As dawn broke, the Emperor, having not slept all night, prepared to hold court. For the first time, the Prince of Nan was privileged to attend, observing the ministers taking their positions with a sense of familiarity.
“A grave incident occurred in the palace yesterday. Do any of you know what transpired?” Emperor Mingde’s voice resonated through the hall as he snapped the jade prayer beads in his hand. The beads scattered down the steps, their clattering echoing throughout the chamber.
The officials trembled, none daring to speak or even breathe loudly. Those more informed sweated profusely, their eyes darting to where the Crown Prince usually stood, now occupied by the Prince of Nan.
As the last bead settled, Prime Minister Shen Zaiye finally stepped forward, breaking the silence. “Your Majesty, please calm your anger.”
“Calm?” The Emperor rose, descending the steps. “My palace guards were reassigned, snow wolves invaded to kill me, and even the Eastern Palace guards dared to rebel. How can you ask me to be calm?”
The golden dragon statue before the throne was kicked over, its crash causing all officials to kneel in fear.
Shen Zaiye, kneeling at the front, respectfully reported, “Your servant interrogated them all night. The Eastern Palace Guard Commander, Cloud Zhen, has confessed but won’t reveal who ordered him. The Imperial Stable Master, Qin Sheng, has fled the palace. The Imperial Guard is in pursuit.”
The court erupted in murmurs. Who else but the Crown Prince could have ordered the Eastern Palace Guard Commander?
“Such an outrageous event!” The Chief Censor, Nian Liguo, frowned at Shen Zaiye. “Prime Minister, what exactly happened?”
Shen Zaiye lowered his gaze and recounted the events, from the reassignment of guards to the attack by snow wolves and the rebellion of the Eastern Palace guards, praising the Prince of Nan for his timely intervention.
The court was shocked. Minister Mei asked, “It seems the Crown Prince attempted to usurp the throne, but why would he risk such a treasonous act when he’s already the heir apparent?”
“That’s a question for the Crown Prince,” the Emperor scoffed, ordering High De to bring in the prisoners.
Soon, the Crown Prince and Cloud Zhen were brought before the court.
“Father!” Mu Wuyin, red-eyed, kowtowed. “I’m innocent! I knew nothing of this!”
The Emperor laughed bitterly, “You knew nothing? How could Cloud Zhen dare act without your knowledge?”
Cloud Zhen bowed his head, “Your Majesty, I acted alone, hoping to hasten the Crown Prince’s ascension. He truly knew nothing.”
“Such a loyal servant!” the Emperor raged. “Do you take me for a fool? Where’s Qin Sheng? Is he also such a good servant, wanting me to abdicate early?”
Mu Wuyin knelt trembling, eyes tightly shut.
How had it come to this? He had planned everything meticulously. Even if the snow wolves failed, Cloud Zhen should have succeeded in killing the Emperor. The palace gates were secured; reinforcements shouldn’t have arrived so quickly. He couldn’t understand how the Imperial Guard Captain had suddenly changed sides.
A surefire plan had crumbled. Now, not only would he fail to become Emperor, but he’d also lose his position as Crown Prince. If only he had listened to Meng’er and waited patiently for a decade or more!
“Your servant failed to capture Qin Sheng,” Nangong Yuan bowed. “I’m willing to accept punishment.”
The Emperor scoffed, returning to his throne. “What punishment? The Crown Prince sent the men and issued false orders. Even without Qin Sheng, the evidence of treason is irrefutable!”
Realizing the futility of further denial, Mu Wuyin looked up at his father. “I have something to say, if Father will listen?”
Emperor Mingde narrowed his eyes, “Speak. You won’t have another chance.”
With a bitter laugh, Mu Wuyin sat back on his heels. “I merely followed the path you once trod, Father. If you could walk it, why can’t I?”
The Emperor’s hand trembled with rage. “You insolent creature! When did I ever do such a despicable thing?”
“Have you forgotten, Father?” Mu Wuyin’s face twisted with mockery. “Of course, now that you sit on the throne, it’s convenient to bury your past fratricide and patricide, pretending to value familial bonds. But Father, don’t you dream of your elder brother and father? When you accuse me of wrongdoing, do you recall that you did the same?”
“Silence!” The Emperor stared at him in horror and disbelief.
These events occurred over twenty years ago when Mu Wuyin was just born. How could he know? The Emperor had silenced all who knew, believing the secret was buried forever.
Indeed, the young Emperor Mingde had ascended the throne over the corpses of his elder brother and father. But after two decades, he had nearly forgotten, believing himself to be a kind and righteous ruler. Now, his favorite son had torn away the mask, exposing the bloody truth.
“Guards!” In his panic and rage, Emperor Mingde ordered, “Take the Crown Prince away! Extract the names of all conspirators and execute them all!”
“Your Majesty!” Minister Mei frowned, “Shouldn’t we investigate further? What if the Crown Prince is innocent…”
“Who could frame him?” the Emperor roared. “He dares speak such words and doesn’t deny the evidence. You still dare speak for him?”
Mei quickly lowered his head, not daring to say more.
Mu Wuyin laughed loudly, “Father, are you feeling guilty? Killing me is like killing yourself!”
“Silence!” the Emperor growled. “I raised you to be benevolent and courteous, not to turn against your brothers. How dare you blame me!”
“Like father, like son,” Mu Wuyin retorted. “You’re a kinslayer yourself, yet you expected me to be virtuous? What use were those teachings? I am your son; I am what you are!”
“You ungrateful wretch!” The Emperor, enraged, rushed down and kicked Mu Wuyin in the chest, sending him sprawling. “Take this beast away immediately!”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Nangong Yuan complied, ordering the guards to remove the Crown Prince and Cloud Zhen.
Shen Zaiye observed coldly, finally speaking after the spectacle, “Your Majesty, please calm yourself. Harming your health would be a calamity for the nation.”
“What a curse!” The Emperor collapsed back onto his throne, suddenly aging a decade. “I must have owed him in a past life to be saddled with such a burden!”
Mu Wuxia lowered his eyes, remaining silent.
He had almost been fooled by Emperor Mingde’s benevolent facade. It seemed those who ascended the throne were truly not good people. He had misjudged Shen Zaiye earlier, thinking he had been deceived, but now he realized it was all true.
The court officials harbored various thoughts. The faction led by Minister Mei still hoped the Emperor would calm down and spare the Crown Prince, but Shen Zaiye would not allow Mu Wuyin any chance of survival.
As court adjourned, the Emperor coughed blood and summoned the Minister of War to his study.
Shen Zaiye left with the Prince of Nan. Walking along an empty palace corridor, the prince finally spoke, “Can you explain?”
With a slight smile, Shen Zaiye replied, “This servant didn’t lie to Your Highness. I truly didn’t assist the Crown Prince last night.”
“Didn’t assist?” Mu Wuxia frowned. “If you didn’t help, where did he find the courage to rebel?”
“You can ask the Crown Prince yourself if you don’t believe me,” Shen Zaiye smiled. “When he considered rebellion, I tried my best to dissuade him, even warning him to be careful of his words. I didn’t expect the Crown Prince to ignore my loyal advice.”
Sensing a hidden agenda, Mu Wuxia narrowed his eyes. “What about Qin Sheng?”
“Qin Sheng’s position was granted by the Crown Prince. Why ask me, Your Highness?”
“Don’t play games with me,” the Prince of Nan’s face darkened. “Qin Sheng is your retainer, and you saved his life. If he aided the Crown Prince without your permission, I’ll eat those three dead snow wolves!”
Shen Zaiye chuckled, glancing at the clear sky. “Qin Sheng’s involvement with the wolves was on the Crown Prince’s orders. I merely didn’t interfere.”
Of course, with Qin Sheng, Nangong Yuan, and strategists providing a flawless plan, Mu Wuyin naturally chose this path.
“It’s not his fault,” Shen Zaiye continued. “I didn’t do anything. People approached the Crown Prince of their own accord. How is that my concern? I’m actually hurt that these people betrayed me.”
After studying Shen Zaiye’s complex expression for a while, Mu Wuxia shook his head and finally voiced his thoughts: “You’re truly too devious!”
“Your Highness flatters me,” Shen Zaiye smiled. “But when did Your Highness become so skilled in martial arts? I was unaware.”
He had heard that the prince had managed to knock out Cloud Zhen, which was quite impressive.
“This prince doesn’t idle away his time at the manor,” Mu Wuxia said coolly. “In both literary and martial pursuits, I’m not inferior to others. That’s why I have the qualifications to vie for the Great Wei throne.”
Slightly taken aback, Shen Zaiye suddenly recalled Taohua’s words. He and the Prince of Nan indeed lacked communication. The prince was a child with strong ideas and resilience; he should have trusted him more.
“If Your Highness has time, perhaps you could visit my humble abode,” Shen Zaiye lowered his gaze. “It’s been a while since we’ve had a proper conversation.”
Mu Wuxia raised an eyebrow, studied him for a moment, and after some hesitation, nodded.
While the court was in chaos over the Crown Prince’s affair, Shen Zaiye contentedly took a few days off, holding Taohua as they watched falling leaves in the garden.
“Autumn is coming,” Taohua clicked her tongue, her face slightly pale. “Such an unpleasant season.”
“Oh?” Shen Zaiye raised an eyebrow. “You don’t like autumn?”
“Who likes such a desolate weather?” Taohua pouted, snuggling closer to him. “But why are you so leisurely recently? It seems many people are seeking you outside, yet you don’t go to see them.”
Playing with her hair leisurely, Shen Zaiye chuckled, “A big ship has sunk, and many have fallen into the water, seeking my rescue. However, I’ve already extended the ladder; those who should have climbed up have done so. The rest, let them drown.”
Taohua paused, lowering her eyes to ask softly, “Is the Emperor truly going to execute the Crown Prince?”
“He’s been handed over to Minister Gu and imprisoned in the Ancestral Temple’s dungeon,” Shen Zaiye glanced at her. “The crime of treason warrants execution. Don’t harbor any thoughts.”
“Look at what you’re saying,” Taohua covered her mouth, giggling. “I’m just your concubine, not some influential figure. Even if I wanted to save the Crown Prince, I lack the ability.”
Narrowing his eyes, Shen Zaiye turned her to face him, speaking seriously, “The Crown Prince and you were merely playing roles. He didn’t truly care for you much, do you understand?”
Rolling her eyes internally, Jiang Taohua thought to herself, did he think she was a fool? As if she couldn’t tell whether Mu Wuyin’s feelings were genuine. Did she need his judgment?
“I understand,” she said aloud.
“Don’t take this lightly!” Shen Zaiye said, displeased. “Men understand men best. He was merely attracted to your beauty.”
Taohua nodded as if suddenly enlightened, “I see, so that’s how it is. But didn’t you promise to let me see the Crown Prince one last time? I’ve deceived him for so long; I still feel a bit guilty.”
Shen Zaiye paused, looking away, “I’ll take you to see him after the verdict is issued.”
“When will that be?” Taohua blinked.
“Two days from now,” Shen Zaiye said. “I’ll only give you a quarter of an hour, and you’re not allowed any physical contact with him.”
What did he take her for? Taohua pouted but quickly began massaging his shoulders obsequiously. “My lord, you’ve already achieved half of your grand plan. Could you help me with something?”
“What do you want to do?” Shen Zaiye glanced at her. “No more sending money to Zhao.”
“No, no, I won’t,” Taohua flattered. “But since our two countries are now allied through marriage, wouldn’t you consider letting me visit my family? Recently, other concubines in the household have gone home. I’m homesick too.”
Want to return to Zhao? Shen Zaiye shook his head, “Though I don’t know why you want to go back, the journey between the two countries is long. You’d better stay here. In half a month, envoys from Zhao will arrive.”
“Envoys?” Taohua’s eyes widened, grasping his robe in delight. “Will envoys really come?”
(End of Chapter)