He was about to step forward to receive it when the main gate suddenly opened, and a woman in plain Daoist robes emerged with her attendants.

Wang Xuan paused mid-step and frowned. “Second Sister?”

Wang Siniang’s eyes lit up as she hurried forward. “Second Sister.”

Wang Erniang nodded slightly to her younger sister with a calm expression, then walked up to Zhao Hanzhang. She reached out to accept a strip of white hemp cloth and offered quiet condolences: “Please accept my sympathy.”

Zhao Hanzhang looked up at her briefly, bowed deeply, then rose and left with Zhao Erlang for the next household.

Wang Erniang watched the siblings depart, gripping the white hemp cloth tightly in her hand. In these times, who could truly find stability?

After leaving the Wang residence, before Zhao Hanzhang and her brother could reach the other family estates, word had already spread that Zhao Changyu had passed away the previous night. Some households had opened their gates early in anticipation, and upon seeing the Zhao siblings, rushed forward in tears before they even approached.

At that moment in the imperial palace, Fu Zhi was also weeping. He sat collapsed on the ground, holding Zhao Changyu’s memorial and questioning the Emperor and Prince Donghai: “Why would Your Majesty and the Prince believe such divisive words? Changyu stood as tall as a thousand-foot pine. During his term of office, he devoted himself completely. When various princes rebelled and the people were displaced, they relied heavily on his coordination to find shelter in these troubled times. After the death of Prince Hejian, he continuously urged the court to make swift decisions to avoid being trapped both internally and externally. Having declared his position so early, how could he write letters privately expressing contrary thoughts?”

“Your Majesty, Prince, do not let yourselves be manipulated and damage your relationship! The one who forged this letter has a malicious heart—not only did they try to drive a wedge between the Marquis of Shangcai and Your Majesty and the Prince, but they’re also attempting to create discord between Your Majesty and the Prince!”

The young Emperor shed tears upon hearing this. He had the memorial brought up, and the more he read, the harder he cried. Unable to restrain himself, he descended from the dragon throne to grasp Prince Donghai’s hand. “Prince Uncle, please look—the Marquis of Shangcai speaks reasonably. We cannot let such petty people drive us apart.”

Prince Donghai extended his hand to receive the memorial. After reading it, he sighed deeply. “Yesterday, upon suddenly hearing such rumors and receiving that secret letter, I deeply resented Zhao Changyu’s divisive intentions. But seeing this today, it appears I misunderstood him.”

Fu Zhi cried out: “Your Majesty, Zhao Changyu passed away last night.”

The Emperor was shocked. “What? Then this memorial…”

Fu Zhi shed tears and lowered his head, speaking mournfully: “This is his final memorial.”

The court hall instantly filled with sighs. Whether genuine or feigned, everyone shed tears, appearing very sorrowful.

Prince Donghai also seemed quite grieved, sighing: “I didn’t expect such unfortunate timing. Yesterday, Ma Jia’en went to guard the Zhao residence, which actually worked in his favor, allowing him to see the Marquis of Shangcai one last time.”

He changed tack: “However, those who secretly sow discord are still detestable. Since we have this forged letter in hand and rumors outside, why not investigate thoroughly and root out the mastermind? Under the bright heavens of our Great Jin, how can we tolerate such demons and monsters?”

The Emperor opened his mouth and quickly looked to the other ministers.

Everyone avoided the Emperor’s gaze.

Fu Zhi pondered: “The urgent matter is arranging the Marquis of Shangcai’s funeral. Prince, please withdraw the soldiers stationed near the Zhao residence so the family can properly conduct the funeral rites.”

The Emperor came to his senses and quickly said: “Yes, yes, the funeral arrangements are most urgent. Someone come quickly—go immediately to the Zhao residence to see if there’s anything We can assist with.”

Fu Zhi advised: “The Marquis of Shangcai rendered great service in stabilizing the realm. Please, Your Majesty, bestow a posthumous title and grant his memorial’s requests.”

The Emperor nodded repeatedly. “Good, good. I recall the late Emperor had already chosen the posthumous title ‘Jian’ for him…”

The Emperor didn’t know who had forged the letter, but with Prince Donghai pursuing it so relentlessly, he had only one concern—he feared this sword dance was aimed at him.

Did he truly not know Zhao Changyu’s real thoughts?

He had sent people repeatedly to persuade Zhao Changyu to change his position. Could Prince Donghai be unaware that Zhao Changyu had refused him time and again?

Yet after receiving the forged letter, he immediately dispatched troops to surround the Zhao residence—his true aim was likely the Zhao family’s wealth.

If he could be so ruthless even to Zhao Changyu who supported him, how much more cruel would he be to those who opposed him?

The Emperor worried endlessly, wanting only to delay and buy time to devise a response.

Zhao Qiao… had died too quickly. If he hadn’t died, this fire wouldn’t reach him so soon.

The Emperor shook his head, dismissing the thought. He pressed his hand to his forehead in contemplation, then after a moment said: “Use the posthumous title the late Emperor chose for him. Issue an edict allowing Zhao Ji to inherit as Marquis of Shangcai.”

Everyone acknowledged the order.

Prince Donghai sneered inwardly. Did the Emperor think avoiding the topic would make him drop the investigation?

With Zhao Changyu’s death, he had become a laughingstock. Prince Donghai harbored unexpressed anger and naturally wouldn’t let the Emperor off so easily.

That forged letter was most likely the work of the Emperor’s people.

Prince Donghai strode out with large steps. Outside, grief already pervaded everywhere—whether aristocratic officials or common people, all knew that Zhao Changyu had passed away last night.

He had always maintained a sterling reputation and enjoyed extremely high prestige among the people. As soon as Prince Donghai left the palace, he heard weeping from the streets and alleys. Upon discerning what they were crying about, his face instantly turned dark as iron.

At that moment, Fu Zhi, having obtained the Emperor’s edict, hurried out. Seeing Wang Yan ahead, he immediately rushed forward and grabbed him. “Yifu, where is the Prince?”

The confused Wang Yan replied: “The Prince left long ago. Didn’t you know?”

Of course Fu Zhi knew, but that didn’t prevent him from pretending otherwise. Seeing colleagues standing nearby with pricked ears, he couldn’t help exclaiming “Aiya!” and stamping his foot. “How could you just let the Prince leave like that? Yifu, why didn’t you try to dissuade him?”

“Changyu worried about state affairs even on his deathbed. His greatest fear was that the Prince and His Majesty would develop misunderstandings over this matter. Yifu, you’re close with the Prince—please mediate on his behalf. The Prince investigating this matter isn’t wrong in itself, but if the investigation ultimately leads back to His Majesty, it would not only hurt Changyu’s heart, the world wouldn’t believe it either.”

Wang Yan smiled dismissively. “Secretary Fu worries too much. Right is right, wrong is wrong—the Prince isn’t one to call a deer a horse.”

He’s not one to call a deer a horse? As if! If he dealt in facts, how could he have surrounded the Zhao residence?

Fu Zhi’s mouth twitched in a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “We naturally know the Prince isn’t that kind of person, but the common people don’t know! Whether among the people or the aristocracy, Changyu’s reputation was excellent. Yesterday the Prince surrounded the Zhao residence, last night Changyu passed away—if this gets out, it will surely damage the Prince’s reputation.”

Seeing Wang Yan still unwilling to wade into these troubled waters, Fu Zhi lowered his voice: “Today the Zhao siblings have already announced the death. By now, everyone in the capital probably knows. Yifu, why not go out and listen to public opinion before deciding?”

Wang Yan’s expression became somewhat more serious. He looked at Fu Zhi, finally cupped his hands, and left the palace with his attendants.

Upon reaching the main street, he indeed saw grieving and discussing people everywhere.

Wang Yan furrowed his brow tightly.

The officials who had followed Wang Yan out to the street anxiously asked: “Lord Wang, what should we do? The Prince is already troubled. If this reaches his ears, it will cause yet another dispute.”

Wang Yan sighed: “With worldly affairs so complicated, it’s inevitable that one’s mood becomes disordered. Forget it, let’s go counsel the Prince. A peaceful heart also benefits one’s health.”

—