Day broke.

For the citizens of Jiankang who had just risen and begun their new day, the night that had just passed was merely an ordinary night.

They had no idea what heart-stopping events had occurred within the heavily fortified depths of Tai City, inside that imperial palace.

But for Gao Qiao, this had been a sleepless night of piercing anguish.

The Xianbei woman Murong Zhe, who had been sent to the Empress’s palace as a maid, had disappeared.

When questioned, Empress Xu’s attitude was one of anger—the boundless anger of being wrongfully accused.

She held the Crown Prince tightly in her arms, raised her swollen, tear-reddened eyes, and said in an icy tone that the Xianbei woman had indeed been presented by Murong Ti, but only because she was skilled in health preservation methods. Since her own health had always been weak and the imperial physicians’ treatments had been ineffective, she had initially kept her as a servant to try this approach. But recently, finding her of little use, she had already dismissed her from the palace.

As for where she had gone now, she didn’t know.

“I am the Empress of Dayu. When people enter or leave the palace, must I report to the Head of State Affairs?”

In the end, she retorted with this question.

With the Xianbei woman gone, pursuing the matter through the Empress had become impossible.

Fortunately, Murong Ti had not escaped—or rather, he himself had not fled.

According to Chen Tuan’s report, when he and Li Xie, commander of Jiankang’s garrison, led men to arrest Murong Ti and surrounded the post station where he resided, upon breaking in they found he had no intention of escaping whatsoever.

Standing in the room, he submitted to capture as if he had been waiting for their arrival all along.

A jailer respectfully led the way ahead, finally using keys to open a prison door.

Gao Qiao passed through the damp, dark, narrow corridor filled with foul odors, stepped through the prison door, and stared at the Xianbei man before him.

Murong Ti had become a prisoner, yet his appearance showed none of what one would expect from someone trapped in jail.

His body was covered with wounds, blood clung to the corners of his mouth, his clothes were torn and stained with filthy blood. Heavy shackles bound his hands, his legs were crossed as he sat on a pile of disheveled straw, his eyes closed.

Yet his expression was unusually calm.

He appeared not to be trapped in a prison cell having just endured severe torture, but rather seated on a celestial platform in a wonderful state of being.

On his androgynous face was an air of transcendent nobility.

Hearing Gao Qiao’s footsteps entering, he seemed oblivious, continuing to sit upright and motionless as if in deep meditation.

Gao Qiao stared at him for a moment, suppressing his anger, and said: “Murong Ti, I’ve given you a chance. If you still won’t reveal who was behind this, what use is keeping you alive?”

Murong Ti slowly opened his eyes, gazed at Gao Qiao for a moment, and smiled slightly: “Lord Gao, from the moment I first came to Jiankang, you’ve wanted to kill me. Now that I’ve fallen into your hands, kill me if you wish. To make me say what you want to hear and frame the innocent—though my life is worthless, I, Murong Ti, cannot do such a thing. That sister of mine initially fled here with me in hardship, alone and helpless. I therefore presented her to the Empress as a servant, seeking a place of refuge for her—this is the complete truth. As for other accusations, they are all Lord Gao’s imagination. I know nothing of them.”

After speaking, he closed his eyes again.

Gao Qiao nodded: “Good! Good! You Xianbei whelp are truly cunning and venomous! I only regret that I hesitated initially and spared your life, leading to His Majesty’s harm! Since you don’t fear death, I’ll grant your wish!”

He shouted. Chen Tuan immediately entered from behind the prison door, walked behind Murong Ti, and drew his blade.

The blade edge pressed against Murong Ti’s neck.

Cold light reflected on one side of his neck.

Skin like jade, blade light forest-white. The two reflecting each other created an eerie beauty.

“Murong Ti, I’ll give you one last chance. Who instructed you to harm His Majesty?”

Murong Ti seemed oblivious, not even moving his eyelids.

A murderous glint flashed in Gao Qiao’s eyes.

“Cut off his head.”

His voice was ice-cold.

Just as the blade was about to fall, footsteps suddenly sounded outside the prison door, and a voice called: “Stop!”

Gao Qiao slowly turned back to see Xu Mi stepping inside, saying coldly: “I’m interrogating a major criminal. What business is it of Minister Xu? What is your purpose in coming here?”

Xu Mi had changed from his usual cheerful demeanor.

“Lord Gao, you first questioned the current Empress, then conducted unauthorized torture and forced confessions from Murong Ti without going through the Court of Judicial Review. What is your purpose?”

The two men stared at each other for a moment.

In the narrow prison cell, the atmosphere suddenly became extremely tense.

“I know you’ve always wanted to eliminate my Xu clan as quickly as possible. What words do you want to hear from Murong Ti’s mouth? That His Majesty was harmed by my Xu clan to hasten the Crown Prince’s ascension? Then you could mobilize the Nine Ministers and hundred officials to condemn my Xu clan, even depose the Empress and Crown Prince, and place someone of your choosing in power to manipulate, so your Gao family could remain in high positions forever, wielding power over the court?”

Gao Qiao was furious: “Xu Mi! His Majesty had originally quit the Five-Stone Powder, but after this Xianbei whelp’s arrival, he resumed taking it and began residing constantly in the Empress’s palace, just when a Murong woman entered the palace. With so many coincidences, how does your Xu clan explain this?”

Xu Mi stared at Gao Qiao for a moment, then suddenly said: “Lord Gao, even with so many coincidences, even if you refuse to believe and want to pin the crime on me, Xu Mi, do you have evidence?”

A cold smile slowly appeared at the corners of his lips.

“If you can produce evidence, I, Xu Mi, will confess. Kill me or torture me—I’ll follow national law in all things.”

“If you cannot produce evidence, these speculations are nothing but your fabrications. Don’t think you can shake my Xu family in the slightest!”

He glanced at Murong Ti, who remained sitting on the ground as if the matter didn’t concern him, and narrowed his eyes.

“As for this person, since he’s a major suspect in a case of great importance, though you are the current Head of State Affairs, you cannot use private punishment. He must be handed over to the Court of Judicial Review for legal interrogation by the judicial officials. Otherwise, where is the law of our great Dayu?”

“If officials all act like you, Lord Gao, substituting private punishment for public law, how can we pacify the realm?”

He turned and called outside.

The Court of Judicial Review Minister, one of the Nine Ministers, entered upon hearing the call. Not daring to look directly at the two men opposite, his face showing fear, he said carefully: “Lord Gao, since this Xianbei is a major criminal, may this humble official take him to our office according to legal procedure? Rest assured, Lord Gao, this humble official will certainly enforce the law impartially, interrogate carefully, and dare not be negligent in the slightest!”

Gao Qiao’s face was iron-blue. He stood rigidly for a long while, finally slowly exhaling.

“Take him away first. He must be placed in maximum security prison with strict supervision—no mistakes allowed!”

The Court of Judicial Review Minister, caught between the two great power-holders of the court, hearing Gao Qiao finally relent, secretly breathed a sigh of relief. He quickly agreed and summoned people to enter and take Murong Ti away.

Only then did Murong Ti open his eyes. He slowly rose, stared at Gao Qiao once, held up his shackled chains with both hands, and walked step by step out of the prison door under escort.

Xu Mi turned to Gao Qiao, his face resuming its usual appearance as he smiled: “Lord Gao, I truly don’t understand why you always harbor prejudice against me. The court can do without me, Xu Mi, but absolutely cannot do without Lord Gao—this point I, Xu Mi, know clearly. It’s rare that His Majesty has aspirations for restoration, only to encounter such a disaster. Times are difficult—internally we must pacify the people, externally we must quell disorder. In the future, if you and I work together with united hearts, combining our two families’ abilities to jointly serve the court, wouldn’t that be a good thing?”

Gao Qiao swept his sleeves and left.

Xu Mi watched Gao Qiao’s departing figure, a triumphant cold smile appearing at the corners of his lips.

…

From the day after news spread of the Emperor’s severe stroke, the officials buzzed like a disturbed hornet’s nest.

Xu Mi quickly became the focal point of official attention.

Originally, though the Crown Prince had been established and Emperor Xingping’s health hadn’t been great these past two years, he was only middle-aged, not terminally ill, and had three thousand beauties in his harem, plus Gao Qiao wielded power.

The future direction of the court couldn’t necessarily be seen at a glance.

After all, throughout history, crown princes who ultimately didn’t become emperor were numerous.

The Xu clan wouldn’t necessarily be the final victor.

No one had expected such a sudden overnight change in circumstances.

Besides being shocked, the officials privately began discussing one matter among those who normally associated with each other.

Once the Crown Prince ascended the throne, the court’s structure would undoubtedly undergo major changes.

Even if Gao Qiao continued to be appointed as regent for the young emperor, with the Empress Dowager above and Xu Mi beside him, the Gao clan’s voice in court affairs would inevitably be greatly constrained.

From now on, the Xu clan’s rise and the Gao clan’s relegation to secondary status was an obvious trend.

Thus, openly and secretly, within just a few days, many people could no longer restrain themselves and began sending autumn glances toward the Xu family, seeking to align with them.

The Xu family’s gates were crowded with visitors like gathering clouds, with constant comings and goings.

Court sessions had been suspended. When Gao Qiao entered the palace, he saw that besides a few imperial physicians and attending palace servants, only his wife Xiao Yongjia was at Emperor Xingping’s bedside.

Since the night the Emperor collapsed, Xiao Yongjia had moved into the palace, accompanying him day and night at his bedside.

The imperial physicians and palace servants all paid their respects when they saw him arrive.

Gao Qiao called an imperial physician aside to ask about the Emperor’s condition. He learned there was no improvement.

Though this was expected, his mood was still unavoidably heavy.

He glanced at the Emperor, who lay with half-open eyes in a state between sleep and waking, then turned his gaze to his wife. Seeing her haggard appearance and red-rimmed eyes, his heart couldn’t help but ache. He approached and said softly: “A’Ling, there are imperial physicians watching here. Go rest first. Don’t exhaust your health.”

Xiao Yongjia’s gaze shifted from Emperor Xingping’s face to Gao Qiao. She slowly stood up and said hoarsely: “Come with me.”

Gao Qiao escorted her to the palace chamber she had lived in as a maiden, which was still preserved. He led her to sit by the bed, then bent down and used his uninjured hand to remove her shoes, saying gently: “You’re tired. Sleep first.”

Xiao Yongjia said: “Murong Ti still won’t confess?”

Gao Qiao looked up, meeting her swollen eyes, feeling guilt in his heart.

“A’Ling, blame my incompetence…”

“What are your plans next?”

Gao Qiao fell silent, slowly straightening up.

“The Xu clan schemed deliberately, using such base methods to harm my brother. Are you just going to watch helplessly as the Empress and Xu Mi’s conspiracy succeeds?”

Xiao Yongjia suddenly stood up, covered her face, and tears of grief flowed through her fingers.

Gao Qiao quickly embraced his wife, sat back down with her, and said in a low voice: “Don’t cry first. I haven’t stopped thinking about this. I’m just still considering it.”

Xiao Yongjia slowly lowered her hands, looked up at him with tear-filled eyes, her expression pitiful.

Gao Qiao used his mobile hand to wipe away the tears on her face, saying softly: “Murong Ti won’t confess, so I truly can’t do anything to Xu Mi immediately. But if I don’t let this matter go, they won’t be able to bypass me and ascend to power easily either. I’ve observed the Crown Prince for a long time. Though young, his nature is quite cruel—he frequently beats and kills palace servants, and everyone despises him. He doesn’t have the bearing of a wise ruler…”

Gao Qiao’s advisors and clan officials who depended on the Gao family all spoke passionately, strongly urging Gao Qiao to seize this opportunity to create momentum, spare no means, even launch a thunderous palace coup to prevent the Xu clan from usurping power, and elevate Prince Dongyang Xiao Min to the throne.

Prince Dongyang was the direct imperial descendant closest in blood to Emperor Xingping besides the Crown Prince. Though young, he had always had a reputation for benevolence, and he was the husband of Gao Qiao’s niece Gao Yongrong.

If successful, the Gao family’s position would naturally continue as before, prospering endlessly.

But Gao Qiao had other concerns.

“A’Ling, I’ve long felt powerless regarding court affairs. The truth is I became too deeply involved before, like a boat on water—the boat wants to stop, but the water doesn’t cease. I’ve been involuntarily supporting things until today. When water is full it overflows, when the moon is full it wanes. The Gao clan’s glory was already at its peak. If Prince Dongyang is elevated to power, all matters will still depend on my Gao clan. From now on, I fear for my Gao clan this would not be a blessing, but rather a curse.”

“Among all prestigious clans whose families have extended for hundreds of years and whose descendants have long enjoyed hereditary benefits, which family has remained in high positions day after day for decades? Retiring at the height of success is the wise move. In the future, I, Gao Qiao, will still do what I can to seek stability for the Southern Dynasty and govern for the people, but to commit my entire family’s strength to elevating Prince Dongyang—this is not my wish.”

“I also know this court is already like a pool of mud. If you involve yourself too deeply, I fear you won’t be able to withdraw with your whole body intact in the future. If Prince Dongyang is not your preference, besides the Crown Prince, who else is there?”

As Xiao Yongjia finished speaking, she suddenly thought of someone.

“Prince Xin’an Xiao Daocheng?”

Gao Qiao slowly nodded.

“I do indeed intend to elevate him to power. He’s of the imperial house, in his prime, and can be considered capable. If he could inherit the throne, my future departure or staying would both be convenient. It’s just that he’s not a direct blood relative of your imperial house and lacks much prestige. With the Crown Prince ahead and Prince Dongyang behind, if I skip these two and directly elevate him to power, given that it concerns state structure, I fear I can’t convince everyone. Moreover, when I sounded him out yesterday, he also seemed unwilling to ascend, instead strongly recommending Prince Dongyang to me.”

His brow furrowed deeply.

“Even if successful, Xu Mi would certainly not give up easily, using the Crown Prince’s status. His Jingzhou troops are no trifling matter—by then I fear it would trigger another upheaval. This matter is of great importance, so I’m still considering…”

Xiao Yongjia gazed at her husband’s gaunt face.

“I understand. Moving one hair affects the whole body—you’re indeed in a difficult position now. But if there were His Majesty’s decree, implementing it should be easier, right?”

Gao Qiao was startled and looked at her uncomprehendingly, hesitating: “A’Ling, what do you mean? His Majesty can neither move his hands nor speak—how could he issue a decree?”

“Though my brother cannot move his hands or speak, he can hear, and his eyes can still blink. He must now hate the Empress and the Xu clan extremely. I’ll go explain the stakes to him, then you summon the ministers. When the time comes, I’ll ask questions—if he blinks, we’ll depose the Crown Prince and establish Prince Xin’an instead. This would be legitimate and proper, and no one could say a word against it! What do you think?”

Gao Qiao was stunned at first, then overjoyed, actually embracing his wife tightly.

“A’Ling, you’re truly too clever! I never thought of this point! Excellent! With His Majesty’s indication, we needn’t fear Xu Mi using the Crown Prince’s status to create momentum!”

Xiao Yongjia was startled by her husband suddenly embracing her so tightly, then softly pressed her face against his chest, closed her eyes, and remained motionless.

Gao Qiao suddenly seemed to think of something and released her, his expression grave.

“With things having reached this point, first changing Prince Xin’an to Crown Prince is of utmost importance. Bear with it for now—don’t publicly expose Xu Mi’s conspiracy to harm His Majesty, lest his Jingzhou troops hear and cause disorder. Wait until this period passes and the situation stabilizes, then slowly make plans. Understand?”

Xiao Yongjia opened her eyes and slowly nodded.

Gao Qiao gazed at her pale face, infinite tender love welling up in his heart. Unable to restrain himself, he lowered his head and gently kissed her forehead.

“You haven’t slept properly for several days and nights. Sleep first.”

He said gently.

…

Late at night, in the prison cells of the Court of Judicial Review, Murong Ti sat on the ground, looking at the man who had come to visit him.

His long hair was disheveled, falling over his shoulders. His clothes’ blood scabs had turned black-purple, and mosquitoes and flies drawn by the bloody smell buzzed around him.

Someone who should have appeared utterly wretched now looked so calm, even indifferent.

As if all this was merely external hardship that had no effect whatsoever on his inner state.

Xu Mi looked him over and clicked his tongue: “You look quite well. It seems Gao Qiao hasn’t subjected you to further torture these past few days.”

Murong Ti raised his eyes: “I’m grateful for Minister Xu’s life-saving grace that day. When the Minister achieves his ambitions, I hope you won’t forget the promise you once made to me.”

Xu Mi stroked his beard and chuckled: “Murong Ti, I don’t understand. Your sister escaped, so why didn’t you flee?”

“You and I have an unfinished agreement. Why would I flee?” Murong Ti smiled faintly.

“Originally, I, Xu Mi, am a man whose word is his bond. Once the Crown Prince ascends, lending you troops to let you return north for revenge would be a simple matter. It’s just that you yourself didn’t know your limits and ruined your own future. That I didn’t kill you then and allowed you to live until today already showed my mercy.”

“You still have the face to ask me for troops?”

His expression suddenly became grim as he stared at Murong Ti on the ground.

Murong Ti’s expression didn’t change; he continued smiling: “I don’t know what Minister Xu means. Forgive my stupidity—please explain clearly.”

“Murong Ti! Stop pretending in front of me!”

Xu Mi suddenly gave a low shout.

“My cousin Xu Yue—after that day of the winding stream banquet, he could neither be found alive nor dead. Did you kill him?”

He sneered.

“Your cunning and forbearance are rare in my lifetime. Originally, I rather admired you. I thought that letting you return north in the future, we might even join hands for some great undertaking. Unfortunately, you don’t know what’s good for you and don’t understand gratitude—you dared kill my cousin?”

“Though you’re cunning, those little tricks of yours trying to deceive me are still too naive. Forget about killing my cousin—even if you touched one of my Xu family’s dogs, I couldn’t tolerate you!”

“The reason I saved you from Gao Qiao’s blade that day was to repay the favor I owed you. I come here today to speak plainly with you. Don’t think you’re the cleverest person under heaven and can manipulate me, Xu Mi, in the palm of your hand!”

“Remember this—I’ve already returned you one life. Now when you die and reach the underworld, don’t blame me, Xu Mi, for being faithless and turning my back on people.”

He looked at Murong Ti with disgust and turned to leave.

Murong Ti stared at his back, his expression still calm.

“Minister Xu, the reason you rushed to arrive just as Gao Qiao was about to kill me that day was because you feared I would expose you, wasn’t it?”

“Rest assured. If you keep your promise, I, Murong Ti, will take our original agreement to the grave. Even if I die, no one will know that it was at your instigation that my sister had the opportunity to poison the current Emperor of Dayu, bringing him to today’s state.”

Xu Mi stopped, snorted: “Murong Ti, facing death, you still dare threaten me. Ridiculous!”

Murong Ti gazed at Xu Mi.

“Minister Xu, you only know my sister’s beauty can captivate men, making all who get close to her willing to submit and follow her commands. But you don’t know she can also imitate people’s handwriting with such skill that even the person being imitated would have difficulty distinguishing true from false.”

“While in the palace, she learned the Emperor’s handwriting early on and drafted a decree addressed to Gao Qiao. She also stole the imperial seal and stamped it.”

“The decree states that the Xu clan colluded with the Murong clan, presenting a woman to hide in the Empress’s palace and using her to seduce the Emperor. Should anything happen to the Emperor’s dragon body, he would certainly have been harmed jointly by those people. Besides Murong Ti, Xu Mi and Empress Xu were also participants. It commands Gao Qiao to hold this secret decree, clear the court of treacherous subjects, and uphold national law.”

“When my sister escaped, she carried this secret decree with her. Should I meet with misfortune, or should you break your word in the future, she will take this decree and sacrifice herself to see Gao Qiao.”

Murong Ti watched Xu Mi’s face gradually redden and smiled slightly.

“Minister Xu, tell me—if Gao Qiao received such a decree, even if the imperial seal on it were clearly genuine, or even if it bore a fake seal, would he turn a blind eye and easily let the Crown Prince ascend while your Xu clan covers the sky with one hand?”

“Moreover, my sister would serve as witness. Don’t think about capturing her. She possesses exceptional skills—unless she appears of her own accord, you’ll never find her.”

He methodically straightened his sleeves, making the chains on his shackles clank.

“We of the Murong clan, whether male or female, now struggling to survive in this world, have only one purpose—to restore our nation. If you properly follow your previous promise, in the future you can be your Southern Dynasty emperor while I restore my Yan kingdom. One south, one north, with no interference between us. Otherwise, though Murong Ti is worthless and his death insignificant, if I can drag down your Xu clan, then even death would be worthwhile.”

Xu Mi flew into rage, his eyes bulging. He drew the sword at his waist, rushed back to Murong Ti, and was about to strike.

Murong Ti’s lips held a cold smile. He straightened his chest and closed his eyes.

The sword point pierced into Murong Ti’s neck, but Xu Mi’s sword-wielding hand froze in mid-air.

After a long moment, he suddenly sheathed his sword and laughed loudly: “A joke! Just a joke! Murong Ti, you’re truly a remarkable person—I wasn’t wrong about you initially. In the future, you and I will surely have many opportunities to cooperate. Rest assured, previous matters are written off. I’ll remember my earlier promise. Stay calm for a few more days. Once I pass through this crisis, I’ll act according to my promise and absolutely won’t renege!”

Murong Ti opened his eyes and smiled: “Thank you, Minister Xu. I’ll await good news here.”

Xu Mi nodded. Just as he was about to offer a few more reassuring words, a follower hurried in from outside the prison door and whispered in his ear: “Minister, Gao Qiao just urgently summoned all officials to the Eastern Pavilion for an imperial audience, saying His Majesty has a decree to announce.”

Xu Mi’s face changed drastically, blurting out: “What? His Majesty can speak again?”

The follower shook his head: “No such news came from the Empress.”

Only then did Xu Mi breathe a sigh of relief. He steadied himself, glanced at the grave-faced Murong Ti, snorted: “Let’s go see what tricks Gao Qiao can pull!”