The following morning, at the regular court assembly, daylight had only just broken and the morning dew had yet to disappear.
Emperor Shunyuan arrived somewhat later than usual. Inside the Hall of Martial Valor, the civil and military officials stood in solemn formation. Not a single one engaged in the quiet whispers that usually filled the court. The only sound was the clear, tinkling chime of the palace bells hanging beneath the corners of the imperial hall, adding to the atmosphere of grim foreboding—as though a violent storm were about to break.
It was not until the court bells had rung three times that Emperor Shunyuan finally dragged his weary body onto the dragon throne. Liu Quan stood upright and called out the proceedings in a ringing voice, and the assembled officials performed the formal obeisance of three kneelings and nine prostrations.
No sooner had the ceremony ended—and before the Chief Court Chamberlain could summon officials to step forward and present their reports—than Tang Guangzhi had already taken a step out of the ranks.
His expression solemn, he said in a clear voice, “Gu Wei arrived in the capital with his witnesses the day before yesterday. Yesterday’s affairs were delayed by the grand general’s return in triumph, so the matter was postponed until today. Last night, I questioned the witnesses through the night together with the Prefect of the Capital. We recorded three pages of testimony, each bearing their signatures. I respectfully present them for Your Majesty’s inspection!”
With that, he raised his wrist and held up three sheets of yellow paper, the ink upon them already dry.
“Minister Tang!” A furious shout rang out. Luo Mingpu strode forward, glaring. “Witnesses are supposed to be interrogated first by the Ministry of Justice and then reviewed by the Dali Temple before their testimony may be presented to His Majesty. You have overstepped your authority—what justification do you have?”
Tang Guangzhi remained unmoved. With a cold, cutting smile, he replied, “Minister Luo, you are mistaken. The witnesses are currently being held in the capital, and the Capital Prefecture naturally has the authority to question them. If the Ministry of Justice has doubts, then summon the witnesses into the hall today and have them confront Imperial Father-in-Law Cao face-to-face!”
At these words, cold sweat poured from Imperial Father-in-Law Cao. His face turned deathly pale, and his calves trembled uncontrollably. Nearly seventy years old, with hair white at the temples, he swayed so precariously that it seemed he might breathe his last at any moment.
Gone was his usual air of arrogance. He hurriedly raised his tablet and shuffled out of the ranks, his voice hoarse as he said, “Tang… Tang Guangzhi! This old subject has never heard of any witnesses. This is a malicious frame-up intended to slander the Cao family—it is really an attack aimed at the Crown Prince! Your Majesty, please see through this clearly!”
The moment Crown Prince Shen Zhen heard this, he too intended to step forward and lend his support. But from the corner of his eye, he caught Gong Zhiyuan’s warning stare.
In the end, he shrank his neck and hesitantly retreated to his place.
Tang Guangzhi let out a cold laugh. “I fear Imperial Father-in-Law Cao has no choice but to admit it. The account book left behind by Cao Fangzheng has already been delivered to His Majesty’s desk. It states everything plainly: the three million taels that went missing were handed over to you!”
“An account book? What account book?” Imperial Father-in-Law Cao looked bewildered, stubbornly playing dumb. “Cao Fangzheng was negligent in managing the river embankments. This old subject admits to having failed to discipline his son, but that account book must have been fabricated out of thin air!”
Gong Zhiyuan secretly shook his head and sighed, his brows drawn together like a range of unbroken mountains.
At this point, all he could hope for was that Imperial Father-in-Law Cao would decisively sacrifice himself, taking all the blame upon his own shoulders. Perhaps then the Crown Prince could still be protected.
Bu Zhangyi strode out of the ranks, his voice booming. “Very well. Since Imperial Father-in-Law Cao speaks with such certainty, then I request that the witnesses be summoned into the hall at once. Let us see exactly how the three million taels of silver from the Ministry of Revenue vanished without a trace!”
“Your Majesty, I have a memorial as well!” The Minister of Works, Qin, followed close behind. “My earlier memorial made it clear that Cao Fangzheng was building the dike according to advice he had received from someone else, and that it could be completed for less than two million taels. This time, officials from the Ministry of Works accompanied Lord Gu to inspect the site in person and discovered that the method was indeed both faster and more labor-efficient. However, Cao Fangzheng never reported the matter. The Ministry of Works therefore reviewed it according to the original plans and submitted the financial budget to the Ministry of Revenue. Those two entirely different sets of dike plans are irrefutable evidence.”
Blow after blow struck Imperial Father-in-Law Cao, who trembled like a sieve. The atmosphere in the hall grew increasingly tense. The members of Prince Xian’s faction pressed their attack relentlessly, determined to use this embezzlement case to topple the Cao faction in one stroke and force the Emperor to depose the Crown Prince.
Emperor Shunyuan sat upright upon the dragon throne, his somber gaze sweeping over the excited ministers below. Their faces showed either righteous indignation or deep concern, yet hidden in every pair of eyes was a longing for the Crown Prince’s position—and for power itself.
“Bring the written testimony up first,” Emperor Shunyuan said impassively.
Liu Quan did not dare delay. He hurried down, accepted the testimony from Tang Guangzhi, and, with his head lowered and eyes cast down, delivered it to the Emperor.
Emperor Shunyuan unfolded the document and skimmed the writing. The more he read, the darker his expression became. Veins bulged on his forehead. When he finished reading the three pages, he could no longer restrain himself and slammed his palm against the imperial desk, his fury blazing.
Ink splattered across the bright yellow document, blooming into large and small black stains.
It was as though Imperial Father-in-Law Cao had been stripped of every bone in his body. His legs gave way, and he collapsed onto the blue bricks with a thud, his entire body limp as mud. He could only plead incoherently, “Your… Your Majesty…”
Emperor Shunyuan slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, they were cold and merciless. “There is no need to summon the witnesses. I have already received more than enough memorials from you. If this continues, I fear that every vile deed under Heaven will somehow be connected to the Cao family.”
He knew that the Cao faction—a giant parasite clinging to the imperial court—had to be eradicated. Yet these ministers were using the pretext of rooting out corruption to wage a factional struggle and seize control of the succession. They were despicable as well!
As for whether the Crown Prince should be deposed, and how such a matter should be announced to the world, he had not yet reached a decision. Nor did he intend to make such a hasty choice today.
“Issue My decree.” Emperor Shunyuan’s chest rose and fell, and his gaze grew ever more solemn. “Imperial Father-in-Law Cao Youwei, the imperial uncles Cao Fangxi and Cao Fangde, and all members of the Cao faction implicated in the testimony are to be arrested and imprisoned at once. Their estates are to be confiscated, and they are to be executed on a date to be determined.”
The Emperor’s murderous decree sent a shudder through the entire court and realm.
A buzzing filled Imperial Father-in-Law Cao’s mind. He completely lost consciousness of his surroundings. Like a limp straw effigy, he was dragged out of Wuying Hall by the Imperial Guards, all he could do was cry out, “Spare my life!”
The Crown Prince was so terrified that his abundant flesh quivered, and he nearly toppled backward onto Shen Ting.
Shen Ting hurriedly braced himself and pushed him away, though a trace of contempt flashed through his eyes.
Seeing that the Cao faction had fallen, Prince Xian immediately signaled Bu Zhangyi with his eyes.
Bu Zhangyi understood at once and continued, “Your Majesty is wise. The criminal Cao Youwei deserves death a hundred times over. However, I believe we should follow the trail of those three million taels and investigate further—to determine what other crimes of corruption and lawbreaking he committed, and whether Cao Youwei had an accomplice behind the scenes.”
Emperor Shunyuan narrowed his eyes. “Who exactly do you mean by the mastermind behind this?”
Bu Zhangyi’s heart tightened, and he hesitated for a moment.
His original intention had been to use this opportunity to implicate the Crown Prince, but the emperor’s gaze was far too sharp, leaving him uncertain how far he could go.
At that moment, Prince Xian put on an expression of deep concern for the nation and its people. With anguish in his voice, he said, “Father, Imperial Father-in-Law Cao is the Crown Prince’s maternal grandfather. There have already been rumors circulating in the capital, insinuating that the Crown Prince is somehow involved in this matter. In my view, only by thoroughly investigating where those three million taels went can we clear the Crown Prince’s name—and prevent further rumors from damaging Your Majesty’s sacred reputation.”
The Crown Prince nearly fainted from anger. He pointed at Prince Xian’s nose and berated him furiously, “You’re talking nonsense! What rumors? Who would dare implicate me? You’re clearly exploiting public affairs for personal gain and making a mountain out of a molehill!”
Prince Xian immediately put on an aggrieved expression, as though he were ready to tear out his own heart to prove his sincerity. “We have been brothers for so many years. How could the Crown Prince think so poorly of me? I am acting entirely for the sake of the state and out of concern for you. Does Your Highness truly intend to shield the Cao family and ruin your own future?”
“I—I… I’m not! Stop putting labels on me!” Shen Zhen was so furious that his face flushed scarlet, and he could barely speak coherently.
Seeing that the Crown Prince was at a disadvantage, Gong Zhiyuan hurriedly stepped in to smooth things over. “Your Majesty, today the Grand General has returned victorious, and the entire empire is celebrating. The victory banquet is about to begin. Though this matter is urgent, perhaps we should discuss it later, so as not to spoil Your Majesty’s mood.”
Bu Zhangyi immediately countered, “Rooting out corruption in the court is a matter of great importance to the nation and its people. How could it possibly spoil His Majesty’s mood?”
Gong Zhiyuan glared at him. “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re scheming. His Majesty’s health is failing—when have you ever shown the slightest concern for it?”
“I don’t understand what you mean.” Bu Zhangyi refused to yield an inch. “What I possess is a heart devoted to serving and governing the nation. Even if I seem somewhat eager, it is only because I have His Majesty’s century-long reputation in mind. As for why Grand Secretary Gong obstructs me at every turn, I truly cannot fathom your intentions!”
The two men traded barbs, neither willing to back down.
Emperor Shunyuan listened with his eyes closed for a while. Whether he had taken in a word of it was impossible to say. Only when the hall below had quieted somewhat did he speak.
“You are all doing this for my sake and serving the country. Very well, very well indeed. You are all loyal subjects, so investigate it. Let us see exactly what those three million taels were used for.”
Luo Mingpu hurriedly knelt. “Your Majesty, the Ministry of Justice will spare no effort and will certainly give you an explanation!”
Before Emperor Shunyuan could even grant his approval, Tang Guangzhi also dropped to his knees. “Your Majesty, this matter is of enormous consequence. It involves members of the imperial family and relief funds intended for disaster victims. It would be inappropriate to leave the investigation to the Ministry of Justice alone. The Three Judicial Offices should conduct the trial jointly.”
The two sides had already dropped all pretense and laid their cards on the table.
Emperor Shunyuan clenched the three sheets of yellow paper in his hand, casting sidelong glances at the Crown Prince and Prince Xian.
“Then let the Three Judicial Offices conduct a joint investigation. As for tonight’s victory banquet, you need not attend either. Go to the Dali Temple and examine the case.”
With that, he rose, swept his sleeve, and turned toward the rear hall.
Liu Quan supported him while calling loudly, “Court dismissed!”
Xue Chongnian could hardly contain his misery. He felt as though the official cap of the Minister of the Dali Temple were swaying precariously above his head all day long.
Last time, he had nearly offended all his colleagues from the eight factions and destroyed his entire career. This time, the investigation ostensibly concerned Imperial Father-in-Law Cao’s embezzlement, but in secret, its true target was the Crown Prince.
This wasn’t an investigation at all. He was practically handing the emperor the vermilion brush with which to depose the Crown Prince!
The moment they left Wuying Hall, Xue Chongnian threw all decorum to the wind. He took three steps for every one of Wen Zhuo’s and caught up with him, then pulled him into a secluded corner. Bowing three times in succession, he said, “Please save me, Minister Wen. Give this subordinate a way out!”
Wen Zhuo chuckled. “Minister Xue, what’s happened to you?”
Xue Chongnian’s face had twisted into a bitter gourd. After glancing left and right, he lowered his voice to a near whisper and said miserably, “At this point, I can’t worry about committing lese-majesty. I trust you, Minister Wen, so I’ll speak plainly. At least a dozen officials are implicated in this joint investigation by the three judicial offices. These men have held high office for years and lived lives of comfort and privilege. How long can they possibly endure the torture at the Dali Temple? The moment one of them breaks and confesses, and the Crown Prince is implicated… If His Majesty truly intends to depose the Crown Prince, then so be it. But if he has no such intention, and the Crown Prince ascends the throne one day, will this head of mine still remain attached to my neck?”
Wen Zhuo deliberately feigned realization, raising his brows high. “So that’s what you’re worried about, Minister Xue.”
Xue Chongnian let out a heavy sigh. “Minister Wen, you’re a man of exceptional resourcefulness. Please, think of a solution for me.”
Wen Zhuo had not expected Xue Chongnian to trust him so completely—enough to confide such a secret. He merely smiled. “If you trust me, Minister Xue, then conduct the interrogation as you normally would.”
Xue Chongnian’s heart gave a violent jolt. In disbelief, he asked, “You mean…”
Wen Zhuo said, “His Majesty is hesitating at present, but it isn’t because he cannot bear to part with the Crown Prince. Prince Xian has always enjoyed an excellent reputation, and his standing throughout the court and the realm is considerable. He was able to use the Cao faction’s case to force the Crown Prince into this predicament and shake the foundations of the Eastern Palace with complete justification. Isn’t that enough to make His Majesty wary? If the Crown Prince is deposed, then tomorrow, at Bu Zhangyi’s urging, Tang Guangzhi will rally the court officials to submit memorials supporting Prince Xian as the new Crown Prince. His Majesty would then find himself caught in an even greater dilemma.”
Xue Chongnian stood rooted to the spot, mouth agape, for a long while. Yet his thoughts raced, and it was as though someone had poured enlightenment over his head. Everything suddenly became clear.
His Majesty was temporarily refraining from deposing the Crown Prince—not because he still held out hope for him, but because he did not want Prince Xian to use the opportunity to seize the succession and slip beyond his control.
In other words, at this moment, neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Xian was the heir His Majesty truly wanted.
If that was the case, then he no longer needed to fear offending the Crown Prince.
The massive stone weighing on Xue Chongnian’s heart came crashing down. The worry vanished from his face, replaced by a glow of excitement. He bowed deeply to Wen Zhuo once more and said, “Thank you for opening my eyes, Minister Wen. I know what I must do now!”
With that, he straightened his back and walked away, his face shining with renewed confidence.
Gong Zhiyuan entered his residence with heavy footsteps. The steward hurried over and bowed in greeting, but Gong Zhiyuan acted as though he had not heard him.
He knew that they had reached a life-or-death juncture, yet he truly had no idea what to do.
The Crown Prince had originally invited them to Wenhua Hall to discuss a countermeasure. But listening to the Crown Prince anxiously repeat, “What are we to do? What are we to do?” had only left him irritated and disoriented. He had wanted nothing more than to be alone and think.
After turning the matter over in his mind again and again, he feared that their only hope was to ask Grand Tutor Liu Changbai to step forward once more.
Liu Changbai was a man of great virtue and prestige. If he were willing to stake his life on protecting the Crown Prince, then no matter how furious His Majesty became, he would still have to show him some consideration.
Seeing that his master was distracted and lost in thought, the steward had no choice but to raise his voice. “Master! A maid from the Vice Minister’s residence says she has an urgent matter to report!”
Only then did Gong Zhiyuan come back to himself. He cleared his mind, a flicker of surprise passing through his eyes. “Xie Langyang?”
A moment later, the maid was ushered into the study.
With a grave expression and her voice lowered, she recounted everything she had overheard outside Minister Xie’s room.
“What did you say?” Gong Zhiyuan shot to his feet, his eyes wide with shock. “Are you certain?”
The maid nodded. “Minister Xie told the young lady himself. He can recognize the distinguishing features of members of the Mohist sect, and he also warned her not to tell anyone.”
“Ha!” Gong Zhiyuan gave a low laugh at first, tinged with disbelief. Then joy surged through him like a flood. Clapping his hands, he threw his head back and laughed, his voice shaking the roof tiles. “Heaven itself is helping me!”
He abruptly seized the steward by the collar and ordered him anxiously, “Go! Head to the Divine Wood Works immediately and confirm whether such a person exists. And be careful not to alert him!”
The steward did not dare delay. He turned and dashed out of the manor like a gust of wind.
An hour later, the steward came running back to the study, drenched in sweat. “My lord, the person does exist. He is using the alias Li Ping and claims to have been recommended by General Jun Dingyuan. And at present, Prince Xian’s side still knows nothing!”
“Excellent! Excellent!” Gong Zhiyuan was so excited that he hardly knew what to do with himself. He paced back and forth across the room several times, and the thoughts that had been severed earlier suddenly fell into place. Countless schemes sprang to mind like water from a fountain.
He came to an abrupt halt, his expression turning sinister. “The Three Judicial Offices have yet to begin the trial. Set out at once and go see Lord Luo Mingpu. Have him quickly send word to Imperial Father-in-Law Cao. During the court hearing, Cao must publicly expose Jun Dingyuan and earn merit by denouncing him!”
The steward was just about to leave when Gong Zhiyuan called him back. “Also send someone to invite Grand Tutor Liu to tonight’s victory banquet. Jun Dingyuan has rendered outstanding military service; ordinary men won’t be able to bring him down. The Grand Tutor is learned in all things ancient and modern and enjoys immense seniority. He is the most suitable person to come forward and accuse Jun Dingyuan.”
After giving these instructions, Gong Zhiyuan did not even change his clothes or wipe away the sweat. He hurried straight to the palace to see the Crown Prince.
Inside the Hall of Literary Brilliance, the Crown Prince was sprawled on the floor, stamping his feet and pounding his fists against his chest as he broke down in tears.
“It’s over! Everything is over! Eldest Brother has won—what am I supposed to do now?”
Gong Zhiyuan drew a deep breath, bent his aching back, and struggled to pull the Crown Prince to his feet. “Your Highness! Your Highness! It has not yet come to the point of utter desperation. Please pull yourself together!”
Shen Zhen’s face had swollen red like a pig’s head. Choking back sobs, he asked, “Does the Grand Secretariat still have any way to save us?”
“Embezzling three million taels of relief funds may seem like a crime of earth-shattering proportions, but compared to Jun Dingyuan harboring a Mohist rebel, what does it amount to?” Gong Zhiyuan said ruthlessly.
“A… a rebel?”
Gong Zhiyuan smiled with confidence. “In the past, the Mohist Lingyin Sect secretly manufactured weapons, violating the laws of the state. The entire clan was sentenced to execution. Yet Jun Dingyuan actually hid one of those rebels, brought him all the way back to the capital, and smuggled him into the Divine Wood Works in an attempt to conceal the truth.”
“The Divine Wood Works?” The amount of information was too much for the Crown Prince to process, and he struggled to keep up.
Gong Zhiyuan was practically giddy with excitement, a sinister gleam in his eyes as he rattled on: “What’s even better is that the Shenmu Works falls under the Ministry of Works, and everyone in the Ministry favors Prince Xian. His Majesty will inevitably suspect that Jun Dingyuan and Prince Xian are on extremely close terms. By then, this case will be far more than a matter of embezzlement.”
“You mean this could drag Prince Xian into it as well?” The Crown Prince wiped his nose, his swollen eyes gleaming.
“Jun Dingyuan commands hundreds of thousands of elite troops and his renown resounds throughout the southern borderlands. If he were to support Prince Xian, how could His Majesty not grow wary?” Gong Zhiyuan could not help being impressed by the thoroughness of his own plan. A brilliant strategy of such astonishing ingenuity was surely something only he could have conceived.
“All that is needed is for Imperial Father-in-Law Cao to expose this matter during the court hearing, and then for the Grand Tutor to come forward and impeach Jun Dingyuan, hinting that Prince Xian and Jun Dingyuan have colluded to hide traitors and seek to seize the Eastern Palace. At that point, His Majesty will have to investigate the traitors and keep Prince Xian in check. As the man standing against Prince Xian, you will naturally escape danger and emerge unscathed.”
“The time has come for us to turn the tables!” Gong Zhiyuan’s voice brimmed with absolute confidence.
By dusk, the Hall of Heavenly Veneration was already ablaze with festive decorations.
Red lanterns and crimson silk filled the vermilion eaves and ridges. Pine-oil flames burned brightly in gilded lamps, their orange glow scattering across the palace halls like a river of stars and illuminating the entire palace as brightly as day.
Eunuchs and palace maids hurried back and forth, so busy that their feet barely touched the ground. Even when someone accidentally collided with another and went sprawling, they could only scramble up again and hurry to finish the task at hand.
The three chief eunuchs of the Directorate of Ceremonial personally oversaw the preparations. At last, just as twilight faded, they had the Hall of Heavenly Veneration arranged to perfection.
Orange-yellow cushions were set behind the long tables, which were laden with delicacies and rare dishes. Fruit glistened with beads of water, while the fragrance of wine drifted from silver flasks. As the music and dancing of the Court of Imperial Entertainments began to float through the hall, the scene took on something of the splendor described in *The Splendors of Dongjing*: “gold and jade dazzling to the eye, silks and gauzes perfuming the air.”
The civil and military officials entered one after another. Amid the rustle of voices, Jun Dingyuan appeared in a white robe with a jade belt at his waist. He had removed his armor and donned a silver crown, concealing the blood-and-steel aura between his brows. He truly looked every inch the spirited young nobleman.
He took his seat at the head of the assembled ministers, composed and unhurried, unmistakably the foremost military commander in all of Great Qian.
Praise rang throughout the hall. Several retired officials seated beside Marquis Yongning murmured their congratulations, their voices thick with envy. “Marquis Yongning, you are truly blessed to have raised such a son. He has brought no shame upon the name of his ancestors.”
Marquis Yongning wore a smile and cupped his hands modestly. “You flatter me. Thank you, thank you.”
More than a dozen officers under Jun Dingyuan’s command were present as well. All of them had risen from common backgrounds, and today, thanks to His Majesty’s gracious favor, they had been permitted to attend the banquet in the Hall of Heavenly Veneration. Every one of them was flushed with excitement, so awkward and at a loss that Jun Dingyuan had to give a low cough before they finally composed themselves and resumed proper decorum.
Emperor Shunyuan had spent the afternoon recuperating in the inner palace. The oppressive feeling in his chest had finally eased, and a rare touch of color had returned to his face.
His gaze swept across the hall before finally settling on Jun Dingyuan. “Today’s banquet has two purposes. First, to celebrate Huaishen and all the generals for their military victory; second, to rejoice with all my honored ministers over the peace and security of our realm. In ancient times, Emperor Wu of Han had Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, who galloped across the battlefield to defend their country. Now I have Jun Dingyuan, who has pacified the borderlands and protected the mountains and rivers of Great Qian. From this day forth, there is no need for us to envy those who came before!”
As soon as he finished speaking, the entire hall echoed with agreement. “His Majesty is wise! The general is mighty!”
There were yet more identical grapes on the table. Shen Zheng picked one up nonchalantly and popped it into his mouth in full view of everyone.
The grander the palace banquet, the more elaborate the proceedings. In the end, the delicacies would go cold, and hardly anyone would manage more than a few bites.
His gaze passed over the shifting figures in the hall and landed on Wen Zhuo across from him. Wen Zhuo had his head lowered, his fingers busy rummaging around inside his wide sleeve. He was clearly up to something in secret.
Shen Zheng couldn’t help curling his lips. He really wanted to see what the little cat was hiding in his sleeve this time.
Shen Chen suddenly interrupted his reverie, utterly oblivious to the moment. “Fifth Brother, are you still eating the grapes over here?”
Shen Zheng shot him a sidelong glance. Seeing that familiar, innocent, sweet smile plastered across his face—the same one he had worn for years—he truly felt like punching him.
Shen Chen refused to let the matter drop and lowered his voice. “Fifth Brother, I really miss that divine sleight of hand of yours. I wonder if I’ll have the chance to see it today.”
“Oh, you will. Of course you will.” Shen Zheng propped an elbow against the table, plucked off a grape, and smiled. “Remember to watch later.”
Shen Chen thought to himself, What a shameless show-off.
The banquet appeared to be filled with song, dance, and prosperity, but beneath the surface, undercurrents churned.
The faction supporting Prince Xian sat upright among the guests, but their minds had long since flown to the Court of Judicial Review. They wondered how the joint trial by the Three Judicial Offices was progressing, and whether Cao Youwei would be able to withstand the torture without implicating the Crown Prince.
If the Crown Prince were deposed, Prince Xian would be the choice favored by the masses. With such a matter bearing directly on their future prospects, who could truly sit at ease and drink?
On the other side, Gong Zhiyuan kept exchanging glances with the Crown Prince, Liu Changbai, and Liu Chenming.
By now, Luo Mingpu had surely captured that Mohist at the Shenmu Arsenal.
Every scheme had already been arranged. All that remained was for the hour of the Pig to arrive—then the sword would be drawn, turning heaven and earth upside down.
Gong Zhiyuan sneered and drained his wine cup in one gulp.
How could Jun Dingyuan know that today’s victory banquet would ultimately become his own Hongmen Banquet?
After mocking Shen Zheng, Shen Chen stole a glance at Gong Zhiyuan and the Crown Prince. Sure enough, neither of them looked ashen-faced as they had that morning.
Today, he would simply remain an outsider, a spectator, and watch as the Crown Prince, Prince Xian, and Shen Zheng tore into one another until they were bloodied and the whole scene lay in ruins. Then, without lifting a finger, he would reap the benefits as the fisherman who profited from the fight.
After three rounds of wine, several performances of song, dance, and juggling had come and gone. A civil official, drunk to the point of staggering, suddenly rose to toast the emperor. Unexpectedly, his foot caught beneath him, and he pitched straight onto the floor, landing in an absurdly comical pose.
The hall immediately erupted in laughter. Even Emperor Shunyuan, who had worn an unpleasant expression all evening, couldn’t help laughing.
His laughter turned into a light cough. He casually turned his head—and happened to see Consort Liang lowering her eyes as she smiled faintly.
Emperor Shunyuan froze for a moment.
Consort Liang had always been stubborn by nature, unwilling to bend even at the cost of breaking. She rarely revealed such a delicate, girlish expression. Perhaps it was precisely because it was so rare that it seemed all the more precious.
When she entered the palace at nineteen, she had been so spirited and full of confidence, like an untamed goose from the northern frontier, brimming with vitality. Yet the years spared no one; now, faint lines had begun to appear at the corners of her eyes.
Emperor Shunyuan’s heart softened with a pang, and a surge of guilt welled within him.
Whenever he felt guilty, he wanted to make amends. A thought stirred in Emperor Shunyuan’s mind. He set his wine cup down on the table, his gaze suddenly turning solemn.
“I am exceptionally pleased today. The Jun family has rendered repeated meritorious service to Da Qian, and I have not forgotten it. Therefore, I shall confer upon—”
Before the emperor could finish, a flurry of hurried footsteps sounded outside the hall. Luo Mingpu appeared, his official robes billowing as he strode in, dusty and travel-worn. Close behind him came the Chief Censor’s right deputy, who was struggling to keep up, and Xue Chongnian, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, whose face was etched with panic.
Luo Mingpu swept up his robe and knelt, raising his voice. “Your Majesty, I have an urgent matter to report. It is of the utmost importance and must be presented to Your Majesty in person!”
The festive atmosphere filling the hall froze in an instant, leaving all the ministers stunned.
The smile gradually faded from Emperor Shunyuan’s face, and his gaze once more grew dark and cold.
Suppressing his displeasure, he said with restraint, “Whatever it is can wait until tomorrow.”
Luo Mingpu did not retreat. He hurriedly dropped to his knees two steps closer. “Your Majesty, this concerns the rebel faction. I absolutely dare not delay!”
The ministers collectively drew in a sharp breath and exchanged uneasy glances.
Prince Xian was plainly bewildered. Gong Zhiyuan, however, discreetly straightened his back, while not far away, Grand Tutor Liu cleared his throat and slowly stroked his beard.
“The rebel faction?” Emperor Shunyuan fixed his eyes on Luo Mingpu and no longer stopped him from continuing.
Liu Quan had remained at the emperor’s side to attend him. At this moment, he secretly glanced at Jun Dingyuan from the corner of his eye.
Jun Dingyuan’s cheeks were flushed with a faint hint of drunkenness. Holding his cup aloft, he lifted an eyebrow, as though he were still interested in watching the spectacle. He clearly had no idea what any of this meant.
Luo Mingpu’s voice carried a trace of sorrow, yet every word rang out with force.
“Yes. The Right Censor Jiang Fengxi, Minister Xue Chongnian, and I wish to impeach General Jun Dingyuan for secretly harboring members of the rebel faction. His crime warrants execution.”
The Hall of Heavenly Grace fell into instant silence, as deathly quiet as a grave in the wilderness. Even the crickets outside seemed to tremble and fall silent.
Emperor Shunyuan sat upright upon the imperial throne, the nine-clawed dragon embroidery flickering in and out of the lamplight. His eyes remained fixed on Luo Mingpu below the steps, and he said nothing.
At last, Wen Zhuo had played enough within his sleeve. The corners of his lips lifted in a smile so faint it was nearly imperceptible. From within his crimson sleeve, two fingers emerged, pinching a black Go stone that gleamed with a dark, lustrous light.
