Inside the Qianqing Palace, fragrant smoke curled upward in wisps.
The old Emperor sat upright upon the imperial throne. The beaded strings of his crown dangled, casting fragmented shadows over his eyes. With lowered eyelids, his gaze pierced through the gaps between the beads, sweeping across the civil and military officials divided into two ranks within the hall.
Supporting the Crown Prince was understandable.
The Crown Prince was the eldest legitimate son born to him and the late Empress, the rightful heir apparent. His position was so secure it could be described as deeply rooted. As long as he committed no grave errors, this empire would sooner or later be his.
It was human nature, and indeed the way of officialdom, for courtiers to curry favor with the future monarch in advance.
But...
The old Emperor's fingers tightened slightly around the armrests of the dragon throne.
He, the current Emperor.
Was not dead yet!
His gaze swept over those bowed heads one by one. Li Yuan, the Right Vice Minister of Revenue, was the Crown Prince's man; Zhao Ming, the Left Vice Minister of War, was the Crown Prince's man; Lin Mo, the Left Vice Minister of Justice, was also the Crown Prince's man.
Of the ministers who had just recommended those three, whether openly or covertly, which one of them did not have ties to the Crown Prince?
The entire imperial court.
When had it become the Crown Prince's sole domain?
The old Emperor's face remained impassive, but stormy waves surged within his heart.
You people...
Where is your so-called loyalty?
He suddenly recalled the words spoken moments ago by the Sixth Prince, Li Chengyu: The Minister of Personnel must be loyal to Imperial Father, loyal to the Great Qian.
Loyal to Imperial Father.
Not loyal to the Crown Prince.
A complex gleam flashed through the depths of the old Emperor's eyes. The sixth child saw things quite clearly. As he pondered this, his gaze swept over the ranks and suddenly stopped at a certain spot.
Speaking of loyalty.
The Left Vice Minister of Personnel, Shen Zhongcheng.
This man had been standing inconspicuously in the ranks, wearing his scarlet official robes impeccably. His expression was tranquil, his eyes cast down, as if turning a deaf ear to the covert struggles and open rivalries that had just taken place.
The old Emperor looked at him, his heart stirring slightly.
Come to think of it.
Ever since Mei Qiantu's severe illness left him lacking in stamina...
...most of the Ministry of Personnel's affairs had been managed by Shen Zhongcheng. He handled the complicated official evaluations, promotions, and transfers methodically, never making a single mistake.
In terms of seniority, he had sat in the Vice Minister position for six years, which was more than enough. In terms of ability, the smooth operation of the Ministry of Personnel over the past half year was clear proof. In terms of familiarity, in the entire court, apart from Mei Qiantu, who understood the intricate details of the Ministry of Personnel better than him?
Logically speaking.
He was the most suitable candidate for the Minister of Personnel.
Yet just now, with so many people recommending Li Yuan, Zhao Ming, and Lin Mo, not a single person had mentioned Shen Zhongcheng's name.
The old Emperor's gaze darkened slightly.
Did they simply not think of him, or... did they deliberately avoid bringing him up?
He cast another glance at Shen Zhongcheng.
The man still kept his eyes lowered, devoid of any expression, as if all of this had nothing to do with him. But who was the old Emperor? Having reigned for nearly forty years, what kind of person hadn't he seen?
Shen Zhongcheng's indifferent demeanor was too indifferent.
So indifferent that it seemed like a deliberate attempt to keep a low profile.
The old Emperor suddenly recalled the incident from a few months ago. The Shen family's two daughters: one had an illicit affair with the heir of the Weiyuan Marquis's estate, and the other was swapped in marriage to a good-for-nothing lad from the second branch. That scandal had caused a storm throughout the city, damaging the Shen family's pristine reputation. As their father, Shen Zhongcheng was naturally implicated to some extent.
Since then.
He had become much more low-key.
He no longer socialized and maneuvered among the various ministries as he used to, nor did he speak up frequently during court assemblies. He merely performed his duties in silence, like a drop of water merging into a river, utterly unnoticeable.
The old Emperor's mind was crystal clear.
Was this due to a severe blow, or was he taking advantage of the situation to retreat in order to advance, playing it safe to protect himself?
Most likely the latter.
How many people were eyeing the position of Minister of Personnel?
If Shen Zhongcheng were still the highly sought-after hot candidate from a few months ago, the one pushed out to be a target today probably wouldn't be Li Yuan, Zhao Ming, or Lin Mo, but him.
For those who wanted to elevate their own people, the first stumbling block they would need to remove was him, Shen Zhongcheng.
But now...
The old Emperor's lips curled into a slight smile, the curve so faint it was almost imperceptible.
Now that he had withdrawn, no one was targeting him anymore.
However, keeping a low profile also had its drawbacks; it made one easily forgotten by those above. Without someone to guide or recommend him, even if he possessed monumental abilities, he could only languish in the position of Vice Minister, waiting and hoping for an opportunity that might never fall into his lap.
The old Emperor withdrew his gaze, a plan forming in his mind.
He thought of the Sixth Prince's words earlier: the Minister of Personnel must be loyal to Imperial Father, loyal to the Great Qian. Didn't the name Shen Zhongcheng literally contain the word Loyalty?
Heh!
Was this boy playing mind games with his old father?
However...
It was indeed time to knock the Crown Prince's people down a peg. Every emperor has his own courtiers; since they were still in his reign, they had better not mistake who should be placed first and foremost!
The old Emperor's eyelids lowered slightly as he slowly spoke, Shen Zhongcheng.
His voice was not loud, but it reached everyone's ears with absolute clarity.
The atmosphere in the hall stiffened slightly.
Shen Zhongcheng stepped out from the ranks, the hem of his scarlet official robe swaying gently with his movements. He did not walk fast, but every step was steady and powerful. Reaching the center of the hall, he offered a deep bow to the throne.
This subject is here.
His voice was steady, neither servile nor overbearing.
The old Emperor looked at him, his gaze carrying a bit of scrutiny, a bit of assessment, and a profound meaning that others could not decipher. Since Beloved Subject Mei retired, have the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel been temporarily managed by you?
Shen Zhongcheng bowed his head. To answer Your Majesty, that is correct.
The old Emperor nodded, a hint of approval in his tone. Over the past half year, the Ministry of Personnel has operated as usual. The evaluations, promotions, and transfers of officials have been flawless. I have read the memorials you submitted; they are clear, logical, and handled appropriately. You possess much of Beloved Subject Mei's demeanor from his prime.
As these words fell, the expressions of the people in the hall varied greatly.
Approval.
This was clear and unmistakable approval.
Shen Zhongcheng kept his eyes lowered, showing no ripples of emotion on his face. He merely bowed slightly. This subject does not dare accept such praise. When Lord Mei was here, he offered me much guidance. This subject merely followed the rules set by Lord Mei and dares not claim the credit.
The old Emperor looked at him, a fleeting, imperceptible smile flashing in the depths of his eyes.
This man was certainly not greedy for merit.
He knew to push the credit onto the retired old Minister, which not only made him appear humble but also seamlessly earned Mei Qiantu a reputation for excellent tutelage.
He knew how to conduct himself.
No need to be overly modest. The old Emperor waved his hand, his tone suddenly shifting to become solemn. The position of Minister of Personnel is of grave importance. I have pondered this over and over, and in the entire court, no one is more familiar with the affairs of the Ministry of Personnel than you.
Effective today, you shall serve as the acting Minister of Personnel and preside over the ministry's affairs.
As his voice faded, a dead silence fell over the hall.
Everyone was stunned.
Acting?
Not a direct appointment, but acting?
But even as acting...
That was still the Minister!
Shen Zhongcheng was also stunned, though his shock seemed deeper than the others, as if he had entirely not anticipated this outcome. He raised his head and looked at the old Emperor on the throne, his gaze carrying a bit of disbelief, a bit of overwhelming gratitude, and a bit of...
Perfectly measured trepidation.
Your Majesty... his voice trembled slightly, what virtue or ability does this subject possess to dare accept such a heavy responsibility? The position of Minister of Personnel requires a person of high moral standing and profound seniority to be competent. This subject's qualifications are shallow and my prestige is light; I fear I cannot bear such a great burden. I beseech Your Majesty to retract this edict and choose another worthy talent.
The old Emperor looked at his demeanor and chuckled inwardly.
Terrified?
Overwhelmed by the unexpected favor?
If he were truly that terrified, truly that overwhelmed, he wouldn't be the Shen Zhongcheng who could manage the Ministry of Personnel in such perfect order.
Outwardly, however, the old Emperor remained impassive. He merely waved his hand. "My mind is made up. You will serve in an acting capacity for now. If you do well, this 'acting' title will eventually be removed. But if you fail to do well—"
He paused, his tone carrying a profound implication.
"Then you will be replaced."
Shen Zhongcheng's heart skipped a beat.
The words were crystal clear.
The opportunity had been given; whether he could seize it depended entirely on his own ability.
He kowtowed deeply, his voice solemn and steady. "I obey Your Majesty's decree."
The old Emperor gave a slight nod and said no more.
The officials in the hall watched this scene, each harboring their own thoughts.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian kept his eyes lowered, his face devoid of any expression, but the hands resting at his sides tightened ever so slightly.
As for the other princes, some looked thoughtful, some remained impassive, and a faint, imperceptible ripple flashed through the eyes of others.
And the ministers who had been arguing so heatedly just moments ago now fell silent, each calculating inwardly—
What did Shen Zhongcheng's appointment as acting Minister mean?
Who was behind him? Who had recommended him? When had he caught His Majesty's eye?
And—
When would that word "acting" be removed?
Shen Zhongcheng retreated back into the ranks and lowered his eyes once more, as if the recent turn of events had nothing to do with him. Only he knew that his heart was beating faster than usual.
It was done.
The matter was half-accomplished.
He raised his head, his gaze passing over the rows of official hats to land on the carved dragon caisson ceiling of the grand hall, silently calculating in his heart.
Acting Minister was merely the first step.
The true test lay ahead.
The end of the year was fast approaching, bringing another round of official evaluations. Those who had served in local posts for three, six, or nine years would all be coming to the capital to report on their duties and await new appointments.
At that time, the Ministry of Personnel would face its busiest period of the year.
Official evaluations, performance assessments, promotions, transfers, and position assignments—every single matter would require his personal attention and handling.
If he could handle all these affairs flawlessly and prove he truly had the ability to run the Ministry of Personnel, then the word "acting" above his head would naturally be removed.
If he failed to handle them well—
Shen Zhongcheng's gaze narrowed slightly.
Then, as His Majesty said, he would be replaced. At this time of year, anyone stepping into this position would have to pass this hurdle. He was no exception, nor did he need to be.
All he had to do was pass this test.
Shen Zhongcheng lowered his eyes, the corners of his lips curving up slightly. The smile was so faint it was almost imperceptible, yet it carried a sense of certainty and composure.
He had been in the Ministry of Personnel for six years. Following Mei Qiantu, he had thoroughly grasped all the ins and outs. The backgrounds of those officials, the importance of various positions, the deeply rooted and complex webs of personal connections—he knew them like the back of his hand.
When it came to handling these affairs, he had absolute confidence.
The difficult part wasn't doing the work; it was—
Shen Zhongcheng's peripheral vision swept over the upright figure standing not far away.
The Crown Prince.
And the people behind the Crown Prince.
How many people's paths had he blocked by becoming acting Minister? Would those people try to trip him up? Would they play tricks behind his back? Would they take advantage of the year-end evaluations to give him a harsh display of authority?
Shen Zhongcheng withdrew his gaze and sighed softly in his heart.
Never mind.
He would take it one step at a time.
At least now, he had an opportunity, and this opportunity was exactly what he wanted!
...
"All matters concluded, court is dismissed—"
The eunuch's shrill voice echoed through the grand hall.
The officials performed their customary bows, chanted their praises to the Emperor, and then filed out of the Palace of Heavenly Purity one by one.
Outside the hall, the sunlight was perfect.
The autumn sun poured over the white marble steps, casting the shadows of the coming and going figures long and short. A few old locust trees swayed gently in the wind, scattering dappled light and shadows across the ground.
Crown Prince Li Chengqian walked at the very front, his steps steady and his expression normal. A few ministers followed behind him, keeping a respectful distance—neither daring to follow too closely nor lag too far behind.
Li Chengyu emerged from the hall, his pace unhurried, maintaining a perfectly measured distance from the Crown Prince ahead.
"Sixth Brother."
A voice suddenly called out from ahead.
Li Chengyu looked up to see that the Crown Prince had stopped at some point and turned around to look at him. His gaze was calm, bearing a faint smile, as if he were simply an older brother calling out to his younger sibling.
Li Chengyu quickened his pace, walked up to the Crown Prince, and gave a slight bow with cupped hands. "Imperial Brother."
The Crown Prince looked at him and waved his hand with a smile. "Between us brothers, there is no need for such formalities."
Saying this, he stepped forward, and Li Chengyu followed at his side, lagging half a step behind. The two walked slowly forward along the white marble steps.
The autumn breeze brushed past.
It fluttered the hems of their robes, making a soft rustling sound.
After walking a short distance, the Crown Prince suddenly spoke. "Sixth Brother, that was quite a clever maneuver in court today."
His voice was very light, as casual as if he were commenting on the fine weather.
Li Chengyu's footsteps paused for a fraction of a second before returning to normal. He turned his head to look at the Crown Prince, his young face displaying a perfectly pitched look of bewilderment. "What is Imperial Brother talking about? I do not quite understand."
The Crown Prince did not look at him, but merely continued walking forward, his gaze falling upon the overlapping palaces and pavilions ahead.
"Sixth Brother, there's no need to play dumb." His tone remained flat. "Among Li Yuan, Zhao Ming, and Lin Mo... one of them is your man, isn't he?"
Li Chengyu stopped in his tracks.
The Crown Prince stopped as well.
He turned around and looked at Li Chengyu, his gaze holding a measure of scrutiny, a touch of lament, and a hint of something indescribably complex.
"Between us brothers, some things do not need to be spelled out," the Crown Prince said slowly, his voice deep. "You won a round today. However—next time, it might not be so certain!"
He paused, the corners of his lips curling into a deeply meaningful smile.
Having spoken.
He turned and continued on his way.
The figure clad in apricot-yellow robes drifted further and further away under the autumn sun, eventually disappearing around the corner of the sprawling palace complex.
Li Chengyu stood rooted to the spot, watching that retreating back without moving for a long time. The autumn breeze swept past, fluttering the hem of his robe and messing the stray hairs across his forehead.
"So he saw right through it, did he..." he muttered to himself, his voice as soft as a whisper.
Today's "three-way tie" of recommendations in the royal court had appeared on the surface to be evenly matched, with Li Yuan, Zhao Ming, and Lin Mo each having their own supporters. But in reality—
The Crown Prince had originally intended to push only Li Yuan into the position.
It was him.
He was the one who had secretly fanned the flames.
He had ordered his people to secretly push for Zhao Ming and Lin Mo's candidacies, creating a three-way deadlock so that the Crown Prince's man couldn't win easily.
In doing so—
His Imperial Father would notice just how many people in court were desperately trying to plant their own men in the Minister of Personnel seat.
His Imperial Father would grow wary, wondering whose men these candidates truly were.
His Imperial Father would—
Think of the one man no one had recommended: Shen Zhongcheng.
Li Chengyu lowered his eyes, a faint smile touching his lips.
Shen Zhongcheng's speech about "loyalty" hadn't been spoken in vain. He had heard the underlying meaning, and so had his Imperial Father.
A person whose very name meant loyalty stood there quietly, neither fighting nor snatching, neither speaking nor arguing, while everyone else scrambled to side with the Crown Prince.
What would Imperial Father think?
Imperial Father would think that this man was the only one truly worthy of use.
These tricks were not overly complicated and could be easily seen through, but as long as they served their purpose, it was enough. After all, the Crown Prince had held his position for far too long. Li Chengyu raised his head and looked toward the direction where the Crown Prince had disappeared, his gaze dark and profound.
No one could be blamed for scheming against another.
The battle for the throne had always been this way!
Fighting for that position was not just for the sake of his own ambitions, but even more so to protect those close to him. Li Chengyu could not help but think of his Imperial Mother, of the Duke of Qin's estate that supported him, and of Ninth Sister, who was temporarily placed in the Marquis of Weiyuan's estate. He wondered how she was doing.
Perhaps only when he truly ascended the throne.
Could their family finally be reunited...
Li Chengyu turned around and strode forward, heading in another direction. The autumn sunlight spilled across his youthful face, which remained as calm as still water, betraying not the slightest ripple of emotion.
Yet, those eyes reflected the light of the sky and the shadows of the clouds, reflected the endless layers of palace pavilions, and also reflected those hidden thoughts—the ones that could not be spoken, could not be mentioned, and could never be shared with another soul.
Behind him, the flying eaves of the Qianqing Palace stood silently in the sunlight. The bronze bells suspended from the corners of the eaves swayed gently in the wind, letting out a crisp, clear sound.
Clink.
Clink.
It sounded like a silent urging, yet also like the long, lingering sigh of the years.
In the distance, the Crown Prince's figure had long since vanished.
Closer by, the Sixth Prince's retreating back also gradually faded away into the distance.
Only those bronze bells continued to ring softly in the wind, chime after chime, echoing through every corner of this ancient imperial city...
