Chapter 59 Home Is Where the Heart Is

Chapter 59: Peace of Mind is My Homeland

"At *chen* hour, the day after tomorrow?"

Jiang Yanzhou looked at the returned message.

Not long ago, the emperor had issued an edict, ordering him to accompany the imperial procession at *mao* hour (5-7 AM) the day after tomorrow to worship the late Empress Dowager at the Fengxian Palace.

Sui Yedao stood inside the room. He was tall, with long arms and a narrow waist, casting most of the room in shadow. "Yes. At that time, I will lead the Imperial Guards in patrolling the Fengxian Palace. On a day like this, His Majesty won't feel secure unless I'm transferred to his side."

"I will lead some of the Eastern Palace bodyguards to infiltrate the Imperial Guards, coordinating from inside and out with His Highness the Crown Prince," Feng Lan said solemnly, looking at Sui Yedao. "The Crown Princess's safety is entrusted to you. Do you remember His Highness the Crown Prince's words before his departure?"

"I would never forget His Highness's order. As long as I, Sui Yedao, have a breath left in me, I will not let a single hair on the Crown Princess's head be harmed."

Sui Yedao could only keep his own life if Jiang Yanzhou remained completely unharmed. Of course, he dared not allow the slightest mishap.

Besides Jiang Yanzhou, Ji Songbai would also be present that day.

He was now a Grand Secretary and also headed the Ministry of Rites. For the emperor's worship of the Empress Dowager, he would lead several officials from the Ministry of Rites to accompany the procession. Jiang Yanzhou said without hesitation, "If chaos breaks out then, your first priority must be to protect Ji..."

Jiang Yanzhou stopped mid-sentence, suddenly realizing what he had just said, his voice trailing off abruptly.

...He had once again instinctively prioritized the safety of a high-ranking minister over his own.

If Xiao Yunlang were here, his eyes would surely cloud over with gloom, staring at him intently.

No, no. He had promised to change. He couldn't say such things anymore.

Moreover, even if he didn't mention it, everyone would still see to Minister Ji's safety.

Jiang Yanzhou looked up and found both Feng Lan and Sui Yedao staring at him intently. He opened his mouth, feeling somewhat guilty, and continued, "What I mean is, we must also protect Minister Ji."

Sui Yedao acted as if he hadn't heard what Jiang Yanzhou said earlier. "Naturally."

Only Feng Lan hadn't spoken yet.

Jiang Yanzhou said softly, "I misspoke earlier, and I didn't mean anything else by it... No need to tell His Highness."

Feng Lan sighed.

But at least Jiang Yanzhou had taken back his words about prioritizing others' protection. Since he had recognized the problem and was willing to consider his own safety, it was a change for the better. So he replied, "Yes."

As long as Jiang Yanzhou didn't take any impulsive actions after the event that caused him injury again, Feng Lan thought, he would keep these words buried in his heart. But if the Crown Princess harmed himself again... then he would still have to report it to the Crown Prince.

That only the Crown Prince could stop the Crown Princess was the consensus the bodyguards had now come to.

*

Early June, the eleventh year of the Yonghe era, the day of the Empress Dowager's memorial day.

It was also the day the Prince of Jin returned to the capital from Ningzhou.

The Prince of Jin's entourage was also escorting some key captives from the Jiang clan in Ningzhou. Normally, this would have been a grand spectacle with crowds lining the streets to watch.

But the Prince of Jin, citing the gravity of the matter and fearing that rebels might mingle in the crowd to secretly pass messages to the important prisoners, had requested an imperial decree in advance. Within half a day, the city gates were put under strict martial law, temporarily sealed, and Vermilion Bird Street was cleared of civilians.

The usually bustling streets were temporarily shuttered, with no commoners in sight along the roadside. The Prince of Jin entered the city smoothly, riding his horse onto the stone-paved road leading to the palace gates.

On his journey back from Ningzhou, he had thought about too many things. But when he finally entered the imperial city, with the towering palace gates right before his eyes, his mind became strangely clear and free of distractions.

He was half noble by blood. His very birth was a result of the power struggle between the imperial authority and the noble clans. And from the moment he was born, he was a chess piece disliked by Emperor Yonghe.

In Emperor Yonghe's eyes, his sons had only two identities: useless ones and chess pieces. The useless ones were allowed to live in peace, but the chess pieces were not. They had to fight each other, only to be killed by Emperor Yonghe in the end.

But who wanted to die?

The Prince of Jin didn't. Neither did Xiao Yunlang, his half-brother.

The people hidden within the Wei family and several other noble families had already begun to move. The Prince of Jin caught a glimpse of a hand signal from someone in a dark alley out of the corner of his eye and focused his mind.

The prisoners in the cages behind him weren't actually members of the Jiang clan at all, but his own men. A layer of straw was spread at the bottom of each prisoner cart, hiding blades. When they neared the palace gates, they would burst out of the carts and be the first to charge towards the Xuande Gate.

Those who had been sent into the city beforehand would also converge with him. As soon as chaos erupted, while people were still trying to grasp the situation amidst the confusion, the Prince of Jin could shout orders to quell the disorder and lead his men directly to breach the palace gates and charge inside.

By then, people outside would intercept communications between the Imperial Guards of the inner and outer cities. With Xiao Yunlang not in the capital, as long as he could capture the emperor with lightning speed, victory would be his.

The palace gates were almost in sight.

But the Prince of Jin didn't know that communication between the Imperial Guards had already begun long ago. Before he even reached the palace gates, Pei Jingchen had received news of his entry into the city.

Pei Jingchen took a deep breath, slapped his face, sweat beading on his forehead. He turned and sprinted desperately toward the Fengxian Palace. Regardless of how much his martial skills had improved, at least his leg strength was well-trained by now.

Inside the Fengxian Palace, the crisp sound of wooden fish echoed, low chants of Buddhist scriptures reverberated, and incense smoke curled and coiled.

Jiang Yanzhou was accompanying Emperor Yonghe in worshipping the Empress Dowager.

The bandage on his neck had been removed, but the wound was still clearly visible. It still needed medicine applied daily, but with the changing weather, it was no longer advisable to keep the wound covered with a bandage all the time.

As temperatures gradually rose, under the bright sun, many people tended to sweat after just a few steps. Only Jiang Yanzhou still seemed like a person carved from ice and jade, wearing spring clothing, his skin cold and pale, showing no sign of heat at all.

Moreover, his eyes were like pools of clear, sweet spring water. Looking at such a person, one could inexplicably feel a sense of calm, and with a calm heart, one truly didn't feel as hot.

The Fengxian Palace housed the memorial tablets of past emperors and worthies. Emperor Yonghe would invariably come on the death anniversaries of the late emperor and the Empress Dowager every year, inviting eminent monks from Bailong Temple to enter the palace to chant sutras and recite Buddha's name, creating an atmosphere of solemnity and reverence.

Jiang Yanzhou had received the decree and had been forced to rise early today. However, since last night, he actually hadn't slept very well.

Although he knew Xiao Yunlang was destined by heaven, when it truly came to this moment, the tension in his heart was simply beyond his control.

He had held Xiao Yunlang's mask in his arms all night, having several dreams, both good and bad. Before dawn, he rose again to wash, dress, and change clothes. In the past, he would have been utterly listless.

But today, perhaps because his heart was on edge and his nerves were taut, Jiang Yanzhou's spirits were also lifted.

Emperor Yonghe's worship of the Empress Dowager was not out of genuine feeling, but for officials to record. Therefore, he followed the Ministry of Rites' procedures rigidly, not omitting a single step, nor making mistakes due to excessive grief.

The Ministry of Rites' procedures were cumbersome, with rules even for how many steps to take. By the time they could finally offer incense, almost everyone secretly moved their stiff limbs.

Emperor Yonghe, holding incense sticks, was about to bow and insert them into the incense burner when, from far outside the door, a series of urgent, drawn-out voices suddenly rang out: "Report—!"

Before the person was seen, the voice was heard. The metallic clanking of armor during the run, along with the voice, shattered the sandalwood-scented tranquility of the Fengxian Palace. Emperor Yonghe's hand paused, watching helplessly as one of the incense sticks in his hand broke without warning.

His heart gave a violent jolt.

Pei Jingchen, clad in Imperial Guard armor, knelt on one knee. His voice was astonishingly loud, even cracking slightly when he shouted, startling those nearby.

But what he said was even more frightening.

"The Prince of Jin has gathered over five thousand men and is forcibly breaching the palace gates! The Xuande Gate is about to fall! I implore Your Majesty to issue an order to recall the outer city Imperial Guards for reinforcement!"

After speaking, he put down his other knee and slammed his head forcefully onto the ground. The sound of his helmet striking the floor resonated like a stone thrown into a pond, creating waves that shattered the monks' peaceful chanting of sutras.

The officials from the Ministry of Rites were instantly horrified: The Prince of Jin was rebelling!?

How did they just march troops right in? The crowd immediately broke into chaos—they were still inside the palace!

Emperor Yonghe dashed the incense sticks in his hand to the ground, where they shattered, the sparks completely extinguished. A faint, cool tendril of smoke wafted up and vanished in the blink of an eye. He rushed forward two steps, his eyes bloodshot: "What did you say? Say it again!"

Pei Jingchen was scared to death. He took a deep breath: "The Prince of Jin—"

"Report—!"

Another man burst in, frantic, covered in dust and grime, his armor stained with blood: "The imperial guards at Xuande Gate have suffered over fifty percent casualties—the gate is about to fall!"

The successive urgent reports came at just the right moment. Emperor Yonghe staggered in shock, and Ji Songbai immediately grabbed and steadied his arm. The old minister's voice was not loud, but it cut straight to Emperor Yonghe's core: "Your Majesty!"

Emperor Yonghe was jolted back to his senses by this shout. He swayed but steadied himself.

*Right*—Your Majesty. He was the emperor. No matter how he felt, he had to deal with the chaos before him first.

"By Our decree, first gather imperial guards from the city garrisons to reinforce Xuande Gate. Then dispatch fifteen thousand troops from the suburban camp into the city. Also, the Marquis of Zhenxi—have the Marquis of Zhenxi lead the troops he left at the imperial guard camp," Emperor Yonghe practically hurled the words out, "into the palace to rescue Us!"

As the Grand Marshal of the Army, the Marquis of Zhenxi was allowed to bring troops to the capital for his reward. He had brought twenty thousand soldiers, temporarily stationed at the suburban imperial guard camp, sharing the same training ground.

Pei Jingchen took the imperial edict and turned to run with another soldier. Behind them followed a supervising Jin Yiwei—for such a major matter, the emperor naturally had to send his own man to verify.

They raced all the way to Jingde Gate. Pei Jingchen, panting heavily, turned to look at the soldier beside him.

The palace gates were eerily quiet everywhere, even Xuande Gate was peaceful at this moment.

There was no so-called gate crisis or imminent collapse.

The soldier lifted his helmet, revealing a face that was lightly disguised, but the voice that came out was Feng Lan's.

"Based on travel time, the Prince of Jin should have reached Vermilion Bird Avenue by now. You take the western route now—someone will ensure you get to the gate safely," Feng Lan said. "You must deliver the imperial edict. I will mobilize troops and set up defenses behind Xuande Gate."

The Jin Yiwei cupped his hands: "Rest assured, my lords. Later, I will bring a young eunuch back to the emperor, accuse the Prince of Jin of rebellion, and ensure His Majesty does not become suspicious."

Feng Lan: "Good. Thank you all for your hard work today. The Crown Prince will surely reward you once this is accomplished. Be careful in all matters!"

The three parted ways, each rushing off.

At the city gate of the capital, soldiers were checking the curfew time. Outside, people were still queuing to enter the city. But suddenly, the ground trembled, and a muffled, thunderous rumble traveled through the earth.

The guarding imperial guards instantly grew alert. Looking up, they saw a dark, dense cloud rolling in from the distance—but how could there be clouds on the ground? That was clearly a massive crowd of people!

Steeds galloped, each rider armored and armed, disciplined and orderly. From afar, it was impossible to tell how many there were, but their momentum was like an army of thousands, pressing directly toward the city gate.

The imperial guards were horrified. Soldiers at the gate drew their swords and readied their bows. Only when the crowd drew closer did they see the banners held by the approaching force.

Among the troops the Marquis of Zhenxi brought to the capital this time were three thousand of Xiao Yunlang's elite soldiers.

The commoners at the city gate didn't understand what was happening, thinking it was just another arrangement from the capital, wondering if more troops were returning today. They all made way, moving to the side.

They had no idea that the one leading twenty thousand troops straight toward the capital was none other than the Crown Prince of the court, along with the Marquis of Zhenxi.

The imperial guard commander at the gate broke out in a cold sweat.

The Crown Prince, who was supposed to be at Changchun Garden for recuperation—or rather, guarding the residence—had appeared openly with the Grand Marshal of the Army and a dense mass of soldiers, yet the imperial guard camp had given no warning or message.

What had happened at the camp? And what did the Crown Prince intend to do?

The Prince of Jin had just returned to the capital, and now the Crown Prince was pressing against the city with heavy troops. The implications were something the imperial guard commander dared not even contemplate.

Today was just his rotten luck—why did it have to be his shift!

But with them already here, if he failed to perform his duty, he would have no way to explain himself to anyone later. He could only brace himself and shout loudly: "Halt, you there!"

Xiao Yunlang reined in his horse a distance from the city gate: "Whoa—!"

The divine steed's front hooves rose high, coming to an abrupt stop. Behind him, cavalry reined in their horses, infantry stamped their feet—orders were followed, and the command to halt was uniform and resounding.

It startled the commoners near the gate, who hurriedly scrambled farther away but couldn't help craning their necks to watch.

Because when well-disciplined troops formed ranks, as long as they weren't enemies, their imposing aura easily infected everyone around, making people unconsciously straighten their backs and feel a surge of pride: These are the brave sons of Daqi, protecting our home and country!

The imperial guard commander politely saluted from atop the city wall: "The capital is under curfew for half a day. May I ask why Your Highness the Crown Prince and the Marquis of Zhenxi have appeared here? Has some incident occurred?"

Xiao Yunlang did not answer. The Marquis of Zhenxi raised his voice and shouted: "The Prince of Jin has privately raised troops, hiding them in the capital—the evidence is conclusive! We have come specifically to protect His Majesty and ensure the peace of the capital's people!"

The commander: "..."

Privately raising troops—wasn't that clearly saying the Prince of Jin was rebelling?!

He finally realized the peril of today's situation. Whether the Prince of Jin had rebelled or not, he didn't know, but the Crown Prince had clearly rebelled right under his nose.

Xiao Yunlang, in collusion with the Marquis of Zhenxi, had brought troops to the city gates—not for a casual stroll.

Behind him was the Prince of Jin; before him, the Crown Prince; and in the distance, the emperor. Whether this city gate opened or not today concerned not just his own head, but his entire clan.

The imperial guard commander didn't know how he had ended up on such a knife's edge. His teeth chattered, and his throat tightened: "Mere... mere words are no proof, Your Highness," he was on the verge of tears, "If we recklessly open the gates and let troops into the city, how could those of us guarding today possibly keep our lives!"

Xiao Yunlang finally spoke, unhurried: "You all need only perform your duties diligently. Rest assured, We will not make things difficult for you."

The imperial guard commander wanted to say: You're already making things difficult for us!

Just as he was anxiously scratching his head, a rider shot out from within the city like an arrow. The tiny figure was especially conspicuous on the wide street, and even more conspicuous was the small, bright yellow scroll in his hand.

Pei Jingchen galloped forward, holding the imperial edict aloft and shouting: "The Prince of Jin has rebelled, threatening the palace! By His Majesty's order, summon the Marquis of Zhenxi to lead his troops and join the imperial guards to enter the palace and rescue His Majesty! The imperial edict is here!"

The horse under Xiao Yunlang was highly intelligent, sensing its master's strength and mood. It shifted its hooves, eyes fixed on the city gate, already poised and ready.

Xiao Yunlang curled the corner of his lips under the imperial guard commander's stunned gaze. His voice was not loud, but it was enough for everyone to hear.

"Now, can this gate be opened?"

*

The Imperial Palace, outside Xuande Gate.

When the Prince of Jin's men could be seen from a distance, the guards before Xuande Gate grew puzzled.

Upon the Prince of Jin's return to the capital, prisoners should be sent to the Ministry of Justice, and accompanying troops should return to their respective garrisons. Why had a large group now come toward the palace gate?

The guards exchanged glances, their hearts filled with doubt and vigilance. When the Prince of Jin approached, one guard stepped forward according to protocol and saluted: "Your Highness, why have you brought the prisoners here? We haven't heard that His Majesty intends to personally interrogate any major criminals?"

The Prince of Jin smiled, as if about to explain, but before he could speak, commotion broke out in the ranks behind him.

A guard gripping his sword leaned forward: "What's happen—"

"Not good—the prisoners have escaped!"

A horse, startled, bolted through the crowd. Though alarmed, the guard's reflexes remained. He rolled aside to avoid being trampled, immediately shouting loudly: "Someone, quick! Someone is causing trouble!"

The imperial guards whistled and hurried toward Xuande Gate, but halfway there, they were intercepted by another group that suddenly appeared. The private soldiers hidden by noble families had all arrived, shouting as they charged forward, swarming in.

The noble families ripped away the final veil of decency, baring their cruel fangs.

The "prisoners" who had broken free of their cages brandished their swords and charged forward, hacking and slashing, pushing people against the palace gates. It was then that the Prince of Jin leisurely drew his sword, declaring with righteous indignation: "The Jiang family prisoners are rioting and attempting to storm the palace! Men, follow me to capture these traitors!"

The palace gates were not as sturdy as the city gates. With the imperial guards' reinforcements blocked, the Prince of Jin, leading five thousand men, quickly breached the Xuande Gate. To be honest, he hadn't expected it to be so easy. When the gates actually gave way, he was momentarily stunned.

But only for a moment. He immediately pressed on, leading his men charging inward.

There was still a long palace avenue beyond the Xuande Gate. The Prince of Jin was all too familiar with these paths. By the time he traversed this corridor, the imperial guards inside the palace would surely have received word and come to intercept him.

But the imperial guards outside could only pursue him through the Xuande Gate; they would inevitably be too slow. As long as the Prince of Jin dealt with the forces inside the palace, he could march straight to the main hall without further hindrance.

He seemed to see Emperor Yonghe slumped on the ground, his face a mask of terror.

Just imagining that scene made him feel like tossing his hat in the air in celebration, his originally hypocritical smile growing increasingly genuine.

The emperor—he too had royal blood. Why couldn't he be emperor?

The deep, desolate palace avenue transformed into a blazing path to the heavens; even the sound of hooves on the stone slabs became pleasing to the ear.

The Prince of Jin spurred his horse onward, faster and faster, until his vanguard guards formed a defensive formation and the guards beside him grabbed his reins: "Your Highness, be careful! Something's wrong!"

The Prince of Jin abruptly halted.

They had only covered half the palace corridor, yet the intersection ahead was already densely packed with people, holding long spears, standing ready in tight formation.

As if they had been waiting there for a long time.

The Prince of Jin's pupils contracted. How was this possible?

To fight their way from the gate into the corridor, most of his men had abandoned their horses, except for a few leaders. Yet now, the sound of hoofbeats came from behind.

Those hoofbeats were leisurely, as if confidently driving prey into a trap.

The gallop of a divine steed sounded different from that of an ordinary horse. The Prince of Jin found the sound damnably familiar.

But it couldn't be! How could that man and his horse possibly appear here now?

The Prince of Jin sharply turned his horse around. As he did, a piercing whistle tore through the air, exploding so sharply it made his scalp tingle.

The Prince of Jin finally saw the scene behind him. His bodyguard had intercepted an arrow that had shot forth with unstoppable force. Through the crowded mass of people, he glimpsed the distant figure that haunted even his dreams.

The Prince of Jin gnashed out the name through clenched teeth: "Xiao! Yun! Lang!"

What are you doing here? Why are you here!?

The bowstring in Xiao Yunlang's hand still hummed with residual vibration.

Close-quarters combat in the corridor wasn't suitable for archery, as it was easy to accidentally injure one's own men. That arrow just now was merely his greeting to the Prince of Jin.

With both ends of the path blocked, he had trapped the Prince of Jin within the palace corridor of the Xuande Gate.

Xiao Yunlang lowered his bow: "Surrender now, and I will grant you a whole corpse."

The Prince of Jin was both shocked and furious.

Who sent the assassins before no longer mattered, just as at this moment, the reason for Xiao Yunlang's appearance here was irrelevant.

If the Prince of Jin survived, he would naturally find out. If he didn't...

The Prince of Jin's gaze slowly shifted from Xiao Yunlang's face to the area behind him.

The figures were unclear; he couldn't tell which side had more men.

Suddenly, the Prince of Jin burst into loud laughter.

Xiao Yunlang's birth was inferior to his, his life was inferior to his—the son of a deposed consort! While he enjoyed silks and delicacies in the palace, Xiao Yunlang was still fighting beasts for scraps in the cold palace!

Even the emperor's appointment of Xiao Yunlang as Crown Prince was merely to counterbalance him and the noble families—a target meant to be used and then shot down. And now, this target dared to point an arrow at him.

Demand his surrender?

The Prince of Jin laughed until he was spent, his lips curling: "The son of a lowly servant girl—how dare you?"

Xiao Yunlang's stern face was illuminated by the sky's light. The two brothers met on a narrow path: one bathed in light, calm and composed; the other half of his face shrouded in the shadow of the wall, sinister and twisted.

The Prince of Jin stared fixedly at Xiao Yunlang, seemingly unwilling to miss any flicker of emotion on his face. Even the slightest hint would do; he wanted to see Xiao Yunlang provoked.

But Xiao Yunlang merely drew his blade with icy detachment.

The gleaming edge of the sword flashed past Xiao Yunlang's brows. The Crown Prince gave the order with a single word.

"Kill."

Behind him, the Marquis of Zhenxi and the soldiers raised their arms and roared: "Kill—!"

As the battle cries rose, flocks of birds from the trees lining the palace walls took flight in panic, flapping their wings wildly to escape the splattering bloodshed.

Inside the palace, Jiang Yanzhou, who was accompanying Emperor Yonghe to seek temporary refuge in the Jing'an Hall, seemed to sense something. He looked up toward the direction from which the startled birds had flown.

Deyu, thinking he couldn't walk anymore, hurried over to support him: "Your Highness."

Jiang Yanzhou subtly withdrew his gaze, rested his arm on Deyu's, and was helped into the Jing'an Hall.

Emperor Yonghe's anger had not subsided, and he was still shaken: "Someone, bring Imperial Concubine Wei here! I want to see if the Prince of Jin truly intends to disregard even his own mother!"

Imperial Concubine Wei, without makeup or hairpins, was brought up in complete ignorance. She was just about to start crying and play the victim when Emperor Yonghe grabbed something nearby and hurled it at her knees.

"The fine son you raised, huh? The fine son you raised! He dares to rebel—treacherous, ambitious, with the heart of a wolf!"

Imperial Concubine Wei stood frozen in place. Confined deep within the palace, messages couldn't get out or in. She truly had no knowledge of the Prince of Jin and the Wei family's recent schemes.

Fengjin... has rebelled?

Rebelled... well, rebelling is good too. But what about her? The emperor could easily kill her now. Did Fengjin no longer want his mother?

Why didn't he rescue her first before making his move?

Imperial Concubine Wei's mind was in turmoil. The thought that she might truly have been abandoned by both her family and her son left her somewhat disheartened.

Emperor Yonghe showed no tenderness or pity: "Speak! When did you start plotting? Confess truthfully!"

Imperial Concubine Wei was utterly distraught: "I... your servant knows nothing..." In her panic, she pinched herself hard, trying desperately to steady her nerves. "How could Feng'er possibly rebel, Your Majesty? There must be some misunderstanding!"

"Misunderstanding?" Emperor Yonghe sneered. "He's about to breach the Xuande Gate! What misunderstanding could there be!"

The Imperial Guards and the little eunuch who gave false testimony were also present. The eunuch still felt somewhat guilty, but with the Imperial Guards' blades at his side, he could only lower his head, not daring to look around.

"If you refuse to talk, then we'll wait until he's captured. Before he's taken to the Meridian Gate for execution, he can tell us himself!"

Emperor Yonghe's face remained flushed crimson with anger, the color not receding. Shuang Quan kept fanning him and pouring tea, softly urging His Majesty to take care of his health.

Jiang Yanzhou fidgeted with his sleeve. Everyone was waiting for news.

It's fine, don't be nervous, he told himself over and over. Xiao Yunlang was heaven's chosen, and they had done all that was humanly possible. There was no way they could lose.

It's just... when you like and care for someone, your heart becomes like a kite, its string tied to that person. If he is safe, the kite can soar happily; if he is in danger, the kite sinks.

Or perhaps the one you long for is the wind, and wherever he blows, I will follow.

If everyone could make wishes during the Lantern Festival, could the wish he didn't make then be used today?

Jiang Yanzhou silently made a wish in his heart: May Xiao Yunlang be safe and sound, and may all things go smoothly for him.

The peace knot symbolizing safety was being carried by Xiao Yunlang.

But not at his waist—it was tucked inside his robe.

Prince of Jin's men were nothing but a motley crew, most lacking the dauntless courage to face death. They fought timidly, and as they saw the disadvantage, some began crying for their parents and begging to surrender. Soon, they were utterly routed.

Xiao Yunlang had twenty thousand border troops plus the imperial guards who arrived later, totaling about thirty thousand men. They surrounded Prince of Jin, wrapping him up like a dumpling.

The dumpling grew smaller and smaller until, finally, only the core of the filling was left.

Three bodyguards who had stayed by Prince of Jin's side, severely wounded, still insisted on protecting their master.

Xiao Yunlang stepped forward. Though not on horseback at this moment, his gaze remained lofty, looking down contemptuously at Xiao Fengjin.

Prince of Jin had been stabbed in the leg, unsteady on his feet. Pushing aside the bodyguard in front of him, bleeding and panting heavily, he stumbled to stand before Xiao Yunlang.

"The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit... I couldn't contend with you."

Xiao Yunlang said nothing.

Xiao Fengjin's hair was disheveled. His leg trembled from blood loss, but he still tried to straighten his back, as if he were still a prince adorned with glory and wealth, not a defeated man at the end of his rope.

"Actually, among us brothers, you are the most like Father. Thin blood ties, cold and unfeeling. People like you are the most ruthless and suited for that lonely, exalted position."

"I lost, and I can accept defeat. But life and death—I will decide for myself!"

As he spoke, he raised his sword to slash his own throat. But Xiao Yunlang's blade was faster, slicing off Prince of Jin's arm in one stroke. Prince of Jin fell to the ground with a scream, along with his sword. His last remaining guard desperately tried to help him up. "Your Highness!"

Xiao Yunlang flicked the blood off his blade as if shaking off something filthy. He said coldly, "Stop flattering the old man, and stop flattering yourself. I am myself, unlike anyone. And you—"

"Just what do you think you are?"

"'The victor becomes king, the loser a bandit' at least requires evenly matched opponents. A vile scoundrel, still thinking himself a hero at his end." Xiao Yunlang continued, "You colluded with enemy states, caused soldiers to die miserably, allowed the Wei family to seize land, plunging the people into misery. Xiao Fengjin, how dare you compare yourself to me?"

Prince of Jin screamed, unable to hear a single word. He writhed on the ground in unbearable agony.

Xiao Yunlang watched indifferently: Decide life and death for yourself? Wishful thinking.

"Take him away, send him to the imperial prison. Call a physician; don't let him die just yet." Xiao Yunlang ordered, "I want his head to fall amid the curses of thousands, to let the world see the face of a traitor who colluded with the enemy and betrayed the state."

The lives of the soldiers, the cut on Jiang Yanzhou's neck—Prince of Jin could forget about taking his own life and dying so easily.

Crows, drawn by the scent of blood, had alighted on the palace walls and trees at some point. Boldly, amidst the clamor, they stared fixedly at the flesh below emitting the stench of death, flapping their wings, eager to act.

Xiao Yunlang sheathed his sword, took out the jade pendant with a red tassel from inside his robe, and fastened it at his waist again.

Thin blood ties, so what?

Perhaps he had once been a solitary figure, but now those words had nothing to do with him.

Because he had Jiang Yanzhou.

They say it's lonely at the top, but that's only because some people, once they reach those positions, lose their hearts. For power and profit, they can abandon everything, gradually losing their humanity.

Xiao Yunlang was absolutely nothing like Emperor Yonghe. What Emperor Yonghe dared not do, he dared.

He would take Jiang Yanzhou with him to the heights.

He could even give his life. This land and rivers, which others were reluctant to part with, he could share with Jiang Yanzhou.

In all of Xiao Yunlang's prosperity, Jiang Yanzhou would have half.

*

Inside the Jing'an Hall, after Emperor Yonghe finished venting his anger, the room fell into deep silence. No one had spoken for a long time.

When the imperial guards sent to investigate the situation returned, everyone immediately turned their gazes upon him.

The imperial guard brought good news.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the leader of the rebels, Prince of Jin Xiao Fengjin, has been captured. He lost an arm, and a physician is currently trying to keep him alive. The rest are either dead or have surrendered. We are still counting the prisoners."

"Additionally, Marquis of Zhenxi has led troops to surround the residences of the Wei family and others who assisted Prince of Jin in the rebellion. Awaiting Your Majesty's instructions!"

Emperor Yonghe immediately let out a long sigh of relief, his tightly clenched fingers relaxing. Imperial Concubine Wei, however, let out a sharp cry, her eyes instantly reddening. "Lost an arm?! How bad is it? How is he now? Let me go see him, let me see him! My son, my son!"

Imperial Concubine Wei wailed and cried. Emperor Yonghe frowned in disgust. "It was all your Wei family's instigation that led him to this! Since I ascended the throne, I have treated your Wei family well. It is you people, insatiably greedy, who brought this upon yourselves!"

"Your Majesty! Emperor!" Imperial Concubine Wei, tears streaming, stared at him with a mix of grief and venom. "He is also your son, your own flesh and blood! Did you ever show him the slightest care? You say he brought it upon himself? What fine words! A foolish emperor! He reached this point clearly because you pushed him!"

The words "foolish emperor" successfully stirred Emperor Yonghe's barely calmed emotions. He slammed the table and shouted, "Preposterous! Vicious woman spouting nonsense!"

"I am a vicious woman, then you are a foolish, tyrannical emperor, outwardly strong but inwardly weak, a worthless villain!" Imperial Concubine Wei struggled as the guards held her. "If you have the guts, kill me! Even as a ghost in the underworld, I will not let you off!"

Imperial Concubine Wei struggled more and more violently. The guards seemed unable to hold her and "accidentally" lost their grip for a moment.

No one expected Imperial Concubine Wei to break free. She lunged straight at the emperor. Emperor Yonghe, unable to react in time, was knocked backward, his head hitting the back of the long couch with a heavy thud.

A dull "thud" sounded, heard clearly by everyone.

The guards hastily pressed Imperial Concubine Wei down again.

Emperor Yonghe slumped on the long couch, his ears ringing, momentarily dazed. It wasn't until Shuang Quan screamed, "Blood, blood! Summon the imperial physician quickly, and the Young Miracle Doctor! Hurry, Your Majesty!" that he reacted.

Emperor Yonghe belatedly felt the pain. He reached out dazedly to touch the back of his head and felt a sticky wetness.

Bringing his hand before his eyes, he saw it was blood.

Emperor Yonghe stared fixedly at his bloodied hand. His sluggish mind seemed not yet to comprehend whose blood it was before his vision went dark, and he fainted.

When he woke again, he was back in his own bedchamber.

Pale yellow bright curtains hung around him. As soon as he opened his eyes, Shuang Quan, eyes red, leaned in. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, you're finally awake!"

Shuang Quan wiped his eyes and turned to instruct the palace attendants, "Go quickly and inform the Crown Prince that His Majesty has awakened."

The words "Crown Prince" seemed to strike a chord. Emperor Yonghe's body twitched. He was fully awake now and wanted to speak, but his voice came out not only hoarse but also broken. "He... how did he... ah..."

Emperor Yonghe froze, then his eyes flew wide with terror.

What had happened to his speech!?

But the worst was yet to come.

When he tried to sit up abruptly, he found he had no strength at all in his body. It wasn’t a feeling of soft weakness, but rather as if a great weight was pinning down his frame, leaving his whole body stiff and twitching.

With great effort, Emperor Yonghe managed, with a tremor, to lift one arm halfway, only to watch it nearly fall back down.

Shuang Quan hurriedly grasped the emperor’s hand: “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, please listen to this servant. The Young Miracle Doctor and the imperial physicians have all examined you. They said…”

“Shu… shut up!”

Emperor Yonghe struggled forcefully, trying to make Shuang Quan let go. Knowing his temperament, Shuang Quan let go, tears in his eyes, watching as Emperor Yonghe put all his effort into it, over and over, attempting to sit upright by his own strength.

But no matter how desperately he tried, it was ultimately futile.

Emperor Yonghe lay sprawled out, staring incredulously at the canopy above, gasping for air.

Only then did Shuang Quan edge forward again, carefully, helping him sit up and feeding him a few sips of tea. With great effort, Emperor Yonghe turned his head and was startled to realize someone else had been standing by the table all along.

Xiao Yunlang stood with his arms crossed. He had entered without announcement, silently, and had been standing there—who knew for how long—watching Emperor Yonghe’s humiliating struggle.

“The Young Miracle Doctor did his best to save your life, but from now on, you’ll be paralyzed. Your speech will remain like this—slurred, worse than an old man in his dotage.” Unlike Shuang Quan, Xiao Yunlang showed no consideration for the patient’s feelings, coldly hurling the facts in his face.

Emperor Yonghe’s chest heaved: “Reb… rebel…”

“Rebellious son?”

Xiao Yunlang’s tone was icy. “Let me tell you some good news. The Wei, Su, and Zhang families followed the Prince of Jin in rebellion. Young Marquis Wei left the capital long before today, heading back to Yuzhou to serve as their contingency. If the Prince of Jin failed, guess whether the other noble families might decide to go all the way and outright rebel?”

Xiao Yunlang didn’t tell him that Young Marquis Wei had long been captured by his men. Hearing this, Emperor Yonghe’s vision darkened, and he almost couldn’t breathe.

“Your Majesty, oh, Your Majesty!” Shuang Quan quickly helped him catch his breath.

When he had finally recovered somewhat, Xiao Yunlang spoke again: “The opportunity to excise the tumor of the noble families is right before you. Besides me, you have no one else you can use. You may be paralyzed on your bed, but court affairs still need someone to manage.”

Xiao Yunlang, originally sarcastic and mocking, suddenly grew much calmer here.

“Your Majesty.”

“Once, you left me no choice—no choice in birth, no choice in my path forward. Now, you have no choice either.”

Emperor Yonghe had once needed a crown prince as a target, set up before everyone. Now, Xiao Yunlang needed an empty-shell emperor, and Emperor Yonghe—speechless and paralyzed in bed—was perfectly suited.

The tables have turned. Finally, it was Emperor Yonghe’s turn to reap what he had sown.

Emperor Yonghe stopped trying to speak with that idiotic, slurring voice. He strained his neck, veins bulging, wanting to confront Xiao Yunlang face-to-face.

But even this, without help, was something he could no longer achieve.

Xiao Yunlang remained unmoved, coldly watching him for a moment before turning to leave.

Shuang Quan followed, calling softly: “Your Highness.”

Xiao Yunlang didn’t turn back: “You are a longtime servant in his attendance.”

Shuang Quan bowed his head even lower: “Yes.”

“From now on, you will continue to serve him. If anything happens, send word to the Eastern Palace. Do well, and I promise you a peaceful end to your days.”

Shuang Quan’s eyes welled up with tears. Restraining his voice, he knelt and kowtowed: “Thank you for Your Highness’s grace!”

The hall was filled with the smell of medicine mixed with Emperor Yonghe’s stale aura, making it unbearable. As Xiao Yunlang stepped out of the hall, he faintly heard a hoarse, drawn-out howl from inside—like the final, furious, and powerless cry of an aged beast.

He stepped out of the room and ignored it.

Outside the courtyard, guards knelt in uniform rows. Only one person stood, the bright pearls before him dazzling.

It was his crown princess.

Unharmed and having waited obediently, Jiang Yanzhou spoke: “Your Highness.”

Neither of them had broken their promise.

Xiao Yunlang strode forward and, without a word, suddenly scooped him up with one arm. Amid Jiang Yanzhou’s soft exclamation, he spun him around once.

Jiang Yanzhou’s robes flared like blooming flowers, swaying gracefully in the wind.

After stopping, Xiao Yunlang set him back on the ground and nuzzled his forehead.

A faint smile appeared at the corner of Jiang Yanzhou’s lips. He could sense Xiao Yunlang’s relief and contentment after all the hardships. His Highness was very happy.

He was very happy too.

They were so close their breaths mingled, and their voices were for only the two of them to hear: “I’ve come to take you.”

Jiang Yanzhou: “Mm.”

“Home.”

“Mm!”

Jiang Yanzhou was enveloped in warm hands. In his heart, he whispered softly: I want to go home with this person.

Wherever Xiao Yunlang was, that was his home.

After countless dangers and obstacles, the clouds part to reveal the bright moon.