Ming Yue had followed Xuan Pei for so long and was originally from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, so naturally he could vaguely guess some things. Admittedly, Xuan Li’s move came suddenly, with him controlling the situation, which might seem like gaining the upper hand. But Ming Yue knew that in fact it wasn’t.

This handsome young man before him had perhaps seen through Xuan Li’s intentions very early on. Though this seemed somewhat incredible and the reason was unknown, Ming Yue knew that Xuan Pei had been working against Xuan Li for a long time – from when everyone looked down on him, considering him just a dispensable waste of a prince. But it was this waste prince who laid out a good game of chess. When Xuan Li had someone poison the Emperor, Xuan Pei had known long ago, but he said nothing and did nothing, as if completely unaware of the matter, making no attempt to stop it.

Responding to change with constancy, using others as a blade, confusing the opponent – Xuan Pei executed this flawlessly. Every person competing for succession had to step over the previous emperor’s blood to ascend. Blood relations and flesh-and-blood kinship weren’t important. For Xuan Pei to compete with Xuan Li for that position, he first needed to bring down the current emperor.

Xuan Li acted, Xuan Pei did nothing wrong – this also achieved his purpose through Xuan Li’s hand. More importantly, Xuan Li would think Xuan Pei knew nothing – someone who knew of this matter would definitely not remain helpless. But where Xuan Li miscalculated was that Xuan Pei indeed knew, yet did nothing.

For an adult, being able to do all this might not be remarkable – someone like Xuan Li, extremely ambitious and skilled at concealment, was like this. But Xuan Pei was currently just a youth not yet of age. For a young man to have such cold and decisive methods, with an emperor’s composure and vision – that made him definitely not ordinary. Since the Emperor learned of this son Xuan Pei’s talents, he had always treated him well. Someone who suddenly received paternal love would extremely treasure such feelings.

But Xuan Pei didn’t. He coldly watched the Emperor step by step toward death without showing a trace of emotion. “The imperial family is most heartless” – but this composure and indifference made even Ming Yue secretly alarmed. What this youth revealed truly made him more suitable than Xuan Li to be a nation’s ruler.

What Ming Yue didn’t know was that Xuan Pei wasn’t naturally so decisive. Having experienced his previous life, Xuan Pei saw imperial family emotions extremely clearly. The Emperor valued him only because he valued what Xuan Pei currently displayed. Without these things, he would still be a waste prince. As for Jiang Ruan’s fate in the palace in his previous life, how could the Emperor bear no responsibility? In Xuan Pei’s eyes, his only relative in the world was Jiang Ruan. The Emperor was just a monarch, not a father. And his lifespan had already been determined in the previous life – he would ultimately die at the hands of his biological son Xuan Li. Xuan Pei would use this point and wouldn’t deliberately break it.

He slowly took a deep breath before saying, “Xuan Li’s next step will definitely be an imperial edict. To obtain an edict establishing the Crown Prince, he’ll act extremely quickly and catch people off guard – this is his old method.”

Ming Yue felt somewhat puzzled. Listening to Xuan Pei’s tone, it seemed as if he had fought with Xuan Li for years, as if he understood his opponent very well. But where had Xuan Pei directly crossed swords with Xuan Li? It was just distant sparring, presenting a confrontational stance. Even so, he still said, “What does Your Highness think?”

Xuan Pei laughed softly. He was already born with delicate features, and smiling like this, the corners of his eyes showed an indescribable beauty and charm, quite similar to Jiang Ruan: “No need to pay attention. Beating the grass to startle the snake – naturally we can do this too.”

…

Eunuch Li walked out of the Emperor’s sleeping quarters, looking back inside with some worry. The Emperor’s body had begun slowly collapsing long ago. This was something he had known early on, but then he had only thought it was due to old age – time spares no one. Every emperor would walk toward old age this way – it was unavoidable. But… the Emperor’s collapse was too sudden.

Right under the gaze of all civil and military officials, he had abruptly collapsed. For Great Jin Dynasty officials, this was sufficient as a signal, and this signal concerned considerable upheaval in the near future. Having spent so many years in the palace, Eunuch Li knew an era would ultimately end – this was an unavoidable fact. With the emperor’s death, he, the chief steward who had accompanied the Emperor for many years, would naturally follow him in death. Eunuch Li wasn’t afraid – what he feared was before everything was settled.

The Great Jin Dynasty’s successive emperors, whether or not they came to power through succession struggles, naturally had to secure the Crown Prince’s position before the previous emperor’s death. But the current situation was different – the Crown Prince position was still empty, meaning that once the Emperor died, the Great Jin Dynasty’s court would inevitably be thrown into chaos. With Southern Xinjiang people’s conspiracies happening at the same time, this was extremely unfavorable. The Emperor wouldn’t allow this to happen, yet he had done exactly that. When everyone thought he would quickly re-establish a Crown Prince, he had neglected both princes, making no decision.

Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei was perhaps young and didn’t take it seriously, so he made no moves. But Eunuch Li could see clearly that the Eighth Prince was becoming restless – his forces were rapidly increasing. He was probably also puzzled – why wouldn’t the Emperor establish a Crown Prince?

Why?

Naturally because of that person. Eunuch Li sighed, his gaze instantly aging. Only he knew the Emperor’s plans, and that person probably knew too. But he had refused the Emperor’s arrangements with an extremely tough attitude. He was unwilling to accept the Emperor’s plans.

That person – Eunuch Li sighed long again. In all the past years, his total sighs combined hadn’t been as many as these recent days. If it were someone else, Eunuch Li could believe no one could go against the Emperor’s wishes – whether for the greater good of the people or because of the position’s temptation. But with that person, that one who had always gone his own way and scorned everything, he would probably really leave decisively.

What would be the outcome when two equally stubborn people clashed? Eunuch Li didn’t want to think about it anymore. The more he thought, the worse his headache became. These days many people had already been probing him indirectly for information. Scouts sent by the Eighth Prince were also intentionally or unintentionally trying to get information from him. Eunuch Li was smooth in his dealings, having safely spent decades in the palace – anyone who saw him had to give him some face. But now he was truly helpless. He felt trapped in a deadlock. He really began to feel old.

At this moment, Eunuch Li suddenly couldn’t help but think of someone – that person had entered the palace around the same time as him. Then he was an unknown little eunuch, while that person was a student at the Imperial Academy. Somehow they became friends. Later, when Eunuch Li began steadily establishing himself in the palace, that person was already the proudly successful top graduate. Eunuch Li had always been somewhat envious of him, but then that person, at the height of his success, resolutely resigned and withdrew from court due to one matter, leaving amid his colleagues’ complete bewilderment.

Only Eunuch Li understood why he left – because he was the one who saw most clearly. Perhaps he had already anticipated today’s struggling situation when he resigned then. He withdrew while ahead, leaving this chaotic situation early. If he were here, how would he handle such a scene now?

“Eunuch, Eunuch.” Little Chen Zi looked at him timidly. Eunuch Li suddenly came to his senses, only then realizing he had unknowingly thought very far. How had he suddenly thought of this? Was it really because he was getting old?

Eunuch Li sighed. Little Chen Zi looked at him and comforted, “Is Eunuch worried about His Majesty’s health? His Majesty has the true dragon’s protection and will surely turn danger into safety. He’ll definitely be fine. Eunuch shouldn’t worry too much.”

Little Chen Zi was personally promoted by Eunuch Li. That eunuchs had no offspring was well known, but not all eunuchs willingly accepted this fate. Eunuch Li had always treated Little Chen Zi well. Once when Little Chen Zi made a mistake, he had casually said a few words and saved his life. Little Chen Zi acknowledged Eunuch Li as his adoptive father. Now seeing Eunuch Li unlike his usual self, he naturally expressed concern.

“Sigh,” Eunuch Li sighed, looking at the young man before him. How much longer could he remain in this position? The young man before him had always been rash and naive – if not for his protection, who knew how many times he would have died in this deep palace. After he was gone, who could help this boy turn danger into safety? Eunuch Li felt somewhat melancholy. He looked at Little Chen Zi and said, “These days you’d better not come out. If possible, I’ll speak to that side and you can temporarily leave the palace to avoid trouble – say you’re returning home for a funeral or something. Just don’t stay in the palace.”

“Why?” Little Chen Zi asked curiously, “Adoptive Father, His Majesty’s health is poor, but that has nothing to do with us servants. Why would it come to leaving the palace?”

“Don’t ask so much.” Eunuch Li glared at him. The palace’s survival rule was that the more you knew, the earlier you died – this was long-known fact. Yet this child understood nothing, always bumping into things head-on.

“Adoptive Father, what do you think the palace situation will be like next? Are the Eighth Prince and Thirteenth Prince going to fight? The other day when I was working outside, the Eighth Prince even praised me and seemed to want to transfer me to his palace. Do you think I might get an opportunity?” Little Chen Zi didn’t hide his happiness at all, as if if Xuan Li threw him an olive branch, he would immediately fly over. This wasn’t uncommon – any little eunuch in the palace hoped not to remain unknown forever, always hoping to become famous. At least the position of chief steward had enough attraction. Little Chen Zi speaking his plans so openly wasn’t showing his ambition, but rather… was a bit foolish.

Hearing this, Eunuch Li was startled. He knew the Emperor’s plans better than anyone, but if Little Chen Zi really sided with the Eighth Prince – not even siding, just showing the slightest favor – he would ultimately be implicated. Eunuch Li’s mouth had always been tight. Everyone who tried to get information from him failed, but now facing his adoptive son, Eunuch Li’s reluctance finally overcame his years of experience. He pulled Little Chen Zi aside and whispered, “Keep your voice down. Don’t get involved in these matters, and don’t casually agree to the Eighth Prince’s side.”

“Why?” Little Chen Zi asked curiously.

This boy always had to ask why about everything. Eunuch Li felt somewhat anxious, but without explaining why clearly, he felt Little Chen Zi wouldn’t end his plans. Helplessly, Eunuch Li could only vaguely say, “No one can fathom His Majesty’s plans. The Eighth Prince isn’t the choice. Don’t bring trouble upon yourself.”

Just one sentence, but a clever person would immediately understand Eunuch Li’s meaning, because his meaning was already very clear – the Emperor’s intentions weren’t on the Eighth Prince at all. Choosing the Eighth Prince was actually choosing the losing side. Eunuch Li said, “Remember what I told you today. Never mention this to outsiders.”

Little Chen Zi nodded fearfully. No matter how foolish he was, he could hear the implications in Eunuch Li’s words. This was the first time in decades that Eunuch Li had done something unbecoming of his chief steward position. He had revealed the Emperor’s information to an outsider. No matter how smooth and cold he was, toward his adoptive son, he ultimately treated him as his biological child, unwilling to let him walk a dead-end path.

After Eunuch Li finished speaking, a little eunuch came from outside to report that Empress Dowager Yide at Cining Palace summoned him. Eunuch Li went personally, but didn’t see that behind him, Little Chen Zi slowly raised his lowered head. That face that always looked honest and foolish now no longer had its usual silly appearance. Instead, it was unfathomable. Then his gaze moved quickly, and he lowered his head again as if nothing had happened, walking out nonchalantly.

…

The Emperor’s serious illness in the palace caused an uproar in the court, but this matter wasn’t over yet. Following events came one after another. Eunuch Li disappeared. As the chief steward beside the Emperor, Eunuch Li had always been responsible for the Emperor’s daily needs. He was the person who understood the Emperor best. Eunuch Li’s disappearance even alarmed Empress Dowager Yide. The night guards said they hadn’t seen anyone leave during the night – Eunuch Li must still be in the palace.

After almost turning the entire palace upside down, someone finally discovered Eunuch Li’s body in a dry well behind Jingyang Palace. There were no other marks on the body, and they even found a suicide note on Eunuch Li expressing that he was sorry to the Emperor for not being able to accompany him to the end. Eunuch Li had jumped into the well to commit suicide. How could a chief eunuch jump into a well to commit suicide? Eunuch Li’s suicide note only fragmentarily expressed being sorry to the Emperor, unable to accompany him all the way. But those with ulterior motives speculated that Eunuch Li saw the Emperor’s life was numbered, worried excessively, and finally became extremely fearful and jumped into the well to commit suicide.

Though this seemed somewhat incredible, it wasn’t entirely impossible. As chief steward, his fate was naturally closely tied to the Emperor’s. The coroner had already examined – Eunuch Li had indeed jumped into the well to commit suicide. It happened neither early nor late, but exactly when the Emperor was seriously ill. If not this matter, what else could it be? Most importantly, besides this matter, everyone could find no other reason that could make this chief steward commit suicide.

Eunuch Li was after all the palace’s chief steward. Having been beside the Emperor for so many years, even without merit he had worked hard. But Eunuch Li had no other relatives left. However, a little eunuch under him volunteered, saying he was Eunuch Li’s adoptive son and was willing to handle Eunuch Li’s funeral and burial. Such a devoted little eunuch earned considerable praise from above. Thus Eunuch Li’s wealth and silver naturally became Little Chen Zi’s. Little Chen Zi also gained attention from this matter, quite resembling the chief steward of old.

When news of Eunuch Li’s death reached Jiang Ruan’s ears, she was discussing account books with Butler Lin. Since it was reported by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Butler Lin wasn’t avoided. Eunuch Li’s death was quite sudden. As Jiang Ruan was thinking about this, she suddenly noticed Butler Lin also looked dazed – the Butler Lin who had been energetically discussing account book problems with Jiang Ruan just a quarter-hour ago suddenly seemed lost in thought, which was rather strange. Jiang Ruan looked at him carefully and actually discovered a trace of sadness in Butler Lin’s eyes.

Sadness? Jiang Ruan’s gaze moved as she spoke to remind him, “Butler Lin?”

Butler Lin suddenly came to his senses, seeming to just realize his distraction. For a moment he was somewhat at a loss, then said somewhat frantically, “This… Young Madam, this old servant is derelict in duty.”

Jiang Ruan smiled slightly, “I don’t blame you. Suddenly hearing shocking news from the palace, being momentarily unable to recover is normal – I was also startled just now. Butler Lin seemed lost in thought, apparently also thinking about this matter. I wonder what views you have on this?”

Butler Lin laughed dryly several times, about to say his limited learning couldn’t discern the intricacies involved, but meeting Jiang Ruan’s gaze, he couldn’t speak. Jiang Ruan’s gaze was as always – gentle yet sharp, almost seeming to see through and examine people. She seemed to have already noticed his abnormality and sensitively grasped it – she was just asking about it now. In understanding human psychology, no one was more outstanding than their manor’s Princess Consort.

Butler Lin straightened his expression, putting away his earlier embarrassment. In an instant he seemed like a different person, saying, “Eunuch Li held his position for many years, having seen great storms and waves. He definitely wouldn’t commit suicide over a momentary matter. Leaving behind a suicide note about trivial matters is really full of flaws. This old servant boldly speculates that Eunuch Li didn’t commit suicide but was murdered by someone who disguised it as suicide.” When he said this, though his tone was restrained, he couldn’t help but let a trace of anger slip through.

Jiang Ruan nodded, saying softly, “Correct. Then who does Butler Lin think killed him?”

“Eunuch Li reached the position of chief steward with smooth and thorough thinking. Ordinary people naturally couldn’t deceive him – only close associates could act. This close person who could make Eunuch Li completely unguarded must be someone who spent day and night with him, already gaining his complete trust. Eunuch Li died at his own people’s hands – there’s no doubt!”