Chapter 101...

Chen Xiu had not shown his face since the Crown Prince returned to the capital. He had taken leave for several days in a row, claiming to be sick and staying at home.

The cabinet was already short-staffed, and now it was even more burdened by the absence of his capable second assistant minister. The numerous and complicated government affairs and the pressure from both inside and outside the court were overwhelming for Yang Ren.

Yang Ren had no choice but to delegate some less important tasks to the Cabinet Secretary. However, even this could not alleviate the slightest bit of his sorrow.

After all, they had been colleagues for many years, so Yang Ren was well aware of Chen Xiu's thoughts.

He even visited the Chen family's door several times, but no matter how much he complained and tried to persuade them, Chen Xiu remained unmoved. As for his illness, the imperial physician only diagnosed it as a cold, neither mild nor severe, and it dragged on and on.

He knew Chen Xiu was hesitating, and the thought of it fueled his anger. As he left, he gritted his teeth and said, "At this time, you're afraid? Chen Jianchu, we've been in this court for so many years. We worked together in the Hanlin Academy when the late Emperor was alive. Later, we were sent to various posts and returned to the capital, experiencing countless ups and downs before finally establishing ourselves. Then, by chance, we both served as officials in the Eastern Palace, following His Majesty all the way to this point. There were rebellions and coups; as close advisors to the Emperor, we've weathered countless storms, supporting each other every step of the way. You weren't afraid even when our lives were at stake, but now, as a Grand Secretary, a high-ranking official in the Inner Cabinet, with such a prestigious position, you're afraid?"

Chen Xiu turned his head away, closed his eyes, and refused to look at him. After a long silence, he spoke in a muffled voice: "I always thought that one day, I should be the one saying these words to you..."

Yang Ren was gentle and kind, with a profound understanding despite his gentleness; Chen Xiuqing was upright and dignified, with a firm and decisive nature. The two complemented each other, and their decisions were always made in consultation, resulting in a relatively stable cabinet.

"Yes, from beginning to end, I have never been as courageous as you, so I have been tactful and weak, preferring to remain silent. But now that you have become silent, I have no choice but to speak for you."

"I know you're not..." Chen Xiu hurriedly denied, but then choked up, a bitter taste rising in his throat. "Si Cun, I... I'm just sick. Give me some time, let me rest... After all, the Crown Prince was once my student..."

Seeing his incoherent speech, Yang Ren had to suppress his anger and sighed deeply: "I know your concerns. But you also know the current situation, and running away is not your style. I hope you can think it through as soon as possible."

The Crown Prince was naturally aware of the situation within the cabinet. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Yan Chao promoted some people and gave more important positions to officials in the Eastern Palace.

However, Chen Xiu often lectured at the Eastern Palace, and there was always a teacher-student relationship between them. Moreover, he was a highly respected Grand Secretary of the Inner Cabinet, and he held considerable weight in Yan Chao's heart.

Yan Chao was constantly worried about it, but due to the exceptionally busy year-end government affairs and the recent unrest in the court, he was unable to spare the time to attend to the matter himself. Therefore, he could only send his personal attendants to inquire about the situation.

As for the deeper meaning behind the greeting, both of them understood perfectly. However, Chen Xiu remained silent, as if in silent protest, leaving his disciples bewildered and wavering.

Chen Xiu knew that the Crown Prince would eventually become restless, but he didn't know how the Crown Prince, who had changed drastically in the face of the current chaos, would handle the situation.

He was filled with a thousand worries and contradictions. He considered resigning, remaining a staunch supporter of the Crown Prince, and even supporting a member of the imperial family to become emperor.

I dare not even think about how to face her.

When his identity as the crown prince was revealed, he was shocked but not angry. He was simply bewildered and lost, not knowing what he was feeling guilty about or what he should do.

The imperial decree remained undelivered. What finally arrived was the Crown Prince's personal visit.

Yan Chao left the palace in a very low-key manner, forbidding anyone to make a sound, and quietly entered the Chen residence. Because he had not received any prior notice, when the servants of the Chen family went to inform him, Chen Xiu was first surprised, and then hurriedly tidied himself up and went to the front hall to pay his respects.

Yan Chao excused himself from the formalities and, as if it were a habit, naturally went to help him up, saying, "Sir, you are still ill. I was abrupt and disturbed you."

Her politeness left Chen Xiu somewhat at a loss. Whether out of reluctance to become estranged from her or out of slight concern for her imposing presence, Chen Xiu simply said he dared not, and did not insist on bowing.

Next, the two sat down. Before he could ask any questions, Yan Chao went straight to the point: "Sir, you are staying at home due to illness, intending to avoid the world. Do you have any unique insights into the current situation? Please tell me, I am all ears."

Chen Xiu immediately felt extremely uneasy and was about to get up when he suddenly heard Yan Chao say, "Sir, please sit down and don't be nervous." He had no choice but to move back to his original position, open his mouth, but couldn't say the words "I am old and sickly" no matter what he said, he was speechless.

“Since you don’t know how to start, let me speak first,” Yan Chao said, giving him a deep look, his tone still gentle. “It has been almost half a month since you returned to the capital from the border, and you have been avoiding me. The imperial physician said that your illness has not improved for a long time, mostly because of the pent-up emotions in your heart. Without a doubt, it must be related to me.”

From the moment I entered the Eastern Palace, I knew this day would come, but I never expected it to arrive so suddenly, catching me completely off guard. Before going to the capital, I hastily made preparations, including anticipating the situation there and understanding the stances of various officials in the court. The worst-case scenario was that everyone would unite against me. But I also knew that not everyone was like Geng Tang.

But anything can change. So I wasn't too surprised by your attitude, sir.

She paused.

Chen Xiu looked up, his face showing surprise. The Crown Prince sat upright at the head of the table, his face young and serene. He was suddenly touched; no matter what the rumors were, she was still the Crown Prince.

“At first I thought it was prejudice due to my status as a woman, or that I was too harsh, since there were quite a few people who spoke out and made a lot of comments about it. But I never saw the gentleman make any statement. And in my mind, the gentleman is not someone who is afraid of power and dares not speak out.”

Yan Chao's gaze slowly fell on Chen Xiu, but he noticed that Chen Xiu awkwardly looked away.

His thoughts were suddenly exposed, and Chen Xiu finally broke down in a panic, stammering, "Your Highness..."

His breathing caught in his throat, his face flushed, and he felt utterly embarrassed. He hurriedly tried to explain, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, it wasn't..." He managed to stammer out a few words before feeling utterly powerless. He closed his eyes in a daze.

So-called loyalty and integrity... perhaps he should feel ashamed now.

But this shame also shows that he was not entirely pessimistic and disappointed in Yan Chao.

Yan Chao lowered his eyelashes and said quietly, "It doesn't matter if that's the case."

She smiled very lightly: "I understand your selfish motives. I came here today to comfort you. If you guessed correctly, just consider it as speaking your mind on your behalf, there's no need to feel too embarrassed."

Chen Xiu felt a mix of emotions and bowed his head, saying, "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. I am ashamed."

The atmosphere fell silent again.

The charcoal fire in the incense burner in the hall was burning brightly, occasionally emitting a very slight crackling sound, and time quietly passed with these almost inaudible sounds. Yan Chao glanced over casually and saw that the tables, chairs, screens, porcelain, and calligraphy and paintings were arranged quite elegantly. Several exquisitely carved landscapes, flowers and birds added a touch of spring to the warm room.

Hanging on the wall is a painting titled "Layered Ice Silk" by Ma Lin of the Song Dynasty. Two slender green plum blossoms are as delicate as iron, and one can immediately sense their noble character upon first glance.

Upon seeing this, Chen Xiu explained that it was a gift from Meng Huai, and then sighed, "These past few days, I have often thought of Zichuan. When Crown Prince Zhaohuai passed away, as the Crown Prince's tutor, he felt deeply guilty and ashamed, and even avoided the struggle for succession whenever possible. Later, when Your Highness was made Crown Prince, the ever-humble Zichuan volunteered and has since devoted himself to assisting Your Highness. In fact, with Zichuan's talent and experience, he should have entered the cabinet long ago, but he was unwilling. He told me that he was old and could not bear the burden of heavy duties, and only wished to use all his knowledge to teach the Crown Prince so that he could shoulder the weight of the country."

Yan Chao lowered his eyes and said softly, "When I first heard Mr. Meng's lecture in the Wenhua Hall, he admonished me by quoting Jia Yi from the New Book, saying, 'The fate of the world hangs on the Crown Prince'①, and also, 'When one person is blessed, the whole people rely on him'②. I have always thought that Mr. Meng is better than Jia Yi in the matter of tutoring. He is wholeheartedly devoted to the country and is a great gentleman and a loyal minister of the state."

"Zichuan hopes that Your Highness will become a benevolent ruler."

"Perhaps it is Crown Prince Zhaohuai."

She forced a weak smile. Crown Prince Zhaohuai was excessively gentle. Not only did the late emperor favor him, but even the usually harsh and critical Emperor Xuanning was exceptionally lenient with him, and even when he made a mistake, he was extremely reluctant to punish him.

Yan Chao took a deep breath and said frankly, "It's very difficult for me to do." With a slight sense of guilt, she said resolutely, "I have failed Mr. Meng's teachings, but I will never forget him."

Her choice was no choice; her future path was the path she had come from.

"Your Majesty..." Chen Xiu hesitated for a moment, but ultimately chose to speak frankly: "Your Majesty, what is your opinion on the matter of Geng Tang?"

“If Mr. Meng were alive, he might find it hard to believe or even be greatly disappointed, but I don’t believe that you, Grand Secretary Chen, can’t see through it.” She seemed to have already seen through Chen Xiu’s intentions, and her eyes deepened: “I saw the blood with my own eyes and held the knife with my own hands. I know better than anyone whether he deserved to die.”

The dry, cold wind squeezed through the pillars of the flower-lined archway, becoming narrow and sharp. Yan Chao left the front hall, led away by a servant.

As I passed through the covered walkway, I suddenly heard several light and quick footsteps, mixed with the clear laughter of children.

She looked in the direction of the sound and saw a beautifully sculpted girl standing a few steps away on the bluestone path. She looked about six or seven years old, with her hair styled in two buns. Her lotus-colored jacket and skirt stood out brightly in the simple winter garden, and her bright black eyes were looking at her curiously.

Fearing she might offend the Crown Prince, the servants accompanying her quickly ordered someone to escort her away. Unexpectedly, Yan Chao spoke first, asking, "Are you Grand Secretary Chen's granddaughter?"

The girl performed a proper curtsy, replied gracefully with an "Yes," and then, tilting her head back, asked innocently and fearlessly, "Is Your Highness really a girl?"

Her soft, clear voice was very pleasant to hear, but the servants of the Chen family were already pale with fright. Yan Chao smiled gently and nodded in response, "Yes. Just like you."

He slowly approached her, took a cloak from a maidservant who was standing there in shock and fear, bent down to drape it over her, and gently tied it. His hand accidentally touched her chin, and the little girl couldn't help but flinch, giggling shyly to herself.

"It's windy, don't play around, go back inside. The child is sick and needs to take medicine, it's very bitter."

"...But His Highness is outside too."

Yan Chao's eyes flashed, and he smiled as well: "Do you know who I am?"

Without waiting for the little girl to speak again, he pushed her to the maid and wet nurse, then turned around and left the Chen residence without looking back.

.

The twenty-fourth year of Xuan Ning finally came to an end. Just as the old year was about to end and the new year was about to begin, a heavy snow suddenly fell. In an instant, the wind blew and the snow fell from the sky, swirling and swirling all over the earth, as if trying to block the cycle of the years.

The emperor's illness was beyond saving; even the most skilled physicians in the Imperial Medical Academy could only keep him alive temporarily. But the emperor's will to live seemed exceptionally strong; although he was unconscious for most of the day, he persevered day after day.

Yan Chao knew that he had something on his mind and could never let go of his empire.

She continued her morning and evening greetings as usual, knowing that the emperor did not wish to see her, and only bowed and inquired about his well-being outside the palace.

The emperor was ill and should have been attended to by his concubines, but Yan Chao, citing the emperor's need for rest, forbade them from visiting him. Only palace maids and imperial physicians cared for him. The emperor looked truly lonely and pitiful.

As for the imperial court, during the days when the commotion was at its worst, the Yan Dynasty did allow several ministers to have an audience with the emperor.

However, the emperor was delirious and had long lost the ability to govern. He mumbled something incoherently that no one could understand. After a while, a eunuch came out to deliver an imperial edict: "Your Majesty's decree: Leave everything to the Crown Prince. Do not trouble me."

The ministers were still unwilling, but there was nothing they could do. In their view, the most suitable successor was Prince Su, who was far away in Ganzhou Prefecture. He was the third among the princes and held the title of the eldest son born out of wedlock.

Therefore, many people openly or secretly look northwest, hoping that the emperor will one day come to his senses and issue an edict summoning Prince Su to the capital; or at the very least, that he will simply depose Yan Chao.

After all, the officials of the Great Qi believed that they had an inescapable responsibility for the continuation of the dynasty, as the saying goes, "every man has a responsibility."

The emperor did indeed issue an edict. However, it was intercepted secretly by Wang Zhuo's men, who thoroughly interrogated the suspects and silently disposed of everyone before returning to the capital with the emperor's secret edict to report to the crown prince.

After reading it, Yan Chao burned it and then secretly investigated those who colluded inside and outside the palace. Sure enough, many were implicated. The benefits within the palace were expended, but more effort was needed to deal with those outside.

.

Just after the Lesser Cold solar term, Cao Ying, the Minister of Personnel and concurrently a Hanlin Academician, was imprisoned for plotting a crime.

Wang Zhuo, who had been promoted to Commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, was ordered to preside over the trial of the case. He discovered that Cao Ying, in order to murder the Crown Prince, secretly instructed a centurion in the military camp to leak our army's intelligence to the Tatar enemy, causing countless losses to the Qi army and leading to the Crown Prince's predicament at Shenjingbao.

The most influential witness was Ren Lu. The investigation in Xuanfu had already been completed thoroughly; they were simply awaiting the response from the capital. The evidence provided by Guo Yuanying, Shao Lang, and others was the most compelling and was swiftly presented to the palace.

The evidence of his treason and murder of the crown prince is conclusive; he is already guilty of one of the "Ten Abominations," which is unforgivable, not to mention that the authenticity of the memorials impeaching him has not yet been investigated.

The three judicial departments jointly tried the case, with the Crown Prince in attendance. After the charges were announced, Cao Ying signed and confessed. Given the multiple offenses, the most serious one would be considered. According to the laws of the Great Qi Dynasty, Cao Ying was sentenced to beheading, his wives, concubines, and children would be enslaved by the families of meritorious officials, his parents, grandparents, grandchildren, and brothers would be exiled two thousand li, and his property would be confiscated.

However, no sooner had the verdict been announced than Lan Huaien, who had not yet stepped down from the courtroom, requested an audience, claiming to have an imperial edict.

Everyone in the hall turned their gaze to Lan Huai'en. At that moment, Lan Huai'en did not seem like the treacherous eunuch whom everyone wanted to kill, but rather became an envoy carrying everyone's inexplicable hopes. Everyone knelt down devoutly, and even the disheveled Cao Ying had a glimmer of light in his eyes.

Lan Huaien looked down at the crowd, roughly guessing their thoughts, and couldn't help but feel quite ironic.

Author's Note: Obsessive-Compulsive Author's Note Section:

1. My next book is available for pre-order. Yes, it's currently called "Silent Locked Crimson Gate," the one about the Empress and the Imperial Physician. I'm thinking of changing it to the Empress and the Eunuch. What do you all think? (Stars twinkling.JPG)

2. A short, spontaneous thought for this chapter:

Crown Prince: Why are you hiding from me, sir?

Chen Xiu: Your Highness has returned from another province with a yellow health code...

3. Note: ① From "New Book: Guardian and Tutor"

②From the Book of Documents (Shangshu)

③Refer to the "Collected Statutes of the Ming Dynasty"