Gao Yongrong said in a trembling voice: “Uncle, this niece doesn’t understand what you mean. What exactly have I done wrong to cause Uncle to misunderstand me to such an extent?”

“That night when Prince Xin’an failed in his palace coup, even I knew about it. His Majesty often stayed overnight in the gardens during those days – how could he not know? Having resolved to stage a coup, even if it was to obtain His Majesty’s seal and imperial tokens to control the palace guards for his use, wouldn’t he have thought that if His Majesty stayed in the imperial gardens that night, he would need to send people there immediately? Otherwise, if His Majesty appeared, what use would the seal in his hands be? When I rushed to the palace, you were seriously injured and he was already dead – one can see how fierce the conflict was. Yet the people sent to rescue His Majesty from the imperial gardens returned saying there was no disturbance there, and His Majesty only learned of such a great incident in the palace when he saw the people I sent.”

He looked at Gao Yongrong, whose face was gradually paling.

“This doesn’t make sense. Since Xiao Daocheng decided to take such a desperate risk that night to stage a coup, even daring to draw his blade against the current empress, no matter how sudden the incident was, he shouldn’t have been completely unprepared for such an important step.”

“I found it strange at the time, but your explanation seemed flawless, so I didn’t think deeper. Now when I reconsider, based on his actions that night, it looks more like when he first entered the palace, he hadn’t yet made up his mind to fight the Xiao imperial house to the death.”

“His Majesty wasn’t in the palace – such a coincidence! And that night he died right before your eyes!”

“Empress Dowager!”

Gao Qiao suddenly shouted, his eyes fixed on Gao Yongrong before him, his tone extremely stern.

“When he entered the palace that night, did he initially seek you out to discuss countermeasures?”

“Did you kill him?”

“Did you kill him because you had previously colluded with him and done things you feared I would discover?”

Three consecutive questions left Gao Yongrong completely stunned.

That night, learning that Xiao Daocheng had been completely exposed before Gao Qiao and fearing she might be implicated, she had made the decisive decision to eliminate him immediately.

She thought she had handled that night’s events cleanly, leaving absolutely no traces that could make Gao Qiao suspicious, let alone evidence he could use against her.

So much time had passed that she believed that night’s events were buried forever – that apart from herself, no second person would ever know the truth in this lifetime. She never expected that now, because of the one flaw Xiao Daocheng had left behind, it would trigger Gao Qiao’s suspicions and lead him to discover the truth.

Fortunately in this misfortune, it seemed Gao Qiao indeed had no concrete evidence. Everything just now was merely his deduction based on Xiao Daocheng’s abnormal behavior.

But even so, under Gao Qiao’s two sharp gazes that cut like blades, Gao Yongrong’s face still turned almost bloodlessly pale.

She stood frozen for a moment, then suddenly knelt down and crawled on her knees before Gao Qiao.

“Uncle! Things have come to this – I dare not hide anything more. Uncle, you’re absolutely right. I and Xiao Daocheng did indeed have secret dealings previously. Actually, not only recently – this niece had known him even before I married. I regret my ignorance then, being deceived by him. After marriage, before I’d had many peaceful years, through various circumstances I returned to Jiankang with the late emperor. Not long after my return, Xiao Dao used his position to frequently enter and exit the palace. On the surface he was respectful to His Majesty, but secretly he used the mistakes I made in my youth to threaten me, forcing me to obey his orders.”

“Uncle, Xiao Daocheng was truly deep in scheming, a beast in human form. He was set on usurping power. When Uncle originally supported his succession, he knew Uncle harbored thoughts of retirement then, and the court was controlled by aristocratic families. Even if he became emperor, he feared being manipulated by powerful ministers and meeting a bad end, so he put on an act, deliberately recommending the late emperor instead. His plot was to hide his strength, secretly lay plans, and wait until he later eliminated the aristocratic families and controlled power – then usurpation would be easy as turning his hand.”

Tears streamed down her face.

“Uncle, the shameful things this niece did in my ignorant youth – how could I dare let Uncle know at the time? The late emperor was also useless, only knowing poetry and mingling with favored concubines all day – I couldn’t count on him at all. I had no choice but to temporarily endure under Xiao Daocheng’s threats. I never expected that night he would suddenly storm into the palace with men, furious, saying his deeds were discovered by you and fearing you wouldn’t tolerate him, forcing me to join him in eliminating you. How could I listen to his manipulation to harm Uncle? Seeing him seize His Majesty’s seal, in my desperation I fought with him and was wounded by his blade. Uncle knows what happened after – Heaven opened its eyes, the palace guards arrived in time, and this niece narrowly survived.”

“This niece’s handling then was indeed wrong – no wonder Uncle became suspicious of me. After being rescued, I should have kept him alive for proper judgment and sentencing. But this niece harbored selfish thoughts, fearing he would reveal that shameful past between us. Never mind ruining my reputation – it concerned His Majesty’s dignity and the Gao family’s honor. I was so filled with hatred for him then that when the palace guards killed him to protect me, this niece failed to stop them in time…”

“Uncle, you just questioned me about the Shao woman. Since Xiao Daocheng coerced this niece to obey him while knowing I was unwilling, he didn’t tell me everything. This niece can swear to Heaven – Xiao Daocheng never mentioned the Shao woman to me before! I only learned of such a thing after that night’s palace coup…”

She broke into sobs.

“This niece has been burdened by status and position these years. Though I lost my way and indeed did many wrong things, toward Uncle and Aunt I’ve always regarded you as my own parents. After the palace coup, knowing of that Shao woman’s existence, I wanted to kill her then to spare Aunt the vexation. But since Uncle had no intention of killing her, this niece didn’t dare take action. Had I known the Shao woman harbored such vicious intentions, even if Uncle opposed it, I would never have spared her life!”

Gao Qiao’s expression was rigid.

“Uncle, think about it – when Aunt’s incident occurred, there was the Celestial Master rebellion in the southeast and Jingzhou rebels ready to attack Jiankang at any moment. The court relied entirely on Uncle alone. If Aunt had trouble then, Uncle would certainly be distracted. If the nation collapsed, what benefit would that be to me? Even if I were utterly heartless, I would never dare target Aunt. I beg Uncle to see clearly and not misunderstand me…”

After speaking, she prostrated on the ground, sobbing quietly.

Gao Qiao’s face was ashen as he stared fixedly at the flickering candlelight on his desk, his gaze vacant. After a long while, as if speaking to Gao Yongrong but more like talking to himself, he said: “All these years, I believed I was conscientious and diligent in governing, doing my utmost without daring to slack off even slightly. But this court in my hands not only showed no improvement but became decadent and weak, nearly collapsing to an irreparable state. Unable to assist the ruler above or benefit the people below – even if I continue in court, I’d merely be a corpse occupying a position. Better to follow the times and withdraw early, handing court affairs to truly capable hands. Perhaps this court might yet see revival…”

His gaze slowly turned to Gao Yongrong’s face.

“You don’t trust Li Mu. I didn’t trust him before either. But now I have complete faith in him.”

“If he harbored treacherous intentions, during the previous national chaos he could have used the excuse of great distance to wait for the court’s collapse before returning with troops to reap the benefits. But he didn’t. This alone proves he deserves to be called loyal and upright.”

“Empress Dowager!”

He stared into Gao Yongrong’s eyes, speaking word by word: “My purpose in telling you all this was not to settle past accounts with you. I want you to know that in these times of internal troubles and external threats, though your vision as Great Yu’s Empress Dowager may be blocked by palace walls, your heart must embrace the situation of all under Heaven!”

“What are aristocratic families, what is nobility? True nobility isn’t being born with a superior surname, but having the bearing and breadth of mind that matches one’s status and position in one’s conduct. If you continue using those petty, underhanded methods of judging others by yourself to govern the nation, I’m not threatening you – the Southern Dynasty’s fall will come sooner or later!”

Gao Yongrong’s face alternated between red and white: “With Uncle’s earnest teachings, no matter how stubborn this niece is, I dare not take them lightly.”

Gao Qiao said: “Just remember these words. With Li Mu here, you needn’t worry about external enemies. Follow the personnel list, implement tax reductions, let the people rest and recover – even in disaster years, there won’t be major upheavals.”

“This niece will certainly keep Uncle’s teachings in my heart. Please set your mind at ease,” Gao Yongrong said through tears.

Gao Qiao said: “I’ve said all I have to say and have no more business here. Return to the palace.”

Gao Yongrong kowtowed to him, wiped the tears from her face, slowly rose from the ground, opened the door, and walked out.

…

Luoshen had just led the young emperor out of her father’s study when several palace attendants came forward to serve. She stayed nearby to accompany them, waiting for a long time until she finally saw Gao Yongrong emerge. Hurrying forward to greet her, she noticed her cousin’s eyes were slightly swollen with traces of crying, though her face still wore a smile. Suppressing her doubts, she naturally wouldn’t ask any questions.

After seeing off Gao Yongrong and the young emperor’s party, Luoshen hurried back to her father’s study with her mind full of doubts. She saw him still sitting in the center of the square couch, eyes closed, motionless as if in meditation, his face an ashen gray color that looked somewhat frightening. Worried beyond measure and forgetting to ask about other matters, she said: “A’Ye, what’s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?”

Gao Qiao slowly opened his eyes.

Luoshen saw bloodshot traces in his eyes and became even more worried, hurrying forward to support him: “A’Ye, if you’re tired, let daughter escort you back to your room to rest early…”

Gao Qiao smiled slightly, allowing Luoshen to help him rise from the couch, saying hoarsely: “Don’t worry, A’Ye is fine…”

Before he finished speaking, Luoshen saw pain cross his face as his body leaned forward slightly, and he actually vomited blood.

“A’Ye!”

Luoshen was horrified, using all her strength to support her unsteady father while turning to call loudly for help.

The door was pushed open and Li Mu strode in quickly, catching Gao Qiao.

Gao Qiao steadied himself, slowly pushed away Li Mu’s hands, straightened his body, and instructed Gao Qi who came running at the sound: “Summon the clan members. In three days, gather at the Gao ancestral hall – I have something to say.”

…

After father rested for several days, his spirits finally seemed somewhat better.

Luoshen privately and quietly asked the imperial physician, who said Lord Gao’s vomiting blood was caused by liver qi stagnation and blocked circulation. As long as he relaxed his mind and slowly recuperated, his body could recover.

Only then did Luoshen feel somewhat relieved.

That day, those Gao clan members of proper seniority still in the capital – totaling no fewer than several dozen people – all gathered in the ancestral hall.

Gao Yun, Gao Yin, Gao Huan and others all came.

Gao Qiao first summoned Gao Yun alone to his study for a private conversation. Outside, Luoshen faintly heard some of the conversation between her father and uncle.

Father was explaining to uncle why he wanted to entrust the family head position to Gao Yin. Uncle seemed to express understanding. After a moment they emerged, and Luoshen saw uncle slightly bow his head with seemingly reddened eyes, saying nothing as he followed father forward.

According to contemporary custom, the previous generation’s family head of great clans could only transfer the position to the next successor upon death.

Gao Qiao publicly announced that during his future absence, the Gao family head position would be managed by Gao Yin. And because Gao Yun had high seniority and experience, Gao Yin should consult with Gao Yun when faced with difficult decisions.

Gao Yin was the next Gao family head Gao Qiao had long chosen. With the Gao family facing such circumstances and Gao Qiao becoming disheartened and possibly leaving the capital to wander the world in future, this news had already been secretly shared among the clan. Hearing him announce it now didn’t cause much shock.

Everyone discussed quietly for a moment – some congratulated Gao Yin, some asked Gao Qiao about his future plans, and naturally quite a few cast strange glances at Gao Yun.

When Gao Yin’s attempts to decline failed, he knelt in thanks to Gao Qiao, then rose and came before Gao Yun, respectfully greeting him and saying he would need much assistance in the future.

Gao Yun laughed heartily, grasped Gao Yin’s arm and patted it, readily agreeing. For a time the ancestral hall’s atmosphere was harmonious, filled with cheerful voices and laughter.

That evening the Gao residence held a family banquet, which Li Mu and Luoshen attended together. During the feast everyone competed to toast Li Mu, who accepted all comers. When the banquet ended he was slightly drunk, and Luoshen escorted him back to their room.

The two had barely entered when a maidservant came calling, saying the master wanted the young mistress to come to the study – he had something to say.

Luoshen was helping Li Mu undress when she suddenly heard her father summon her alone. Puzzled, she stopped and looked at Li Mu.

Li Mu gently squeezed her hand: “Go ahead, don’t keep father-in-law waiting.”