When the young eunuch came to summon them into the hall, Shaoshang had already recovered her calm composure. She wiped away all traces of tears, and aside from slightly reddened eyes showed no abnormality. For a pitiful young maiden whose fiancé had just caused catastrophic trouble, this was quite normal.

The Third Prince made the magical discovery that the girl had transformed into a different person. When she performed the courtesy to the Emperor and assembled ministers, she was both respectful and humble, her voice even carrying a trace of fear—as if the person who had smashed the jade pendant and scolded the prince outside the hall wasn’t her at all.

Oil lamps hung high from the vaulted ceiling, and every three steps along the sides stood twelve-branched standing lamps as tall as a person, illuminating the entire great hall as bright as day. Below the imperial throne, about twenty ministers sat in two rows according to official rank. Shaoshang had seen most of them before, and a third were familiar faces. The Emperor sat sideways on the imperial throne, fuming with anger. To his left was Marquis Cui, clutching his sleeve and still tearfully pleading.

Shaoshang thought to herself that the Emperor still had feelings for Ling Buyi—he had only summoned this many people, and several of them were trusted confidants who could influence the discussion. If he had convened a full court assembly, once the ministers roared in unison “We beseech Your Majesty to deal with Ling Buyi according to national law,” it would be difficult to back down.

“Your Majesty, even if that wretch committed monstrous crimes, you must show leniency…” As Shaoshang and the Third Prince entered the hall, they heard Cui You say this through his tears and runny nose.

Shaoshang sighed. People truly were different. Both had been deceived and kept in the dark, and even now Cui You remained confused about the truth, yet without a second thought he had crawled from his sickbed to plead for Ling Buyi.

Perhaps she truly was a naturally heartless person.

The Third Prince strode to Marquis Cui’s side and knelt. The Emperor didn’t look at him, only beckoned to Shaoshang. Shaoshang then knelt to the Emperor’s right, and while adjusting her sleeves took the opportunity to steal a glance at the imperial throne above, unable to help being momentarily stunned.

Uncle Emperor had always been gentle in temperament. Even sitting on the dragon throne, he didn’t change his nature. In Changqiu Palace he was usually kindly and pleasant. At Consort Yue’s place he was often helplessly amused. Even in the Bureau of Ministers he only added three parts of idle cunning—because of his exceptional wisdom, three parts cunning was basically enough to handle court affairs. When encountering major state matters, he would add a bit more strategy.

However, at this moment, the Emperor exuded a difficult-to-dispel malevolent aura. His thick brows were tightly knit, his face dark with anger, rage filling his eyes—even if the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers all rebelled and defected to the enemy plus the Empress and Consort Yue wanted to divorce him, it wouldn’t be worse than this.

Shaoshang sighed quietly to herself. Under normal circumstances, she absolutely wouldn’t dare provoke the Emperor’s anger. But right now, even if Uncle Emperor was furious to the heavens, what she needed to request, she still had to request.

Marquis Cui continued crying and whimpering. The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang stood up and said angrily: “Your Majesty, you know this subject’s younger brother. He never associated with the Ling family. Several times when Marquis Chengyang’s couple sent banquet invitations, this nephew strictly ordered his household not to attend. If not for those petty matters between Chunyu Shi and Ling Yi, my father and mother wouldn’t necessarily have ended up in such straits! However—”

He took a deep breath. “Anger and contempt are one thing, but murder and arson are another! No matter how wronged Madam Huo was, Ling Buyi still shouldn’t have committed patricide to redress his mother’s grievances! Killing one’s own father—heaven’s law cannot tolerate it! My mother was so angry she hasn’t eaten all day. She simply cannot believe such wildly rebellious behavior exists in this world!”

These words were spoken with both reason and emotion, and sounds of agreement arose around the hall.

The Emperor remained silent. Marquis Yu smiled and said: “Heir Apparent, don’t be so agitated. Please sit down first. Oh, by the way, how is old Princess Ruyang’s health? Half a month ago I heard the old princess could no longer take water or rice.”

The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang hesitated: “…My mother has improved somewhat these past few days. Her eating and drinking have returned to normal.”

Marquis Yu smiled and said “Oh” with squinted eyes: “I see, that’s excellent, excellent.”

The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang was displeased: “What does Marquis Yu mean by this?”

Marquis Yu smiled without answering. General Wu took over: “Marquis Yu’s meaning is that to prevent people from thinking you’re deceiving the Emperor for rewards and cursing your honored parent to die early, in the future it’s better to only report when they’re truly critically ill—Heir Apparent, don’t glare at me. I’m doing this for the good of Prince Ruyang’s household.”

The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang’s face flushed red.

In truth, he really had no friendship with the Ling family. However, his mother was ultimately his own mother. When she lay on her sickbed barely breathing, repeatedly begging him to report to the Emperor, how could he not agree?

“Regarding my mother’s matter, Prince Ruyang’s household had no intention to deceive. It’s just that we didn’t anticipate…” The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang’s expression was strained. “Your Majesty, my mother is confused, but Princess Yuchang is innocent! She became a young widow and has always been virtuous and proper, never the slightest bit arrogant or domineering. She finally arranged a marriage, but now…”

He actually choked up. “After the bloodshed, Chunyu Shi and her son fled overnight to my mother’s place, like frightened birds! Fortunately Chunyu Shi had an intimate friendship with my mother. For over ten years they’ve kept carrier pigeons for correspondence. Last night after my mother received the letter, she immediately dispatched household guards to rescue them. Now, now Maiden Ying will be widowed again…”

A stout minister with a somewhat crooked beard suddenly stood up and said loudly: “The Heir Apparent speaks truly! Who has no relatives, who has no friends! Your Majesty, this subject won’t hide or cover up—my younger sister is Ling Er’s second wife! In the chaotic years past, she lost two husbands in succession. She finally married Ling Er, and the couple got along harmoniously. Who knew there would be this overnight catastrophe and she’d become a widow again! Now she’s at home seeking death. Who should I seek justice from! If Ling Buyi wanted to redress his birth mother’s grievances, he should have gone after Ling Yi. Why must he kill them all, slaughtering even Ling Er and Ling San? Could it be he’s gone mad with bloodlust!”

Marquis Dayue frowned: “Don’t spread such alarmist talk. If he were truly bloodthirsty and bent on killing everyone, how would your sister’s several children still be alive and well? Sit down quickly!”

Another official with a dark complexion and short stature said indignantly: “Ling Buyi didn’t kill few people! Several of the older sons of Ling Er and Ling San are either dead or injured…”

Marquis Zhongyue said: “Blades and spears have no eyes. In the heat of battle it’s life or death—how could anyone pay attention to whose son or whose son-in-law they were?”

The dark-faced official paused, then sat back down angrily. Shaoshang immediately understood that this dark-faced man’s daughter was probably married to one of Ling Buyi’s cousins.

A pale-faced, sparse-bearded official straightened up and addressed Ji Zun across from him: “Lord Ji, you are the Minister of Justice. Won’t you say something?”

Under the lamplight, Ji Zun’s face appeared especially deeply lined. He said: “Last night Ling Buyi committed several grave crimes—patricide, forging imperial edicts, unauthorized troop movements, deceiving the Eastern Palace, disrupting court governance. Regardless of the grievances between the Ling couple, regardless of the grievances between the Ling father and son, this old subject today only asks about national law and royal statute! If these charges are all confirmed, Ling Buyi deserves ten thousand deaths!”

Shaoshang silently cursed. The ginger was still spicier when old—Old Ji had cut to the heart of the matter.

Marquis Cui jumped up, pointing at Ji Zun urgently: “Old Ji, you… Zicheng grew up before your eyes. When he was fourteen you taught him to review criminal law cases… Now he’s barely clinging to life at the bottom of a cliff, and you kick him when he’s down!” As he spoke, he began crying again.

Ji Zun’s body was like old rock, his expression gloomy and stern, without uttering a word.

That pale-faced, sparse-bearded official straightened and bowed to the Emperor with raised arms: “Your Majesty, protecting relatives is natural human reason, and the various officials are confused by concern. Moreover, the state has its laws. Even if Ling Buyi had a thousand justifications, he shouldn’t have moved troops and disrupted governance, nearly causing turmoil in six military camps. If Your Majesty doesn’t punish him today, this subject fears endless future troubles!”

Grand Minister of Works Cai Yun slapped his thigh in approval: “These words are reasonable!”

That crooked-bearded official seemed inspired and also prostrated himself in tearful grief: “Your Majesty! This subject knows you remember the Huo family’s past loyalty, but the three Ling brothers have also been our old friends for decades! Though Ling Yi was refined and weak, he also fought his way out of Feng County with us blade by blade, spear by spear! Now his family has almost been exterminated—you cannot fail to seek justice for them!”

“Your Majesty, Ling Buyi could even kill his own biological father—this shows how heartless and vicious he is, worse than a beast! You must not let your feelings for raising him cloud your judgment!”

Then the remaining dozen or so ministers also responded one after another, some appealing, some weeping…

“Have you all said enough!”

A sharp rebuke rang out. Everyone hastily turned to look, and saw the Third Prince suddenly erupt in angry roar.

The Third Prince’s face was covered in frost, his icy gaze sweeping across each minister: “Repeating the same few words over and over—how is this different from this morning! As court officials, instead of considering the suspicious aspects of last night’s events, you only care about your own marriage connections, chattering incessantly, entangled and unclear. What use are you! Are you receiving the court’s official ranks or the Ling family’s!”

Under the Third Prince’s intimidation, the ministers all fell silent for a moment.

The Emperor turned his head slightly, looking at his own son with a complex expression. The two Yue marquises looked at their nephew with both pride and difficulty. Marquis Yu smiled without speaking, completely at ease. General Wu skillfully moved the light wine from in front of Marquis Yu to his own place.

Shaoshang thought that when it came to comparing authority and bearing, even a whole string of Crown Princes tied together couldn’t match the Third Prince.

“Zicheng was raised in Changqiu Palace since childhood. Father Emperor carefully cultivated him, and we brothers treated him as family. Even a blind person could see his future would be bright and unlimited! Has he gone mad or stupid to suddenly go exterminate his entire paternal clan, then let you people who are worse than the blind condemn him?! You should pick up those brains you haven’t used in ages and think about why Zicheng, with his steady and mature character, would do such an incomprehensible thing—that would be better than your incessant repetition here!”

The Third Prince’s roar was like thunder, his momentum like a rainbow, pressing down on the Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang and others until they couldn’t raise their heads. Marquis Cui wiped his tears while saying: “Third Prince speaks truly—there must be something suspicious about this!”

After a long while, the pale-faced, sparse-bearded official tentatively asked: “May I ask Third Prince, what does Your Highness believe is suspicious?”

“I don’t know. But I know there must be hidden circumstances. As for what those circumstances are, isn’t that what you all should be pondering? Otherwise what use are the assembled ministers?!” The Third Prince was simply unreasonably domineering.

Shaoshang continued sighing.

Some great sage once said that ministers and monarchs are like wives and concubines, and impractical scholars are like self-righteous men. Men always hope their wives and concubines will be harmonious and joyful together, but that’s just legend. In reality, either the ruler is strong and ministers weak, or the ruler is weak and ministers strong—exceptions are rare. However, compared to the Crown Prince who couldn’t even handle a few mid-level officials, the Third Prince’s forcefulness was clearly far more satisfying.

Grand Minister of Works Cai Yun glanced at Marquis Yu. Marquis Yu nodded almost imperceptibly. Cai Yun bowed and said: “Events arose suddenly with diverse opinions. I wonder what insights Third Prince has—why not share them for His Majesty and us foolish ministers to hear?”

Shaoshang cursed silently: Old slippery one, truly a natural match for your future nephew-in-law!

The Third Prince, satisfied with the current atmosphere, said without expression: “Cheng Shi, you speak. Last night you informed Father Emperor that Zicheng was going to the Ling family villa. How did you learn of this?”

At these words, everyone’s gazes shot toward the frail girl who had remained silent since entering the hall.

That pale-faced, sparse-bearded official said: “So it’s young Miss Cheng. Ling Buyi is your future husband—are you here today to speak in his defense?”

The Third Prince seized the conversation: “Just now Lord Ding said protecting relatives is natural human sentiment. Even if Cheng Shi wanted to plead for him, what of it?”

Lord Ding choked, then said: “Miss Cheng, though Ling Buyi committed monstrous crimes, he was still bound to you by marriage agreement. How could you report his crimes last night?”

“That’s because they weren’t yet married! What’s wrong with Cheng Shi putting her own father, brothers, and family first!” The Third Prince said impatiently.

The ministers: …You’ve said all the reasoning, so naturally none of us dare ask “what’s wrong.”

Marquis Yu chuckled lightly and came out to mediate: “Lord Ding, please calm yourself. First let’s hear what young Miss Cheng has to say. Cheng Shi, did Zicheng tell you the inside story? You may speak freely.”

Marquis Cui urged repeatedly: “That’s right, Shaoshang, speak, speak!”

Shaoshang hung her head like a confused and helpless ordinary young girl: “Before last night, Lord Zicheng never told this concubine anything.”

Marquis Yu asked doubtfully: “Then how did you know Zicheng would go outside the city last night, and how did you know he intended harm to his paternal clan?”

“Actually, this concubine’s doubts about Lord Zicheng go back a long way.” The young girl slowly raised her head, her weak gaze sweeping across the assembled ministers as if seeking help. “Have none of you officials ever felt there was something strange about Lord Zicheng?”

The ministers: Since you’ve put it that way, how can we say we noticed nothing—they all made various vague sounds of acknowledgment.

“I remember that time at Apricot Blossom Villa, A’po who served Madam Huo told this concubine that Madam Huo doted on her son excessively and would never allow him to go anywhere even slightly high. But this concubine clearly remembers Lord Zicheng once said that when he was young, his father would often lift him high and toss him in play. Don’t you officials find this strange?” Shaoshang said.

The ministers thought: What’s strange about this? Listening to you, an inexperienced young maiden from the inner chambers, gossip in the great hall is what’s strange!

Finally General Wu spoke: “Where’s the strangeness? Those are two completely unrelated matters.”

“Not so.” Shaoshang was somewhat helpless. “If Madam Huo wouldn’t even let her son go to slightly high places, how could she let Marquis Ling ‘often’ lift and toss her son high?”

The ministers paused. Lord Ding said: “Perhaps Madam Huo deeply trusted her husband wouldn’t drop the child, or perhaps Marquis Ling played with his son behind Madam Huo’s back… These are just trivial domestic matters—what’s worth dwelling on!”

Everyone nodded in agreement.

The Emperor suddenly spoke: “No. Junhua couldn’t conceive for years and gained this child with difficulty—she watched over her son extremely closely. Even at home, Ling Yi never dared lift and toss his son. Shaoshang, continue.”

The ministers tensed.

Shaoshang bowed respectfully: “If it were only this one matter, this concubine wouldn’t have been so suspicious… May I ask General, do you know how Madam Huo and her son returned after being separated all those years ago?”

General Wu was puzzled: “What do you mean by this? Wasn’t it said that shortly after Ling Yi remarried she came to the door herself, causing quite a commotion? What about it?”

Shaoshang asked in return: “Marquis Yu, is this also what you heard?”

Marquis Yu said: “Isn’t that how it was?”

“No!” Cui You cried out. “Junhua didn’t find her way back herself—I brought her back!”

The Emperor also looked surprised.

That crooked-bearded official said: “How could that be? I heard from the women in my household that Madam Huo found her own way back and even beat and scolded Ling Yi, saying he was heartless and forgot about their mother and son’s life and death.”

Cui You shouted: “No, no! For those two years Junhua was hiding in the countryside. If I hadn’t happened to hear country folk discussing it and followed the trail to find her, who knows when Junhua would have returned! This, this, this… Your Majesty knows this…!”

The assembled ministers buzzed with discussion.

Marquis Yu looked thoughtful and said loudly: “Everyone please be quiet and listen to me… During those years of fierce warfare, the generals and officials around His Majesty rarely had leisure time. When Madam Huo returned from being separated, I was in Hexi persuading several renowned scholars. Old Wu and the other generals also had their own duties, so we all heard about it afterward.”

The Emperor nodded: “Correct. At that time, only Cui You, who was training scouts, was by my side. Ling Yi had just finished his wedding ceremony and hadn’t yet departed—Junhua was indeed brought back by Cui You.”

General Wu’s thinking wasn’t as refined as Marquis Yu’s. He still said: “So what?”

Shaoshang looked urgently at Cui You: “Uncle Cui, you grew up together with Madam Huo from childhood. Don’t you think events back then were very strange? It’s not as if Marquis Ling had never taken concubines before—was it necessary to act so desperate over Chunyu Shi? At that time Chunyu Shi was already pregnant. Madam Huo pretended to agree, then could slowly find ways to drive Chunyu Shi away later. She’d done that before.”

That dark-complexioned official said loudly: “I’m from Rao County, but I’ve also heard Madam Huo was always violent and temperamental, with a hasty temper. When General Huo Chong was alive, she could of course slowly torment concubines. But later after General Huo Chong passed away, she lost her support—naturally she’d act desperate!”

Shaoshang said: “No. Madam Huo’s hasty violence then was different from usual. It wasn’t just that Chunyu Shi couldn’t enter the Ling household—she absolutely had to kill Chunyu Shi! Heir Apparent, you should know about this.”

Seeing all the monarchs and ministers shooting glances at him, the Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang hastily said: “That’s right! My mother often said Madam Huo was cruel and ruthless. At that time, seeing His Majesty pitied the Huo family’s complete loyal sacrifice, my mother had already decided to yield and planned to wait until Chunyu Shi gave birth, then find her another suitable husband—Madam Chunyu also agreed. Who knew Madam Huo would be relentless, insisting on killing Madam Chunyu, which finally led to the complete severance of the marriage!”

Whispers filled the hall. The pale-faced Lord Ding slowly said: “These are still minor details. What does it matter whether she found her own way back or was brought back? Forcing Marquis Ling to abandon Chunyu Shi wasn’t enough—Madam Huo had to kill her to be satisfied, leading to the eventual severance and madness. Perhaps at that time she was already mad…”

Marquis Cui was about to curse back when Shaoshang interjected: “What if Madam Huo wasn’t mad! What if she was pretending to be mad all along!”

A spring thunderclap sounded outside. The ministers and the Emperor were all shocked speechless.

The sound of dripping came from outside—a light spring rain had begun falling. The Third Prince cried out: “This is bad! Zicheng is still at the bottom of the cliff. Father Emperor…” He looked pleadingly at the Emperor.

The Emperor only stared at Shaoshang: “Continue.”

Shaoshang’s chest ached dully as she continued: “After becoming engaged to Lord Zicheng, my mother went to inquire about the past events of the Huo and Ling families. What she heard was also ‘Madam Huo found her own way back.’ I’m afraid most people in the entire capital heard it this way. No one paid attention, but this concubine thinks that if anyone with intent carefully investigates, they’ll discover that the message ‘Madam Huo found her own way back’ was actually released from Apricot Blossom Villa itself.”

Cui You was dumbstruck: “You’re saying Junhua did it herself? But why, why…”

“Uncle Cui, think about how Madam Huo looked before she died. Do you truly believe she was mad?” Tears welled in Shaoshang’s eyes.

Cui You recalled that night’s circumstances, hearing in his ears Huo Junhua’s heart-wrenching, shrill cries—’I’m blind, I’m a fool, if only I had married you’… He was struck as by lightning, vaguely forming a guess.

The Emperor turned his whole body around, facing Shaoshang: “Is there more?”

“Yes!” Shaoshang responded composedly.

“All these years, Zicheng has never been able to serve at Madam Huo’s side. Your Majesty should know the reason.”

The Emperor said: “Of course I know! Because whenever Junhua saw Zicheng she would think of Ling Yi, and her madness would worsen!”

“Your Majesty, think carefully. Do you truly feel Lord Zicheng resembles Marquis Ling?” Shaoshang said loudly.

The Emperor’s breathing became unsteady, his pupils dilating.

Shaoshang boldly looked directly at the Emperor: “This concubine feels Lord Zicheng doesn’t resemble Marquis Ling at all. He clearly resembles Madam Huo, and Marquis Dayue once said that Madam Huo’s appearance was extremely similar to her elder brother General Huo Chong. Therefore—”

“Therefore, who Zicheng truly resembles should be General Huo Chong?” The Third Prince blurted out.

Shaoshang turned her body back toward the assembled ministers: “This concubine is young, but many of you officials have seen General Huo Chong. This concubine boldly asks you all to carefully recall—whose appearance does Lord Zicheng truly resemble?!”

Another spring thunderclap sounded outside, like a heavy hammer striking everyone’s hearts. Various people’s expressions changed in spectacular fashion.

“Finish what you’re saying!” The Emperor gasped, his hands gripping the armrests tightly.

“This concubine had vague suspicions but didn’t dare voice them. Until last night, when Lord Zicheng personally told this concubine that he’s not Marquis Ling’s son but the son of the late Marquis Huo. Back then when heavy troops surrounded the isolated city, Marquis Ling collaborated with external enemies and caused the deaths of the Huo family’s old and young. What he did last night was to avenge this blood debt!”

At these words, cries of shock rose and fell throughout the hall. Even the usually composed Marquis Yu was greatly alarmed, straightening up from his seat. General Wu even knocked over his wine vessel with a clatter.

Beyond his surging emotions, Marquis Dayue gave Shaoshang an additional look, thinking this young woman was truly clever and perceptive. If she had stated this matter at the outset, everyone would probably have cursed her for speaking nonsense. But she first showed weakness, then advanced layer by layer, link by link, guiding everyone’s emotions in the hall to the crucial point, then struck with one heavy blow, finally achieving remarkable effect.

After the shock subsided, the atmosphere in the hall seemed like an ignited fuse, exploding with a roar.

The crooked-bearded official stood up angrily: “Nonsense! I’ve never heard of this matter. Back then when Huo Chong defended the isolated city, with merely a few thousand troops holding off two hundred thousand barbarian armor bandits, we all greatly admired and were grateful! But you can’t say Ling Yi collaborated with external enemies just because he didn’t die in the siege!”

The dark-complexioned official shouted: “Exactly! General Huo Chong loved Madam Huo dearly, and Ling Yi wasn’t skilled in warfare, so every time they went into battle, General Huo Chong would place Ling Yi in a safe position behind him, not letting him take risks. We all know this! That isolated city backed onto Xunyang Mountain. The three Ling brothers were arranged there to guard the grain supplies. After the city fell, the Ling family naturally encountered the enemy troops last!”

Marquis Cui’s expression was wild as he shouted: “All the city’s defenders died, even the Huo family’s women and children died—why was Ling Yi still alive? His whole family alive! How could there be such a coincidence in the world!”

The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang softly countered: “Wasn’t it because our relief troops arrived in time? Only half a day after the city fell, General Wu led troops and arrived…”

General Wu said: “You can’t put it that way. When defending a city reaches its most difficult moment, who still cares about vanguard or rear guard, charging or holding the rear—all officers and soldiers should go up the walls to defend! I found it somewhat strange at the time. If the women, children, and elderly were placed at the rear of the city below Xunyang Mountain, that would make some sense. But the three Ling brothers and their retainers were all able-bodied men—why were they still hiding there?”

Marquis Zhongyue’s mouth twisted: “Could it be Ling Yi was afraid of death and hid, refusing to go out?”

The crooked-bearded official still shouted: “How can you slander people so! Perhaps Ling Yi was protecting the women and children.”

Marquis Cui cursed angrily: “Surnamed Wu, you’re also battle-hardened and have defended cities. Why pretend to be dense now! Once the city falls, women and children will hardly be spared. What’s the point of keeping manpower to protect women and children—of course they should go up the city walls to resist the enemy! I know you siblings have depended on each other for many years with deep affection, but you can’t go against your conscience!”

“What going against conscience! If Ling Yi truly collaborated with external enemies, would I show mercy! But now based solely on Ling Buyi’s few words, you want to condemn the entire Ling clan to death!”

“Exactly! Events from over ten years ago, and all three Ling brothers are dead—now there’s no proof either way. People can say whatever they want!”

“Not necessarily. Even if the Ling brothers were alive, would they honestly admit their family collaborated with external enemies? That was when His Majesty was at his most difficult time. If Ling Yi truly stabbed him in the back, the crime would be far worse than Peng Zhen and the others!”

“What’s the point of all this talk? If there’s evidence, present evidence. If not, don’t drag things around!”

…

“Enough!” The Third Prince could bear no more and shouted sternly. “Father Emperor is still present—how dare you lose decorum before your sovereign!”

The ministers reluctantly sat back down, looking to see the intentions of the one on the dragon throne.

Who knew that at some point the Emperor had slumped entirely against the armrest, one hand covering his face, tears rolling down from beneath his palm.

The assembled ministers fell silent.

“So he’s not A Li, he’s A Zheng.” The Emperor slowly lowered his hand, revealing an aged face covered in tear tracks. “A Zheng was two months older than A Li. From birth A Zheng was lively and bouncing, smiling at everyone. But A Li was weak and thin, so Junhua stubbornly insisted on taking A Zheng’s name. Ling Buyi, Huo Buyi… heh heh, heh heh…”

Seeing this situation, Marquis Yu and others already understood in their hearts, while those ministers who had been speaking for Ling Yi were shocked.

Shaoshang quietly wiped away her tears, thinking to herself that his name was originally A Zheng—zheng was an ancient mythical beast, terrifying and fierce.

That pale-faced Lord Ding, seeing the situation was wrong, hastily said: “Your Majesty, please don’t conclude this matter yet. Nephews often resemble their maternal uncles. It’s not strange for Ling Buyi to closely resemble General Huo Chong…”

“But what if he truly is Huo Chong’s son?” Marquis Yu interrupted him.

General Wu continued: “Yes, the loyal hero’s son—would he just die like this for nothing?”

The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang clutched his head, saying weakly: “You two great lords also have marriage connections with the Ling clan. Why won’t you speak for the Ling family…”

Marquis Yu touched his nose and smiled: “I’m not familiar with that clan brother. I’ve never even seen his daughter. Old Wu, you speak—the one who married a Ling family daughter is your own cousin.”

“Forget it.” General Wu was not without mockery. “When I was young and poor, I never saw any relatives come to help. Back then I thought all my relatives had died long ago. But once I made something of myself, relatives came looking for me in droves. I was amazed—could it be that once a person achieves success, relatives multiply along with it?”

Grand Minister of Works Cai Yun and the two Yue marquises laughed heartily. That Lord Ding’s expression was ugly.

General Wu said: “Though I also came from Jing’an Commandery, I couldn’t claim friendship with Huo Chong. This was because I had a violent temper and loved killing and brawling, while he always lectured me, so I didn’t like being close to him.”

The expressions of Lord Ding and the others gradually improved.

“However…” General Wu continued, “Back then everyone knew defending that isolated city was nine deaths to one life. Originally it should have been me, but I worried about my aged mother having no one to care for her and hesitated for half a day. Then I heard Huo Chong had accepted the order and left. All these years, I’ve often wondered—if I had been the one to go and died, would my colleagues have looked after my old mother and children, or would they have kicked me when I was down?”

The hall fell silent again. No one dared respond.

Marquis Dayue frowned: “Nonsense. You have the temperament for vanguard charges—how could you defend a city?”

General Wu said neither warmly nor coldly: “I love charging forward, you’re a scholar, old Yu is only good with his mouth. But there were always others who could defend cities—why didn’t anyone volunteer back then?”

Those military officers who had spoken for the Ling family all fell silent. Marquis Yu twitched his lips: “It seems you’ve progressed—you know how to speak in roundabout ways now.”

The pale-faced Lord Ding could hardly hold on anymore. A layer of oily sweat appeared on his forehead. He said loudly to the Emperor: “Your Majesty, please hear this subject once more! This matter is grave and must not be rashly concluded whether Ling Buyi is whose son! Could Marquis Ling not even recognize his own son? All these years we’ve never heard Marquis Ling express the slightest doubt…”

“Didn’t the Lord just say ‘nephews often resemble their maternal uncles’? Perhaps Marquis Ling’s son A Li also resembled General Huo Chong, so the maternal cousins born two months apart already had seventy or eighty percent resemblance?” Shaoshang said in a delicate voice.

Lord Ding was unexpectedly caught on his own words and said angrily: “However similar, surely Marquis Ling could still distinguish his own son!”

Marquis Cui suddenly understood, then said: “That’s why Junhua hid in the countryside and refused to return. She wanted to wait a few more years until Zicheng’s appearance changed more significantly before coming back. Who knew I would find her after just over a year! She didn’t truly want to kill Chunyu Shi either, but rather to make the matter irreconcilable, then use that as an opportunity to sever the marriage with Ling Yi so that Ling Yi couldn’t see his son anymore…”

Lord Ding sneered: “Marquis Cui, don’t be so self-assured. His Majesty and General Huo Chong had such deep feelings—why would Madam Huo hide for years instead of directly telling His Majesty the full story? Would His Majesty not seek justice for her?! If Ling Yi truly caused Huo Chong’s death, a hundred Ling clans would have been executed!”

Cui You was momentarily speechless.

“—Because Madam Huo worried no one would believe her words.” Speaking for the first time tonight after all this commotion, Marquis Dayue drew everyone’s gaze.

He repeated: “Because Madam Huo thought no one would believe her—that time when my younger sister was in danger, Your Majesty said you would never believe Madam Huo’s words again in this life—therefore, Madam Huo planned to search for evidence of Marquis Ling’s collaboration with the enemy herself.”

Shaoshang painfully closed her eyes.

—There weren’t that many prophets in the world. More often it was just misunderstandings and missed connections. Madam Huo wasn’t a clever person. She just made what she thought was the best decision.

Lord Ding’s eyes flickered as he said coldly: “Though I’m from Rao County, I’ve also heard Madam Huo loved to lie since childhood. Back then the rumors and slander against Consort Yue were more than just a little! When the Huo family died defending the city, Ling Buyi was only five or six years old. What if Madam Huo, out of resentment toward Marquis Ling for abandoning her, lied to the child daily, and Ling Buyi believed it as truth?”

Everyone thought carefully—this was actually quite possible.

Marquis Cui erupted in fury, shouting: “Zicheng is clearly Huo Chong’s son! Avenging blood debts is natural and right!”

Lord Ding didn’t back down: “If Ling Buyi was deceived by Madam Huo into thinking he was Huo Chong’s son but is actually Ling’s son, then he still committed patricide!”

Another person said: “Since both families were hiding in Xunyang Mountain, how were the two children switched?”

“In any case, this matter is filled with doubts. This subject requests Your Majesty investigate carefully!”

Shaoshang felt her hands and feet growing cold, her vision blurring, even her sense of touch dulling. She had no energy left to act. Straining to raise her voice, she said: “Your Majesty!”

The Emperor seemed to be pondering something, his face full of contemplation. Only when called did he snap out of it.

Shaoshang bowed with tears: “Your Majesty, this concubine finally understands Lord Zicheng’s difficulties today.” Her gaze slowly swept across everyone in the hall.

“Times have changed. Not only does Lord Zicheng have no evidence of Marquis Ling’s collaboration with the enemy, he cannot even prove whose son he is! Marquis Ling is dead—that’s ‘no proof either way.’ But if Marquis Ling were alive, he would still insist to death that Lord Zicheng is his son—how could a son commit patricide!”

“This concubine finally understands. Lord Zicheng truly was at his wits’ end. That’s why he took this desperate measure last night.”

Hearing this, the Third Prince finally understood the whole story. His heart ached as he repeatedly slapped his thigh. Marquis Cui cried in anguish: “Zicheng, poor child…!”

Ji Zun, who had been silent for so long, suddenly stood and said: “Your Majesty, whose son Ling Buyi is still cannot be stated with certainty, but what if there’s even the slightest possibility! What if he is Huo…”

“I have a way to prove it.”

Before Old Ji could finish, the Emperor suddenly spoke up, cutting him off. The ministers looked at him with shock, joy, or panic. The Emperor rubbed his temple with one hand while waving the other at them: “Don’t speak yet. Let me think.”

So no one dared make a sound. The hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

After who knows how long, the Emperor raised his head and asked General Wu: “Do you remember—did Huo Chong’s elder brother have a birthmark on his body?”

General Wu was somewhat embarrassed: “Your Majesty, this subject said earlier that I wasn’t close to General Huo.”

Then the Emperor looked at Marquis Cui. Cui You was also in a difficult position: “Huo Chong’s elder brother was several years older than this subject. When I was playing in the river shallows, elder brother Huo was already about to marry. Besides, elder brother Huo was so particular about neat clothing and proper etiquette, never willing to bare his chest or back. No one knew…”

The Emperor’s gaze turned again. Marquis Yu and the two Yue marquises immediately indicated ‘we’re from the neighboring county.’

“—Wait, wait.” The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang looked deep in thought, then suddenly slapped his forehead and said loudly: “I remember now! Huo Chong indeed had a birthmark, right on his chest! That year he and Your Majesty came back covered in mud. To avoid my mother’s scolding, I secretly brought firewood to heat bathwater for them!”

“Correct!” The Emperor clapped his hands heavily. “That birthmark was two palms large! Huo Chong told us not to speak of it, because an ancestor in his family was cursed through witchcraft and died after someone saw the shape and location of his birthmark!”

“Your Majesty has such a good memory!” The Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang couldn’t help sighing with admiration. “We weren’t even ten years old then. In the blink of an eye it’s been forty-some years! Your Majesty still remembers such a small matter.”

“…That was at A Zheng’s full-month feast. We had all drunk too much.” The Emperor’s memory was excellent, but after all it was drunken words from over twenty years ago. Recalling them was inevitably slow. “While sprawled over the wine table, elder brother Huo suddenly said A Zheng had a birthmark exactly like his, but in a different size and location.”

Ji Zun finally let out a long breath of relief: “This is excellent! This subject will immediately dispatch personnel to rescue Zicheng from the bottom of the cliff. We’ll see if he has that birthmark and everything will be clear!”

The ministers who had spoken for the Ling family couldn’t help feeling anxious.

If Ling Buyi truly had the surname Huo, first he wouldn’t be guilty of patricide, and second the Emperor would certainly preserve his life—then nothing else mattered, because the crime of unauthorized troop movements was a negotiable issue. If the Emperor absolutely refused to pursue it, no one could do anything.

However, what they didn’t know was that Marquis Cui and the Third Prince were equally anxious.

For Cui You, if Ling Buyi had the surname Ling, then he was Huo Junhua’s son and he had to protect him. If he had the surname Huo, then he was Huo Chong’s son and Junhua’s nephew, and he equally had to protect him.

The Third Prince also didn’t care whose son Ling Buyi was. In any case, the person who was close to his heart was that person.

—What if after pulling Ling Buyi up they discovered he had no birthmark?

Both men began worrying simultaneously.

“Is the birthmark on the left ankle?”

Just as everyone was occupied with their own thoughts, a soft female voice rang out in the hall—it was Shaoshang.

The Emperor slowly stood up, staring fixedly at the girl. Everyone in the hall focused on her.

Shaoshang raised her head in recollection: “Mm, it’s a small tiger head, but with three ears… only two inches in size.” She remembered that night below Little Moon Mountain. Outside, fine snow drifted down. Inside the tent, the brazier glowed warmly. She had carefully washed his feet with warm water.

The Emperor stumbled, nearly falling from intense agitation. The Third Prince hastily stepped forward to support him.

“Correct, correct! It’s exactly a three-eared tiger head!” The Emperor murmured, then issued a stream of orders.

“Someone come, come quickly! Bring that little wretch up from the bottom of the cliff! Don’t injure his limbs or head—quickly!”

“Cui You, go watch over them. Bring that little wretch back safely for me! Also bring several of the best imperial physicians. That wretch hasn’t had water or rice for a day and night—take it slowly… Cui You, I’m entrusting this to you…”

“I’m going to drag him before his father’s spirit tablet and give him a thorough beating first, asking if he’s possessed by ghosts or confused by demons! If there was something he couldn’t discuss properly, why did he have to take such desperate risks!”

At this point the Third Prince’s heart finally settled completely. Lord Ding and his group already looked ashen, while only that muddled crooked-bearded official was still babbling: “Your Majesty, there’s still the crime of unauthorized troop deployment!”

The Emperor’s response was to hurl a gilded wine vessel at him with force, directly hitting the man who cried out in pain clutching his foot. Then the Emperor cursed: “How about I take the punishment for A Zheng—does that work for you!”

The matter had concluded. Cui You dragged Ji Zun away in urgent haste to rescue the person. The remaining ministers also filed out of the great hall. The Third Prince stayed at the end. When he turned back, he saw Shaoshang hadn’t left but instead knelt before the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. Lord Zicheng has a clever face but a foolish belly. You can teach him slowly in the future.”

“Teach what? I think he’s stubborn and self-willed, ruthless and cruel, with no regard for others!”

“Your Majesty, it’s not like that. Actually, this concubine misspoke earlier. Lord Zicheng wasn’t at his wits’ end. To exterminate the entire Ling clan, he could have done it gradually—there was no need to take desperate risks. Your Majesty, think about it. Lord Zicheng will eventually reach the highest official position. He’s so clever, so capable. When he wields great power, he could slowly deal with the Ling family… There are many such methods.”

“But Lord Zicheng was unwilling. In just these few years, Ling Yi has already formed so many marriage connections. What about in a few more years? Even Princess Yuchang would have become a Ling family daughter-in-law. Lord Zicheng doesn’t fear these marriage connections, but he was unwilling to implicate even more people.”

“Your Majesty, please don’t be angry. He’s just that kind of person—either produce evidence openly and have the Ling clan properly executed according to law, or exchange blood for blood, personally killing his enemies, at most dying to pay for it with his own life. Those underhanded, tormenting methods—it’s not that he doesn’t know them, but that he’s unwilling to use them. You taught him very well. He’s not a bad person…”

The Emperor’s old tears flowed freely. In a trance he seemed to see his upright and heroic sworn brother standing before him. He said quietly: “I understand your meaning. You may withdraw now. Let me think alone.”

The Third Prince stood quietly behind the hall door.

Having known each other so long, this was the first time he’d heard Cheng Shaoshang speak this way, her voice gentle with a touch of innocence.

So after Shaoshang walked out of the great hall, he silently followed. Before he could think of what to say, Shaoshang turned and saw him, then said happily: “Third Prince! Don’t appear without warning—you scared me to death! By the way, did you hear what the Heir Apparent of Prince Ruyang said earlier? Chunyu Shi kept carrier pigeons and often corresponded with the old princess.”

The Third Prince was momentarily stunned, asking blankly: “So what?”

“When the incident happened last night, Marquis Ling alone drilled into a secret chamber to escape. Chunyu Shi fled overnight to Prince Ruyang’s mansion without even collecting Ling Yi’s corpse. And over ten years ago, Chunyu Shi promised the old princess she would remarry after giving birth—do they look deeply in love to you?”

“Since they’re not, why did Ling Yi insist on marrying the lowborn Chunyu Shi back then? I heard that when Your Majesty was young, the old princess couldn’t be called loving. Rather than currying favor with an uncle’s wife His Majesty isn’t close to, why not marry another high-born wife? Several times I saw them as a couple, I always felt Chunyu Shi was very afraid of Ling Yi, and Ling Yi was cold and harsh toward Chunyu Shi.”

The Third Prince’s brain spun rapidly as he blurted out: “Could it be Chunyu Shi held some leverage over Ling Yi, forcing him to marry her?! Chunyu Shi raising those pigeons—rather than for correspondence, it was to intimidate Ling Yi, making him not dare act rashly!”

Shaoshang sighed again. Talking with clever people was so refreshing. Thinking of the Crown Prince… sigh, let’s not mention him first… Then she was happy for less than three seconds before hearing the Third Prince say: “Only you women would notice such subtle details.”

Shaoshang: …

The Third Prince pondered for a moment: “Chunyu Shi should know about Ling Yi’s collaboration with the enemy and has evidence hidden elsewhere. Otherwise Ling Yi would have killed her to silence her long ago. So where is it hidden?”

Shaoshang also didn’t know and could only say: “Your Highness might go question Chunyu Shi. Sigh, but for such a serious crime as collaboration with the enemy, she can’t admit it even if beaten to death. Once she admits it, Chunyu Shi and her several children will all suffer.”

The Third Prince’s face was somber: “I’m going to interrogate Chunyu Shi!” With that he was about to stride away, but seeing Shaoshang swaying unsteadily, he rarely felt compassion. “Don’t walk anymore. I’ll have someone bring a sedan chair over.”

Shaoshang couldn’t walk anymore and leaned against a tree trunk: “Good. Just have them carry me to Changqiu Palace.”

The Third Prince asked curiously: “You’re going to Changqiu Palace?” He thought she’d go home. “What will you say when you see the Empress?”

Shaoshang made a low sound of acknowledgment before saying: “The Empress never questions me. She only listens when I want to speak.” Right now she was extremely tired, didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to explain. She only wanted a warm place that could embrace all her actions.

“After such a huge incident, the Empress doesn’t even question you?” The Third Prince found it hard to believe—last night Ling Buyi’s unauthorized troop deployment was, to put it bluntly, aimed at the Crown Prince, yet the Empress could have no resentment?!

Shaoshang smiled weakly: “Your Highness doesn’t understand. You demand to know why I didn’t live and die together with Lord Zicheng. Lord Zicheng demands to know if I have him in my heart. My parents and siblings demand to know why I didn’t stay out of it and had to wade into this mess… Only the Empress—the Empress believes that whatever I do, I have my reasons.”

The Third Prince fell silent.

Actually, he also deeply respected the Empress, but what he had to do would inevitably hurt that kind woman.

The sedan chair arrived. Shaoshang shakily stepped up onto it. The Third Prince involuntarily helped support her. When he withdrew his arm, he discovered blood on his palm. He froze, immediately looking at the girl: “Why are you bleeding?”

Shaoshang weakly covered her shoulder and back, shaking her head: “The wound probably split open. Mother Fu didn’t wrap it securely. Your Highness needn’t worry—the Empress will look after me.”

The Third Prince’s chest heaved. After several breaths, he said loudly: “Rest assured! When Zicheng returns I’ll definitely make him perform full ceremonial apologies to you! How could he injure you so badly! But Zicheng likes you so much—in the future he’ll certainly obey your every word.”

The sedan chair slowly lifted and moved forward. Shaoshang turned back with a smile, pale and frail: “Your Highness still doesn’t understand. Between him and me, we have no future…”

The night rain had stopped. The night wind blowing on her body felt doubly cold. The girl had already gone far, leaving only the astonished Third Prince standing in place.