Chapter 241 – Fengju

On a cold night with dense darkness so thick you could barely see your hand in front of your face, the imposing palace walls stood tall and firm against the backdrop of the night, majestic and perilous, seemingly insurmountable.

Suddenly, several deafening cannon shots rang out at Shenwu Gate. The grand gate shook violently under the bombardment, collapsing amidst the roar of the cannons. Out of the darkness, armored soldiers wielding spears emerged in droves, charging towards the Emperor’s quarters, Baohe Palace, like a dark cloud descending from the sky.

The imperial guards, eunuchs, attendants, and officials on duty outside the inner palace were startled by the cannon fire. Seeing the dense crowd of soldiers with their menacing spears, they were overwhelmed with fear and panic. Some fled to secluded areas for safety, while many more rushed toward Baohe Palace and Wenhua Hall in a desperate attempt to escape.

Chaos reigned at the gates. The guards crumbled and only knew how to run away. Someone shouted to close the gates, but the rebel commanders, riding atop their towering steeds, watched with glee as the city guards fell back in disarray. They knew, however, that the Nine Gates Garrison would soon come to the rescue. Time was not on their side; if they delayed too long, they would be caught between two fires and annihilated.

They had to reach Baohe Palace and storm the Emperor to control the ailing emperor within the shortest possible time.

In the depths of the night, the rebel commander raised his arm and bellowed, “His Majesty has been held hostage by traitorous ministers and is in grave danger. We are here to save the king and restore order. Those who resist will be executed without mercy!”

The prearranged messengers echoed his words in unison:

“His Majesty has been held hostage by traitorous ministers and is in grave danger. We are here to save the king and restore order. Those who resist will be executed without mercy!”

The words reverberated throughout the silent palace, their forceful tones carrying far and wide.

Xu Chun stood atop the high city wall, his expression stoic. His mind wandered to when Ninth Brother first taught him that no matter what one did, one must first secure a just cause.

Ninth Brother… he can get better, right? He hasn’t been well since winter came. Winter Sea, and Mr. Zhou, you must cure Ninth Brother.

Su Huaibai remarked beside him, “So they’re using the tried-and-true path of saving the king and purging the court of corrupt ministers. Old tricks never go out of style, indeed. If it weren’t for Lord Linhai, and if the Emperor truly fell ill in the palace, I’d have been branded a treacherous eunuch. Hmm, this minister who’s holding the Emperor hostage must either be Duke Wuying, Commander Fang, or the Marquis.”

The main gate of Baohe Palace crumbled, and Xu Chun watched as the dark swarm of people surged to the front of Wenhua Hall, dragging three cannons behind them. He said indifferently, “It appears they’ve been planning this for quite some time. Even the outdated cannons have been brought out. These cannons won’t last after a few uses; they’re prone to exploding.”

He continued, “Let the arrows fly from the Fengyi Towers on both sides to disrupt their cannon fire. Don’t let them suspect anything and drive them all inside.”

Su Huaibai replied, “Don’t worry.”

Indeed, arrows rained down from the watchtowers on both sides, like the wings of a phoenix, forcing the rebels to quickly raise their shields to protect the cannons. Clearly, they had rehearsed this scenario before and remained remarkably brave. A commander loudly ordered the troops to continue advancing, and the mouths of several cannons were aimed at the doors of Wenhua Hall.

Xu Chun narrowed his eyes as he saw the main rebel forces flood into the square in front of Wenhua Hall. Wenhua Hall was where Xie Yi usually met with ministers to discuss matters. Beyond it lay Suiyu Hall, where he and Ninth Brother resided. Ninth Brother’s books were all here; they couldn’t let the rabble desecrate them.

He waved his hand. “The dogs have entered a dead-end alley; we can finish them off now. Send the signal!”

Su Huaibai grinned sinisterly as he lit the signal firework in his hand over a candle flame near the window of the high tower. It soared up through the air with a whizzing sound, piercing the clouds, then burst open in the dark night sky.

Sparks flew everywhere, forming a giant flaming phoenix. Its clear cry echoed through the heavens as it spread its wings and soared upward. Its golden-red tail feathers swirled around its extended wings, and countless sparks rained down from the sky, creating a breathtaking scene.

Everyone in the capital saw this magnificent phoenix. The cavalry from the Nine Gates rushed towards the palace walls from all directions. Their hooves thundered like collapsing mountains and surging floods, unstoppable.

Though frightened to leave the city, numerous high-ranking officials and commoners still listened to the commotion in the distance from their courtyards, their hearts pounding. They looked up at the phoenix soaring and crying in the sky, and some, too timid, could not help but kneel down and pray fervently for peace.

Xu Chun stood on the city wall, staring at the phoenix in astonishment. “What’s going on with this signal flare?”

Su Huaibai chuckled. “Didn’t the Marquis say to make something eye-catching that the Nine Gates, the military commissioner, and the Jingying Army could all see?”

He raised the golden-red dragon-phoenix patterned firework tube in his hand, his face full of pride. “This is the phoenix dancing in the nine heavens firework, made by the Imperial Household Department on His Majesty’s orders. It took three years on an uninhabited island to produce just two of them. One was tested and shown to the Emperor, leaving only this one. Originally, the Emperor wanted to surprise the Marquis with it for his birthday. Hey, I thought this firework was the most eye-catching and would surely be visible throughout the entire capital and its outskirts!”

Xu Chun was speechless.

Amidst the deafening sounds of battle, the openings in the high walls on both sides of Fengyi Towers opened, revealing cannon muzzles aimed at the rebels below, at the stunned rebel commanders.

Boom!

Eight cannons fired simultaneously, shaking the earth and sky, with smoke billowing. After the volley, a deafening shout echoed across the sky. The elite soldiers of the Longxiang Fengxiang Guard, lying in wait on both sides, emerged, brandishing their muskets.

The intense firepower blasted deep craters into the square in front of the hall! The screams of agony echoed through the palace as the remnants of the enemy turned and fled desperately towards the palace gates. Meanwhile, the reinforcements from the Nine Gates arrived just in time to trap them between the inner and outer forces.

The Nine Gates Garrison, the Jingying Army commander, and the Five-City Military Commissioner must have been alarmed. How many loyal and traitorous individuals were among them, no one knew. But seeing this, they probably wouldn’t dare to act rashly.

Xu Chun looked down coldly, recalling his first battlefield experience, his first boarding action. He was no longer the greenhorn general who would shudder at the sight of enemies’ flesh flying and limbs scattering.

Showing mercy to the enemy was cruel to Ninth Brother, and unjust to the world and the people.

=====

That night, countless high-ranking officials and commoners in the capital couldn’t sleep. It wasn’t until dawn that the sounds of battle quieted down, and no more cannon fire was heard.

All the officials sent their servants to the palace to observe. They soon returned with reports: The palace had calmed down, surrounded by heavy troops. The generals of the Five-City Military Commissioner and the palace guards were tightly guarding the area.

When asked about the situation in the palace, the guards didn’t say a word, merely guarding the palace gates and not allowing anyone to enter. They could smell the gunpowder and blood. Through the blasted palace gates, they could see some of the palaces on fire that had been extinguished. Palace servants and eunuchs were cleaning up the bodies and bloodstains.

Prince Xie He, the Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs, had arrived and given orders to the Military Affairs Department, the Grand Secretariat, and the ministers above the third rank to convene for a meeting. Meanwhile, the various royal relatives had also rushed to the scene but were stopped outside the Outer Court. The Inner Palace was heavily guarded, and no one answered questions about the Emperor’s safety or who was causing the disturbance.

Despite Prince Xie He’s noble status, he was also stopped outside. He was discussing the situation with Chancellor Ouyang Shen. Ouyang Shen said, “Right now, we need to know how the Emperor is doing and who is responsible for the palace security. Commander Fang left the capital yesterday, and it’s rumored that the tiger token was handed over to the Emperor.”

Xie He asked, “Where’s Eunuch Su?”

Ouyang Shen frowned. “The guards are on high alert and haven’t said a word. No one has come out to relay messages. As outsiders, we officials cannot enter the Inner Palace without authorization.”

Prince Li was furious. “The Emperor’s safety is paramount. How can we allow them to control us like this? Who is leading the palace guards? If they think we officials cannot enter the palace without authorization, then we shall invite someone qualified to do so! I heard about it early this morning and have already sent people to the Imperial Ancestral Temple to fetch the Empress Dowager. Let her come forward and see who dares to stop her!”

Xie He was taken aback and about to speak when a long cry was heard: “The Empress Dowager approaches!”

The Empress Dowager’s carriage slowly approached the palace gate, followed by several eunuchs and female officials. All the officials exchanged glances, knowing that someone must have sent for the Empress Dowager earlier. However, everyone in the court knew that Empress Dowager Fan had a strained relationship with the current Emperor. She was nominally recovering from illness in the Imperial Ancestral Temple but was actually under house arrest.

However, this was something that couldn’t be spoken of publicly, and at this moment, the Empress Dowager had the best reason to enter the palace. Yet the person who invited the Empress Dowager might have questionable intentions.

A female official stepped forward to lift the curtain of the carriage. A young lady helped the Empress Dowager out. She was dressed in splendid attire, but her face had aged significantly, her hair streaked with gray. The woman supporting her had fair skin and radiant features. Older officials recognized her as the deposed Empress.

Many people looked at Fan Mukun. He appeared shocked, but his palms were sweaty. Something must have happened in the palace, and his aunt’s appearance was likely being exploited by someone with ulterior motives. However, under the watchful eyes of everyone, he could only follow the other officials in bowing to the Empress Dowager.

Empress Dowager Fan said, “Rise. I have been ill, but upon hearing of the disturbance in the palace, I hurried here. My heart is burning with anxiety. What is the situation in the palace now?”

The officials remained silent. Empress Dowager Fan directly asked, “Where is the Minister of Imperial Clan Affairs?”

Xie He stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, this subject Xie He greets you. The situation in the palace is unclear, and there may still be rebels. Please return to the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and once the situation is clarified, we will report it to you.”

Empress Dowager Fan stared at him coldly, her sharp gaze piercing. She sneered, “My son in the palace is my own flesh and blood, born after ten months of pregnancy. You officials can replace the Emperor whenever you want, but what will I have left if my son is gone? How can I be at ease returning to the Imperial Ancestral Temple?”

She supported Fan Hai’s hand and strode straight toward the palace gate, but she was blocked by the guards holding their long spears. She said coldly, “Where’s Fang Zixing? Tell him to come out and see me!”

Prince Li interjected, “Duke Pingshan is critically ill, and Duke Wuying and Commander Fang left the capital yesterday.”

Empress Dowager Fan laughed derisively. “Such convenient timing for their illnesses? Once they left the capital, there was a rebellion in the palace?”

The officials fell silent. In fact, when the high-ranking officials recalled that Duke Wuying and Fang Zixing had both left the capital with their families yesterday, and immediately after, the palace was engulfed in gunfire, they felt suspicious.

Empress Dowager Fan continued, “If the chief of the palace guards has left the capital, what about the deputy chief of the Jingying Army?”

An officer stepped forward and saluted. “Your Majesty, this subject Wei Guolin greets you. May you live ten thousand years.”

Empress Dowager Fan asked, “With Commander Fang away from the capital, the tiger token should have been transferred to the commander-in-chief responsible for the Jingying Army. What is the situation in the palace now? Why are you preventing officials from entering and exiting? Have you received an imperial decree?”

Wei Guolin looked embarrassed. “Commander Fang left the capital in haste, and the tiger token of the garrison has not yet been transferred to this subject’s hands. Last night, I saw a signal flare in the palace and immediately mobilized the troops to the capital. I heard from the guards at the city gates that they had seen palace guards bearing the tiger token to call for reinforcements. That’s why I led the troops here to assist. But until now, I have not received any orders. The main army is still waiting outside the city, along with Commander Wei of the Five-City Military Commissioner, standing by. I only heard that it was Eunuch Su Huaibai’s order.”

Empress Dowager Fan sneered. “Eunuch Su is just a lowly servant, how dare he command officers? Since no one has personally seen the tiger token, how do we know if it’s a false imperial decree? Last night, everyone heard the fighting that lasted all night, the continuous cannon fire. The palace gates were even blasted down. With such firepower, how many people in the entire court could do such a thing? How do we know if the Emperor is still safe?”

Wei Guolin hung his head in shame. “This subject is incompetent. This subject deserves death.”

Empress Dowager Fan said coldly to the guards at the gate, “Why don’t you call out Su Huaibai to see me!”

The guards at the gate remained expressionless. Instead, they turned their muskets without hesitation and aimed them at the Empress Dowager. Everyone was startled. Wei Guolin hastily stepped forward to shield Empress Dowager Fan and scolded the guards angrily. “How dare you! She is the Empress Dowager, the mother of the Emperor. How can you show such disrespect?”

The guards still looked at them coldly. Archers on both sides drew their bows, and their arrows were aimed at the group of high-ranking officials. A leader said coldly, “We received orders to kill anyone who enters without authorization. No one is allowed to enter, please step back immediately!”

The officials’ faces changed slightly, fearing the power of the muskets. They hurriedly persuaded the Empress Dowager to retreat a few paces. Empress Dowager Fan trembled with anger. “Who is in charge of the palace, to be so arrogant and unruly!”

The officials exchanged glances but remained silent, even Xie He did not utter a word.

Suddenly, a young eunuch in blue rushed out from the side. Covered in blood and dirt, he fell to the ground and knelt before the Empress Dowager, kowtowing. “Your Majesty, this slave greets you! I am eunuch Jiu Zhu, a palace attendant of Baohe Palace. Please order someone to rush into the palace to save the Emperor!”

Prince Li stepped forward. “I recognize you; you’re indeed a palace attendant of Baohe Palace. How is the Emperor? Speak quickly!”

The eunuch lifted his head, sobbing uncontrollably, his voice choked with tears:

“Last night, Duke Wuying, Commander Fang, and Eunuch Su Huaibai colluded from inside and outside, stormed into the palace, and held the Emperor hostage, forcing him to write a decree of succession, passing the throne to Duke Shunping Xie Qian. The Emperor refused. While confronting the rebels, he took poison and committed suicide. Duke Wuying summoned the imperial physicians for treatment, but the Emperor is in critical condition. I hid under a table and escaped the disaster. Taking advantage of the chaos, I fled out. Please order someone to rush into the palace immediately and rescue the Emperor!”

The officials were all shocked.

Empress Dowager Fan was enraged. “How dare the Fang family commit such treason!”

From the watchtower, Xu Chun saw this scene through the cannon ports and smiled. “So this was a setup by Empress Dowager Fan and Prince Li. With a few words and a small eunuch, they have seized the initiative and are trying to claim the righteous cause of protecting the Emperor.”

“They probably saw that the Emperor hadn’t appeared for a long time and guessed that he should still be ill and unable to hold court. Anyway, they had already deployed thousands of troops in the palace, so they decided to take one last gamble and risk everything.”

Su Huaibai said, “Duke Wuying and Commander Fang are pitiful. They have already left for Pingshan and cannot defend themselves. If the rebels had really managed to hold the Emperor hostage last night, today Prince Li and Empress Dowager Fan would have staged this play, and the Fang family would have faced certain destruction.”

Xu Chun said, “As Duke Wuying’s subordinate, with so many cannons and military equipment in my hands, I would naturally be implicated and punished as well, becoming a sacrificial lamb to be slaughtered. It’s a well-thought-out plan.”

Su Huaibai gave a bitter smile. “If Lord Linhai hadn’t been here to oversee things, I wouldn’t have been able to hold onto the palace either, nor could I have withstood the relentless pressure from these high-ranking officials and the Empress Dowager. I’m just a royal servant, after all.”

Xu Chun comforted him. “Eunuch Su is the person the Emperor trusts the most. Even if they are related by blood, what does it matter? Their venomous hearts are truly…”

He didn’t say anything else, seeing Empress Dowager Fan order, “Where is the Minister of War? Wei Guolin!”

Leiming stepped forward and bowed. “Your Majesty, this subject Leiming, Minister of War, greets you.”

Empress Dowager Fan looked at him with icy eyes. “You are the current Minister of War. The Emperor has treated you with great favor. Now that he is in danger, what should you, as his subject, do?”

Leiming hesitated, looking at Ouyang Shen and Xie He. Empress Dowager Fan said, “Rebels are holding the Emperor hostage in the palace, and you are still undecided. Do you know the deep favor the Emperor has bestowed upon you, and how you repay the royal family’s kindness? Are you all afraid of Duke Wuying?”

Ouyang Shen clasped his hands and said, “Your Majesty, the situation is unclear. Based solely on the testimony of a single palace attendant, we cannot determine the truth. Let’s wait patiently…”

Empress Dowager Fan pointed at him angrily. “You are the Chief Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat. When the Emperor is in danger, you are the first to shrink back. Living off the Emperor’s salary, you should be loyal to him… How can you stand before the other officials with such a face?”

Ouyang Shen was at a loss for words, but suddenly, a strange laugh echoed clearly in the silence.

Empress Dowager Fan turned to look and shouted angrily, “Who dares to laugh rudely in my presence?”

Li Meiyao slowly stood up. “Greetings, Your Majesty.” His expression was haughty, and he simply gave a casual salute, not taking it seriously.

However, Empress Dowager Fan’s face changed slightly, as if she had encountered her nemesis. Her eyes flitted nervously, afraid that Li Meiyao would expose her secrets in public. She became apprehensive and dared not speak.

Prince Li stepped forward and said, “The Emperor’s life hangs in the balance. Why is Lord Li being disrespectful before the Empress Dowager?”

Li Meiyao said, “I just find it amusing that Duke Wuying, wise as he is, could be so stupid now. I couldn’t help but laugh.”

Prince Li sensed that Li Meiyao’s tone was not good, but he knew Li Meiyao’s sharp tongue and did not wish to engage in a verbal battle. Unexpectedly, Prince Xie He, who had been silent, suddenly asked, “Why do you say that, Lord Li?”

Li Meiyao said, “I’m laughing at Duke Wuying’s stupidity. He holds military power, his younger brother is deeply trusted by the Emperor, commands the palace guards, and can mobilize tens of thousands of troops. He also has a subordinate like Lord Linhai, who possesses countless cannons and weapons. With such favorable conditions, how could he stage a rebellion that lasts an entire night, unable to even control the Jingying Army, and let you and me listen to an old woman’s endless chatter, pretending to be smart? Isn’t that laughably stupid?”

“If he wants to rebel, he should kill the Emperor and the members of the Imperial Clan and sit on the throne himself. Which official would dare to oppose him? Why bother with the trouble of setting up a prince as a puppet emperor?”

The officials began to snicker quietly, referring to Empress Dowager Fan as an “old woman” in an oblique manner. Empress Dowager Fan was so angry that her body trembled. Fan Hai supported her and whispered to soothe her, “Your Majesty, patience is required to avoid bigger mistakes. There’s no time to waste. Don’t argue with him here. Quickly issue an imperial edict and order the Jingying Army’s ten thousand troops to enter the palace to protect the Emperor.”

Empress Dowager Fan put on a stern expression. “Wei Guolin, hear my command!”

Wei Guolin stepped forward and knelt down. “Your subject is here!”

Empress Fan spoke, “I order you to immediately lead the capital garrison troops into the capital to rescue the Emperor. Surround the palace city, and do not let a single traitor escape!”

As Wei Guolin was about to follow the command, everyone suddenly heard a clear voice resonate, “Without seeing the tiger token, moving troops is considered high treason.”

Everyone lifted their eyes, looking at the palace gate where a youth emerged from within. His bright red cloud-treading qilin marquis uniform stood out distinctly. A light green dragon pendant hung from his waist. Beside him was a group of imperial guards, all armored and wielding swords, with fire guns in hand. Su Kuai, dressed in a purple inner eunuch robe, was a few steps behind him, slightly bowing, just as he had served by the Emperor’s side in the past.

Empress Fan did not recognize him and only asked in surprise, “Who is this?”

Prince Li stepped forward, “Marquis Linhai! Were you the one controlling the palace?”

Xu Chun gave a faint smile and raised the tiger token in his hand. “Last night, rebels infiltrated the palace, rebels. The Emperor personally led troops to kill 3,148 rebels and capture 430 rebel soldiers alive.” His bright eyes swept over Prince Li and Empress Fan’s faces as he ordered, “Guards! Hang the heads of the traitors at the palace gates for public display to deter their accomplices!”

The guards responded thunderously, and the ministers saw a string of bloody, ghastly human heads immediately hung at the palace gates. Everyone could see that many of the faces were charred beyond recognition, and they all drew in a cold breath.

Xu Chun said coldly, “By the Emperor’s decree, since the accomplices of the rebels have not been fully identified, the Ministry of Justice shall collaborate with the Censorate, the Ministry of Punishment, and the Ministry of War to thoroughly interrogate the rebel leaders and soldiers captured last night. They shall report back in detail, expose the accomplices, and immediately punish them.”

The ministers present—He Zhiqu, Lei Ming, Li Meiyi, and the Minister of Punishment—were awed by his imposing manner and involuntarily replied, “Your subjects comply.”

Xu Chun issued another command, “Enforce martial law at the nine gates of the capital, and do not allow anyone to enter or leave. The court shall be suspended for three days. All officials shall handle their duties as usual except for those involved in questioning the accomplices of the rebels. The capital garrison troops shall remain outside the city and await orders. If any accomplices of the rebels are discovered, they shall be immediately arrested.”

Wei Guolin hesitated but could only bow and reply, “Your subject complies.”

Xu Chun continued, “This time, the leader of the rebellion must have been a member of the imperial clan who caused chaos. I ask Prince Jinke to restrain the members of the imperial clan. They shall all return to their respective residences and are not allowed to leave, gather information, or communicate with court officials. If there is any violation of the decree, it shall be treated as high treason.”

Xie He bowed and replied, “Your subject complies.”

Xu Chun then looked at Empress Fan. “The palace has been defiled. Empress Fan is unwell and should not stay here for too long. I ask Prince Jinke to lead a thousand soldiers from the Five City Patrol Department to escort Empress Fan back to the Imperial Ancestral Temple for her purification retreat.”

Empress Fan grew angry and was about to speak, but Prince Li stepped forward and shouted, “Marquis Linhai! Who doesn’t know that you are under Wu Yinggong’s command? Now, an eunuch has accused Wu Yinggong of leading his troops to rebel. How can we be sure that you are not holding control of the palace, issuing false imperial decrees, and buying time?”

His fierce gaze locked onto Xu Chun, brimming with rage. Yet, when he saw the row of severed heads, he recognized the head of his youngest son among them. Although his face was charred, father and son shared a bond, and he instantly identified him. Last night, the troops had gone missing without a trace, and he knew something was amiss. However, suddenly seeing his son’s head triggered the pain of losing a child, and he wished to bite the culprit to death.

That severed head also made him realize that his youngest son was usually low-profile and rarely socialized, but with the head hanging there, it was only a matter of time before someone identified him. He now had no way out! He could only bet that the Emperor had not appeared yet due to illness! Marquis Linhai was buying time!

He said coldly, “You keep saying that these are the Emperor’s oral commands, but we have not seen an imperial edict. You hold the tiger token in your hand, but how do we know that Fang Zixing, the traitor, did not give it to you, working together? If you want us to believe the Emperor’s oral commands, bring the Emperor out first. Let us see that he is safe and sound before we dare to obey the imperial edict!”

Xu Chun smiled faintly. “Prince Li, what a powerful presence you have. The Emperor personally led the imperial guards to eliminate the rebels last night. Now, he is exhausted and has retired to rest. Why are you so eager to force your way into the palace? What are your intentions?”

Empress Fan said, “Prince Li is the most senior member of the imperial clan. Marquis Linhai, do not be disrespectful.”

Xu Chun replied, “This Marquis is following the Emperor’s oral command to defend the palace city. Anyone who dares to intrude, regardless of who they are, will be considered traitors. Do not try to intimidate me with the Empress and the imperial clan.”

He turned around and waved towards the palace city. Suddenly, flags fluttered on the watchtower in the distance. Underneath the dragon flag, the cannons were aimed directly at this location. Xu Chun said, “Do the imperial relatives and ministers see those cannons? These are the latest rear-loading cannons, with a range of more than ten miles. Any rebels approaching the palace city will be obliterated.”

He pointed to the string of severed heads hanging on the gate. “Do you see those? Last night, eight cannons fired simultaneously, and the pit in front of the Wenhua Hall still needs to be repaired. After selecting a few of these heads to hang, the grounds are littered with blood and limbs. It’s quite filthy and requires thorough cleaning.”

The civil and military officials all paled.

Xu Chun looked at Empress Fan and Prince Li, smiling arrogantly. “This Marquis is following a genuine imperial command. If you continue to pester, I will consider you the masterminds behind the rebellion. I will arrest you for questioning.”

Empress Fan trembled with anger. “Arrogant! I am the Emperor’s birth mother. What right do you have to dare to act so arrogantly in front of me?”

However, Empress Fan’s attendant, Fan Hairen, suddenly raised her head. “Empress, please calm your anger. It seems that Marquis Xu is acting out of loyalty. Empress Fan’s compassionate heart is for the sake of the Emperor. Perhaps there is a misunderstanding. Since Marquis Xu says that the Emperor is resting, as the Emperor’s birth mother, visiting the palace would be fine. How about Empress Fan and I enter the palace to visit the Emperor? If he is well, Empress Fan can return to the Imperial Ancestral Temple with peace of mind. Marquis Xu, if you are worried, you can accompany us. Surely you wouldn’t worry about two weak women doing anything, right?”

Xu Chun smiled. “Empress Fan and Consort Jing’s titles have already been revoked. May I ask, in what capacity are you ordering this Marquis?”

The ministers fell silent.

Fan Hairen’s expression became somewhat embarrassed, but she still forced a smile. “Although I have been deposed, I have indeed served the sovereign. As for Empress Fan, she is the Emperor’s birth mother. How can her title be taken away? In this world, how can there be such a great act of filial impiety as a son not recognizing his mother? I beg Marquis Linhai to speak carefully.”

Xu Chun sneered and said nothing, only stating, “Empress Fan knows well in her heart. Please leave. If you continue to pester, this Marquis will not be polite!”

Empress Fan was enraged by his contemptuous gaze and stepped forward. “I will enter the palace today to see the Emperor! To see if he is truly so unfilial! He came out of my womb! How dare he be so arrogant and violate the natural order!”

Xu Chun said coldly, “Guards! Escort Empress Fan back to the Imperial Ancestral Temple!”

Tensions escalated, but then Xie He suddenly stepped forward. “The Fan family has indeed been deposed and is no longer a part of our Xie family.”

Upon hearing Xie He’s words, the court ministers were all shocked and looked at Empress Fan.

Prince Li asked, “Does Prince Jinke have proof?”

Xie He had already anticipated last night’s palace coup and secretly had a premonition. He took out an imperial edict from his sleeve and instructed Su Kuai to step forward. Su Kuai immediately approached, holding the imperial edict in both hands. Two eunuchs slowly unfolded it, displaying it to the princes and ministers.

Empress Fan stood proudly at the palace gate, her body straight, her face wearing a cold smile. “Deposed? In this world, how can there be a beast that disobeys its mother?” If the Emperor truly dared to issue an unprecedented edict to depose his mother, he would be insane and have no face to stand in the imperial court as the ruler of the people?”

She assumed that the imperial princes and dukes would support her, but the ministers remained silent. Fan Hairen, who was supporting her, was greatly alarmed and whispered to remind her aunt, “Empress, this is the late Emperor’s will.”

Ouyang Shen led the way, kneeling down and kowtowing. “Your subjects receive the late Emperor’s will! Long live, long live, may you live ten thousand years!”

The cabinet ministers all knelt down, and even the imperial princes had no choice but to kneel as well.

Empress Fan was stunned and, ignoring etiquette, couldn’t help taking a few steps forward to look closely. Indeed, on the yellow imperial edict, several lines of bold and angry words were clearly written by the late Emperor himself: “Empress Fan has lost her virtue; she is neither virtuous nor kind. She violates heaven and offends our ancestors. How can she be entrusted with the care of the young orphan? She cannot serve the ancestral temple and bear the mandate of heaven. Now, I stop the use of the Empress’ stationery and seal. Her title is revoked, and she is to retreat to the Imperial Ancestral Temple. She shall not interfere in politics under the name of Empress. After her death, she shall not be enshrined in the temple. In the netherworld, we shall never meet again.”

Her eyes were cold and fierce, tears streaming down her face. She swayed slightly, muttering to herself, “He hated me so much!”

Although Prince Li’s expression changed slightly, he still looked fierce on the surface. “Xie He, if there was such a will, why wasn’t it announced for so many years? Could it be that you fabricated the will to deceive the public?”

Xie He replied, “At that time, there were two copies of the will. One was handwritten by the late Emperor during his final moments, and the other was secretly copied by a trusted eunuch and sent to the regent for safekeeping. This handwritten copy has been kept behind the plaque in the Emperor’s bedroom ever since.”

Everyone fell silent, knowing that the late Emperor had indeed attempted to depose the Empress several times, but had been stopped by the regent and the ministers. No one expected that he still issued a will to depose her on his deathbed, but this will was never made public. The Fan family still held the title of Empress and ruled the empire for many years, which clearly indicated that the regent had withheld the decree. This was a known fact.

Xie He continued, “When the Emperor changed the plaque, he found the will. Although he was reluctant to tarnish his mother’s reputation, he could not defy the late Emperor’s will. Therefore, he followed the will’s instructions to revoke the Empress’ title and all honors, demoting her to commoner status and moving her out of the palace. All provisions for her livelihood were supplied by the Emperor’s own resources. However, to save face for his mother, the matter was only known to the head of the imperial clan, and her name was removed from the imperial genealogy. She would not be enshrined in the temple after her death.”

He looked at Empress Fan. “Since the late Emperor issued an edict to depose the Fan family, they are no longer part of the Xie family. Even if she is the birth mother of the current Emperor, she cannot exercise the power of Empress.”

Empress Fan’s face turned ashen, and Prince Li said, “Even if the Fan family is not eligible, it should still be decided by the imperial clan. How can a powerful minister control the palace and hold the Emperor hostage to command the princes? How can the cabinet really believe Marquis Linhai’s nonsense?”

Shen Mengzhen suddenly stepped forward. “The Emperor once gave the cabinet a message. If something unforeseen happens and he is unable to handle affairs, there is a will hidden behind the ‘Great Brightness’ hall. The cabinet ministers and the nine high-ranking officials can retrieve the will from behind the ‘Great Brightness’ plaque and act according to its instructions.”

Everyone turned to look at him. Shen Mengzhen’s face was calm as he bowed to Ouyang Shen and the princes. “I am bold enough to suggest that since we have conflicting statements and unclear circumstances, please, Chief Grand Secretary and Prince Jinke, remove the plaque to check the Emperor’s handwritten will. This will reassure the people.”

Unable to resist, Ouyang Shen looked at Xu Chun.

Xu Chun’s gaze met Shen Mengzhen’s, noticing Shen Mengzhen’s slight nod. He realized that the will must be favorable to him. It seemed that Master Shen had noticed that he was buying time and could not produce the Emperor. He was trying to help him out of the situation. Xu Chun said, “I am following the imperial command. Why would I dare not? Since Minister Shen also received the imperial command, let’s retrieve and examine it. I believe the Emperor will not blame us.”

A group of people proceeded to the main hall.

Under the watchful eyes of the civil and military officials, the guards brought a ladder over. Shen Mengzhen personally climbed up, and in full view of everyone, removed the ‘Great Brightness’ plaque, revealing a yellow box behind it.

He then carried the box down and handed it to Ouyang Shen. Ouyang Shen placed the box on the dragon chair, leading the ministers to first kowtow in obeisance before opening the box. Inside, there were two scrolls of imperial edicts and a golden book, along with a seal.

Shen Mengzhen stared at the two scrolls, feeling a myriad of emotions. Ever since he was ordered to draft those two imperial edicts and watched the Emperor write them by hand, then had them placed behind the plaque, he hadn’t slept peacefully for a single night.

He never imagined that so soon, he would witness the reemergence of those two edicts.

Ouyang Shen unfolded and read each edict, his face filled with shock and surprise. He said, “The first imperial edict is for Marquis Linhai. Please kneel, Marquis Linhai, to receive the edict.”

Xu Chun stepped forward and knelt down.

Ouyang Shen handed the edict to Su Kuai. “Please proclaim the edict, Eunuch Su.”

Su Kuai bowed, holding the edict with both hands, facing south. He read aloud:

“Today, Xu Chun, the direct son of Duke Jingguo, possesses the virtues bestowed by heaven. His noble achievements and distinguished merits are evident. Diligent, cautious, and knowledgeable in all matters, his contributions are engraved on the tripod, and his righteousness is highlighted in the laws. His virtues are pure and refined, his character like a precious gem. By imperial edict and seal, you are hereby established as the principal consort of the palace. The title of Prince ‘Chun’ is conferred upon you, and you are appointed as a grand councilor. All ceremonies inside and outside the palace shall follow the protocols of the principal consort. The ladies-in-waiting need not pay homage. Outside the palace, the protocols of a prince shall be observed. You must humbly accept this grand appointment and take good care of yourself. So decreed.”

After the proclamation, the civil and military ministers were silent, all stunned by the unprecedented and shocking edict.

Su Kuai wore a full smile, watching as Xu Chun looked at him in shock, his face filled with astonishment. Su Kuai placed the edict on a tray, along with the golden book and the solid gold dragon-knot seal, and handed it to him, reminding him, “These are the golden book and seal of the principal consort. Prince Chun, show your gratitude!”

Xu Chun raised his head, his face still astonished, but under Su Kuai’s reminder, he said, “Your subject… receives the edict… Long live, long live, may you live ten thousand years.” He took the tray, his face returning to solemnity, but his eyes gradually reddened.

Ouyang Shen handed the second edict to Su Kuai. “The second edict is for the civil and military ministers. Please kneel to receive the edict.”

After saying this, he returned to his position and led the way by lifting his robe and kneeling down. The ministers had no choice but to kneel as well to listen to the edict.

The second edict was very brief: “If I am unable to attend court due to some reason, then Prince Chun Xu Chun shall be the regent, overseeing all political affairs. Furthermore, a successor shall be chosen from the imperial clan to be adopted by the principal consort as the crown prince. The principal consort Prince Chun shall be honored as the prince-father. Grand Tutor Fang Zixing and Chancellor Shen Mengzhen shall serve as tutors. Prince Jinke Xie He, Duke Wu Yinggong Fang Zijing, and the civil and military ministers—Fang Zixing, Lei Ming, Shen Mengzhen, Li Meiyi, He Zhiqu, Helan Jingjiang, et al., totaling eight individuals—shall be appointed as auxiliary ministers to assist in the governance. This is a special edict.”

Ouyang Shen led the ministers in receiving the edict. “Long live, long live, may you live ten thousand years!”

As the ministers echoed the cries of “ten thousand years,” a sharp voice rang out in the hall. “The Emperor actually established a man as the principal consort! This is an unprecedented act, a reckless move that disregards the ancestors and forgets the traditions. It is unfilial and inhumane, the behavior of a tyrant. How can we follow such a chaotic command!”

Everyone turned to look at Empress Fan. She looked deranged, her eyes bloodshot, shouting, “How can a man become the Empress and bear heirs to inherit the throne? This is a chaotic command that cannot be followed!”

Li Meiyi stood up and loudly declared, “The Emperor’s wisdom and decisiveness are unparalleled. We humbly abide by the imperial command. Commoner Fan has repeatedly colluded with the imperial clan and uttered rebellious words. She lacks the heart of a loving mother and the conduct of a loyal subject. Could it be that the rebels last night were incited by you in collusion with the imperial clan?”

Empress Fan’s face was crazed, flushed red. “You’re talking nonsense! I am the Emperor’s birth mother. Why doesn’t he recognize me! Why doesn’t he listen to me! He is unfilial! He is just like his father, a tyrant! How can you actually establish a man as the Empress? It’s ridiculous, absurd!”

Xu Chun stepped forward. “Commoner Fan and Prince Li are suspected of high treason. Guards, arrest them and detain them for the Emperor’s command. Prince Li’s residence shall be surrounded by the Five City Patrol Department pending the Emperor’s disposition.”

The guards complied with the order, dragging Empress Fan, Fan Hairen, and the pale-faced, speechless Prince Li away.

Meanwhile, Ouyang Shen, Shen Mengzhen, and others surrounded Xu Chun. “Prince Chun, how is the Emperor’s health?”

Xu Chun’s face heated up, and he modestly bowed. “The Emperor was merely exhausted from leading troops to eliminate the rebels last night. His coughing illness has relapsed, and he is currently resting. There is nothing serious with his health. Please rest assured, Your Excellencies.”

The ministers looked at him intently, and Xu Chun, being young-skinned, could no longer bear the intense gazes of his former superiors and heavy ministers, as if they were looking at a rare person. Moreover, his heart was preoccupied with Xie Yi. He repeatedly bowed and quickly retreated into the inner palace.

His face was hot, and while complaining to Su Kuai, he said, “Master Shen has harmed me! If I had known that such an edict was coming, I would never have let him retrieve it! How can I face my colleagues in the future?”

Su Kuai was surprised. “This edict was destined to be issued sooner or later. Originally, the Emperor planned to make it public on the day of your birthday. Now that the situation is urgent, Chancellor Shen’s bringing out this edict is a good thing. It has swiftly stabilized the political situation and reassured the ministers.”

Xu Chun asked, “Did you know about this edict, Eunuch Su?”

Su Kuai shook his head. “This edict was personally drafted by the Emperor and Chancellor Shen. How could I know about it? But the Emperor ordered the imperial household department to prepare the wedding attire, ceremonial guns, and everything else for the principal consort’s wedding, setting the deadline for your birthday next year!”

Xu Chun was speechless.

Su Kuai continued, “But I do have another secret edict here. It’s alright to tell Your Highness about it in advance. If the Crown Prince is disobedient and does not treat you like a father, then you, Your Highness, can depose and replace him, choosing another imperial heir. This is to ensure your safety.”

Xu Chun’s heart skipped a beat as he looked at Su Kuai. “Brother Nine… How could Brother Nine think so far ahead…”

Su Kuai smiled. “His Majesty has always been wise and foresighted.”

Xu Chun’s eyes welled up with emotion. But didn’t Brother Nine realize that if he were not around, how could I possibly continue living?

The busy day passed. Xu Chun organized palace affairs, tidied up the aftermath, and listened to some interrogations. However, he was deeply concerned about Xie Yi and repeatedly inquired about any news from Jinhaiwei. If not for the need to maintain a presence in the capital, he would have rushed to Brother Nine’s side in Jinhaiwei immediately.

No news arrived, but Su Kuai quietly reported another piece of news. Empress Fan’s fever persisted, and she was drenched in cold sweat, showing signs of malaria.

Xu Chun inwardly sneered, knowing that this was retribution. Since she had plotted against her own son in the same room, it seemed she had fallen victim to the same fate. He simply instructed, “Order the Imperial Medical Bureau to provide proper treatment.”

Su Kuai noticed that he did not mention the new medicine and understood his intention. Bowing, he said, “Your humble servant will comply.” Then he retreated.

On that day, however, Sheng Changyun and Huo Shiduo arrived in the capital with five thousand troops from Jinhaiwei to reinforce the city.

Xu Chun hurriedly summoned them. Sheng Changyun and Huo Shiduo had ridden at full speed, their faces covered in dust. Upon seeing him, they were about to kneel, but Xu Chun quickly supported them and asked, “How is the Emperor’s health?”

Sheng Changyun replied, “Your Highness, rest assured. The Emperor has regained consciousness after taking the medicine. Knowing that he is in Jinhaiwei, he immediately ordered us to rush to the capital’s aid and brought an oral command for you. He ordered Chancellor Shen Mengzhen to retrieve the handwritten edict behind the ‘Great Brightness’ plaque and proclaim it to the ministers, entrusting you with the supervision of the state.”

However, Xu Chun only pursued the question, “Have Donghai and Doctor Zhou seen the Emperor? Are they certain that there are no major issues?”

Sheng Changyun reassured him. “Your Highness, rest assured. The Emperor is lucid-minded, but his physical condition is not suitable for travel. Otherwise, he would have personally returned to the capital. His health will recover soon, and Doctor Zhou guarantees it.”

A huge weight lifted from his heart, Xu Chun’s eyes welled up with emotion as he silently prayed to heaven: Thank you, heaven, for protecting Brother Nine’s safety and health.

Three days later, the Emperor returned to the capital. Xu Chun personally led the civil and military ministers out of the city to welcome him.

Having suffered a severe illness, Xie Yi looked thinner, but when he saw Xu Chun come forward to pay respects, he personally descended from the imperial carriage. Xu Chun, moved by concern, hurriedly got up to support him. Xie Yi smiled and helped him up, and the two of them shared the imperial carriage, heading back to the palace.

It had been snowing for several days, but on that day, the sky was unusually filled with colorful clouds. The golden-red clouds were magnificently shaped like phoenix wings, soaring against the wind, breaking through the gloom, clearing the skies, and spreading brilliant rays of light.