Chapter 70 Your Majesty, I respectfully beseech Your Majesty to depart this world...
In the case of the Prince of Hejian, Yan Xue made a great contribution by purging the traitorous party, which greatly pleased Emperor Yongcheng.
According to the laws of this dynasty, anyone who privately manufactures a single weapon shall be punished with eighty strokes of the cane, and anyone who privately manufactures three suits of armor shall be sentenced to hanging. Not to mention that the Prince of Hejian had privately forged weapons on an entire mountain. With witnesses and physical evidence, Emperor Yongcheng ordered that he and his accomplices be beheaded and their heads displayed to the public, and that all the male members of the Prince's household be punished with eighty strokes of the cane and exiled three thousand li away.
With the imperial edict issued, the matter was settled, and Emperor Yongcheng breathed a sigh of relief: "Seventh Prince, you have solved a major problem for me!"
Yan Xuecui lowered her head and looked away, saying that she dared not take credit.
Emperor Yongcheng saw that he looked tired and assumed it was because he had been traveling hard for days. As his father, he should have been more concerned. However, he had recently heard some rumors from his spies.
"I've heard that you've been investigating someone lately?" Emperor Yongcheng took a sip of tea and asked casually.
Yan Xuecui casually remarked, "They're just a few fish that slipped through the net."
Emperor Yongcheng smiled enigmatically; he would naturally investigate the truth himself.
He tapped his knuckles lightly on the table, staring intently at Yan Xue with wide eyes: "After the snow, the sky has cleared, and it's the perfect time for hunting in Cangming Mountain. You should come along for the winter hunt the day after tomorrow."
Yan Xuecui laughed: "Father, have you forgotten that I am blind? It would be a laughing stock if I were to accompany you on the winter hunt."
Emperor Yongcheng narrowed his eyes. "But I've heard that you are highly skilled, moving freely in the Prince of Hejian's residence as if it were empty, and that you were once an expert archer. How come you can't participate in the winter hunt?"
Yan Xuecui pursed her lips, "Your subject was seriously injured several times in Hejian, all because of being ambushed while blind."
Emperor Yongcheng's tone softened slightly: "I was so focused on investigating the case of the Prince of Hejian that I forgot to ask you if your injuries have healed?"
Yan Xuecui sneered inwardly, "Thank you for your concern, Father. Your son's injuries have fully healed."
Emperor Yongcheng said, "In that case, please come along. The wilderness outside is vast and open, and whether you ride a horse or gaze into the distance, it may be beneficial to your recovery from your eye ailment."
Yan Xuecui finally bowed and agreed, "Your subject obeys the decree."
Emperor Yongcheng remembered something and said, "I have heard that there is a legendary doctor in the countryside who is quite experienced in treating hysteria. Before the end of the year, I plan to bring your mother back to the palace so that she can be properly recuperated and treated. What do you think?"
Yan Xuecui was well aware that this was an attempt to control him through his mother, but the way he said it made it sound like a favor to them.
Yan Xue's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile as she readily expressed her gratitude.
Emperor Yongcheng watched his departing figure with cold, sharp eyes.
A spy reported that he was agile and did not seem to be blind. They suggested taking advantage of the winter hunt to test whether his eye ailment was real or not.
In early December, after a snowfall, a biting north wind swept across Cangming Mountain, scattering snowflakes like broken jade. The morning light spread across the snow-covered ground, enveloping the entire royal hunting ground in a chilling golden glow.
The imperial procession was grand and imposing, with banners fluttering and snow dust billowing beneath the horses' hooves.
At Emperor Yongcheng's command, the soldiers, longbows in hand, rode away. Birds and beasts in the deep forest fled in terror, snow fell softly, and arrows whistled like thunder.
Emperor Yongcheng stood on the high platform, looking at his son beside him.
Yan Xuecui stood tall and elegant in a black and gold cloak, her face refined and her figure upright. Her cold, deep gray eyes were slightly lowered, with a few bloodshot veins, but still, there was not much abnormality to be seen.
The servants led the horse forward. A cold glint flashed in Emperor Yongcheng's eyes as he spoke, "I've heard that blind people have exceptional hearing. They must be more alert to unusual movements of birds and beasts in the forest than ordinary people. Since Seventh Prince is here, why don't you try riding and archery?"
Yan Xuecui chuckled lightly: "Father, I'm afraid I'll have to disappoint you today."
Emperor Yongcheng laughed and said, "It's alright. I'm not testing you. The horses in this hunting ground know the way. I'll also send more guards to protect you. I will make sure nothing happens to you. If you can hunt any live animal today, I will reward you handsomely!"
Yan Xuecui could not refuse and had no choice but to agree.
Cheng Huai and Qin Zheng accompanied him, and Emperor Yongcheng could not deliberately stop them, after all, it was just a test, not an attempt to kill him today.
Emperor Yongcheng didn't want him to hide it from the bottom of his heart, after all, such a useful knife could solve a lot of trouble for him.
But if this knife were to be used against him, Emperor Yongcheng would not hesitate to smash it to pieces.
Cheng Huai and his companion escorted their prince on horseback at a slow pace, keeping a watchful eye on any movement from all directions.
As expected, Emperor Yongcheng dispatched more than ten personal guards to accompany him, ostensibly to protect his safety, but secretly to keep countless eyes watching. Since Yan Xuecui had decided to start the uprising today, he would not be unprepared. The area outside the Imperial Forest had already been quietly surrounded by Zhao Qu, the current commander of the Golden Guard, who was waiting for his signal.
Yan Xue calmly rode her horse, observing the situation. The emperor's guards who had been following her for half a day had not found any flaws.
Emperor Yongcheng secretly ordered people to deliberately release wild rabbits and roe deer around him, and even secretly fire arrows to see how he would dodge them. After all, arrows in the hunting grounds have no eyes, and it is not surprising that some arrows miss their mark. However, Yan Xuecui remained unmoved.
Emperor Yongcheng quickly ran out of patience and personally went to the hunting grounds. He spurred his horse forward towards Yan Xuecui and said, "Seventh Prince! Draw your bow and arrow, and let me see your skills!"
Yan Xuecui smiled gently and beautifully: "Father, do you really want to see my abilities?"
Emperor Yongcheng smiled meaningfully: "Give it a try!"
Yan Xue reined in her horse and stopped, took the bow that Cheng Huai handed her, drew an arrow from the quiver, and slowly nocked it.
Emperor Yongcheng kept a close eye on his every move, and if he showed the slightest sign of anything amiss, the Imperial Guards hidden in the shadows would immediately seize him.
The arrow flew with a "whoosh," its force was decent, but its aim was off. The silver arrow pierced the air and flew towards the distant bushes.
Upon receiving the order, Zhao Qu, who was far away on the outskirts of the hunting grounds, immediately waved his hand to signal the Emperor's guards. The Imperial Guards acted swiftly and silently slit the throats of the Emperor's personal guards on the outskirts.
The commotion did not reach the hunting grounds. Emperor Yongcheng, seeing that his arrow had missed, breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Try again!"
This time, Yan Xuecui nocked three arrows. "Since one arrow can't hit the target, firing three at once will increase the chances, don't you think, Father?"
A mocking smile appeared on Emperor Yongcheng's lips: "You're right, but you've neglected riding and archery these past few years, so you should still take it one step at a time..."
Before the words were even finished, three arrows were suddenly released from the bowstring, followed by three clear and short muffled groans from the shadows of the jungle.
Emperor Yongcheng immediately sensed something was wrong. His red-maned horse was startled and stood up. He then saw Yan Xuecui, Cheng Huai, and Qin Zheng draw their bows and nock their arrows again. Before the Imperial Guards hidden in the forest could come to his aid, they were shot in vital areas. Blood splattered from the snow-white bushes, and screams echoed one after another.
These people had been following him for half a day, and Yan Xuecui already knew their whereabouts and locations like the back of his hand. In a short while, all the Imperial Guards hiding in the shadows were shot dead.
Emperor Yongcheng's expression changed drastically, and Yu Guang, the commander of the Imperial Guards beside him, shouted sternly, "Guards! Prince Zhao is rebelling..."
Before he could finish speaking, an arrow pierced his throat, blood gushed out, and he fell heavily from his horse.
Emperor Yongcheng's pupils constricted sharply, filled with terror: "You unfilial son! You haven't gone blind at all?"
"Thank you for your concern, Father. Your son is doing very well."
Yan Xuecui drew his bow again and said slowly, "Father said that if I hunt any live creature today, you will reward me handsomely?"
This time, the silver arrow in his hand was aimed directly at Emperor Yongcheng. "Father, do we count as living beings?"
Emperor Yongcheng's eyes widened in fury, and in his panic, he cried out hoarsely, "You are utterly rebellious! Guards! Save the Emperor!"
The Imperial Guards who rushed over upon hearing the commotion were surrounded by Zhao Qu and his men, and the two sides engaged in a life-or-death struggle. For a time, none of the Imperial Guards were able to break free and go forward.
Yan Xue's smile deepened, but her eyes concealed a chilling killing intent. "Father, how about you bestow this supreme position upon your son?"
"You dare to commit regicide?" Emperor Yongcheng laughed in fury. "Have you forgotten that I once gave you a pill? It wasn't a pill to clear toxins and improve eyesight, but a deadly poison! Without my antidote, you will soon die from the poison!"
After Emperor Yongcheng finished speaking, he did not see a trace of fear on Yan Xuecui's face. Instead, he laughed and said, "Father, rest assured, I will not die from the poison. On the contrary, Father, do you really think that taking the elixir will make you immortal? Father may look radiant, but in reality, you are already exhausted and have little time left."
Emperor Yongcheng's face froze instantly, each word like a sharp, icy blade piercing his heart. "You... what did you say? That Dongyangzi is your man?"
Dong Yangzi had been in the court for two years and was deeply trusted by him. It turned out that he was actually Yan Xuecui's man!
Yan Xue drew her bow and nocked an arrow, saying casually, "If Father doesn't believe me, he's welcome to try."
The silver arrow shot out from his fingertips, but instead of aiming at Emperor Yongcheng's vital throat, it barely grazed the plume of his helmet.
The helmet plume fell to the ground, but Emperor Yongcheng was unharmed. However, he was overwhelmed by the immense panic and lost control of the reins in extreme fear. His tall body fell heavily off the red-maned horse!
The fall was extremely severe. Emperor Yongcheng's helmet rolled off his head, and the back of his head slammed heavily onto the bricks and stones. Instantly, his whole body convulsed, half of his body stiffened, and he could only utter incoherent groans.
Yan Xue Cui looked down at the distorted and disheveled face with a condescending gaze. His voice was calm and even, yet firm and unquestionable: "Yu Guang, the commander of the Imperial Guards, has plotted rebellion. My father was frightened and fell from his horse. From this day forward, I will temporarily take charge of all affairs of the court."
Still locked in combat, the deputy commander of the Imperial Guards shouted sternly, "Your Highness Prince Zhao! The Imperial Guards are loyal and righteous! It is clearly you who are deceiving the emperor and plotting to usurp the throne!"
He swung his sword to break through the encirclement and tried to rush forward to save the emperor, but suddenly a sharp pain shot through his chest. A sharp blade pierced through his chest from behind, and blood gushed out instantly. He died with a single blow.
Yan Xuecui's face was cold and stern as he ordered in a deep voice: "Anyone who disturbs the Emperor's presence or plots any rebellion shall be killed without exception. Such is the fate of those who do so."
Upon hearing this, the emperor's guards, who were still putting up a stubborn resistance, were besieged in the hunting grounds. Among the generals, noble families, and members of the royal family who participated in the winter hunt today, anyone who disobeyed was accused of disturbing the emperor's presence and plotting rebellion and was shot dead on the spot.
On Mount Cangming, the sounds of swords clashing, blades piercing flesh, and screams rose and fell, filling the air with an atmosphere of utter desolation and rivers of blood.
After Prince Rong forced the emperor to abdicate, Zhao Qu was promoted to commander of the Imperial Guard. Yan Xue also placed his former confidants in the major guards of the capital. Emperor Yongcheng even personally handed over the Embroidered Uniform Guard to him. Even if there were spies he had planted among them, anyone who made any unusual move was immediately killed.
Within half a day, all those who stubbornly resisted became mountains of corpses piled up on the hunting grounds.
The imperial city was controlled by Yan Xuecui's confidants, and Zhao Qu led his men to send the crooked-mouthed and squinting Emperor Yongcheng back to the Qianqing Palace.
The bloodstains on Cangming Mountain were still wet when another bloody storm broke out in the imperial city.
Since taking charge of the Northern Garrison, Yan Xuecui has been arresting corrupt officials and cracking down on cliques, while secretly destroying Emperor Yongcheng's trusted forces step by step.
Reaching this point was not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather the result of long-term preparation and careful planning.
When the officials of the previous dynasty heard that Yan Xuecui had regained his sight and even seized control of the government after Emperor Yongcheng fell from his horse and was seriously injured, many of them raised questions. However, Emperor Yongcheng did not have many sons left. Prince Ding, Prince Rong, and Prince Xuan, who were originally expected to compete for the throne, were either dead or deposed. How could Prince Rui, Prince Qing, and the young Eighth Prince compare to Prince Zhao, who once dominated the battlefield and now heads the Northern Garrison Command, and was decisive and capable in both civil and military affairs?
After several rounds of purges and bloodshed, the situation was brought under control, and the former regime was left with only voices of obedience and neutrality.
Emperor Yongcheng was paralyzed for many days and could not move his body at all.
That night, Yan Xuecui brought the prepared imperial edict to Emperor Yongcheng's bedside.
The once high-spirited emperor now lay disheveled on the dragon bed, his face stiff, his features twitching uncontrollably, drool dripping from his mouth, and the dragon tent reeking of a foul stench, filled with a deep, deathly silence.
Upon seeing him, Emperor Yongcheng stared intently at him with his cloudy eyes, but no matter how hard he tried, he could not utter a clear or complete sound.
Yan Xue Cui lowered her eyes and looked down at him with icy coldness in them. "Father, you have been on the throne for more than twenty years, yet you have been slow to establish an heir, causing us brothers to fight each other to the death. When Prince Ding was murdered by a villain, you could have sent troops to help him, but you watched him fall into danger and die from a hail of arrows. He was your most outstanding son, but you have no affection for your own flesh and blood, only the desire to hold the throne forever. And now? He is lying on this sickbed, dying a pathetic and laughable death."
He slowly bent down and forcefully stuffed the imperial seal into Emperor Yongcheng's withered and stiff palm. Amidst his violent struggles and convulsions, the vermilion seal was firmly imprinted on the imperial edict of succession.
"Your subject respectfully begs Your Majesty to depart this world."
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Author's Note: Ah Ying is back, and she's the Empress! [fireworks]
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