Chapter 103 – Succession

Chapter 103 - Succession

Imperial Guard Barracks.

Yu Huan finally emerged from the haze of intoxication and fever, struggling to regain consciousness. He abruptly opened his eyes to see that the sky outside the window was still pitch black. He sat up with a start!

Beside him, a woman had already risen gracefully from the inner bed. She looked at him with a smile, "Commander."

Yu Huan turned to her, his brow furrowed, "Why do you, Princess, degrade yourself in such a manner?"

Yuan Yixue still wore a pink sheer undergarment. Her eyes were red-rimmed as she gazed at him, "Commander must understand. If you are willing to guide my mother on a better path, my brother and I will stand by your side. But if you refuse, I will scream for all to hear right now, and I believe Commander's reputation will be ruined."

Yu Huan said coldly, "Princess, Empress Luo has crossed the line with His Majesty. I'm truly powerless. If you leave now, I can pretend nothing happened. However, if you think you can threaten me with this, you are being naive. The Qinghou Guards are loyal only to the Emperor. If you make a scene, considering His Majesty's temperament, he might either confine you in a cold palace or force you into religious life. Please consider your actions carefully."

Yuan Yixue looked at him and said, "Commander, with your inside support, we can conspire together. My brother and I can offer you more than what our father did. Do you choose an unlimited future, or force me to expose us both, leading to mutual destruction?"

"Even if I am neglected by Father, the worst that could happen is that I'll be placed under house arrest like Elder Brother. But your future is ruined, and there's no chance of redemption. Do you remember the fate of the previous Qinghou Guard Commander?"

Yu Huan didn't confirm or deny, but he knew he was in a bind. He couldn't continue as the commander, and even if he went to the emperor to confess, given the emperor's current disposition, he would be in danger too. However, after years in the imperial guards, he had long prepared himself for death, so he wasn't as panicked as Yuan Yixue imagined. Instead, he urgently wanted to confirm the current situation: did the princess have any allies? What was happening outside? Was the wine tampered with by the princess?

He leaned in to listen to the sounds outside. When he had entered earlier, the flower hall was filled with laughter from those drinking and gambling. Now, it was so quiet that even the footsteps and clanging of patrolmen seemed to have vanished, leaving only the deep silence of a dark night.

Frowning, he looked at Yuan Yixue. "Has Princess invited Prince Jing for assistance? Do you know that attacking the Qinghou Guards is tantamount to treason? Trying to seize control of this camp to achieve greatness is virtually impossible. The Imperial City has other guard units besides the Qinghou Guards. I advise the Princess to reconsider. If you do, I promise to keep my silence and pretend nothing happened last night."

Yuan Yixue replied with sorrow, "Second Brother has his own residence outside the palace, and I'm still young. Besides, Mother is now confined, and we don't even know what crime she has committed. She's always been cautious and dutiful. Please, Commander Yu, show mercy."

Yu Huan frowned deeply and abruptly stood up, pulling on armor as he spoke. "If these were not the Princess's men, something might have changed within the palace. Princess, please return to the palace immediately."

Taking his sword, he opened the door and froze.

In the darkness, a circle of black-armored soldiers surrounded him, their bows drawn and arrows aimed directly at him.

Shen Anlin sat nonchalantly on an eight-legged chair facing the entrance, also dressed in armor. He idly twirled the scabbard in his hand, smiling at Yu Huan. "Commander Yu, congratulations on your promotion. My apologies for not celebrating with you sooner—although I did send two jars of wine last night as a gesture. It's quite the auspicious occasion."

Yu Huan narrowed his eyes at Shen Anlin. "The Crown Prince? What about the other Qinghou Guards? Was Eunuch Tang part of your plan?"

Confused, Yu Huan wondered if Yuan Yixue had secretly allied with the Crown Prince. The situation was becoming increasingly unclear.

Shen Anlin held out his hands. "When I came in, most of the Qinghou Guards were already drunk. It didn't take much effort. Your brothers mentioned that you were occupied, which is unusual. I've been considerate enough not to disturb your romantic tryst, haven't I? For old comrades' sake, why don't you drop your weapon and surrender without resistance? I'll spare your life."

Yu Huan said coldly, "Attacking the Qinghou Guards is tantamount to treason. Commander Shen, have you thought this through?"

He had already noticed that the black-armored soldiers behind Shen Anlin were not the guards from the Eastern Palace. They were tall and imposing, their eyes fierce and intimidating. He warned, "A prince leading troops into the palace is a grave offense of high treason."

Shen Anlin smiled. "Commander Yu needn't worry about that. Please surrender your weapon and raise your hands. Or is it that Commander Yu has a soft spot for women? We can imprison the woman in your room with you."

Yu Huan turned to look at Yuan Yixue, who was wrapped in her blanket, her face pale with fear. It seemed she was unaware of the situation. He sighed inwardly, tossed aside his sword, and raised his arms.

Several black-armored soldiers bound Yu Huan's arms tightly, gagged him, and led him away to a nearby barracks. As they did, Yu Huan heard Yuan Yixue shout angrily from behind, "Impudent scoundrel! Don't dare be reckless! This is the presence of the palace!"

Yu Huan sighed again, realizing that the princess had yet to grasp the gravity of the situation.

Sure enough, Shen Anlin appeared surprised at first, then chuckled. "So it's Princess... I've met Second Princess before. I had no idea you were here. My apologies for the intrusion. But please, let the princess step out first. We need to clear the area."

Yuan Yixue clutched her clothes tighter. "Where's my brother, the Crown Prince? I want to see my brother! I'm willing to help the Crown Prince in his uprising!"

Shen Anlin almost laughed but still instructed his men, "Find two palace maidservants who have served Second Princess before. Have them attend to the princess and prepare her for imprisonment separately."

Yuan Yixue's heart pounded with fear. She watched as Shen Anlin stood by the door, suddenly tilting his ear to listen. A faint sound of cockcrow could be heard from the east. He smiled. "The roosters are crowing. It's almost time for the morning court."

On this day's morning court, as the cloud gong sounded, the civil and military officials entered the palace as usual, standing in their designated ranks before entering the grand hall. They noticed the Prime Minister and other cabinet ministers with grave expressions, causing a slight stir. Then, they saw the Crown Prince, who had been ill for a long time, emerge dressed in his formal princely attire. Behind him were Duke Ding and Marquis Cheng'en, both adorned in their official robes, their faces solemn.

The officials sensed something significant was about to happen. Indeed, Grand Tutor Ge Chengxuan himself presented the imperial edict, which was read aloud by the Minister of Rites.

The edict was lavishly worded, recounting how the founding emperor rose up against the tyrants, exerting power over the seas and spreading benevolence to all nations... It went on extensively. The officials listened attentively until the end, where they heard, "I now abdicate my throne to live in seclusion as the Retired Emperor, and command that Crown Prince Yuan Jun ascend to the throne."

Amidst the confusion, under the guidance of the Minister of Rites, the officials performed the grand ceremony of three bows and nine prostrations to the new monarch.

Crown Prince Yuan Jun was humble and composed, standing respectfully below the imperial throne while accepting their salutations with a gentle smile. "My father, having achieved success in his cultivation, had an epiphany last night and wishes to enter seclusion for further practice. He summoned me, along with Duke Ding and Marquis Cheng'en, among other ministers, and orally conveyed his wish to pass the throne to me. The weight of the divine mandate is not something I dare to accept lightly. After repeated refusals, my father's decision remains firm, and I have no choice but to accept the edict. For major military and state affairs, I will still seek the guidance of the Retired Emperor daily."

Observing Yuan Jun's unwavering calmness and impeccable conduct, the officials were impressed as he proceeded to assign tasks to the cabinet, such as deciding on a new era name, arranging the ceremony for ascension and heaven worship, asking the Ministry of Justice to draft an amnesty decree, and more. His actions were orderly, dignified, and respectful towards the officials, earning their admiration.

Only Yuan Zhen stepped forward and asked, "Where is our father now?"

Yuan Jun responded warmly, "The Retired Emperor began meditating in seclusion last night at the Heavenly Unity Temple, focusing on cultivating his inner alchemy. This is a critical moment in his cultivation. Master Chong Xiao is attending to him, and the eunuchs and palace attendants who usually serve him remain at his service. After the court session, my younger brother can go to the temple and request an audience. If the Retired Emperor has leisure time, he will surely summon you, Imperial Brother."

Yuan Zhen surveyed the court officials, who all averted their eyes under his gaze. He sneered inwardly, aware that Yuan Jun must have been involved in some scheme, but without evidence, he could only speculate that he wouldn't dare to commit regicide. He pressed on with his question, "What about my mother, the Empress?"

Yuan Jun remarked, "The former emperor had previously issued an edict to depose the empress; Lady Luo currently resides in another palace. It is heard that she has fallen somewhat ill lately. If Second Brother is willing to take her in and provide for her care and treatment, I can also bestow favor upon this act. The former emperor has always been benevolent and would undoubtedly consent. Afterwards, Third Brother and Fourth Brother should also be granted royal titles and allowed to establish their own households. At that time, Lady Luo may choose to reside with whichever prince she prefers. Consort Jiang and other concubines who have borne children may follow this precedent as well."

The courtiers murmured softly among themselves, but no one voiced any opposition. The sudden abdication of the retired emperor in favor of the crown prince would undoubtedly trigger upheaval within the palace. It wouldn't be beneficial for these concubines to remain within its walls. The new emperor could have assigned them to serve the retired emperor, but instead, he was generously allowing them to leave the palace. This indicated that the palace was peaceful, and the new ruler had no scandalous matters to hide. Thus, he was not afraid to send the concubines away.

Secondly, the palace has been unusually tranquil. Apart from the unexpected emergence of Duke Song and Marquis Cheng'en, two once-reticent military figures with distinguished service, the palace remains serene, devoid of fierce conflicts. The transition of power from the former emperor to the new sovereign, though shrouded in an air of mystery, has brought about an uncommon period of peace. As of yet, there have been no signs of purges or reckonings; no one has been called to account. The new monarch, appearing humble and gentle, embodies the virtues of a benevolent ruler, showing no immediate intention to retaliate against former officials or political adversaries.

Even in the face of the relentless Empress Lu and Prince Jing, the Crown Prince maintained his composure and grace. This was, of course, a most welcome sight for the court officials. After all, throughout history, changes in power within the palace had always been stained with blood and strife. As long as there were no acts of regicide or fratricide, such a peaceful succession of power would be considered a rare blessing!

Yuan Zhen observed Yuan Jun's calm expression, devoid of any sign of guilt or panic. The courtiers, though uncertain about the events that unfolded the previous night, bowed obediently, acknowledging their inferior position: "This subject thanks His Majesty for his gracious favor."

Yuan Jun smiled slightly and commanded, "Having been entrusted by the former emperor and carrying on the legacy of our ancestors, I shall strive for diligence in governance, working tirelessly day and night. I hope that all ministers will be diligent and strive for prosperity, aiming for a peaceful and harmonious world, reviving our great nation. Court is adjourned for now. All officials shall discuss and establish regulations before presenting your memorials. A three-day celebration is declared across the land, and a general amnesty will be granted."

The new emperor's words were like gold, and the courtiers immediately knelt, shouting "Long live the Emperor" in praise of his benevolence. As they watched Yuan Jun retreat into the palace accompanied by his attendants, they whispered among themselves before dispersing to their respective departments, diligently discussing the upcoming coronation ceremony.

Princess Manor.

Rong Bi had not slept all night. In the flower hall, she was recounting her separation experiences with her second brother, Rong Mo, while speculating about the current situation. Suddenly, Tang Youyu rushed back, accompanied by several guards. He approached Rong Bi with a smile, paying his respects: "Congratulations, Your Highness. Today, the retired emperor has issued the imperial edict, and our emperor has ascended the throne before the civil and military officials!"

Rong Bi and Rong Mo were overjoyed, but Rong Bi couldn't help but worry about her older brother, "I heard my elder brother also entered the palace with the Black Armor Guards. I wonder if he's safe?"

Tang Youyu reassured, "Your Highness, please rest assured. Everything went smoothly last night with minimal resistance. Lord Rong played a significant role and is currently guarding the palace. He won't be returning just yet, but you have no need to worry. Not a single life was lost – we achieved victory without spilling blood or casualties!"

Rong Bi's heart trembled as she whispered, "The Emperor is merciful."

However, Rong Mo asked, "Then, what should Liangdi do now?"

Tang Youyu continued with a smile, "The Emperor is currently preparing for the Heaven Worship Ceremony and his ascension. The palace has only just found peace, and there's still work to be done in eliminating remnants of the previous regime. For the safety of Your Highness, the Emperor suggests staying at the Princess's residence to rest and recuperate for now."