Chapter 101: The New Emperor

Chapter 101: The New Emperor

"What kind of empress do you want? I'll give you whatever kind you want, however many you want!"

Emperor Taiyuan's words made Feng Yi laugh out loud.

"How can His Majesty still not understand?"

Feng Yi looked at him with pity. "Prince Jian is here today, standing here, precisely because he values feelings. You belittling his emotions is no different from humiliating him. If he were like you—cold, selfish, heartless...you wouldn't be alive now."

Emperor Taiyuan: ...

"Let me speak plainly," Feng Yi pointed at the emperor and looked at Zhu Yan. "I want his life, and I want this entire Da Li realm. If you're sensible, we two might be able to create a tale of harmonious ruler and minister. Of course, I'm the ruler, and you're the minister. If you're not sensible—your beloved empress will have to meet King Yama in the underworld. How lonely the path to the netherworld would be without company. He doesn't even know martial arts. Who would protect him if he was bullied? Can you really bear it?"

Seeing that Zhu Yan remained silent, Feng Yi assumed he was afraid, and the smile on his lips grew wider. "Compared to your father, who killed your mother and crown prince brother, I should be your ally, right?"

He was hinting at his own emotional depth.

"The prince finds you filthy."

Zhu Yan's expression turned colder, as if even looking at this person for another moment would hurt his eyes. "Consort Mu has been with you for so many years, hiding her head and showing her tail, living in constant fear, unable to appear openly before others, unable to enjoy the pleasures of the world as she wishes. She can't choose her clothes, food, shelter, or transportation according to her own preferences. Is she less free in the palace, or is she less free by your side? Don't mistake confinement for affection. It's disgusting."

Truly loving someone means doing everything possible to make them happy, not using, deceiving, or manipulating them for one's own purposes.

"What did you say?" Emperor Taiyuan couldn't help but be shocked. "Consort Mu is still alive?"

The third prince also exclaimed in surprise, "Mu...she's still alive?"

"Don't you all know?"

Zhu Yan seemed slightly surprised, then his expression became meaningful. "Minister Feng didn't even tell the third prince. Does he have special plans?"

Feng Yi narrowed his eyes.

"If Minister Feng doesn't want to say it, this prince will say it for you."

Zhu Yan spoke indifferently. "Minister Feng's thoughts are quite unique. Not being of royal blood, yet harboring ambitions for imperial power, he had the audacity to plot rebellion at a young age. Unfortunately, his background and intelligence weren't up to par, so he decided to take an unconventional route, cultivating an image of unwavering affection. He chose Consort Mu and began to seduce her. Most palace women aren't easy targets, but even if they are, they often have their own worries and grievances. As long as enough effort is put into it, one can win their hearts...having a secret affair and conceiving a child almost seems like a natural progression."

"You went from being her confidant to her protector, giving her advice. This child was what you wanted, the best bargaining chip for your future endeavors. But you couldn't reveal it now, nor could you be found out. In the imperial palace, as long as there's a reason, anything can be thoroughly investigated. Except for dead people. So you persuaded Consort Mu to go along with it, pushing her gently down the path. You personally gave your son to Consort Rou to raise, ensuring your safety..."

Zhu Yan explained the past events clearly, just as he had pointed out the facts to Wen Ruan in front of Consort Mu.

These details of the events were pieced together by him and Wen Ruan late into the night, based on the clues they had. They were astonished that someone could lay such intricate groundwork, not fearing the passage of time, with incredible patience, all for the sake of a private goal.

Consort Mu was carefully selected and utilized after observation and comparison, not out of true affection. The establishment of the Empress Sect was not for any redemption or faith, nor for the sake of the poor and suffering masses. It was a force he wanted to wield. Replacing the crown prince with a commoner wasn't due to deep fatherly love or concern for his son's life in case his identity was discovered. It was solely to conceal his own identity and pave the way for his eventual rise to power.

This was a man of extreme cold-bloodedness, with a strong purpose, nothing else could stop him from achieving his goal.

"Although the Empress Sect is called the Empress Sect and is headed by Consort Mu, among you, you are the one in charge, not her. Am I correct?"

Why was Zhu Yan so certain? Of course, he had received information. How did he obtain it? Naturally, it was when the agreed-upon time arrived, and he didn't see the signal flare.

Fireworks exploded in the sky, confirming that Ah Ruan had finished verifying the information. If Consort Mu was the dominant figure between the two, then the issue with the imperial city today was no longer the focus. He needed to hurry over to support that side. Without the fireworks, he didn't need to go, meaning that between the two, Feng Yi was the dominant figure, and he should keep a close watch on him.

As for whether Ah Ruan would fail...he never doubted his own consort's abilities.

Feng Yi frowned, seemingly finding it hard to believe. "Did you do it on purpose? Let Wen Ruan be taken away?"

"How else could your men steal that jade pendant and deceive Xiao Shi?" Zhu Yan raised his eyebrows, remaining calm. "I also know that as long as I'm alive, you wouldn't dare harm him."

After saying this, he added, "Even if I died, you still wouldn't dare. Regardless of talent or character, he's someone no one can bear to kill."

Feng Yi: "Don't you like him very much, unwilling for him to be in danger!"

"Yes, but I trust him more, and I'm willing to let him do what he wants to do, rather than restrict him," Zhu Yan spoke directly. "You will surely lose today, and Consort Mu can no longer live. Think about what to do next before speaking to this prince again."

The scene fell silent.

Emperor Taiyuan finally came back to his senses from the shock of 'Consort Mu is still alive', spitting out a mouthful of blood. He grabbed a cup and threw it at the third prince. "You bastard! How dare you covet the throne and even want me to decree you as the crown prince! You're not worthy!"

The third prince's eyes trembled, somewhat bewildered. He couldn't dodge in time, and blood appeared on the side of his forehead. He subconsciously reached out to cover it. "I...I'm not..."

Who was he, the son of Consort Mu and Feng Yi, a bastard? He'd rather not have found his birth mother or received any assistance. He wanted to be the son of Consort Rou, the son of the emperor!

Moreover, the implications of Zhu Yan's words were too obvious. He wasn't stupid; he just couldn't accept it.

"I...I'm not the beloved prince, wise and powerful, the only hope of the dynasty for a ruler, but...a puppet?"

He stared at Feng Yi, but Feng Yi didn't look upset. Instead, he returned a smile.

Feng Yi wasn't afraid of Zhu Yan exposing this matter. What did it matter if the third prince knew? He would understand that, whether he wanted to or not, he had only one path to follow—follow his biological father and overthrow Da Li.

The third prince felt a chill in his teeth. "So that day at the lakeside pavilion, you talked to me about Consort Mu just to stir up my filial piety, to strengthen my resolve, to see how grateful I was to you—not to remember my birth mother...No wonder when I said I wanted to light incense for her, you didn't say anything...She was your tool, and I was too, right?"

"The words I heard that night in Cuiwei Palace during the second prince's rebellion, were they all part of your plan!"

He couldn't understand, shouting in shock and anger, "But I'm your son!"

What kind of father would treat his own child this way, setting traps and schemes?

"It's precisely because you're my son that we must win today," Feng Yi threw a dagger over. "Pick it up and kill Emperor Taiyuan. No matter what, he must die today!"

The third prince knew he had no other path to take. But to have him personally kill Emperor Taiyuan...

His fingertips trembled, unable to hold the handle of the knife steady. He couldn't bring himself to do it.

Now that he knew the truth about his parentage, not being Emperor Taiyuan's biological son, but for so many years, what he had always yearned for and wanted to achieve was his father's recognition and favor. Moreover, although the emperor was unfeeling, he wasn't completely devoid of care for him. He remembered many moments from his childhood when the emperor held his hand, encouraging and doting on him...

"Worthless!" Feng Yi kicked him away. "Can't even do this much. What use are you!"

The Third Prince's tears fell: "Then why didn't you kill me..."

Feng Yi: "Of course it's to use you to restrain your mother! As long as you're alive, Concubine Mu will behave and won't oppose any of my decisions!"

Mother-son affection was deep; no matter how cruel and wicked Concubine Mu was, how could she not cherish the child she carried for ten months?

So women were too weak, easily restrained, and her son was useless, cowardly and incapable, lacking courage. Indeed, one had to rely on oneself!

Feng Yi stared at Zhu Yan: "It's too late now that you know everything. My people have already taken control of the imperial city, and the capital is in chaos. It's useless for you to rush in with your men; you can't win!"

"The imperial city is no longer under your control, and as for the capital's streets," Zhu Yan smiled faintly, "you mean your Lady Liang's sect, which rose to power through deceit? Do you think I've spent so long dealing with you for nothing?"

Since seeing Zhu Yan, Feng Yi's heart had been pounding wildly, and he had a bad feeling. He was merely bluffing earlier: "Even abandoning your own princess? Indeed, eternal love is just a facade; where does true affection exist in the royal family! Rest assured, once I leave, the first person I'll kill is Wen Ruan!"

He suddenly stepped forward, pressing a dagger against Emperor Taiyuan's throat: "Your Highness should not want me to kill him right now? Although you wish for his death, what you should do now is maintain stability. Tonight is chaotic, and the people's hearts are uneasy. You need him alive, at least for tonight. He cannot die, can he? I'm leaving the palace now, dare you stop me!"

Zhu Yan was silent for a moment: "Even if you hold him hostage, you can't escape."

"That's my problem. Now, order your men to step aside!" Feng Yi drew blood from Emperor Taiyuan's neck with the dagger. "Immediately, now!"

Emperor Taiyuan gritted his teeth: "No, Sixth Son, save me, I can't leave!"

"Father, your son cannot risk your life." After a brief silence, Zhu Yan gestured forward, and his men silently parted to make way.

Feng Yi was pleased, tightly gripping Emperor Taiyuan: "Don't worry, Your Majesty. With your own son, you might die immediately, but with me, there's no need to worry. Unless I'm about to die, in which case you'll be buried with me. As long as I'm alive, you're of great use. How could I bear to kill you?"

Emperor Taiyuan held his breath, not daring to speak.

Feng Yi glared at the stunned Third Prince: "Useless! What are you waiting for, hurry over here!"

The Third Prince did not want to go with him, but there was no other way out, so he had to follow.

As Feng Yi walked out, he realized that the situation was indeed unfavorable. His men were already under control, and the situation in the capital's streets did not develop as he had hoped. Moreover, it wasn't as quiet as before; besides the soldiers ahead, there was actually a group of court officials watching... Were these people not afraid of death! Or was it because Zhu Yan was present, making them feel safe enough to wander around!

Of course, he was not afraid, directly taking the emperor hostage and retreating to the edge of the crowd.

"I knew it, how could someone taught by the Crown Prince be violent and rebellious? Prince Jian's heart is still upright. Only he can turn the tide in such times!"

"Who would have thought that even Lord Feng would rebel..."

"He's even holding the emperor hostage! How dare he be so ambitious!"

"The emperor has already been poisoned and doesn't have much time left. How terrible this is!"

The ministers could not simply watch from afar, whispering anxiously among themselves. However, their concerns varied. Some worried about Prince Jian's reputation, doing good deeds without seeking credit. Some worried about the emperor's life, whether he would die now or later. Others were concerned about the scale of Feng Yi's rebellion and whether it could end tonight.

Feng Yi's face darkened. If everything had gone smoothly tonight, these ministers should have been kneeling before him, shouting "Long live the emperor"!

He couldn't swallow this humiliation. While waiting for the carriage, he ordered his trusted aide to bring a prepared bowl: "Prince Jian, drink this cup of wine?"

Zhu Yan glanced at the bowl of wine, its scent unmistakable. This was Tusu wine.

Feng Yi directly asked him to drink it, clearly knowing what it meant to him.

"Fine." Zhu Yan unexpectedly picked up the bowl and drank the Tusu wine in one gulp.

"My lord, you mustn't!"

"Don't you know your constitution? You can't drink this kind of wine!"

Lan Tian and Fang Rui didn't have time to stop him.

It was precisely because of their attempt to intervene that the court officials remembered that since thirteen years ago, after the successive deaths of the empress and crown prince dealt a blow to Prince Jian, he could no longer drink Tusu wine. Otherwise, how could there have been so many instances of reckless behavior and slander?

"Today, that Feng wants to humiliate you, make you lose face in front of the entire capital, and have everyone continue to curse you. He wants you to fear that even if you establish meritorious deeds, you won't have a future. How dare you drink!" Fang Rui's eyes widened in anger, almost throwing away his sword.

Feng Yi, however, laughed loudly, very satisfied: "Good, you're a man! Prince Jian, tonight there's no moon, the wind carries rain, perfect weather. Don't waste it, enjoy it well!"

He took Emperor Taiyuan into the carriage and sped off.

He was not afraid of this setback. Didn't he still have cards to play? He had planned to usurp the throne today. As long as he won, he could still become emperor. These minor embarrassments were insignificant. History was written by the victors. Once he reached that position, what couldn't he resolve!

"What should we do now..."

"Holding the emperor hostage is a major event..."

"It's difficult for Prince Jian..."

The court officials whispered among themselves while jogging toward Zhu Yan, seemingly to discuss strategies.

However, Zhu Yan directly mounted his horse: "Tonight, there's an anomaly in the palace. I ask all of you to help stabilize the situation. Da Li may bear the surname Zhu, but it's not solely my father's Da Li, nor is it any prince's. It belongs to everyone!"

The whip cracked in the air, and Zhu Yan's expression remained calm, not showing much emotion. It seemed to carry a bloody intent, but tonight, he was not frightening. He was like a cold sword, its blade pointed toward the distance, toward the enemy's head, not toward his own people. His back was always open to his subjects, ready to stand in front of everyone whenever needed, protecting everything behind him!

This was the responsibility of heaven and earth, the majesty of an emperor!

The court officials knelt together: "How dare we disobey!"

"My lord, just go. We'll handle things here!"

"We await your triumphant return!"

Zhu Yan spurred his horse forward, leaving like an arrow.

Just a bowl of Tusu wine.

No one knew that his illness had long been cured. The knot formed by loss had been filled by gain. He was no longer afraid, no longer plagued by nightmares, no longer wanting to die.

"A-Ruan..."

The night was dim, starless and moonless, the horizon about to turn white, a new day was almost here.

In the lingering rain mist, someone murmured like a sigh.

Amidst the sound of hooves, Prince Jian crossed a certain alleyway and whistled long and loud.

"Woof—woof woof woof!"

A slender, agile black dog came through the long night.

Why did he dare to agree to Ah Ruan's proposal to enter a dangerous situation? Apart from the judgment that as long as he didn't die, no one would touch Ah Ruan, and considering Ah Ruan's own value and abilities, he had made other preparations, such as capturing Wen Yu, to create an impression of aimlessness and confusion, misleading others' attention. Another example was — the dog's sense of smell.

Of course, the dog he raised was different from others; apart from hunting, it would undergo other training. Wen Ruan had been using a special fragrance every day for bathing these days, imperceptible to humans but detectable by dogs, able to track him down no matter how far away.

"Dao Dao, come on, let's go find Ah Ruan."

"Woof!"

The black dog sniffed the air and immediately confirmed the direction, then dashed off directly.

Wen Ruan wouldn't be too far from the Empress Dowager's palace. Where else could Feng Yi run to besides his main base?

"Woof! Woof woof woof!"

After an unknown amount of time, the dog suddenly barked, darting over to shake its tail at Zhu Yan, unable to brake in time before excitedly turning around and running forward, quickly disappearing from sight.

Zhu Yan knew this was the place.

He had ridden too fast, and the people behind him hadn't caught up yet, so he rubbed the horse's head and slowly moved forward. As he passed a wall, he suddenly heard the sound of wind—

Instinctively reaching out, he felt someone land in his arms.

Warm and soft, carrying a familiar scent—it was his princess consort.

Wen Ruan held onto his neck and smiled at him. "Don't blame me, the wall was too crowded. Tenth Highness has grown up, there wasn't enough room for both of us there."

"Woof—woof woof woof!"

The dog barked from the other side of the wall, somewhat aggrieved. Clearly, it had arrived first but couldn't get the first cuddle, instead benefiting the master again!

Tenth Prince poked his head over the wall, his face full of surprise. "Brother!"

Zhu Yan settled Wen Ruan in his arms, unhurriedly asking, "Well, how did it go?"

"What else could happen? Your little brother is here, everything went naturally very smoothly!" Now that Tenth Prince was out of danger, he dared to speak loudly. "You're too bad, plotting against your own brother!"

Zhu Yan lowered his head, looking at Wen Ruan, who wore an innocent expression.

Everything that happened today was part of their plan.

When Wen Ruan encountered Tenth Prince near the prison alley, the woman he saw who looked vaguely familiar but whom he didn't think he'd met before was Empress Mu. At the time, they didn't know, but when he returned and recounted the details to Zhu Yan, comparing ages and other information, Zhu Yan drew a portrait of Empress Mu from years ago based on his memory. Then, they compared it with all the clues from the Empress Dowager's sect...the truth had already surfaced.

However, they could only determine the general plan of the Empress Dowager's sect and didn't know exactly when it would take place. After summarizing the information obtained from their secret sources, it seemed that the other party wanted to target Wen Ruan. Wen Ruan proposed to take the initiative and play along, not just luring Tenth Prince into the trap but also requiring Nanxing to put on her best acting skills, portraying helplessness, despair, and sorrow in the instant her young master was taken...

Of course, safety was paramount, and they had made many preparations. It was just that—

Zhu Yan whispered, "Didn't you tell him either?"

Wen Ruan cleared his throat. "Aren't you also trying to train him?"

"It's raining."

"Mm, but I'm not afraid anymore!" Wen Ruan circled Zhu Yan's neck with his arms, his nose twitching slightly. "Did you drink? Wu Su wine?"

Zhu Yan rubbed his nose against his. "Afraid?"

"…I said you two! Are you even properly reflecting on your actions! How can you two have the nerve, bullying your lively and adorable, not-yet-grown little brother!" Tenth Prince loudly complained from the wall. "Separate, don't pretend you can't hear me!"

Zhu Yan replied, "Didn't you always want excitement? You've encountered a big danger now, good to see if it's fun or not?"

Wen Ruan grinned. "How about it, do you still want more?"

Tenth Prince: ...

Forget it, forget it. He never wanted to try it again.

Zhu Yan ignored his foolish younger brother. "Next..."

Wen Ruan pointed in a direction. "That way!"

Empress Mu was there, and the Empress Dowager's sect was there. Time was short, and Zhu Yan hadn't had the chance to detail what happened in the palace, but since he appeared here, it meant that Feng Yi hadn't captured him yet. Where else could he run to but here!

...

At the location where Empress Mu's Empress Dowager's sect was based, Feng Yi drove the carriage, holding Emperor Taiyuan hostage.

This was his last asset, the most basic and loyal force to him. With Emperor Taiyuan in his hands, he could threaten the entire Da Li. A country's ruler had many uses, not just threatening his life, but also humiliating, insulting, and trampling on him...he wanted to see how the officials in court could have the face to talk to him, hoping he wouldn't do such things, wouldn't they have to agree to his conditions? Bit by bit, he could eventually erode Da Li, advancing or retreating as he pleased. What did he have to fear?

But what he didn't expect was that when the three of them met, including seeing Emperor Taiyuan, the scene wasn't particularly harmonious.

Empress Mu didn't have any special feelings for Emperor Taiyuan. She didn't love Emperor Taiyuan, she didn't remain chaste for him, but Emperor Taiyuan had never truly liked her either. He merely used her, intentionally doting on her to make her a target in the harem, never genuinely thinking for her. She had never regretted nor felt guilty about betraying him.

But she felt guilty towards Third Prince.

"Fuer..."

Her fingers trembled, wanting to touch this son she carried for ten months but didn't have the fate to raise, who never called her mother.

Third Prince avoided her.

He wasn't refusing to accept the truth, but emotionally, it was hard for him to convince himself. To him, Empress Mu's presence was utterly unfamiliar, and his body subconsciously rejected her, completely different from how Consort Rou made him feel.

Empress Mu withdrew her hand, tears rolling down her cheeks: "I was wrong. If I had known this would happen, I wouldn't have given in to my greed, listening to Feng Yi. Even if we, mother and son, died together in the palace, it would be better than this estrangement."

Feng Yi held her shoulders, his voice low and gentle: "What nonsense are you thinking? He's just nervous about returning home, he's not familiar with you yet. This is our son, we must do everything in our power for his future, sacrificing anything, alright?"

Empress Mu looked at him, her eyes filled with indifference: "Are you really doing all this for him?"

From the look on Third Prince's face, it was clear that the development of the palace was out of control. Feng Yi had done things that caught Third Prince off guard, hurting him deeply.

"I've already been used by you all my life, are you going to make our son continue being used by you?"

Empress Mu looked at Third Prince, her eyes filled with sorrow, affection, and a sense of not knowing how to properly care for him. Their mother-son relationship should never have begun: "He surely doesn't want to spend his life as a puppet, does he? Good child, if you don't want this, then leave, it's not too late now."

Third Prince was stunned: "I..."

Feng Yi gripped Empress Mu's shoulder: "Did I not say, no rash actions! Huh?"

Empress Mu looked at Third Prince: "Go! Now! Immediately! Right away!"

Third Prince was at a loss, he no longer knew which path was right.

Emperor Taoyuan saw everything clearly, blood covering his clothes, his hands bound tightly, yet he could still laugh coldly: "Just dogs fighting over scraps, there's no such thing as true heart. "

Empress Mu might have felt something once, but that fleeting illusion would soon fade. Today, the person closest to her had become the most distant stranger, merely using each other. One worse than the other.

"What has gotten into you! You were fine before, wasn't it Wen Ruan?" Feng Yi narrowed his eyes, "I've heard that this man is skilled at manipulating hearts, anyone who talks to him is influenced. How long have you kept him locked up, and he brainwashed you? Are you attracted to his youth and good looks, forgetting your real family, even abandoning your son? Let me tell you, he's the male consort of Prince Jian! He doesn't like women!"

Empress Mu looked at the man she had spent so many years with, yet had become increasingly unfamiliar. She remembered the room where Wen Ruan was imprisoned.

Wen Ruan's escape was loud, like a naked mockery of her. He left a small gift behind - a word on the table.

Written with a finger dipped in tea, the ink was still wet, not very neat or formal, it was the character 'Cí', maternal kindness, benevolence. Because it was somewhat crooked, it didn't seem quite proper.

She understood the meaning of the character. In their brief encounter, Wen Ruan had seen through her, seemingly telling her with this character, 'You're not an evil person, incapable of cruel deeds, why are you treating yourself so harshly? Are you truly happy living this way?'

No, she wasn't happy.

Hiding her identity, no more relatives or friends in this world, her entire life's honor and disgrace tied to a single man... oh, only disgrace, no honor. She lost the chance to live under the sun, all her previous joys had to be hidden away, never to be shown again. She had to live like a rat in a gutter, managing this rotten sect for Feng Yi, engaging in deceitful acts, harming one struggling family after another.

Empress Mu didn't consider herself a good person, but she didn't want to fall into this pit of despair, unable to climb out for the rest of her life.

A moment of passion, she fell into someone else's trap, becoming Emperor Taoyuan's tool, she had no choice. But now, her son had distanced himself, she had no one she truly loved, every day was a mess, why continue?

Why continue this way?

She had felt this way before, but she always held onto a hope, wanting to see her son. But today, having seen him, she realized it was better not to have seen him. Some things couldn't be undone, some paths taken could never lead to the desired destination.

People always pay the price for their mistakes.

Empress Mu looked at Feng Yi: "Would you be happy with that position? Your son may not respect and adore you, I've been with you for so long, I'm tired of it. The higher you go, the colder it gets..."

"You just haven't experienced the feeling of being at the top," Feng Yi tried to persuade her, "Once you taste it, it will be different. We still have a long future ahead, we'll have more children..."

Empress Mu laughed: "Yes, you'll have more children, with others, children you can slowly raise and grow. I and Third Prince, we're nothing but tools."

Feng Yi: "That's not what I meant, you know..."

But Empress Mu shook him off: "I won't let you succeed! I've had enough of these years!"

"He's your son! You carried him for nine months and gave birth to him!" Feng Yi was incredulous, "If he doesn't rebel with me, help me ascend the throne, he will certainly die!"

"He should have died long ago, so should I."

Suddenly, Empress Mu grabbed Third Prince's hand: "Come with mother!"

Third Prince hesitated.

Empress Mu was heartbroken: "Good child, listen to mother's advice, okay? That wealth and glory mean nothing to us. Even if you help Feng Yi rebel successfully, you won't survive. Before long, he'll kill you. If you come with mother now... Prince Jian may seem fierce, but he's actually magnanimous. He can tolerate you, as long as you don't appear again, don't have thoughts of rebellion, let the world forget there ever was a Third Prince. Wen Ruan won't pursue it too deeply, we can live, we can survive!"

Third Prince knew she made sense, but he was reluctant. After all the hardships they'd endured, was this the time to give up?

Seeing his inaction, Empress Mu was truly hurt. She closed her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

"Alright... alright, since you've chosen death, then die now."

Empress Mu closed her eyes, tears sliding down the corners, her fingertips moved slightly, seemingly pulling a hair from her head—

"Good child, I hope you understand, mother just doesn't want you to suffer. Our mother-son bond... we'll reunite in the next life."

Third Prince didn't understand what Empress Mu was saying or doing, why her emotions were so intense. But Feng Yi understood. That wasn't a hair, it was the trigger for the explosives set up in this base!

"Run!"

He acted first, not forgetting to pull Third Prince and Emperor Taoyuan along.

"Boom—"

A huge explosion erupted around them. Empress Mu, in the most severely affected area, fell to the ground, blood seeping from the corner of her mouth. Her gaze towards Third Prince was incredibly tender, as if in this moment, she was purely herself, filled with pity, reluctance, regret... all emotions unmasked.

Unfortunately, due to the shockwave, she quickly lost sight of the person she wanted to see.

Images of her past life flashed through her eyes, the corners of her lips curved slightly, her hands clasped in front of her chest—

"Only I, the Holy Mother... lotus blossoms grace the world..."

When Wen Ruan and Zhu Yan arrived, they witnessed her final moments.

They both recalled, in Sizhou, Feng Guzi, also a member of the sect, said the same words.

Unlike Feng Guzi, whose eyes were dark and obstinate in her final moments, exuding a fanatical zeal akin to a sacrificial offering, the curve at the corner of Mu Fei's lips was filled with irony. It was unclear whether she was mocking the world's foolishness or ridiculing her own missteps that led her deeper into a quagmire with each wrong turn.

Seeing Wen Ruan's unsurprised demeanor, Zhu Yan asked, "Did you anticipate this?"

"When she spoke to me, there was intimidation and probing, but no upward striving spirit, no ambition for immediate success and fame," Wen Ruan recalled their recent confrontation. Occasionally, Mu Fei's words were sharp, her threats piercing, yet she herself was apathetic and indifferent. Compared to her grand plan of rebellion, it was only when the topic turned to the Third Prince that her emotions seemed genuine.

"All she truly desires is to see the Third Prince."

Years of confinement had eroded her will, extinguished her aspirations, and left her no longer believing in Feng Yi or valuing herself. Her remaining thoughts in life centered solely on her son, whom she carried for ten months but never had the chance to raise.

Unfortunately, this meeting would likely not go as planned.

The crude explosives failed to kill everyone at the stronghold, but they were sufficient to create chaos. Regardless of who Feng Yi tried to drag along, there was no escaping; the area was already encircled by layers of Zhu Yan's men.

"Why... How could this be possible..."

Feng Yi couldn't comprehend why, on the brink of success, after all his preparations and accumulated assets, he would still fall short: "I've been amassing power for years, planning meticulously, so why can't I succeed!"

The commotion had been too intense, and Zhu Yan's forces arrived too swiftly. He even lost the hostage, Emperor Taiyuan, who was whisked away by Zhu Yan's guards!

Was it simply that fate was against him!

"Do you think you were the only one preparing?" Zhu Yan slowly approached. "What do you think I've been doing all these years?"

Feng Yi stared at him. "But you were clearly being suppressed! Your father didn't trust you and sought every opportunity to oppress you. The Second and Third Princes were no better, either wanting to use you as a tool or stepping on you to elevate themselves. What could you possibly have done! You only started investigating the Empress' Sect in the past two years!"

Zhu Yan replied, "It merely highlights your incompetence."

"Don't get too smug. You're just lucky, born into royalty with endless wealth and glory. If I were you, if I had a good background, how could I have suffered humiliations since childhood and made no progress in my entire life!" Bloodshot eyes betrayed Feng Yi's madness. "I refuse to accept this!"

He seemed to forget that he had just been deriding Zhu Yan for being perpetually suppressed, Emperor Taiyuan, the Second and Third Princes constantly oppressing him, questioning how he could achieve anything. Yet now, he attributed all of Zhu Yan's abilities to his privileged background, his mind clearly muddled.

"Clang—"

Zhu Yan tossed a sword before Feng Yi. "Then let's have a fair fight."

Feng Yi was no match for Zhu Yan, but fueled by resentment and defiance, he instantly seized the sword—

And killed the Third Prince.

The sword pierced through the Third Prince's chest, leaving him staring in disbelief, his face full of confusion.

"This sword lacks the bloodlust to fully awaken its edge," Feng Yi pushed forward, toppling the Third Prince as the sword withdrew from his body. "To accomplish great deeds, one must be ruthless—"

"You can rest assured. Today, Prince Jian of Zhu Yan forced your mother and you to your deaths. Once I ascend the throne, I will surely seek justice for you both. Should I fail, our family of three will have company on the road to the netherworld!"

Feng Yi, wielding the bloodied sword, turned around, his features twisted with bloodlust. "Where are the Empress' Sect's death guards! Dare you join me in this final struggle to witness the splendor of this vast land!"

"Yes!"

"We swear to follow the sect leader to death!"

The black-clad figures surged forward.

Zhu Yan sneered, "Seeking death!"

The remnants of the Empress' Sect clashed with the troops of Prince Jian's mansion.

Even the most brutally trained death guards, loyal to the core, unafraid of death, and willing to sacrifice themselves, could not compare to well-disciplined regular soldiers.

From the outset, the outcome of this battle was predetermined.

With no means to keep his plans secret, unable to gain an advantage within the palace, and unwilling to retreat, Feng Yi's path led only to death.

That night in the capital city began with a tumultuous uproar and ended in a downpour.

...

On the deserted street, Wen Yu's clothes were drenched, his mind blank, uncertain about his future direction.

In his previous life, at this moment, Zhu Yan should have been dying, alone and without companionship. But he hadn't died, instead exuding vitality and presence, destined to continue living.

Zhu Yan didn't want to die, nor did he seek death. He had found a will to live, no longer desiring reckless abandon or the destruction of everything. He had something, someone, to protect... Was it Wen Ruan? Had Wen Ruan changed everything?

Wen Yu lowered his brows, reflecting on himself. Driven by desire, he had schemed tirelessly, but what had he ultimately gained? Jing Yuqing's estrangement, the Tenth Prince's debt of gratitude unattained. He had never truly seen the Tenth Prince, who lacked nothing in love, bore no self-doubt, and had a firm resolve, a young man with strong convictions.

"Why are you still loitering here, looking so pitiful, waiting for someone to pick you up?"

A familiar voice, harsh in tone, belonged to his previously favored husband, Jing Yuqing.

Jing Yuqing was far from his previous life's demeanor, devoid even of the scholarly elegance from their initial encounters in this life. His eyes held only worldly desires, clad now in a bamboo-green robe... Wait, his family was so impoverished they couldn't afford meals, how could they have such new clothing?

In a flash, Wen Yu understood. Jing Yuqing must have received some benefit from someone, tasked with keeping an eye on him.

It couldn't be Zhu Yan and Wen Ruan; if they harbored intentions, they would have directly apprehended him. That left...

An answer quickly surfaced in his mind: the Tenth Prince.

Due to their prior interactions, the Tenth Prince didn't trust him and remained wary. With limited resources, paying Jing Yuqing to handle matters was undoubtedly cost-effective, especially given the strained relationship between Jing Yuqing and him.

Two individuals who had once collaborated seamlessly were now working together against him.

Was it because... Wen Ruan wasn't present?

Because this time, it wasn't Wen Ruan by Jing Yuqing's side. Without Wen Ruan, Jing Yuqing lost his literary integrity, his scholarly aspirations, failing to achieve greatness, becoming petty and narrow-minded... He had lost the ability to improve.

Human hearts are fickle, different environments and circumstances shaping different people, leading them down divergent paths.

Wen Yu finally understood; he had been his own obstacle.

In his past life, his ambition had trapped him, and in this life, his foreknowledge had done the same. He had never truly lived for himself, never seriously experienced life.

Wen Ruan was right.

He should thank him.

"Jing Yuqing, let's divorce."

...

The chaos that night in the capital began with great fanfare and ended with a swift conclusion. Prince Jian Zhu Yan and his consort Wen Ruan protected the citizens of the capital from harm with minimal cost and casualties.

After the storm, the people and officials witnessed history moving forward as Prince Jian's reputation, fame, and popularity soared to unprecedented heights.

The remnants of the Empress' sect were eradicated, its leader Feng Yi's head separated from his body, Consort Mu died in her own explosion, and the Third Prince was killed by his father, Feng Yi. Emperor Taiyuan, already on the brink, suffered a stroke during the hostage situation, leaving him paralyzed. With the poison still in his system, the imperial physicians shook their heads, giving him no more than two months to live...

Well, with a paralyzed emperor unable to speak or move, there was no need for Emperor Taiyuan to personally decree the succession. The officials took it upon themselves, and as for who would be chosen, did they even need to say? The Second Prince was already imprisoned and demoted to commoner status for rebellion, the Third Prince was dead, and the remaining princes were either mere children or supporters of Prince Jian like the Tenth Prince. Who else could sit on that throne but Prince Jian?

The officials knelt before the emperor's bed to seek his decree, and when he remained silent, they took it as consent. They supervised the writing of the edict, stamped it with the jade seal, and proceeded to Prince Jian's mansion to have him accept the decree and secure his position as heir, paving the way for his future ascension to the throne.

But Prince Jian's mansion was closed to visitors!

Prince Jian sent word that he knew his abilities were limited and his temper poor, so he would not assume the role of crown prince. He wanted to spend his time idly with his consort, not hinder the search for a better candidate.

The officials looked at each other, unsure of what to do!

In the back courtyard bedroom, Wen Ruan's cheeks were flushed as he kicked Zhu Yan away: "What do you want!"

Zhu Yan wrapped his arms around him again: "Dear Ruan, one more time..."

"I won't..."

A warm breeze brushed the bed curtains, stirring up intimacy.

The officials were anxious, seeking out the Tenth Prince to persuade Prince Jian. This was a matter of national importance that couldn't be taken lightly. As the saying goes, a country cannot go a day without a ruler, and the emperor was lying on his bed, unable to control his bodily functions, how could he govern? If Prince Jian didn't agree to become the crown prince, no one would dare handle court affairs, and if this continued, Da Li would fall into chaos!

The Tenth Prince was also anxious, but due to recent events, his sixth brother was punishing him, not allowing him into Prince Jian's mansion. Not only could he not see his brother, but he couldn't see his sister-in-law either. What could he do!

"You look at what you've done! How could my brother be willing!"

He saw the ministers' plight and genuinely tried to help, regardless of whether his ideas were right or not. They hadn't done enough!

The ministers drew a sharp breath, realizing...there might be some truth to it. Looking at Prince Jian's previous reputation—violent, insane, a killer—it wouldn't work.

"Thank you, Your Highness!"

The ministers rushed off, starting to build Prince Jian's image among the people, praising his accomplishments and virtues...in short, Prince Jian was destined to be the crown prince, the future emperor, who dared oppose him!

After a few days of earnest effort, the ministers felt confident and returned to Prince Jian's mansion, kneeling for an entire hour...but Prince Jian still refused!

It was the cunning Tenth Prince who saw something, continuing to guide them: "What use is it to beg him? Look further..."

He nodded towards the direction of the back courtyard.

The ministers paused, understanding. Of course, the consort!

No one disliked Wen Ruan. In everyone's eyes, Wen Ruan, whether in talent or appearance, was exceptionally outstanding, repeatedly contributing greatly to Da Li. His reputation among the people was already well-established, known by all.

If so...they could only cater to his preferences.

Wen Ruan's hobbies weren't hard to find—he loved farming, experimenting with fields, and cultivating superior seeds. Just recently, ships returned from overseas, bringing exotic plant seeds. The ministers collected some and presented them to Wen Ruan like treasures—

Look, consort, what is this?

For years, you've been promoting grain cultivation methods, providing relief every year, saving countless lives. We boldly guess your wish is to feed the world? Now there are supposedly good seeds, don't you want to try them?

Wen Ruan found it hard to resist.

The ministers played along, boldly saying this was a gift for the future empress, not just any consort could receive these things...

Wen Ruan: ...

Desiring them but unable to obtain them, influenced by the atmosphere, he was coaxed into drinking some wine, suddenly standing up with flushed cheeks: "I want to be the empress!"

Everyone immediately exchanged excited glances: Success!

They encouraged Princess Jian, yes, you must be the empress, not just the empress, but the future queen! You're the only choice for this position!

Wen Ruan, having drunk too much, looked somewhat dazed: "You...really give?"

The ministers: "As long as you accept, we'll give immediately!"

They collectively knelt, shouting "Empress, may you live ten thousand years!"

Wen Ruan, holding the small box they offered, opened it to see familiar and unfamiliar seeds, overjoyed. He slept hugging the small box.

When the empress couldn't hold her liquor, the ministers turned to kneel before Prince Jian—

Their words were respectful, but their message was clear: will you accept this edict of succession? Princess Jian no longer exists; in your mansion, there is only an empress, the future queen. This position is already decided. If you don't accept the decree, don't want to be the crown prince, don't want to be the future emperor, then we can only suffer and choose another to match the empress...

Zhu Yan: "Are you threatening me?"

The ministers held their breath, their heads bowed to the ground: "We dare not!"

Zhu Yan glanced at the hidden crown prince robes behind them, humming: "Just this once, no next time. If you threaten me with the empress again, death penalty!"

With the empress title and self-proclaimed 'I', what wasn't clear?

The ministers immediately knelt in excitement, swearing their loyalty: "As long as Your Highness accepts the imperial decree and carries on the will of Da Li, bearing the sun and moon on your shoulders, working for the welfare of the people, we shall have no objections in the future!"

After they finished bowing, they quickly got up and hastily pulled open the crown prince's robe, swiftly dressing Zhu Yan in it, fearing that he might change his mind.

Following this was a series of imperial proclamations, sacrifices to heaven, assuming the throne, and proclaiming to the world...

The emperor couldn't withstand his illness and passed away during this period. The crown prince immediately ascended the throne, rightfully taking control of the new dynasty.

Another round of intense activity ensued, but fortunately, all the chaos had been dealt with beforehand. No one dared to harbor any ulterior motives, fearing retribution. The beginning of the Zhu Yan dynasty went relatively smoothly.

During this time, no one dared to mention the matter of succession, fearing that the new emperor might renounce his position in anger.

However, Zhu Yan proved to be conscientious. After sorting out the affairs of the court, from the imperial hall to the common folk, governance became transparent throughout the realm. When the time was ripe, he reassured everyone by appointing the former tenth prince, now his younger brother, as the crown prince, destined to inherit the throne.

He also took him under his wing, supervising his studies daily, accompanying him to court, and teaching him how to handle state affairs.

The newly appointed crown prince was bewildered, overwhelmed by his studies. What was happening? He didn't want to study; he wanted to sneak out and go shopping with his sister-in-law!

So there would be a crown prince in the future? What was there left to worry about!

Ever since the empress taught rebellion, the ministers had witnessed the tenth prince's wit, cunning, intelligence, and eagerness to learn. He was also aligned with the emperor and empress. As long as they were willing to nurture him, why worry about the lack of a successor?

Everyone looked at the new crown prince, who wore a pained expression while diligently doing his homework, feeling gratified.

Now, the new emperor of Da Li was dedicated to improving the realm, the borders were stable, the empress was adept at supporting agriculture, and commerce was thriving. Whether it came to money or food, war or peace, there was nothing to fear!

Moreover, there was a reliable heir. Why should they, a group of people, worry needlessly!

On a summer afternoon, enjoying a rare moment of leisure, Wen Ruan admired the rain in the pavilion.

Joyful raindrops fell from the sky, pattering against the stone platform, forming tiny streams that playfully meandered through flower branches and grass, greeting everything around them. They slowly swirled, eventually merging into the lake.

In the lake, lotus leaves spread greenly, lotus tips were moist and pink, raindrops clung like dew before shyly falling. Schools of red koi, thinking it was food, circled in the water, ripples accompanying the drizzle, creating an endless symphony of sights and sounds.

"How was the music I just played?" Zhu Yan put away his lute, coming closer to embrace his empress. His voice was slightly sour, as if accusing her of only admiring the scenery and not him.

Wen Ruan hurriedly poured a cup of tea and handed it to Zhu Yan. "It was beautiful, especially accompanied by the sound of rain, long and moist, with boundless spring charm."

Zhu Yan was taken aback, his eyes softening. "I was wrong, Ah Ruan really listened well."

"Zhu Yan," Wen Ruan's eyes curved into a smile, "next summer, shall we admire the rain together again?"

Zhu Yan: "Yes."

All my wishes are your thoughts.

Not only next summer, but every year thereafter, we shall admire the rain together.

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