When Nian Gengyao learned of the Eighth Prince's imprisonment, he was drinking in his study. His trusted guard stumbled in, his face pale and his voice trembling: "General, something terrible has happened! The Eighth Prince has been stripped of his title by the Emperor and imprisoned in the Imperial Clan Court!"

"Crack—" The wine glass slipped from Nian Gengyao's hand and shattered on the ground. His face turned deathly pale instantly, his lips trembled, but he couldn't utter a single word.

Eighth Master has fallen? His last glimmer of hope has been shattered.

"It's over..." Nian Gengyao muttered to himself, his eyes unfocused. He slowly stood up, staggered to the window, and looked at the sky outside the high walls, as if he could see his own end.

If the emperor can even harm his own brothers, what chance does he have against a mere official from outside the capital?

"General, we still have our old troops in the Northwest. Why don't we fight to the death?" the guard said urgently.

Nian Gengyao gave a bitter smile and shook his head: "It's useless... Since the Emperor dared to touch the Eighth Prince, it means he had already laid a trap. The old subordinates in the Northwest? They're probably already completely under Yue Zhongqi's control." He took a deep breath, waved his hand, and said, "You may leave. Let me have some peace and quiet."

The guard hesitated, then bowed his head and left.

Inside the study, Nian Gengyao slowly took out a white silk ribbon from the drawer, gently stroking it with his fingers.

He recalled his life of military service, his many meritorious deeds for the court, yet he had ended up like this. The emperor's methods were indeed ruthless and decisive, leaving no room for compromise.

"Yongzheng...you're ruthless!" Nian Gengyao muttered through gritted teeth, a hint of hatred flashing in his eyes, but more so despair.

He trembled as he tied the white silk ribbon to the roof beam, stepped onto a stool, took one last look at the sky outside the window, and closed his eyes.

The sound of the stool falling over startled the guards outside the door. When they rushed in, Nian Gengyao's body was already hanging in mid-air, lifeless.

---

Inside the Qianqing Palace, Emperor Yongzheng was reviewing memorials when Su Peisheng rushed in and whispered, "Your Majesty, Nian Gengyao has hanged himself in his residence."

Emperor Yongzheng paused slightly with his vermilion brush, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.

He said calmly, "Understood. Handle it according to procedure."

Su Peisheng asked cautiously, "Should we investigate his accomplices?"

Yongzheng sneered, "No need. When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter; those people can't cause any trouble." He put down his vermilion brush, his gaze deep. "Issue an imperial decree: exile Nian Gengyao's family to Ningguta; the rest are to be left uninvestigated."

Su Peisheng acknowledged the order and withdrew. Yongzheng sat alone on the dragon throne, feeling no joy whatsoever. Nian Gengyao's death was merely a footnote in this power struggle. What he truly cared about was how to use this opportunity to intimidate the court and consolidate his rule.

However, before he could even breathe a sigh of relief, Ninth Prince Yuntang hurriedly requested an audience.

"Your Majesty!" Yuntang knelt down as soon as he entered, his voice choked with sobs, "Your Majesty, I beg you to have mercy and spare Eighth Brother's life!"

Yongzheng frowned slightly and said coldly, "Ninth Prince, do you know what you're saying?"

Yuntang raised his head, tears welling in his eyes: "Your Majesty, although Eighth Brother has made mistakes, he is still our brother! I beg you to spare his life, for the sake of our past relationship!"

Yongzheng remained silent for a moment, then fixed his sharp gaze on Yuntang: "He colluded with foreign tribes, plotting a rebellion; his crime is unforgivable!"

Yuntang kowtowed deeply: "Your Majesty, Eighth Brother was only confused for a moment. I, your humble servant, guarantee with my life that he will never do it again!"

Looking at Yuntang's earnest expression, Yongzheng's heart wavered slightly.

He recalled his ruthlessness towards his brothers in his previous life, and he didn't want to repeat the same mistakes in this one. After a long silence, he slowly spoke: "Very well, I agree to spare his life. But he must be imprisoned forever and never set foot outside the Imperial Clan Court!"

Yuntang breathed a sigh of relief and repeatedly kowtowed, saying, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!"

Yongzheng waved his hand: "Go down."

He was not heartless, but the path of an emperor is destined to be lonely. He would show everyone, in his own way, just how powerful his Qing Dynasty would be!

---

As night fell, the Hall of Mental Cultivation was brightly lit with candles. Emperor Yongzheng had just finished his evening meal when the Thirteenth Prince, Yinxiang, requested an audience.

"Your Majesty," Yinxiang bowed and went straight to the point, "I have come here today to discuss matters concerning the textile factory."

Yongzheng gestured for him to sit down: "Speak."

Yinxiang's expression was grave: "Currently, textile factories are experiencing a significant increase in output, leading to severe inventory backlogs. If we don't explore new sales channels, we fear we will be unable to continue. I believe it is time to lift the maritime ban and formally open maritime trade."

Emperor Yongzheng frowned, tapping his fingers lightly on the table. He had considered the matter of lifting the maritime ban.

The Qing Dynasty is rich in resources, and if it could acquire silver through maritime trade, the national treasury would be even more abundant. However, the political situation is currently relatively stable, and although the Eighth Prince's faction has been suppressed, it has not been completely eradicated. If the maritime ban were lifted at this time, it would likely provoke fierce opposition from court officials.

"Thirteenth Brother, I also have this intention, but this matter is of utmost importance," Yongzheng said in a deep voice. "Lifting the sea ban involves national policy, and there will inevitably be considerable opposition in the court."

Yinxiang said urgently, "Your Majesty, now that Western countries are flocking to the East, if our Great Qing continues to close itself off, we fear we will miss the opportunity!"

Emperor Yongzheng understood this principle perfectly well. However, he also knew that reform required the right timing. Having just dealt with the Eighth Prince and Nian Gengyao, the court was in a state of panic. If he were to forcefully push for the lifting of the maritime ban, it would likely backfire.

"Wait a little longer," Yongzheng finally said. "Once the situation in the court is completely stable, I will consider this matter."

Yinxiang wanted to persuade him further, but seeing the resolute look in Yongzheng's eyes, he could only sigh and say, "Your Majesty, I understand."

Yongzheng patted him on the shoulder: "I understand your thoughts. Don't worry, I won't keep you waiting too long."

After seeing Yinxiang off, Yongzheng stood alone outside the palace, gazing at the starry sky. He envisioned a grand blueprint: opening the seas, strengthening the military, and promoting trade.

But all of this takes time, and he needs to take steady steps.

"Your Majesty, it's late, you should rest." Lin Yun's gentle voice came from behind.

Yongzheng turned around and saw Lin Yun holding a bowl of hot soup, her eyes full of concern.

His heart warmed, and he took the soup bowl, taking her hand in his own: "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

Lin Yun smiled slightly: "Seeing that Your Majesty is working so hard, I specially prepared ginseng soup."

Emperor Yongzheng pulled her to sit down and sighed softly, "The affairs of the court are numerous and complicated; I always feel that there is not enough time."

Lin Yun said softly, "Your Majesty need not be in a hurry. Under your rule, the Qing Dynasty will surely get better and better."

Looking into her gentle eyes, Yongzheng gradually relaxed. He said softly, "With you by my side, I don't feel so lonely on this path to becoming emperor."

Lin Yun leaned on his shoulder and whispered, "I will always be with you."