“What Wenxuan says is not without merit.”

As soon as Pei Wenxuan posed his question, Pei Liming immediately picked up the thread of conversation.

He was originally from a concubine’s line and had always been at odds with Pei Lixian. Before Pei Lizhi’s death, his official career had been smooth sailing, but after Pei Lizhi’s death, he had been constantly suppressed by Pei Lixian. It wasn’t until Pei Wenxuan married Li Rong that he was promoted from Vice Minister of Justice to Minister.

There were quite a few people like him. As soon as Pei Liming spoke, clan members who had already communicated with Pei Wenxuan beforehand stood up one by one to present the pros and cons.

The Pei family had long been bound together with the Crown Prince. From the moment Pei Wenxuan trapped Consort Rou, they had become mortal enemies with her. If Li Cheng ascended the throne, for them it would likely mean the extermination of their entire clan.

The Pei family argued internally for a long time before Pei Xuanqing finally spoke: “Stop.”

Both Pei Lixian and Pei Wenxuan looked toward Pei Xuanqing at the same time. Pei Xuanqing raised his turbid eyes: “Wenxuan, if the family head’s token is not given to you today, what will you do?”

“In response to Grandfather, the Crown Prince is my wife’s younger brother. I naturally cannot abandon him.”

If Pei Wenxuan didn’t leave, regardless of whether the Crown Prince won or lost, the Pei family couldn’t escape involvement.

“Then, how confident are you?”

Pei Xuanqing stared at Pei Wenxuan. Pei Wenxuan smiled softly: “Grandfather, Prince Su is already dead.”

“What about the one in the palace?”

“He’s fake.”

Pei Wenxuan’s voice was very light: “This matter is known to more than just your grandson. They can’t hide it for much longer. Grandfather, what do you think are the Crown Prince’s chances when the demon consort has confused the imperial bloodline?”

Pei Xuanqing fell silent. After a long while, he laughed: “Back then, your father was the same way.”

With that, he turned his head to look at everyone: “What does everyone choose?”

“We believe that Wenxuan’s words are most reasonable.”

A group of people spoke in unison. There were some voices speaking up for Pei Lixian mixed in, but they were all drowned out.

Pei Xuanqing nodded and turned to look at Pei Lixian: “Give him the family head’s token and the keys to the storehouses.”

“Father.” Pei Lixian grew anxious. “He’s just a child…”

“I’m not a child anymore.”

Pei Xuanqing’s voice grew heavy: “This isn’t his decision, it’s mine. The family head’s token—give it to him.”

Pei Lixian pressed his lips together tightly. Seeing Pei Lixian’s defiance, Pei Xuanqing suddenly slammed his palm on the table and shouted: “Give it to him!”

Pei Lixian didn’t speak. The atmosphere instantly became tense. Pei Xuanqing frowned: “Second son.”

“Father, I cannot watch him repeat his father’s mistakes. The Pei family cannot participate in this matter. Right now we should immediately apprehend Pei Wenxuan and send him to the palace! Guards!”

At Pei Lixian’s loud shout, a group of sword-wielding guards burst through the door and rushed in, completely surrounding the entire ancestral hall.

Pei Liming’s face turned cold: “Pei Lixian, drawing weapons in the ancestral hall—what are you doing?!”

“Just dealing with an unfilial descendant. Pei Wenxuan, you’ve committed insubordination and attempted treason. Today I will enforce righteousness by eliminating a relative and execute you on the spot before sending you to the palace to see how His Majesty judges this! No one is permitted to move today!”

Pei Lixian swept his hand, his face cold: “Otherwise you will be considered accomplices and charged with treason.”

Upon hearing this, everyone’s faces looked extremely unpleasant. However, Pei Wenxuan merely smiled and found a spot in the hall to sit down calmly. Tong Ye poured him tea. He smiled slightly at Pei Xuanqing: “Grandfather, Second Uncle has drawn weapons before the ancestral hall. May Wenxuan relieve Grandfather of this worry?”

Hearing these words, Pei Xuanqing hesitated for a moment before nodding.

Pei Lixian laughed coldly: “An autumn grasshopper putting on airs of composure. Guards, seize him!”

Pei Wenxuan smiled without speaking and calmly picked up his tea. The guards in the courtyard charged toward Pei Wenxuan with raised swords. At that very moment, arrows fell like rain from all directions, instantly killing the guards charging at the front of the ancestral hall!

Blood from the guards closest to Pei Lixian splattered directly onto his face, forcing him to close his eyes.

Then the sound of battle cries rang out from outside the main gate. Everyone stood before the ancestral hall, their faces pale, not daring to speak.

Only Pei Wenxuan remained leisurely seated in his original position, savoring the fragrance of his tea. Finally, he raised his head to look at Pei Lixian: “Second Uncle, just sit and wait. When you cross over to the Yellow Springs in a while, there’s still a long road ahead.” With that, Pei Wenxuan lifted his teacup lid and smiled lightly: “Don’t tire yourself out.”

Pei Lixian’s face was pale. He said nothing. After waiting for a long time, the courtyard outside finally quieted down.

Zhao Chongjiu stepped inside and knelt before Pei Wenxuan: “My lord, all the guilty ministers have been executed—one hundred forty-two people in total. Please inspect them, my lord.”

Pei Wenxuan nodded and glanced at Tong Ye beside him. Tong Ye carried the wine that had been prepared earlier and placed it before Pei Lixian, saying respectfully: “Second Master, please.”

Pei Lixian looked at the poisoned wine before him. Pei Wenxuan smiled slightly: “Second Uncle, this cup of wine is Wenxuan’s gesture. If you don’t drink it willingly, we’ll force it down your throat. Better to drink it yourself and maintain some dignity.”

Pei Lixian’s hands trembled slightly. Before he could speak, several cries of alarm came from the crowd. Several Pei family members who had always followed him were dragged out, and in the blink of an eye, blood splattered across the ground.

Pei Lixian’s face turned deathly white. Pei Wenxuan stood up and picked up the wine cup: “Second Uncle,” his voice was very soft, “my father drank that cup of wine. You should drink this one too.”

Hearing this, Pei Lixian raised his eyes to look at him. After a long while, he finally spoke in a trembling voice: “Wolf cub…”

“If you don’t drink now,” Pei Wenxuan’s voice was very light, “you won’t be the only one drinking.”

Hearing this, Pei Lixian finally yielded. He took a deep breath, drained the wine in one gulp, then turned and rushed out of the hall.

Pei Wenxuan called out: “Wait.”

Pei Lixian stopped in his tracks. Pei Wenxuan raised his hand: “The family head’s token.”

Pei Lixian didn’t move. He felt pain—his internal organs were all in pain.

Pei Wenxuan personally stepped forward and removed the family head’s token from his waist. The moment he took it, the man spat out a mouthful of blood and fell straight down.

Blood splattered onto Pei Wenxuan. He took out a handkerchief and wiped the blood drops from his clean face, then turned around and directly issued orders: “Mobilize all Pei family soldiers to assemble. Have Pei Xiao order the City Guard Army to wait at the south gate.”

While the Pei household was in chaos, inside the Su Manor courtyard, there was an unusual sense of tranquility.

Su Rongqing walked into Su Minzhi’s bedroom. Su Minzhi was practicing calligraphy. When Su Rongqing entered the room, he knelt down properly: “Father.”

“Do you know why I called you here?”

Su Minzhi didn’t look up, his brush slowly drawing a horizontal stroke across the paper.

Su Rongqing’s voice was very soft: “I know.”

“Your older brother told me about your situation. You’ve always been a child who knows proper boundaries. I can’t understand,” Su Minzhi raised his eyes to look at Su Rongqing, “how you could be even less sensible than your older brother?”

Su Rongqing didn’t move. Seeing that his expression showed no remorse, Su Minzhi frowned: “The Crown Prince is the legitimate eldest son of the Empress. Whether by age or legitimacy, he is the rightful heir. His character, learning, and bearing are all impeccable. What is Consort Rou’s background? What is Prince Su’s character? What are you doing?”

“Previously when you argued with Pei Wenxuan in court, I already found it strange, but I thought you were just…” Su Minzhi pressed his lips together and flicked his brush aside, only saying, “youthfully impulsive. I know your feelings toward Princess Pingle, but she’s already married. What are you doing now?”

“Father?” Su Rongqing looked up in a daze. He never knew that his feelings were known to everyone in his family.

Su Minzhi seemed to feel guilty and softened his voice: “During your three years at the academy, every year during examinations, whenever Princess Pingle was present, you would make a special effort to perform well. Every time you entered the palace, as long as Princess Pingle was there, you would dress up specially. Rongqing, I’m your father. No one knows a son better than his father. You and Her Highness aren’t suitable for each other. I also thought you wouldn’t cross the line, so I never pointed it out. But what’s happened to you now? I can no longer understand you.”

“It is I who have failed Father’s teachings.”

Su Rongqing took a deep breath: “It’s just that your son believes Li Chuan is truly not suitable to be emperor.”

“Then is Prince Su suitable?!” Seeing Su Rongqing refuse to yield, Su Minzhi couldn’t help but show anger. “Where is there a completely suitable monarch? A monarch is the instrument that stabilizes the nation. It’s not about being strong, but about being stable.”

“But he’s not stable.”

Su Rongqing’s expression was calm: “Father, actually everything Princess Pingle has done has been at the Crown Prince’s instigation. Even when Consort Rou proposed the tax reform, it was actually the Crown Prince setting a trap for Consort Rou. What Father said, I find most reasonable. A monarch should be stable, ministers should be talented. Although Prince Su has poor character and improper origins, he can’t stir up much trouble. But what about the Crown Prince?”

Su Rongqing raised his eyes to look at Su Minzhi: “Right now, the Crown Prince hasn’t even ascended the throne yet, and he’s already turned the court completely upside down. If he does ascend the throne, Father, how could you possibly control him?”

“That’s not for you to worry about!”

Su Minzhi shouted in a low voice. Just as he was speaking, Su Ronghua came from outside the courtyard. Hearing the argument inside, he quietly circled around to the back window and hid there to watch Su Rongqing and Su Minzhi talking.

Although he had reported on Su Rongqing, he was also worried that Su Rongqing might be beaten to death by Su Minzhi. Su Minzhi’s strictness toward Su Rongqing was something he had known since childhood. This strictness also contained a measure of fear that his youngest son would repeat the mistakes of his eldest son who hadn’t turned out well. Therefore, Su Ronghua always felt somewhat guilty toward Su Rongqing.

He secretly listened to their conversation by the window, ready to intervene if Su Minzhi made a move.

After Su Minzhi scolded Su Rongqing, anger surged within him. He reached out to pick up the tea beside him, but before he could touch the cup, he heard Su Rongqing speak: “I want to help Li Cheng ascend the throne.”

“What did you say?!”

Su Minzhi suddenly turned around, his robes knocking over the teacup.

Su Rongqing stood up and went to pour tea for Su Minzhi. As he poured, he said: “I’m asking for Father’s opinion.”

“I absolutely do not agree.” Su Minzhi was too angry to say more and pointed to the door: “Go receive your punishment yourself. Don’t even think about such notions!”

“Then,” Su Rongqing carried the tea and knelt before Su Minzhi, holding the tea above his head, “your son won’t think about it anymore. Please calm your anger, Father.”

Su Minzhi looked at Su Rongqing’s appearance. He hesitated for a moment, then finally softened his attitude. He picked up the teacup, took a sip, and spoke slowly: “It’s good that you’ve thought it through. Rongqing, no matter what, the Crown Prince is the sovereign and we are his subjects. As long as His Highness the Crown Prince hasn’t done anything that violates the heavenly virtues…”

As Su Minzhi spoke, his tongue began to stiffen. He felt his surroundings gradually darkening.

“Rongqing?”

Su Minzhi began to panic. Su Rongqing quickly stood up to support him: “Father.”

“I… why can’t I see?”

Su Minzhi panicked: “Quick, call a physician.”

As he spoke, he slowly began to lose his hearing as well. Su Rongqing supported Su Minzhi and called out: “Father?”

Su Ronghua, hiding outside the window, had already realized something was wrong.

He vaguely heard footsteps coming from outside. He held his breath and retreated to the woods behind the decorative rocks.

Su Rongqing helped Su Minzhi to the bed. By the time Su Minzhi collapsed onto the bed, he had completely lost the ability to speak.

“Father,” Su Rongqing raised his hand to tuck in his blanket, his voice gentle, “you rest for a while. Once I’ve finished my business, I’ll come back.”

After saying this, Su Rongqing’s face instantly turned cold. He raised his hand and took the family head’s token from Su Minzhi’s person, stood up and walked out. As soon as he stepped outside, he saw that the corridors throughout the inner courtyard were already filled with his people.

“Guard the inner courtyard. Don’t let anyone approach. Father is gravely ill, so I’m temporarily assuming the position of Su family head.” Su Rongqing hung the family head’s token at his waist. “Find the eldest young master and confine him. Immediately arrange for all other uninvolved clan members to leave Hua Jing in batches. Order the Su family soldiers to assemble, and have the City Guard Army remain at the south gate for now. Rush to Tianshou Pass and notify Su Ping that there’s been a change in Hua Jing—bring eight thousand elite troops here.”

After Su Rongqing finished speaking, he strode out.

Once the footsteps around him faded, Su Ronghua found an opportunity and rushed out in a panic. He made his way along the wall toward an unpopulated area until he reached a dog hole at the back of the Su Manor.

He took a deep breath and finally bent down, emerging through the hole covered in dog hair.

The commotion caused by the Su and Pei families shutting their doors was like two drops of water falling into the sea in all of Hua Jing—it didn’t create much of a ripple. However, perceptive people still noticed something unusual. By afternoon, the number of people leaving the city had suddenly increased, and at this time, palace officials arrived at the Crown Prince’s residence bearing an imperial edict.

Li Chuan had already finished his morning ablutions. He knelt on the couch, looking at the long sword lying before him without saying a word.

Fulai led people into the Crown Prince’s residence and spoke respectfully at the door: “Your Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty requests your presence.”

Li Chuan raised his head to look at Fulai at the doorway. His gaze was very cold. Fulai’s expression didn’t change. After a long while, Li Chuan picked up his long sword, embraced it as he stood, and walked toward the door: “Let’s go.”

Li Chuan boarded a carriage. At this time, Zhao Chongjiu also returned to the Princess’s residence and escorted Li Rong onto a carriage.

Li Rong sat in the carriage, looking at her surroundings. She clearly sensed that the atmosphere on the streets was somewhat unusual—there were many more people heading toward the city gates.

Along the road, there were still some small beggars stubbornly holding their positions. They watched as Li Rong’s carriage passed by, then looked away. Li Rong knew these were all Pei Wenxuan’s eyes and ears. Pei Wenxuan’s foundation lay in his ability to gather information.

Li Rong watched the pedestrians on the street, watching them frown as they hurried about. She suddenly remembered the northern regions that both Pei Wenxuan and Li Chuan had mentioned. She turned her head to look at Zhao Chongjiu sitting beside her: “Chongjiu.”

“Your Highness.”

Zhao Chongjiu thought she had some orders and immediately responded. Li Rong thought for a moment: “I remember you’re from the northwest.”

“Yes.” Zhao Chongjiu replied respectfully. “I’m from Suzhou in the northwest.”

“Do the common people in the northwest look the same as the people here in Hua Jing before war breaks out?”

Li Rong studied the common people on the street. Zhao Chongjiu laughed. Li Rong turned back, rather puzzled: “What are you laughing at?”

“Your Highness,” Zhao Chongjiu lowered his head, “the northern armies excel at surprise attacks and cavalry. Before war breaks out, the common people don’t know. They suddenly attack the city at night—either they can’t break through and everyone flees, or they break through and there’s no time to think about much. It happens too quickly.”

Zhao Chongjiu lifted the curtain and looked at the pedestrians on the street heading toward the city gates. These were vigilant common people who had received news due to the unusual movements of the City Guard Army. Zhao Chongjiu observed them: “Look at them—at least they have people warning each other. The northwest doesn’t have that. You might wake up one morning and find your head is gone. That’s the good scenario. The worst is when you encounter a desperate last stand in a city that gets breached, where the defending general hasn’t had time to organize an evacuation—that’s the most tragic.”

Li Rong didn’t dare ask what kind of misery that would be.

She sat in the carriage, for the first time lowering her head to look at the common people all around her.

The carriage departed from the south city gate, where the Pei family’s garrison was stationed. As Li Rong left the city, she turned back to look at the city wall that had weathered wind and rain, standing in place like a person watching her depart.

She was about to leave this place.

Leave this place where she had lived for fifty years.

Leave the power she was passionate about, the court she had struggled for all her life.

A sense of disorientation rose within her. Somehow, she suddenly understood the melancholy of heroes breaking their swords and beauties facing their twilight years.

She couldn’t even imagine life in Qingzhou. With every step the carriage took forward, she felt as if a rope was pulling at her heart. She suddenly felt a surge of struggle. She suddenly wanted to try.

Could she do better?

She wanted both love and power—she wanted everything. Was there a ruler who could hold an ordinary person’s heart while standing invincible?

She watched as the two characters “Hua Jing” became increasingly blurred. Just then, from within Hua Jing, sounds of killing suddenly erupted.

The momentum shook the heavens. Then all of Hua Jing seemed to become like water suddenly brought to a boil, with screams and shouts urgently reaching her ears.

Li Rong’s hand gripped the edge of the carriage. She stared fixedly at that battlefield that had belonged to her for fifty years.

Within the palace walls of Hua Jing, soldiers were killing each other. Li Chuan stood before the palace gate embracing his sword, watching as the palace gates slowly opened. He looked coldly at the great hall that extended all the way to the end beyond the palace gates and shouted loudly: “The demon consort, Xiao Shi, has bewitched the sovereign, thrown the court into chaos, and confused the imperial bloodline. Her crimes deserve execution. Now she holds His Majesty hostage. I have received His Majesty’s summons to enter the palace and clear the ruler’s side, to protect His Majesty’s safety.”

“Those who obstruct,” Li Chuan raised his hand and drew his sword, standing before the palace gate, “shall be executed!”

After he finished speaking, soldiers flooded in like a tide. Li Chuan raised his sword and strode rapidly into the palace.

Li Rong heard the distant commotion. She didn’t dare look anymore and was about to lower the curtain when she saw a young woman riding a horse, galloping out from the city and racing wildly toward her.

“Stop!” Shangguan Ya didn’t dare call out Li Rong’s name, so she just shouted at the carriage ahead: “Stop!”

Li Rong heard Shangguan Ya’s voice and immediately ordered the carriage to halt: “Stop!”

The carriage had just stopped when Shangguan Ya pulled up in front of Li Rong, breathing heavily. Just from her expression, Li Rong knew something was wrong: “What happened?”

“Su Ronghua just came to find me. He said Su Rongqing has rebelled. He’s gained control of the Su family. The Su clan and other aristocratic families have joined forces with Consort Rou, and they’ve also transferred ten thousand elite troops from Tianshou Pass.”

“Has he made his move yet?” Li Rong immediately asked urgently. Shangguan Ya shook her head: “No.”

If he wasn’t moving yet, then Su Rongqing was waiting for Li Chuan.

Once Li Chuan actually killed Li Ming, Su Rongqing could justifiably kill Li Chuan.

If the aristocratic families within the city joined forces with him, then within Hua Jing city alone, Su Rongqing would have close to ten thousand troops. Tonight, transferring troops from around Hua Jing, the Wang and Su families could have twenty thousand soldiers arrive at Hua Jing by tomorrow.

If Li Chuan killed Li Ming, with only the ten thousand troops they currently had, defeat was certain.

If Li Chuan didn’t kill Li Ming, then there was only one path left—agree to Li Ming’s demand to pacify the Shangguan clan, then join forces with Li Ming. That way there was still a chance of victory.

“Your Highness,” Shangguan Ya looked at Li Rong, “what should we do now? Please decide, Your Highness.”

Decide? How to decide?

Su Rongqing wasn’t moving because he believed they still didn’t understand his calculations. Otherwise, Su Rongqing would ambush Li Chuan from behind right now, coordinating with Li Ming from inside and outside. Li Chuan would be utterly defeated, and Pei Wenxuan, who participated in the military coup, would have absolutely no chance of survival either.

If she left now, she could still return to Qingzhou. Perhaps Su Rongqing would keep his promise and give her a way to live.

If she went back now, she would only be watching them die.

When the word “death” crossed her mind, she suddenly remembered the question Pei Wenxuan had asked her.

“If I die today, what would Your Highness do?”

What would she do?

She had thought this was something that would never happen, but at this moment, she clearly realized it was not impossible.

If Pei Wenxuan died…

If Pei Wenxuan died…

Li Rong closed her eyes.

“Go back.”

She spoke hoarsely: “I’ll go to the palace and bring His Highness the Crown Prince out. Don’t alarm anyone. I’ll sit in command at the palace and continue directing the siege. Zhao Chongjiu, you go tell Pei Wenxuan that something happened to me on the road and have him come rescue me. Then get as many people from the Shangguan and Pei families out of the city as you can. Aya, you also leave Hua Jing,” Li Rong raised her eyes to look at Shangguan Ya, “preserve your strength. As long as the Crown Prince doesn’t die, when Xun Chuan arrives, immediately attack the city.”

Shangguan Ya looked at Li Rong. After a long while, she asked: “What about you?”

“I have to stay in the palace,” Li Rong looked at her. “Without anyone in command, Su Rongqing will quickly discover that Chuan’er has left. Moreover, if I’m there, even if we’re discovered, I can still hold Su Rongqing off for a while.”

Shangguan Ya didn’t speak. Li Rong gave her a push: “Hurry now. Leave immediately.”

Shangguan Ya took a deep breath and nodded: “Yes.”

After she finished, Shangguan Ya rode away. Li Rong sat back in her seat, closed her eyes, and said calmly: “Let’s go back.”

They hadn’t gone far. The carriage carried Li Rong back into the city.

When she left, she had been confused and at a loss.

But now as the carriage returned to Hua Jing, carrying her to the battlefield, she felt an unusual sense of calm.

Her carriage passed through the now completely chaotic streets and arrived at the palace gate. When she parted with Zhao Chongjiu, she handed him the letter she had written in the carriage: “Take the Prince Consort somewhere far away before giving him the letter.”

Zhao Chongjiu received the order and quickly withdrew.

Pei Wenxuan led the Pei family and Constabulary Bureau forces guarding outside the palace walls. Zhao Chongjiu found someone to locate Pei Wenxuan. When Pei Wenxuan saw Zhao Chongjiu, he was somewhat alarmed: “Why are you here? Where is Her Highness?”

“Her Highness has met with trouble,” Zhao Chongjiu lowered his voice, appearing very anxious. “She’s at an inn outside the city. Her Highness ordered you to go there immediately, Prince Consort.”

After Zhao Chongjiu finished speaking, he produced Li Rong’s token. When Pei Wenxuan saw the token, he became somewhat panicked for a moment.

He looked at the palace walls, then at the token in his hand. Zhao Chongjiu immediately said: “My lord, make a decision quickly. If it’s too late…”

“Pei Ming!” Pei Wenxuan called Pei Ming, who came forward: “Young Master.”

“You guard here first. I’m going outside the city. I’ll be back very soon.”

After Pei Wenxuan finished, he selected a group of elite fighters and led them out of the city following Zhao Chongjiu.

Pei Wenxuan rushed urgently toward the outside of the city. Li Rong, draped in a fox fur cloak and holding a hand warmer, walked step by step into the palace.

Inside the bedchamber, Li Ming lay on the couch, looking at Li Chuan who stood before him embracing his sword.

“I originally wanted to give you a choice,” Li Ming’s face showed some weakness. “I didn’t expect you wouldn’t even want a choice and directly gave me the result. Li Chuan, do you know what infamy you’ll bear in the history books for killing me?”

“I don’t care about infamy or not.”

Li Chuan’s expression was indifferent. Li Ming laughed mockingly: “Not even afraid of infamy—it seems you truly are a disloyal and unrighteous bastard dog. You must be crazy with desire for this throne, right? Oh no, wait,” Li Ming seemed to suddenly think of something, “it’s not that you’ve gone crazy—it’s your mother, your sister, the Shangguan family.”

Li Ming clapped his hands as if he had guessed correctly, then pointed at him: “They’re the ones who’ve gone crazy.”

“Father,” Li Chuan listened to Li Ming’s words and seemed somewhat hurt. “I don’t understand.”

“Don’t understand what?”

“Why is it… that you just cannot accept me?”

“At a time like this,” Li Ming found it laughable, “you’re still asking me this kind of question. Chuan’er,” Li Ming sighed, “who taught you to be so naive? It’s not that I don’t accept you. You are my child. I held you from infancy and raised you with my own hands. What I don’t accept is your mother.”

As the two spoke, Shangguan Yue pushed the door open and entered.

Li Ming raised his eyes to see the woman entering the room. His words didn’t stop as he looked at Shangguan Yue: “The Shangguan clan’s desires know no bounds. They regard my Li clan as puppets and attempt to use marriage to rule all under heaven together with my Li clan. They have no feelings in their hearts. Do you think your mother loves you? Does the Shangguan clan regard you as family? No, Li Chuan,” Li Ming laughed, “you’re just a chess piece of the Shangguan clan. A tool they use to rule Great Xia.”

Shangguan Yue listened to Li Ming’s words and walked step by step behind Li Chuan.

Her expression was very calm. She looked at the man on the bed.

He was old.

The stench of decay circled around him. There was no trace of the young gentleman who had flown kites with her and built the North Yan Pagoda.

She looked at him with pity. This gaze enraged Li Ming, who shouted: “What are you looking at!”

“Taking one last look at you, Li Ming,” Shangguan Yue’s tone was very calm. “You’re old.”

After Shangguan Yue finished, she turned to look at Li Chuan: “What are you waiting for? Make your move.”

Li Chuan held his sword without moving. Shangguan Yue frowned: “Li Chuan! So many people outside are waiting for you. Every moment you delay ascending the throne creates more variables. Hurry!”

Li Chuan lowered his head. Shangguan Yue took a soft pillow from the side and placed it in Li Chuan’s hands: “Hurry, you can’t use a blade—it’s too obvious. Go smother him to death.”

Li Chuan raised his head to look at Shangguan Yue before him: “Mother…”

“Shangguan Yue, he’s my son!” Li Ming saw the confrontation between Li Chuan and Shangguan Yue and grew excited. “Do you think patricide is so simple? Have I never been good to him? I held him, I taught him to write. When he was hungry, I took him to the kitchen for a midnight snack in the middle of the night. When you punished him by making him practice writing, I helped him copy…”

Li Ming recounted old stories from Li Chuan’s youth.

Back then, his conflicts with the Shangguan clan hadn’t been so acute. He and Shangguan Yue were still a loving couple. The North Yan Pagoda hadn’t been completed yet. He was still a big child himself who would pull Li Chuan along and sit Li Rong on his shoulders to play.

He had originally wanted to use these stories to provoke Shangguan Yue and Li Chuan, but as he spoke, his voice grew hoarse.

The bedchamber fell silent for a moment. Shangguan Yue’s eyes reddened: “You won’t do it, will you?”

With that, Shangguan Yue suddenly drew her sword: “Then I’ll do it!”

“Mother!”

Seeing Shangguan Yue raise her sword and charge forward, Li Chuan grabbed hold of her: “Wait… wait a little longer…”

“Wait for what!”

Shangguan Yue turned back and slapped Li Chuan across the face: “With such indecisiveness, how can you be Crown Prince, how can you become emperor! Kill him!”

Shangguan Yue placed the sword in Li Chuan’s hands: “Kill him! Have you forgotten how he usually treats you? He’s so good to Li Cheng, but gives you only that tiny bit of kindness—don’t you want to kill him for that?”

As Shangguan Yue spoke, she pulled Li Chuan forward.

Li Chuan’s sword kept trembling. Shangguan Yue pressed him.

“Kill him.”

Shangguan Yue’s tears flowed as if she were pouring all the madness of her lifetime into this moment: “Kill him and it will all be over. You’ll be the emperor. All under heaven will be yours.”

“You’re the Crown Prince. Don’t be so weak. It’s just killing one person—killing a father who’s never been good to you. What are you hesitating for!”

The sword tip moved closer and closer toward the old man on the bed. Outside the palace gate, Li Rong climbed the steps one by one.

Just as the sword tip pressed against Li Ming’s neck, Li Rong pushed the door open.

Cold wind rushed into the room. All three turned back together and saw Li Rong standing in the doorway, dressed in a black robe with gold thread, draped in pure white fox fur, holding a hand warmer in her hands, quietly watching them.

Li Chuan looked at her in disbelief, tears quickly welling up in his eyes.

Li Rong looked at Li Chuan. For a moment, she felt as if she had returned to many years ago.

Standing at a crossroads of fate, she had been given a chance to make corrections.

“Put down the sword,” her voice was very light. “Chuan’er, come here.”