She wanted to become Emperor… Fourth Prince’s outstretched hand froze in mid-air as he stared at his sister in disbelief, suddenly feeling as if she had become a stranger.

Huai Qing’s words echoed like thunder in the ears of Prince Li and the other royal clan members, shocking them even more than when she and Xu Qi An had forced Yong Xing to abdicate.

She must have gone mad!

This thought simultaneously arose in everyone’s minds.

Prince Li collected himself, his slightly clouded gaze fixed intently on Huai Qing: “What… did you say?”

Huai Qing’s tone remained unchanged: “This Princess intends to ascend the throne as Emperor.”

“Bang!”

Prince Li slammed his palm on the table, rising with the support of his cane. His finger trembled as he pointed at Huai Qing, his fury unbridled:

“Preposterous!

“You unfilial child, do you realize what you’re saying? A mere woman daring to ascend the throne as Emperor—who would submit to you! I see you’ve been blinded by power and ambition, losing all reason.

“If you were to ascend the throne, how would you command respect? Someone would surely use this as an excuse to rebel, and Great Fan would fall even faster.”

This was unacceptable!

Prince Li could tolerate Emperor Yong Xing’s abdication. Power transitions during tumultuous times were inevitable, and if Yong Xing couldn’t keep the throne, it was due to his incompetence.

As long as the successor was a legitimate royal prince, there would be no issue.

Though Huai Qing was of pure royal blood, she was a princess—a woman. How could she become Emperor?

The princes and dukes began to discuss among themselves, some wringing their hands in dismay, others angrily calling her mad, their emotions running high.

Seeing his uncles and brothers’ mounting opposition, Prince Yan seized the opportunity, raising his hand to quiet them: “Honored uncles, please remain calm.”

At this moment, his position as Huai Qing’s brother became prominent, and the princes and dukes indeed fell silent.

When a woman of the family gains power, the male relatives bask in her glory. Since Huai Qing was Prince Yan’s full-blooded sister, everyone naturally assumed he held the right to speak.

Prince Yan advised earnestly: “Huai Qing, Fourth Brother knows you’ve always been ambitious, a woman no less capable than men. Fourth Brother promises to give you opportunities and space to realize your ambitions.

“But as for ascending the throne as Emperor, speak no more of it. Even if we agreed, the officials wouldn’t agree, and neither would the common people.”

He might as well have said outright that it was ridiculous for a woman to become Emperor.

Huai Qing glanced at Prince Yan, then swept her gaze across the assembled princes and dukes, her tone calm: “Who says a woman cannot become Emperor? There are precedents—the Great Yang Female Emperor pioneered this path thousands of years ago.”

“Yang” was the dynasty before Great Zhou, nearly two thousand years ago. During the middle period of Great Yang, various feudal lords rebelled, capturing the capital and massacring the royal family, killing almost all male members.

At that time, a princess of Great Yang, possessing extraordinary talent, eschewed the traditional feminine arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, preferring instead to practice martial arts. When her father, brothers, and nearly all male clan members were massacred in the rebellion, she resolutely stood forth.

She gathered an army, quelled rebellions everywhere, and after six years finally suppressed the feudal lords’ uprising.

Afterward, she ascended the throne as Emperor, becoming the first female Emperor in Central Plains history.

Prince Li sneered: “If you were a Second-Rank warrior, this Prince would kneel and beg you to ascend the throne.”

The Great Yang Female Emperor had been of Second Rank.

Huai Qing remained composed, her expression unchanged as she said calmly: “This Princess’s cultivation is modest, merely Fourth Rank, but Xu Qi An has already advanced to Second Rank.”

Everyone in the side hall looked dumbfounded.

Prince Li’s eyes widened, his hand trembling on his cane: “Xu Qi An… he’s advanced to Second Rank?!”

Seeing Huai Qing’s silence, he anxiously tapped his cane and demanded: “Answer me.”

Huai Qing smiled: “Otherwise, how would we have the confidence to fight to the death with the Yun Province rebels?”

Prince Yu stirred slightly: “You mean he supports your ascension to Emperor…”

Huai Qing faltered for a moment, remembering their exchange through the Earth Book—

[Three: Your Highness, one last question…]

[One: Please speak.]

[Three: Do you truly wish to establish the Fourth Prince?]

[One: Why do you ask?]

[Three: Because I think you want to be Emperor.]

After a very long silence… [One: If this Princess wished to ascend the throne, what would you do?]

[Three: It can be done!]

Even now, recalling that exchange, Huai Qing could still feel the turbulent emotions she had experienced then.

At that moment, she had gone to the window, and pushed it open, letting both sunlight and cold air flood in.

Facing the sunlight, she lifted her face, closed her eyes, and sighed three words.

“Xu Ning Yan…”

Huai Qing didn’t answer Prince Yu’s question, as there was no need.

She continued: “Both the Wei faction and the Wang faction are my people. Most of the capital’s twelve guards have already pledged allegiance to me, and the five imperial guard camps only recognize the tiger tally, not individuals. The tiger tally is now in my possession.

“With the support of Xu Ning Yan, a Second-Rank warrior, Great Uncle, and honored uncle, is there anyone in the royal family more suitable to be Emperor than me?

“The tens of thousands of troops at Yu Yang Pass under Jiang Lu Zhong and Zhang Kai Tai are my people. The Chu Province Commander is my person.

“Great Uncle, is this enough?”

After a moment of dead silence, Prince Li said gravely: “A woman becoming Emperor would upset ethics and throw the court into chaos. Don’t forget that beyond the capital, there’s still the Cloud Deer Academy.”

“How convenient, this Princess was just about to address that,” Huai Qing said coolly. “This Princess has already promised to allow the Cloud Deer Academy to return to court, with Zhao Shou joining the cabinet.”

“…” Prince Li closed his eyes.

Huai Qing pressed her advantage: “In terms of strategy, talent, and courage, is there anyone in the royal family who surpasses me?”

Prince Yan opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing.

Huai Qing stood, her commanding gaze sweeping over the assembled princes and dukes: “Besides this Princess, who else in the royal family can save the imperiled Great Fan, save all of you who may not see tomorrow?

“Rely on the weak and incompetent Yong Xing?”

This was the first time she had revealed her sharp edge, revealed her disdain.

The royal family members finally realized they had underestimated this Crown Princess, thinking she was merely scholarly and talented.

From Yuan Jing to Yong Xing’s reign, she had always maintained a low profile, neither showing off nor concerning herself with state affairs.

Only now did she reveal her true face, and by the time they realized it, their lives were already in her grasp.

Seeing no opposition, Huai Qing withdrew her sharp edge and said: “I summoned you all today because I don’t wish to see royal blood spilled. Support me, and you can enjoy wealth and glory. Harbor other thoughts, and death awaits.

“Great Uncle, you are the elder, speak your piece.”

Prince Li couldn’t help but look at Huai Qing, startled to find her eyes dark and calm yet containing killing intent. His heart trembled as he said heavily: “Things have come to this point, what more can this Prince say?”

Huai Qing then turned to her dispirited brother, gently straightening his collar and smoothing the wrinkles on his chest, saying softly: “From now on, Fourth Royal Brother and Yong Xing, along with the other brothers, will have to temporarily reside in the basement of the Star-Watching Tower.

“I will take good care of Fourth Brother’s and the other brothers’ children.

“If any uncles are interested in staying at the Star-Watching Tower, this Princess would be most welcoming.”

The assembled royal family members’ faces changed slightly.

“Clap! Clap!”

Huai Qing clapped her hands, summoning the armored soldiers outside the side hall, and instructed: “Take them back to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, then bring the Wang faction members to me.”

The Wang faction didn’t know about her intention to ascend the throne; Xu Qi An had persuaded Wang Zhen Wen under the pretense of establishing Prince Yan.

However, now that they were on this path, it would be difficult to turn back, so next, Huai Qing needed to have a heart-to-heart talk with the Wang faction’s core members.

…

Near noon, the chaos in the palace and imperial city was completely quelled. All the expert warriors in the imperial guard had been subdued by Xu Qi An. Among the soldiers of the twelve guards loyal to Emperor Yong Xing, those who could be persuaded were converted, while the die-hards were executed.

With Xu Qi An present, none of the retainers employed by the imperial city’s officials and nobles dared to show themselves.

In the Hall of Supreme Harmony, the officials, nobles, and royal clan members gathered again. Huai Qing, escorted by two rows of armored soldiers, entered the hall in a white dress that trailed along the ground.

She approached the throne with graceful bearing, looking down at the assembled officials, her voice cool and clear:

“Since the onset of winter, the cold disaster has raged, leaving the people destitute. Yong Xing’s poor governance has led to public resentment and widespread rebellion. Knowing his virtue is insufficient for the position, he wishes to abdicate and entrust the state to this Princess.

“Do any of you object?”

Except for the Yun Province delegation, all the assembled officials, nobles, and royal clan members bowed their heads and called out: “Your Highness’s profound virtue makes you worthy of this great responsibility.”

As she had not yet ascended the throne, they could not address her as “Your Majesty.”

The Yun Province delegation stood isolated, trembling with fear and somewhat embarrassed.

…

Atop the Hall of Supreme Harmony, Xu Qi An stood with his hands behind his back, surveying the entire palace complex.

The cold wind lifted the corners of his clothes and stirred his temple hair. As the voices of the officials echoed from the hall below, Xu Qi An inexplicably recalled how two years ago, he had been an insignificant nobody.

Yuan Jing, Wei Yuan, the Supervisor, Wang Zhen Wen, and all the officials in the hall—each had held lofty positions, figures he could only look up to from afar.

Two years later, some were dead, some were ill, and now the court officials and indeed the entire capital were beneath his feet.

“The rolling Yangtze flows east to the sea, its waves washing away all heroes. Right and wrong, success and failure—all turn to emptiness. The green mountains remain as always, beneath how many crimson sunsets…

“If I were to release this poem now, it would cause another uproar, and Second Uncle would be criticized again.”

After his soft recitation, he smiled with a complex expression:

“But I no longer have the mood I once had to seek fame through poetry.”

…

In the Imperial Study, only Huai Qing and Xu Qi An were present.

“I still have some influence—the capital’s twelve guards and imperial army have been subdued, and everyone is showing me proper respect, staying compliant for now,” Xu Qi An said, standing in the hall and looking at the cold beauty behind the great desk. “How to maintain the army’s loyalty, replace them with trusted subordinates, and stabilize public sentiment—that’s your concern now.”

His attitude suggested it was no longer his problem.

The capital would enter a brief period of chaos as various powers needed to be reshuffled.

Those who could be won over would be won over, those who couldn’t would be eliminated. Of course, necessary compromises would be made, and appropriate concessions given.

These matters no longer required his attention; Xu Qi An trusted the Crown Princess would handle them herself.

Huai Qing’s fingers brushed over the brush rack, selecting an ivory brush as she said coolly:

“How to deal with Lin An is your matter.

“A palace maid from Jing Xiu Palace just risked her life to deliver a message—Noble Consort Chen wishes to see you, and Lin An is with her.”

After gaining control of the palace’s four gates, Huai Qing lifted restrictions, no longer prohibiting princes, princesses, and consorts from entering or leaving their residences.

Xu Qi An thought for a moment and said:

“Regarding stabilizing public sentiment, I have an idea. We could parade the Yun Province delegation through the streets and post announcements stating that I initiated this purge of corrupt officials. As a princess, your ascension lacks legitimacy, and the common people won’t accept you until you’ve proven yourself.

“But we can use my reputation.”

“This Princess had the same thought.” Huai Qing dipped her brush in ink, casually writing some of his previous poems on paper as she spoke: “No need to bother with Noble Consort Chen. If you find her troublesome, this Princess will deal with her. As for Lin An…”

The Crown Princess’s lips curved in a mocking smile:

“Officer Xu is most skilled at sweet talk—just use your usual expertise.”

Don’t speak with such sarcasm… Xu Qi An said irritably: “Yong Xing is still her brother.”

Huai Qing nodded: “That’s why sparing his life is the best explanation for Lin An. She’ll cry for a few days and come to terms with it herself.”

Xu Qi An felt shortchanged and complained: “Is this how you help me?”

Huai Qing put down her brush and looked at him expressionlessly:

“Yong Xing has abdicated, so the marriage he arranged is void. After this Princess ascends the throne, I will help Officer Xu annul the engagement.

“Then you won’t need to worry about appeasing Lin An.”

“Second Uncle has already agreed to it—how can it be annulled?” Xu Qi An shook his head repeatedly.

“If this Princess says it can be done, it can be done.” Huai Qing was unexpectedly domineering, seemingly determined to annul the engagement.

“Your Highness should focus on the immediate matters at hand!”

Xu Qi An cupped his hands and left the Imperial Study. Instead of going to the inner palace, he turned toward the exit, heading for the Night Watchmen’s Office.

In the Imperial Study, Huai Qing bit her lip and gave a cold snort.

…

Riding his mare, he returned to the Night Watchmen’s Office with a clatter of hooves. Under Song Ting Feng’s lead, they went to the dungeon.

The jailer opened the iron door leading underground. Song Ting Feng walked in front, and passing the interrogation room, he wondered aloud:

“Ning Yan, whenever I see these strange torture implements, I feel like I’ve forgotten something.”

Xu Qi An was unfamiliar with the Night Watchmen’s dungeon, let alone the torture implements, so he paid no attention to Song Ting Feng’s words.

“Let’s go to the brothel later, but you’ll need to disguise yourself first.”

“We’ll talk about it later—who has time for brothels now?”

They exchanged casual conversation as they quickly arrived at the cell holding the Yun Province delegation.

The delegation’s guards had already been executed on Huai Qing’s orders, leaving only the negotiating officials and Ji Yuan, Xu Yuan Shuang, and Xu Yuan Huai.

The three were imprisoned together, stripped of their fine clothes, and dressed in prison garb.

Xu Yuan Huai’s tendons had been cut again, and he wore shackles on his hands and feet, weakly leaning against the wall.

When Xu Qi An opened the cell door and entered, the three had different reactions.

Ji Yuan frowned slightly and stepped back.

Xu Yuan Huai glanced at him once, then turned away, his face cold.

“You… what are you doing here…”

Xu Yuan Shuang’s feelings toward this elder brother were more complex—there was the enmity instilled since childhood, the pity influenced by their mother, a sister’s reverence for her brother, and the helplessness of serving different masters.

She couldn’t determine what feelings she held for her elder brother.

“Why did Li Ping Feng send you two to the capital—to deliberately provoke me, or to increase Ji Yuan’s margin for error?”

Xu Qi An regarded them with cold hostility.

Xu Yuan Shuang lowered her head and said softly:

“I think both.”

Xu Qi An examined the two of them and sneered:

“It seems you’re viewed as disposable insects. Truly useless, not even worth exploiting.”

Xu Yuan Huai suddenly clenched his fists, but with cut tendons, he couldn’t even make a proper fist.

Xu Yuan Shuang felt both wronged and ashamed, lowering her head.

“Since you’ve come to the capital, don’t think about leaving—this place isn’t suitable for you.” Xu Qi An turned to Song Ting Feng:

“Transfer them to the basement of the Star-Watching Tower.”

Song Ting Feng nodded.

“Has that boy been interrogated?” Xu Qi An looked toward Ji Yuan, who was leaning against the wall.

“The Imperial Observatory’s practitioners questioned him, but the content is classified—I haven’t seen it.” Song Ting Feng finished speaking, then looked at Xu Yuan Shuang and clicked his tongue:

“Such a delicate beauty—don’t send her to the Imperial Observatory, Ning Yan. Take her home as a concubine.”

He didn’t know about Xu Qi An’s background or the grudges with the Yun Province branch.

Perhaps later there would be a chance to bring them home to meet Second Uncle and see which was more formidable in a contest between his birth sister and cousin… Xu Qi An walked up to Ji Yuan and looked down at him:

“You rank ninth among that group of useless brothers?”

Ji Yuan didn’t show any anger, smiling as he said:

“Ji Yuan greets cousin.”

After being imprisoned in the Night Watchmen’s dungeon, Ji Yuan quickly calmed down. After a brief analysis, he believed Xu Qi An still had some sense. Although he had seized the opportunity to stage a coup and support a woman’s ascension, Xu Qi An hadn’t killed him, suggesting he still saw some value in keeping him alive.

Perhaps he wanted to use him in negotiations with Yun Province.

“Slap!”

Xu Qi An backhanded him across the face.

Ji Yuan was just a weak scholar—how could he withstand it? He flew like a broken sandbag, ears ringing, unable to get up for a long while.

“Don’t claim kinship—who’s your cousin?” Xu Qi An’s expression was calm as if he had just swatted a fly.

“Legitimate son or concubine’s son?” he asked again.

Ji Yuan’s ears were ringing and deaf, and he couldn’t hear clearly. Seeing Xu Qi An raise his hand again, his face changed dramatically. Still, Xu Yuan Shuang, considering their cousin relationship, answered for him:

“Concubine’s son…”

Xu Qi An made an “oh” sound and sneered:

“Born of a lowly concubine, eh? Another worthless pawn. How much do you think that one in Dragon-Rising City would be willing to pay to ransom you?

“Think carefully before you answer—it will determine whether you can return to Yun Province alive.”

A crude, crude brute… Ji Yuan leaned against the wall, struggling to stand, his cheek hugely swollen. Suddenly he lowered his head and spat out a bloody tooth.

Xu Yuan Shuang said softly:

“He is Ji Xuan’s blood brother.”

Xu Qi An’s eyes lit up, and he smiled:

“Interesting!”

He walked slowly toward Ji Yuan, who pressed himself against the wall in panic, the earlier slap having destroyed all his confidence and composure.

“As expected of brothers—you and Ji Xuan are alike, both lacking self-awareness.”

He patted Ji Yuan’s face, then left the cell with Song Ting Feng and the pair of siblings.

Ji Yuan pressed against the wall, fists clenched, his face full of hatred and humiliation.

In the corridor, Xu Qi An had only walked a few steps when he heard a clear female voice from a cell on the left:

“Hey, hey, is that Officer Xu?”

Looking over, he saw a woman with disheveled hair in dirty prison clothes, her features strikingly beautiful.

Xu Qi An was taken aback:

“Who are you?”

“I’m from the Thieves’—no, the Divine Thieves’ Guild. I’m Zhu. You imprisoned me during the Heaven-Human Conflict.”

The woman seemed to have suffered a great shock, clutching the bars excitedly.

“Oh, it’s you. What’s the matter?” Xu Qi An asked, confused.

“When are you going to release me? I’ve been imprisoned for nine months.” A Zhu spoke excitedly.

Xu Qi An looked at Song Ting Feng:

“How should we handle this woman?”

Song Ting Feng pursed his lips:

“For notorious repeat offenders like her, it’s either exile, cutting off their hands, or life imprisonment. Didn’t you instruct us to keep her under close watch when you brought her in, saying she’d be useful in the future?”

Xu Qi’an thought to himself, I completely forgot about that.

Now was a good time to use people, perhaps he could arrange a position for her later… Just as Xu Qi An walked out of the dungeon entrance, Xu Yuan Shuang said softly:

“Ji Yuan has been secretly in contact with Noble Consort Chen these past few days.”

Noble Consort Chen… Xu Qi An nodded, then said to Song Ting Feng:

“Tomorrow, parade the Yun Province delegation through the streets—give the capital’s citizens a surprise.”

Leaving the Night Watchmen’s Office, he parted ways with Song Ting Feng, who was escorting Xu Yuan Shuang and Xu Yuan Huai to the Imperial Observatory.

He rode straight to the palace.

This was perfect—there was still a mystery in Noble Consort Fu’s case, and he wanted to question Noble Consort Chen personally.