General Golden Falcon delivered Li Zhongqian’s letters every two days. The letters were hastily written, briefly mentioning where he had reached and which route he would take next.
This day, after finishing her tasks, Yao Ying compared the letter with a map, let out a puzzled sound, and turned to ask Tanmolouqie.
They sat back to back, his desk also piled with documents. With one glance at the map, wherever she pointed, he could describe the local tribes and customs.
Yao Ying lay back over her desk, picked up her brush, and wrote a letter, saying she had been ill recently and missed Li Zhongqian.
The letter was sent out, and within days, Li Zhongqian replied, still with just a few sentences, not mentioning her illness.
Yao Ying rolled up the parchment, her brows slightly furrowed.
…
Two months later.
Chang’an.
The sky was vast, the Milky Way brilliantly starlit. The ward districts gleamed with lanterns, the night market ablaze with thousands of lights, like the outline of scattered stars reflected on the ground.
Wei Dynasty Emperor Li De stood before the hall, wearing a round-collared everyday robe of imperial yellow. His temples were frosted with age, his face lined with wrinkles, but his eyes remained deep and clear as he gazed westward.
The night was still, yet a storm approached.
He coughed several times.
The attendant anxiously advised: “Your Majesty, you’ve just taken medicine and shouldn’t be in the wind. The night is deep and dewy – please return to the hall early.”
Li De waved his hand.
The attendant respectfully withdrew.
A guard with a wrapped headcloth ran up, clasping his hands: “Your Majesty, the edicts have been sent to Hexi, Gaochang, and other regions. Gaochang hasn’t responded yet. The Lin, Chen, Yu, and Wang families have submitted memorials expressing their profound gratitude and will send their sons to the capital on chosen days for the princess’s selection.”
Li De’s expression remained unchanged.
Losing Hexi was like having the dynasty’s throat gripped – they would inevitably be at others’ mercy. The recovery of Hexi and the Western Regions benefited the state and future generations. He was happier than anyone, but for Wei’s lasting peace, they must reclaim the horse pastures and strengthen military power.
But now the Western Army was in Li Yao Ying’s hands, becoming another of his worries.
Li Yao Ying, a mere weak woman, had not only survived being lost in the war-torn Western Regions but continuously grown stronger – all beyond his expectations. One cannot sleep easily with others beside one’s bed. Li Yao Ying and Li Zhongqian hated him to the bone and would eventually rebel. He couldn’t keep these children around.
He had to cultivate another force before their foundation became too stable. Let them fight each other, so the court could seize control of the situation.
“Who’s guarding the separate palace?”
“Your Majesty, everything is arranged. The separate palace is guarded by Left Valiant Guard General Sun Qin – Empress Xie couldn’t fly away even with wings. Right Valiant Guard General Pei Yanzhi guards the palace city’s northern Zhongxuan Gate. Two Military Guard Generals protect the south and east. All wards have been cleared, filled with Imperial Guard troops.”
“What about the Eastern Palace’s troops?”
“As per Your Majesty’s orders, the Eastern Palace troops were transferred to Luoyang. Now the Golden Feather Guard protects the Eastern Palace. Crown Princess Zheng minds her own business, focused solely on educating the Crown Prince’s son daily. When her mother’s birthday came, His Highness didn’t return to the Zheng family, only sending some ordinary birthday gifts.”
Li De nodded.
Zheng, worthy of being the Chancellor’s clan niece, knew how to read the situation and when to keep herself safe. As the Crown Prince’s son’s mother, as long as she obeyed, glory and power would be within easy reach.
A Golden Feather Guard rushed up the stone steps: “Your Majesty, victory reports! The flying cavalry has returned from Southern Chu, already reaching the Capital Prefecture!”
The attendants’ faces showed joy.
Previously, Crown Prince Li Xuanzhen led troops abroad and delayed returning, even traveling thousands of li to the Western Regions. The emperor sent several groups to persuade him before the Crown Prince returned to Chang’an. Months ago, the Crown Prince led armies south to attack Southern Chu, unexpectedly flooding their capital, and greatly defeating the Chu army. The Chu ruler and officials surrendered, and Southern Chu’s territory completely returned to Wei.
With the realm unified and the Crown Prince returning, who wouldn’t smile with joy?
The attendants’ eyes shifted as they competed to flatter Li De, speaking of how storytellers in the wards praised the Crown Prince’s brave martial spirit. Just as the excitement peaked, hurried footsteps approached, and two Imperial Guards ran up the stone steps.
“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned to the capital without summons – he’s already outside the palace gates!”
The steps fell silent, attendants dumbstruck.
The flying cavalry had just entered the Capital Prefecture – how could the Crown Prince, as commander, already be at the palace gates? As Crown Prince, he was forcing entry into the forbidden palace – could he have ill intentions?
The wind blew, sending chills down everyone’s spines.
Li De’s expression didn’t change, as if he had expected this. He asked: “How many men did he bring?”
“Your Majesty, His Highness brought only a few attendants back to the capital. The others returned to the Eastern Palace. The Crown Prince enters the palace alone.”
Li De’s face darkened: “Let him in.”
The Imperial Guards acknowledged and went to relay the message at the gates. The attendants looked at each other, sweating profusely, not daring to make a sound.
Soon, lanterns swayed in the distance, and heavy footsteps echoed below the steps.
A tall figure strode up the steps through the night. Before he came close, attendants already saw the cold glint of blade reflections, trembling in fear.
Li De watched the approaching figure, silent.
Under starlight, before the attendants could devise a strategy, Li Xuanzhen had rushed into the corridor. Still in armor, travel-worn, full-bearded, his white robe gray with blood and dust, his narrow phoenix eyes flashing with fury.
“Where are the Chen family members?”
He went straight to the emperor and asked directly.
Li De waved, signaling the attendants to withdraw, and said coolly: “You left the flying cavalry behind and entered the palace alone just for some Chen family members?”
Li Xuanzhen laughed coldly: “I had just sent people to rescue the Chen family when you had them kidnapped. Where are they detained? I’m taking them away today.”
Li De’s face showed no emotion: “The Chen family of Southern Chu – what are they to you?”
He paused, his tone suddenly harsh, “Is it for Seventh Miss? You developed romantic feelings for her?”
Li Xuanzhen fell silent.
Li De laughed in extreme anger, two sharp lights shooting from his eyes: “Utterly foolish! Who is she? You save the Chen family for her – will she be grateful? Since you know her background, you should have captured the Chen family as leverage, to make her wary! Not rescue them and send them to Gaochang. She won’t appreciate your kindness!”
Li Xuanzhen looked at him, his gaze indifferent. “Release the Chen family.”
Li De smiled slightly: “Today, before Li Yao Ying even spoke, you entered the palace alone for her blood relatives, demanding people from me. In the future, if she just asks, will you hand over the throne and empire?”
The cold questioning voice echoed in the night.
Li Xuanzhen stood before the steps, his features frozen, motionless. The cool wind blew, spreading the bloody smell from his body.
Li De’s expression grew increasingly grim: “You are the Crown Prince, future Emperor. Any woman you want would be easy to obtain. No matter Seventh Miss’s surname, with just your word, she would have to enter the palace to serve you. How is that compared to being played with like a clown here?”
“She hasn’t treated me like a clown.”
Li Xuanzhen said coldly.
A clown could at least make her smile – she didn’t even consider him at all.
“I love her. No matter how shameless others think this is, I won’t hide it anymore…”
Li Xuanzhen’s eyes reflected the deep night sky. “This has nothing to do with her. She won’t use me!”
“You’ve received my teachings for years, yet remain so naive!” Li De raged, his sleeve swinging to create a cold bloody wind. “Li Zhongqian and Li Yao Ying have become my greatest worry. You and the Crown Prince’s son will eventually die at their hands. My decision is made.”
“Even without personal grudges, for the empire’s stability, I must cut off the roots!”
Li Xuanzhen clenched his fists, veins bulging, drawing the short sword at his waist.
The Imperial Guards rushed forward.
Li Xuanzhen, eyes bulging with rage, plunged the short sword into his chest with a squelch, blood spurting.
Everyone cried out together.
Li Xuanzhen spoke word by word: “Seventh Miss cares for the common people and will restrain Li Zhongqian. If you dare harm her, kill me first!”
Li De watched blood gushing from his chest, enraged, his eyes turning green: “You’re completely unreasonable! For a woman who doesn’t even consider you human, you’d throw away your life! Between Seventh Miss and your empire, which weighs more?”
Li Xuanzhen smiled mockingly.
“Father, compared to you back then, I fall far short.”
Hearing his sarcastic meaning, Li De’s eyes widened in a furious rage, his body trembling several times, features twisted.
The nearby attendant was startled, hurrying to support him.
Li De waved, shaking off the attendant who fell to the ground, crawled up, and retreated to the side.
“Indeed, I disregard all relations, am harsh and ungrateful, without sentiment or righteousness.”
“I am Emperor – I cannot allow any hidden dangers in court!” He glared at Li Xuanzhen. “I tell you, you’re already too late. When I act, no one can stop me!”
Li Xuanzhen’s heart skipped a beat. “What have you done?”
Li De contained his anger and said coolly: “I sent someone to write a letter to Li Zhongqian, telling him Li Yao Ying must either give up the Western Army or find a husband among the Eastern Palace’s subordinates. Empress Xie is in a separate palace. I’ve investigated Li Yao Ying’s background – with Li Zhongqian’s temperament, won’t he return to the capital? Li Zhongqian has always wanted to assassinate me. If I capture him, would Li Yao Ying stand by and watch him die? I won’t kill her – killing her would throw the Western Army into chaos and be difficult to explain to King Tanmo at the royal court. I have ways to make her walk into my trap!”
Li Xuanzhen’s eyes suddenly blazed with anger, coldness shooting up from his feet.
Li De waved his hand, and a Golden Feather Guard came forward, kneeling: “Your Majesty, Duke of Wei Li Zhongqian left the Western Army several days ago, riding through the night. He’ll reach the capital in two more days.”
Li Xuanzhen’s pupils contracted, and he suddenly turned.
The Golden Feather Guards quickly pounced, surrounding him, long sabers and sharp swords all pointing at him.
“You think why I captured the Chen family? It was to force you back to the capital!” Li De looked at his son. “When Li Zhongqian returns to the capital, Li Yao Ying will certainly come too. Then when she pleads softly, you’ll inevitably help her save people. Before I resolve this trouble for you, you’ll properly reflect behind closed doors!”
“Take the Crown Prince away! Guard him strictly – without my written order, he is not to be released!”
Li Xuanzhen was taken away, and imprisoned in an underground dungeon cell.
The cell was dimly lit. A woman in hemp robes with disheveled hair crouched in the corner, her feet in shackles. Hearing the noise, she raised her head, expression terrified, shrinking into the corner. When her gaze fell on Li Xuanzhen, her eyes gradually widened. She opened her mouth, making excited grunting sounds from her throat, suddenly pouncing forward.
The shackles clanked as she was pulled back, falling into a pile of straw. She crawled forward, reaching for Li Xuanzhen’s robe hem.
“Changsheng… save me…”
Li Xuanzhen recognized her and froze, suddenly turning back.
“Why is she here?”
The guard trembled at his gaze, carefully saying: “Your Highness, this was His Majesty’s order. Lady Zhu married a Northern Rong noble. When the Northern Rong remnants surrendered, she was presented to the court by the Rong people. She leaked court secrets and colluded with the Northern Rong. His Majesty knew you used to like her very much and spared her life. Lady Zhu didn’t fare well in Northern Rong – she was already like this when she first returned. Look how obedient she is now – in the future, if Your Highness points east, she wouldn’t dare go west.”
“His Majesty said if you truly like Seventh Miss, he has ways to make her as docile and obedient as Lady Zhu, gentle and considerate, respecting you above all. With your noble status, anything you want would be easy to obtain – why lower yourself and degrade yourself so?”
As they spoke, Zhu Lüyun stared blankly, hunching forward, tears rolling down: “I’ll be good, Crown Prince, I’ll be more obedient than anyone… I won’t make trouble anymore… save me… I’ll serve you well… I’ll bear children for you… don’t send me back to Northern Rong… they’re savages… I’d rather die than return there…”
She lay at his feet, wretched and humiliated, begging for his mercy, without a shred of dignity, yet showing no shame on her face.
Li Xuanzhen’s fists cracked as he clenched them, turning his head away from her. “Release her!”
After a pause, he said quietly, “Don’t torment her.”
The guards acknowledged, dragging the shackled Zhu Lüyun away. She trembled, crying out his name, begging him to take her in.
Li Xuanzhen didn’t look back. After her cries faded, he collapsed to the ground, staring blankly for a while.
Suddenly a chain rattled in the depths of the dungeon. He came to his senses and wiped his face, his gaze quickly scanning around.
He had to find a way to get a message to Li Yao Ying.
…
Before the hall, moonlight scattered frost-like snow on the ground.
The attendant returned to report: “Your Majesty, all city gates have been checked. The Crown Prince truly came alone – the flying cavalry is still in the outskirts.”
Li De’s face was dark as he remained silent. Suddenly, he began coughing violently, his body staggering, falling backward.
The attendants rushed forward together to support him, half-carrying him back to the inner hall’s couch, their movements practiced. He collapsed sideways, coughing and panting, face pale, lips turning blue. He took the medicine pill handed by the attendant, held it under his tongue, drank some tea, and in an instant, cold sweat soaked his clothes.
After a full half hour, Li De’s color somewhat recovered. He instructed the attendant: “Have the Crown Princess see the Crown Prince. He’s wounded himself – bring two imperial physicians.”
The message was sent out. Two hours later, Crown Princess Zheng Biyu’s trusted eunuch sought an audience, holding a letter.
“Your Majesty, His Highness’s wound has been bandaged and the bleeding stopped. His Highness asked the Crown Princess to help send a letter to Gaochang. The Crown Princess dared not transmit messages without authority and requests your review.”
Li De took the letter, opened and read it. Remembering how Li Xuanzhen had unhesitatingly stabbed himself, his newly recovered face paled again.
Li Xuanzhen had indeed written to warn Li Yao Ying not to return to Chang’an, also promising to do his utmost to save Li Zhongqian.
His feelings for Li Yao Ying had reached this extent.
Ying’er’s son – loves wanting life, and hates wanting death.
Li De smiled self-mockingly.
…
Crown Princess Zheng Biyu left the dungeon and went to the rear hall. Across a pond full of blooming lotus, she watched her son in imperial grandson’s ceremonial robes sitting in the corridor, reading with the Imperial Academy’s classical lecturer.
Footsteps sounded behind her, and a servant bowed: “Your Highness, the letter has been delivered to His Majesty.”
She acknowledged quietly.
Intermittent sobbing came through, and the servant pointed to the disheveled Zhu Lüyun in the distance: “Your Highness, the young master instructed us to look after Lady Zhu, find her a place to stay. I inquired – Lady Zhu was presented by Northern Rong captives, originally to be settled in Hexi. His Majesty specially had people bring her back. She’s of slave status, doing menial work in the palace. They say her situation is quite pitiful. Where do you think would be appropriate to send her?”
“Look after her? Wait for her to repay kindness with enmity after she recovers?” Zheng Biyu didn’t even glance at Zhu Lüyun, picking a lotus leaf. “Make some arrangements in the palace – that counts as care enough. No need to do more. If the Crown Prince asks, just say His Majesty has spoken, and you had no choice.”
The servant acknowledged, waving toward the distance.
Zhu Lüyun, having seen hope in despair, had thought she could leave the palace with Zheng Biyu, but was dragged back. The extreme ups and downs left her face bewildered. She opened her mouth to call out, but palace servants quickly covered her mouth and dragged her away.
Zheng Biyu lowered her head, smelling the slightly astringent bitter fragrance from the lotus leaf.
Li Zhongqian must have infiltrated the city. His Majesty had set a trap, wanting to use Li Zhongqian to draw in Li Yao Ying. Li Xuanzhen wouldn’t stand idle – father and sons would fight to the death. Who knew who would emerge victorious?
Staying uninvolved was the wisest course.
She had people inquire if the Golden Feather Guard had caught any suspicious persons recently. The palace remained calm, no news emerging.
Li De knew Li Zhongqian was seeking a chance to assassinate him. He issued an edict saying he would attend the great feast at Qujiang on the sixth.
Zheng Biyu instructed her son to stay away from Li De on the sixth.
She counted the days, waiting for father and sons to determine the victor.
When the sixth day came, Qujiang surged with crowds, especially lively. The Golden Feather Guard cleared the way, and civil and military officials clustered around as Li De, in a yellow round-collared casual robe, wearing a headcloth and black leather boots, appeared in Qujiang’s tower. Thunderous cheers erupted as crowds surged toward Qujiang Pool’s edge, creating a small gap in the Golden Feather Guard’s defense line.
Zheng Biyu held her son, distracted, glancing around occasionally, her palms sweating.
Suddenly, flames shot skyward as the neighboring mansion was instantly engulfed in a raging fire. The crowd fell silent briefly before turning to flee, immediately causing chaos of people and horses falling, and screams rising.
Zheng Biyu led her son out of the curtained area, catching a glimpse of a tall figure with a sword charging toward where Li De stood. She sighed.
This was a trap.
…
Qujiang Pool’s terrain was open, disadvantageous for encirclement, but the Golden Feather Guard was well-prepared and quickly quelled that day’s chaos.
As for who tried to assassinate Li De, the court kept it secret, only saying the rebel leader was captured. Common people had various theories – some guessed Southern Chu remnants, some former dynasty death squads, and others said Northern Rong people. Only court officials knew that the familiar figure was Li Zhongqian, who had left the capital years ago.
Having captured him, Li De immediately issued an edict demanding Li Yao Ying come to the capital.
Just as the edict was sent out, news reached Chang’an that shocked the entire court.
Li Yao Ying had returned, requesting entry to the capital.
Li De thought he had misheard: How dare Li Yao Ying return to Chang’an without summons and so openly? If she wanted to save Li Zhongqian, shouldn’t she come secretly? And how did she return so quickly? What about the royal court’s king?
When he questioned the Ministry of Rites officials, after searching through documents they found Li De had issued an edict last year ordering Western Army commanders to return to the capital. She hadn’t responded then, but this time she said due to the Western Regions’ distance, she had just received the edict, so it didn’t count as coming without summons. She must have concealed her identity on the journey – the post stations didn’t know she was among the commanders and hadn’t noticed. As for the royal court’s king, he probably hadn’t come along, or it would be unauthorized entry.
Li De was secretly alarmed – he had sent people to intercept messages and block checkpoints, yet Li Yao Ying had still passed through unhindered and returned so quickly!
But all this was still within his plans.
Li Yao Ying was indeed anxious to save her elder brother, not waiting for King Tanmo to accompany her return to court.