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Qin Manor.
As dawn broke, a faint blue light illuminated the courtyard. Servants began to light lamps and remove wax from various places. In the main hall, Qin Hui's wife, Lady Wang, was as anxious as an ant on a hot pan, pacing back and forth while occasionally stretching her neck to look outside, urging the servants to go to the door to welcome the master.
Qin Hui's only son, Qin Xiang, sat on the Grandmaster Chair nearby, his formal robe already wrinkled. His eyes were deeply sunken, and his face bore an unmistakable look of fatigue. He had sent someone to the palace to make arrangements and was now waiting for news.
This son of the current Grand Master bore no resemblance to Qin Hui. While Qin Hui had a thin, pointed face and downturned eyebrows, Qin Xiang had a rectangular face. This was because Qin Xiang was not actually Qin Hui's biological son; he was the illegitimate child of Lady Wang's elder brother's concubine. Since Qin Hui and Lady Wang had no children and Lady Wang was known for her jealousy, Qin Hui, fearing her wrath, did not take a concubine and instead adopted his wife's brother's illegitimate son as his own. At thirty years old, Qin Xiang had already become a prominent official in court, rapidly rising through the ranks due to his connection with Qin Hui.
At that moment, a servant hurried in to report, "The Chief Steward has returned!"
Qin Fu quickly strode into the courtyard, lifting his robe. In his forties, with a round face and a plump figure, he moved with surprising agility. Having served as the Qin Manor Chief Steward for many years, he was adept at being considerate and had a flexible approach; he always greeted people with a smile. Even the current Emperor Zhao Gou knew him well. He was the most trusted subordinate of Qin Hui.
However, this time was different from before. Previously, whenever he greeted someone, numerous Eunuchs would rush over without needing any payment to share information. But today, for some reason, all the Eunuchs seemed to avoid Qin Fu, as if he were a plague. After much effort, he found an Eunuch with whom he usually got along well; even after slipping him a piece of Azure Wind Jade, the man hesitated before finally stammering out: “The National Guardian Master does not favor the Grand Master. The Grand Master is kneeling in the Imperial Hall, waiting for an audience.” With that, he hurried away.
Qin Fu remembered well the conflict between the National Guardian Master and his master five years ago. Just when it seemed that the troublesome Celestial Master had left and his master was regaining power after being promoted to Grand Master, that damned Celestial Master had returned!
What bad luck! Sighing deeply, Qin Fu approached Lady Wang with a bow and carefully recounted what had happened while glancing at her anxiously.
As expected, Lady Wang flew into a rage and roared like a lioness: “Who does that rogue priest think he is to oppose our master? I’ll make sure he pays! I want to personally confront this Celestial Master and see what kind of tricks he’s trying to pull!”
She immediately shouted: “Xiaocui! Prepare my clothes! Bring out my first-rank phoenix crown and ceremonial robe; I’m going to see the Empress Dowager! I’ll cry for our master!”
With short legs moving swiftly like a whirlwind, Lady Wang headed toward the inner courtyard. Qin Xiang, frowning at his mother’s fiery temper, initially intended to follow her to offer some advice but then decided instead to prepare himself.
If there was going to be trouble, it should be significant.
After changing clothes, he went to his father’s study and retrieved an inconspicuous purple sandalwood box from the lower shelf of the antique cabinet. He carefully took out a key from his pocket and unlocked the small brass lock before gently lifting out a letter wrapped in yellow silk.
He still remembered his father's words.
He recalled that four days ago, his father had entered the palace to meet the emperor. Not long after, he was suddenly carried back, pale and looking very ill. Without saying a word, he entered the study and pointed to the box, saying, "I estimate that I will soon be summoned back to the palace. If anything happens, quickly take what is inside this box to find the Empress Dowager. Remember, my life depends on these items. Absolutely remember!"
Sure enough, three days later, yesterday, after his father entered the palace, he never returned, and throughout the night, not a single message came from him. Both he and his mother were anxious. Now that his mother had taken action, he decided to take out the items from the box; he did not believe that the Official Family would not give the Qin Family an explanation.
The two of them dressed in their finest attire and set off in a sedan chair towards the imperial city. At the palace gate, they presented their credentials—not as a meeting with the emperor but as the wives of the Dukes of Qin and Wei bringing their son to pay respects to the Empress Dowager.
Empress Wei felt uneasy. Ever since that day when Chuxuan had scolded her in front of everyone, she had been "ill," remaining bedridden for three days. Even when the emperor came to inquire about her health, they only exchanged a few polite words through a curtain. Both mother and son were left with unresolved feelings and felt somewhat awkward.
Zhao Gou was worried about his mother's feelings, while Empress Wei genuinely felt she could not face the prince.
Consort Wu visited morning and evening, at least three times a day, and she was quite satisfied with this daughter-in-law. However, recalling Chuxuan's words from that day still made Empress Wei uncomfortable; she merely exchanged a few polite remarks through the curtain before sending her away.
If she treated her favored Consort Wu this way, how could she possibly meet with the Duchess of Qin and Wei when she heard that she had come to pay her respects? Through the curtain, she said, "This Empress is unwell; please have Lady Qin come another day."
The Little Yellow Gate whispered, "The Duchess says she won't leave without seeing the Empress Dowager."
Empress Wei felt a headache coming on. However, since returning to her position, she had always been generous and kind; it seemed inappropriate to suddenly act aloof now. She could only say, "Help me up to change clothes; summon the Duchess of Qin and Wei in."
The Little Yellow Gate wanted to say something but ended up saying nothing at all as they turned to summon people.
Hearing that Empress Wei had summoned her for an audience, Wang immediately perked up and hurriedly assisted Qin Xiang straight towards Cining Palace.
Upon arriving at Cining Palace and seeing Empress Wei sitting behind the beaded curtain, Wang was instantly overcome with grief. Her thick eyebrows furrowed together as tears streamed down her face. She quickly remembered to bow to the Empress Dowager; after finishing her bowing, she collapsed on the ground and began to cry loudly:
"Empress Dowager, you must stand up for me! Our Grand Master has risked his life for the Official Family; how many insults has he endured? How many cold blades has he suffered behind closed doors? He worked hard to help stabilize the Official Family on the throne and brought you back from the north. And now this—some unknown rogue priest dares to meddle in court affairs and targets our Grand Master while using your name for his schemes! Our Grand Master is wronged! Empress Dowager, you must stand up for me; you cannot just watch this happen!"
She threw a tantrum in court, pounding her thighs and crying loudly, her phoenix crown askew, her heavily powdered face a mess, and her round face a ghastly sight.
Empress Wei was stunned, feeling both shocked and angry. She realized that such an incident had occurred in the past two days. She had never interfered with court affairs, allowing the Prince to take charge, but the Prince actually intended to deal with Qin Hui? He was the one who had brought back her Great Opportunity.
Just as she was about to speak, she noticed Little Yellow Gate beside her had an unusual expression, as if he had something to say. She signaled him over. Little Yellow Gate immediately approached and whispered something in her ear.
Empress Wei then understood who Wang was referring to as the mixed-breed Taoist—it was Chu Hongzi, the National Protector! Just thinking about him made her scalp tingle; she no longer wanted to get involved in this mess.
Qin Xiang had been kneeling quietly behind his mother, but if one thought he was being obedient, they were mistaken. Although he couldn't hear what Little Yellow Gate said, he could clearly see Empress Wei's change in expression. He quietly moved closer and tugged at his mother's sleeve, who was still throwing a fit on the ground.
Wang's eyes darted around, and her cries diminished; she seemed less spirited and began to sob softly.
Seeing an opportunity to speak, Empress Wei quickly said, "Duchess of Qin and Wei, please rise. This Empress does not appreciate such behavior. Besides, you know that I have never interfered with court matters; I only practice vegetarianism and recite Buddha in the inner palace. I truly do not know anything about Prime Minister Qin's situation. It would be better for you to return home and wait. Once I gather information, I will send for you. My health has not been good these past few days; alas, your shouting has given me a terrible headache. I need to lie down."
After saying this, she ignored Wang and stood up to prepare to enter.
Wang became anxious at once; just as she was about to rush forward, she saw Qin Xiang suddenly crawl a few steps forward and bow deeply, loudly exclaiming, "Empress Dowager, please save my father! I have a secret edict from the Sovereign here that states if the matter of exchanging Yue Fei's head for your return is exposed, my father bears no responsibility! Please take a look!"
He held up the secret edict wrapped in yellow silk and bowed deeply.
Wang perked up again and started pounding her thighs and crying once more: "Poor Lord! He risked his life for the Official Family, blocking knives and arrows to save the Empress Dowager’s return, yet ended up in such a predicament! My loyal husband! Why are you so devoted? You worry so much about royal affairs; what did it ultimately bring you? My loyal husband..."
Her repeated cries of "my loyal husband" sent chills down the spines of all the eunuchs and palace maids present. Empress Wei felt helpless, holding her head as she truly began to feel a headache coming on.
The Inner Palace Guard from Cining Palace quietly slipped out of the hall to report to the Emperor.
At this moment, Zhao Gou felt refreshed. He had consumed all of last night's elixir; after taking a small sip, he immediately felt invigorated and finally fell asleep contentedly in the early hours of the morning. Now that he had just gotten up and dressed in his Dragon Robe, he carefully tucked away the precious silver bottle from his bedside into his bosom, pressing it tightly against his chest. He turned back to touch the rosy cheeks of a beautiful young palace maid behind him and whispered in her ear: "Today I will issue an edict promoting you to Talent. Be good and rest well; I will spare you from kneeling to send me off and will come see you tonight."
He supported himself against the Little Yellow Gate and walked towards the Imperial Hall.
That "Talent" did not dare to act recklessly; although he did not get out of bed, he kowtowed on his pillow. Once Zhao Gou left, he slumped softly back onto the bed. He was not without surprise; it was said that the Emperor was "incapable," but judging by last night, it seemed he was not "incapable." What a strange matter... Thinking about it, the young palace maid, who was just beginning to understand human affairs, felt her face quietly flush.
Before reaching the Imperial Hall, they saw the Inner Palace Guard from Cining Palace rushing over. After a brief exchange, Zhao Gou immediately became furious: "Rebellion! The Empress Dowager has not been well these past few days, and that old witch dares to nag at the Empress Dowager? Quickly have the Court of Imperial Sacrifices take her down and expel her from the imperial city. From now on, she is never to be allowed to see the Empress Dowager again!"
The Eunuch hesitated and whispered a few words. Zhao Gou's face changed from blue to white as he froze in place.
That secret edict was personally written by him; it was essentially a record of his own crimes. Moreover, it stated that in case of an accident, he would share the blame with Qin Hui and grant him amnesty for all his crimes.
In other words, that secret edict was equivalent to a death exemption for Qin Hui. What should he do? He had actually forgotten such an important matter!
Zhao Gou felt utterly helpless as he contemplated going to find Chu Hongzi but feared being scolded by him. If he did not go, there would be no support from his mother; if he went himself, it would only make things worse and more awkward. The more he thought about it, the more his head ached.
A great emperor turned left and right under the gradually rising sun, hesitating in his steps.
Suddenly, a clear voice rang in his ears: "Your Majesty rises early!"
Zhao Gou looked up and saw Li Hong's bright black eyes staring at him without blinking.
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