Chapter 86 The Reason for the Emperor's Influence (Part 1) "The Crown Prince is so kind today..."

The sky was overcast in the latter half of the afternoon, and as evening approached, a rain fell silently. Autumn was deepening, and it was the season when withered leaves fell from the branches and fallen petals. The endless drizzle was scattered by the wind, weaving a hazy mist that felt chilly when it touched the face.

It was on such a desolate evening that Yan Li clung to the window of the Imperial Clan Court, desperately peering out. As the last glimmer of light was swallowed by the wind and rain, he slit his throat with a shard of broken porcelain.

When the news reached Zhaoyang Palace, Lady Sun was speaking with Princess Yongjia. The two were slightly taken aback, but not surprised. Yan Fei, however, turned pale with shock and grabbed the eunuch, asking, "Was it truly a suicide out of fear of punishment?"

The eunuch said, "This is a message from the Emperor himself."

Madam Sun waved for the eunuch to leave, her tone indifferent: "This was bound to happen sooner or later."

Princess Yongjia stared blankly: "I heard that the Crown Prince went to see him. It can't be that the Crown Prince forced him to."

“Perhaps, perhaps this is the result that my grandfather wanted as well.” Yan Fei bit her lip and suddenly spoke up.

Lady Sun raised her eyes, glancing at him with some surprise. His gaze was filled with pity. Clever yet kind—this was not a good thing in the struggle for the throne. Lady Sun grasped her son's hand and said heavily, "The victor is king, the loser is villain. He has lost everything by losing the Emperor's favor. Even if the Crown Prince forced her, His Majesty will not do anything to her."

This last sentence was also addressed to Princess Yongjia. The emperor had already ordered the execution of one of his sons ten years ago, and now, facing another son who had rebelled and murdered the emperor, issuing another decree would be effortless. But it would be even better if he didn't have to lift a finger or bear the infamy of killing his own son.

Yan Fei felt a pang of unease under his mother's gaze, and a sudden thought of the Three Commoners Case from the Tang Dynasty flashed through his mind, causing him to shudder. His thoughts were in turmoil, and the wound on his arm throbbed again, causing him to frown. Madam Sun reached out and touched her son's forehead, saying softly, "You're still sick, go back and rest."

Yan Fei nodded, took his leave, and as he reached the door, he vaguely heard his mother talking to Princess Yongjia about the "crown prince's weakness" and how he was "certain to die." He felt as if a thousand-pound boulder was pressing on his heart, making his ears ring.

He knew his mother had been plotting for him all along, and he himself probably did harbor some desires, but he didn't know how to get past his sixth uncle. His mother was confident, and he roughly guessed that she would resort to some life-or-death tactics again. He didn't want to just watch from the sidelines, yet he couldn't bear to get involved. His sixth uncle was already the crown prince, yet he couldn't escape being schemed against. Had his father, the king, also been so meticulous in his calculations back then?

Princess Yongjia was genuinely shocked to learn that Lady Sun had already established a connection with Lan Huaien: "Is that all-powerful eunuch reliable?"

Sun gave her a reassuring look: "It's definitely reliable."

In the Qianqing Palace, the Emperor punished the Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) for dereliction of duty, and then summoned the Crown Prince. Yang Ren offered a few words of advice with great concern, but the Emperor's response was not very emotional: "Si Cun, there is no need for you to worry. I am perfectly clear-headed."

As Yan Chao alighted from his sedan chair, a strange figure stood outside the warm pavilion. Upon closer inspection, he recognized her as Princess Shouning. Princess Shouning had been in the capital for several months, but recent events had brought frequent changes, and all she could do was stay at the Prince's residence to look after her sister-in-law and niece. Princess Shouning had just arrived; a eunuch had just gone in to announce her arrival when she suddenly heard someone call out "Third Sister." Turning around, she saw it was the Crown Prince, her face immediately stiffening. She lowered her eyes slightly and remained silent.

A moment later, the two entered the palace together. The emperor was leaning against a rosewood couch, his face showing the irritation and exhaustion that followed his anger. He ignored the crown prince and only looked at Princess Shouning: "Why is Jingxun entering the palace at this time? Is it because your sister-in-law and Tang'er are not good to you?"

Princess Shouning couldn't help but shed tears, choking out, "Father, how could Fourth Brother, such a strong-willed person, suddenly commit suicide? My sister-in-law was already pregnant, and Tang'er was so young. How could she bear it? My sister-in-law was unwell, so I went to the palace to fetch the imperial physician for her."

"Just send someone to the Imperial Hospital to invite him; there's no need for you to make a special trip."

"The people below are opportunistic. Seeing that my brother has lost favor, they all avoid the people of the Prince's mansion like the plague. How could they possibly be willing to wholeheartedly examine my sister-in-law's pulse? It's pitiful that they are now an orphan and a widow. Does Father not want my brother, nor his own grandson?"

The emperor, who had initially felt pity, suddenly flew into a rage upon hearing the second half of the sentence: "I don't want him? A rebellious son who murdered his emperor and father deserves to be torn to pieces! You still dare to plead for him? Do you also harbor resentment towards me?!"

Princess Shouning had never been reprimanded by the emperor like this before. Terrified, she turned pale and hurriedly prostrated herself to beg for forgiveness, swallowing back all the words of complaint she had in her heart. However, the main purpose of her trip was to plead for her sister-in-law, but now she had offended the emperor with her words. She was filled with anxiety, unsure whether to advance or retreat.

Yan Chao stepped in to defuse the situation: "Father, please calm down. Third Sister came to the palace for her sister-in-law and nephew, and in her haste, she spoke without thinking. She did not intend to plead for the criminals. The most urgent matter is to send an imperial physician to treat my sister-in-law." Princess Shouning, seeing this, quickly agreed.

The emperor snorted coldly, glanced at the eunuch beside him, who understood, bowed, and withdrew. The emperor took a sip of tea, softened his tone, and asked, "How is Tang'er?"

Princess Shouning dared not mention that her young son missed his father, and cautiously replied, "Tang'er is doing well."

"Since your sister-in-law is unwell, it's best not to worry about her too much. Bring Tang'er into the palace and let the Imperial Concubine take care of her." The Emperor spoke to Princess Shouning, but his gaze swept over the Crown Prince. The princess looked up in surprise, and the Emperor looked at her calmly: "Once she recovers, you should leave the capital."

The emperor waved his hand: "Go. It's cold and the dew is heavy, so go back early and comfort your sister-in-law. I'm taking care of her because she's pregnant, so I'll only demote her to a commoner. Her food, clothing, and daily necessities will remain the same as before. Tell her to take care of herself."

This was a very thoughtful arrangement. Princess Shouning had nothing to say, silently wiped away her tears, and took her leave.

The emperor shifted slightly, leaning back, and looked at the crown prince with a half-smile: "What do you think of my decision?"

This was more unsettling than anger; even laughter carried a hint of sarcasm. Yan Chao's brow twitched, and he composed himself before replying, "Father is merciful, mindful of blood ties, and has pardoned the sinner's family. This is the best course of action."

"Mercy? Heh, I am merciful, but how come my sons are all such rebellious scoundrels?"

"Our dynasty governs the world with benevolence and filial piety. Our father rose early and retired late, and his benevolence spread throughout the world. This is a blessing for his subjects. However, as the saying goes, 'The dragon has nine sons, each different from the other.' It is because my two elder brothers were blinded by greed that they went astray and failed our father's grace and teachings. It is not that our father was not benevolent, but that the fault lies with the villains and the selfishness of people's hearts."

"If a son is not taught, it is the father's fault. As a father, I cannot escape the blame."

"There are no parents who are wrong. Your Majesty is benevolent and righteous, and your teachings are excellent. It is your unfilial children who have failed to appreciate your kindness. All the faults are your faults. If we talk about the misconduct of your brothers, as the Crown Prince, I failed to advise my elder brother in time and share your burdens, which has led to this disaster. All the blame lies with me. I hope that Your Majesty will not be saddened or hurt."

The emperor watched her kneel and kowtow silently, then casually picked up a few agate beads from the side, turned them around without making a sound, and slowly said, "My grief is not only because of him. You have not had a good time these past few years either."

Yan Chao was slightly taken aback, but did not reply.

"Yan Li deserved his punishment, so I will not investigate how much you schemed against him, nor will I ask what you said to him that day. You should know how to conduct yourself in the future."

Yan Chao frowned, about to speak, but was interrupted by the emperor: "Before Yan Li committed suicide, he left me another letter. It's on the small table behind you. Go and get it, and read it yourself."

"Yes." Yan Chao got up to take it, and when he opened it, he saw that it was Yan Li's handwriting. From the handwriting, he could tell that he was not in good condition. The content was mostly self-blame and pleading for his wife and children. The words were earnest. Only one sentence mentioned her: "I humbly request that the Crown Prince raise my young son Tang'er. If I can be entrusted with this task, I will have no regrets even if I die."

Yan Chao was stunned for a moment, not understanding Yan Li's meaning. Did she still think that Yan Tang was her bloodline, or was she trying to hint at something to the emperor, to put her in a difficult position before she died, or did she have other plans?

"He is willing to entrust Tang'er to you, which suggests he is genuinely repentant. What do you think?" the emperor asked.

"Your Majesty, I believe it would be appropriate for you to entrust Tang'er to the care of the Noble Consort. Alternatively, you could entrust him to your elder sister-in-law to keep Fei'er company. The Crown Prince has no heir yet, and I truly do not know how to raise him."

The emperor, thinking she still harbored resentment, sighed for a long time before saying, "Never mind." He glanced at the crown prince, a handsome and well-mannered son whose actions were beyond reproach, yet he still felt uneasy whenever he saw him. He thought it was probably because the crown prince had been alone for so long that his temperament had become too cold.

The emperor flicked a pearl with his fingertip and said slowly, "Raising a child is not difficult, but you must put it into practice. Physician Qi said that your health is fine, so you should pay more attention to the matter of having children. Having a child might change your stubborn nature. You have delayed for too many years. At the latest, next year, first establish a principal wife."

"Your Majesty, it's time to administer the elixir." A voice suddenly interrupted, cutting her off. Yan Chao turned his head in response to the voice and saw Lan Huai'en outside the lattice door.

The emperor's eyebrows shot up, and he slammed the agate beads in his hand onto the couch, where they tumbled and rolled to the floor. It was one of the emperor's most prized magical artifacts. Yan Chao's heart sank. He hurriedly bent down to pick them up; the 108 agate beads were quite heavy, but thankfully they didn't shatter. The emperor had already begun to shout sternly, "I'm speaking with the Crown Prince! Who gave you permission to intrude! Don't you know the rules?!"

Lan Huaien showed his face, but dared not enter. He knelt down in a place where the emperor could see him, raised the tray above his head with both hands, and begged for forgiveness repeatedly: "Your Majesty, please calm down! Your Majesty, please calm down! It was my fault for being blind and breaking the rules, offending Your Majesty and His Highness! I deserve to die!"

Eunuchs serving the emperor were not required to announce their arrival beforehand; there were even instances of eunuchs stepping forward to report matters during imperial deliberations. However, the current situation was unclear—whether Lan Huai'en acted intentionally or for some other reason. Yan Chao returned the flowing pearl to the emperor, who refused to accept it, pointing at Lan Huai'en: "Drag him out and give him sixty strokes of the cane! Even if he dies, don't bother reporting back to me!"

"Shut up!" Yan Chao coldly stopped him, then turned to the emperor and advised, "Father, please calm down. Eunuch Lan has always served Your Majesty with utmost devotion. Today, he was only concerned about Your Majesty's health and the timing of Your Majesty's elixir-taking, which is why he acted so rashly. I hope Your Majesty will forgive him this time, considering his loyalty." He then presented the Flowing Pearl again.

"The Crown Prince is so kind today, pleading for people everywhere."

"Your Majesty, please understand. Your son pleads for mercy out of concern for Your Majesty's health, and also because you know Your Majesty's heart is benevolent. Your son is foolish, but is willing to follow Your Majesty and share your burdens."

The emperor accepted the pearl, but finally changed his mind: "Thirty strokes of the cane, and you don't need to serve me these days."

Lan Huaien hurriedly thanked the prince, and when he saw the prince personally come over and take the tray from his head, he felt a sudden lightness in his hands. He kowtowed several times, wiped the tears from his face, and hurriedly retreated with his back bent.

After personally serving the emperor the elixir, Yan Chao took his leave and returned to the Eastern Palace. Tonight, the Eastern Palace was unusually lively. The eunuch Chi Rong greeted the Crown Prince warmly as he entered the palace gate and pointed to three women in the garden, saying, "Your Highness, just now Eunuch Sun came to deliver an imperial decree, saying that His Majesty has bestowed three virtuous ladies upon you."

The three women bowed in unison, saying, "We greet Your Highness the Crown Prince. May Your Highness live a thousand years."

Yan Chao stiffened, his body trembled, and he couldn't help but support Liang Lu beside him before he could barely stand still. Liang Lu called out "Your Highness" in a daze but with concern, but Yan Chao suddenly grabbed him and ordered, "I'm a little tired today, you, you go and make arrangements."

Having said that, Liang Lu turned and left, letting out a helpless sigh. He then glanced back at the three bewildered figures, a sense of unease rising in his heart. Chi Rong, always quick-witted, had already ordered someone to prepare lodgings. Though hastily prepared, they might not be perfect, but they would suffice for the night.

"Ladies, please follow me." The three were ladies bestowed upon them by the Emperor, all of the lowest rank. Liang Lu and Chi Rong led them to the back courtyard, but after only a few steps, someone began to ask, "May I ask, Eunuch, what did His Highness the Crown Prince mean by 'arrangements'? Will they begin serving tonight?"

"We've just entered the Eastern Palace and don't know its rules yet. Will female officials come to teach us later?"

"Your Highness seems quite serious. May I inquire about your likes and dislikes? I'm afraid I might inadvertently offend you."

"Your Excellency, please forgive my bluntness, but it seems that the Eastern Palace is mostly staffed by eunuchs. I haven't seen any female officials or palace maids around His Highness. Is it because he is averse to women?"

"I've heard that the Crown Prince has already chosen a concubine. Shall we go and pay our respects to her tonight?"

...

"Tomorrow, follow His Highness's orders. Chi Rong, no one is allowed to make any arrangements on their own. You know His Highness's temperament; your master is a prime example," Liang Lu warned him. After Xiao Jiu's death, Shiwu changed his name back to Chi Rong to show that he was cutting ties with the past and obediently followed Liang Lu to do his work.

Chi Rong tightened his face, lowered his head to reveal his chin, and softly replied, "Yes."

Liang Lu was not a harsh person, and considering Xiao Jiu's kindness, he treated him fairly kindly. So he patted him on the shoulder and said, "Xu Xuanshi lives in Zhaojian Palace. I'm afraid you disturbed her tonight. Go and let her know."

"I understand, I'll go right away."