Chapter 58 On the Verge

Chapter 58: On the Brink

Emperor Yonghe's testing had become pointless.

By daring to stay, Jiang Yanzhou showed he no longer feared any suspicion.

As for Liu Hexuan's future, it would soon be beyond Emperor Yonghe's control. If the emperor worried less and rested more, he might at least alleviate his headaches.

Jiang Yanzhou exhaled lightly and returned to the Eastern Palace, heading straight for the study.

After all, no one had decreed that missing someone after just one day apart was forbidden.

Unlike when Xiao Yunlang had previously departed for the distant frontier—back then, Jiang Yanzhou had just begun to understand his own feelings, holding them with cautious reverence, while Xiao Yunlang was still lost in confused thoughts, unable to discern true intentions—now, they had confessed their hearts to each other, their feelings mutual and understood. Not to mention a day; the moment the other's figure vanished from sight, reluctance and longing had already begun.

Sitting in the study, Jiang Yanzhou thought, last time, it was Xiao Yunlang who wrote first. This time, it should be his turn to take up the brush.

Holding the brush not yet dipped in ink, Jiang Yanzhou hesitated. What should he write?

Emperor Yonghe's suspicions had been defused—nothing worth mentioning there. *Should I ask how he's settling in at Evergreen Garden?* That seemed rather pointless. The gardens weren't fully restored yet, and accommodations were limited; it certainly couldn't be as convenient as the palace.

Jiang Yanzhou had always been good at adapting to new living environments, so he slept comfortably in the Eastern Palace.

Besides, whenever Xiao Yunlang went out now, he would leave his mask behind, worried about thunderstorm nights when Jiang Yanzhou might struggle to sleep.

Lost in thought, Jiang Yanzhou gazed out into the courtyard.

The view from the study window framed the lush tree branches in the yard, like a framed painting. A little bird and its mate were chattering away in their nest, snuggling close together, two fluffy balls of feathers nestled as one.

A sudden inspiration struck Jiang Yanzhou; he knew exactly how to write the letter now.

Eunuch Deyu considered himself not yet privy to his master's private correspondence, so he dutifully averted his eyes. However, while fetching an envelope to help seal it, his peripheral vision inevitably caught the top sheet of paper on the desk.

On it were drawn several inexplicable circles.

Deyu: ?

Could this be some secret code only the Crown Prince and Crown Princess Consort understood?

Recalling Jiang Yanzhou's composed demeanor before Emperor Yonghe, Deyu felt even more convinced of the Crown Princess Consort's profound depth and served him with even greater care.

Two letter sheets were sealed and had just been handed to a Jinyiwei guard when Feng Lan entered, holding a letter.

A letter from Xiao Yunlang.

Since Jiang Yanzhou's letter hadn't even been dispatched yet, this couldn't possibly be a reply. It simply meant they were perfectly in sync, thinking of each other at the same time.

Delighted, Jiang Yanzhou took the letter, his joy evident. He held it up before his eyes, waving it slightly, his gaze filled with the letter and a gentle smile: The Crown Prince had beaten him to it again.

Jiang Yanzhou's letter reached Xiao Yunlang a few hours later.

Opening it, Xiao Yunlang saw the first sheet: a large, flat circle, with a heavy ink dot where the ends met, and two smaller circles nestled together inside.

Others might not understand, but how could Xiao Yunlang not? It depicted the affectionate pair of little birds in their nest. Quite vivid, very much in the Crown Princess Consort's style.

The second sheet had no salutation, no signature, just a simple line of text:

*The dark iron by my pillow grows warm with your thought, lulling me to sleep.*

It referred to the dark iron mask Xiao Yunlang had left by his pillow. But how could iron be warm? Unless someone was holding it in their hands, or had tucked it right into the bedcovers.

Just imagining Jiang Yanzhou curled up, hugging the mask and thinking of him as he fell asleep made Xiao Yunlang wish he could fly back instantly and gather him into a fierce embrace.

He wondered what expression the young master had worn while writing those two characters for "miss you"—shy and timid, or brimming with tender affection?

Either way, it was enough for Xiao Yunlang to savor in his dreams for a long time.

Xiao Yunlang savored that line over and over. When a knock came at the door, he didn't look up, merely uttering, "Speak."

"Your Highness, the Prince of Jin is nearing Ningzhou."

Xiao Yunlang stroked the letter paper, replying with an unhurried "Hmm."

The restoration of Evergreen Garden was less than half complete. Fortunately, there were still habitable quarters, though the view outside was sparse and unremarkable.

Staying here was lonely, but it also made it easy to concentrate. Apart from his longing for Jiang Yanzhou, Xiao Yunlang devoted his remaining energy entirely to preparing the "gift" for the Prince of Jin.

The Prince of Jin was rushing day and night, toiling tirelessly to reach Ningzhou, unaware that Xiao Yunlang was also eagerly awaiting his arrival there.

Xiao Yunlang: "Are the people in Ningzhou ready?"

Feng Yi: "Everything is in place."

Xiao Yunlang: "Good."

They had found a group of expendable individuals in Ningzhou, preparing assassins for the Prince of Jin. The goal, however, wasn't to kill him, but to force him into making a decision.

His expression showed no trace of impatience, but the glance he cast at the letter paper inadvertently revealed his thoughts: *Hurry up.*

*I'm waiting to return to his side.*

Seven more days passed. In Ningzhou, the Prince of Jin acted swiftly and decisively, imprisoning all members of the Jiang clan.

*

The Ningzhou officials deeply entangled with the Jiang family had already been purged during the Jiang Linque affair, so they now cooperated fully with every action ordered by the newly arrived Prince of Jin.

After all, the old, rotten matters of Ningzhou couldn't be pinned on newly appointed officials.

However, re-surveying Ningzhou's land, recalculating accounts, and reorganizing the registers required a massive workforce. Moreover, before the reported figures were submitted to the court, the Wei family wanted to manipulate them slightly to secure benefits for themselves. Consequently, they borrowed personnel from neighboring Cangzhou.

Among them was Wei Wuyou.

Wei Wuyou's previously ambiguous stance meant the Prince of Jin couldn't fully trust him. But as long as Wei Wuyou wasn't allowed near the real secrets, using him for tasks was still acceptable.

While the land consolidation in Ningzhou proceeded vigorously, back in the capital, during a grand court assembly, the Minister of Revenue suddenly presented a memorial. Since the Ningzhou Jiang clan dared to conceal land and grain production to such an extent, might other regions dare the same?

"Your Majesty, perhaps we should seize this opportunity to dispatch imperial censors from the capital to inspect various regions, investigating whether other vermin and corrupt elements are undermining the foundations of our great Daqi!"

This proposal thoroughly stirred up a hornet's nest, causing the assembled officials' expressions to change dramatically.

Whose nest? Naturally, the aristocratic families'.

Sending inspectors to various regions to survey land meant investigating the estates of the aristocratic families, threatening their very survival. It was no wonder they were furious!

The move against the Jiang family's land hadn't met fierce opposition from the aristocratic families because the Wei family happened to want to crush the Jiangs completely, and other allied families could also share in dividing the land. This was still internal strife, and many stood to gain.

Thus, only a few families voiced sporadic objections, insufficient to cause concern.

But the Minister of Revenue's proposal aimed to threaten everyone's livelihood. The court officials from aristocratic families instantly reacted like jackals whose tails had been stepped on, flying into a rage. Setting aside past grievances, they united with unprecedented solidarity, launching a barrage of impeachment memorials against the Minister of Revenue.

Emperor Yonghe sat frozen on his dragon throne.

He knew the new Minister of Revenue was a stubborn, unyielding stone—grating wherever it rolled—but he had not anticipated… this man truly possessed the audacity to speak such words.

Did he imagine he could stand alone against the entire aristocracy? Did he harbor a death wish?

Even Ji Songbai and Liu Hexuan exchanged startled glances directed at the Minister of Revenue.

In their plan, they were meant to ignite the aristocracy’s discontent with the emperor—yet someone else had beaten them to it.

Unwittingly, the Minister of Revenue had aided them.

But the Crown Prince and his inner circle acted only after meticulous planning—striking only when confidence and a decisive advantage were secured. This man… acted recklessly, heedless of consequence, as if compelled to speak his mind even if it brought the heavens crashing down.

Such temperament—alas.

Ji Songbai shook his head helplessly.

“Your Majesty!” Wei Chengsi burst into tears once more—he was a master of the performance. “The Jiang family has erred, but does that mean every family has erred? Officials across the realm have devoted themselves loyally to the state, and Your Majesty possesses the wisdom to appoint men wisely. This minister’s words strike at the very heart of all loyal subjects—and tarnish Your Majesty’s reputation for benevolent governance!”

Land was the foundation of the nation. Throughout history, every major land-related policy yielded only two possible outcomes: prosperity or ruin—there was virtually no middle ground.

Emperor Yonghe intended to rein in the aristocracy—but he had no intention of immediately igniting land disputes nationwide. Thus, following Wei Chengsi’s appeal, he publicly rebuked the Minister of Revenue.

“Ningzhou is Ningzhou. How can the misdeed of one Jiang family bring calamity upon others? Baseless suspicions will only unsettle the populace and chill the hearts of diligent, loyal ministers!” Emperor Yonghe sternly reprimanded. “As a court minister, how dare you speak so rashly and incite unrest?”

The emperor declared, “You are fined one month’s salary and confined to your residence for seven days of reflection. Return and ponder carefully. Next time you speak, remember to use your mind!”

After the court session, they appeared unruffled by the morning’s turmoil, attending to their duties as usual. Yet as dusk fell and night descended, several heads of aristocratic families quietly gathered at the Wei residence.

Wei Chengsi and Marquis Wei sat at the head of the chamber. After surveying those present, Wei Chengsi spoke—his voice heavy as a stone sinking into still water: “Your Excellencies have all witnessed His Majesty’s demeanor today. We knew he harbored dissatisfaction toward the aristocracy—but today we have truly grasped how far he intends to push us back.”

Someone below slammed the table in anger: “We have endured much these years—content so long as we retained a mouthful to eat. No one truly wished to sever ties—but the emperor’s overt punishment and covert protection of the Minister of Revenue prove those words struck a chord with His Majesty!”

A soft sigh rose from another: “His Majesty relied on the aristocracy to secure the throne—yet now he covets our land. Today he let it pass, merely because the timing is not yet ripe. Once the moment arrives—will there still be room for us?”

Having listened, Marquis Wei spoke steadily: “In the past, I warned you all—the emperor is obstinate, self-willed, and ruthless. Sooner or later, he would turn on us. You thought I jest. Well—was I wrong?”

Representatives of the other families exchanged subtle glances.

Since the Jiang family’s fall, the Wei family had executed countless covert maneuvers—all in preparation for the Prince of Jin’s ascension. Among those present tonight, some were already firmly aboard the Wei family’s vessel, while others had previously hesitated.

Yet their presence tonight signaled that even that hesitation had nearly vanished.

One who had long been closely aligned with the Wei family smiled and said, “The Crown Prince is currently absent from the capital. Once the Prince of Jin returns from Ningzhou bearing achievements, he should be able to reason appropriately with His Majesty.”

Wei Chengsi feigned ignorance, sighing: “The Prince of Jin once interceded on everyone’s behalf—but what was the result? He was driven out of the Minghui Hall by His Majesty himself!”

This old fox Wei Chengsi—truly wanted others to lay the groundwork first, didn’t he? Everyone saw through it—but having come this far, none minded playing along.

After all, only the Wei family had produced a prince.

“The Prince of Jin discerns right from wrong and upholds righteousness and benevolence. He alone is fit to be Crown Prince. His Majesty, however, has grown muddled with age. If persuasion proves impossible… perhaps it is time to entrust state affairs to the Prince—who listens to all sides—and allow His Majesty to retire peacefully.”

Wei Chengsi finally heard what he wished to hear. Stroking his beard, he revealed a satisfied smile and raised his clasped hands toward the assembly. “The Imperial Concubine has long been under house arrest—we are deeply concerned. His Majesty’s unjust, harsh treatment of his consort—so ungrateful and cold-hearted—is truly heartbreaking. We hope you will all join forces to remonstrate with His Majesty together.”

As for *how* to “remonstrate” and *how* to “enjoy retirement”—that would be left to them to decide.

The others rose one by one: “We are at your command.”

When the Wei family’s letter reached the Prince of Jin, he had been cheerfully calculating land-related matters. He opened it with a smile still on his face—but as he read line by line, his smile gradually froze.

By the end, his expression had turned ashen.

All the empty rhetoric about “the emperor’s persecution of loyal ministers being known to all” could be ignored. The entire letter’s meaning condensed into two words: *rebellion*.

Ever since the emperor had shown no fondness for him—this son—and instead appointed another as Crown Prince, the Prince of Jin had known this day would inevitably arrive.

After all, he had no other path.

Yet when that day truly approached, beyond resignation, the Prince of Jin felt an indescribable tangle of emotions.

He was now outside the capital—well-supplied with money and grain—and had opportunity to raise troops. But even if he forced his way into the palace, given Emperor Yonghe’s temperament, the emperor might prefer death over issuing a decree of succession.

In that case, he would inevitably bear the infamy of patricide and usurpation.

Still, compared to death, bearing infamy and ascending the dragon throne was preferable.

Only—his mother’s situation would become extremely perilous.

Once rebellion began, even if Emperor Yonghe used Imperial Concubine Wei as leverage, it would be impossible to halt midway.

Was this truly the optimal moment for rebellion?

The Prince of Jin slowly held each letter over the candle flame—one by one—then tossed them into a bronze basin. The heat from the flame’s edge scorched his fingers, buying him time to think.

But just as he focused his thoughts, a sudden, loud shout erupted from outside.

“Assassins! Protect His Highness!”

Assassins?

Startled, the Prince of Jin hurled all remaining letters into the bronze basin. Flames leapt high, consuming every secret cleanly.

The Prince of Jin’s martial skills were mediocre. He only relaxed his grip once the clashing of weapons outside ceased and his bodyguard entered to report.

“What happened?” the Prince of Jin asked.

“Your Highness, assassins infiltrated the inner courtyard just now—fifty in total, highly skilled. Forty-five were killed; five were taken alive for interrogation.”

The Prince of Jin narrowed his eyes. “They did not commit suicide after failing their mission—they are not death warriors.”

“Correct. They claim they were hired solely for money. No one knows the employer’s identity.”

Under coercion, desperate to save their lives, some wildly guessed the employer was an enemy of the Wei family; others speculated it was a court official. But such ramblings were unreliable.

These hired blades engaged in dark trades—daring to accept any killing contract for sufficient payment—should have been prepared to die. Yet when death loomed, they still feared it.

“The matters in Ningzhou aren’t finished yet. The Emperor wouldn’t—”

The Prince of Jin’s words halted abruptly.

Though the matters in Ningzhou weren’t fully concluded, procedures were already set. All Jiang clan members had been captured. With or without him, subsequent affairs would proceed largely unchanged.

Dying in Ningzhou could be blamed on the Jiang family—excuses like “Jiang family revenge” would suffice to gloss over it.

Perhaps that had been the plan all along—when they insisted on sending him here.

Either the Emperor—or the Crown Prince—could be behind this move.

Prince of Jin gazed into the bronze brazier and suddenly chuckled again.

"Actually, it doesn’t matter whether it’s the Emperor or my *esteemed* younger brother—they both want me dead."

This assassination steadied his previously wavering heart.

Prince of Jin slipped back into his usual mask of a false smile. "My maternal uncle was right. Now is the time. Delaying invites disaster. I’ve already waited too long—it’s time to reclaim what is rightfully mine."

"Someone, summon my advisors. I have orders to give."

The fire in the bronze basin slowly died after consuming all the letters. A night breeze gusted through, stirring only a few embers and ashes. The scent of scorched paper drifted away, as if the wind could carry it all away, leaving no one the wiser to the secrets here.

But in places unknown to Prince of Jin, horses were already racing for the capital, bearing secrets meant to remain buried in darkness.

In the days that followed, reports flooded into Evergreen Garden one after another.

"Your Highness, Ningzhou is secured."

"Your Highness, Prince of Jin has been raising a private force in Ningzhou and Cangzhou. According to Wei Wuyou’s letter, the number is estimated to have reached over two thousand."

"Your Highness, there have been unusual personnel changes in the Wei, Su, and Zhang households in the capital. Please review the details."

Xiao Yunlang spread the messages out before him, item by item.

Prince of Jin had gathered men in Ningzhou and Cangzhou, disguising them as merchants to enter the capital in batches and hide within several high-gate mansions.

These wealthy households, already teeming with extended families across generations, could easily conceal hundreds of extra people each.

With over two thousand men, plus additional guards these households could contribute, they could muster more than three thousand.

Add to that the twelve hundred troops Prince of Jin had brought out of the capital.

Though these soldiers were assigned by imperial order, Prince of Jin could easily lead them to charge the palace gates under the pretext of quelling unrest within. Once they advanced under his banner, they'd be in too deep to protest, forced to follow Prince of Jin's lead.

Thus, they planned to storm the palace gates with five thousand men.

The capital had thirty thousand Imperial Guards, but only six thousand were stationed in the inner city, dispersed across several palace gates and within the palace itself. Prince of Jin and the Wei family would surely block communication along the way, aiming to breach the gates before the outer-city guards could react.

Prince of Jin’s plans had progressed so smoothly, thanks in no small part to Xiao Yunlang.

Although their men entered the city posing as merchants carrying goods, and their disguises were convincing, a sudden surge of merchants entering the capital outside of festival seasons would have caught the attention of experienced officials.

The reason no one raised an alarm was not only due to the Wei family’s discreet arrangements but also because Xiao Yunlang’s faction deliberately allowed them through.

"They’ve chosen to strike at dawn (chenshi, 7-9 AM) the day after tomorrow."

"The day after tomorrow," Xiao Yunlang said with a faint, ironic twist of his lips. "Quite the choice."

The day after tomorrow was the anniversary of Empress Dowager Jiang’s death.

To demonstrate that his filial piety toward the empress dowager was genuine—and not merely a political gesture to align with the Jiang family’s influence—Emperor Yonghe would perform a ritual offering before the ancestral tablets in the Hall of Ancestral Worship every year on this day.

This year, having bundled up the entire Jiang clan—sending most to join the empress dowager in the afterlife, aside from those slated for exile—it was only fitting, both emotionally and logically, that he offer a few extra sticks of incense.

With Jiang Yanzhou now in the palace, he would certainly be included in the rites for Empress Dowager Jiang.

Xiao Yunlang stepped back from the table and picked up his blade.

Its gleaming edge lay hidden within a black-and-gold scabbard, awaiting its moment. A red peace knot hung gently beneath the jade pendant at his waist, swaying softly with his movement.

"Pass the order: have everyone prepare. Rest early tomorrow to conserve energy. We depart at midnight (zishi, 11 PM-1 AM) the day after tomorrow."

Xiao Yunlang lifted his blade, his gaze sharp enough to pierce through clouds, peerless and commanding.

"Tell the brothers: it’s time to go home."