◎Does Your Highness know what “dawn breaks” means?◎

The Emperor finally understood—the Imperial Grand Prince wasn’t simply seizing the palace, but wanted him to stink for eternity, leaving a notorious reputation in the history books.

This was like death by a thousand cuts. Furious beyond measure, he held onto his last breath, using his sword as a cane to support himself as he looked toward the people on the high platform—the Imperial Grand Prince’s eyes no longer concealed their hatred, Yuanniang was cold and indifferent, looking at him as if at a dead man.

The Empress’s expression was complex, but when their eyes met, the sincere disgust that flowed forth chilled the Emperor’s heart.

He took a deep breath, continued shifting his gaze, and then saw Consort Cai Shu.

She too was looking at him with loathing eyes.

What right did she have? She was merely a foolish and lazy woman. If he hadn’t elevated her, how could someone so old and faded possibly secure the position of Consort Shu?

His tender care for old companions had only raised an ungrateful wretch.

The Emperor glared at her fiercely, then continued looking forward, just happening to see Liu Guan.

He, who always kept his head lowered deferentially, was actually standing straight with his head held high. Though his face bore no expression, the Emperor could see his difference.

He instantly panicked: “Liu Guan, you—what is your reason for this!”

Liu Guan had been by his side since childhood!

He then remembered drinking a cup of water Liu Guan had handed him today and immediately became so frightened he bent over to dry heave.

Liu Guan smiled seeing him in such a wretched state.

When had the Emperor ever bowed his head before him?

He recalled many years ago when he had blocked a fatal blade for the Emperor, his shoulder connecting to his neck nearly severed. If not for General Duan’s timely rescue, he would have long since died.

Yet even so, the merit he had earned with his life became the Emperor’s embarrassing past of nearly being killed. He had saved the Emperor, yet became the person the Emperor least wanted to see.

At that time he was terrified and helpless, restless in all directions, enduring pain day and night without daring to make a sound, wearing high collars in the hot summer to cover his neck—only this made the Emperor consider him loyal.

Over these years, whenever he recalled the suffering from back then, resentment would rise in his heart, accompanied by dry heaving.

He looked at the Emperor, then suddenly knelt toward the Imperial Grand Prince: “This old slave knows of the events from back then. Director Ni Tao’s actions were done at Your Majesty’s command through this old slave.”

Hearing this, the officials once again understood the situation clearly.

They dared not wait any longer and all knelt forward a step. Someone declared loudly: “I know of this matter. Back then Wang Deyi kept two sets of accounts, with the larger portion diverted to Your Majesty. Though I knew, how could I accuse the sovereign? I could only pretend ignorance and survive ignobly, failing the common people. I am guilty.”

The Imperial Grand Prince nodded gently.

Seeing this, those below understood this meant absolution and scrambled to speak: “I am also guilty. I knew of Director Ni’s matter back then. When Ni Tao wanted to commit suicide and went to buy rat poison, I followed him the whole way—but I dared not say I knew.”

“I am guilty—”

“I am guilty—”

The officials all confessed their guilt one after another, speaking in turn about the truths they knew from back then. Several even began crying: “I truly knew, but I didn’t dare—I didn’t dare to know. All these years, I treated myself as if I were blind—”

Gong Lin’s ears began buzzing. Those like him who hadn’t known about the past events also began filling with righteous indignation.

“The court is actually such a court, the officials are actually such officials.”

“Our dynasty is in peril—”

The Emperor staggered back a step, shocked by the surrounding voices of guilt, his spirit completely shattered—he didn’t understand why these people would hate him so much, betray him.

He murmured: “I do not love killing, do not love women, do not start wars. To scholars and officials, I am extremely tolerant, never easily punishing. To the harem, I care for everyone, never neglecting those who are old and faded—with such an emperor as I, what more could you be dissatisfied with!”

He suddenly stepped forward, speaking to Xu Youqing: “You—you were merely a poor scholar from Shuzhou. It was I who saw your talent and ambition, continuously promoting you, allowing you to become the Grand Prince’s right hand. Without me, where would you have found a place in Luoyang?”

He then looked at the Zhu family father and son: “And you—I didn’t mind your family’s relationship with Yu Qingwu, allowing your talents to flourish. What, now you want to rebel too?”

He stumbled forward, pointing at the officials kneeling on the ground: “And you—I never had you beaten with boards, showering you with favor—Yang Shupu, you—”

He pointed at the person before him: “I remember that year you had no silver to marry a wife, and I bestowed upon you a residence and ten taels of gold, letting you live well!”

He spread his hands wide, the sword dropping from his hands to the ground, crying out wildly with raised arms: “How have I wronged you? Eh? Why are you all treating me this way!”

He truly didn’t understand.

He laughed once, swaying as he turned around, looking at the surrounding people one by one again. Then he asked: “Where is Prince Wei?”

The Imperial Grand Prince: “Uncle Prince Wei discovered you murdered his unborn child. He hates you thoroughly and is unwilling to come save you.”

The Emperor stopped hiding now. He cursed: “He and A’Yang are both wastes. No matter how I support them, they can’t stand up. What does it matter if another one is born? Will it shorten my lifespan!”

Hearing this, Gong Lin’s eyes widened as he asked his parents beside him: “His Majesty even murders his own offspring?”

Heavens, how could such a person have the virtue and ability to sit on the throne?

Princess Anning nodded lightly: “He’s killed more than one.”

But it was all over now.

She said: “Now the officials personally bear witness to the Emperor’s crimes, and the Imperial Grand Prince hates him so. An edict of self-reproach will certainly be issued. His Majesty… will become the first emperor in thousands of years to leave such an eternally notorious reputation.”

The Emperor understood this himself too. After finishing his cursing, in agitated defeat he swayed trying to walk forward a few more steps to curse the Imperial Grand Prince, but unexpectedly toppled directly to the ground, completely losing consciousness.

——

This palace upheaval, though dangerous, was won. The Imperial Grand Prince had people move the Emperor to Chengming Hall and ordered Prince Qi and others imprisoned.

What remained was aftermath management. He had originally wanted to command Yu Qingwu to lead the officials home to demonstrate his status, but when he turned around, he saw him already hurrying to Shanjun’s side, pouring water and wiping the fresh blood from her face.

The Imperial Grand Prince smiled and said to the Grand Princess Consort: “This time Shanjun’s merit is greatest.”

At that time he had only wanted to have Shanjun guard the Eastern Palace—only with Shanjun guarding the Eastern Palace could he feel at ease.

But thinking about it now, with no one available to him, only with Shanjun guarding the city gate and standing before him could he feel secure.

He said softly: “I am very grateful to Uncle Grandfather.”

Even though he had passed away, he had still sent Shanjun to his side, allowing him to resolve to take this strategic step.

The Grand Princess Consort knew he was feeling many emotions now, and if she kept listening, there would be no need to do what came next. She said with amusement: “First call Yu Qingwu back to work.”

Only then did the Imperial Grand Prince clasp his hands behind his back and call to Yu Qingwu: “The Grand Princess Consort says Shanjun should go rest.”

Yu Qingwu was using the corner of his own garment to wipe Lan Shanjun’s hands. Hearing this, he quickly said: “Yes, go to the Eastern Palace now for a hot bath, and you can still get some sleep.”

But Lan Shanjun shook her head: “I’ll go straight home. Nanny Qian is still waiting for us.”

Yu Qingwu quickly said: “Yes, go home now for a hot bath, and you can still get some sleep.”

Shanjun had been killing all night—how tired she must be.

Lan Shanjun then took leave of the Imperial Grand Prince and others. The Imperial Grand Prince thought he could finally have Yu Qingwu do his work, but instead saw him full of unease, hesitating uncertainly.

The Imperial Grand Prince asked curiously: “What are you still worried about?”

Yu Qingwu said in a low voice: “Your Highness, this is Shanjun’s first time killing people. I fear she hasn’t recovered yet, and after returning home and coming to her senses, she might become frightened.”

Only then did the Imperial Grand Prince react. He said: “Then follow her home. With Xu Youqing and others here, things can proceed without you.”

Yu Qingwu immediately took off running.

The Imperial Grand Prince was amazed at his speed. Xu Youqing also came over at this moment, looking at Yu Qingwu’s departing figure and saying: “I never imagined Minister Yu would be someone so devoted and sincere, not greedy for power and position.”

At such a time, leading the officials home was what glory. Now that he had left, it was advantageous for himself instead.

The Imperial Grand Prince smiled with pursed lips: “When he first came to Luoyang, I could already see he was a good official. He still is now. One can see his original intentions remain unchanged.”

He turned around: “Minister Xu, let’s go discuss what comes next.”

——

Yu Qingwu practically jogged to catch up with Lan Shanjun. But he was still a step too slow.

Before he could reach Lan Shanjun, General Hu arrived at her side with several large strides.

Lan Shanjun said with delight: “Big Brother Hu.”

General Hu: “Sister from the Lan family!”

The two had become quickly familiar through fighting side by side all night.

General Hu asked: “You’re heading back now?”

Lan Shanjun nodded: “There’s nothing more for me to do.”

General Hu said: “Little sister, with abilities like yours, have you ever thought about…”

Before he could finish speaking, from the corner of his eye he saw Yu Qingwu standing behind them.

He smiled, turned and left: “We’ll talk about it another time, another time.”

Lan Shanjun also noticed. She beckoned to him and asked: “You should still have many matters to attend to, right?”

Yu Qingwu: “I’m retreating while the current is swift. Let Minister Xu handle it.”

Lan Shanjun smiled: “You’re worried about me?”

Yu Qingwu said in a muffled voice: “Shanjun, are you afraid?”

Lan Shanjun nodded: “The first strike was frightening.”

Killing people was ultimately not like butchering pigs—how could one not be afraid?

She pulled his hand forward, saying softly: “But I thought that tonight we absolutely could not lose, so I couldn’t afford to be afraid.”

Moreover, “I had many people behind me—”

Though it was her first time killing at the front, naturally a thought arose in her heart not to let the people following her die.

She said: “The result wasn’t bad.”

She hadn’t shown cowardice, and even now wasn’t overly frightened.

She didn’t know what was wrong with herself. But she truly wasn’t panicked.

Yu Qingwu breathed a sigh of relief.

Returning home, Nanny Qian had already cooked food for them and set out two sets of bowls and chopsticks.

She had known both would return!

She said: “Some people even wanted to break into our home to steal things. I had people prepare fire oil early on and burned anyone who came.”

Lan Shanjun picked up her chopsticks to eat, saying: “No wonder the entrance is all blackened.”

She added: “Tonight many households must have been robbed.”

Nanny Qian sighed: “Yes. The officers all went to the palace, leaving only bandits. But I heard the Imperial Academy students led people everywhere killing bandits and saved many people.”

Yu Qingwu smiled: “They’re very capable.”

Seeing them like this, he felt hope for the nation’s future.

He said seriously: “The dynasty will certainly prosper.”

Nanny Qian had been smiling continuously seeing them return safely and unharmed. Hearing this, she immediately flattered him: “Prosper, prosper, prosper—very prosperous indeed! Young Master Yu, are you going to be promoted this time? How much more salary will you get?”

Yu Qingwu fell silent.

He said nothing. Nanny Qian just kept staring at him until finally he said in a muffled voice: “How much silver do you need?”

Nanny Qian: “Oh my! The main gate definitely needs replacing, and I’m also preparing to replace the back gate. Then there are pots, bowls, ladles, and basins—I smashed quite a few tonight. Oh, and I also want to buy a dog, a big dog that can serve as well as a person.”

Yu Qingwu calculated—it really wasn’t little. His salary couldn’t cover it. He could only look toward Lan Shanjun.

Lan Shanjun said with a smile: “Take it from the accounts of my dowry shop.”

Nanny Qian clicked her tongue twice: “Fine.”

She happily left. Yu Qingwu and Lan Shanjun finished eating and went to rest.

They had thought they wouldn’t be able to sleep no matter what, but who knew they fell asleep as soon as they lay down. When Yu Qingwu woke the next day, he discovered something.

Last night they hadn’t lit any lamps.

Whether it was the Zhong Kui Demon-Expelling Lamp or the Mandarin Ducks Intertwined Necks Lamp, Shanjun hadn’t mentioned lighting either one.

This lamp had finally been removed.

He didn’t bring it up, only said joyfully: “I’ll go to court first—today everything can be settled.”

Lan Shanjun knew today was important. She arranged his sleeves and looked up with a smile: “I’ll wait at home for you to bring back good news.”

——

The Emperor had written his abdication edict.

Of course, he certainly hadn’t written it himself. He was already paralyzed.

This was partly due to Liu Guan’s cup of water, and partly the result of his blood and qi surging too violently.

The imperial physician said: “The Retired Emperor cannot move his entire body, but his mind is clear. With proper daily care, though he cannot move, there are no other issues.”

The Imperial Grand Prince—now already Emperor—nodded: “Since it’s so, have people guard him well. Others should not easily enter or exit Cheng’en Hall.”

That same day, the edict of self-reproach bearing the Retired Emperor’s fingerprint was also posted on the city walls.

Regarding the truth from back then, the Emperor didn’t conceal it. Having walked to this point today, he was unwilling to become someone like the Retired Emperor.

He had questioned his own heart countless times and struggled countless times. Now that he could finally walk a correct path, he was even willing to eat more at breakfast.

Then came the business of court officials. The Emperor executed some, pardoned some, and promoted some—ultimately without major chaos.

Next came revising the histories.

Throughout history, victorious emperors in palace upheavals always loved writing things in the history books like “the Retired Emperor and I share deep familial bonds, I and the Retired Emperor are connected heart to heart,” but the Emperor didn’t plan to do this. Openly and directly, he had people write: “I deeply abhor the Retired Emperor’s actions.”

Hearing the tone, the officials understood the meaning and naturally wouldn’t show mercy in their word choices regarding the Retired Emperor.

After several days, the Emperor had Liu Guan accompany the Retired Emperor to the Western Garden, reading the edict of self-reproach before him daily.

Liu Guan was very satisfied with this outcome. He knew he could never again serve the new Emperor and didn’t regret what he had done. Going to the Western Garden to retire suited him perfectly.

With him watching the Retired Emperor, the Emperor was also very satisfied.

He certainly wouldn’t let the Retired Emperor live comfortably. But he wouldn’t let him die either.

Eunuchs had far too many methods for tormenting people.

Amidst all the disturbances, things gradually settled. The Emperor finished handling court matters and began settling accounts with Prince Qi and others.

Only…

He said to the Grand Princess Consort: “Last time Shanjun said she wanted no rewards, only the power of life and death over Prince Qi after his ‘death’…”

He asked curiously: “Yuanniang, do you know why?”

The now-Empress former Grand Princess Consort shook her head, then said: “No matter why, since she wants it, give it to her.”

On the eighth day of the fifth month, Lan Shanjun, accompanied by Yu Qingwu, went to see Prince Qi in prison.

Before Prince Qi, she said softly: “Does Your Highness know what ‘dawn breaks’ means?”