Xu Guangxiang snorted lightly: “You seem to know everything so well. How do we know the assassin isn’t you?”
Xiao Yan replied seriously: “Father has had the Dragon-Piercing Scroll tattooed on his body for so many years. Who knows how many palace servants and consorts have seen it? The assassin could be among them.”
The existence of the Dragon-Piercing Scroll wasn’t a secret, but those who knew it was the King of Wei’s protective magical item must certainly be few.
Immediately, they had another clue to investigate.
Next, everyone discussed the matter of the Wei army’s withdrawal. The battlefield had been cleared, and the Yao army had already retreated. What should the royal army do next?
This question wasn’t difficult to reach a unanimous conclusion on:
Withdraw the troops back to Wei.
With even the King of Wei fallen in battle, this eastern expedition would certainly come to an abrupt end. What they needed to do next was to transport the King of Wei’s remains back to the Wei capital and prepare for a state funeral. As for the occupied territories, they would likely have to return a large portion.
The subsequent matters were numerous and complex, but the meeting didn’t last long and soon concluded.
Watching the figures of everyone disappear outside the tent, Xiao Yan finally shifted his gaze and let out a light sigh.
After the others had left, he asked Yun Ya in a low voice: “Don’t you think I might have done it?”
“It wasn’t you,” Yun Ya was lost in thought and didn’t even look up.
“Why?” The State Preceptor’s words were decisive and without hesitation, which made him feel relieved.
“The Crown Prince is still Xiao Jing. With the King’s death, he can naturally ascend to the throne. What benefit would this bring to you?” Out of respect for the Haoli Empire, later monarchs didn’t call themselves emperors, so their death was only referred to as “passing away.”
Xiao Yan’s lips revealed a trace of a powerless, bitter smile: “I thought you trusted me.” Rather than analyzing the advantages and disadvantages.
“I trust you, do I even need to say that?” Yun Ya looked at him strangely. “But you need a justifiable reason that can quickly clear your suspicion.”
Xiao Yan had to admit that Yun Ya’s analysis hit the mark. The King of Wei wasn’t confused; he saw that his second son also had ambitions for the throne, otherwise, why would he play the emotional card at the end, asking him to give up the struggle for the throne? But precisely because he had such aspirations, he wouldn’t kill the King of Wei at this juncture, as that would immediately push his competitor onto the throne.
The King of Wei understood this point as well, which is why he specifically called him to entrust matters on his deathbed, still placing great trust in him.
“Your situation is precarious. Why not address the most urgent matter first?”
Xiao Yan’s gaze is slightly focused.
Yun Ya casually set up a barrier to block external prying, then asked: “Do you truly have no interest in the throne?”
Xiao Yan remained silent for a good while before saying: “I just promised Father not to contend with the Crown Prince for the position.”
Yun Ya’s lips curved slightly upward as he said a single “Good” and turned to leave.
Xiao Yan quickly called out to stop him: “Wait! Where are you going?”
Yun Ya smiled, amused: “Back to my tent to recuperate. I’m severely injured and need to rest for a few days. Second Prince, please don’t disturb me unless necessary.”
Xiao Yan’s face showed a bitter expression: “So I’ve reverted to ‘Second Prince’ again?”
“You’ve made up your mind, so from now on, I’ll continue to be the State Preceptor, and you’ll be a prince of Great Wei.” Yun Ya’s words were meaningful. “If you get too close, beware of the new king’s suspicions.”
Xiao Yan slumped his shoulders: “Fine, fine, I admit it. I’ll let the Crown Prince ascend to the throne, though I’m not willing. But I’ve already sworn to Father.” He explained the earlier circumstances.
Yun Ya’s expression remained unchanged: “The overall situation doesn’t favor you. Xiao Jing was established as Crown Prince long ago. Though he’s leading troops in the Chiqian Forest, there’s still the Third Prince Xiao Wu and Queen Zheng in the capital. Particularly, Xiao Wu was appointed by the King before the military expedition to handle the capital’s affairs, making his position legitimate.” Xiao Jing was born to Queen Zheng, and Xiao Wu was raised by her, so Xiao Wu and Queen Zheng would certainly stand with the Crown Prince.
Xiao Yan stroked his chin thoughtfully: “In that case, what I need is an unexpected move.” The King’s death caught him unprepared, and he hadn’t completed any necessary arrangements. Want to seize the throne? Surrounded by enemies, his only chance was to catch them off guard.
“You also need legitimacy,” Yun Ya said calmly. “Fortunately, the Crown Prince needs it too.”
“Legitimacy?” Xiao Yan’s eyes brightened. “Xu An’s letters?” This was one weapon to implicate the Crown Prince.
“Not just that.” Yun Ya lowered his eyes, a flash of brilliance passing through them. “There’s something he particularly wants, and coincidentally, it’s now in your hands.”
Xiao Yan let out a long sigh: “No matter who the real assassin of Father is, we have to follow the script they’ve provided. This truly makes me unwilling.”
“Indignation doesn’t aid in decision-making. Why not use the situation to your advantage?” Yun Ya coughed several times, appearing more fatigued, and thus took his leave.
At this moment, a long private meeting between the two could easily arouse suspicion.
Xiao Yan watched his retreating figure and slowly sat down.
Father was dead, and Great Wei was about to transform.
The struggle for the throne of the Wei royal family was about to erupt. This time, it would benefit the Yao people.
Seeing him massaging his temples and reaching for the pills on the table, Imperial Judge Wu Chen walked over and said in a low voice: “Second Prince.”
“What is it?”
“Don’t take medicine carelessly.”
“This is the Dragon-Tiger Golden Elixir.” With the King of Wei’s death, the command of the great army fell to Xiao Yan, a heavy responsibility. No matter how exhausted he was, he absolutely couldn’t collapse into a deep sleep. He needed this spiritual medicine to boost his energy.
“This is State Preceptor Yun’s medicine.” Wu Chen lowered his voice even further. “Before the assassin’s identity is clear, you…” He paused, hesitating, but still spoke: “You shouldn’t consume it.”
“Are you saying?” Xiao Yan smiled. “That State Preceptor Yun might be the assassin?”
Wu Chen quickly shook his head, glancing outside a few times: “Your subordinate dares not jump to conclusions, but…” But Yun Ya’s suspicion hadn’t been ruled out, right?
Xiao Yan was even more aware that earlier, he and Yun Ya had eliminated many people from the list of suspects, but there was one person whose suspicion was never cleared.
This person was Yun Ya.
Xiao Yan let out a scoff and waved his hand casually: “It’s not him.” He took the pills from the table and swallowed them in one gulp. “You must not mention this to anyone else, or I won’t forgive you.”
Wu Chen could only bow his head and respond with a “Yes.”
Supported by Lu Ming, Yun Ya walked out of the tent and stopped after a short distance, turning slightly: “General Xu?”
Xu Guangxiang emerged from the shadows, biting her lip slightly: “Is the State Preceptor seriously injured? I have Jade Toad Ointment personally bestowed by the King, which has marvelous effects on regenerating flesh and nourishing blood.”
“I appreciate the thought.” Yun Ya’s lips curved into a very small arc. “But the Medicine Master has prescribed me too many medications, and I fear I won’t be able to finish them all. The Jade Toad Ointment is a good item; General Meiji should keep it. It will surely be of great use in the future.”
Others appeared disheveled when injured, but Yun Ya added a touch of melancholic beauty to his handsome features, making people’s hearts ache with sympathy.
Xu Guangxiang sighed, saying softly, “Take care of yourself,” and turned to leave. Lu Ming noticed her eyes were red and swollen, clearly having just cried. The King of Wei had treated this adopted daughter very well during his lifetime, so naturally, this female general remembered his kindness.
However, after walking a few steps, Xu Guangxiang suddenly turned her head and said: “I saw the State Preceptor’s maid on the battlefield earlier. She seemed to be somewhat injured.”