The Aftermath (Part 2)

The death of Concubine De, brought on by an "acute illness," was like dropping a huge rock into an already turbulent lake. The palace was shrouded in mourning, and cries of grief lingered. But beneath this outward sorrow, a sinister undercurrent lurked. The emperor decreed a lavish burial for Concubine De, but offered no mercy to the Third Prince. Instead, he intensified the investigation and prosecution of Prince An and his allies. For a time, property was confiscated and exiles were rampant, and the capital seemed to be shrouded in a veil of blood.

In this solemn atmosphere, General Wei Zheng of Zhenbei returned to the court in triumph.

On that day, the capital was completely deserted. Citizens spontaneously poured into the streets, eager to catch a glimpse of the Great Zhou war god who had turned the tide and slain the Left Wise King of the Northern Di. Wei Zheng, clad in black armor and still dusted from his journey, sat upright atop a towering steed. His face was stern, his gaze blazing, and he exuded the chilling murderous aura of a seasoned warrior and the unflinching authority of a man without anger. Behind him stood the elite, triumphant troops, and the dejected captives of the Northern Di nobles, bound in chains.

The procession marched through the Imperial Street and into the Imperial City. In the Golden Throne Hall, the emperor, despite his illness, personally met with them. The rewards were lavish: Wei Zheng was promoted to the rank of Duke of Zhenguo, given the title of Grand Tutor to the Crown Prince, and lavished with countless gold, silver, and land. The accompanying officers and soldiers also received their own rewards. However, those who observed the emperor noticed that despite Wei Zheng's generous rewards, he did not grant him any substantial adjustments to his military authority. His border troops remained under the temporary command of his deputy general, while Wei Zheng himself remained in Beijing as an advisor to the military council.

This seems to be respect, but in fact it is a promotion in name only and a demotion in reality. Staying in the capital means being under the eyes of the emperor and various forces.

Wei Zheng's face was calm. He kowtowed to express his gratitude without showing any dissatisfaction, as if he had expected this.

That night, a banquet was held at the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion (the emperor's newly granted residence) to entertain the civil and military officials and relatives and nobles who came to offer congratulations. Seventh Prince Xiao Jingche and Princess Lu Qinglan were naturally among the invited guests.

The banquet was extravagant, with clinking glasses and guests reveling in the merriment of both host and guests. However, beneath this peaceful and lively atmosphere lay countless scrutinizing, observing, and speculating eyes. Wei Zheng was the greatest hero of this battle, and a key figure in the downfall of Prince An and the Third Prince. His stance would undoubtedly profoundly influence the future course of the court.

Xiao Jingche and Wei Zheng chatted happily at the table, their words full of praise and gratitude, their attitude close but not deliberate. Lu Qinglan sat with Wei Linlang, talking in low voices.

"Brother was able to return safely this time, thanks to the medicinal herbs that Princess Sister secretly sent." Wei Linlang held Lu Qinglan's hand, her eyes slightly red, and her true feelings were revealed. "Linlang and brother will never forget that kindness."

"Sister, you're too kind. General Wei fought bravely for our country, so it's only natural for us to do our bit." Lu Qinglan spoke gently, her eyes sweeping across the room imperceptibly. She saw many familiar faces, but also the anxiety and calculation hidden beneath inappropriate smiles.

During the banquet, an old man from the royal family who had some connection with the maternal family of the third prince, under the influence of alcohol, sighed unintentionally, "Duke Wei has made an unprecedented contribution this time, and it is a blessing for the court that he has returned to the capital to report on his work. I just wonder what the Duke thinks of the current court situation... His Royal Highness Prince An and His Royal Highness the Third Prince... Alas, it is really heartbreaking." These words seemed to be sighs, but in fact they were testing Wei Zheng's attitude towards the case of Prince An and the Third Prince.

In an instant, the table became much quieter, and many eyes were focused on Wei Zheng.

Wei Zheng put down his wine glass, his face calm, his voice resonant and full of the unique sonority of a soldier: "I am a mere soldier, loyal only to Your Majesty and the court. Fighting on the battlefield and defending the country is my duty. As for the affairs of the court, Your Majesty and the ministers will make the decision, and I dare not make any rash comments. As for Prince An and the Third Prince..." He paused, his tone turning cold, "They are collaborating with the enemy, treason, and plotting to murder Your Majesty. The evidence is conclusive, and they will be dealt with according to the law of the country! I have witnessed the fate of such ambitious people at the border!"

His words were powerful and stated his position as a loyal minister. He also expressed his contempt for Prince An and the Third Prince and his support for the emperor's decision without reservation, shutting up all those who tried to take advantage of the opportunity to cause trouble.

The old man from the royal family looked embarrassed and didn't dare to say anything more.

Lu Qinglan lowered his eyes, picked up his teacup, and hid the barely perceptible smile on his lips. Wei Zheng's move was incredibly clever. He commanded a large military force, his achievements surpassing his master's. The more he acted loyal to the emperor and stayed out of the political fray, the safer he would be, and the more he would earn the trust of the emperor and the many neutral officials. And his clear support for the emperor's handling of Prince An and the Third Prince put him on the same side as Xiao Jingche.

The banquet lasted until late at night.

On the carriage back home, Xiao Jingche couldn't hide his excitement: "Wei Zheng is truly a pillar of society! With his words today, I feel more confident in the army!"

Lu Qinglan, however, appeared calmer. "The Duke of Wei is a wise man. His statement today is both public-spirited and a way to protect himself. Your Highness and him are mutually beneficial. However, His Majesty's intentions in keeping him in the capital are unpredictable. Your Highness must be careful not to get too close to him and arouse the Emperor's suspicion."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingche's excitement subsided a little and he nodded: "Princess, it's true what you reminded me. I got a little carried away."

Indeed, the emperor kept Wei Zheng in the capital, on the one hand to reward and control him, and on the other hand, wasn't it also a check and balance on Xiao Jingche? Having these two ministers, who now hold the highest prestige in the court and the army, and the prince check and balance each other is a manifestation of the emperor's mindset.

It was already midnight when Lu Qinglan returned to Hengwu Courtyard. She removed her hairpins and rings, feeling exhausted both physically and mentally. The exhaustion and careful planning of the past few months had nearly drained her energy. Yet, she knew she couldn't rest yet.

Despite the fall of Prince An and the Third Prince, the court remains far from clear, and the Emperor's illness presents a significant uncertainty. Xiao Jingche's position as crown prince appears secure, but in reality, it harbors a hidden danger. And while her own power, though accumulated through Yunshang Pavilion and covert planning, remains weak compared to those entrenched aristocratic families.

She needed to accumulate strength faster, and more importantly... an opportunity, an opportunity that would allow her to completely break free from the fate of her previous life and truly hold power in her own hands.

She walked to the desk and spread out a map of the capital, her eyes falling on the imperial city, the various princes' palaces, important government offices and... those places that seemed inconspicuous but might hide key clues.

The aftermath is still surging, and the undercurrent is even stronger. In this chaotic era of transition between the old and the new, she, a reborn phoenix, must seize every opportunity to flap her wings in order to fly higher and further.