how she got through these past thirty years?”

The emperor sighed: “Well said! Every time I think of this, I’m moved to emotion. These thirty years, thinking of her as a beautiful woman having to wash her face with tears, guarding an empty chamber alone…” Eunuch Wang said: “Nightly music and song.” The emperor was stunned, then flew into a rage: “What did you say?” Eunuch Wang hurriedly said: “Nothing, nothing…”

“Damn it!” Trampling sounds came from below again as the emperor raged: “Screw you to death! You slander my mother empress, you slander my empress—if you say one more word, I’ll tear your mouth apart!” This Eunuch Wang had apparently practiced the Diamond Indestructible Body—though beaten and humiliated, he remained completely silent, truly remarkably brave. Lu Yun was covered in cold sweat, knowing he had heard too many secrets. If someone discovered him hiding here, the consequences would be unthinkable. For a moment, he looked left and right, already seeking an escape route.

After a long, long while, the emperor finally finished beating him, panting and gritting his teeth: “Eunuch Wang, listen clearly! I’m half-doubtful about everyone else, but regarding Yuying, I have absolutely no doubt whatsoever! Back then, to help me restore the throne, she traveled thousands of mountains and rivers. Qiong Wuchuan twice raised revolts and allied with Yang Suguan and Wu Dingyuan. If such a person isn’t loyal, who is? Damn it! Did you remember that?”

Eunuch Wang cried: “Your Majesty, this servant only said one wrong thing and you’ve beaten my head crooked. But regarding the matter you ordered this servant to investigate last time, this servant completed it long ago—why don’t you praise me at all?” The emperor angrily said: “What did I order you to investigate?”

Eunuch Wang cried: “Last time didn’t Your Majesty say—this blind heaven, how could the loyal Qiong family have no heir? This servant immediately sent people to investigate!” The emperor said quietly: “No heir? Wait, you… you’re talking about Qiong Ling?”

Eunuch Wang cried: “Yes! That most outspoken, most daring young man—didn’t you praise him as a heaven-sent genius, like Gan Luo becoming minister… How did he die so early in the Zhengtong Dynasty? The more this servant thought about it, the more pitiful it seemed, so I retrieved his case files for you! Will you look or not?” The emperor hurriedly said: “Quickly bring the files—I want to see them right now!”

Footsteps sounded as the emperor personally rose and hurried over. Soon came the sound of pages turning. In less than half a moment, there was another roar: “That damn Minister Zhao! Didn’t I tell him to write larger? How can I read such tiny characters?”

This emperor was quite different from Jingtai—extremely hot-tempered. After cursing several times, papers rustled in the room—he had apparently started reading anyway. After quite some time, Eunuch Wang was suddenly heard saying: “Your Majesty, look here—Qiong Ling was imprisoned before his death.”

The emperor murmured: “That’s right, locked up for over ten days, then died after release… Could someone have poisoned him in prison?” He gritted his teeth and cursed: “That bastard Jiang Chong… What crime did he use to prosecute him?” Papers rustled as Eunuch Wang said: “It’s all written here—investigating Nanjing Imperial Clan Court Junior Minister Qiong Ling for returning to the capital without reason in the third month of the eighteenth year of Jingtai, neglecting government affairs, abandoning his post…”

“What? Abandoning his post?” The emperor roared: “Jiang Chong! Just based on this trumped-up charge! You dared kill my beloved minister! Screw your mother! I’ll personally screw your corpse! Screw your mother’s entire clan for eighteen generations!”

Sounds of paper tearing came from the room—the emperor must have been extremely angry. Lu Yun crouched under the window eavesdropping, also secretly puzzled. Though he had never met Qiong Ling, he had heard Qiong Fang mention him, knowing her father was from a noble family with an examination degree. If Jiang Chong wanted to frame him, he could have accused him of something major—how dare he use such a trivial charge? Could it be to force out Qiong Wuchuan?

Just as he was thinking, the emperor had calmed down and paced back and forth, panting: “Wait, this Qiong Ling… exactly how long has he been dead?” He turned pages himself, pondering: “Twenty-eighth year of Jingtai, year of the Metal Ox…” Then suddenly: “Strange… when exactly did he abandon his post?” Eunuch Wang said: “It’s written above—investigating Qiong Ling for returning to the capital without reason in the eighteenth year of Jingtai, neglecting government affairs…”

The footsteps stopped. The emperor said nothing. Lu Yun also felt a slight chill, vaguely sensing something strange.

A case from ten years ago, a trivial minor crime, yet it killed the legitimate grandson of a founding duke? Even stranger, Liu Jing clearly controlled the Eastern Depot at the time, and Qiong Wuchuan was deeply favored by the Empress Dowager—yet both were powerless, only watching helplessly as Jiang Chong killed his only son?

Complete silence—everyone present felt the mystery. Suddenly the emperor shouted: “Eunuch Wang! Quickly investigate who the examining official for this case was!” Footsteps sounded as rustling came from the room—the emperor seemed to personally crawl on the ground examining scattered case files.

Lu Yun held his breath and listened as clothing rustled in the room. The emperor stood up and said quietly: “What’s this… the examining official’s name isn’t recorded?” Hearing this, Lu Yun’s eyes widened—this was truly absurd.

In court criminal proceedings, regardless of how strict or lenient a case file might be, the most important thing was that the interrogation process couldn’t have errors. Not only must names be recorded, but detailed statements must be written—otherwise, if the case was investigated, the examining official would certainly face consequences. Especially in capital cases, even for common people, they could often appeal and cause uproar, leading to joint hearings of the five courts and six ministries—absolutely no negligence permitted. Moreover, Qiong Ling wasn’t just anyone—he was a noble family disciple, descendant of a founding duke. How could the examining official dare not leave his name for such a shocking case? Wasn’t he afraid Qiong Wuchuan would appeal to heaven?

No appeal. The matter had passed fifteen years, and Qiong Wuchuan still hadn’t appealed. Even though his only son suffered unjust wrong, even though his daughter became empress, the Qiong family still allowed Qiong Ling to suffer injustice in the nine springs, never seeking redress for him.

The room fell quiet. The emperor seemed lost in thought. After a long while, he suddenly said: “Jifeng.” With a whoosh, all the papers were thrown out as the emperor declared loudly: “This case was personally tried by Jifeng! That’s why no name was recorded during interrogation!”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled—he now knew Qiong Ling’s case had reached the highest level. Then he heard the emperor roar: “Someone come!” Panicked footsteps sounded outside as Eunuch Fu said: “Your Majesty! This servant awaits your command!” The emperor said sternly: “Summon the Three Judicial Offices—I have matters to ask them.” Eunuch Fu hurriedly said: “Yes, yes, this servant will go immediately.” Just as he was about to leave, the emperor said sternly: “Wait!” That Little Fuzi seemed to kneel down, trembling: “This servant listens.” The emperor said flatly: “Find Qiong Wuchuan.” Little Fuzi hurriedly said: “Yes…” He slowly rose and walked backward. The emperor roared: “Why aren’t you going quickly!”

With a bang, Little Fuzi stumbled over the threshold and nearly fell. After Little Fuzi had gone far, Eunuch Wang said: “Your Majesty, please preserve your dragon body—Qiong Ling is already dead, don’t trouble yourself.” The emperor said: “Don’t worry about that. In the decades I was absent, too many strange things happened. I must investigate thoroughly—what should be prosecuted will be prosecuted, what should be reversed will be reversed.”

Eunuch Wang whispered: “Your Majesty, please rest first. What about that matter this servant mentioned to you last time—how have you considered it?” The emperor sighed: “Don’t mention it. The Yigong case caused chaos throughout the realm—how can I do it again?”

Hearing the words “Yigong,” Lu Yun felt slightly afraid, not knowing what the emperor was planning. Eunuch Wang said: “Your Majesty, that was then, this is now. What Princess Min refused to do, surely Yuying wouldn’t refuse? You two have shared hardships—don’t you trust her?” The emperor sighed: “Even if she were willing, I couldn’t bear it.” Eunuch Wang whispered: “Your Majesty, if you can’t bear to part with her, can she bear to part with you? In this servant’s view, you should find an opportunity to confess to her, rather than always worrying…”

The emperor sighed: “Truthfully, after I’m gone, she’s really the only one I can’t let go of in my heart… If she were willing to follow me… sigh…” The emperor spoke incoherently for a while—he was probably tired. Sounds of bedding rustling suggested he had lain down.

Lu Yun had long wanted to leave. Hearing the emperor lie down, he immediately took out the map Lingzhi had given him and compared directions all around. Looking carefully, he saw that deeper in the bamboo grove were several more side buildings, a hundred chi from the Patriarch’s Meditation Chamber. Better yet, no soldiers guarded them. His heart was immediately filled with joy—he had a plan for escape. He tucked the folded paper into his chest and was about to step away when he suddenly felt that memorial in his bosom.

This memorial had been picked up earlier from the Heavenly King Hall, written by Ministry of Revenue Clerk “Yu Yushan.” Despite being submitted to the cabinet several times, it was always returned, showing his loyal heart. Now, with himself and the emperor so close, not to deliver it for him would be too inconsiderate.

As they say, “Do one’s human best, listen to heaven’s mandate”—with the court situation as it was, whether this memorial was delivered or not made no real difference. It was just a matter of doing one’s human duty. Lu Yun sighed silently. Since no one was around, he slowly rose and aimed at the window lock, channeling sticky force in his palm. With a soft sound, force transmitted through the object, the lock hook had come loose, and he quietly pushed open the window.

Once the window opened, the room’s interior was revealed. The room was piled high with official documents and case files, probably as tall as a person. On the kang, a figure half-lay, half-sat with his back to him, holding a small cat—this must be Emperor Zhengtong.

Earlier hearing this emperor’s crude language, he had expected a brutal tyrant. Yet the room was full of documents, suggesting that though the emperor was old, he was indeed diligent in government affairs. Lu Yun observed for several glances, then thought: “That Eunuch Wang from earlier—I don’t know what kind of person he is, but I must take a look.” He glanced around the room but saw no one besides Emperor Zhengtong. Just as he was puzzled, suddenly the little cat glanced over. Seeing him, it meowed again and scurried about everywhere.

“Jade Lion…” the emperor spoke: “What’s wrong again? Hungry?” Lu Yun was covered in cold sweat, knowing he was in a dangerous place and truly couldn’t stay long. He quietly placed the paper packet on the windowsill and was about to turn and leave when suddenly the envelope slid forward and was about to fall to the ground. Lu Yun was shocked and quickly drew his hand through the air, pulling the letter back into his palm.

This paper packet was too wide while the windowsill was too narrow—it couldn’t sit securely. If it fell to the ground, there was no guarantee the eunuchs wouldn’t sweep it away while cleaning, making all his efforts futile. Thinking this, he took the memorial out of the paper packet and was about to place it on the windowsill when suddenly his gaze shifted. He saw the memorial’s cover was completely blank—no submission title visible, no memorializing official’s name and rank. He couldn’t help but be greatly puzzled: “This… why isn’t this memorial signed?”

Earlier, the memorial had always been kept in the paper packet, so Lu Yun hadn’t examined it carefully. Now seeing something amiss, he quickly flipped through the memorial. Turning to the third page, he found a note wedged in the text reading: “The world’s greatest joke.”

Lu Yun’s mind was blank, not understanding what this meant. Seeing more writing on the back of the note, he quickly turned it over to find another line of small characters: “Her Majesty the Empress’s son…”

“Isn’t surnamed Zhu?”

Lu Yun’s heart was horrified, and he couldn’t help crying out “Ah!”

The moment the cry escaped, his heart screamed disaster. Indeed, a guard had already leaped down from the roof, attacking with raised palm. Lu Yun knew it was a life-or-death moment and quickly struck back with his palm. With a muffled grunt, the guard staggered back ten or so steps, then drew a firearm and shot at Lu Yun.

With a loud bang, Lu Yun spread both palms apart into a semicircle. Buzzing sounds filled the air, his palm edges burned with fierce pain, and a deep hole appeared in the wall—pierced by the bullet. Just as he was catching his breath, he suddenly heard a “pop” from the window as something fell to the ground inside the room—it was that memorial.

Lu Yun cried out in despair. Just now when he had struck out with sweeping palms, his strength couldn’t hold onto objects, so the memorial had flown out and fallen to the floor inside the room. Hearing this soft sound, the old man inside finally became aware and called out: “Who’s there?” He immediately turned around, coming face to face with Lu Yun.

The two stared at each other blankly. Emperor Zhengtong wore loose robes, held a cat in his left hand and a cloth doll in his right, looking at him with complete amazement. Lu Yun also opened his mouth wide—for a moment, he felt this old man looked very familiar, as if he’d seen him somewhere. The old man also exclaimed in surprise, murmuring: “You… you are…” He stood up, but stepped on something—it was that memorial.

Seeing the emperor bending down to pick it up, Lu Yun urgently shouted: “Wait!” Before his words finished, there was a thunderous boom. Lu Yun turned back in alarm to see a signal cannon shooting skyward. Deep in the forest came the thunder of iron boots, and a banner appeared in the distance reading “North Wei”—the Zhengtong Army had discovered the assassin and was immediately surrounding him.

Seeing the emperor about to pick up the memorial at any moment, Lu Yun was in desperate panic and was about to jump through the window when he heard a military officer shout: “Musketeers! Fire!” Bang! Bang! Gunshots continued without end. Lu Yun rolled east and west, seeing he still held that paper packet. In desperation, he threw it out. With a whoosh, the packet struck the memorial and both flew into the furnace, immediately catching fire.

With gunshots blazing, the Zhengtong Army was cautious about harming their own and didn’t dare shoot toward the window, only firing at Lu Yun’s feet. This gave him a thread of hope. After rolling several times, he suddenly channeled power into both legs and leaped onto a pine tree, then bounded away in escape. The leading officer shouted: “Everyone follow me! You few! Go immediately report to the Grand Commander!”

Lu Yun fled through the trees, but his heart still hung on that memorial, thinking in alarm: “Where exactly did that note come from?” That Yu Yushan seemed like a loyal minister, but what were his true intentions? If he wanted to memorialize, just memorialize—why include such a note in the memorial? Was it deliberate mischief to anger the emperor to death? Or had someone secretly inserted the note to deliberately harm people?

Regardless, that note absolutely couldn’t be seen by the emperor. This joke was too serious—if Emperor Zhengtong saw it and his dragon’s wrath was aroused, wouldn’t the entire Qiong family face great disaster? Fortunately, he had already sent the memorial into the furnace—by now it was probably burned to ashes. As he fled, he suddenly heard shouting from the meditation chamber: “Your Majesty! Please don’t come out! The assassin is still in the forest!”

Lu Yun’s heart trembled as he looked back to see the old man had already emerged from the meditation chamber, gazing toward the forest. For some reason, that old man looked extremely familiar. As Lu Yun fled while thinking, suddenly his mind flashed like lightning and he awakened in shock: “Ah, that’s right! I really have seen him!”

Ten years ago, before the Mid-Autumn Festival, when Wu Dingyuan was promoted to Commander of Juyong Pass and his new residence was completed, he had gone with Gu Qianxi to congratulate him. In Wu Dingyuan’s mansion, he had seen an old gardener—wasn’t that exactly the “Emperor Zhengtong” he’d just seen?

At that time, that old gardener was extraordinary. When Lu Yun approached to ask his name, the old gardener said his surname was “Zheng.” When Lu Yun saw he was old and wanted to help support him, it provoked his great anger—he glared with eyes wide, making Lu Yun ashamed and apologetic. Now thinking back, the “Zheng” the old gardener spoke wasn’t stating his surname, but a mispronunciation of the word “Zhen” (I, the emperor).

Jingtai was modest and gentle, like a handsome scholar. Emperor Zhengtong had an imposing bearing, as if born to be emperor—unforgettable at first sight. As Lu Yun thought about this, he suddenly broke out in a cold sweat: “This means… before Emperor Zhengtong restored the throne, he had been hiding in Dingyuan’s house all along?”

In the restoration of the Zhengtong Dynasty, Wu Dingyuan was a great meritorious minister. Who would have thought his planning was so long-term and calculations so deep—he had already switched to the new emperor during the Jingtai years? Just as he was shocked and doubtful, he suddenly heard voices clamoring below the trees. Ahead was full of people—soldiers and eunuchs—all searching for his whereabouts. Lu Yun stopped and hid himself in the tree branches, thinking: “Disaster! How can I escape?”

Troops were everywhere. If he fought the Zhengtong Army head-on, even if he could defeat ten or twenty, how could he handle the following hundreds, thousands, tens of thousands? Moreover, Wu Dingyuan was nearby—when he came to support them, what could he do?

This Hongluo Temple truly couldn’t be rashly entered. Lu Yun knew he had to leave but didn’t know where to flee. After pondering for a long while, he suddenly saw red walls and yellow tiles outside the forest—it was the Great Buddha Hall. His mind turned and he had a plan for escape. He took a deep breath and with a “hey” sound, the tree branch under his feet snapped from the force. Lu Yun also shot skyward, flying a full twenty-some zhang and landing on the hall roof.

Lu Yun breathed a sigh of relief and was about to dash across when he heard shouts from under the eaves: “There’s sound on the roof!” “Go look quickly!”

Lu Yun’s heart was greatly alarmed, realizing the Great Buddha Hall was also filled with experts—who knew how many martial artists were there. Just as he was about to quicken his pace, suddenly his vision blurred as a figure leaped through the air and landed on the roof tiles, striking at him with a backhand palm. Lu Yun deflected the enemy’s palm and was about to use force against force when suddenly a fierce surge of energy traveled up his arm to his chest. With a stifled feeling, he was actually shaken by this palm until his blood churned, forcing him back three steps. The newcomer used authentic Buddhist martial arts: “Mighty Vajra Palm.”

Lu Yun had been too careless and suffered a great loss, but that monk couldn’t gain much advantage either. Seeing his palm force neutralized by the “Orthodox Seventeen,” his foundation shaken, he actually slipped and fell.

Both sides had gains and losses. Lu Yun breathed deeply to regulate his internal energy. The monk had also recovered his strength and stood up. Seeing his energy condensed like a mountain with both palms wide open, this person was actually someone he recognized—the current number one of Shaolin, Master Ling Ding.