Autumn wind
Jiang Heng was in charge of the Censorate, and in these turbulent times, impeachment memorials were falling like snowflakes. One day the east wind prevailed over the west wind, and the next day the west wind regained its advantage. It was those who were busy processing the memorials who were kept busy. The two chatted for a while longer, but after only a sip of tea, they had to rush back.
After Jiang Heng left, Dou Yanxun sat quietly on the second floor for a long time.
As the sun slowly set, the bustling streets gradually thinned out. He stood up, his body stiff from sitting for so long. Several servants who had been waiting outside the private room entered, carefully observing his expression. His chiseled features were bathed in the fading sunlight, his eyes closed, revealing no trace of joy or anger.
"Go and buy all the snacks and trinkets she just looked at. Send them to Liao Yan."
The two attendants nodded and left. Only then did he look at the last one left behind, glancing out of the corner of his eye at the shadow that had finally disappeared into the opposite alley. His handsome face gradually became shrouded in endless killing intent.
"Investigate whose men those people are. Are they Jiang Heng's or Prince Mao's?"
The attendant quickly obeyed and left.
It was already October, and less than two months remained until the momentous event he was forced to participate in. He considered himself to be living a life of constant danger, and now he couldn't trust anyone. He closed his eyes, carefully picked up his half-worn cloak, and in a daze, he seemed to smell that familiar scent again, just like before. He slowly walked out.
.
The fact that Zhao Xiang had lost the emperor's favor quickly became common knowledge. Lady Zhao loved flowers, especially chrysanthemums. In previous years, every autumn, chrysanthemum appreciation banquets would be held in Mujing one after another. The wives of many civil officials would vie to invite Lady Zhao, and would feel smug about winning her favor.
This year, surprisingly, not a single grand flower-viewing banquet was held. Instead, the Eldest Princess and several other renowned noblewomen organized several book gatherings, inviting only some well-regarded families from the Mu Jing region. Since Wei Kaiji, still in his new term, had already performed poorly, the Gong Prince's family, who had just been punished, were naturally not invited. It was said that Dou Zhen, who always loved poetry and literature and was known for her captivating beauty at elegant gatherings, was quite depressed about this for a while.
Liao Yan and Liang Zhengyuan became even busier as a result. Prime Minister Zhao was preoccupied with dealing with the increasingly arrogant Prince Mao, which gave Lin Xu and Liao Yan an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the situation.
When the news arrived, Lin Xu was sitting and drinking tea in the princess's residence.
Liao Yan had just finished her shift and strode towards the back garden, casually taking off her cloak and tossing it aside. Behind her stood Liang Zhengyuan, who had grown even taller and more valiant. Having served in the Military Command for a long time, his skin had even become tanned, making him look like a seasoned warrior who had fought on the battlefield.
Without even greeting anyone, Liao Yan caught her breath and began to speak:
"Emperor Su is seriously ill again... Prime Minister Zhao was waiting in front of the Golden Palace early in the morning. Emperor Su summoned several important officials, including ministers and key officials from various provinces. He even met with Prime Minister Zhao's protégé, Zhang Dechang, but he did not meet with him."
Lin Xu had naturally heard about this matter long ago. Before dawn today, his father received a secret letter and hurriedly went to the palace to meet the emperor.
Emperor Su was not particularly old and had always been in good health, but this autumn he had been bedridden repeatedly, and this time, it was said, he had even vomited blood. However, the imperial family, in its dignity, had never wanted to spread such news that could damage the emperor's reputation. But the more they tried to stop it, the faster the news spread. In less than half a day, it had reached the point where powerful families were trembling with fear, choosing sides, and even feeling insecure.
"This illness came on very strangely. I heard from Physician Xu that several physicians from the Imperial Hospital were punished, but they really couldn't figure out what was wrong."
Upon hearing Lin Xu's words, Liao Yan's face darkened, and he sneered:
"You also think that they... can't wait any longer?"
Lin Xu nodded and poured a cup of hot tea for Liao Yan and Liang Si, who had just sat down.
"...Thinking carefully about the court, there are only a few people who are currently on our minds. We are holding back our troops, and Prince Mao is too arrogant and conceited to do such a thing in secret. It is that one of them who is the most likely culprit."
Since his return, Liang Zhengyuan had known that the murder of Liang Shuangyu was likely related to the Empress. He had already been granted the title of Marquis and General, and was now a very important military general. Many forces were vying to win him over, so Liao Yan and Lin Xu naturally had nothing to hide from him.
Liang Si's fingertips danced on the fine glaze of the teacup, as he pondered in a low voice:
"I only heard that the lady in Changchun Palace caught a cold a few days ago and has been staying at home for several days to recuperate. Would someone as cautious as her suddenly take such a risky move?"
Liao Yan tilted her head back and drank the hot tea in her cup in one gulp, only then feeling somewhat quenched her thirst. She raised an eyebrow and said coldly:
"Who knows if she's really sick, or if she's feeling guilty and trying to cover it up so she can act like it's none of her business? It's all a bit of a coincidence, but I'm too lazy to investigate it right now. I'm just happy to make things easier for us."
After speaking, she looked at Lin Xu, her eyes showing a hint of seriousness:
"I know Prince Mao's uncle better than anyone else. He has a distinguished military record and lived a life of constant danger in his early years. He hates people who resort to underhanded tactics, so he will definitely remain inactive and observe from the sidelines. Duan Jinru is completely obedient to his uncle. This matter should have nothing to do with them. However, I have heard that he has become quite close to an old friend these days."
Upon hearing this, Liang Zhengyuan also turned to look at Lin Xu.
Lin Xu's heart stirred, and he said calmly:
"Dou Yanxun and I are now like strangers, with no contact whatsoever. However, he has always worked for the Crown Prince, so I suppose he was just being polite to him out of respect for Prince Mao's power."
Liao Yan recalled the several large boxes of food and trinkets that someone had eagerly sent to her a few days ago, clearly trying to use her as a gift. She felt both helpless and sentimental, and her heart softened a little.
"You may be ruthless, but the other side may not. However, now that the camps are clearly divided, I am genuinely worried about the two of you."
Lin Xu was well aware of Liao Yan's thoughts. Before she could speak, Liang Zhengyuan finished his tea and stood up, saying:
"There is no time to lose. Although we have not arranged any action this time, it may be an excellent opportunity for a counterattack. We should always be more prepared."
Liang Si was referring to Prince Mao's closest subordinates and nephews.
Liao Yan nodded, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
"I'll need you to keep a close eye on Duan Jinru's side. Although he's young, he's quite a disciple of my uncle. My uncle may not be able to hold back, but he might secretly send him to carry out his plans. If you don't have enough men, just ask me for more."
Liang Zhengyuan smiled warmly, “Princess, rest assured, the men around me now are all brothers who have risked their lives with us in the past. They are the most reliable and know what is important. There are only a few dozen men, which is enough for me.”
Liao Yan's smile softened considerably. She and Liang Zhengyuan shared a deep mutual respect and a tacit understanding forged through their shared experience of life and death. Although they couldn't be lovers, they were still close friends. Looking at the few new, fine scars on Liang Zhengyuan's face in the sunlight, her tone softened further:
"Yingzhi, thank you very much."
Liang Zhengyuan gave her a deep look, his silent smile speaking volumes.
The group chatted for a few more minutes. Due to their busy schedules, they rarely had a chance to meet, but as long as they were of one mind, even in such a critical and tense moment, they felt a sense of confidence. Liang Sijun had other important matters to attend to and hurriedly left. Liao Yan looked at the blooming flowers and fluttering bamboo shadows, but for a moment, her expression became somewhat hesitant.
"Lin Xu".
She turned around to look at her.
Lin Xu sighed softly, placing her soft palm on Liao Yan's hand, where a thin layer of sweat had appeared without her noticing. Having reached this point, moving forward meant unparalleled glory, while retreating meant an abyss of no return. Who could remain unfazed?
She simply wanted Liao Yan to know that, from beginning to end, her intention had always been the same: to help her reach the top and to help her claim what was rightfully hers.
.
Two days have passed, and while everything in the capital city appears calm on the surface, undercurrents are surging and changes are about to occur.
Emperor Su lay ill for two whole days, not attending court. Zhao Xiang, who usually held considerable power, was unusually treated coldly, with Crown Prince Wei Yun handling state affairs instead. The Eastern Palace was under heavy guard and bustling with activity. Meanwhile, impeachment memorials against Zhao Xiang piled up in the Censorate, exposing his corrupt practices, abuse of power, and oppression of military officers over the years. All the impeachment memorials poured in.
Soon, some even claimed that Yao Qijiang's northward campaign was not motivated by rebellion, but rather by dissatisfaction with Zhao Xiang's overreach of power. They argued that Yao Qijiang had been manipulated by malicious individuals, framed for treason, and ultimately beheaded. Consequently, military officers already dissatisfied with the civil officials submitted memorials demanding Yao Qijiang's rehabilitation and, moreover, impeaching Zhao Xiang and forcing him to resign.
But this fire soon inexplicably spread to the crown prince.
Before the Crown Prince entered the Eastern Palace, he had a close relationship with Chancellor Zhao and even studied politics under Chancellor Zhao. As a result, numerous accusations against Chancellor Zhao for forming cliques and engaging in corrupt practices intensified until they were all pinned on the Crown Prince. For a time, apart from those serving in the Eastern Palace, all other ministers dared not act rashly, fearing that they would be implicated.
Many veteran officials deduced that the Crown Prince, in order to protect himself, would surely push for Zhao Xiang to step forward. Sure enough, within half a day, an edict for regency was officially issued: "Zhao has for many years engaged in private affairs and formed cliques, harming the public and the government. As a result, the officials are in uproar, and the foundation of the state is shaken. Zhao is hereby dismissed from his post as prime minister and given a sinecure. The censors will be dispatched to investigate."
Upon the issuance of the edict, Zhao Xiang's years of painstaking efforts vanished, and he was naturally unwilling to comply. However, the Crown Prince was now in dire straits himself and would not pay any attention to him. Chaos ensued in the court, and many of Zhao Xiang's former protégés claimed illness and refused to attend court, fearing that they would be implicated and suffer an even more miserable fate.
This turmoil lasted only a few days. Some ministers who had previously pledged allegiance to the Crown Prince hoped that he could shoulder the heavy responsibility when they went to court. However, for some reason, Wei Yun had dark circles under his eyes and looked anxious when he went to court for two consecutive days. He was also unable to answer the questions from some of Zhao Xiang's old faction members for a long time, which was completely unlike his usual well-versed political skills.
Thus, these former officials, who already harbored resentment, became even more self-righteous.
Seeing their leaderless ministers act this way, the Crown Prince, who was highly regarded by the people, was greatly disappointed. Instead, they consulted Prince Mao, who held a position equivalent to regent and was in charge of the Imperial Guards, on everything.
As a result, the military faction grew stronger and stronger. The cowardly and weak Prince Gong's heir, Wei Kaiji, suffered for several days and submitted a letter of resignation early the next morning. From then on, Zhao Qiang temporarily took over the position of Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.
And the autumn of that year was coming to an end soon.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
