Chapter 69

Chapter 69

The last glimmer of light in the room vanished, casting the Qinghui Garden into utter darkness. The upturned eaves in the distance reached menacingly towards the sky, while birds and beasts hid in the inky woods, biding their time. The silence was eerie, like the calm before an impending storm.

In this seemingly insignificant night, a manure cart stopped by the back gate of a residence. Two figures clad in black clothing descended from the cart, dragging an old man shackled in chains. His legs were crippled, making him unable to walk unaided. Covered in mud, with disheveled hair and high cheekbones, his thin, wrinkled skin gave him a terrifying appearance. He seemed both grotesque and pitiful as his eyelids drooped weakly, unable to survey his surroundings.

Moments later, the black-clad men led him through a back corridor into the courtyard, following a winding stone path to the base of a artificial hill. Bending down, they dragged the old man into the grassy hollow of the hill. After a short journey, they entered a hidden cave. Descending damp steps, they traversed a dark tunnel that led deep into the earth. The old man's legs were roughly pulled along the cold, hard stones without concern for his tolerance. Wrapped only in a soiled homespun robe, his emaciated body offered no resistance against the chill, leaving him numb to any pain.

Eventually, they brought the old man to a clean cellar. Blinding light flooded in, causing him great discomfort after such a long time in the dark. Instinctively, he raised his trembling, bony arms to shield himself. However, the two black-clothed men callously threw his fragile body onto the ground. Surprisingly, he landed on a soft cotton mattress, free from the anticipated agony. The old man curled up, huddled within the warmth, with no intention of opening his eyes.

His wrists bore bloody marks from the heavy iron chains. Struggling, he placed them over his chest, intending to sleep.

The cellar was eerily quiet, save for the crackling of candles. Then, a voice different from the two men's echoed from behind him:

"Zhang Yi, thirty years have passed. I thought you perished in the outskirts. Yet, you managed to escape cunningly... To escape my grasp and live to tell the tale, you, Zhang Yi, are the first."

The speaker lounged casually in a round chair, wrapped in a black fur robe. So immersed in the garment was he that even his features were indiscernible.

Upon hearing this voice, the old man, Zhang, hunched his back slightly and then fell silent.

The man, undeterred by his silence, pressed on, "You've been a sly fox, hiding in multiple dens and changing your appearance and name. You may deceive others, but not me. You refused to speak before them, but now that you're in the capital, surely you'll have to say something?"

"Of course, it's fine if you remain silent. There are always those searching for you, aren't there? Must the young lady stumble and bleed until she comes to you before you're satisfied? You raised her, so I assume you wouldn't wish her dead..."

"Hand over what you obtained those years ago, and I'll spare you and your grandson. You know I'm a man of my word, never failing to fulfill a promise. Countless have fallen by my hand, all unable to match me."

Upon hearing this, the elderly man in the blankets finally stirred. He struggled to catch his breath before speaking in broken intervals,

"I am but an old woodcutter... My surname is Qiao, not Zhang Yi whom you seek... If you don't believe me, just give me a swift end... Or perhaps bind the girl you mentioned before me... See if I so much as flinch..."

The intruder was well-known to be a stubborn man, impervious to torture or intimidation; he could not be budged in the slightest. Today, they had finally witnessed it firsthand.

However, his expression remained unyielding, and he merely offered a faint smile. "Very well, let's play this game."

With that, he rose and strolled outside, reaching the entrance of the cellar where a guard approached him respectfully.

"Master, what should we do? Zhang Yi is no ordinary man. I've employed every tactic, but he refuses to speak."

The man shook his head, cutting the guard off. "Whether he speaks or not is now irrelevant. The crucial point is that he can serve as bait. We must set a trap, using him to ensnare Pei Muheng!"

"Understood!"

A chilling breeze swept in from the artificial mountain passage, and the figure pulled their fur cloak tighter before venturing out. By the time they emerged from the other side of the mountain, a faint hint of dawn streaked across the eastern horizon. It was time for the court session. At that moment, the Changan Gate of the Palace was bustling with activity as officials yawned and steadily crossed the white jade bridge one after another.

Ministerial Assistant Su Ziyan was among the throng, deftly navigating the social milieu in his third-rank scarlet robe as he exchanged pleasantries with various officials. Being both the Queen's nephew and the closest cousin to Prince Twelve, many regarded him as the presumptive heir to the next Cabinet position, and thus none failed to flatter or curry favor with him.

Su Ziyan gracefully engaged in conversation before calmly proceeding to the Wenzhao Palace. Upon entering, all officials ranked third grade and above had already assembled. Leading them was the Chief State Councillor, Xun Yunhe, who stood at the bottom of the steps, addressing the crowd.

His Majesty has caught a slight cold and, therefore, will not be joining us today. Eunuch Liu is here; any matters of concern can be discussed with the cabinet and Eunuch Liu.

The emperor's absence from court had become routine, leaving the daily affairs to be discussed by several princes, cabinet ministers, and the chief eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial. The officials had grown accustomed to it, and without the emperor's presence, the atmosphere in the grand hall was more relaxed. Each department's officials took the opportunity to present their long-standing problems, seeking advice from the cabinet and the Office of Ceremonial. As a result, the Wenzhao Hall was bustling with activity.

Su Ziyan, along with two other high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Works, promptly submitted the ministry's expenses for this year to the cabinet for approval, simultaneously presenting next year's budget. The Ministry of Works, known for its substantial expenditures, oversaw the nation's irrigation canals, palace construction, and more – each item a significant undertaking. Upon receiving the memorials, the cabinet and the Office of Ceremonial engaged in heated debate. Su Ziyan smiled wryly as he entertained them, finally enduring until the court session ended. He could now return to the Ministry of Works for a brief respite.

Su Ziyan had an office within the ministry. Upon his arrival, a young eunuch, who had already lifted the curtain, greeted him, "Please come in, Your Excellency."

Recognizing the voice, Su Ziyan immediately looked up, surprised by the familiar face, "Is His Highness here?"

The young eunuch was no stranger; he was one of Pei Xun's attendants, always at his service.

The little eunuch beamed and said, "His Highness has been here for a while, waiting for you."

Su Ziyan hurriedly stepped inside the door and saw a figure seated behind the desk. Dressed in a deep crimson prince's robe, with a face as bright as a full moon and an air of casual indolence, it could only be the Twelfth Prince, Pei Xun.

"Why is His Highness here? Was there something you needed me to convey at your palace?"

Pei Xun rarely came directly to the Ministry of Works to find him. Most of the time, they met at the prince's residence.

Pei Xun turned his face slowly, leaning back against the backrest with his long, slender spine. He looked at Su Ziyan leisurely and said, "Nothing much, I just happened to pass by and thought I'd drop in to see you."

He casually rested one leg on a brocaded low stool, casually massaging the area that once caused him pain.

Su Ziyan approached and settled beside him, her gaze landing on his ankle. "With the icy chill in the air, has your Highness's leg injury fully recovered?"

Pei Xun replied, "I just stumbled while walking to Zhengyang Gate, thinking I might have hurt it again. So, I came here to sit for a while, and surprisingly, it doesn't feel painful when I touch it."

Su Ziyan breathed a sigh of relief and quickly responded with a smile, "That's wonderful. It seems the injury has indeed fully healed."

"Madam Xu truly possesses the miraculous ability to restore life to its vitality!"

Upon hearing this, a gentle expression involuntarily flickered across Pei Xun's eyes. His gaze lowered to his ankle, and his mind couldn't help but recall the first time he met her. Her delicate fingers pressed against his wound, gently pressing inch by inch. She always effortlessly found his most sensitive spots. Later, when the silver apricot took over, that deftness was missing.

"Her medical skills are truly unparalleled."

Su Ziyan was observant, and he didn't miss the softness in Pei Xun's tone or the hint of bewilderment in his eyes. He quickly realized something, causing his heart to sink.

Su Ziyan had grown up with Pei Xun and was a few years older. He had taken care of Pei Xun more often than not, thus understanding his character better than anyone. On the surface, Pei Xun appeared carefree and unconstrained, but deep down, he was both proud and tenacious. He had always regarded the throne as his birthright and relentlessly pursued it.

He had never been emotionally invested in any woman. Marriage had always been a mere tool for him in his struggle for the throne. Stubbornly, he set aside all human desires, being too harsh on himself.

As his cousin, Su Ziyan was not pleased with this. He wished for Pei Xun to live a normal life, even hoping that he could enjoy the luxuries and wealth like Prince Qin, surrounded by numerous consorts.

Now, just as Pei Xun had finally opened his heart, the object of his affection was already married, and worse still, she belonged to the opposing camp. Su Ziyan felt deeply pained.

For a moment, he contemplated the possibility that after Pei Xun succeeded in his quest for the throne and eliminated Pei Muheng, he could still bring that woman from the Xun family into the palace.

Unaware of his cousin's concerns, Pei Xun, after confirming his leg was fine and finishing a cup of tea, bid farewell,

"I won't keep you from your duties."

It was about the time when the Minister of Works, accompanied by another Vice Minister, caught wind of Pei Xun's presence and hastened over to bid him farewell. Su Ziyan, uninvolved in these proceedings, returned to his office to peruse the day's official documents. Barely had he settled into his seat when an orderly ushered in a visitor. The man was a minor official from the Ministry of War, bearing a royal dispatch which he respectfully presented to Su Ziyan.

"Minister Su, in April, you requested a transfer order from the Cabinet to move approximately a hundred river engineers from Tongzhou to Yingzhou. The Cabinet has accounted for their expenses under our Military Department's Yingzhou garrison. How can this be? These expenditures should fall under your Ministry of Works. Either return these hundred workers to Tongzhou or sign this document, transferring the responsibility to your Ministry of Works..."

Upon hearing this, Su Ziyan's expression involuntarily tensed up.

Back then, he had been entrusted by that person to issue the transfer order through Xun Yunhe's hands. Afterward, he had deliberately pinned the responsibility on the Ministry of War to divert suspicion and prevent anyone from tracing it back to him. But now, the Ministry of War had come knocking at his door.

Such a trivial matter would not bring any disgrace even if it were to be accounted for in the Yingzhou Military Commandery. The expenditure must be made either way, and whether it goes through the Ministry of War or the Ministry of Works makes little difference to the Cabinet.

"Who sent you here?" Su Ziyan asked warily.

The official stood his ground confidently. "As an official in charge of the military's financial affairs, it is my duty to review the annual accounts when they reach my desk. This is standard procedure, Minister Su. You, with your renowned astuteness, surely understand this?"

His implication was that he had not been dispatched by anyone specifically.

What he said made perfect sense, leaving Su Ziyan with no retort. She had no choice but to sign off on the documents and dismiss him with a troubled mind.

Although he was uncertain why this person had entrusted him with this task, he couldn't shake off a nagging sense of unease. Perhaps he should send a message to inform the individual that someone was now aware of their scheme? As the thought crossed his mind, Su Ziyan promptly changed into casual attire and left the Ministry.

Upon reaching Zhengyang Gate, Su Ziyan abruptly halted.

Something was amiss; this was a ploy to intimidate and provoke him.

The other party was likely using this opportunity to prod him, luring him to convey the message to the mastermind, hoping to trace his steps in the process. Realizing this possibility, Su Ziyan spun around swiftly, scanning his surroundings with a sharp gaze. The area around Zhengyang Gate was bustling with government officials and pedestrians. Countless faces flashed before him—some smiling, some troubled. At first glance, there seemed to be no telltale signs, but he was convinced that someone was secretly watching him. Thus, Su Ziyan strode back in the opposite direction.

From his concealed spot, Wang Fan observed this development with disappointment. He discreetly made his way to the Ministry of Revenue and shared the news with Pei Xun.

"Wang Fan," he began, "Su Ziyan is extremely vigilant. He reached Zhengyang Gate but turned back."

Pei Xun rested his hand on his forehead, a slow smile forming on his lips.

Xun Yunhe had informed him about Pei Xun's visit, and they had speculated that there was another player behind the scenes. They had intended to follow Su Ziyan to uncover the truth, only to find out that he was cunning and didn't fall for the trap.

Their opponent was seasoned and skilled. Having failed to intimidate Su Ziyan, they would have to devise another plan.

It was the fourth day of Winter's First Month. After two days of sunshine, clouds began to gather in the sky by mid-afternoon, layer upon layer of dark clouds hovering above the official district, weighing heavily on people's spirits.

It was just past sunset, the time when officials in the district would usually be leaving their offices. But today, few were seen departing. As the year-end approached, the heart of the administration became the busiest. Regardless of the ominous clouds, the official district remained brightly lit.

Liu Xiwen, the head eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, finished his last bundle of documents marked with the emperor's vermilion seal. He stretched, and an eager young eunuch hurried over to assist him around the desk and onto a nearby couch for a cup of tea.

"Grandfather, take a break. These documents can be handled by Walnut and Chen Li, the two new clerks."

Since Lu Han and the other were removed from the Office of Ceremonial, the emperor had appointed two new clerks, making a total of five, including Liu Xiwen. But he shook his head. "They're still inexperienced. With crucial matters at the end of the year, we can't afford to be careless."

Though Liu Xiwen was a eunuch, without physical roots, he held deep convictions. In such a central position, every stroke of his pen could mean life or death for countless people. He was always cautious and diligent, never allowing himself to become complacent.

The young eunuch, eager to please, praised him as a worthy Grand Chancellor of Jìn. Indeed, as the head eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, Liu Xiwen wielded significant power alongside the prime minister. Yet, he remained humble, waving off the compliment with a smile.

"You sly fox, trying to flatter me. Have you attended to His Majesty?"

The young eunuch's smile vanished, replaced by concern. "I didn't dare to tell you earlier, but after lunch, His Majesty stood at the window and caught a cold wind. Now, his coughing has worsened. He fears your reprimand, so he ordered me not to mention it."

Liu Xiwen's expression suddenly changed upon hearing this. He threw his sleeves, tossing his whisk onto the table, then sternly tapped the little eunuch on the forehead before striding towards the imperial study.

Behind the imperial study was a heated chamber where the emperor rested during the winter months.

Due to recently catching a cold, the emperor remained motionless on his imperial couch, attended only by a few trusted eunuchs. Liu Xiwen stepped into the chamber and caught sight of the emperor leaning on a bolster with his eyes closed, occasionally issuing suppressed coughs. Sensing the emperor's great suffering, he quickly composed himself, forcing a smile as he approached.

"Your Majesty..."

The emperor slightly opened his eyes, noticing Liu Xiwen's anxious and concerned expression. He softly scoffed and hesitated for a moment, deciding against his usual stubborn remarks.

He asked, "Is there still any of Yunqi's remedy left? If so, apply it to me again." He pointed at his chest.

For some reason, Liu Xiwen detected an unprecedented exhaustion on the emperor's face, which stirred a sense of foreboding within him.

"There is, there is. The county princess sent new supplies yesterday through the prince."

Satisfied by this news, the emperor remarked, "She's a filial child."

Liu Xiwen instructed someone to fetch the medicine bottle and personally helped the emperor apply it. A cool and soothing liquid flowed down the emperor's chest, along the center line. Liu Xiwen gently massaged the area, and soon, a burning sensation emerged. Following a series of intense coughs, "Cough...cough," the emperor expelled a thick phlegm, relieving his congestion. He instantly felt much better.

The emperor leaned back on his pillow, taking a deep breath as he gazed at the golden yellow canopy above him and said,

"Liu Xiwen, I fear this time might be the end for me..."

Upon hearing these words, Liu Xiwen's heart raced, but on the surface, he sternly reprimanded the emperor, "Your Majesty, you're speaking nonsense. Aren't you always unwell a few times every winter? You'll recover after a few more days of rest."

The emperor shook his head. This illness was different from previous years. He felt like a decayed machine, lacking strength in every part of his body, even struggling to breathe. The emperor didn't argue and simply stated,

"It's time for me to appoint a crown prince."

Liu Xiwen felt a chill run down his spine, a cold sweat sliding down his back. However, having served the emperor for many years, he had honed his skills to perfection, showing no sign of his true emotions. He smiled and replied, "This matter is solely up to Your Majesty's decision. Whatever you say will be done."

In reality, Liu Xiwen had been serving the emperor day and night, and he understood the situation more clearly than anyone else.

The emperor had intended to appoint the twelfth prince as the crown prince long ago. However, the twelfth prince's actions against the Xihua Palace had ultimately stirred some apprehension and displeasure in the emperor.

"Your thoughts on Xun'er?" the emperor asked him.

Liu Xiwen chuckled. "Which of Your Majesty's dragon sons isn't excellent? Prince Twelfth is the legitimate son of the central palace, skilled in both literature and martial arts, carrying the spirit of Your Majesty in his youth."

Since the Emperor had chosen Pei Xun, he was naturally delighted to hear Liu Xiwen's praise about him.

"In truth, Xun'er is more suited to occupy this position than either of the elder brothers. He has a sharp mind and capable hands. I would entrust him with the kingdom with full confidence."

Liu Xiwen repeatedly assented with deference, finally managing to attend to the Emperor until he retired for the night. Exiting the cozy chamber, Liu Xiwen made his way to the duty room at the rear hall, gently closing the door behind him. He was then enveloped in the darkness, which revealed a sheen of cold sweat upon his person.

What should I do? It seems the Emperor is contemplating establishing an heir. Whoever is appointed as the crown prince at this juncture will soon ascend to the throne.

Should Pei Xun ascend the throne, Liu Xiwen could well imagine his own fate.

In his earlier years, Pei Xun had attempted to win over Liu Xiwen, but Liu Xiwen, steadfast in his loyalty to the Emperor, had politely declined. Since then, Pei Xun had repeatedly meddled in the Office of Ceremonies, particularly after the Yangzhou incident, where he had ordered an assassination attempt on his adopted son Xu Rong, planning to use him to eliminate the Two River Governor, Qu Weizhen. This had led to a complete breakdown in their relationship.

The recent affair with Lu Han had cast an even darker shadow over Liu Xiwen's heart.

The thought of Pei Xun ascending to power was like a bitter pill for Liu Xiwen to swallow.

As the Emperor's most trusted confidant, Liu Xiwen should have smoothly awaited the new reign and then requested retirement. But he did not.

At this moment, Pei Muheng's painstaking efforts over an extended period had finally paid off.

First, it was Pei Muhen's unassuming gestures of goodwill, followed by his two instances of assisting Liu Xiwen in fending off Pei Xun's advances; these actions tipped the scales in Liu Xiwen's heart towards the favor of the Xihui Palace.

More importantly, Qu Weizhen's situation revealed to Liu Xiwen the qualities in which Pei Muqing surpasses Pei Xun - the grace of a skilled and cunning ruler with a firm sense of propriety, befitting an emperor.

Qu Weizhen's significance to the Jiangnan and Two Zhe regions was immeasurable. Yet, Pei Xun had no qualms about eliminating him for the sake of his own power. In contrast, despite having the opportunity to easily dispose of Prince Qin, Pei Muheng upheld his principles and protected Qu Weizhen for the sake of the Jiangnan people.

One's true character is revealed in its entirety during such moments.

Perhaps he was confident in his ability to navigate the delicate balance of power between Prince Qin and Pei Xun within the court.

Alone in his duty room, Liu Xiwen weighed his options and, with great risk, decided to prematurely convey this information to the Xi Palace.

At that very moment, as the night deepened and dew settled heavily, a figure arrived at the secluded entrance of the Xi Palace.

It was none other than Xun Yunhe, returning late, his head concealed by a hood. He had disguised himself before slipping through a side gate into the study of Prince Xi.

Xun Yunhe's hasty arrival was marked by a grave expression. He sat in an armchair, catching his breath.

Xun Yunhe personally poured a cup of hot tea for him.

Prince Xi asked, "What's happened that requires Shu Zhi to pay a visit in the middle of the night?"

Sipping the warm tea, Xun Yunhe expelled the chill from his chest and spoke slowly,

"Liu Xiwen has sent word that His Majesty plans to crown Pei Xun as the Crown Prince soon."

Both Prince Xi and Pei Muhang were startled.

"Why suddenly anoint a Crown Prince? Could it be…?"

Meeting Pei Muhang's speculative gaze, Xun Yunhe continued, "His Majesty's health is failing."

Pei Muhang's throat constricted, and his expression changed rapidly.

Prince Xi's heart was weighed down with concern. "This won't do. We must reveal the truth to the world before His Majesty's condition worsens."

He couldn't bear the thought of his father leaving this world burdened with hatred towards him.

In recent days, after the Emperor fell ill with a cold, only the Chief Eunuch of the Office of Ceremonial, Liu Xiwen, and the Grand Commander of the Imperial Bodyguard, Zuo Xiaolin, were permitted to visit him. These two were the Emperor's most trusted confidants. Liu Xiwen's decision to convey the information at great personal risk granted the Prince Xi's palace a significant advantage.

They must seize this advantage while they can.

Peng Muhang rose to his feet, pacing the room with deliberation. His mind raced, swiftly contemplating strategies.

With the old master's whereabouts currently unknown, Su Ziyan is cunningly refusing to reveal his traces. We must apply a strong remedy; we need to lure him out of hiding while also preventing His Majesty from naming an heir.

Princes Xi and Xun Yunhe looked at him simultaneously, "What is your plan?"

Pei Muheng turned to face the two elders, his eyes as dark as ink.

"Report the true story of Princess Mingyue's death thirty years ago directly to His Majesty!"

Upon hearing this, Xi Wang was taken aback. "Without any witnesses or evidence, how can mere words convince the emperor?"

Pei Muheng's expression was resolute. "It doesn't matter whether His Majesty believes it or not. What matters is sowing a seed of doubt in his mind. This will not only slow down his decision on the crown prince but also force the Empress to reveal her hand."

Xi Wang, skilled in warfare, was not adept at the cunning and deception of court politics. He sought Xun Yunhe's counsel with a glance.

Xun Yunhe narrowed his eyes at Pei Muheng, a hint of admiration stirring in his heart.

"It's indeed the best strategy, albeit bold but directly targeting the core. Perhaps Su Ziyan is even waiting for us to rescue his grandfather, luring us into a trap. But as they say, 'where demons rise, virtue prevails.' We'll force him to reveal himself."

Feeling that their minds were spinning too fast for him to keep up, the Xi Wang exclaimed anxiously,

"Hold on, hold on! You two need to think this through. How will we present this to His Majesty? Who will speak? And how should we phrase it? This matter has been dormant for three decades. What excuse can we use to bring it back up? We can't just make baseless accusations!"

Finding the old man was the key to toppling Pei Xun.

Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe exchanged glances, both wearing smiles.

Pei Muheng explained to the Xi Wang, "Father, you've forgotten who presided over the Tongzhou case. From the start, it was Liu Yue, the Junior Censor of the Supreme Court, conducting the investigation. Chen Mingshan is still in his hands. Liu Yue said that during the trial, he interrogated a canal worker from Tongzhou who claimed to be a disciple of Doctor Liu from thirty years ago. This worker unintentionally stumbled upon the truth behind Doctor Liu's death..."

In short, Pei Muheng and Xun Yunhe had pieced together most of the truth. They would create a witness where there was none, using this case to expose Pei Xun and the Empress. Amidst the chaos, it would be the perfect opportunity to find the old man. Once they had him, they could rightfully clear the Xi Wang's name.

The Emperor might not be able to withstand such news, and the more chaotic the situation, the better it would be for the Xi Wang's palace, as they held military power.

Upon hearing this, beads of sweat formed on the Xi Wang's forehead.

" Ingenious plan!"

In terms of wit and strategy, he could not match his son's intellect even with ten of himself. Pei Muhang truly thought three steps ahead, leaving no room for error.

Thus, the following afternoon, Liu Yue braved the gently falling snow to report the case to the emperor at the Palace of Heavenly Purity. The emperor, severely ill, had no time to attend to him and allowed Liu Xiwen and Zuo Xiaolin to meet with Liu Yue.

Upon hearing about the case, both Liu Xiwen and Zuo Xiaolin were startled. They calmed Liu Yue down, forbidding him from spreading the news, while hurriedly going to pay their respects to the emperor. Upon learning of this old case, the emperor coughed out a mouthful of blood and immediately fainted.

Liu Xiwen discreetly summoned the Head of the Imperial Medical Bureau, Fan Ruji, to the Palace of Heavenly Purity and instructed Zuo Xiaolin to take control of the palace defenses. Together, they worked to stabilize the situation.

Pei Xun, who had spies in the Supreme Court, received the news in a hurry. At that moment, he was taking a midday rest at the Twelfth Prince's palace, planning to visit the emperor later in the day. The news struck him like a bolt from the blue, causing his vision to blur.

His mother was the real culprit behind the death of Princess Mingyue?

How could that be?

Pei Xun, unable to catch his breath, rushed to the Palace of Heavenly Peace with a darkened face.