In the early winter of the eighteenth year of Emperor Jing of Great Chu, barbarian tribes from the northern borders invaded. Emperor Mo Jing Qi dispatched 300,000 troops to repel the enemy invaders but was defeated. Of the elite army, only 70-80,000 defeated soldiers fled in disarray. Within a month, Chu’s defensive generals retreated from several cities, with the northern army pursuing them to Zijing Pass at Chu’s northern border, now only about 400 li from the capital.

In December, Mo Jing Qi appointed General Cold Huai as the Commander-in-Chief to suppress the invaders, with Cold Huai’s eldest son Cold Qing Yu as deputy commander, leading 400,000 troops to face the enemy. However, the northern barbarians were naturally fierce warriors and had become especially formidable after years of warfare. Even a battle-hardened veteran like Cold Huai could barely hold the line. Reclaiming the previously lost territory would be extremely difficult. The two armies remained deadlocked at Zijing Pass for many days, while people within Chu’s borders lived in constant fear and anxiety.

Many court officials had even suggested relocating the capital to Guangling in the south. Mo Jing Qi naturally couldn’t agree to move the capital – the south was already effectively Mo Jing Li’s territory. In the capital, this younger brother already showed subtle signs of disrespect; if they went south, Mo Jing Li might directly attempt to usurp the throne.

Even so, Mo Jing Qi’s days were not easy. Just the daily war reports sent to him were enough to give him a splitting headache, not to mention the civilians who had fled to the capital due to the war. Large numbers of refugees flooded into the capital, but with limited space, the city naturally couldn’t accommodate so many refugees. However, if these refugees were left to die from hunger, disease, or cold, civil unrest might break out before the northern army’s attack.

Looking at the mountain of memorials before him, Mo Jing Qi’s head throbbed. Only at times like this did he have to admit in his heart that compared to Mo Xiu Yao, he truly was inadequate. Mo Xiu Yao could turn the tide in such adverse circumstances, while he could only rage at the chaotic pile of memorials before him.

Deep in the imperial palace, Noble Consort Liu sat by the window, silently watching the pristine snow outside. A snow-white fox fur cape made her cold features appear as frigid as an ice sculpture.

Behind her, Tan Ji Zhi sat on a nearby couch holding a hand warmer, showing a comfortable expression as he sighed, “Isn’t Noble Consort cold? What’s so interesting about the white expanse outside?”

Noble Consort Liu turned around, giving him a cold glance, “Why are you here?” Tan Ji Zhi smiled, “Naturally, I’m here to help Noble Consort.” Noble Consort Liu gave a cold laugh, saying disdainfully, “Help me? You’re nothing but a fugitive dog being hunted in Nanzhao. What use was all your careful planning with Shu Man Lin? When Prince Ding and Xu Qing Chen lifted a finger, weren’t you forced to flee with your tail between your legs? Now without Shu Man Lin, what cards do you have left to play?”

Tan Ji Zhi’s expression changed slightly, a flash of anger and viciousness crossing his eyes, but he quickly smiled again, “Does Noble Consort think Shu Man Lin was my only card?” Noble Consort Liu looked at him calmly, “What else do you have? Are you going to mention being a royal descendant of the previous dynasty? If we’re talking about royal descendants, Master Lin Yuan does a much better job than you. After all these years of scheming, you’ve achieved nothing, yet you dare to boast about helping this consort?”

“Silence!” Tan Ji Zhi exploded in rage, his expression fierce and twisted, “What is Ren Qi Ning? Nothing but an imposter!” He was the true orphan of the previous dynasty, he was Lin Yuan! Ren Qi Ning was just some faker who appeared out of nowhere!

Noble Consort Liu snorted lightly and said no more, but the contempt in her eyes was obvious. Did he think the title of being the previous dynasty’s orphan was worth much? An orphan of a royal family that had been extinct for nearly two hundred years, one that had fallen due to the people’s suffering, could never win the people’s support and allegiance. That self-proclaimed Lin Yuan, Ren Qi Ning, must have realized this and thus chose to start from the northern border. Once he truly conquered the realm, then announcing his identity as the previous dynasty’s orphan would face much less resistance to ascending the throne. Compared to a foreign race ruling the Central Plains as emperor, the common people and noble clans would naturally be more accepting of a royal orphan of the noble bloodline.

Seeing Noble Consort Liu’s contempt, Tan Ji Zhi took deep breaths to suppress the viciousness in his eyes, and finally smiled, “Really don’t need help? Perhaps this one can tell Noble Consort some very important news. Of course, if Noble Consort isn’t interested, never mind.”

Noble Consort Liu frowned slightly, looking at Tan Ji Zhi with some displeasure, seeming to consider whether his so-called news was worth listening to. Tan Ji Zhi reclined on the couch and smiled, “Noble Consort need not worry, this matter… might not necessarily be bad news for you.” Noble Consort Liu narrowed her eyes – if it might not necessarily be bad news, that meant it could be bad news, “Speak.”

Tan Ji Zhi raised an eyebrow and said, “Prince Li bought a miraculous medicine from the Southern Border Holy Land.” Noble Consort Liu met this with cold eyes, not even her gaze shifting, her cold demeanor seeming to ask what this had to do with her.

Tan Ji Zhi laughed loudly, looking at Noble Consort Liu, “I just love Noble Consort’s personality, truly cold-hearted enough to make one admire.”

So that must be why Prince Ding didn’t favor such a woman. Beautiful as she was, she was as cold as an ice sculpture, with a heart so cold and unfeeling that even men had to admire it. Look at Prince Ding’s wife in comparison – elegant and graceful when calm, radiant when in action. Kind-hearted yet capable of being ruthless, gentle yet strong, exceptionally capable, with a devoted husband, extraordinary status yet without any trace of willfulness or arrogance. Such a woman was what every man dreamed of. What worth was Noble Consort Liu’s pride in her beauty and talents in the eyes of a truly discerning man?

Of course, he would never tell these things to the proud woman before him. Noble Consort Liu frowned as she looked at Tan Ji Zhi, somehow feeling that his words weren’t entirely complimentary. But it didn’t matter – she had never regarded Tan Ji Zhi highly, so naturally wouldn’t care about his opinion of her.

“Is Noble Consort not interested in what Prince Li bought? Or… perhaps Noble Consort doesn’t want to know who Prince Li bought it for?” Tan Ji Zhi smiled. Noble Consort Liu’s thoughts stirred, but she looked at Tan Ji Zhi calmly.

Tan Ji Zhi understood her well and naturally knew he had piqued her interest. Without concealing anything, Tan Ji Zhi smiled, “Indeed, it’s as you think. It’s for the one in the Imperial Study. Moreover, by my guess, the medicine has probably been in use for about a month already.” Noble Consort Liu frowned, “His Majesty shows no discomfort.” Tan Ji Zhi smiled, “Of course, there’s no discomfort, not only that, but his body will feel quite good. However, once the medicine is stopped or used for too long, His Majesty will have quite a bitter experience. There was originally quite a lot of that medicine, but after Princess An Xi’s ascension, the Southern Border Holy Land rebelled, and somehow a fire burned the entire place to the ground. The medicine naturally disappeared as well… Mo Xiu Yao has at most half a year’s worth of medicine.”

Noble Consort Liu frowned in thought for a moment, then asked, “What do you want?”

Tan Ji Zhi smiled faintly, “What I want… Noble Consort probably can’t afford it right now, so why not wait until Noble Consort can afford it to discuss?”

The Noble Consort lowered her gaze, concealing the sharp light and killing intent in her eyes, and said softly, “Very well, as long as this consort can do it, anything can be promised. However, what can you do for this consort now?” Tan Ji Zhi smiled, “I’ve spent over ten years by Mo Jing Qi’s side, no one in this world knows better than me what he will do and when. Is this… not enough? Doesn’t Noble Consort want to know who Mo Jing Qi’s true confidants are? And… I can help you deal with Prince Li.” Noble Consort Liu’s eyes flickered, and after a long while, she nodded, “It’s a deal, I hope you won’t disappoint this consort.”

Tan Ji Zhi smiled, “Noble Consort need only wait and see.”

Emperor Jing’s nineteenth year counted as Great Chu’s worst year since its founding a century ago. Before the new year had even passed, news came from the border of Cold Huai’s great defeat and plea for reinforcements. It’s worth noting that Zijing Pass was less than 400 li from the capital – a fast horse could make the journey in one day. At such a distance, if they suffered another defeat, the enemy would be at the gates. Additionally, just after receiving Cold Huai’s request for aid, Mo Jing Qi fell ill.

Although he struggled to attend court, anyone with eyes could see from his sallow complexion and weak spirit that the emperor was gravely ill. These two matters combined made people feel as if all hope was lost as if Great Chu’s destined time was coming to an end. Mo Jing Qi barely managed to dispatch reinforcements and supplies to support Cold Huai before collapsing in bed, unable to rise.

In the imperial bedroom, the Empress Dowager, who had long withdrawn from worldly affairs to practice Buddhism, and the Empress, who had been in seclusion due to illness, both appeared. Also waiting in the room were Prince Li, Noble Consort Liu, Minister Liu, and several royal princes.

After the imperial physician finished taking the pulse, the Empress Dowager anxiously asked, “Imperial Physician, what exactly is wrong with His Majesty’s health?”

The examining physician frowned and respectfully said, “It seems His Majesty has consumed some medicine harmful to his body… combined with daily exhaustion, his health has suddenly collapsed.”

The Empress Dowager suddenly stood up, “What do you mean by medicine harmful to his body?! Has someone poisoned His Majesty?” The physician repeatedly shook his head, “Empress Dowager’s pardon, you misunderstand. What I mean is… His Majesty seems to have consumed some forbidden substances. That’s why… why his health is damaged.” Everyone in the bedroom suddenly changed expression, all becoming somewhat strange. The physician’s so-called forbidden medicine was generally things like Five Stone Powder or various aphrodisiacs. Historically, there were indeed some dynasties where the consumption of Five Stone Powder became fashionable, but from the previous dynasty to Great Chu, it had been classified as a forbidden drug. If this got out, the emperor and royal family’s face would be completely lost.

“Emperor! You are truly foolish!” the Empress Dowager glared at her son in bed and said hatefully. Although she didn’t love this son as much as her younger son, the Empress Dowager didn’t want him dead. Seeing him lying in bed so sickly, the Empress Dowager felt only disappointment in her heart.

Mo Jing Qi opened his mouth, enduring pain like ants gnawing at his heart, and frowned, “I haven’t…” He knew no one would believe him, because his current symptoms did indeed somewhat resemble those of Five Stone Powder addiction. But he knew what effects Five Stone Powder had when consumed, so he could be certain he had never taken such forbidden medicine at any time.

His gaze fell on Mo Jing Li standing to one side, and Mo Jing Qi suddenly froze as something occurred to him, glaring fiercely at Mo Jing Li. How could Mo Jing Li not notice his brother’s gaze? He stepped forward, his usually solemn face showing a faint trace of a smile, “Imperial Brother, do you have any instructions?”

“You… it was you…” That trace of a smile appeared as provocation and smugness in Mo Jing Qi’s eyes as he pointed at Mo Jing Li, gasping.

Mo Jing Li showed no fear of having his scheme exposed, still speaking respectfully, “What is Imperial Brother saying? This subject brother doesn’t understand.”

Minister Liu, who had been waiting to make trouble, wouldn’t miss this opportunity. He stepped forward, “Your Highness Prince Li, His Majesty means you gave him the forbidden drug!”

Mo Jing Qi glanced at Minister Liu and nodded. Agreeing with Minister Liu’s words, the minister grew even more confident, pointing at Mo Jing Li and saying sternly, “Prince Li, how dare you!”

“Impudence!” the Empress Dowager said sharply, fixing Minister Liu with a cold stare, “Prince Li and His Majesty are blood brothers, how could he harm His Majesty? With great enemies at our gates, you as Prime Minister don’t know to assist His Majesty wholeheartedly but instead sow discord between royal brothers. What crime is this?”

Minister Liu frowned, “Reporting to the Empress Dowager, this was His Majesty’s meaning. Even without evidence, harming His Majesty is a grave crime. Shouldn’t we arrest Prince Li first and investigate after?”

The Empress Dowager stared tearfully at Mo Jing Qi, “Emperor, do you truly believe this? Do you think Li’er wants to harm you? Without any evidence you suspect your brother, will you also lock up this Empress Dowager Mother?” Mo Jing Li stepped forward, “Imperial Brother, please investigate clearly. This subject brother would never harbor murderous intentions toward Imperial Brother. If Imperial Brother doesn’t trust this subject brother, then order my execution.”

Mo Jing Qi glared hatefully at Mo Jing Li, his gaze as if wanting to cut him into a thousand pieces, but at this moment he couldn’t say a word. His whole body felt as if countless ants were biting him; if he hadn’t cared so much about his face, he would have been rolling around in bed wailing in pain by now. His lips trembled as he forced out a few words, “Get out! All of you get out!” Everyone was stunned, and Minister Liu looked anxiously at Mo Jing Qi. This was the moment to press the advantage and seize Prince Li.

But the emperor had spoken, so naturally the others couldn’t stay. The Empress Dowager rose, “Then Emperor, rest well and recover. This grieving one will return first.” The Empress Dowager left first, and the others had to follow and take their leave. Mo Jing Li walked last, looking back once at Mo Jing Qi lying in bed, a strange smile appearing on his face.

Returning to Zhangde Palace, Mo Jing Li respectfully addressed the Empress Dowager, “Mother, son thanks Mother for…”

“Slap!” Before he could finish speaking, a swift and vicious slap landed on Mo Jing Li’s face. Mo Jing Li’s words stopped, and he raised his head to look at the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager’s gaze was cold yet full of sorrow and disappointment, “Li’er! How dare you give Qi’er such a vicious drug? He is your elder brother, do you have any humanity left?”

Mo Jing Li tried to explain, “Mother, son…” The Empress Dowager waved her hand coldly, “Don’t explain! This grieving one isn’t senile yet!” Mo Jing Li lowered the hand covering half his face – the Empress Dowager’s slap hadn’t been for show, and several red and swollen finger marks immediately appeared on Mo Jing Li’s face. Mo Jing Li stopped trying to quibble and said coldly, “Mother is right, so what if son gave him the drug? Does Mother want to lock son up like that old Liu?”

Although she had already known it was Mo Jing Li’s doing, when she heard him say it, the Empress Dowager still couldn’t help but weep uncontrollably. Her well-maintained appearance suddenly aged more than ten years as she sat in the ornate phoenix chair crying without cease, “Such evil! How did this grieving one give birth to two such wretches?! This grieving one has failed the late emperor and the Mo family ancestors!”

Mo Jing Li coldly watched his mother’s weeping appearance, feeling not the slightest guilt in his heart. The one who had first stirred up his ambition was none other than this crying mother before him. Just because she was dissatisfied with his elder brother gradually slipping from her control, she wanted to depose him and put Mo Jing Li on the throne. Throughout history, struggles for the throne had always been bloody storms with mountains of white bones, yet now she blamed him for being ruthless. Unfortunately, there was no turning back once the bow was drawn – from the moment his ambition was born, he and Mo Jing Qi were destined for a fight to the death.

“Li’er… Qi’er is your elder brother, give him the antidote. Mother will protect you.” The Empress Dowager had finally cried herself hoarse.

Mo Jing Li’s lips curled in a mocking smile, “Mother, after being Empress Dowager for over a decade, you’ve become more naive than before.”

The Empress Dowager was stunned, coldly regarding this son before her who was so familiar yet strange, as if she had never known him.

Mo Jing Li said flatly, “Let alone that I don’t have an antidote, even if I did… I wouldn’t give it. Does Mother think Mo Jing Qi would spare me if he recovered?”

The Empress Dowager trembled with anger at his heartless words, pointing at Mo Jing Li and saying furiously, “You… you beast! You…” After a lifetime of struggling for power and authority, now over sixty years old, she was truly tired. She had only hoped her two sons could live in peace and safety, but why in her twilight years did she have to watch her sons trying to kill each other? This truly was… retribution?

Mo Jing Li smiled coldly, “If so, why didn’t Mother earlier follow that old Liu’s suggestion and just lock me up? In Mother’s eyes, aren’t there still things more important than sons?”

The Empress Dowager fell silent, pointing at Mo Jing Li for a long while unable to speak. True… in her heart, there had always been something more important than her sons – that was power. If Qi’er was already failing, then Li’er absolutely couldn’t come to harm. Otherwise, if anything happened to Qi’er, the one to ascend the throne would certainly be one of Noble Consort Liu’s two princes. The Empress Dowager had never gotten along with Noble Consort Liu and her family; if Noble Consort Liu’s son became emperor, what good would that do her? Although a Grand Empress Dowager was respected, a grandmother’s position was far less intimate than a mother’s, not to mention Noble Consort Liu’s sons weren’t close to her. But even so, that didn’t mean she wanted her younger son to kill her elder son.

“You…” The Empress Dowager looked at her gloomy-faced son before her, finding she didn’t know what to say.

Mo Jing Li raised an eyebrow, “Mother can rest assured, son won’t kill him. He is still son’s Imperial Brother, isn’t he?” Of course, he wouldn’t kill Mo Jing Qi – he wanted him to lie helpless in bed watching as Mo Jing Li held great power, even ruling over all under heaven.

More importantly… he couldn’t let Mo Jing Qi die too suddenly. Although Mo Xiu Yao had severed relations with Great Chu, Mo Jing Li wasn’t certain whether Mo Xiu Yao would use Mo Jing Qi’s death as an excuse to attack Great Chu. From beginning to end, Mo Jing Li had never believed Mo Xiu Yao lacked ambition – he just lacked an excuse to realize that ambition!