For nearly two years, he pretended to be a fool, cultivating a palace full of eunuch informants. He profited tens of thousands in silver from trading goods in Annan, using it to hire the three guards of Muyan. Not to mention three years ago, when he used Zhu Lin’s wet nurse—a member of the Shen household—to orchestrate that incident in the front palace hall.

Just how long had he been planning this?

Or rather, when did Zhu Yushen—neither the legitimate heir nor the eldest son, yet steady and prudent—first harbor ambitions to seize the position of Crown Prince?

“You… when did you first desire the throne?”

“In the ninth and tenth years of the Jingyuan era, Jiangnan suffered peach blossom floods for two consecutive years. The Zhejiang region had complete crop failures, with starving corpses everywhere. You were still young then, perhaps you don’t remember. Refugees traveled from south to north, passing through Hangzhou and Suzhou, all the way to Yingtian Prefecture, only to be blocked outside the city gates by the guards.

“A day later, Father Emperor raised the matter of disaster relief at court. Nearly all the civil and military officials dared not touch this hot potato. It was only when Old Censor Meng stepped forward that he proposed opening the state treasury to first provide relief to the refugees near the capital, then have the Imperial Censorate dispatch censors, the Ministry of Finance dispatch administrative officials, and the Ministry of War and the Commandery coordinate troops to travel southward, investigating the disaster situation along the way.

“By then I had already joined the military, serving under General Luo. I traveled south with General Luo and the old censor all the way to the outskirts of Hangzhou. Because Hangzhou was prosperous, disaster victims from everywhere flocked there, begging along the streets, barely clothed, even resorting to cannibalism. Such tragic scenes were unlike anything I had ever witnessed in my life.

“The old censor stood in that desolate wilderness and wept, saying that despite his belly full of poetry and books, his chest full of strategies, despite spending half his life helping Father Emperor fight for imperial power and territory, when he examined the annals of history and walked among the common people, he finally understood that thousands of years of Chinese civilization ultimately came down to just eight characters.”

“When the state prospers, the common people suffer; when it falls, the common people suffer.”

And how many rulers throughout history truly put the people first and could break down the old to establish the new?

“From that moment on, I made up my mind—whether through unscrupulous means or ruthless cunning, no matter what it took, I would secure this throne.”

Having said this, Zhu Yushen placed the lamp stand he was holding on the table beside the dragon bed. In the gently flickering candlelight, he looked at Zhu Nanxian.

“Thirteen, in this struggle for the throne, there are only two people I’ve wronged most—one is Third Sister, the other is you.”

“Throughout your life, you’ve valued loyalty and righteousness, never betraying anyone. Though you never sought the throne, after succeeding to it, you personally led campaigns to the northwest, defending the borders of the Great Sui, living up to our ancestors and the common people. You conduct yourself with integrity and act honorably, shining like a brilliant star. In terms of character, I know I fall far short of you.”

“But the position you now occupy, the realm you now govern—it is not a prosperous peaceful age. It is devastated, afflicted with deep-rooted ailments. Can it be cured by ‘benevolence and kindness’ alone?”

“What should be broken? What should be established? How to reform? How to revolutionize? You never wanted this throne; whether to take it or relinquish it all depended on Su Shiyu alone. Before this, in half a lifetime, have you ever contemplated how to properly occupy this position?”

“Occupying this position well goes far beyond simply employing a few worthy ministers and punishing several corrupt officials. In this world of fierce winds and dense rain, the character ‘govern’ should have different interpretations in different eras. This throne, even when secured, should feel like sitting on pins and needles, sleepless through the night.”

“Admittedly, I’m not certain you cannot be a good emperor. My current seizure of the throne stems from both ambition and aspiration, and also from unwillingness to die by your blade. I have selfish motives—I don’t deny it. You and I are brothers who learned martial arts and joined the military together as children. This time I have wronged you. If you resent me, detest me, hate me for it, I deserve it all, and I’m willing to bear it.”

After Zhu Yushen finished speaking, the glass lamp on the table made a crackling sound as the wick burst.

The firelight contracted slightly, then expanded again, illuminating Zhu Nanxian’s brow brilliantly.

“I believe I understand Fourth Brother’s words.” After a moment, Zhu Nanxian spoke.

He raised his hand to shield against the candlelight, his slender fingers casting a shadow below his brow. “Actually, you haven’t really wronged me. I was born into this situation, but detested conflict and played the ‘deserter’ for twenty years. Had I entered the fray and strategized earlier, perhaps I wouldn’t have been powerless even when Eldest Brother fell. Under the grinding wheels of imperial power, there must be sacrifices. When brothers turn against each other, deaths and injuries are inevitable. Now it’s my turn. The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit—I have no complaints.”

“Fourth Brother is right. To me, the throne truly matters little. In half a lifetime, I never carefully considered how to properly occupy it.”

“Perhaps in this life I can never see through the character for ’emotion.’ Even my choice regarding this supreme position depends solely on one person’s safety. Just as Qingyue spent his life wanting only to protect the Shen family, in the end, I only want to protect Ayu alone. If others use her to manipulate me, I truly have no recourse—I accept this too.”

At this point, Zhu Nanxian laughed ruefully and pointed toward the imperial desk in the hall.

“The edict of succession is already written. I know Seventeen is also in Fourth Brother’s hands. He’s been innocent and simple since childhood—he commands no troops, participates in no politics, and has never been enfeoffed. He has absolutely no ability to compete with Fourth Brother for the throne. Fourth Brother holds military power and has Liu Yun at court. Surely protecting Seventeen’s life won’t be difficult. Will Fourth Brother agree to this?”

Zhu Yushen fell silent for a moment, then nodded. “I agree.”

“I returned to the capital for Ayu. After I ‘die of illness,’ if I have any remaining concerns, it’s only her.”

“It’s my incompetence—I staked my life to win this throne, yet still couldn’t protect her. But I have no regrets, because I gave everything I had.”

“I dragged her into this game; she suffered because of me. The court is treacherous, and the future will surely be turbulent. Her identity makes her position extremely precarious here. I can no longer protect her. This life, I have but one wish—that she be safe. If Fourth Brother is willing, send her far from this strife, to live out her remaining years in peace.”

Zhu Yushen said, “Though Su Shiyu is a woman, her talent rivals any in the world—she could be called a capable minister. Having her in court violates social norms, yet removing her from court would be a great waste, but—” He paused slightly, leaving the latter half unsaid. After a moment, he nodded once. “Alright, I agree to this as well.”

The wind and snow had ceased. Through the windows, the deep blue light of snow filled half the room like moonlight.

During the quietest hour of midnight in the palace, even the maids keeping night vigil in various halls would doze against the doorframes.

Having heard Zhu Yushen’s words, the light in Zhu Nanxian’s eyes settled with the night.

After a long while, he said, “I have nothing more to say. Fourth Brother, take the edict and go.”

When Zhu Yushen reached the door, he asked again, “Has Fourth Brother already decided how to make me ‘die of illness’?”

No lamps were lit at the doorway, only snow light. Zhu Yushen turned to look at him.

Zhu Nanxian asked again, “If my ‘death from illness’ appears more dignified, more convincing to the ministers, will Ayu have… more peace in the future?”

“Thirteen.” Zhu Yushen said, “It’s late. Rest first.”

After Zhu Yushen left, Zhu Nanxian lay back on the dragon bed, but didn’t sleep. He kept his eyes open, gazing at the ceiling beams, as if waiting for something.

Before long, knocking sounds came from outside as expected.

The person who entered was an internal attendant named Ma Zhao, who kowtowed before the throne. “Your Majesty, earlier Your Majesty sent this servant to the Ministry of Justice to inquire about Lord Su’s condition. This servant has learned the details. Lord Su’s fall wasn’t serious, but being frail and having waited in the snow for a long time, his hands and feet suffered frostbite—he likely won’t be able to hold a brush for over a month. The Imperial Medical Academy has sent someone to treat him. The medical director said these injuries are actually minor matters—they’ll heal once spring comes and he recuperates. However, the Ministry of Justice’s prison is cold and damp. Lord Su seems burdened with worry, his pulse is poor, and he may catch a cold and develop chronic ailments. They suggest moving him to another location. But the Three Judicial Offices have their rules—with charges against him, until the trial concludes, Lord Su cannot go anywhere but prison.”

“Are the Ministry of Justice’s cells truly so unbearable?” After a long silence, Zhu Nanxian asked only this.

“In reply to Your Majesty, it’s not that they’re unbearable.” Ma Zhao said, “Your Majesty may not know—every year after winter sets in, a batch of prisoners freeze to death or suffer frostbite in the cells. Without fire or heating implements, it’s torturous. Naturally, those with weak constitutions cannot endure it. This isn’t only at the Ministry of Justice—it’s the same at local magistrates’ offices.”

“…I understand. You may go.”

Ma Zhao acknowledged and had not yet retreated to the door when Zhu Nanxian spoke again. “I… cannot sleep well. I fear disturbances. Pass the order—have all guards, attendants, and palace maids withdraw to the outer palace. Unless dawn breaks, they need not disturb me.”

Ma Zhao hesitated. “But…”

“What?” Zhu Nanxian interrupted. “Do you fear I’ll run away?” He laughed bitterly. “Hundreds of soldiers guard me around Minghua Terrace. I’m but one man—where could I run to?”

“Your Majesty, forgive this servant. This servant absolutely didn’t mean that.” Ma Zhao quickly knelt. “This servant is only concerned about Your Majesty’s health, wondering whether to summon a physician—”

“Get out.”

“Yes.” Ma Zhao kowtowed and withdrew on his knees.

Rustling sounds came from outside—likely Ma Zhao following his orders, having the attendants and maids on guard in the inner palace withdraw.

The glass lamp on the table had dimmed considerably; the lamp oil must be nearly depleted.

Zhu Nanxian sat up from the dragon bed, gazing at the weak lamplight on the table. For a long time, he didn’t move at all.

His eyes held clear, luminous depths that at first glance might be mistaken for tears.

They were not.

This was the landscape of lakes and mountains born in his eyes, an incomparably pure crimson, a brilliance that shone with the sun.

Even as he devoted this full heart of sincerity to battle, even as his vast emotions ultimately led to his self-immolation and destruction, he had no regrets.

He picked up the glass lamp and walked to a corner of the inner chamber, knocking over two barrels of lamp oil that had been casually placed there.

The lamp oil released a faintly sweet fragrance, like sandalwood, like patchouli. It was said this oil was originally burned before Buddhist altars—the lamps it lit could burn eternally without extinguishing.

Burning eternally like the stars in his eyes, like the love of his life.

Even encountering wind and rain could not stop it.

The lamp oil slowly spread from Minghua’s inner chamber, flowing everywhere.

In the dark night’s snow light, silence remained for only the final moment.

Zhu Nanxian’s hand holding the lamp stand loosened. A single weak flame fell from between his slender fingers.

Blazing fire suddenly spread across the plain.