Evidence regarding Xu Xiang’s role in the battle of Mingshui was mounting.

It wasn’t just limited to the battle of Mingshui. The charges submitted were wide-ranging, including selling official positions, employing personal associates, deceiving the emperor, accepting bribes, and more.

The emperor’s change in attitude made Xu’s faction sense the shifting tides. The tense atmosphere permeated the court, high and low. Those who originally thought Xu Jingfu could be quickly rescued now realized it was no simple matter, or rather, it had already become impossible.

At the Shi Jinbo Mansion, a servant stopped people trying to enter, apologizing with a smile, “Please go back, lords. The Fourth Young Master is not in the mansion.”

“Where on earth did Chu Zilan go?” one man asked urgently and angrily. “If you don’t let us see the Fourth Young Master Chu soon, Prefect Xu will be out of time!”

The servant could only reply with a bitter face, “If you ask me, my lords, I don’t know either. The Fourth Young Master hasn’t returned to the mansion for a long time.”

Seeing that questioning was useless, the group could only leave in disappointment. After they had gone, the servant closed the main gate and returned to the courtyard. He knocked on the door of the study and entered.

Chu Zhao was sitting at the desk reading.

“Fourth Young Master, the visitors have all been turned away,” the servant reported.

Chu Zhao was indeed in the Shi Jinbo Mansion. In fact, he hadn’t left the mansion at all recently, so no one had seen him.

“Well done.”

“But Fourth Young Master…” The servant hesitated for a moment before asking, “Do you really not plan to do something about it?”

Chu Zhao raised his head to look at him. The servant’s face turned pale. After a while, he heard the person before him say, “You may go.”

The servant left, feeling relieved.

Chu Zhao’s gaze fell back on the desk. The inkstone on the desk had been a gift from Xu Jingfu. Ever since Xu Jingfu was imprisoned, people had come looking for Chu Zhao from time to time, hoping he would help get Xu Jingfu out. After all, Xu Jingfu treated him like his own son, and before long, Chu Zhao was supposed to become Xu Jingfu’s son-in-law. In terms of both sentiment and principle, Chu Zhao should have made an effort.

Chu Zhao’s eyes grew distant.

He still remembered the first time he met Xu Jingfu.

He was quite young then, and it was a time when he suffered terrible abuse from Madam Chu and his three legitimate half-brothers. He was very good-looking, and Chu Linfeng rather liked bringing him along to social engagements to save face. But after each outing, what awaited Chu Zhao was even worse torment.

Chu Linfeng was blind to what happened in the back courtyard. Even if he saw, he would only say a few words. It was impossible for him to turn against Madam Chu for Chu Zhao’s sake.

One winter day, Chu Linfeng had another social engagement with colleagues and wanted to bring Chu Zhao along. This time it was a visit to Prefect Xu’s mansion. Chu Linfeng specifically instructed Madam Chu to pick out good clothes for Chu Zhao, as he mustn’t lose face for the Chu family.

Since it was a visit to Prefect Xu’s mansion, Madam Chu didn’t dare slight him. Though extremely reluctant, she still prepared splendid attire for Chu Zhao.

Chu Linfeng was quite satisfied.

But walking was very difficult for Chu Zhao.

Because either Madam Chu or one of his legitimate brothers had driven nails into the soles of his boots, pointing inward. At first he couldn’t feel it, but as he walked, the nails were gradually driven into the boots, eventually piercing into the soles of his feet.

By then, Chu Zhao had already arrived at the Xu Mansion with Chu Linfeng.

It was very rude to remove one’s boots in public, and Chu Linfeng was especially conscious of his reputation. He gave Chu Zhao no chance to speak, showing him off like a beautiful vase or exquisite ornament, pulling him over to introduce to everyone, “This is my third son, Chu Zhao.”

Chu Zhao could only endure the pain, his face pale as he accompanied Chu Linfeng in conversation.

In the end, he could barely stand it anymore.

Chu Linfeng drank a bit too much at the banquet, speaking animatedly with his colleagues. He was no longer paying attention to Chu Zhao for the moment. Chu Zhao wanted to find a quiet corner to remove his boots and pull out the nails. But in the vast Xu Mansion, he was unfamiliar with the way. As he wandered around, he ran into someone.

A scholar wearing a long robe, somewhat advanced in years, looked down at him.

Chu Zhao paused, immediately recognizing this man as the host of today’s banquet, the Prefect Xu Jingfu whom Chu Linfeng was eager to curry favor with. It was just that he had been at Chu Linfeng’s side the whole time, and Chu Linfeng hadn’t even gotten a chance to speak with Xu Jingfu. Xu Jingfu probably didn’t know who he was.

“I am…the Fourth Young Master of the Shi Jinbo Mansion,” Chu Zhao said cautiously. “I’m…I’m lost.”

Xu Jingfu just smiled as he looked at him. His gaze paused for a moment, and he suddenly asked, “What happened to your leg?”

Chu Zhao instinctively hid his foot behind him.

Xu Jingfu glanced around and summoned a servant, saying, “Carry the Fourth Young Master Chu to a room.”

Chu Zhao hastily waved his hands. “There’s no need, I…”

“Walking any further on that leg and you’ll be crippled.” Xu Jingfu shook his head with a smile. “I’ll have someone inform your father, don’t worry.”

Chu Zhao was carried to a room by the Xu Mansion servants. Not only that, but they also removed his boots. As soon as the boots came off, everyone present gasped. The nails had almost been driven entirely into the soles of his feet. The blood flowing out stuck to his white socks, a wretched sight.

Prefect Xu frowned. “Call for the physician of our mansion.”

The Xu Mansion had a physician skilled in medicine. After being summoned, he removed the nails from Chu Zhao’s feet, saying, “Young Master, you can really endure. These nails going in must have been extremely painful. How did you bear it until now without making a sound? Oh dear, after returning, you mustn’t set foot on the ground for the next few days. Rest and recuperate properly.”

Chu Zhao pursed his lips without speaking. Although he was the Fourth Young Master of the Chu family, he lived no differently from a servant. He had to work every day, so how could he rest without stepping on the ground?

Xu Jingfu waved his hand, dismissing them all.

He stood up and walked to the other side of the room, asking as if in passing, “What’s your name?”

“Chu Zhao, courtesy name Zilan,” he replied in a restrained and cautious manner.

“A good name.” Xu Jingfu smiled, placing a pair of brand-new boots in front of him. “These were originally going to be a gift from my wife to my student. Your boots can no longer be worn, so this pair should fit.”

Chu Zhao held the boots in his arms. Perhaps it was due to the heat from the warm brazier in front of him, but the cloth boots felt warm. He said, “Thank you, Lord Xu.”

Xu Jingfu looked him over. The clothes Madam Chu had given him were indeed splendid and exquisite, but in the cold of winter, the thin brocade robes had no padded lining. They looked beautiful but weren’t practical. After being outside for a while, his face was already pale from the cold, his hands and feet icy.

“You have three older brothers in your mansion?” Xu Jingfu asked with a smile.

Chu Zhao’s body stiffened slightly. “That’s right.”

Xu Jingfu looked at him thoughtfully. “I’ve never seen your father bring them out before.”

Chu Linfeng valued his reputation. He always felt he was the most handsome man in Great Wei, but his three legitimate sons took after their mother in appearance, mediocre-looking. Fearing others would gossip behind his back, he only brought Chu Zhao along to socialize with colleagues. Chu Zhao lowered his head without speaking.

Xu Jingfu asked, “Have you studied before?”

“A little,” he answered softly. 

“Oh?” Xu Jingfu was a bit surprised. He probably found it unthinkable that Madam Chu would allow the son of a concubine like Chu Linfeng to study. Chu Zhao thought for a moment and said quietly, “I learned a bit from my mother before. After returning to the mansion, I secretly hid some books in my room.”

Xu Jingfu had always appreciated talent. Looking at this exceptionally beautiful child before him, he said with a smile, “In that case, from now on, come study here with me.”

Chu Zhao paused, subconsciously raising his head, his lips quivering. “I…”

“I have many students, but they are all much older now. It’s been many years since I last took on a disciple,” the scholar said, his demeanor gentle like a loving elder. “I’m old, and I don’t know how many more years I can teach you. If you’re willing to learn from me, you can call me Teacher.”

Teacher…

A teacher imparts knowledge, mentors in learning, and dispels doubts. Regrettably, in all his past years, no one had ever taught him what he should do or why. And the man before him was the Chancellor who wielded great power in the court of Great Wei.

Chu Zhao lowered his head. Disregarding his newly bandaged wounds, he knelt down and respectfully kowtowed to Xu Jingfu, calling out, “Teacher.”

He was sent back in Xu Jingfu’s carriage, accompanied by servants from the Xu household, a thick cotton robe, and brand new boots on his feet.

When Chu Linfeng sobered up and learned of this, he was also startled. He hurriedly apologized to Xu Jingfu, but Xu Jingfu said there was no need to take it to heart. After returning to the mansion, Chu Linfeng had his first real argument with Madam Chu over Chu Zhao’s matter. The sound of their quarrel reached Chu Zhao’s ears outside the courtyard window.

“That was Prefect Xu! From now on, Zilan will be Prefect Xu’s student. Don’t you understand the meaning of Prefect Xu’s actions? Stop mistreating Zilan from now on!”

“Who mistreated him? If I truly mistreated him, how could he have become Prefect Xu’s disciple? It all comes down to your favoritism. Otherwise, why him and not my children?” 

“That’s because they’re not capable themselves! Prefect Xu simply likes Zilan. You’d better behave yourself and not embarrass us!”

The sound of arguing filled his ears. Chu Zhao lowered his head and looked at the cloth boots on his feet. The boots fit well, and the soles were soft. It seemed even the pain of nails piercing flesh and blood had been completely soothed by this softness.

From then on, he became Xu Jingfu’s student.

Xu Jingfu indeed treated him very well. He was unwilling to let this opportunity slip by, so he studied desperately. People said he had outstanding talent and achieved a great deal at a young age. Little did they know how many nights he had spent studying by lamplight to be able to appear “modest” in front of others without effort.

The bond between teacher and student was not unheard of.

The lamplight burning in the oil lamp on the table cast a shadow on the wall. He looked at it for a while, then stood up.

“Someone, come,” he called.

The servant entered and said, “What are your orders, Fourth Young Master?”

“Prepare a horse,” he said, looking ahead. “I’m going to the Crown Prince’s residence.”

…

In the spacious bedchamber, Emperor Wenxuan leaned against the edge of the bed, lowering his head to drink the ginseng soup prepared by the lady, sip by sip.

Ever since the case of Xu Jingfu came to light, the emperor had been furious to the point of falling ill. He was already advanced in years, but in the past, he had lived a life of leisure, so it wasn’t noticeable. With turmoil erupting in the court and issues piling up one after another to strike him, in just a dozen or so days, he seemed to have aged significantly.

After finishing a bowl of ginseng soup, Consort Lan had the maidservant take away the empty bowl. She said softly, “Your Majesty must recover quickly.”

“What’s the use of recovering?” Emperor Wenxuan laughed bitterly. “I’m afraid now those outside are all eager for me to…”

A finger pressed against his lips, stopping the words he was about to say next. Consort Lan shook her head in disapproval. “Your Majesty, these are not words to be spoken lightly.”

Emperor Wenxuan looked at the woman in front of him. Although she said this, her expression remained gentle. She wasn’t shocked or angered like the other palace consorts, nor did she reprimand him with a stern face like Empress Zhang. Consort Lan wasn’t the most beautiful woman in the entire harem, but he had favored her for so many years because, in front of Consort Lan, he could be himself.

Not an emperor.

Emperor Wenxuan thought that he was perhaps the only one who found being an emperor tiring.

After he fell ill, Empress Zhang had only visited once. Emperor Wenxuan was well aware that Empress Zhang’s maternal family was very close to Xu Jingfu. Now that Xu Jingfu was in trouble, Empress Zhang’s relatives didn’t dare openly plead for him. Since the harem couldn’t interfere in government affairs, she must have been very busy during this time.

Emperor Wenxuan had no interest in dealing with these matters, turning a blind eye, because he could sense that his time might be running out.

It was strange. Before the Xu Jingfu incident emerged, he still felt he was full of energy and could live longer than his elders. But as soon as Xu Jingfu’s case came to light, he realized he had truly grown old, so old that he might not live to see the next winter.

So in his view, there was another important matter.

“Ever since I ascended the throne, Xu Jingfu has assisted in governance for many years with great merit,” he said slowly. “I treated him with leniency, knowing that although he had selfish intentions, I didn’t pursue the matter. But now it seems he has betrayed my trust. He even colluded with the enemy and rebelled against the country…”

“Xiao Zhongwu is dead. In recent years, I listened to Xu Jingfu’s words. Now there are few capable generals left in Great Wei. That Flying Swan General He Rufei turned out to be fake. The Wutuoren have long been plotting. I’m afraid they will become a major threat in the future. With the Crown Prince’s character, if I hand this position over to him…” Emperor Wenxuan laughed bitterly. “He’s even worse than me. Although I’m indecisive, at least I can be considered benevolent and caring for people. What does he have?”

The last sentence was filled with both disappointment and anger.

If only Guangshuo were the Crown Prince.

Then he might have handed this throne over to Guangshuo long ago.

Although the emperor was mediocre, he wasn’t particularly foolish. He was well aware that his eldest legitimate son had no talent or virtue. For so many years, he had been unwilling to draft the edict of succession because he was conflicted in his heart. On one hand, he understood very well that Guangyan ascending to this position would be a disaster for Great Wei. On the other hand, there had never been a case in Great Wei where the emperor deposed the eldest son in favor of a younger one. In his life, he didn’t seek merit, only to avoid making mistakes. He didn’t want to be that “first person” and was afraid of shouldering this responsibility. So he procrastinated again and again, endured until finally, the situation reached this irreversible point. 

“Lan’er,” he looked at Consort Lan, “I deeply regret not making a decision sooner.”

But now, no matter what he did, it would stir up huge waves in the court, shed more blood, and kill more people. Guangyan and Guangshuo, regardless of whom he favored more, were both undoubtedly his sons.

Consort Lan gently held his hand and said, “No matter what decision Your Majesty makes, this concubine understands Your Majesty’s good intentions.”

Emperor Wenxuan looked at her. “In this palace, only you are my confidante.”

…

When Consort Lan returned to Qinglan Palace, Guangshuo was already waiting for her in the hall.

Seeing her return, Guangshuo stood up. “Mother Consort.”

Consort Lan had him sit down and ask, “How do you have time to be here with me? Why aren’t you at the Court of Judicial Review?”

At present, if there are no further changes, Prefect Xu’s case should be considered settled. The evidence in Xiao Huaijin’s hands was being tossed out one after another. Officials who had been suppressed by Xu’s faction in the past also seized this opportunity. When a tree falls, the monkeys scatter—it has always been so since ancient times. 

Of course, this was inseparable from Guangshuo’s efforts to fan the flames.

“This son has already been there today,” Guangshuo said after some thought. “These days, although this son has made efforts for Prefect Xu’s case when seeing Commander Xiao in the palace, he didn’t show any intention of getting close.”

He didn’t understand if Xiao Huaijin had accepted his gesture.

Consort Lan smiled. “It’s right for him not to pay attention to you.” 

“Mother Consort means…”

“You’re concerned about Xu Jingfu’s case because as a prince of Great Wei, you’re concerned about state affairs in the first place. If you get too close to him, it would seem too deliberate.”

“This son knows that,” Guangshuo said, a trace of anxiety flashing in his eyes. “But the Crown Prince’s side certainly won’t give up easily. Father Emperor’s health is poor now. This son has heard that censors have already petitioned Father Emperor to designate the heir apparent soon… Mother Consort, you know Father Emperor’s personality.” Guangshuo laughed in self-mockery. “If nothing else happens, he will appoint the Crown Prince as the heir apparent. Just as Mother Consort often says, once the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, let alone this son and Mother Consort, I’m afraid even Fifth Brother won’t be able to survive.”

“Moreover…” His eyes were filled with heavy worry. “The Wutuoren’s ambitions are unclear at the moment. They may attack Great Wei at any time. When that time comes, if the Crown Prince ascends to the throne, does Mother Consort believe the Crown Prince will order people to resist the Wutuoren? Even for the sake of bringing down Xiao Huaijin, he won’t utter the word ‘war’.”

Consort Lan quietly waited for him to finish speaking.

Guangshuo looked at the woman. “Does Mother Consort think what this son said is wrong?”

“What you said is very correct,” Consort Lan said with a smile. “When I saw your Father Emperor today, he had already hinted at his intention to draft the edict of succession.”

Guangshuo’s heart stirred. He asked excitedly, “Exactly…”

“It’s not important to whom your Father Emperor decides to pass the throne,” Consort Lan said. “In this world, an imperial edict sometimes can’t decide anything. Guangshuo, the people’s hearts are more important than power. You have never openly participated in state affairs, hiding behind the Crown Prince. This is your weakness and also your strength.”

“You’re anxious now, but I’m afraid Guangyan is even more anxious, as well as those Wutuoren… Whether Xiao Huaijin is willing to get close to you and support you, there’s no point in discussing it now. If he has no intention of vying for power, he will be your man sooner or later.”

Guangshuo asked, “Because of the Crown Prince?”

“Yes.” A trace of pity flashed in Consort Lan’s eyes. “With Guangyan being so tyrannical and unruly, someone like Xiao Huaijin certainly won’t be willing to be driven by him.”

“Great Wei no longer has anyone.”