Chapter 79 The Wind Rises Over the East Tower (Part 5) "Prince Xin stormed the palace with a knife, intending to..."

Around 3 AM, while it was still dark, the eunuchs at the Key Storehouse inside the Xi'an Gate were already alert and on duty. The keys to all the palace gates were managed by the Key Storehouse, and according to custom, they were issued at 3 AM every day to open each gate.

The eunuchs received their assignments and set off from Xi'an Gate, passing through the Western Garden, heading east to each of the palace gates in turn. Donghua Gate was the furthest, and they arrived a little later. The eunuchs watched as the locks were opened and the gates were opened, and then they had to collect the keys.

The palace gates opened. The light in the dark night suddenly and intensely illuminated the scene. The sound of guards talking could be heard outside the gates. Soon, a few faint lights flickered in. The figures of three or four people gradually became clear.

The eunuch in charge of the keys, bewildered, knelt down and bowed along with the others, only then realizing that it was Prince Xin who had entered the palace.

Everyone was puzzled. Why would Prince Xin take the long way through Donghua Gate to enter the palace and meet the Emperor? And why did he only bring two attendants? It was really strange. But everyone already knew about what happened at Wan'an Palace, so no one dared to ask any more questions. Seeing that Prince Xin was holding the imperial edict, they let him in.

Prince Xin's face was stiff and cold. He crossed the bridge as if no one else was there, turned north, and walked through Huiyin Gate and Linzhi Gate before heading straight for the East Palace.

The palace gate guards were changing shifts when they suddenly saw Prince Xin approaching with an unfriendly expression, which made them suspicious. So they sent someone to announce his arrival while they tried to stop him.

Prince Xin gave a signal, and the two men on either side immediately started fighting. Prince Xin also drew his sword, clearly intending to force his way into the Eastern Palace. The guards at the gate were hesitant, but Prince Xin's men fought with deadly precision, and in just a few moves, they managed to squeeze through the palace gates!

However, in an instant, the surrounding lights suddenly blazed on, and the guards surrounded the area, but only under martial law. Duan Shou, leading the group, clasped his hands and bowed to Prince Xin.

Prince Xin stopped, sheathed his sword, glanced at Duan Shou and the others, then looked directly at the main hall and said calmly, "Summon him to come out and see me."

Duan Shou said, "Prince Xin has barged into the Eastern Palace with a knife. Could he be plotting a rebellion?"

“You are no match for me, a mere dog,” Prince Xin said, unmoved, and repeated, “Bring your master out.”

Duan Shou's expression shifted repeatedly, his hand gripping the knife at his waist tightly. He didn't respond to Prince Xin's words, only glancing back silently. Someone had already gone to inform the Crown Prince; he was also awaiting the imperial decree.

He remained rooted to the spot, refusing to move an inch, his eyes fixed on Prince Xin. The other guards did not retreat either.

Prince Xin gave a disdainful snort.

The morning stars were few and far between; the gray sky was silent and windless, save for a penetrating chill that seeped into one's bones. Prince Xin finally felt the cold; the chill filled his chest and seeped into his heart and lungs.

After a short while, a eunuch came and said he had to convey the Crown Prince's orders.

Before the words "His Highness has decreed" could finish, Prince Xin interrupted him, his voice hoarse this time: "Where is the Crown Prince?"

"His Highness the Crown Prince is naturally in the palace," the eunuch replied perfunctorily, then turned to Duan Shou, "Issue His Highness's decree: someone has broken into the Eastern Palace with a knife, intending to assassinate the Crown Prince. Seize him immediately!"

Prince Xin was startled and shouted, "Who dares!" Two attendants behind him immediately drew their swords to block him.

Duan Shou waved his hand, and the guards, no longer hesitant, stepped forward to subdue the attendants and confiscate their weapons. Duan Shou asked, "Should we hand them over to the Embroidered Uniform Guard?"

The eunuch said, "Those two servants should be taken to the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Prince Xin is not someone we can convict. As His Highness the Crown Prince instructed, send him to the Western Garden for His Majesty's judgment."

Prince Xin stared wide-eyed as he heard them decide how to deal with him, and his heart sank.

He hadn't seen the Crown Prince, and his pent-up anger had nowhere to go. Remembering his mother's recent tragic death, he was overcome with grief. All his plans, forbearance, and dignity were thrown to the back of his mind, and he shouted at the top of his lungs:

"Hurry up and gag him!"

.

The Renshou Palace in the Western Garden is a place of spiritual retreat. The emperor has always been diligent in his pursuit of Taoism, heeding the advice of Master Wu to perform rituals on time, and diligently meditating, purifying his mind, consuming elixirs, and contemplating scriptures every day. Even now, with the autumn weather turning cold and the days getting shorter, the emperor remains as "diligent" as ever.

When a sedan chair was silently carried into the West Garden, it was already broad daylight. Lan Huaien, who was serving the emperor, received a report from the eunuch and his expression immediately turned somewhat surprised. He glanced back at the emperor, who was sitting quietly on the prayer mat, then lowered his gaze and waved for the eunuch to leave.

The emperor quickly finished his morning meditation. Palace servants filed in to help him wash up. Lan Huaien silently added incense to the incense burner, glancing at the emperor while feigning hesitation.

The emperor let out a long breath, glanced at him unintentionally, and asked, "Is there something you need?"

"Yes," Lan Huaien replied with some difficulty, but still answered truthfully, "Your Majesty, something has happened at the Eastern Palace."

When Prince Xin entered, he was in a very disheveled state: his clothes were in disarray, his hands were bound, and his mouth was stuffed with cloth. He refused to be helped in and awkwardly shuffled in step by step, looking just like a captured prisoner.

The emperor was startled, then frowned: "How did things get like this! What kind of behavior is this! Quickly untie Prince Xin!"

Prince Xin, now free, staggered and fell to his knees before the emperor. Without uttering a word, he prostrated himself and wept bitterly. The emperor stared at him blankly, his face trembling almost imperceptibly.

At this moment, Lan Huaien let out a soft "ouch" and quickly stepped forward to help Prince Xin, gently advising him, "Your Highness, please take care of yourself. Your heartbreaking crying like this is not only harming your own health, but how can His Majesty bear it... His Majesty has been so heartbroken these past two days that he hasn't been able to eat, and he's counting on you to comfort him."

The emperor reached out and stroked his son's trembling shoulder, sighing softly, "Li'er, I know you are sad. I have dealt with that vile woman, and your mother can rest in peace now."

A sharp slap suddenly landed on his face.

Prince Xin stopped abruptly, his mouth agape, and looked up at the emperor in disbelief.

"You rushed back to the palace in a great hurry, without paying your respects to me or keeping vigil for your mother, and just because of a suspicion, you took a knife and stormed into the East Palace?"

Prince Xin shuddered and kowtowed repeatedly: "Father, please forgive me! It was my fault! I was so heartbroken that I offended the Crown Prince! I am so sorry, I will go and apologize to the Crown Prince right now!"

He turned to run outside, but he was so dizzy that he couldn't tell which way was which. He seemed to have lost his mind. He tripped on his robe, but he insisted on crawling out.

"Come back! Haven't you embarrassed yourself enough already!"

Without waiting for the emperor's order, Lan Huaien had already gone to help Prince Xin up. Prince Xin sobbed uncontrollably, and kowtowed several times, leaving red marks on his forehead.

The emperor personally reached out and helped him up. Prince Xin did not dare to refuse, and choked with emotion as he thanked the emperor and sat down. The emperor then ordered Lan Huai'en to give Prince Xin the cup of tea beside him. Prince Xin was quite flattered and burst into tears.

Seeing his appearance, the emperor's expression softened.

After regaining his composure, Prince Xin knelt properly this time and solemnly admitted his mistake: "Your son has been disrespectful to the Crown Prince and discordant with his brothers, which has damaged the face of the imperial family and offended Your Majesty's benevolence. I have completely forgotten the duties of filial piety and brotherly love, and have truly failed Your Majesty's teachings. Please punish me, Your Majesty, I will have no complaints!"

The last sentence sent a chill down the spine of the King. He kowtowed and replied, forcing himself to remain calm as he took his leave.

The Emperor has issued an edict regarding Lady Li's funeral arrangements, ordering the Ministry of Rites to conduct a grand ceremony and posthumously confer upon her the title of Imperial Noble Consort, with the posthumous name of Duanmin, and to announce this to the world. Furthermore, Consort Jing, née Xie, is promoted to the rank of Noble Consort and will jointly preside over the Imperial Noble Consort's funeral with Prince Xin. According to custom, Imperial Noble Consort Duanmin will be buried in the Western Hills, not far from the Emperor's auspicious burial site.

As for the convicted woman, Lady Su, she received neither the honor of being buried in the imperial mausoleum and posthumously honored, nor was she returned to her family. She was simply buried in a thin coffin by a few eunuchs in the suburbs.

The remains of Consort Duanmin had already decomposed, and only her clothes and hat could be placed in her coffin. When the Ministry of Rites presented the funeral rites, they requested additional rituals outside of the usual rites, which the Emperor granted, and specially ordered Master Wu to preside over them.

The preparations for the funeral, including the opening of the burial site and the offering of sacrifices to the Earth God, were complex and intense, with the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works working day and night. The atmosphere in the palace also became somber and solemn, as everyone except Prince Xin and his wife, who were to keep vigil, was required to express their condolences for this grand funeral.

With the emperor in light-colored robes issuing a decree of mourning, and officials in plain clothes attending court, the Crown Prince could not, both out of courtesy and reason, be absent from the funeral. Whatever the Crown Prince's true feelings, he had to consider the bigger picture on the surface.

As a result, the crown prince, who was still recovering from his illness, had only taken a few steps out of the palace gate when he fainted on the spot in full view of everyone, which immediately frightened the officials and palace staff.

The emperor quickly issued an imperial edict, exempting the crown prince from participating in the funeral rites and allowing him to focus on recuperating.

Prince Xin harbored deep resentment towards the Crown Prince and naturally did not want him to appear at his mother's funeral. Moreover, he was currently grieving during the mourning period and had no time to argue with the Crown Prince again.

But amidst the apparent calm, everyone vaguely sensed an ominous sign of impending doom. Recently, a series of incidents had occurred both inside and outside the palace, each seemingly related to the Crown Prince and Prince Xin.

The emperor's attitude was quite intriguing. He had originally intended to send Prince Xin to his fiefdom, but now that Prince Xin's mother had passed away, the emperor no longer mentioned the matter.

Chen Xiu had been extremely busy lately, and when he stepped into the front hall of the Yang residence, he was surprised to see Grand Secretary Cao Ying there as well. He paused for a moment before bowing to the two of them.

Yang Ren gestured for him to sit down, and holding his tea, he sighed, "I finally managed to steal half a day of leisure, but who would have thought that my home would become the cabinet's office! If word gets out that the three cabinet ministers are having a private gathering, it will be quite a scandal."

Of the three, Chen Xiu was the least experienced and the youngest, so he had to apologize: "Please forgive my abruptness and rudeness in coming here so hastily."

"It was just a joke, Jianchu, don't take it personally." Yang Ren composed himself and asked, "The Ministry of Works and the Ministry of Rites have been exceptionally busy these past few days, and you've been shuttling back and forth between the capital and Xishan. Is there something important that you need to see me so urgently?"

Chen Xiu nodded, disregarding Cao Ying's presence, and took out a document from his sleeve, handing it to Yang Ren. He frowned and whispered, "Prime Minister, the burial site has been opened, the shrine to Houtu has been erected, and the excavation is almost complete. We were just about to cover it with ashes when someone from Xishan urgently reported that the tomb had suddenly leaked water and collapsed, and the workers couldn't fix it in time. The Imperial Observatory is also helpless. Right now, we can only choose a new site, and the auspicious time will probably have to be postponed for a while."

Cao Ying put down his teacup, stood up, and leaned closer, asking in a deep voice, "That auspicious site was chosen by the Imperial Observatory, so how could these problems still occur?"

Yang Ren said softly, "Unexpected things can happen." He pondered for a moment, "Fortunately, it is autumn and winter now, and the Imperial Noble Consort's coffin... it shouldn't be a problem to keep the coffin there for a while. We can just go and ask for the imperial decree."

The memorial was submitted, and unsurprisingly, the approved approval was issued immediately.

However, Prince Xin was not happy, and he also vaguely heard rumors circulating outside that his mother was being punished for some kind of "karmic retribution," which made him furious.

This time, Prince Xin wrote a memorial directly to the emperor, impeaching the Ministry of Works, the Ministry of Rites, and even the Grand Secretaries who were in charge of the funeral arrangements.

Now that it was out in the open, the emperor had no choice but to issue an edict to investigate and ban it. However, such a matter that damaged the royal family's reputation could not be investigated in a grand manner; at most, a few conspicuous individuals would be singled out as a warning to others.

It wasn't a big deal in itself, but Prince Xin's public outburst made the Grand Secretaries lose face.

Yan Chao found it strange, but couldn't figure out what was going on. These days, the Li family had been behaving themselves, and Li Shih-huai had even claimed illness and stayed home. It seemed as if they were in a standoff with the Crown Prince, waiting for an opportunity to strike.

She summoned He Shu privately. He Shu was not a cabinet minister and had a very limited perspective, but he had close ties with Chen Xiu and also held the position of Grand Tutor, so it was easier for her to see him than for others.

"What Grand Secretary Chen means is that Prince Xin's memorial was a test."

"Is it testing the Emperor's will, or testing the court officials?"

"No, it was a test of Your Highness."

"We know he's coming for the Crown Prince. He's already drawn his sword and charged at us, is there any need to test him?"

"I wonder if Your Highness is aware of the content of the rumors?"

He started to speak, then stopped again.

Chen Xiu was unaware of the palace's past affairs, so he assumed it was a test. But this was no test; it was clearly a relentless pressure. She sneered inwardly: "In that case, Prince Xin might be unintentional, the Emperor is probably suspicious, leaving only the Crown Prince with ulterior motives."

"Grand Secretary Chen instructed me to advise Your Highness not to be impatient under any circumstances, and that the most important thing right now is to calm down, recuperate, and take care of your health."

Yan Chao put down her teacup, her breathing slightly calmer, and nodded, saying, "I am not so impulsive." She then asked, "Vice Minister Ren and his entourage have already returned to the capital, and the case of the rebellion in southern Sichuan should be closed by now. Do you know how far the Three Judicial Offices have progressed?"

"The crimes have been committed. The ringleaders, Yu Chufeng, She Ning, and Shen Yue, were sentenced to death with reprieve, and the others were also given heavy sentences. I heard from Censor Huang that the Embroidered Uniform Guard had secretly interrogated the criminals, which seemed to involve Grand Secretary Li, but no confessions have been presented to the Ministry of Justice and the Censorate."

It seems that only the emperor knows the contents of the confession.

Yan Chao glanced at the opened secret letter on the table, looked out the window, and suddenly sighed, "With the passing of Imperial Noble Consort Duanmin, even the weather seems particularly bleak lately. With the Frost's Descent approaching, I'm afraid this autumn will be even more bloody."