Chapter 100: Palace Rebellion

Chapter 100: Palace Rebellion

The Empress's right to issue imperial edicts was suspended, and her seal was confiscated. For the time being, the six palaces' affairs were temporarily managed by Consort Jiang.

However, Consort Jiang felt nothing but trepidation at this unexpected turn of events. She dared not refuse but cautiously adhered to established procedures, not daring to overstep her boundaries.

Yuan Ya, on the other hand, was ecstatic and sought out his mother. "I never thought Empress Luo would face such a day. Her scheme against me regarding the cat has finally come back to haunt her!"

But Consort Jiang felt a chill down her spine. She took hold of Yuan Ya's wrist and said, "Don't get carried away. Don't show any signs of gloating or overconfidence in front of your father. You should also submit a petition to plead for the Empress's mercy; after all, she is your biological mother. Furthermore, focus on your studies at home and avoid stirring up trouble! If you attract criticism now, we may both suffer consequences!"

Yuan Ya's elation subsided, realizing that with Empress Luo's demotion, his mother was now the most influential concubine in the palace. Even Yuan Zhen and Yuan Mo were now on the same level as him. Would they still flaunt their status as legitimate imperial children?

Startled by Consort Jiang's anxious gaze, he paused before softly responding, "I understand, but... Didn't we ask our uncle to speak to the Shen family? And about Duke Ding's daughter-in-law from the Song family...?"

Consort Jiang trembled slightly. "Go and tell your uncle to make amends with both the Shen and Song families, saying that the previous matter should be forgotten..."

Yuan Ya murmured, "They're prominent families too. Asking for marriage one moment and then retracting it the next—wouldn't that be disrespectful? Besides, if Father was truly displeased, he would have issued a warning long ago. By allowing Mother to take charge now, who knows if he secretly approves?"

Consort Jiang's panicked heart settled slightly. Seeing Yuan Ya's thoughtful expression, she seemed relieved that he had taken her advice to heart. She hurriedly continued, "Father has always been perceptive. Who in the palace doesn't know that Mother gave gifts to the young ladies of Duke Ding and Marquis Cheng'en during the flower banquet? Yet, Father only punished Empress Lao and bestowed authority over the six palaces upon Mother. How can we be sure he doesn't approve?"

Consort Jiang's expression softened, as if she had found some solace in this. Taking advantage of the moment, Yuan Ya continued, "Mother was frightened, but who in the imperial harem can now surpass you? Father Emperor cannot possibly dethrone the Empress and demote all the ranked concubines. Even if he is devoted to his spiritual pursuits, he wouldn't go to such extremes. So, what has Empress Lu done to offend Father Emperor? We must find out clearly, lest we, mother and daughter, fall into the same pit that the Empress did, which would be undesirable."

Consort Jiang spoke in a hushed tone, "Even the Elder Empress Dowager has been summoned for interrogation. Rumor has it that she dared to meddle in the affairs of Heavenly One Temple. The specifics are unclear, but it seems to involve the State Preceptor. Apparently, he was the one who exposed her involvement."

Yuan Ya expressed his surprise, "Isn't Chong Xiao, that old donkey-nosed, confined in the palace and unreachable by anyone? How could the Empress have conspired with him? Could it be that she plotted against our father, the Emperor?"

Consort Jiang sagely sighed, "It probably isn't that simple. The imperial edict mentioned an attempt on the Crown Prince's life, yet he remains confined within the Precious Scroll Palace, doesn't he? More likely, it's just a pretense. Empress Luo has been scheming against the Crown Prince for quite some time now. The Emperor must be well aware of this. He's merely seized upon a plausible and righteous excuse for the moment."

Yuan Ya pondered for a moment. "Mother, it's not that simple. I fear Father's most sensitive spot is still the imperial throne... and the path to immortal cultivation. Didn't he praise Empress Lu just a few days ago for her handling of the matter of taking a concubine for the crown prince? Why has his mood suddenly changed?"

Consort Jiang said, "I've vaguely heard that on the day the Crown Prince took his concubine, His Majesty even sent Li Dongfu to offer wine and encourage the consummation of their marriage. But all I've heard are whispers, as that night's events were strictly forbidden from being discussed."

Yuan Ya sighed, "That Rong Beauty is indeed a true beauty. Previously, when Second Sister asked me to investigate, I found out that the Crown Prince has been actively promoting and supporting Rong family's two elder brothers. It's clear he had intentions for her long ago. Even Zheng Tanhua, the Third Plume, was smitten with her. If not for my assistance in uncovering this information, which Second Sister then shared with Empress Luo, she wouldn't have brought the Rong Beauty into the palace and gained favor with our father. It's regrettable that despite benefiting greatly from my help, Second Sister hasn't shown any gratitude. As they say, one good turn deserves another."

He wore a pleased expression, but seeing Consort Jiang deep in thought and ignoring him, he continued, "Is Father eager for Brother Crown Prince to produce an imperial grandson?"

Consort Jiang replied, "I initially thought so, which is why I was rushing to find a wife for you, someone who could give birth to an imperial grandson. But now it seems unnecessary. Let's first take a secondary consort, preferably a well-educated and beautiful lady from the Academy of Literature."

Yuan Ya said, "If I were to take a secondary consort first, Duke Song and Shen Hou's support would be out of the question. Do you think of me as the Crown Prince? When the princess enters, she'll first consider the status of the secondary consort. The chances with Shen Hou are slim, as Shen Family's legitimate daughter must be waiting for the position of Crown Princess. On the other hand, Duke Song accompanied me on a diplomatic mission and treated me with great kindness and affection. Since she is a concubine-born daughter, I believe there's a seventy to eighty percent chance of success."

Consort Jiang was also somewhat hesitant in her heart. Yuan Ya comforted his mother, "The situation seems favorable for now. Mother, don't worry too much." He then added with a hint of schadenfreude, "I heard that Second Prince, Fourth Prince, and that Yuan Yixue girl all went to kneel at the palace gates."

Consort Jiang whispered, "After being suppressed by them for over a decade, I don't feel any lighter now. Third, let these matters unfold naturally. You mustn't do anything that would invite trouble."

Yuan Ya reassured Consort Jiang, "I understand, Mother. Don't worry. What can I do anyway? I have no troops or officials under my command, ha ha."

Consort Jiang said, "As long as your father is on the throne, we cannot make a single move without caution. Be extremely careful."

Yuan Ya had grown tired of the conversation but still tried to placate his mother, "I got it. I'll send someone to the Shen residence and the Song residence to convey our regards. We'll say that since the Empress has been deposed and the political situation remains unclear, we're still sincere about the marriage, but if the two gentlemen have any doubts, we can postpone it."

Consort Jiang nodded without saying anything.

===

At the Marquis Cheng'en's residence, it was dusk, and the household had just seen off the envoy from the Jiang family.

Shen Pingye conversed with Shen Anlin, "Third Prince suddenly sent people to convey his regards, saying that the marriage isn't urgent. He must be frightened by the Empress's downfall."

Shen Anlin felt uneasy, "Has His Majesty learned about this but chose not to intervene? Does he truly intend for our sister to marry Third Prince? If we decline, it might bring trouble to the crown prince. Father has kept me at home, pretending to be ill these past few days, preventing me from informing the crown prince."

Shen Pingye said calmly, "The crown prince is currently being investigated in the palace, right at the center of a storm. There's no need to rush."

Shen Anlin was uneasy. "I only worry that an imperial edict might harm my sister. That Third Prince is known for his licentious ways. How can she trust him?"

Shen Pingye rebuked, "Have some patience! If you can't even endure this moment after so many years..."

"Aunt, there's no need to bear with it anymore."

A crisp voice echoed, and both Shen Pingye and Shen Anlin turned in alarm to see the hall filled with soldiers in black armor, each carrying a sword, standing at attention in silence. In the midst of these tall men, a woman draped in a black hooded cloak and cape walked in with slender grace, her face concealed.

She raised her delicate hand to flip back her hood, revealing icy, frosty eyes and sharp brows that exuded charisma. "Uncle, cousin, I hope all is well?"

Both Shen Pingye and Shen Anlin were surprised yet delighted, rising promptly to pay their respects. "Your Highness, this subject greets the Princess! Long live Your Highness!"

Princess Yi Yang smiled as she helped up Marquis Cheng'en. "Uncle and cousin, we're family, no need for formalities." She shifted slightly. "Allow me to introduce, this is Mr. Lu Peiling, the Left Prime Minister of Yan. On my journey to the capital, the Prince sent him and several generals to aid me and the Crown Prince."

Shen Pingye was startled but quickly bowed. "Is it truly the descendant of the Ghost Valley lineage, the renowned young Zhang Liang, Lord Lu? It's said that Mr. Lu possesses great wisdom and strategic acumen. It's fortunate to have his assistance!"

Lu Peiling stepped forward with a smile, bowing respectfully. "I was ordered by the Prince to aid His Highness the Crown Prince, but the Princess Consort insisted on coming personally. The Prince, worried, brought along capable generals and even dispatched a thousand elite soldiers. They've been entering the capital in batches over the past few days. Now, everything is in place, awaiting the final push. I've heard that you, Marquis, are also skilled in leading troops. This is a rare opportunity, and I hope to learn from your expertise."

Shen Pingye replied, "Previous arrangements have been made, and the Marquis Cheng'en Manor has prepared five hundred skilled soldiers. Combined with the three hundred East Palace guards under Anlin's command, they'll be under Anlin's coordination. To avoid suspicion, I've kept myself indoors these days and haven't contacted Duke Ding. With changes in the Capital garrison, I'm somewhat concerned."

Princess Yi Yang spoke coldly, "I've just come from Duke Song's residence. This time, Prince Song has brought five hundred household guards with him. Adding to the five hundred guards we already have at the Princess Manor, that makes a thousand in total. There's no need to worry about the Capital Guards. With Empress Luo being deposed, Li Kangliang has just taken over command of the Capital Guards, only to be dismissed immediately after. The Capital Guards are now leaderless, relying solely on the previous deputy commander. When Duke Song personally goes there to oversee the Capital Guards, his long-established authority will be enough. He can bring some men and swiftly deal with any who dare to defy orders."

Shen Pingye wore a concerned expression. "Without the Tiger Talisman, there's always a lingering worry."

Lu Peiling smiled. "We don't actually need the Jing Camp to do anything; we just need them to remain inactive. The Military and Police Commission of the Five Cities has just had its leadership change with Li Kangliang's departure. If the Jing Camp doesn't move, what can those troops, who are usually tasked with catching thieves, really do? Isn't that right, Marquis Cheng'en? In military campaigns, there's never a guaranteed victory. A fifty percent chance is already worth risking everything on."

Princess Yi Yang chuckled. "Well said, in a clash of armies, the brave triumph—could there be a better opportunity than this? We are like gamblers, staking everything we have with unwavering determination. Why should Uncle worry? Life and death are predetermined, as common as night and day, as natural as the heavens. One must be a hero in life and a formidable spirit in death."

Shen Pingye exchanged a glance with his son, Shen Anlin, and a surge of valor rose within him. "We act under the command of the Crown Prince and the Princess."

====

In the Treasure Box Palace.

The setting sun cast a sticky honey-like glow over the hall, bathing it in an orange hue. Rong Bi was presenting today's menu to Yuan Jun: "Sautéed beef with prickly ash shoots, stir-fried eggs with fragrant chunium, marinated bean curd with shepherd's purse, salty ham and bamboo shoot soup, purple wisteria pancakes, and tender leek pancakes."

Yuan Jun smiled warmly, "Tonight's meal is all about spring. You have such thoughtful consideration, my love."

Rong Bi felt her heart flutter at the intensity of his gentle gaze. Lowering her head, she continued serving him. These days, their shared moments together were like those of an ordinary married couple, eating three meals a day, each dish in silence, with the prince behaving as the world's kindest and most caring spouse. He treated her with utmost tenderness, making her almost lose herself in the illusion that this little palace would be their forever home, a place where their days would blend into one another for eternity.

Taking the ladle, Yuan Jun filled her bowl with soup himself, "I noticed you seem a bit unwell today. It's best to rest early. There's no need to cook yourself; let them take care of it."

Rong Bi whispered softly, "I do it every day, lest they have suspicions. There are many affairs in the palace."

Yuan Jun understood that she was worried due to the recent search of the palace. Rather than risking others guessing her intentions, she insisted on cooking herself daily. Filled with guilt, he replied in a low voice, "There's no need to worry. These days of fear and anxiety won't last much longer."