In the fourth year of Yongxi, between late spring and the beginning of summer, Emperor Yongxi summoned the Crown Prince of Yunzhong to the capital for ancestral worship. The Prince of Yunzhong did not comply and killed the messenger in his domain. When the news reached the capital, the Emperor was furious. He stripped Xiao Lie of his princely title on charges of treason and ordered the governors of Sichuan and Guizhou provinces to gather troops to capture the traitor from two routes into Yunnan. Xiao Lie then issued a declaration to the realm in his name from Wuding.

The declaration stated that when the late Emperor Tianxi, the eldest imperial brother, had entrusted the young Emperor to the Second Prince before his death, the Second Prince should have faithfully carried out his wishes and assisted the young Emperor. Unexpectedly, within three years of the young Emperor’s ascension, he met with misfortune, the circumstances of which were strange and suspicious.

He had kept his late imperial father’s instructions in mind, guarding the borders and pacifying the people in his domain for many years, following the rules strictly without a single misstep. Only because he was concerned about the young Emperor did he incur the Second Prince’s displeasure, leading to today’s accusations. He had wanted to endure the humiliation, but those around him had advised that, if only for the sake of the unjustly deceased young Emperor, he could not allow such tyranny to run rampant.

After painful deliberation, he had no choice but to take action. His original intention was not rebellion; apart from self-preservation, it was more about maintaining a sliver of hope for restoring the young Emperor’s legitimate line. He hoped the people would understand and stand with him to uphold justice and eliminate treachery.

Xiao Lie’s declaration to the realm was deeply moving in its sentiments and stirring in its passion. Once the proclamation was issued, it spread widely throughout the land. In streets and alleys, over tea and meals, people discussed it endlessly.

At the end of May, the imperial army and the Wuding army first clashed, marking the beginning of this fratricidal war between the imperial brothers. As the war began, the court devoted all its efforts to encirclement, coming on fiercely. Although Xiao Lie’s forces were not as numerous as the imperial army’s, he had no shortage of capable generals. Initially, victories and defeats were mixed, but after a while, he suffered repeated setbacks and the situation became precarious. The most dangerous moment, which also marked the turning point of the war, came in the eleventh month of winter that year when the Wuding army met Liu Jiushao—who had been appointed as the Great General for Suppressing Rebellion and Pacifying the West—at Hui’an on the Yunnan-Guizhou border.

During these years, after the Prince of Shun’an’s ascension, with the decline and disappearance of former military generals like Dong Chengmao, Liu Jiushao became the most useful fierce general before the Prince of Shun’an due to his outstanding merits. Previously, Xiao Lie’s army had already advanced out of Yunnan, occupying some cities in Sichuan and Guizhou, but were forced to continuously contract and retreat by Liu. This time, Liu led his troops and attacked Hui’an in one breath.

If Hui’an fell again, the Wuding army would lose their last outpost for exiting Yunnan, making this battle a matter of life and death. Therefore, Xiao Lie attached great importance to it, leading Crown Prince Xiao Yintang to personally supervise the troops.

The battle of Hui’an lasted for about half a month. Xiao Lie exerted his utmost effort, and Liu Jiushao’s side also suffered considerable casualties. However, Liu was skilled in military command, and his subordinate generals strictly followed orders. With reinforcements arriving, Xiao Lie was finally surrounded. At this critical moment, a special force taking advantage of the terrain attacked from the flank with lightning speed, dividing Liu Jiushao’s army into three segments and quickly cutting off the transmission of military orders. Liu’s army fell into disarray, and Xiao Lie immediately coordinated a counterattack. In the final moment, he turned defeat into victory, capturing Liu Jiushao alive and taking countless prisoners.

The commander of this special force was Pei You’an. Previously, he had not participated in confrontations between the Wuding army and the imperial court, remaining in Yunnan to manage overall coordination. This time, at the critical moment, he not only helped Xiao Lie in his time of peril but also became the number one meritorious official in saving the Wuding army from the brink of destruction.

After Liu Jiushao was captured, Xiao Lie, admiring his talents, sent people to persuade him to surrender. Not only did Liu refuse, but he loudly berated Xiao Lie. Many of Xiao Lie’s commanders were indignant and demanded Liu Jiushao’s execution to boost morale and intimidate those court generals who, like him, were still aiding tyranny. Only Crown Prince Xiao Yintang, knowing his father’s desperate need for talent, proposed sparing Liu’s life and spreading news of his surrender. In this way, the court would surely transfer its anger to Liu’s family. Once his family was killed, cutting off Liu’s retreat, and with the promise of high position and generous rewards, Liu would have no choice but to turn to Xiao Lie.

Xiao Lie was undecided and privately consulted Pei You’an.

Pei You’an told him that the Prince of Shun’an had previously been known as a wise prince. The reason he could now gain the support of many court officials and generals was because Prince Xiao had risen in the name of the young Emperor, first gaining the advantage of timing. Knowing his shortcomings, to win people’s hearts, he had shown great favor to the noble families and useful people in the capital. For example, the Zhou family, the natal family of Princess Zhou, received praise from the Prince of Shun’an after submitting a memorial denouncing Prince Xiao’s rebellion. Similarly, with the Pei family, Uncle Pei Quan had written to say he would remove Pei You’an from the ancestral shrine, while Pei Xiuzhi had requested to take the field to suppress the rebellion, showing the Pei family’s unwavering loyalty to the court. The Prince of Shun’an, far from blaming them, instead issued the edict that had been suspended for many years, allowing Pei Xiuzhi to inherit his father’s title of Duke Wei and take the field on behalf of the court to suppress the rebellion.

Pei You’an also said that at the beginning of the Wuding uprising, he had already noticed Liu Jiushao, who could very likely become Prince Xiao’s formidable opponent in the future. This man had risen during the years of the Prince of Shun’an’s reign and was naturally loyal to him. Given his fierce temperament, the Crown Prince’s plan, though cutting off his retreat, might likely backfire, making him and Prince Xiao irreconcilable enemies. His subordinates, who greatly admired him, would continue to oppose Prince Xiao with all their might, leading to endless troubles in the future. It would be better for Prince Xiao to personally meet Liu Jiushao, not to persuade him to surrender but to explain his difficulties, express his stance of not wanting to make things difficult for loyal ministers and generals of the Great Wei, and release him to wait for future results.

Xiao Lie adopted Pei You’an’s advice and politely released Liu Jiushao. Liu returned to the capital alone to request punishment from Emperor Yongxi, who ordered him to make amends through achievements. Having been defeated and captured, and then treated with great respect by Xiao Lie, Liu was ashamed to take the field again and used injuries as an excuse. This aroused Emperor Yongxi’s suspicion and displeasure, who had him thrown into the Ministry of Justice on charges of colluding with rebels and undermining military morale. Dozens of people in his family were not spared.

Liu Jiushao had originally come from middle to lower-ranked military officers and had become a general through merit. In recent years, he had been securing the northern borders and had gained the hearts of the soldiers. After news of his imprisonment spread, many of his commanders were very dissatisfied, morale was scattered, and when fighting against the Wuding army, they merely went through the motions. Seizing this opportunity, the tide of war changed. At the end of that year, Xiao Lie captured Sichuan and Guizhou in one breath, stabilized the rear territories, and then his army marched toward the capital.

Only then did Emperor Yongxi realize the situation was dire. He released Liu Jiushao, who had been imprisoned for nearly half a year, and using the lives of his family members as leverage, ordered him to lead troops to resist the rebel army. By then, Liu’s mother had already died in prison. Xiao Lie, not sparing any effort, exposed his previously embedded important secret agent in the capital, doing his utmost to rescue Liu Jiushao’s wife and children from the capital and bring them to him at the front line. Liu Jiushao shed tears on his battle robe on the spot and knelt before Xiao Lie, leading his troops to surrender. From then on, the Wuding army advanced like a broken bamboo, and by the early summer of the following year, the capital was captured. Emperor Yongxi, while fleeing to Yangzhou, was pursued and surrounded by Xiao Yintang, and finally cornered in the Yangzhou palace. Under his nephew’s pressure, he burned the palace and committed suicide.

On this day, it had been nearly a year since Xiao Lie’s uprising.

In the capital, the streets were swept clean, all four city gates were opened wide, and nearly a thousand civil and military officials and noble families—except for those who hadn’t managed to escape and were detained as confidants of the Prince of Shun’an—lined up magnificently in order, prostrating themselves on both sides of the road outside the city gates to welcome Xiao Lie’s entry into the capital.

The next day, the officials supported Xiao Lie to ascend the throne as Emperor. Xiao Lie declined, saying that his initial uprising had been a forced measure, and he had no intention of assuming the yellow robe. Moreover, as the young Emperor’s fate was still unknown until definite news was received, the throne in the palace still belonged to the young Emperor.

The officials were all moved, with tears flowing. Under the promotion of the Duke of Jingguo Chen Tingjie, Minister of Personnel He Gongpu, Minister of Rites Zhang Shiyong, Princess Zhou’s father Zhou Xing, and other leading officials, all civil and military officials presented a petition of the people, saying that according to the Book of Rites, “When the Great Way prevails, the world is for the public.” The whereabouts and fate of the young Emperor could be slowly investigated, but the country could not be without a monarch for a day, and the people could not be without a father for a day. They tearfully implored Xiao Lie to ascend the throne and re-establish the Great Wei dynasty. Xiao Lie declined again, to no avail, and finally reluctantly agreed. The entire court rejoiced, and every household in the capital, regardless of wealth, was decorated with lanterns and festoons. Zhang Shiyong, Zhou Xing, and others were responsible for organizing the grand ceremony, working through the night. Within a few days, they presented the manufactured ritual specifications for the new Emperor’s ascension.

Among the three imperial brothers, Xiao Lie was the most talented. In his youth, he was also the most beloved by the old Emperor. However, because he was the third son and his birth mother was not prominent, the old Emperor, out of various considerations, had enfeoffed him far away at the frontier. After enduring for many years, now past middle age, he finally sat on the chair in the Golden Hall that he had seen in his youth—the one his father the Emperor, his two imperial brothers, and his nephew had all taken turns sitting on. There were countless matters to attend to: suppressing traitors, stabilizing the people’s hearts, and determining rewards and punishments. He worked diligently from dawn to dusk for several consecutive days, handling myriad affairs, and didn’t even return to the rear palace at night. When overcome by fatigue, he would sleep in the rear hall of this palace temporarily used for business. Now, upon receiving the ascension specifications, he flipped through them, put them aside, and fell into silent contemplation.

Zhang Shiyong observed his expression, thinking he found the date too late, and hurriedly explained, “Your Majesty, the Imperial Astronomical Bureau has circled two days this month, the 18th and the 26th, when the Azure Dragon of the Jade Hall meets with the Purple Forbidden enclosure—both are extremely auspicious dates. The 26th is slightly later, so we have chosen the 18th for Your Majesty’s coronation. What does Your Majesty think?”

Xiao Lie was slightly absent-minded, seemingly thinking about something. Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing held their breath in anticipation. After a moment, they heard him say, “Change it to the 26th.”

After Xiao Lie’s coronation ceremony, there would be a series of investiture ceremonies for the Empress, Crown Prince, and others.

Zhou Xing was stunned and hurriedly advised, “Your Majesty, today is the 9th, and there are still nine days until the 18th. Although there are many matters, we ensure that by the 18th, everything can be prepared. Your Majesty’s early ascension is the hope of your subjects and the blessing of the people.”

Xiao Lie said, “Just change it to the 26th. A delay of a few days is no matter.”

Although Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing were puzzled, they could see that the new Emperor didn’t seem eager to hold the coronation ceremony. They could only agree and withdraw.

After the people in attendance left, Xiao Lie turned to a eunuch nearly fifty years old beside him and asked, “Are there any letters from Pei You’an today? Did he say when he would arrive in the capital?”

This eunuch was named Li Yuangui. He had served Xiao Lie’s side since his youth, and some matters that even Princess Zhou might not know, Li Yuangui understood clearly.

Just now, when Xiao Lie asked to postpone the coronation ceremony to the 26th, Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing were puzzled, but he had guessed the reason.

Two months ago, as the Wuding army was advancing toward the capital, rumors were rampant in the southwestern region of Tibet, saying that the Prince of Yunzhong had long been dissatisfied with the local Living Buddha’s support for Emperor Yongxi. If he seized power, he would surely send Han officials to take over the area and reclaim the hereditary lands of the Eighth Prince. The Eighth Prince became agitated.

Tibet bordered Yunnan, and with its entire population being devotees, once unrest occurred, the consequences would be unpredictable. When Xiao Lie learned of this, he immediately sent Pei You’an to Tibet to dispel the rumors. Now, more than two months had passed, and while the situation in the capital had completely changed, Pei had only sent news about half a month ago, saying he had resolved the crisis and would return soon.

By Li Yuangui’s estimation, the Emperor’s reason for postponing the date was likely because he wanted to wait for Pei You’an’s return before holding the coronation ceremony.

Sure enough, as soon as the officials left, the Emperor asked about this.

Li Yuangui bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I remember your instructions clearly. Whenever there are letters from Lord Pei, I will present them promptly. There were none yesterday, and none today either…”

He glanced at the new Emperor, saw his brows slightly furrowed, and quickly added, “Your Majesty need not worry, perhaps there will be news tomorrow.”

Xiao Lie remained silent, continuing to review the mountain of memorials before him. Li Yuangui, knowing he had been working at his desk for a long time, quietly went out. Just as he was about to call for someone to bring in refreshments, he saw Zhang Fengtong with two palace maids behind her, personally carrying an exquisite food box, walking over. He went to meet her, saying, “Miss Zhang is here?”

Zhang Fengtong had now completed her mourning period, but throughout the entire previous year, there had been almost daily battles. Although Zhang Fengtong often attended to Princess Zhou, her marriage to Xiao Yintang had naturally been delayed. Yesterday, she had entered the palace with Princess Zhou, but Li Yuangui still addressed her as an unmarried woman.

However, her wedding date with the Crown Prince must be approaching.

Zhang Fengtong was extremely polite to Li Yuangui, smiling and calling him “Lord Li,” then saying, “The Princess knows that His Majesty has been working hard these days. She made some refreshments and asked me to bring them. Is His Majesty inside?”

Li Yuangui asked her to wait a moment while he hurried in. Shortly after, he came out smiling, “His Majesty asks you to enter.”

Zhang Fengtong thanked Li Yuangui, who quickly replied, “I dare not accept. It would shorten this old servant’s life.”

Zhang Fengtong smiled, “Lord Li has served His Majesty diligently for decades, doing what we should be doing. I am young, and for you to accept a word of thanks from me, what does it amount to?”

Li Yuangui smiled and yielded again, leading her in, then standing at the door awaiting summons.

Zhang Fengtong arranged the refreshments, knelt before Xiao Lie, and kowtowed, “Fengtong pays respects to Your Majesty. These refreshments were personally made by the Princess. She instructed me to tell Your Majesty that while the common people are indeed important, Your Majesty should not overexert yourself. I boldly request that Your Majesty take a rest, even if just for a moment. This is also the Crown Prince’s filial concern.”

Xiao Lie had always had a good impression of Zhang Fengtong, and pitying her unfortunate timing, as she still hadn’t been able to marry his son, he had always treated her like a daughter. He nodded with a pleasant expression, asking her to rise and speak, but Zhang Fengtong remained kneeling. Xiao Lie then said, “Do you have something to discuss? If so, please speak freely.”

Zhang Fengtong kowtowed again, “Thank you, Your Majesty. Then Fengtong will boldly speak. Previously, when the Crown Prince went to Quanzhou, he encountered danger and was trapped in the city. Later, he was rescued by a family surnamed Zhen, allowing him to escape the city. Does Your Majesty know of this matter?”

Xiao Lie tapped his forehead, “Now that you mention it, I remember. I recall that Yintang did mention it to me once. What about it?”

“When Fengtong first heard this news, a thought arose in my heart that one day I must repay the Zhen family for their assistance to the Crown Prince. It wasn’t convenient before, but now it’s different. I’ve heard that the Zhen family has a daughter, a few years younger than me, who is still unmarried. Fengtong has an idea, to take the Zhen family’s daughter on behalf of the Crown Prince and make her a secondary consort. This would be a thank you to the Zhen family for rescuing the Crown Prince that day, and in the future, I would also gain a sister to share my burdens and serve the Crown Prince together. That’s why I boldly came before Your Majesty today to request your permission. If Fengtong has said anything wrong, please forgive me.”

Xiao Lie was startled, looking at her, “Is this your idea, or Yintang’s?”

Zhang Fengtong said, “I dare not deceive Your Majesty. The Crown Prince does seem to have some fondness for that Zhen family daughter, but he only mentioned it once before, with no further words. This is my wish. The Crown Prince doesn’t yet know of my visit to Your Majesty today. I thought that if I could first obtain Your Majesty’s permission, and then let the Crown Prince know, it would not be too late.”

Xiao Lie hesitated, then slowly said, “Fengtong, I was thinking of arranging your wedding with Yintang after some time. Your idea is good, and that family from Quanzhou would surely be willing, but tell me honestly, do you truly desire this? If it’s against your heart, there’s no need for this. There are many other ways to thank the Zhen family.”

Zhang Fengtong kowtowed respectfully again, saying, “I am willing with all my heart. The thought of soon gaining a sister to help me manage affairs fills me with anticipation.”

Xiao Lie smiled, nodding, “Good. Since that’s the case, I approve. Yintang is fortunate to have such a gracious and magnanimous helper who remembers gratitude—it’s truly his blessing.”