#223: Extra #Four - Darkness (1)

On the fifteenth day of the first month in the seventh year of Rongshun, the Grand Tutor was ambushed and his fate remained unknown—it was an ominous day.

The day had begun smoothly.

The emperor hosted a grand banquet at the imperial garden for the court officials and their families. As a first-rank titled lady, Shen Xiling naturally accompanied Qi Cheng to attend the feast alongside Qi Yin.

This year, Cheng would soon turn five, while the emperor, compared to when he first ascended the throne, had grown considerably.

He had grown taller, his features resembling his mother’s more closely, but his demeanor bore a striking likeness to the young emperor’s father—exuding a certain charm. However, in Qi Yin’s presence, he dared not act frivolously and instead maintained great respect. Upon seeing the Grand Tutor’s family arrive, he personally rose to greet them, repeatedly addressing Qi Yin as “Teacher.”

This was Qi Cheng’s first proper meeting with the young emperor—though not entirely accurate, since the emperor had visited the Qi estate shortly after Cheng’s birth to congratulate them. Still, Cheng had been an infant then, with no recollection of the event.

Now, this was their formal introduction. Cheng bowed to the emperor according to protocol, but the emperor immediately stepped forward to help him up, saying warmly, “Cheng is still young; there’s no need for such formalities. Quickly take your seat with Teacher.”

Though young, Cheng already understood propriety and the principles of hierarchy. He knew that being treated so kindly by the emperor was unusual. Yet, he felt no gratitude toward the emperor, for he had learned from Uncle Han about past grievances—how his parents had suffered greatly at the hands of the imperial family.

“Victors write history, losers fade away,” Uncle Han had once taught him. “Cheng, the world’s principles may seem intricate and elegant, but in truth, they boil down to just these eight words.”

“Your father is merciful and treats the defeated with leniency. But if roles were reversed, others might not extend him the same courtesy,” Uncle Han continued, his gaze as profound as ever. “Cheng, this world will one day belong to the young. The path you choose must ultimately be your own.”

His path?

Cheng vaguely grasped Uncle Han’s meaning, though he couldn’t articulate it clearly. He knew Uncle Han deeply respected his father, yet now he sensed that the teacher also harbored some disapproval of certain decisions his father had made…

It was all rather complex.

But such musings were ill-suited for a festive occasion. The Lantern Festival was a time for joy and revelry. After leaving the palace, Cheng’s family returned to the main estate to pay respects to his grandparents. There, he reunited with his siblings, and the children naturally delighted in each other’s company. As night fell, they ventured into the streets to admire the lanterns.

Shen Xiling had her own memories of lantern viewing during the Lantern Festival. Over a decade ago, she had joined the Qi family to celebrate in much the same way.

Back then, she was still very young and newly arrived at Qi Yin’s side. He had been aloof toward her at the time, but now, they had a child of their own.

The passage of time filled Shen Xiling with both wonder and warmth. Happily, she lavished the children with lanterns, sparing no expense. Whatever they desired, she bought for them, delighting Tai’er, Nian’er, and the others.

Hui’er, who had come of age, was the most sensible and gently urged her aunt not to spend so extravagantly. Shen Xiling laughed it off, telling her not to worry. “Today is a festival—it’s alright to indulge a little. I see Tai’er and the others have been cooped up for too long; they need a chance to breathe.”

Tai’er immediately cheered, hailing her as “Auntie Supreme Commander,” while Nian’er jumped and squealed in excitement. Though Cheng said nothing, his bright, expressive eyes sparkled with joy.

Shen Xiling’s heart swelled even more, and she continued to shower the children with gifts.

The children walked ahead, accompanied by Qi Yun, his wife, and Qi Ning, while Shen Xiling and Qi Yin trailed behind. She gazed around at the bustling night market, marveling at how Jiankang had changed so much over the years.

The magnificent imperial city remained as resplendent as ever, but now it teemed with merchants from all directions, including many from the north speaking Wei dialects. East, west, south, and north converged here, truly embodying the prosperity of a flourishing era.

And she knew how hard-won this prosperity was.

Her heart swelled with comfort and fulfillment. She resolved to continue walking this path for as long as she lived, ensuring the land grew even more peaceful and prosperous. She vowed that the hunger, cold, and displacement she had witnessed years ago during her northern journey would never repeat.

As she reflected on this, a fox-shaped lantern caught her eye—a delicate pink paper creation with an intricately painted fox face.

She looked up to see Qi Yin holding the lantern out to her, his face bathed in its warm glow, softening his features. It reminded her of the Lantern Festival years ago.

Back then, he had also given her a fox lantern, though he hadn’t handed it to her directly. Instead, he’d left it in the carriage, pretending carelessness, and she had retrieved it herself.

Shen Xiling couldn’t help but laugh, lightly swatting him. “I’m not a child anymore—why would I want a lantern?”

Though she spoke dismissively, her eyes sparkled like Cheng’s when he saw the lanterns. Qi Yin smiled knowingly but didn’t call her out, indulgently asking, “I suppose I’m feeling nostalgic. Would you hold onto it for me?”

Shen Xiling, charmed despite herself, reluctantly accepted the lantern, her lips curving upward. Her heart brimmed with sweetness.

She remembered how precious that fox lantern had been to her. Unfortunately, during a quarrel with Miss Zhao from the main house, her room had been thrown into chaos, and both the lantern and her little grasshopper had been crushed underfoot. She had secretly mourned the loss for days.

At the time, it had seemed devastating, but now, looking back, she found it amusing. Shaking her head, she quickly dismissed the memory. Just then, she heard Tai’er calling them from ahead, urging them to join everyone on the main street to view the grand lotus lantern of the season.

This massive lantern was a novelty of the year, nearly two zhang tall and requiring a large cart to move. It was said to have been presented by northern merchants and named “Prosperous Lotus” to celebrate the flourishing unity of the north and south.

Such a spectacle couldn’t be missed. The children were already ecstatic, clamoring for their elders to take them to see it.

However, just at that moment, a plain-looking man in simple robes approached Bai Song, who stood beside Qi Yin, whispering something. Bai Song frowned and relayed the message to Qi Yin.

Shen Xiling recognized the man as an official from the Ministry of Military Affairs. Although Qi Yin no longer directly oversaw the ministry, it remained firmly under his influence. The fact that one of its officials sought him out suggested trouble.

She grew concerned but quickly received a reassuring glance from Qi Yin.

Smiling, he told her amidst the children’s excited calls, “Go ahead and view the lantern. I’ll join you shortly.”

Shen Xiling hesitated, worry etched on her face. Qi Yin pinched her cheek gently, soothing her. “Don’t worry. Everything will be fine.”

Qi Yin departed with Bai Song, leaving guards to protect them discreetly.

Outwardly, Shen Xiling smiled and entertained the children, but inwardly, she was uneasy. No one noticed her unease except Cheng, whose bond with his mother allowed him to sense her anxiety. He stopped playing with his siblings and held her hand, comforting her. “Mother, don’t be afraid. I’m here with you.”

Though only a child, his appearance and demeanor bore a striking resemblance to Qi Yin. Shen Xiling chuckled and bent down to lift him into her arms. Cheng resisted slightly but couldn’t escape, allowing himself to be kissed twice. Fortunately, the grand lotus lantern appeared down the street just then, capturing his siblings’ attention and sparing him potential teasing.

As Cheng silently rejoiced, the towering lotus lantern drew closer.

The bustling street overflowed with laughter and cheers as people marveled at the enormous lantern. The characters “Prosperous Lotus” inscribed on it perfectly matched the occasion. Everyone felt a genuine sense of happiness—the wars were over, and the realm was entering an era of prosperity, wealth, and peace.

They were stepping into a true golden age.

Cheng gazed at the massive lantern.

Though he hadn’t personally experienced the turbulent times of the past, he understood that the dynasty now entering its golden age had been built by his parents.

They… were truly remarkable.

The warm glow of the lantern reflected in Cheng’s eyes, stirring indescribable emotions within him. He began to envision the future—when he grew up, could he follow in his parents’ footsteps? What would he…

Before he could finish his thoughts, disaster struck in the blink of an eye.

Amidst the warm light of the lanterns, icy blades suddenly flashed. A group of black-clad, masked assailants burst forth from the shattered lantern, their eyes gleaming with malice as they charged toward him and his mother!

Piercing screams erupted from the crowd. Innocent bystanders fell, blood splattering everywhere.

In an instant… the golden age turned into hell.

Cheng was too young. As he watched the cold glint of steel closing in on him and his mother, his mind went blank, unable to react.

What overwhelmed him more than fear was sheer helplessness. He saw the danger clearly and wanted to stop them from harming his mother, but his body froze, leaving him cradled tightly in her arms.

His mother turned him away, shielding him with her frail body, protecting him completely from the storm beyond her embrace.

He trembled.

…And in his trembling, he heard the sound of steel piercing flesh.

The injured was his father.

In that critical moment, Qi Yin had rushed back. Though the crowd had descended into chaos, he spotted his wife and son instantly. Against the tide of fleeing people, he reached them, pulling Shen Xiling into his arms just as she had sheltered Cheng. A blade pierced his back; had Bai Song not intervened with a desperate parry, it would have struck his heart.

That night, the main estate was brightly lit.

There was no time to return to Fenghe Garden, so they retreated to the main house. Everyone was in a panic, unsure what to do. The children were nearly paralyzed with fear.

Only Shen Xiling remained composed.

Her expression was impassive, not a single tear shed. She instructed someone to fetch a doctor and requested Xu Zhengning, Lord Xu, to investigate the cause of the chaos.

Unruffled.

The doctor arrived promptly. Fortunately, Bai Song’s intervention had spared Qi Yin from a fatal wound, though the deep cut on his left shoulder caused significant blood loss. He would likely remain unconscious for several days before awakening.

Just as Qi Yin’s condition stabilized, Xu Zhengning hurried in with a report. The assassins hidden in the lantern were from Wei, but further investigation traced their mastermind to someone deeply embedded in the Great Liang court—none other than Marquis Zhongyong, Pan Xian.

Cheng knelt by his father’s bedside and watched as Xu tentatively pulled a letter from his sleeve, handing it to his mother. She glanced at its contents and revealed a chilling smile.

This was unlike any expression Cheng had ever seen on his mother.

In his memory, she was gentle, serene, and sometimes even childishly playful with his father. Never had she shown even a hint of sharpness or anger. Yet now… her eyes glinted with a piercing coldness, brimming with wrath, hatred, and unyielding bitterness.

…A tempest of darkness.

He watched as she folded the letter calmly, tucked it away, and gently adjusted the blanket covering his father. Then, with an emotionless face, she instructed Xu:

“Go to Hualin Garden.”