YCY - 13

Chapter 13: Clouds Conceal Crows, Stealing the Heavens and Replacing the Sun

The eighth day of the eleventh month, Winter Solstice.

At the fifth watch of the night, the palace gates swung open. The three dukes and nine ministers disembarked from their carriages, stepping into the early morning light, groggily making their way to Chongxiao Hall. In the sky, the first rays of dawn were breaking, a few remaining stars blinking lazily. The moon had vanished into the half-lit horizon, the rosy clouds spreading faintly, neither bright nor dim.

The night was over, like the waning moon in the west, melting into the thin glow of dawn and sinking into the bleak winter wind.

The officials entered Chongxiao Hall in small groups, surprised to see a crimson figure already standing inside.

A third-rank official dressed in a scarlet robe embroidered with peacock patterns stepped forward with a bow and a smile, fawningly greeting, “Chancellor Qian, good morning!”

The crimson figure slowly turned around. The previously obsequious official froze upon closer inspection, quickly lowering his head. The chatter among the officials ceased as they stared at Chancellor Qian. His eyelids drooped, his face pale, his eyes cold and sharp, his lips pressed tightly together, his expression icy.

The officials hastily bowed their heads, too afraid to look up. The scarlet-robed official secretly slapped himself, cursing inwardly: Now I’ve done it. Instead of flattering him, I’ve offended him. What an idiot I am! These days, Chancellor Qian holds all the power in You Kingdom. Even the king defers to him. Just the other day, that old bastard Chu Feng was executed and exiled for spreading rumors about the Han family’s young mistress being destined to be the queen. Now I’ve somehow angered Chancellor Qian—what punishment awaits me?

Sweat poured down his back as anxiety consumed him. Suddenly, a voice announced, “His Majesty has arrived.” Startled, he immediately knelt on the ground, summoning courage to shout, “Long live the king, ten thousand years!”

“Rise, my loyal subjects,” came the lazy voice from above. King You, still half-asleep, slouched in his throne. “Chancellor Qian? Why are you still kneeling?”

“Your Majesty!” Qian Qiao Zhi held his ivory tablet and wailed, bowing deeply. “Please, Your Majesty, grant justice to my family!”

“My dear minister, what is your grievance? Rise and speak. Today is the Winter Solstice, and the floor is cold.” King You signaled his personal attendant, Quan Fu, who hurried forward with a whisk and helped Chancellor Qian to his feet.

“Your Majesty, my only son, the beloved nephew of the two empresses…” Qian Qiao Zhi choked, sobbing. “My son Qian Qun… last night, last night!”

King You straightened slightly, asking urgently, “What happened?”

“He… he was brutally beaten to death last night…”

“Ah!” “Hiss~” Gasps erupted throughout the hall.

“Who? Who dared to do such a thing?!” King You slammed his throne, his voice thunderous.

Qian Qiao Zhi wiped his aged eyes, narrowing them. “It was Han Baiqing’s son, Han Yue Xiao!”

“The son of General Han…” King You’s tone darkened as he pondered. “How did they come to such enmity?”

“Last night, my son took a new concubine, originally a maid from the Han household. My son, being kind-hearted, couldn’t resist her pleading and took her back to visit her family, intending to present gifts to the Hans.” Chancellor Qian’s voice rose sharply as he continued, “But before even entering the Han estate, they were driven out violently by the Han siblings. Ever since General Han’s passing, these siblings have harbored resentment toward Empress Shu’s negligence and, by extension, hold deep animosity toward my family. Han Yue Xiao cursed this concubine for her shamelessness in seeking refuge with an enemy. Overwhelmed by shame, the woman threw herself against the stone lion at their gate and died. My son, grief-stricken, exchanged harsh words, but…”

Here, Qian Qiao Zhi covered his face and wept bitterly. “But… Han Yue Xiao’s murderous intent surfaced, and with one punch, he killed my son. Woe is me!”

Murmurs spread through the hall, the officials’ faces filled with indignation.

“After my son’s death!” Qian Qiao Zhi’s throat trembled as he pulled down his sleeve and wailed loudly, “Even after his death, that villain didn’t spare his body—he smashed his head to pieces! Ah!”

King You slammed his throne again, leaping to his feet. “This Han Yue Xiao dares to act so brazenly!”

“Your Majesty!” A young official dressed in navy blue robes of the third rank stepped forward, holding his tablet. “I have something to say.”

“What is it, Minister Luo?”

“Your Majesty! Last night’s events are not as Chancellor Qian described.” Luo Yin fearlessly glanced at the livid Qian Qiao Zhi, then fixed his gaze on the throne.

“Oh?” King You slowly sat back down, stroking his chin.

“Last night, I was working at the Tiange Office. At the second watch, General Han rode in to report a case. He said a female relative of the Han family had gone missing on Qinglong Road and hoped I would handle the matter promptly. However, since the other officials of the Tiange Office had already retired, I promised to open the case today. By the fourth watch, after completing my duties, I was returning home when I passed Xuanwu Road and saw Commander Rong leading troops in haste. Curious, I followed them. When we reached the Han residence, I found Chancellor Qian’s son lying on the ground, while the Han siblings stood nearby, stunned and pale. The Han family’s young mistress had a swollen face, clearly having been assaulted.”

The officials began whispering in small clusters, murmuring amongst themselves.

Ignoring the surrounding gazes, Luo Yin calmly continued. “I got out of my carriage to inquire. It turns out that on Qinglong Road, Young Master Qian forcibly abducted a female relative of the Han family and violated her on the night of the Winter Solstice. Overcome by shame, the woman threw herself against the stone lion at the gate and died. The Han family’s young mistress, overcome with grief and anger, confronted Young Master Qian. But disregarding her youth, Young Master Qian injured the six-year-old girl and insulted the late Lady Han. In a fit of rage, General Han accidentally killed Young Master Qian.”

“Luo Yin! How dare you slander me!” Qian Qiao Zhi pointed at him, shouting furiously. “If it was accidental, why did he desecrate my son’s body afterward?”

“And if someone slandered your mother as a ruined woman, how would you treat them?!” Minister Luo’s voice trembled with fury as he shouted back.

“A ruined woman?” King You narrowed his eyes, looking at Chancellor Qian.

“Your Majesty, do not listen to Luo Yin’s nonsense!” Qian Qiao Zhi’s cheeks twitched as he lifted his robe and knelt again. “Please, Your Majesty, grant justice for my son, for my family!”

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin took two steps forward and knelt abruptly. “General Han acted out of desperation. Please, consider the loyalty of the Han family to the nation and show leniency to General Han!”

“Your Majesty! Though the Han family has been loyal, this Han Yue Xiao is no patriot!” Qian Qiao Zhi interjected urgently, his eyes fixed on King You.

King Qin Chu widened his eyes, his brows furrowed. “Oh? Explain yourself.”

Chancellor Qian straightened his back, gripping his white tablet tightly. “After General Han’s death, Han Yue Xiao took more than two months to return to Fandu. His journey took twice as long as expected—this is suspicious.”

King You lowered his head, sighing, his expression conflicted.

Qian Qiao Zhi crawled forward on his knees, speaking urgently. “After General Han’s grand funeral, Han Yue Xiao only surrendered the commander’s seal after repeated urgings from Your Majesty. But after relinquishing military power, he incited his subordinates—captains, lieutenants, and soldiers—to resign and leave the court. His intentions are alarming. And!”

“And what?” King You leaned forward, pressing him. “Chancellor Qian, speak!”

“I have heard that Han Yue Xiao plans to move eastward with his family, accompanied by several captains and lieutenants. Your Majesty!” Qian Qiao Zhi raised his head, narrowing his eyes. “The southeast’s four provinces are the Han family’s ancestral land, where most of the Han army’s relatives reside. Though I may be judging him unfairly, matters of military power concern the state. Your Majesty must consider this carefully.”

King You clenched his fists, gazing into the distance, his expression complex.

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin shouted, breaking the tense atmosphere in the hall. “I cannot agree with the chancellor’s words.”

King You turned his gaze back, watching Minister Luo silently.

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin raised his white tablet, his face heavy with sorrow. “On the eighth day of the eighth month, General Han fell in battle at Qian City. Afterward, the young general led fewer than twenty thousand Han soldiers through numerous perils to escape the encirclement of Jing and Yong forces. For over forty days, General Liu Zhongyi stationed at the border offered no aid, no support!” He glanced sharply at Chancellor Qian before continuing. “When they finally returned to You Kingdom, exhausted and depleted, it took them another month to reach Fandu. This is verifiable by heaven and earth—how can one accuse the young general of harboring ill intentions?”

“As for surrendering the commander’s seal,” Luo Yin sighed, “I believe the Hans should not be blamed. Upon returning to Fandu, the young general and his sister endured their grief to bury their parents. Two young children, clad in mourning attire, circled the city to bury their parents in the western ancestral graves. Before their sorrow had even subsided, Your Majesty demanded the return of the Han family’s military power. How could they accept this?”

“You! Luo Yin, how dare you!” Chancellor Qian turned his head, his voice icy. “Are you accusing the king of wrongdoing?”

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin’s eyes widened, his tone earnest. “I am not accusing Your Majesty, merely analyzing the situation logically. The Han army is the pillar of You Kingdom, a weapon for the throne. Across three generations, sixteen men of the Han family have died on the battlefield. Their loyalty shines like the sun and moon; their devotion shakes heaven and earth. To strip them of their military power while the general’s body is still warm—how could this not chill their hearts?”

“Ah” “Hmm “ The officials sighed deeply, shaking their heads.

King You frowned, his head bowed, his expression unreadable.

“As for the family’s planned relocation,” Luo Yin continued, “I know a bit about it. Young General Han approached me, hoping I would look after their ancestral estate during their absence. He said this departure was unavoidable.”

“Unavoidable?” King You murmured.

“Yes.” Minister Luo nodded. “Since losing the commander’s seal last month, the young general’s military position has also been revoked. Despite dismissing all their servants, they have struggled financially these past two weeks. The young general decided to return to their ancestral lands, where they still own some farmland to sustain themselves. This move eastward is purely for survival.”

“So that’s how it is.” “General Han was known for his integrity even before his death.” The officials whispered among themselves.

King You thought deeply for a moment before speaking. “If that’s the case…”

“Your Majesty!” Qian Qiao Zhi’s eyes turned cold as he slowly rose from the ground. “The Hans may be loyal, but our Qian family is the true pillar of the kingdom!” Taking two steps forward, he fixed his gaze on King You. “Now that General Han is gone, who else but the Qian family of Fengzhou supports Your Majesty’s reign? Without mentioning my own efforts for Your Majesty and the court—my gray hair and weary body—let us speak of my cousin Liu Zhongyi. He endures harsh conditions guarding the border, commanding a hundred thousand northwest troops to fill the void left by General Han. And let us not forget Fengzhou, the granary of You Kingdom, whose prosperity is the result of five generations of our family’s painstaking efforts.”

The officials stopped their private discussions, their faces shocked. Isn’t this a threat to the king?

King You narrowed his eyes, gripping the throne tightly, leaning forward as he barked, “Chancellor!”

“Your Majesty!” Qian Qiao Zhi advanced step by step, his tone softening. “Our family’s loyalty is solely for Your Majesty and the crown prince. Both my sisters married into the palace, serving you diligently for ten years without rest. Now that the crown prince has come of age, as their uncle, I burn the midnight oil, sacrificing my health, all for the sake of preserving Your Majesty’s throne and my nephew’s future.” Collapsing to the ground, he wailed, “Now that my only son has been cruelly murdered, I ask for nothing but justice!” With that, he raised his head abruptly, crawling toward the throne on hands and knees. “Your Majesty! Debts must be repaid, and murderers must pay with their lives—it is an ancient rule! An unbreakable rule!”

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin clasped his hands and knelt, his face filled with urgency.

“Enough!” King You waved his hand, cutting off Luo Yin’s plea. “Regardless of the Hans’ loyalty, the fact remains that Han Yue Xiao killed Qian Qun.”

“Your Majesty!” Luo Yin gasped. King You glared at him sharply, then turned to the officials. “Where is the Minister of the Tiange Office?”

An official in purple-red robes stepped forward, holding his tablet. “Your humble servant is here.”

“Tell me, according to the law, what punishment should the Han family face for this crime?”

“Your Majesty, according to the laws of You Kingdom, Han Yue Xiao’s brutal murder of Young Master Qian Qun warrants the death penalty. His family should be punished collectively, exiled to a barren land to serve twenty years of hard labor.”

King You pondered deeply, his expression troubled. Qian Qiao Zhi crawled forward on his knees, grabbing the hem of King You’s yellow robe, his eyes blazing as he pressed urgently, “Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty!” Turning his head slightly, King You caught a glimpse of two slender figures behind the curtain—Empress You and Consort Shu, kneeling on the ground, weeping piteously. “Your Majesty, please grant justice for my family!” “Your Majesty, my family line ends here! Woe is me, my poor nephew!”

King You sighed, his face impassive as he addressed the Minister of the Tiange Office. “Carry out the sentence strictly according to the law!”

“Your Majesty! Please, no!” Luo Yin’s voice broke as he collapsed to the ground. “If General Han knew of this, he would never rest in peace! The Han family must not be extinguished! Your Majesty!”

King You irritably waved his hand. “Minister Luo, withdraw.”

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” Minister Luo tightened his grip on his tablet, still attempting to plead.

Suddenly, a cry rang out from behind the curtain. “Consort Shu! Consort Shu!” “Sister! Sister! Your Majesty, she has fainted!”

King You shot to his feet, roaring, “Guards! Remove Minister Luo from the hall with a cane! From today onward, Minister Luo is fined six months’ salary and barred from attending court!”

“Your Majesty! Your Majesty!” Luo Yin was struck repeatedly by the guards, his frail body swaying precariously. “Your Majesty, do not cut off the Han family’s lineage!”

After the commotion subsided, the hall fell silent once more. The officials stood trembling, as if walking on thin ice, their voices subdued.

King You took a deep breath, slowly sitting back down, and gestured to Quan Fu. “Escort the chancellor to rest. Send the imperial physician to examine Consort Shu.”

“Yes.” Quan Fu carefully helped Qian Qiao Zhi to his feet and bowed, leaving the hall.

King You massaged his temples, speaking softly. “All of you, withdraw.”

An elderly official with a white beard swallowed nervously and stammered, “Your Majesty.”

“Hmm?” King Qin Chu’s expression darkened as he stared vacantly.

The old man shivered, speaking quickly. “An envoy from Qing Kingdom has arrived to escort the ninth prince back. They will depart Fandu in three days.”

“Oh, leave this matter to Minister Shen.” King You leaned back in his chair, sighing deeply. “With Jing and Yong growing increasingly hostile, I cannot afford to strain relations with King Qing. Ensure the farewell for the Qing prince is grand and dignified.”

“Understood.”

Outside the palace, on Zhuque Road, stood an elegant mansion. Its crimson gates bore a redwood plaque inscribed with three characters: ? Long Pavilion.

The estate had only three courtyards, and beyond the screen wall, its layout was fully visible. Passing through the vermillion cluster of rooms, one wandered along a long corridor. The courtyard was planted with red maples, a fiery sea of crimson leaves burning brightly against the damp cold of winter. Amidst the dense maple grove stood a figure in white. Her eyebrows were dark green, her eyes slightly upturned, her expression ambiguous, her gaze flowing like autumn waters.

“Oh? So King You has already sentenced Han Yue Xiao?” came a low, steady inquiry.

“Yes. According to my informants, Chancellor Qian pressured King You to sentence General Han to death by law, and the execution is set for the day after tomorrow.”

“Hmph! Truly, fortune favors me!” The exquisite youth plucked a red leaf, gently brushing it against his nose. “That Qian Qun died at just the right time!”

The man in green paused, startled. “Your Highness?”

The youth smiled faintly, his eyes shimmering with charm. “What a gift before my departure!”

“Your humble servant is unworthy.”

“Zhang Fang, tell me—what do you think of Han Yue Xiao?” The youth casually glanced back, his tone languid.

“Based on the battle of Qianzhou and the thousand-mile retreat, Han Yue Xiao is undoubtedly talented!”

“Hehe~” A melodious laugh echoed through the maple grove. “Talented? That’s an understatement.” Though youthful, his voice carried weight. “Consider this: he escaped unscathed from under the claws of General Long Fei of Jing Kingdom, and with his battered troops, he traversed a thousand miles to break through the Seven Winds Formation of Ming Wang of Yong Kingdom. Clearly, this young general is destined for greatness.”

“Your Highness speaks the truth.”

“And furthermore~” The youth tilted his head, gazing at the winter sun. “With him comes the support of the Jiao City Han family. If he raises his voice, the renowned Han army, famed across six kingdoms, could rise again. Zhang Fang, do you understand what this means?”

“Our Qing Kingdom would gain tens of thousands of elite soldiers.”

“Hmph, your vision is still too narrow.” The youth held the maple leaf between his lips, its crimson hue matching his lips perfectly. “If Han Yue Xiao joins Qing Kingdom, it won’t be to serve my father.”

“Your humble servant understands. He would serve Your Highness.”

“Mm.” A gust of wind stirred the red maples, and the youth smiled boyishly. “After Mother’s death, all I have left is my maternal family. My grandfather has no power, no influence—only wealth, the Flameless Sect, and a group of loyal warriors. Within, I have no close kin; without, no ministers. Only you and Cheng Bi have stayed by my side these years.”

The man in green suddenly knelt, tears in his eyes. “Your humble servant swears undying loyalty to Your Highness.”

The youth slowly crouched down, blinking, and smiled mischievously at him. “If I’m not mistaken, the Zhong Lang Mother spoke of endlessly before her death—you’re him, aren’t you?”

The man froze, staring incredulously at the youthful prince, his lips trembling before he abruptly bowed his head.

“Rise. I have no interest in digging up the past.” The youth in white patted his robes, rising slowly. “I only want your loyalty. That is all.”

“Yes!”

The two walked leisurely through the sea of flames. After a moment, the man in green could no longer contain himself. “But, Your Highness, how do you plan to capture this hawk?”

The youth clasped his hands behind his back, smiling faintly as he turned his gaze to the vibrant maple grove. “Cheng Bi.”

A deep voice responded, “Your humble servant is here.”

“This matter is entrusted to you.” He shielded his eyes, tilting his head upward, his smile innocent. “Contact our insider and execute a plan to ‘steal the heavens and replace the sun’!”

“Yes.”

A breeze swept through, rustling the red maple leaves, swirling them gracefully. The white robes fluttered, black hair danced. “By the way, save the Han family’s young mistress as well.”

“Await your orders, Your Highness.” The deep voice seemed close yet invisible.

“For now, remain still. Once the Han family is escorted to Lei River, you and your men will disguise yourselves as river pirates, seize the Han family’s young mistress, and rendezvous with us at Meng Lake. I want King You to personally send me and my prized general back to Qing Kingdom!” The youth smoothed his hair, laughing lightly. “Cheng Bi, go.”

“Yes.” The wind passed without a trace, and the man vanished without a shadow.

“Your Highness, after four years, we can finally return to our homeland.” The man in green’s voice trembled. “I have not failed Grandfather’s trust.”

The youth smiled ambiguously, gazing at the maple grove. “You Kingdom—it has been my blessed land.” He gently touched the branches beside him, muttering to himself, “Mother Empress, you must be disappointed. Not only have I survived, but I have also found my path forward.”

Suddenly, a magpie soared from the fiery red grove, its flight drawing his gaze skyward. His eyes sparkled like peach blossoms, radiant and intense. “Mother, you truly gave me a good name. Yunzhi, Yunzhi.”

“Han Yue Xiao, I grant you a tomorrow. But what can you bring me? Hehe~”

The winter sun warmed slightly, its golden rays illuminating the crimson maples. The magpie chirped softly, its song echoing through the heavens.

Golden scales are not meant for stagnant ponds; dragons roar from hidden depths.

This? Long Pavilion cannot contain him—it can only trap small fish and shrimp, and confine King You himself.