The sky above Chang’an darkened as another night fell. The sound of evening drums echoed from the direction of the Drum Tower. Within the high walls of the imperial palace, eunuchs from various palaces moved upon hearing the drums, holding bamboo poles high to light fires, illuminating the palace lanterns one by one.

Empress Dowager Lan once again made her way to Dunyi Palace to accompany the Grand Empress Dowager during her meal. After dinner, she served tea to the Grand Empress Dowager. She had been attending to her frequently in this manner recently. The Grand Empress Dowager took the tea and sipped it: “The Empress Dowager has been visiting often lately. Is there something on your mind?”

Empress Dowager Lan dismissed those around her and smiled: “I did indeed come today for a particular matter—it concerns the issue of establishing an empress for the Emperor that we discussed before.”

The Grand Empress Dowager said nothing. Empress Dowager Lan continued with a smile: “After our discussion last time, I’ve spent these days carefully selecting candidates according to your wishes. I have a list here for your review, to help me make the decision.” She produced a roster and offered it up. However, the Grand Empress Dowager didn’t take it, instead leaning back against the soft cushions behind her: “Why show it to me? Just tell me which family you’ve chosen.”

Empress Dowager Lan put away the roster and smiled apologetically: “Then I shall speak directly. After careful comparison, I’ve settled on one candidate. She possesses a virtuous character and quiet demeanor, a dignified appearance, and an impeccable family background and upbringing. In short, in virtue, speech, work, and appearance, there’s nothing that could be criticized. The only thing is—”

She paused, “—she’s slightly older than the Emperor, eighteen this year. However, given His Majesty’s temperament, as you well know, having a mature and sensible empress would benefit the Emperor.”

The Grand Empress Dowager reclined sideways on the couch and asked: “Which family’s daughter is she?”

Empress Dowager Lan moved closer, sitting nearby, massaging her legs while watching her expression: “She’s none other than my brother Lan Rong’s daughter. My final decision comes with consideration—the Emperor and his cousin have known each other since childhood and share deep affection. In the future, if the imperial couple are united in heart, it would bring immense benefit to both the inner palace and our Great Wei. Naturally, this is merely my consideration. Establishing an empress is no ordinary matter and requires careful deliberation, which is why I’ve come to consult you tonight.”

The Grand Empress Dowager leaned back with half-closed eyes. After a moment, she said, “Nothing in the imperial family is trivial. However, you are the Emperor’s birth mother and Empress Dowager. Even in the imperial family, human relationships matter, so the matter of establishing an empress naturally falls under your authority. Since you’ve made your choice, as long as it benefits Great Wei and aids the Emperor, what objection could I have?”

Empress Dowager Lan had long intended to establish her niece as empress, but worried about potential resistance. The occupant of Dunyi Palace, though not Emperor Ming’s birth mother, was revered by Emperor Ming as his mother, so her words naturally carried weight—she was a crucial ally in her calculations. Now, hearing such a response, she felt delighted. She sat for a while longer, and seeing the Grand Empress Dowager show signs of fatigue, took her leave. Before departing, she said: “Then the matter is settled? The court assembly is in two days, with Prince Xian and Fang Qing both present. I’ll inform them then and have the Ministry of Rites begin arrangements!”

The Grand Empress Dowager remained silent, as if asleep. Empress Dowager Lan withdrew from Dunyi Palace and returned to her chambers, contemplating her plans and wishing the court assembly would come quickly.

She had received word that the Regent Prince had concluded his southern tour and was now on his way back to the capital, returning next month.

Her son’s marriage was decided in her mind, and she would not allow any outsider’s interference. Rather than delay further and risk complications, it was better to settle the matter while she had this opportunity. This way, even if he had objections upon his return, he couldn’t intervene unless he was prepared to openly break with the Emperor’s maternal family. If he truly chose to do so, he should understand what that would mean.

As Empress Dowager Lan grew increasingly excited with her thoughts, a palace attendant suddenly announced that His Majesty the Emperor had arrived. She looked up to see her son entering.

Empress Dowager Lan remained seated, waiting for her son to approach and pay his respects, her face showing maternal affection.

Her son still wore his court robes, having just returned from the imperial study. She was about to ask if he was tired when she heard him ask: “Mother, you went to Dunyi Palace again? For what purpose?”

Hearing his slightly sharp tone, Empress Dowager Lan’s smile faded: “How do you speak to me in such a manner?”

Shu Jian had already heard rumors that after Third Imperial Uncle left the capital, the Empress Dowager seemed to be secretly busy with the matter of establishing an empress for him. Initially, the Empress Dowager’s side maintained strict secrecy with no information leaking. He didn’t know whom she had chosen, and with Third Imperial Uncle gone, his daily responsibilities had suddenly increased, leaving him no time to investigate. Last month, he noticed that the Empress Dowager had summoned Lan Rong’s daughter to the palace several times, arousing his suspicions that she had chosen her.

His cousin was several years older than he, with ordinary looks and talents. When she last entered the palace, he had encountered her—she was meek and submissive, like a yes-woman before the Empress Dowager.

Shu Jian naturally understood that the standards for establishing an empress weren’t based on his personal preferences. But he simply could not imagine the scene of this cousin being established as empress and becoming his wife. He felt extreme aversion, yet had no one else to discuss such matters with. Watching the Empress Dowager make daily trips to Dunyi Palace, he grew secretly anxious, eagerly hoping for Third Imperial Uncle’s early return so he would have someone to rely on. He had secretly sent a letter to Third Imperial Uncle, who was still on his southern tour, explaining that the Empress Dowager seemed intent on establishing the Lan family daughter as empress and requesting his help in speaking up to prevent her intentions. Counting the days, Third Imperial Uncle’s reply should arrive soon. While anxiously waiting, this evening, having just finished work in the imperial study, he received word that the Empress Dowager had gone to Dunyi Palace again, staying longer than usual and emerging with a pleased expression.

Intuition made Shu Jian deeply uneasy. Unable to endure it any longer, he went to the Empress Dowager’s palace and directly questioned her. Hearing Empress Dowager Lan’s reproachful tone, he performed a gesture of apology to his mother: “May I ask, Mother, what was the purpose of your visit to Dunyi Palace earlier?”

Empress Dowager Lan’s face brightened with a smile again as she gestured for her son to come closer. Seeing him remain still, she coughed lightly: “Nothing important, just attending dinner and having some idle conversation. I heard that the barbarians are causing trouble again among the Eight Tribes of Dahe, and fighting has broken out. You must be very concerned, Jian’er. Mother sees that your face has grown thin. Are you hungry? Mother will have food prepared immediately. It’s been so long since my mother and son have dined together—”

She turned to call for meal preparations. Shu Jian said he had already eaten at the imperial study, fixed her with a stare, then took his leave with a heavy heart, returning to his chambers.

Several personal eunuchs and palace maids greeted him inside, helping him change clothes. As he removed his belt and outer robe, Shu Jian suddenly noticed that the palace maid holding his clothes had an unfamiliar face. The one who usually performed this duty was different. When he inquired, he learned that the previous maid had been summoned by the Empress Dowager today for another purpose, and a replacement had been sent.

Since last year, the prettier palace maids serving in his quarters had gradually disappeared one by one. Initially, he paid no attention, but gradually becoming aware, he realized it was Empress Dowager Lan’s doing. Though displeased, he endured it, as his mind wasn’t focused on such matters.

The little palace maid taken away today had originally served in his imperial study. He hadn’t paid her much attention until last month when he inadvertently learned she was from Yanmen. This immediately reminded him of Third Imperial Aunt, and he found the girl pleasing to look at, so he transferred her to his sleeping quarters. Upon returning, he would sometimes chat with her casually, asking about matters concerning Yanmen.

He never expected that even this would prompt Empress Dowager Lan to intervene, having the girl removed.

Shu Jian flew into a rage, sweeping his arm to hurl the court robe he’d just removed to the floor, then turned and strode out. The surrounding eunuchs and palace maids were terrified and fell to their knees.

Shu Jian rushed to his chamber door when a eunuch came running in. Seeing him emerge in fury, the eunuch quickly stepped aside and reported: “Your Majesty! A letter from the Regent Prince has arrived!” He presented it with both hands.

Shu Jian had been anxiously awaiting this letter daily. His eyes lit up upon hearing this, and he immediately stopped, took the letter, returned inside, and tore it open. But after reading it, he was greatly disappointed.

His Third Imperial Uncle’s letter said he had begun his journey home and would arrive next month. Regarding the matter Shu Jian had mentioned in his letter, he comforted him, telling him to remain calm and avoid conflict with the Empress Dowager and others. Finally, he told Shu Jian to be at ease, saying they would discuss the matter in detail after his return.

Shu Jian had expected Third Imperial Uncle to give him a clear position, opposing the establishment of Lan Rong’s daughter as empress, which would have given him the confidence to resist the Empress Dowager. He never imagined that Third Imperial Uncle’s tone would be so ambiguous, merely telling him to be at ease in the letter.

How could he be at ease?

Shu Jian stood in a daze.

Last autumn at Huguo Temple, in his ignorance, he had spoken rashly and disparagingly about the female general without knowing who she truly was. Third Imperial Uncle had told him that marrying the female general was for Great Wei’s benefit.

That was the kind of person Third Imperial Uncle was. His marriage was thus, and now that it was the Emperor’s turn, if Third Imperial Uncle also believed that marrying the Lan family daughter would benefit the court, he would certainly force him to agree.

Shu Jian felt a wave of despair. In his wild thoughts, he suddenly thought of the female general again.

He remembered clearly that in April, when he saw off Third Imperial Uncle and her from the capital, she had promised to spar with him in martial arts. At the time, he had fully expected that after this southern tour, she would return with Third Imperial Uncle. He never anticipated that after visiting Grand Empress Dowager Zhuang Shi in Qiantang, she would leave directly, returning to Yanmen and now going to fight at the Eight Tribes.

Tonight, perhaps due to his low spirits, when he recalled that farewell scene, he felt particularly lost.

He finally understood why Third Imperial Aunt had said “if there’s an opportunity to spar with him” rather than “when we return this time, I’ll spar with him.” Her plans had been decided long ago.

It was fine that Third Imperial Aunt didn’t tell him—after all, their relationship was limited. But Third Imperial Uncle must have known. Yet he had also concealed the matter from him, leaving him completely in the dark. It wasn’t until news of the Eight Tribes’ warfare reached Chang’an that he learned she had returned to Yanmen.

Shu Jian felt a faint sadness at being deceived by the person he trusted most. Various emotions surged in his heart, and for the first time in his life, he spent a sleepless night, tossing and turning.

The next day was a major court assembly. Recently, court meetings mostly discussed the warfare among the Eight Tribes. Coincidentally, a new battle report had arrived last night, stating that the light cavalry unit led by General Changning had penetrated deep into Youzhou territory, successfully reaching Maple Leaf City from the northern front and was now providing full support in battle.

All the ministers were delighted, with the flatterers among them offering praise, saying things like the northern front’s victorious start was due to the Emperor and Regent Prince’s wisdom, and so forth. After the court assembly, Prince Xian and others followed the young Emperor to the Western Pavilion.

During the nearly six months since the Regent Prince left the capital, after each court assembly, the young Emperor would summon key ministers to gather here for discussion. Everything proceeded as if the Regent Prince were present, methodically. The young Emperor was also extremely diligent, personally handling all matters. But today, he seemed distracted and weary. Prince Xian, understanding that he was young and had been working so hard for months, feared he was overexerted. After discussing several important matters, he suggested they adjourn. The young Emperor said nothing and left.

After seeing off the young Emperor, Prince Xian and Fang Qing were about to leave when someone from the Empress Dowager’s palace arrived, saying the Empress Dowager requested their presence. Not knowing what the matter was, but with the Empress Dowager’s summons, they hurried over. Upon arrival, they paid respects to the Empress Dowager on her throne. The Empress Dowager had seats provided and first smiled while offering consolation, saying that these past six months had relied on their assistance to the Emperor. Both humbly declined the praise. After the pleasantries, they heard the Empress Dowager say: “You two—one a royal elder, one the backbone of the court—I’ve summoned you today because there’s a matter I need you to handle.”

Prince Xian and Fang Qing rose and replied: “Please speak, Empress Dowager.”

Empress Dowager Lan said, “It concerns the matter of establishing an empress for the Emperor. His Majesty is already fourteen, and for the sake of imperial dignity, an empress must be established soon. After careful deliberation, I have selected the most suitable candidate—Lan Rong’s daughter—”

She looked at Prince Xian and Fang Qing before her, pausing slightly before speaking again with increased emphasis: “Lan Rong’s daughter possesses virtue, speech, appearance, and skills all of the highest quality. I have carefully examined her—she is the perfect candidate for Empress of Great Wei! This is not merely my own opinion; the Grand Empress Dowager of Dunyi also highly approves. The matter is thus decided. You two should return and inform the Ministry of Rites to begin arrangements immediately and announce it to the realm.”

Empress Dowager Lan’s tone was resolute. She invoked the support of the venerable lady in Dunyi Palace, and her choice was the Lan family daughter, Lan Rong, being the young Emperor’s maternal uncle, making this a union between relatives.

Setting aside these considerations, merely choosing the Lan family daughter as empress was indeed beyond criticism. Lan Rong was now a court minister of high standing, with universally praised virtue and ability, and the Lan family had always enjoyed an excellent reputation.

Therefore, though Fang Qing felt the matter was somewhat rushed, he dared not speak rashly and only looked toward Prince Xian beside him.

Prince Xian responded: “The Empress Dowager speaks truly—we should indeed consider establishing an empress for His Majesty. However, there’s no need to rush. With warfare now occurring at the Eight Tribes, the court’s full attention is focused there. This is not an auspicious time for establishing an empire. Why not wait until after the warfare ends and the front lines report victory? Then discussing it would be like joy upon joy—wouldn’t that be better?”

The Empress Dowager’s smile vanished as she said coolly, “What connection does this have with the frontier warfare? I don’t mean to hold the wedding immediately—merely to have the Ministry of Rites first establish the candidate!”

Prince Xian replied: “The Empress Dowager makes a valid point. However, establishing an empress, as the Empress Dowager just said, concerns imperial dignity and is a matter of great importance. In this minister’s view, it would be more appropriate to wait for the Regent Prince’s return before making this decision.”

The Empress Dowager’s expression changed drastically, her voice sharp as an awl: “This matter has already been approved by the Grand Empress Dowager of Dunyi! Moreover, as Empress Dowager and the Emperor’s birth mother, can I not decide on establishing an empress for my son? Do you see me as a helpless widow and orphan, thinking no one is in charge!” She then called loudly: “Summon Hu Bomin!”

Minister of Rites Hu Bomin had been summoned earlier by Empress Dowager Lan and now hurried in. Hearing the Empress Dowager’s orders to immediately make arrangements, he hesitated.

Of the two regent ministers, Fang Qing remained silent, but Prince Xian opposed the plan. Moreover, there was still the absent Regent Prince to consider. He dared neither agree nor refuse, lowering his head in hesitation when Prince Xian stepped forward and said: “Empress Dowager, please calm your anger. How would this old minister dare bear such accusations? The Regent Prince entrusted me with regency duties before leaving, so I can only boldly offer counsel. This matter truly should not be rushed. While it’s certainly the Empress Dowager’s decision, why not wait for the Regent Prince’s return before proceeding with the ceremonies? This is truly a matter of great importance—if handled hastily, it would be disrespectful to both His Majesty and the Lan family daughter.”

Prince Xian’s tone carried no aggressive intent, but his attitude was clear—he firmly opposed settling the matter at this time.

Empress Dowager Lan hadn’t expected this usually quiet royal elder to oppose her so strongly today. Surprised and furious, she was about to slam the table and order the Minister of Rites to proceed according to her wishes, but ultimately lacked confidence, knowing she couldn’t control this court single-handedly. She finally suppressed her rage, glaring coldly at Prince Xian: “You’re saying that if the Regent Prince doesn’t approve, I, a widow, cannot establish an empress for my imperial son?”

Before she finished speaking, the palace doors were violently pushed open with a loud crash. Everyone turned to see that the young Emperor had arrived. He strode in forcefully, declaring loudly: “Mother! Even if the Regent Prince approves, I absolutely will not agree to this matter!”

Prince Xian turned to pay respects. Fang Qing and Hu Bomin, seeing the principal party arrive and speak thus, were finally relieved of being forced to take a position—after all, not agreeing would mean openly offending Lan Rong. Since Lan Rong was the young Emperor’s maternal uncle and the young Emperor was usually close to him, this relationship made them somewhat apprehensive, not being royal elders like Prince Xian. Seeing this turn of events, they secretly breathed long sighs of relief and hurried to pay respects.

Empress Dowager Lan’s face was clouded with fury. Her son stood before her, head high and eyes blazing—this showed no consideration for her dignity whatsoever. She forced herself to maintain composure and preserve her manner, saying they should withdraw and discuss later. After the others left, only mother and son remained. She could no longer control the raging fire in her heart and slammed her hand repeatedly on the table. A jade bracelet on her wrist shattered, breaking into several pieces that fell to the floor.

Her eyes bulged, nostrils flared, body was trembling. She suddenly rose and walked directly to Shu Jian, raising her hand to deliver a heavy slap to her son’s face with a sharp “crack.”

“You unfilial wretch! I gave birth to and raised you, yet you dare disobey me so publicly! This decision wasn’t mine alone! The Grand Empress Dowager of Dunyi also approved! Don’t think you can oppose me at every turn by relying on others. I tell you, in this realm, only I can decide your marriage! The Lan family is virtuous and holds a high position—besides a Lan family daughter, no one else can assume the empress position! Even the Regent Prince—he’s an outsider and cannot interfere in your marriage!”

Shu Jian covered his face. After a moment, he slowly lowered his hand. Only then did the Empress Dowager realize that a ring on her finger had scratched his cheek during the slap. A thin line of blood slowly seeped out.

Empress Dowager Lan immediately panicked, rushing forward to touch her son’s face, but saw him step back, fury flashing in his eyes. Gritting his teeth and hissing, he said word by word: “Establish whoever you want as empress! I’ve had enough of being Emperor!” With that, he spun around and strode away rapidly.

Empress Dowager Lan called “Jian’er!” and chased after him for several steps. By the time she reached the palace gates, he was nowhere to be seen. She hurriedly sent people to see where he had gone. Shortly after, a palace attendant returned, saying His Majesty had returned to his chambers. Empress Dowager Lan breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Having lost control and struck her son in anger, even accidentally scratching his face, Empress Dowager Lan now felt regret as her fury subsided. But thinking of how poorly things had progressed, how she couldn’t even suppress Prince Xian, and how her son had embarrassed her so publicly, she was filled with resentment. Her head buzzed as if filled with a swarm of bees. Supported by attendants, she sat in a daze briefly, then sent someone to check on her son’s chambers. Learning that the Emperor was calm and his facial wound had been treated without serious injury, she finally relaxed somewhat and secretly sent a trusted aide from the palace to deliver word to the Lan family.

Her brother Lan Rong had gone hundreds of miles away to the imperial mausoleum last month to oversee restoration work and hadn’t returned yet.

That night, Empress Dowager Lan suffered from headaches all night, with palace maids’ massages providing no relief. Early the next morning, before dawn, she roused herself and personally went to her son’s chambers, hoping to persuade him with kind words. Upon arrival, the bedroom door remained closed. Palace attendants said the Emperor had declared before sleep that he wouldn’t attend morning court, telling ministers to handle affairs themselves. He wanted to sleep late, and without his summons, no one was permitted to disturb him.

The Empress Dowager had been worried about ministers seeing the wound on his face, which, if spread as her doing, would be inappropriate. This was exactly what she hoped for. She instructed careful watching and asked to be notified when the Emperor rose, then returned to wait. After waiting and sending inquiries countless times until noon, with the Emperor still not rising, she grew concerned and personally went to knock and call out. Receiving no response, she pushed the door, left the attendants outside, and entered alone, walking to her son’s bed.

Through the bed curtains, Empress Dowager Lan dimly saw her son’s reclining figure, motionless, thinking he was still sulking. She coughed heavily and said, “Jian’er, Mother was wrong. I regretted hitting you immediately yesterday. You’re Mother’s son—how could I harbor ill intentions toward you? This marriage matter—I’m thinking entirely of you! When you take personal control of government in the future, who will serve you loyally and support you? Don’t you understand yet?”

After the Empress Dowager finished speaking, the Emperor remained completely unresponsive. She opened the curtains and entered, approaching the bed while coaxing: “Are you angry that Mother had that palace maid taken away? That was Mother’s fault. If you like her, Mother will send her back immediately to serve you—”

As she spoke, she extended her hand, slowly lifting the bedcover that concealed the Emperor’s head and face. Suddenly, her hand froze, eyes wide with shock, her entire body rigid.

Moments later, attendants waiting outside heard a heart-rending scream from within: “Someone—”

It was the Empress Dowager’s voice.

Everyone rushed in, stunned by what they saw.

Where was the young Emperor on the dragon bed? There were only pillows and clothing stuffed underneath to create a form. The Empress Dowager supported herself against a bedpost, barely standing, face deathly pale, her other hand trembling uncontrollably: “Quickly! Find the Emperor—” Overcome by shock and rage, she collapsed headfirst and fainted.