PM - 67

Wei Shixing escorted Prince Jing into the capital, and the man was promptly delivered to the prison of the official bureau. After everything was settled, Wei immediately presented a prepared memorial to the young emperor.

Inside the canopy, the young emperor opened the bamboo slips and scanned them briefly. “You’ve worked hard, Lord Wei. Since the White Dew, you have been investigating this case for exactly three months. Traveling during the New Year must have left your family feeling neglected. Now that you’ve returned to the capital, take two days to rest before proceeding with the investigation.”

Wei Shixing bowed deeply. “Your Majesty has shown me great favor by promoting me from Chief Justice to Prefect of the Capital. Your kindness is something I can never fully repay.” Beyond official matters, it was natural to exchange pleasantries. He clasped his hands behind his back, warmly appraising the young emperor. “How has Your Majesty fared recently? You seem to be in good health; I assume the situation in court has stabilized?”

The young emperor hummed in acknowledgment. “I am well. Lord Wei, being away from the capital, you may not know that there were no major disturbances. The six imperial seals were smoothly recovered.”

Wei Shixing smiled. “I have heard about it. Congratulations, Your Majesty. Ultimately, the empire belongs to the Yuan clan. Now that Your Majesty has married and reached the age of sixteen, even if the chancellor was reluctant, he could not withhold the seals indefinitely. However, has Your Majesty heard the saying, ‘If you don’t kill a snake completely, it will harm you later’? Yan Xiang can veto memorials and holds command over the capital’s military power. For Your Majesty, this remains a hidden danger that cannot be ignored.”

The Grand Tutor accompanying him agreed. “Recovering the six seals is only a small step toward success. In my view, the chancellor’s power still rivals the throne. Yan Xiang can still restrain Your Majesty. Has Your Majesty considered thoroughly eliminating those who threaten your position? The chancellor’s submission is only temporary; once he decides to act, what will Your Majesty use to suppress him? How can an emperor without military power truly rule the empire? Your Majesty once mentioned reestablishing the Eight Colonels—why isn’t it being discussed now?”

The young emperor furrowed her brow. Being pressured to do something she didn’t want to do made her feel resentful. But she couldn’t lose her temper, as doing so might give rise to unwelcome thoughts among her trusted ministers, potentially backfiring.

She sighed. “Recently, there have been too many frequent changes in official appointments, likely unsettling the court and the public. Reinstating the Eight Colonels requires trustworthy generals. Having just assumed personal rule, I need time to assess their capabilities before assigning positions. Though the rank of colonel may not be high, its responsibilities are significant, so we cannot afford to be careless.”

The Grand Tutor fell silent, his lips downturned. Wei Shixing interjected, “Your Majesty’s concerns are clear. If we recklessly mobilize troops, causing unrest in the army, the cost would be too high. Sometimes inaction is better than action. I believe Your Majesty should approach this differently, systematically stripping the chancellor of his powers.” As he spoke, he withdrew a scroll tied with red silk from his sleeve. “For Your Majesty to revive Great Yin, you cannot allow yourself to be restrained. These are the crimes of the Yan clan elders, which I have meticulously investigated. They indeed have intricate ties to Prince Jing.”

In truth, it was natural for prominent families to maintain connections with local officials and gentry. No one could rely solely on reputation to survive; they needed protection and support within the political system. Prince Jing, being the son of Emperor Wen, had noble blood and a distinguished background. If the Yan clan had no dealings with his office, that would be the real anomaly.

She lowered her head, touching the scroll. “Lord Wei, you may speak freely about your thoughts.”

“It depends on Your Majesty’s intentions,” Wei Shixing replied. “The tenuous connection between the Yan clan and the chancellor alone is insufficient to bring down the chancellor. To avoid unnecessary detours, we must seize the crux of the matter. The best approach is to bind the Yan clan and the chancellor together. Thus, any damage to one affects the other, giving Your Majesty ample reason to deal with him as you see fit.”

The young emperor fell silent, pondering for a long while. Two scrolls lay before her, and she had to choose: either deal with Prince Jing alone or eliminate everyone involved.

Her hand, adorned with tiger-patterned cuffs, rose, fingertips wavering between the two scrolls. After a moment’s hesitation, she picked up the one tied with red silk and placed it on the lacquered table used for court discussions.

The Grand Tutor and Wei Shixing exchanged glances, both exhaling in relief.

“I want you to impeach the chancellor, but I won’t take action against him yet. First, fill two positions among the Eight Colonels: the Cavalry Colonel and the Infantry Colonel. With these, along with the Longshui and Hu Cavalry Colonels, I’ll have four men under my command, allowing me to counterbalance the chancellor.” Her expression gradually darkened. “There is another urgent matter troubling me greatly—the rumor ‘The female phoenix enters Deyang.’ Have you, Master, and Lord Wei, heard of it?”

Deyang was the main hall of the northern palace, used for autumn and winter audiences, even more prestigious than the Chufen Hall of the southern palace. A female phoenix entering Deyang symbolized the reversal of yin and yang, chaos in the universe. Such a treasonous rumor could not be allowed to spread unchecked!

Wei Shixing immediately raised his hands in salute. “After returning to the bureau, I will investigate this matter immediately. Your Majesty need not be troubled. Give me half a month, and I will surely uncover those spreading the rumors.”

She nodded pensively. “Slander reveals blatant rebellion!” Turning slightly, she let them examine her closely. “Do I really resemble a woman?”

Her words instantly shocked the two senior ministers. “Your Majesty has not yet reached adulthood, and with constant concern for state affairs, you appear somewhat thin. How could you resemble a woman?”

They were right. People ate grains and vegetables; some went gray-haired in their youth, while others remained youthful well into their thirties. One couldn’t generalize. The young emperor touched her face and suddenly chuckled. “These people truly go to great lengths. If I’m a woman, then the throne doesn’t belong to me, and the lords divide the land, governing independently… Sacrificing the common people for personal gain—such hearts deserve condemnation!”

Wei Shixing had never seen the young emperor gritting her teeth in anger. The wrath of the emperor was indeed terrifying. After leaving the outer chamber, the Grand Tutor continued to admonish him. “This matter is far from simple. When handling it, Lord Wei must not show leniency. The emperor has granted you this authority, and you must relieve her worries. It doesn’t matter if it causes a stir; as long as the instigators are caught, even if the heavens turn upside down, it will be worth it.”

Wei Shixing, whose career was flourishing, was immensely grateful for the young emperor’s promotion. Moreover, a newly appointed official needed to establish authority. Bowing to the Grand Tutor, he said, “Rest assured, Master. This student has a plan.”

His so-called plan was to denounce and expose. Anyone in the marketplace connected to the rumor was detained. The source was traced one by one. Fu Wei, sitting in the palace, though not leaving, could still hear the voices of the people. It was said that for a time, the populace was uneasy, and the rumors gradually subsided. But she knew this was merely a prelude, like the drums before battle, rallying morale before the clash of thousands.

The weather slowly warmed, and the spring breeze brought comfort to the body. She stood before the flower bed in Zhangde Hall. This year, the peach blossoms were more vibrant than ever. Turning her head, she asked Shangguan Zhao, “What do you think? Can the common people accept a woman as emperor?”

Shangguan Zhao was surprised. “Why does Your Majesty ask this? What woman? Those are malicious slanders spread by traitors.”

Whether they were slanders or not, both parties knew the truth. She smiled. “No matter how ambitious, no matter how well one performs, a woman is a woman. Women cannot be emperors. Lately, I’ve been thinking that I can still use the excuse of not yet reaching adulthood, but in five years, what shall I do? I will never grow a beard or an Adam’s apple. If the entire court cannot accept me, whether I can abdicate smoothly will depend on fate.”

Shangguan Zhao had seen her in women’s clothing, beautiful in appearance. Even wearing a man’s crown, her gender could not be mistaken. Youth could serve as an excuse, but after adulthood, no matter how much she disguised herself, she would be recognized at a glance. This was an unavoidable dilemma, seemingly unsolvable.

He didn’t know how to respond. She sighed. “What was my father thinking? He told one lie, and now I must cover it with ten, a hundred more lies. A child should not speak of a father’s mistakes, but I believe he erred in this, leaving endless troubles.”

As they spoke, a eunuch suddenly rushed over from the corridor. Approaching, he bowed and reported that the Empress Dowager had arranged a small banquet in Zhuolong Garden and invited His Majesty to enjoy the music.

Since she was invited, she couldn’t refuse. Before going, she prepared herself. The appointment of the Honorable Marquis’s grandson could not be avoided. As expected, the Empress Dowager first invited her to enjoy a musical piece. A maiden, holding a pipa, played “Six Notes,” singing softly and emotionally, “I light a fire with you, leaving a dim lamp behind.” Amidst the melodious song, the Empress Dowager revisited old topics, advocating again for the promotion of her descendants.

An official position wasn’t particularly valuable, but such persistence was unsettling. Fu Wei wasn’t the type to wear her heart on her sleeve. Despite harboring reservations, she remained outwardly cordial. “It is my fault, making Mother repeatedly remind me. Regarding the appointment of the Honorable Marquis’s grandson as Commander of the Imperial Guard, please rest assured, Mother. I will issue orders to the Secretariat upon my return, commanding them to draft the decree.”

Empress Dowager Liang was satisfied, smiling gently. “Very well. I am also considering Your Majesty’s interests. The palace is the heart of the nation, long controlled by outsiders. How can one feel secure? Now, with our own people in charge, Your Majesty can rest easy.”

Fu Wei kept smiling, pausing briefly before adding, “I have already issued the marriage edict. Mother must know about it, right?”

The Empress Dowager nodded. “I expected the princess to come to the palace to express gratitude, but unexpectedly, she fell ill…”

Fu Wei looked up at the Empress Dowager, smiling brightly. “How does Mother know she is ill?”

The Empress Dowager replied, “She is, after all, a member of the imperial clan. With her parents and family gone, and her upcoming marriage, I should do my part. When she didn’t come, I sent someone to the princess’s residence. They said she was ill and not receiving visitors.”

Fu Wei lowered her head, refraining from further discussion. After lingering a while, she departed from Zhuolong Garden.

Recently, the Empress Dowager seemed somewhat unusual. Previously, she was someone uninterested in political affairs. After the late emperor’s passing, with three regents handling state matters, no one had asked her to preside over the court. She lived quietly in Yong’an Palace, rarely engaging with the outside world. Now, learning that the young emperor had assumed personal rule and no longer needed anyone else’s assistance, she began promoting relatives. Presumably, speaking with the young emperor was easier than with the chancellor!

Speaking of the chancellor, she missed him. Since the second day of the new year, all discussions had been about state affairs, leaving no opportunity to be alone with him. With rumors flying everywhere, they had to avoid suspicion. Acting appropriately in front of the officials, who knew how much drool she shed looking at him from afar.

“To the Chancellor’s office—I wish to discuss the appointment of the Commander of the Imperial Guard with Father Chancellor.” She turned to address Hulü Puzhao, somewhat explaining. Naturally, no one around her would stop her. Exiting through the Vermilion Bird Gate of the northern palace, she headed south, eventually winding her way into the official bureau.

The Chief Clerk greeted her, saying the chancellor was reviewing records in the Orchid Pavilion. She remained unruffled. “I planned to visit the Cloud Terrace anyway, so let’s go to the western palace.”

The Cloud Terrace, inside the White Tiger Gate, was the emperor’s treasure room, housing collections from past emperors. The Orchid Pavilion, north of the Cloud Terrace, was the largest library in the palace. Over twenty thousand books collected by Duke Jing last time were sent there. After the winter solstice, she had been busy and hadn’t found time to visit again.

The learned chancellor, despite his vast knowledge, remained eager to learn. She walked leisurely, hands clasped behind her back, ascending the elevated walkway. Spring’s scenery in the imperial city was splendid. Standing high, she gazed afar, seeing clusters of blooming peach blossoms amidst the densely packed houses. There were so many, patches of water-red extending endlessly, like clouds and mist spreading everywhere.

The Orchid Pavilion’s library had designated spaces for work. Deep among the bookshelves, a small room was partitioned off, equipped with two desks and writing tools for correcting errors. Guided by the Recorder, she found the chancellor seated at a desk, reviewing provincial and county accounts.

The chancellor looked up upon hearing footsteps and was surprised to see her. He quickly rose and bowed deeply. She waved her sleeve, motioning for him to rise. “I’ve just come from the Northern Palace. The Empress Dowager mentioned promoting the Honorable Marquis’s grandson again, and I have already agreed.”

The chancellor remained silent, his brows slightly furrowed. A beam of spring sunlight fell on the kui dragon cloud pattern on his shoulder, its glaring eyes seemingly ready to burst.

Seeing the emperor and chancellor discussing state affairs, the recorder bowed and withdrew. She paced with her hands tucked into her sleeves on the thick matting, speaking softly. “There are some things I’ve been unable to comprehend, feeling as though layers of mist obscure my vision. Perhaps I’ve been too stubborn, trying to force everything to align with my plans, suppressing too much, unable to act, thus leaving myself in a passive position.”

The chancellor nodded very slowly. “Has Your Majesty uncovered something?”

She replied, “Not exactly uncovered—just being more cautious. Father Chancellor need not worry about palace matters; I can handle them myself. There is one more thing I wish to discuss with you. Yesterday, Wei Shixing returned to the capital to report and delivered the case files on Prince Jing to me.”

He hummed in acknowledgment. “I know. They accused the Yan clan of colluding with Prince Jing and impeached me as the mastermind behind the Yan clan.”

Upon hearing this, her face stretched long. “Among my trusted aides, how many are your spies? I am the emperor! To monitor me is a grave offense.”

He was unperturbed. “Does Your Majesty resent it? Are there matters you wish to conceal from me?” He turned, rolled up the bamboo slips, and placed them back on the bookshelf, speaking indifferently. “My actions are not to control Your Majesty’s governance but to secure my own safety. Otherwise, how would I know whom Your Majesty touched today or who might carry you back to the inner chambers tomorrow because you refused to walk?”

She hissed sharply, sucking in a breath. “When did I ever refuse to walk and have someone carry me back? I’m not a child! That time was just an excuse—we claimed I sprained my ankle. Don’t try to frame me.”

He turned back, smirking at her. “Is that so?”

She glared at him. “Vinegar jar, Yan Sixth Brother.”

The chancellor’s expression changed drastically. “Don’t say that! I forbid it!”

She stuck her tongue out at him. “I’ll say it my whole life since I’ve caught you red-handed.”

The chancellor’s heart surged, his chest aching with anger. Reflecting again on his lack of vigor, mocked by her without rebuttal, he could only endure. Thus, he tactfully changed the subject. “So, how does Your Majesty plan to handle this matter? I mean the issue with the Yan clan.”

She leaned against the window, gazing outside. To the north was the imperial review platform used for inspecting the palace guards. The vast building was towering, almost obscuring the view of the empress’s Changqiu Palace.

“Yuan Han has lost contact with them. Perhaps they think you’ve discovered their tracks and will temporarily observe. Or perhaps they’ll be provoked into making a desperate move.” Leaning against the lattice, she squinted at him. “If I said I wanted to lure the enemy deeper, would Father Chancellor object?”

He let his hands hang, broad sleeves trailing on the ground. Her intentions were clear without further inquiry. “Surrendering the six seals wasn’t enough; you’re still eyeing the military power in my hands, aren’t you?”

His words hit the mark, leaving her somewhat embarrassed. “Must you phrase it so harshly? You were the one who suggested it last time—told me to marginalize you, forcing you out of court, so those villains would surface.”

This person never missed an opportunity to benefit himself. He admitted, “That was my plan. So, Your Majesty began placing trusted allies, ensuring that even if I regain command of both armies, I’d only retrieve half the military power, correct?”

Having such a perceptive person was troublesome. If only he were a bit duller, easier to fool, both their lives would be happier.

She kicked the copper pendant hanging from silk ribbons under the curtain. “I didn’t take it all—I left half for you. Not only can you veto my edicts, but you also hold half the military power of the capital. Which chancellor in history wielded as much power as you? Besides, one must have a conscience. I spent twenty thousand gold on Lingjun’s marriage, but you? Not a single coin—and you quibble with me over appointing two colonels.”

Her expression betrayed a sense of being wronged. He had no choice but to yield repeatedly. “Fine, arrange as you wish. In a while, I’ll request a mission to inspect the entire army. Court matters will be entirely up to you.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Are you angry?”

He denied it. “Your Majesty is now powerful enough, no longer needing me to oversee the state. I remember telling you—the Western Regions Protectorate has had poor conduct these past two years. The protector is timid, officials corrupt. I’ve always wanted to rectify it but have been unable due to distance, delaying until now.”

Regardless of his words, she could detect a tone of disappointment. Immediately, she felt both shame and guilt, tugging at his sleeve. “I was wrong. It was thoughtless of me to strain our relationship over half the military power. Since you dislike it, I won’t replace the colonels. After all, no matter how important those things are, they can’t compare to you.” With that, she embraced his waist, burying her face in his chest. “Don’t be angry, don’t go beyond the passes. If you leave, won’t I be all alone? Just thinking about it scares me. I don’t want us to part.”

She was ultimately too young. Despite her remarkable abilities, ten years of dependency had formed a habit—breaking it would require scraping the bone.

To show his resolve, his tone grew firm. “Sooner or later, I must go. Can we simply neglect the gateway to the Western Regions?”

“Let someone else go.” She urged hastily. “The matters in Shuofang have been mostly resolved. Issue an edict and send the Grand Marshal to check on it along the way.” Yet he still appeared hesitant, which annoyed her. “What is it with you? After having your way, do you intend to leave? If you go, don’t blame me for not maintaining virtue. You’ll cry then, I tell you!”

These words struck a nerve. Flustered and wary of the historians recording nearby, he pressed her against the bookshelf, his voice low in warning. “You dare!”

“I’ll dare if you leave.” The edge of the bookshelf dug into her back, but she straightened her spine, defiantly retorting, accompanied by a cold laugh.

He curled one corner of his lips. “Do you think I can’t do anything about you? Once I deal with Nie Lingjun and Shangguan Zhao, let’s see how you maintain virtue.”

This man was truly malicious. She gritted her teeth in anger, locking eyes with him, nose to nose, eyelashes brushing against each other. Pretending ferocity, he asked, “Did you finish drinking the medicine sent last time?”

She ignored him. “What does it matter to you whether I drank it or not!”

Of course, it mattered greatly to him. The precious medicine, taken for seven days, ensured safety for an entire year. The chancellor was petty indeed. His poor performance last time gnawed at him to this day, constantly plotting ways to shed the title of Sixth Brother. The numbers six and fourteen in the memorials—he couldn’t bear to look at them directly anymore. Heart ailments required heart remedies, and without consulting her, he lifted her black robe and pressed himself tightly against her.