Chapter VI: The Fierce Torrent

Chapter VI: The Fierce Torrent and the Savage Beast

Chen Palace, the Imperial Concubine Chen's chambers.

Liang Zhen ascended the steps, and before entering, the captain of the palace guards, who had been instructed to remain on duty, whispered a report to him. "In the past few days, Her Majesty has been shouting incessantly about wanting to leave. Her words... were rather indecorous. But in the last couple of days, she's become quieter, appearing foolish and dazed. She alternates between laughter and tears..."

A hint of mockery flashed in Liang Zhen's eyes as he pushed the door open and entered.

Empress Chen sat on the ground with disheveled hair and her knees drawn up to her chest, a far cry from her once breathtaking allure. Liang Zhen watched her with a cold gaze, recalling her words when she insisted on entering the palace: "Everyone in my family says I resemble my second uncle. Even though I'm a woman, I thought the Emperor would favor me." His expression turned even colder.

Empress Cheng lifted her head slowly upon hearing the sound, meeting Liang Zhen's icy stare. She froze for a moment before forcing a bitter smile. "How long does Prince Zhao plan to imprison me? Why can't I attend the emperor's funeral when he has passed?"

"Lady Empress, you were so grief-stricken by the late emperor's passing that you couldn't rise from your bed to honor his memory," Liang Zhen said calmly, pausing briefly before continuing, "Your heart was solely with the late emperor, leaving no room for life itself. Thus, you have chosen to join him in the afterworld."

Empress Cheng was stunned, her entire body trembling with sorrow and anger. "You want to kill me, you actually want to kill me... What kind of poison did Zhu Yunxuan feed you?! You seized the throne from Qiong'er for him, and now you plan to kill us! We had an agreement, both of us bearing the surname Liang. Wouldn't it be better for you to be the regent king? Why do such a detrimental act to yourself and others?!"

Liang Zhen dismissed her words. "Lady Empress, you're mistaken. Only you will die. Ninth Prince is still just a child; he knows nothing. You poisoned the incense the late emperor used, leading to his prolonged illness and eventual demise. Should I continue?"

Empress Cheng gritted her teeth, glaring fiercely at Liang Zhen. "You knew all along, you clearly condoned it. You..."

"How could I have known beforehand?" Liang Zhen interrupted her impolitely, his tone icy as he warned, "Your Majesty, refrain from speaking nonsense. Since you understand that you're a member of the Liang family, to prevent the clan from meeting its doom because of you, it's best you comply obediently."

The Empress Chen's eyes reddened with fury, wishing she could pounce on Liang Zhen and tear him apart. Suddenly, she burst into laughter. "For the Liang family? Hahahaha, you couldn't care less about the Liang family. You wouldn't even bat an eyelid if the entire clan were wiped out. Why don't you just publicly reveal this matter so that Zhu Yunxuan's ascension as emperor would be more legitimate? You aren't doing this for the Liang family! You only want everyone to doubt the legitimacy of Zhu Yunxuan's position, forcing him to rely on you! You're keeping Yunqiong around to constantly remind him of this fact! I thought your bond was unbreakable, but you're desperately helping him while also guarding against him. What's the point of that?! If my Yunqiong were to sit on that throne, what's wrong with having the world in your grasp?!"

Liang Zhen sneered contemptuously. "You aren't stupid, but you still misunderstand. If I truly wanted this world, what difference would it make if I took over the Zhu family's dynasty? This position was originally prepared for me by the late emperor. Your son is merely a puppet left behind for me. Yet, despite knowing this, you still cling to your fantasy of being a virtuous empress dowager. Initially, I could have fulfilled your wish, but unfortunately for you, there are certain individuals and events that now interest me more than governing the empire. Naturally, I'll act according to my whims."

"You madman!"

The reason behind all the chaos boiled down to his "whims." The Empress Chen screamed incoherently, unsure whether the mad one was Liang Zhen or herself.

Liang Zhen looked at her coldly. "Save your energy and stop shouting since death is imminent. After all, Zhu Yunqiong is still your son. If you die, he might survive. However, if you insist on dragging him down with you, I won't hesitate to send both of you on your way."

The Empress Chen slumped, closing her eyes in agony.

Ganlin Palace.

Three days later would mark the grand ceremony for Zhu Yunxuan's ascension to the throne. Officials from the Ministry of Rites were reporting the details of the event to Zhu Yunxuan, who listened quietly without much comment. Liang Zhen entered and stood aside, not interrupting them but listening with keen interest. The officials from the Ministry of Rites were more cautious around Liang Zhen than they were with Zhu Yunxuan, their words carefully chosen.

Halfway through the briefing, Liang Zhen suddenly spoke up, asking, "In our dynasty, it has always been the prime minister who presents the edict of succession to the new emperor during the coronation ceremony. Since Zhang Nianling has been punished for treason, how do you plan to handle this part of the ritual?"

The Minister of Rites, Yan Shixue, replied cautiously, "We have provisionally decided to entrust this matter to Prime Minister Liu. However, it ultimately depends on Your Majesty's decision."

This Prime Minister Liu was the most senior among the remaining cabinet ministers. It was he who had first bowed his head that day, allowing room for compromise, and eventually led everyone to accept Zhu Yunxuan as the new emperor. According to logic, it should be his turn now, especially since he had played a role in supporting the new emperor. However...

Zhu Yunxuan made his decision calmly, "Follow the precedent of the previous dynasty. Let a high-ranking official from the Ministry of Rites handle it. Yan, you will take charge of this task."

Yan Shixue's heart raced, but he suppressed his excitement and hesitantly asked, "But our dynasty has no such precedent. This responsibility has always been taken by a cabinet minister. Wouldn't it be against protocol for me to do so?"

"Never mind. It'll be you."

Yan Shixue no longer refused and responded loudly, "I accept the imperial order!"

Liang Zhen narrowed his eyes, a hint of contemplation flashing across them. He slightly lifted the corners of his lips.

After the officials who had come to report had withdrawn, Liang Zhen looked at Zhu Yunxuan with a slight smile, "Your Majesty, are you planning to elevate this Minister Yan?"

Zhu Yunxuan remained unperturbed, responding, "The cabinet is currently depleted and needs new blood. As the Minister of Rites, Yan Shixue's promotion to the cabinet is a logical progression."

Liang Zhen smiled meaningfully, "Is that so? Why didn't Your Majesty mention that he is also the father of your fiancée, the future father-in-law of the nation?"

As early as four years ago, when Zhu Yunxuan was granted the title of Duke Rui, he had already received an imperial marriage arrangement from Emperor Zhaoyang. The one chosen for him was Yan Shixue's eldest daughter. At that time, Yan Shixue was still the Left Vice Minister of Rites, and it wasn't until two years later that he was promoted to Minister. Originally, Zhu Yunxuan should have been married long ago, but first, the young lady's mother passed away, followed by Empress Dowager Qingren, Emperor Zhaoyang's biological mother. As a result, the wedding was repeatedly delayed, and Emperor Zhaoyang gradually lost interest in the matter, causing it to be put on hold.

Zhu Yunxuan's gaze darkened. "So what if it is?"

"Nothing much," Liang Zhen's smile faded as he looked straight at him, "I'm merely reminding Your Majesty not to place too much importance on the imperial relatives, lest trouble arises in the future."

"Duke Zhao worries too much," Zhu Yunxuan said coldly, "These are not matters that Duke Zhao should concern himself with."

He was well aware that excessive influence from the imperial family was not a good thing. The Xie family was a glaring precedent. Back then, Duke Xie's audacity and recklessness had caused numerous calamities. But what could he do? Among those remaining in the cabinet, each had entanglements with the person before him. Could he trust them? Dare to trust them? Scanning the entire court, how many capable individuals did he truly have left?

Their eyes met, both disguising their suspicions and probes. After a brief standoff, Liang Zhen shook his head. "Is this truly how Your Majesty perceives me?"

"Where did you go just now?"

Liang Zhen answered candidly, "Huaqing Palace."

Zhu Yunxuan's pupils narrowed slightly. "How is Ciyun Empress?"

"The Empress is overly pained by her longing for the late emperor and has grown weary of the world. She has requested to be buried alongside him."

"Where's Ninth Brother?"

"Liuht Prince is, of course, safe in his quarters. But the child is too young and has been frightened. It's nothing serious," Liang Zhen replied with a profound, enigmatic smile that hinted at hidden motives.

Zhu Yunxuan suppressed his rising anger and challenged him, "How do you expect people to perceive your actions?"

Liang Zhen clicked his tongue. "What kind of behavior? Does His Majesty plan on fratricide? How could I have known the Emperor was such a ruthless person?"

"You don't need to pretend with me! You kept Zhu Yunqiong alive solely to threaten me. Why sugarcoat it?!"

Liang Zhen stepped forward and suddenly reached out to pull Zhu Yunxuan close by his waist.

Zhu Yunxuan panicked for a moment, glaring at him fiercely. "Let... go... of... me."

Liang Zhen leaned in close to Zhu Yunxuan's ear and whispered solemnly, "Is His Majesty planning to burn the bridge right after crossing it, having just ascended the throne?"

The palace hall was now empty; Gao An had already led everyone away when the dispute began. Zhu Yunxuan sneered with reddened eyes. "Liang Zhen, do you really think you can still force me? I will never again indulge your filthy desires!"

"What does His Majesty think I want?"

A soft laughter echoed in Zhu Yunxuan's ear, accompanied by the warm breath that sent shivers down his spine. Pausing for a moment, Liang Zhen continued, "Your Majesty doesn't want me, but who else do you desire? That Yan family girl? With your current state, can you satisfy that young lady?"

"Impudent!"

Trapped between the imperial desk behind him and Liang Zhen's embrace, Zhu Yunxuan trembled with anger. Liang Zhen pressed closer, his hand on Zhu Yunxuan's waist boldly massaging him in an exceptionally suggestive manner.

Closing his eyes, Zhu Yunxuan said coldly, "There are still mourning imperial relatives and officials in the main hall. If you persist, I will summon them all to witness how Prince Zhao is behaving like a beast, committing such treacherous acts against the new emperor during the mourning period of our late sovereign."

"Would Your Majesty really dare to do such a thing?"

"I'll prove it to you if you dare!"

Liang Zhen's laughter deepened. "Now that Your Majesty has ascended the throne, your temper seems to be growing as well."

Zhu Yunxuan repeated his demand, "Release me."

Liang Zhen turned his head and placed a feather-light kiss on Zhu Yunxuan's temple. Before the latter could react, he stepped back respectfully and stood aside. "Your Majesty, there's no need to be angry. Ninth Prince must remain here at this moment, or else it will be even harder to silence the public's gossip."

Zhu Yunxuan looked at him with a cold gaze. "Are you still afraid of public opinion?"

"I am thinking for Your Majesty's sake."

"Hmm."

Liang Zhen sighed with a smile. "Your Majesty, why do you regard me as a fearsome force? Since I have promised to assist you, I will surely do so. Why can't you trust me?"

Zhu Yunxuan was slightly taken aback. He averted his gaze. "I am weary. Prince Zhao, take your leave."