Qin Huaiyu whispered, “I previously received kindness from the Mistress. Some time ago, I… I even resented her for being too favored. I was wrong.”

She then turned to Gu Qingying and said, “That vase you liked was accidentally broken by one of my maids. I didn’t have the heart to tell you, so I let you punish your servants instead.”

“It’s alright,” Gu Qingying replied guiltily. “In your monthly allowance, there were originally five bird’s nests. When my maid went to get them, she also took one of yours.”

Taohua listened, torn between laughter and tears. If the situation weren’t so dire, she would have loved to record their words for Shen Zaiye to see. Look at these women in the inner court – they weren’t all detestable. Sometimes they could be quite adorable.

Outside, things gradually quieted down. The women, who usually competed openly and schemed in secret, had suddenly opened their hearts to each other. They held hands, encouraging and supporting one another. Watching this, Taohua felt more at ease.

She only hoped that Shen Zaiye could quickly resolve the matters in the palace.

Emperor Mu Mingxuan’s years on the throne weren’t for nothing. Although he died silently, his confidants and close ministers sensed something was amiss and demanded an audience. Shen Zaiye stood at the entrance of Zhilan Palace, joining the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers in their request to see the emperor.

“Why is the Chancellor here?” Grand Commandant Chu Shan asked in confusion, glancing at the gates of Zhilan Palace. “Weren’t you the one preventing us from entering earlier?”

Shen Zaiye wore a solemn expression. “Previously, it was the imperial physician who forbade entry. I merely assisted in keeping people out. But after so much time has passed without any news, naturally, I too wish to see His Majesty.”

So they had misunderstood him? Everyone was shocked, unable to grasp the situation fully. However, since no one was stopping them now, Chu Shan stood up and kicked open the gates of Zhilan Palace.

Inside, all was silent. Palace maids and eunuchs huddled in corners, while the imperial physician knelt stiffly by the bed, saying nothing.

“What’s going on?” Chu Shan frowned. “How is His Majesty?”

The imperial physician raised his head trembling, glanced at the group of ministers, and stammered, “His Majesty… has passed away.”

What?

The ministers were horrified. Chu Shan pushed the physician aside and went to check Emperor Mingde’s breathing.

His body was ice-cold, with no sign of breath.

“How can this be!”

The physician lowered his head and said, “His Majesty was already gravely ill. The doctor who entered the palace gave him some unknown medicine, and his condition worsened daily. Early this morning…”

“How dare you conceal this!” Chu Shan raged. “The emperor’s passing is such a momentous event. How could you not inform the Six Palaces and announce it to the world?”

“This humble servant…” The physician wiped the sweat from his brow and lowered his head.

All the civil and military officials knelt. Chu Shan gritted his teeth, gazing at the emperor’s body for a long while before ordering the tolling of the death knell.

With the emperor’s passing and only two princes remaining in the court, the most urgent matter was to bring the Prince Nan back to take charge! Glancing sideways at Shen Zaiye, who was also kneeling, Chu Shan frowned.

The emperor’s death was too suspicious. Shen Zaiye had harbored rebellious thoughts before, and he might have wanted to seize this opportunity to usurp the throne. That’s why he eliminated the princes and sent the Prince Nan away.

As Grand Commandant, Chu Shan controlled half of the Great Wei’s military power, but the imperial palace was still under Shen Zaiye’s control. If the Prince Nan couldn’t return in time, the fate of Great Wei might change.

Chu Shan never suspected that Shen Zaiye might be helping the Prince Nan claim the throne. After all, Shen Zaiye had always supported the Crown Prince. Although he had harmed the Crown Prince, he hadn’t spared the other princes either and had never spoken a good word about the Prince Nan to the emperor. So Chu Shan could only believe that Shen Zaiye harbored his ambitions.

Shen Zaiye had anticipated this early on. He only needed to control the palace and wait for Mu Wuxia’s return. Without him saying anything, Chu Shan and the others would support Mu Wuxia’s ascension to the throne.

These men were ultimately just warriors. How could they possibly match his tactics?

“Doesn’t Chancellor Shen need to return home and check on things?” Chu Shan suddenly asked, looking at him. “With the great mourning in the palace, the Chancellor may be occupied for a long time. Haven’t you been away from home for a while? Don’t you miss your concubines?”

Shen Zaiye paused inwardly but lowered his eyes and said, “The country comes first, family second. How could I concern myself with personal matters when His Majesty’s funeral arrangements are not yet complete?”

“Chancellor Shen is truly a man of great affairs,” Chu Shan’s eyes were full of meaning. “Those who accomplish great things don’t fuss over minor details. I’ve learned from you.”

People used to say Shen Zaiye was lecherous, which was why he continuously sent various women to his household. Now it seemed he might not be as sentimental as others claimed. Chu Shan knew about the attack on the Chancellor’s mansion by the Imperial Guard and didn’t believe Shen Zaiye was unaware of it.

Shen Zaiye knelt quietly, performing all the proper rites before leaving to summon Zhanlu and ask, “How did it go?”

“They didn’t find anyone,” Zhanlu frowned. “We don’t know where Madam took the others to hide. Even Pang Zhanfei claims he doesn’t know.”

Even Pang Zhanfei doesn’t know? Shen Zaiye was surprised. He leaned against the wall, pondering for a long while before his expression changed slightly.

“Just have people guard the Chancellor’s mansion well. If there aren’t enough men, draw some from General Pang’s troops.”

“Yes.”

Zhanlu agreed but couldn’t help asking curiously, “Why did Madam and the others disappear? We’ve searched everywhere in our mansion, even the cellars, but found no trace of them.”

“Your Madam has an excellent memory,” Shen Zaiye said, thinking of the secret room in his study. His gaze suddenly softened. “That good memory can also save lives.”

What’s the difference between saying this and not saying anything? Zhanlu sighed, deciding not to ask further. After all, many things were only understood between the master and mistress. Others wouldn’t understand even if they asked. He might as well just go and carry out his duties.

Somewhere in the palace, a rumor spread that the emperor had left a final edict, but Shen Zaiye had hidden it. Upon hearing this, Chu Shan immediately led people to question Shen Zaiye.

Surrounded by people, Shen Zaiye stood tall in his civil official’s robes, calmly looking at them.

“If it’s a final edict, why not announce it?” Chu Shan said coldly. “What exactly is the Chancellor planning?”

“This edict was written by me at His Majesty’s behest,” Shen Zaiye replied. “Grand Commandant Chu now distrusts me so much, what use would this edict be? Prince Heng is still in the capital. Why not take this opportunity to enthrone him and stabilize the situation?”

“Preposterous!” Chu Shan couldn’t help but scold. “Prince Heng’s legs are crippled. How can he be fit to rule? I see you harbor wolfish ambitions and sinister schemes!”

Shen Zaiye merely smiled without speaking. As the two sides were at an impasse, a guard came to report, “Grand Commandant! A final edict has been found in Zhilan Palace!”

“Where is it?” Chu Shan asked hurriedly.

The guard bowed and said, “On the wall of Zhilan Palace’s main hall. Please come and see, sir!”

Shen Zaiye raised an eyebrow, observing Chu Shan’s suddenly brightened eyes, and then said, “An edict on the wall without the imperial seal cannot be considered genuine.”

(End of Chapter)