Three days later, most court ministers suddenly jointly submitted memorials petitioning for Xuan Li, requesting his immediate ascension to the throne. This commotion was extremely significant – Xuan Li had decided to truly act. In court and out, those who had always concealed their depths and secretly worked for Xuan Li stepped forward. Only then did people realize with alarm how extensive the Eighth Prince’s influence was – truly chilling. Among them were no shortage of ministers from two dynasties, both civil and military officials, and those wielding significant power. In comparison, Xuan Pei’s supporters appeared far too weak.
It wasn’t that Xuan Pei lacked supporters – Xuan Li had plotted this for many years. Years ago, he had begun secretly buying off court ministers for this day’s arrival. When Xuan Pei was still a useless prince, Xuan Li’s reputation among court officials and common people was extremely excellent. A starved camel is bigger than a horse, not to mention he was accustomed to concealing his true strength.
Under such tremendous pressure, even Empress Dowager Yide felt somewhat unable to withstand it. Those people’s memorials stated very clearly that since ancient times, when emperors didn’t personally designate heirs, the eldest was always chosen over the youngest. During the Emperor’s reign, he had also valued Xuan Li greatly. Now Xuan Pei was still young and certainly not someone who could shoulder great responsibility. Moreover, Xuan Pei still bore the suspicion of patricide.
In the Golden Luan Hall, ministers discussed endlessly, but looking carefully, most speakers were Xuan Li’s people. Even if Xuan Pei’s supporters wanted to argue, they truly couldn’t compete with Xuan Li’s numerous forces.
Xuan Li stood quietly in place, his face still wearing the same smile as before, making people feel as warm as spring breeze, seemingly deaf to these arguments. Within this was hidden a kind of confident certainty, as if the next moment this realm’s throne should naturally be his to occupy. In fact, it should be so.
Xuan Pei was still under house arrest and naturally couldn’t be released. General Gu, seeing this scene, frowned so deeply it could wring out water. Because of Jiang Ruan, Gu Yi wholeheartedly supported the Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei. His reasoning was also very simple, telling Master Gu: “Miss Jiang is so intelligent. Look at her from beginning to now – when has she ever suffered under anyone’s hand? Trusting her is definitely right!” This angered Master Gu so much he beat him severely, but then immediately expressed loyalty to Xuan Pei. It wasn’t because he believed Gu Yi’s words, but since Jiang Ruan stood with Xuan Pei, the Jinying Prince’s mansion naturally also stood with Xuan Pei. Master Gu never dared underestimate the Jinying Prince’s mansion’s power – both husband and wife were not to be trifled with. Master Gu was more optimistic about them.
Who knew such events would occur now? Jiang Ruan’s life or death was unknown, Xiao Shao was focused on finding his wife, Xuan Pei was under house arrest, and just at this time Xuan Li was being pushed to ascend – the situation was truly unfavorable. Master Gu couldn’t help worrying – had he made another wrong step?
Empress Dowager Yide sat in the high position, her long fingernails unconsciously tracing her temples. Under such great momentum, who could reverse it? No matter what, she couldn’t offend everyone – ministers’ power was never to be underestimated. Her gaze passed over Lin Wei standing in the hall. Since this person had determined to seek advancement here, why was he still unmoved at this moment?
Lin Wei’s lips held a smile, as if surrounding events had nothing to do with him, appearing quite calm and detached. But this appearance in Xuan Li supporters’ eyes seemed like deliberate mystification – just putting on airs.
Just then, a clear voice from outside the hall called: “Wait!”
Everyone turned back to see a young man in slate-colored long official robes walking slowly forward, his gaze firm, carrying a somewhat different spirit than usual, slowly entering the hall.
This person was none other than the current tutor, top scholar Liu Min.
Liu Min’s position in court was quite peculiar. If you said he held high position and great power, he was just a crown prince’s tutor without real authority. But if you said he lacked real power, he was highly respected and trusted by the Emperor, a definite favorite before the Emperor. Offending him brought no benefits.
Seeing him suddenly speak out, everyone was puzzled. They knew Liu Min was later assigned by the Emperor to the Thirteenth Prince Xuan Pei, probably having some teacher-student relationship with Xuan Pei. But could a tutor scholar really reverse the current situation? Let alone calling it wishful thinking – even the dream seemed laughable.
Everyone’s gazes were full of mockery, but Xuan Li’s expression gradually grew grave.
Liu Min’s clothing was also different today. He had always preferred light-colored garments that gave him a scholarly refined air. Today in deep slate, perhaps due to the clothing, his entire person projected some sternness. As if a scholar’s hands finally held not books but sharp blades, facing a battlefield of carnage, his eyes already holding faint killing intent.
What did he want to do? Xuan Li keenly sensed something different. He suddenly turned to look at Lin Wei. Sure enough, Lin Wei’s smile had deepened, almost grinning broadly – that kind of heartfelt joy absolutely couldn’t be faked. How could this be? Xuan Li felt he’d fallen into a trap, but he couldn’t grasp the thread. At this moment, he only wanted to quickly stop Liu Min.
But before he could act, he watched helplessly as Liu Min took out a bright yellow scroll from his chest, unrolled it, and standing in the Golden Luan Hall before all civil and military officials, clearly declared: “By Heaven’s mandate, the Emperor decrees—”
At these words, everyone was shocked and quickly knelt together, shouting “Long live!”
Empress Dowager Yide was also slightly stunned, then straightened in her seat. She suddenly realized something, glanced at the smiling Lin Wei, then at Liu Min standing straight, her mind suddenly clear. So that’s how it was… The real final move was here.
Liu Min read loudly: “Prince Royal Thirteenth Son Qiu Chen possesses noble character deeply resembling Our person and will surely accomplish great unity, hereby inheriting Our throne to ascend as Emperor, by imperial decree—”
Qiu Chen was Xuan Pei’s courtesy name. The brief sentence took almost no time, but Liu Min deliberately spoke slowly. His voice had always carried scholars’ unique gentleness, but today it was sharp as an unsheathed blade, the aggressive momentum in his pronunciation rushing at people’s faces, almost making them unable to breathe.
Silence. The great hall fell deathly silent.
It seemed even a needle dropping could be heard. Liu Min maintained this posture, his spine straight as if able to bear all burdens.
A minister was first to cry out: “How did an imperial edict suddenly appear? Tutor Liu, impersonating imperial edicts is a capital crime!” This person was a military official from Xuan Li’s faction who looked down on scholars. Now Liu Min’s move was beyond everyone’s expectations, completely overturning their original plans. Immediately there was this early bird questioning first.
“Sir, your words are wrong,” Elder Wang also spoke. He had never taken sides in court, but since Lin Wei’s return, he’d truly been drawn into Xuan Pei’s camp by Lin Wei. Now seeing this person speak sarcastically with undisguised hostility toward Liu Min, he also mocked: “What kind of person Tutor Liu is, the entire court knows. Where does this talk of impersonating imperial edicts come from? This is truly judging a gentleman’s heart with a petty person’s mind.”
Liu Min was recognized throughout court as straightforward, never doing wrong. In his world, black and white were clear – right was right, wrong was wrong. He was extremely principled. Even those opposing Liu Min had to admit this point. Saying Liu Min impersonated imperial edicts truly had no persuasive power before anyone. So these words left that person speechless.
“Words alone are insufficient proof. Let someone personally examine it,” Lin Wei spoke, looking at Liu Min. Liu Min understood, striding to Empress Dowager Yide, bowing and holding the edict with both hands before her: “Please Your Majesty examine—”
Empress Dowager Yide reached out to receive the edict, looked at it, then smiled slightly, saying only four words: “Absolutely authentic.”
The court immediately erupted, ministers’ gazes involuntarily falling on Xuan Li. Xuan Li’s expression had become very ugly. Though he tried hard to control his emotions and maintain his usual calm demeanor, today’s events were completely unexpected. According to plan, he should now smoothly accept the throne with ministers’ support. But now an imperial edict had suddenly appeared, and this edict didn’t bear his name. His cheek muscles trembled slightly, his hands in his sleeves clenched into fists. He convinced himself that Liu Min’s edict couldn’t be real – the real edict was with Qi Man. They had already obtained the true edict. How could the Emperor possibly have two edicts? Impossible!
Even hearing Empress Dowager Yide’s words, Xuan Li dared not believe, thinking Empress Dowager Yide had long stood with Xuan Pei. Since Lin Wei had visited Empress Dowager Yide that day, perhaps they were plotting this matter. Empress Dowager Yide was now just helping to lie. Thinking this, Xuan Li signaled someone nearby. That minister stepped forward: “Your Majesty, the late Emperor’s edict concerns great matters. Might we ministers examine it?”
This was actually against protocol, but now the emperor’s designated heir bore possible patricide charges, differing too greatly from ministers’ ideal ruler – this was understandable. As for Empress Dowager Yide, she actually agreed readily, casually ordering the edict be circulated.
What did she have to fear? These people simply hoped the edict was fake. Unfortunately, this edict was absolutely authentic. It wasn’t her face being slapped – why shouldn’t she let these people completely give up hope? Just… Empress Dowager Yide’s gaze fell on Lin Wei. Today’s events – Lin Wei probably knew long ago. This person truly still had the exact same temperament as before. Once coming to court, he had to stir up complete chaos before being satisfied. Like this moment, suddenly producing this edict in the Golden Luan Hall was weighty enough to overturn everything.
The edict circulated among ministers – all aged officials with positions and ranks, many wielding significant power who had gotten along well with the Emperor. They naturally could tell if the edict was genuine. From handwriting to imperial seal, indeed nothing was falsified. Even Xuan Li’s people wanting to nitpick and find evidence the edict was fake ultimately all failed.
The edict finally returned to Liu Min’s hands. Liu Min received it and declared loudly: “When His Majesty was gravely ill, he secretly wrote this edict and entrusted it to your subject. Eunuch Li was also present that day, but now Eunuch Li has passed away with no one to testify. However, imperial edicts cannot be falsified. Your subject acts according to imperial command. Now that His Majesty has passed, the nation cannot be without a ruler for a day. Since His Majesty has already chosen his successor, we should naturally comply.” He walked again to Empress Dowager Yide, presenting it with both hands, respectfully saying: “Please Your Majesty preside over the enthronement ceremony and select an auspicious date for the new emperor’s ascension—”
Liu Min had indeed gained the Emperor’s trust, so entrusting the edict to him wasn’t impossible. These words were truly irrefutable. Xuan Pei’s faction, previously at a disadvantage, seeing the situation suddenly reverse completely, and this time with an imperial edict making it truly irreversible, naturally breathed a great sigh of relief. They immediately followed Liu Min, kneeling together and declaring in unison: “We humbly request Your Majesty preside over the enthronement ceremony and select an auspicious date for the new emperor’s ascension—”
Lin Wei was also among these people. His lips held a smile, his handsome face showing irrepressible joy, even somewhat provocatively looking at Xuan Li’s faction. Those people now all looked ashen-faced. Their earlier assertions that Xuan Li was the worthy Son of Heaven seemed to slap their faces one by one. Now saying anything would be wrong. Xuan Li’s face no longer held a smiling expression – his expression was very stiff, but looking more carefully, the terrifying aspect within wasn’t hard to see. Success so close yet failed, making a complete joke from beginning to end – for both purpose and self-respect, this was an irreparable blow.
Empress Dowager Yide also smiled. She slightly raised her chin, speaking in a solemn tone with a smile: “Granted—”
The dust had settled.
No one expected Liu Min would suddenly step forward at this moment with an imperial edict. Everyone witnessed this edict’s tremendous power. From the moment this edict appeared, no matter what Xuan Li did later, even drawing swords, he stood in a completely unjustifiable position. Losing popular support, taking a step back – even if Xuan Li ultimately ascended the throne, it would be without proper name or justification, only earning a reputation for usurping the throne. For an emperor, people’s mouths were hard to stop, the realm’s people couldn’t all be killed. He had fallen into an irreversible situation.
He forcibly suppressed his rage. After Empress Dowager Yide casually said a few more words, she announced court dismissal. Her withdrawal was straightforward – since the Great Jin Dynasty’s future heir was decided, why should she cling to governmental affairs? Once Empress Dowager Yide left, the Golden Luan Hall became lively. Xuan Pei’s faction had long suffered under Xuan Li’s people and finally found their chance – they’d be strange not to mock severely. Immediately they caught people and began cold ridicule.
Xuan Li ignored the verbal battles here, turning to leave the Golden Luan Hall. He brought no one with him, walking urgently with a truly terrifyingly twisted expression.
“Eighth Brother.” At the corridor’s corner, a familiar voice spoke. Xuan Pei walked over from the other side. Having been under house arrest so long, his sudden appearance meant someone had immediately brought him news. With the imperial edict, his charges were almost instantly cleared – those patricide claims were all slander. This youth, after disappearing so long, reappeared wearing brocade and fine clothes, his features exquisite, face smiling. But that noble young master’s air had instantly faded considerably. That sharpness hidden beneath the surface was like a still-slumbering beast. Previously thought to be just an immature wolf, now it seemed not a wolf but a young lion that had been lurking, already beginning to develop predatory instincts.
This young lion was gradually growing, already faintly showing imperial bearing.
Xuan Li was startled by his own thoughts. He actually felt the youth before him had imperial bearing? Xuan Pei was just a wet-behind-the-ears child – imperial bearing? Simply inconceivable!
“Eighth Brother doesn’t look well,” Xuan Pei smiled. “I’ve already heard about the Golden Luan Hall’s events. Why doesn’t Eighth Brother congratulate me?”
“Congratulations,” Xuan Li said stiffly. There were also some ministers watching from afar. Now how many people wanted to see his humiliation? Could he lose face before a child? Xuan Li couldn’t do such a thing, so even if his teeth were grinding to powder, proper courtesy must be maintained.
But Xuan Pei seemed not to have caused Xuan Li enough trouble, smiling: “I told Eighth Brother long ago that I’ve always had good luck – perhaps my fortune has turned. Eighth Brother, look – a few days ago I bore unshakeable infamy, now the truth is revealed. Isn’t this cause for universal celebration? Eighth Brother, don’t you think my luck is very good?”
“Good,” Xuan Li said only one word. The youth before him smiled as he looked at him, those eyes moving and brilliant. Xuan Pei had good looks, but he’d never seen such a treacherous youth. Even when he was this age, he’d only known patience. But Xuan Pei was like a poisonous snake, quietly lurking. He couldn’t even be called patient – he simply didn’t consider it endurance but actually enjoyed the process.
Staring at Xuan Pei’s eyes, Xuan Li suddenly felt Xuan Pei at this moment extremely resembled Jiang Ruan. That woman was also like this – smiling as she led people to trap edges, then unhurriedly pushed them in. Laughably, the prey still thought they were about to succeed. The afterward nonchalant mockery and skill at adding salt to wounds were also masterfully executed.
“Eighth Brother seems to have important matters. I won’t disturb you then,” Xuan Li smiled again, turning to walk leisurely ahead. “Farewell.”
Those last two words were spoken extremely frivolously, seemingly implying another sentence: “This game, I’ve already won. You staying is useless – get lost…”
Xuan Li stood in place, forcibly calming his turbulent emotions. If possible, he’d love to dismember Xuan Pei right now. This shame of being stepped on was enough to drive him mad, but within this madness, Xuan Li maintained extreme rationality. This matter was truly strange. How could Liu Min have two imperial edicts? Today’s court edict he’d also seen – indeed truly genuine. Then what was the edict Qi Man took away? What was really happening? He must immediately find Qi Man for clarity.
That night, thousands of miles away at ice-bound Mount Jianan, in the spring-blooming Green Willow Manor, a white-haired elder sat atop the mountain peak, looking at the divination before him and sighing deeply. He raised his head toward the vast starry sky, stars twinkling. His gaze stopped at one place, finally closing his eyes and shaking his head, his voice hoarse and ancient: “New master appears in the world. Fate changed, pattern complete.”
This day, Dong Ying’er in the palace also received news. She stood up in disbelief, looking at the somewhat panicked maid before her and crying sharply: “What? An imperial edict establishing the Thirteenth Prince as emperor?”
“Your Majesty, please calm yourself,” the palace maid quickly knelt down. “Now the entire court knows this matter, Your Majesty…”
Dong Ying’er sat down in the carved chair, her entire body seemingly drained of all strength instantly. What was happening? How could an imperial edict suddenly appear? How could it be… establishing the Thirteenth Prince as emperor?
Why the Emperor would make this choice, Dong Ying’er couldn’t figure out herself. Even though she later served the Emperor for a long time and seemed to gain his trust, she never understood what that man was thinking. She had tried subtle probing hoping to extract some information, but the Emperor was more vigilant than anyone, nearly exposing her identity. Later she didn’t dare.
But then, the Emperor never showed favor toward either prince, as if he already had someone else in mind. And seemingly hadn’t communicated privately with Liu Min either – so where did this damned edict come from?
So many ministers had witnessed it – it surely wasn’t fake. Dong Ying’er clearly understood what this meant.
When the Emperor was to enter the imperial mausoleum, she didn’t want to be buried alive, so she desperately sought freedom from Xuan Li. If Xuan Li succeeded, their Dong family could rise to prominence while she gained freedom. But now Xuan Pei had become the legitimate future heir. Xuan Li might lead troops in rebellion, but before that, executing her in the Emperor’s name was a small matter. She had slandered Zhao Jin and used Jiang Xinzhi to implicate Xuan Pei – how could Xuan Pei spare her? Thinking this, Dong Ying’er felt chilled throughout.
How could success be so close yet fail? Was this her fate? She’d gambled everything – friends, dignity, conscience – and still gained nothing in the end. Even this fleeting wealth couldn’t last long? Their Dong family all stood with Xuan Li’s faction – what would happen later?
Dong Ying’er suddenly felt her head aching severely. She felt a wave of dizziness, almost fainting, nearly collapsing. The nearby maid was startled, quickly supporting her: “Your Majesty, what’s wrong? This servant will immediately fetch the imperial physician…”
The Zhao family was also released – it all seemed like a play. The palace’s rapid changes were beyond their imagination, and even more unexpected was Dong Ying’er’s trouble. Someone found real Southern Border poison in her chambers – this poison differed from what killed the Emperor. It was more like an addiction drug – the more used, the more addictive, while gradually hollowing out one’s constitution. This was Dong Ying’er’s method. During those days when the Emperor enjoyed her cooking, she’d poisoned everything, causing his sudden illness.
But this poison wasn’t given without consequence. Carrying it long contaminated the handler without their knowledge. Dong Ying’er, having poisoned the Emperor for so long, had also harmed her own body. Yesterday she somehow collapsed in her chambers. Someone summoned imperial physicians for examination, discovering her symptoms remarkably similar to the Emperor’s. Requesting Xia Qing’s diagnosis revealed the secret.
The seemingly most innocent Consort Dong was actually the culprit, and her accusations against Zhao Jin naturally became proven slander. This time Dong Ying’er had truly offended everyone. Empress Dowager Yide’s methods were never idle threats – just the night after being imprisoned, she poisoned herself to death.
Called suicide, but guards said Dong Ying’er didn’t seem suicidal. Who commits suicide with such painful poison when arsenic would suffice? Xia Qing had examined – those using that poison suffered extreme agony before death, drinking insect eggs with the potion, being eaten alive from within by hatching larvae. Dong Ying’er’s death was extremely miserable, almost unrecognizable.
When Zhao Jin heard this news, she was stunned for half an incense stick’s time, said nothing, didn’t eat, and hid alone in her room, not even noticing when Jiang Xinzhi came.
Jiang Xinzhi touched her head: “Go eat.”
“She didn’t commit suicide by poison,” Zhao Jin said sullenly. “She was most afraid of pain and loved beauty most. Even dying, she wouldn’t use such a base method – she’d definitely die gloriously. This death method was truly too degrading.”
Zhao Jin should have hated Dong Ying’er, but learning of her miserable end, she felt an indescribable emotion – naturally not pity or sympathy, she wasn’t selfless to that degree. Just heavy-hearted with deep melancholy. Denying Dong Ying’er seemed like denying her own carefree youth. Not everyone could treat former intimates as strangers – the heart inevitably fluctuated.
“Xuan Li acted,” Jiang Xinzhi patted her shoulder. “Using such poison, he’s probably mad with rage now, taking out anger even on a mere pawn.”
Dong Ying’er was Xuan Li’s person – naturally he’d silence her when exposed. But using such torturous poison was unlike Xuan Li’s usual style. It only showed Liu Min’s imperial edict had driven him to violent rage with nowhere to vent. So when Dong Ying’er had trouble, she became a venting tool.
“He’s not human!” Zhao Jin said hatefully. “A beast in human clothing!” Someone appearing so refined yet so cruel, able to act against a weak woman, especially a former ally – thinking of Xuan Li now disgusted Zhao Jin extremely.
“Winners and losers – ancient principle,” Jiang Xinzhi said. “Besides, she conspired with tigers, making this decision meant having courage to bear consequences.” He looked at Zhao Jin somewhat helplessly: “Don’t dwell on this too much. Though I know you’re sad, you must know she wasn’t good. If people are unkind to you and you’re not Buddha, this is just reaping what she sowed or heaven opening its eyes.”
Jiang Xinzhi had no good feelings toward Dong Ying’er – anyone who could drag the entire Zhao family down couldn’t be good. He was military, having seen countless cruel deaths on battlefields. He felt Dong Ying’er got what she deserved. If she’d shown mercy when falsely accusing others or poisoning the Emperor, she wouldn’t have reached this point.
Zhao Jin sighed without refuting. Jiang Xinzhi pulled her up: “Eat something. The capital probably won’t be peaceful for a while. Strengthen your mansion’s defenses – Xuan Li may act. Since your Zhao family has offended him, you’ll naturally be listed as primary enemies.”
Jiang Ruan still knew nothing of the Golden Luan Hall’s events. She grew more easily fatigued daily, even unconsciously eating more and more. Despite conscious restraint, it ultimately couldn’t be hidden. Looking at her protruding abdomen, Jiang Ruan smiled bitterly – continuing like this, next time seeing Xuan Li, she probably couldn’t hide it no matter what.
Just thinking this, the mute maid entered holding several garments. Jiang Ruan was slightly surprised. The mute maid smiled, gesturing at her, and Jiang Ruan understood – these were new clothes made for her. But after being here so long, no tailor had come to measure her, and naturally these people wouldn’t let her contact outsiders – no one at all, lest she play tricks. Jiang Ruan looked at the clothes: “Ready-made?”
The mute maid nodded. Jiang Ruan received the clothes: “Go out first.”
After the mute maid left, Jiang Ruan opened the garments. None were red – all light colors, probably fearing discovery. These light garments wouldn’t attract attention, making future transfers easier. Jiang Ruan shook out one garment, casually draping it over herself, finding it somewhat large. Then she realized – ready-made shop clothes were hardly perfectly fitted, but this seemed excessively large.
But moments later, Jiang Ruan’s face showed a smile. She caressed the garment – such large clothes were formerly unsuitable, but now they were perfect. Perhaps they could conceal her abdomen, making it less noticeable – excellent. Even if Xuan Li came personally next time, she could probably find ways to hide it. She glanced at the scratches marking dates by her bedside, wondering what the current situation was. Had Xuan Li acted? If so, once that imperial edict appeared, Xuan Li would probably quickly come seeking her, and then she could find ways to escape.
But why hadn’t Xiao Shao’s people found her yet? Jiang Ruan was puzzled. Previously, she absolutely wouldn’t fear dragging things out with these people, but now with the child in her womb, each delay brought additional danger to the child. She didn’t want to risk the child’s safety, so her expression gradually grew grave.