Evening clouds carried twilight hanging beneath the flying eaves of the nine-tiered palace towers, and in the sunset, the scattered sounds of golden bells were clear and distant.

At dusk, the palace servants of Chongming Palace, who had been desolate all day, welcomed their first visitor of the day.

Noble Consort Jing brought several palace attendants to deliver dinner she had personally prepared for His Majesty.

A full day of tranquility made the Chongming Palace servants, who had been busy for most of the year, quite unaccustomed to it. They feared this unease might spread to the Emperor and trigger some unpleasant emotions, so they all very diligently welcomed Noble Consort Jing inside.

When the Emperor heard the eunuch’s report and was still hesitating whether to let her in, Noble Consort Jing’s footsteps had already reached the hall steps.

Tie Yan simply let it be.

Over the past half year, Noble Consort Jing had often come to request audiences with him. Tie Yan understood this as missing their daughter and seeking comfort. His heart couldn’t bear it, so whenever he wasn’t too busy, he would let her stay for a while.

After all, the previous troubles had been resolved, and she was the Crown Princess’s birth mother – the proper respect should still be given.

Even a few times, whether in rain or snow, or when the atmosphere was particularly good with subtle fragrances floating, it actually stirred his rarely moved emotions. Behind deep gauze curtains with dragon and beast incense burning, he had kept her overnight.

Afterward, each time he saw Noble Consort Jing leaving with a rosy face and hopeful expression, his heart would inexplicably feel annoyed.

Once, Noble Consort Jing actually made little baby things in front of him. He thought she was making them for some relative, but thinking carefully, she had no relatives in the capital.

Until Noble Consort Jing, full of expectation yet subtly, spoke to him about how wonderful it would be if A’ci could have a little brother…

He didn’t let her finish, flew into a rage, and drove her out.

Before Tie Ci returned, Noble Consort Jing had been unable to see him for quite some time.

Later, reflecting in the middle of the night, he felt he had been excessive. Noble Consort Jing was just a consort, lonely in the deep palace – besides wanting the emperor’s favor and children, what else could she want?

And A’ci had never been very close to her.

Just as Tie Ci returned, using this opportunity, he had given both of them a way down from their awkward situation.

He couldn’t let Tie Ci see the embarrassment between her parents.

Fortunately, Noble Consort Jing had no memory for grudges. When he gave her the steps down, she would never sulk. Not only did she cheerfully descend, but she also started coming to his place again.

Tie Yan felt lazy in his heart and body. Seeing her arrive, he was also too lazy to drive her away, otherwise if word reached Tie Ci’s ears, it would inevitably cause unease.

Now with storms approaching and great events imminent, it was better not to add to the chaos.

At the table, Noble Consort Jing was gently attentive, her red sleeves adding soup.

Fire basins were lit in the hall, the red furnace facing the fire, warm fragrance endless.

At night, fine small hail seemed to fall, pattering delicately on the mica windows with tinkling sounds.

This buried the shallow moans and gasps deep within the heavy curtains.

…

Several days later, Tie Ci received the ten selected candidates who had already arrived in the capital at Ruixiang Hall.

Except for those predetermined few who went directly to the Inner Cabinet, the remaining ones were to be chosen by her father emperor. Tie Ci was uneasy and personally summoned them for instructions.

Jian Xi changed into blue female official robes, following Chi Xue step by step, walking on the mirror-bright floors of Ruixiang Hall.

She looked down at her reflection on the floor, but couldn’t help lifting the corners of her eyes slightly to see Her Highness the Crown Princess sitting behind the desk at the far end of the great hall, reading memorials.

Different from the Crown Princess they had seen at the academy, who dressed simply and had an approachable manner, the person sitting behind the desk wore long robes with jade belt, brows lowered and eyes downcast, her fingers holding the memorial snow-white, naturally emanating an air of noble elegance.

Yet she wore no crown, casually using a writing brush to pin up her black hair as a hairpin.

Within the dignity and nobility flowed a casual and carefree elegance.

The majestic and splendid great hall, the imperial palace at the political center of Great Qian, endowed its occupant with incomparable nobility. But she dwelling within showed no arrogance, her smiling gaze that looked over was heart-stirring.

Jian Xi knelt down with sincere admiration, thanking heaven and the person before her for giving her the opportunity to come here and do the best thing she could do in this lifetime.

Tie Ci looked at her – her conduct was measured without showing fear, and nodded with satisfaction.

She knew that Jian Xi appeared timid but was actually resolute, someone who could shoulder responsibilities.

Among the group, except for Fang Huai’an who was somewhat habitually restrained, the twins and Qi You all maintained natural attitudes. Chu Xingbai’s injury hadn’t healed and he had his arm in a sling. He first thanked Her Highness for helping find the culprit that day, then said that Director Rong was making every effort to pursue the criminal and would report as soon as there was news.

Tie Ci knew the other side had acted very cleanly, and it would be difficult to find clues quickly. Her people were also investigating. She nodded and let the group go to Chongming Palace.

Soon, word came from there saying they had kept the Chu brothers.

Tie Ci inquired about the situation in detail. The eunuch said: “Among the several secretaries who went, His Majesty actually liked them all very much. He originally wanted to keep Secretary Chu and Secretary Qi, but considering that the twins are inseparable like glue, he finally chose the twins. His Majesty said the twins were outstanding in both talent and appearance, and being twins who were both so excellent would be a good story to tell. When receiving foreign envoys, it would also be something to boast about.”

Tie Ci laughed, not surprised by this choice.

In the end, Fang Huai’an became an Inner Cabinet secretary, responsible for organizing internal and external memorials and writing summaries. Qi You became an Inner Cabinet runner, specifically responsible for carrying memorials and documents between the Inner Cabinet and Chongming Palace and Ruixiang Hall, with authority to enter and exit the palace prohibition. Jian Xi remained by Tie Ci’s side as a female secretary in charge of ink and documents. The Chu brothers, Chu Xingbai and Bai Xingchu, received Inner Cabinet runner positions, specializing in serving the Emperor’s writing materials.

Everyone settled into their positions and performed well. The court’s relationship with the major academies became closer as a result, and Tie Ci was very satisfied.

After several days like this, Tie Yan caught a slight cold, and several important ministers entered the palace to visit His Majesty.

When they entered, they saw Tie Ci coming out. As she descended the steps, she received a towel from a eunuch and wiped the medicine stains from her hands – clearly she had personally attended to his medicine. The Imperial Physician was standing nearby, slightly bowing as he reported the Emperor’s pulse diagnosis to her.

Seeing the old ministers enter, Tie Ci raised her hand to indicate they need not bow, listened seriously as the Imperial Physician finished speaking, nodded, instructed them to take good care of the Emperor, then hurried away.

The cabinet ministers bowed to see her off.

Since Tie Ci returned from Yannan, her authority had grown daily. These important ministers who used to maintain some airs when meeting her now trembled with caution in her presence, not daring to make any mistakes.

Duan Yande gazed at the Crown Princess’s retreating figure and sighed: “The Crown Princess is truly most sincere and filial.”

The cabinet ministers all agreed, while Xiao Liheng smiled faintly without speaking.

He had restrained himself considerably over the past half year, first claiming illness for a long time, then when he did attend court, acting as if he cared about nothing.

Not only did he act this way himself, but he also restrained the Xiao family proteges and children in court, everyone keeping quiet and shrinking back, even the Censorate hadn’t attacked anyone recently.

The cabinet ministers understood – the net the Crown Princess had cast against the Xiao family was tightening step by step. After losing Xiao Chang and Xiao Bi’an in succession, having the capital’s internal and external defenses purged, chaos in their homeland, and Xiao Xueya refusing to acknowledge the family, the Xiao family had almost no capital left to oppose Her Highness.

However, the Xiao family was skilled in commerce, with properties throughout the nation. Using their years of power, they controlled many important economic lifelines of the country. Xiao Liheng had threatened the Crown Princess with this very point back then, and now they wondered if the Crown Princess had preparations for this.

But from how the Crown Princess discussed plans in great detail yet never mentioned economic consequences, she should have arrangements for this too.

The cabinet ministers calculated in their hearts while secretly admiring Old Xiao – to be able to continue working as if nothing happened at such a time showed real endurance.

But thinking again, in their position at such a time, they too would have to attend court properly, fearing the Crown Princess might catch some fault.

The important ministers imagined the situation and sighed inwardly – offending the Crown Princess made life difficult indeed.

Or perhaps Old Xiao still thought his previous threats were effective and could still protect his family’s safety?

With turbulent thoughts but calm expressions, the group went in to visit Tie Yan. Seeing that Tie Yan only had a common cold with no serious problem, they all felt relieved.

Not daring to disturb His Majesty’s rest too much, they sat briefly before taking their leave. Chief Minister Rong rose last, moving rather slowly. Tie Yan looked at him and suddenly said: “Chief Minister, please stay a moment longer.”

Rong Luchuan smiled and turned to bow.

After everyone else left, Rong Luchuan sat by the couch, tucked in the Emperor’s blanket corners, and smiled: “The weather has turned cold recently with impending snow. Your Majesty should take care of your dragon body. Fortunately the Crown Princess has returned. Whatever troubles Your Majesty has, just entrust them to the Crown Princess. Your Majesty may rest assured – we old ministers will certainly assist Her Highness with all our strength, just as we serve Your Majesty.”

Tie Yan gazed at him, smiled slightly and said: “I have the same intention.”

Rong Luchuan smiled and said he wouldn’t disturb His Majesty’s rest, slowly rising.

But he heard Tie Yan say behind him: “Since such is the intention, naturally it must be in black and white to count.”

Rong Luchuan turned back.

He saw Tie Yan take out a silk scroll from the hidden box beside the couch.

Yellow satin with jade axis, giant silver dragons on both sides, with auspicious clouds and cranes embroidered subtly.

The highest level imperial edict.

Rong Luchuan’s expression stiffened slightly as he slowly knelt and received the edict Tie Yan handed him.

Tie Yan said: “Chief Minister, please open it and take a look.”

Rong Luchuan was silent for a while, then slowly opened the edict and glanced at it.

On his usually expressionless face with deep wrinkles, unmoved by eight winds, now only his eyebrow twitched slightly as he said: “Your Majesty is in the prime of life, why do you have thoughts of abdication?”

Tie Yan said: “My daughter Tie Ci is intelligent, virtuous, and exceptionally capable. Having such a daughter, I should entrust the realm to her early so I can enjoy leisure sooner.”

“If Your Majesty abdicates in your prime years, it might cause the people to misunderstand the Crown Princess. This minister believes the Crown Princess will certainly firmly decline to accept, and asks Your Majesty to think more for the Crown Princess.”

Tie Yan gazed at him and smiled: “I have thought of this. Chief Minister, there are too many scheming people in this world. No matter what one does, there will be gossip and improper ambitions. I don’t want to become hideous in such gossip, nor do I want those around me to become manipulators of gossip, becoming even more hideous.”

This time Rong Luchuan’s eye corner also twitched.

For that moment, he still maintained his unmovable appearance, yet somehow gave the impression he had suddenly been slapped.

And by someone he thought would never slap him.

“The most difficult thing to see through in this world is the human heart, and the simplest is also the human heart.” Tie Yan said, “Chief Minister, please go. I trust the Crown Princess – she can resolve all difficulties and disputes, and be a good master to all of you. I believe she will be stronger than I am, will stand atop these nine-tiered palace towers, overlooking the vast realm. All the ancestors of the Iron Dynasty will ultimately be proud of her.”

Rong Luchuan remained silent for a long time, then slowly prostrated himself: “This minister also believes it to be so.”

Tie Yan smiled and waved his hand: “There’s no rush to announce the edict. Please take it to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and announce it after reporting to the ancestors. There’s no need to tell the Crown Princess too early either. Before then, the Inner Cabinet and Ministry of Rites should begin preparing for the abdication ceremony.”

“This minister receives the edict.”

Rong Luchuan carried the imperial edict and slowly rose, his movements even slower than before.

Tie Yan suddenly added: “Since I plan to abdicate, naturally I should leave the Crown Princess opportunities to show grace. Looking around, your grandson has outstanding talent and will surely be of great use in the future. What does the Chief Minister think?”

Rong Luchuan’s hand trembled slightly.

During imperial succession, the old emperor would often demote a batch of favored important ministers so the new emperor could restore them, giving the new emperor opportunities to show grace and thus gain devoted future support.

The Emperor meant to demote Rong Pu.

But Rong Pu wasn’t even an important minister yet, having just established his footing at Yueli Academy. If he left, others might pluck the fruits of his labor. Moreover, since this was a demotion, the act had to be convincing – suffering was inevitable.

How could Rong Pu’s frail constitution endure such suffering?

And he knew perfectly well that the Emperor’s talk of showing grace was just an excuse – this was actually using his sickly legitimate grandson to threaten him.

This demotion might be permanent.

He might even lose his life.

Before today, Rong Luchuan might not have believed the Emperor could be so ruthless. After all, he had watched Tie Yan as a puppet for so many years that his impression was deeply ingrained.

But after today, he dared not think so anymore.

Ultimately, this was just punishment, forcing him to make a choice.

He lowered his eyes and said softly: “Your Majesty, Rong Pu has no real position in court, no achievements, and cannot bear such great responsibility. If Your Majesty permits, this old minister is willing to be the pioneer, helping Her Highness in ‘paying a thousand gold for horse bones.'”

Tie Yan said indifferently: “Demote the Chief Minister without cause? The dynasty has no such precedent, and I cannot bear the responsibility. Besides, the Chief Minister is nearly seventy years old. Even if you were to be restored in the future, I fear you couldn’t wait that long.”

“This minister is nearly seventy, aged and frail with many ailments, already struggling to bear court duties.” Rong Luchuan bowed deeply, “Please permit this old minister to request retirement.”

The hall was very quiet.

One could barely hear anyone breathing.

After a long time, Tie Yan heard the Emperor say: “Granted.”

Rong Luchuan closed his eyes.

“This minister thanks Your Majesty’s grace.”

He held the imperial edict and slowly walked out, pushing open the door. Grand Tutor He and Duan Yande, whom he thought had already left, were still there. He Zi stood under the eaves with his hands behind his back without looking back, while Duan Yande looked at him with some pity.

Duan Yande said: “We waited here to accompany the Chief Minister in delivering the edict to the Imperial Ancestral Temple.”

Rong Luchuan gripped the imperial edict tightly. At this moment, he suddenly remembered something Rong Pu had said to him in their residence after an argument.

“Grandfather, you’ve had a successful career and long held great power, naturally you’re a first-class intelligent person and manipulator. But even so, you cannot underestimate the people of the world.”

“His Majesty and Her Highness are not rulers who can be deceived. His Majesty and Her Highness also have deep father-daughter affection, incomparable to ordinary imperial family members.”

“If you underestimate them and attempt to manipulate power schemes before them, one day you will surely face backlash.”

…