Chapter 99

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Chapter 99: Title

In Mingluan Palace, the Empress sat before a bronze mirror, gazing at her reflection. She raised her hand, slightly dazed, to touch her cheek. No matter how much she maintained herself, she was still getting old.

"How is Concubine Wan lately?" Her gaze remained on her face as she asked in a flat voice.

The palace servant behind her respectfully replied while arranging her long hair, "Your Majesty, she may not last for many more days."

The Empress smirked and suddenly grabbed the palace servant’s hand with a fierce look in her eyes, "That wretched woman should have died long ago. If it wasn’t for my son, how could she have gained such favor?"

The palace servant felt the nails digging into her skin but dared not cry out in pain, "Your Majesty is right. Once the Emperor’s condition improves, she will probably meet the King of Hell. By then, the Emperor will return to your side."

The Empress loosened her grip but her heart felt a rush. She suddenly clenched her hand tightly over her phoenix robe, "No, we cannot wait for the Emperor to improve. She must die, she must die!"

"Your Majesty!" The palace servant exclaimed in shock.

A hint of madness flashed in the Empress’s eyes as she stood and grabbed the palace servant’s shoulders, "You, you must go now! Go and kill that wretched woman for me immediately. The Emperor must not see her again, he cannot!"

"Your Majesty, we are not fully prepared yet. Have you forgotten, Concubine Wan is backed by Prime Minister Gu? If he finds out something has happened to his sister in the palace, it will not end well," the palace servant spoke calmly.

The Empress shook her head, "No, I cannot let her see the Emperor again. After all, she only has a few days left. She has been sickly all winter; if something happens now, Prime Minister Gu won’t suspect us. Do you still have the things I gave you last time?"

The palace servant nodded, recalling the poison scorpion she had hidden away. She frowned slightly, "Your Majesty, are you sure you want to use this method to kill Concubine Wan? Wouldn’t it be too cruel?"

The Empress raised her hand and slapped her, looking coldly at her, "Do you still wish to oppose me?"

The palace servant quickly knelt down, "I dare not!"

The Empress scoffed, "Since you don’t dare, do as I say. I want her death to be more embarrassing than Yunfei’s or Chenfei’s!"

The palace servant nodded and got up to prepare.

The Empress stood in the grand hall but eventually leaned on the table and sat down. Her fingers gripped the edge tightly. Her son, why didn’t he even agree to be exiled? At least she would know he was alive. Emperor, why are you so cruel to me?

"Royal sister."

The Empress, previously lost in thought, slowly focused her gaze. She turned her head to see Lian Rong standing not far away. Unlike usual, she did not come over or call her ‘Lan’er,’ but stood quietly, addressing her as royal sister.

"A-Rong," the Empress said, her voice weary and dependent.

Lian Rong smiled faintly. "You summoned me into the palace early this morning, but has the brother woken up?"

The Empress walked closer to her, touching the familiar face she once envied, "A-Rong, you’ve changed so much." This person, who once loved her deeply, now seemed as distant as if separated by countless mountains.

Lian Rong placed her hand over the Empress’s hand. "Royal sister has already turned thirty-three; how can I not change?"

The Empress suddenly laughed, "Yes, A-Rong has grown up."

Lian Rong remained silent, her eyes dark like an abyss.

The Empress seemed to remember something and pulled her hand toward the back hall. "A-Rong, when your brother wakes, please help me persuade Yuer. The Emperor won’t even agree to exile him. No matter how grave his offenses, he is still of royal blood."

Lian Rong’s expression was flat. "But he has committed a capital crime, royal sister. You should be grateful he hasn’t implicated you. Your brother has already shown great mercy."

Tears welled in the Empress’s eyes. "It’s not just that. He intends to give Lianhua to Nanyin. We both know what kind of person the Empress Nanyin is. How could Lianhua have a good life after going there?"

Lian Rong frowned. "Sent to Nanyin? Is the Southern Emperor here for him?" That scoundrel Qin Qixian!

The Empress nodded. "That was a long time ago. After the matter with Yuer arose and Lianyang was granted the title of crown prince, he had this idea. I heard it from the palace servant Gu Wan."

Lian Rong patted her shoulder in comfort. "Royal sister need not worry. Since this was from before, and the Southern Emperor hasn’t mentioned it now, nothing will happen. With me around, he wouldn’t dare. I will speak to your brother. Lianhua is indeed old enough, and if a marriage alliance is necessary, Western Region is not a bad choice."

The Empress shook her head in panic. "No, not Western Region. The young daughter of Duke Wenyuan from Western Region was harmed and has been missing for three years, even within the palace. Lianhua must not enter the palace."

Lian Rong raised an eyebrow. "Are you referring to Concubine Dong from Western Region?"

The Empress nodded. "Although the Western Emperor is young, Lianhua shouldn’t be married there. Such alliances shouldn’t involve my daughter."

Lian Rong looked at her for a while. "Then let’s help her find a husband in the capital. Will that make you feel secure?"

The Empress looked at her with expectation. "A-Rong, I rely on you for all these matters. I truly have no other way."

Lian Rong gave her a reassuring smile, just as they were interrupted by a palace servant announcing that the crown prince seeks an audience.

The Empress’s expression was calm, while Lian Rong smiled slightly; the expected had arrived.

Lianyang walked in, looking worn from his journey. He noticed Lian Rong but showed no surprise, greeting the two with respect.

Lian Rong observed the young man in his royal blue clothing. He had changed greatly over the past few months, his eyes now rarely showing emotions, only a deep stillness.

"On the day of your enthronement ceremony, your royal uncle did not return. You don’t blame him, do you?" Lian Rong asked playfully.

Lianyang kept his head down. "How could the royal nephew dare to bother the royal uncle with this matter?"

Lian Rong walked over and helped him up. "You’re a crown prince now, so no need to kneel anymore."

The Empress echoed, "Your royal uncle is right; these kneelings can be forgiven from now on."

Lianyang nodded slightly. "Has Father recovered?"

The Empress sighed. "He is much better than before. Soon you can go see your royal uncle. By the way, is there any news of Chen’er?"

Lianyang furrowed his brow and shook his head, "Not yet."

The queen also tightened her brow, “Yes, let’s not tell Concubine Wan about this for now, to avoid making her sad again.”

"Understood."

*

Recently, a faint gloom hung over the Eastern Palace. After First Prince Lian Yue’s failed rebellion, Eastern Emperor gradually lost his spirit, falling into a deep slumber. Since Third Prince Lian Chen was sent to eliminate bandits, he went missing after an outbreak in Liangzhou. Prime Minister Gu’s sister, Concubine Wan, has been unwell since the onset of winter. The Eastern Emperor became furious about this, nearly taking the heads of those court doctors. Helpless, he called in famous doctors from outside the palace, but they too were at a loss. Now that the Eastern Emperor has collapsed, while the palace still outwardly maintains its usual strictness, the palace servants can be seen panicking beneath the surface.

Lian Rong left the palace with Lianyang. They both had their own thoughts as they boarded the carriage. Inside sat Wuyang with a serious expression. Seeing Lian Rong bend down to enter, she sat up straight and reported, "Master, Prime Minister Gu asks when you can bring Madam Dou back."

Lian Rong glanced at her, "Is he anxious now?"

Wuyang, maintaining a blank expression and not looking sideways, replied, "It seems so. His main wife has been causing trouble again, fighting with Madam Liu. Relying on her daughter being the crown princess, she’s been quite arrogant lately."

Lian Rong laughed lightly, "With a prime minister husband and a daughter as the crown princess, it’s no wonder she’s so bold. What, does Prime Minister Gu want to divorce her?" The Qin family isn’t a notable one, so getting a divorce shouldn’t be too difficult.

Wuyang nodded, "He said as long as Madam Dou can return, he doesn’t mind divorcing Madam Qin." The old man must have been startled by Madam Dou’s resolute departure, not expecting his usually obedient concubine to act this way. Although it’s the crown princess’s idea, turning the unfaithful prime minister into a loyal dog makes sense. Yes, just like that.

Lian Rong leaned back and slowly closed her eyes, “Did he also say for me to help treat Gu Wan’s illness?”

Wuyang finally looked directly at her master, “Yes, Concubine Wan’s illness is strange. She’s been unwell all winter.”

Lian Rong remained quiet for a moment, tapping her fingers lightly on her lap, "When will the Four Dukes arrive in the capital?"

Wuyang furrowed her brow in thought, “Yesterday, they sent news saying they just departed from various places. They should arrive in about half a month if nothing goes wrong.”

Lian Rong continued tapping her fingers, "It will be too late. When they arrive, please help me welcome them properly; treat them well. I need to go to the Ministry of Justice tonight. Wuyang, training soldiers for a thousand days is for one moment of use. If I tell you now that you are merely a pawn in my hand, would you still be willing to serve me?"

When Lian Rong said the last sentence, she opened her eyes and gazed firmly at Wuyang.

Wuyang’s expression remained unchanged, still quite emotionless. Her master was acting tough, wasn’t she? “It’s fine; I’ll selectively forget today. I’ve noted everything you instructed. No matter what happens, I will act according to the original plan.”

Lian Rong smiled, then her expression turned serious, “Good. Now I need to tell you that during my absence, your first task is to eliminate Wangyue Tower and Youmeng Tower. They only serve the royal family. Remember, no matter what today or in the future, we are not part of the royal family, so they cannot remain. Up until today, I won’t hide the truth from you, the Four Dukes conspired to usurp the throne with Lian Yue. That was all my arrangement. They hold military power over the four borders. Work closely with Qian Yue; once the time is right, you must follow Gu Yuanqing and Liu Yu’s orders.”

Wuyang’s heart surged like crashing waves, yet her face remained calm, "I will follow your arrangements, Master."

Lian Rong looked at her appreciatively, “Also, send Qingfeng back to Northern Region to protect Madam Dou and Lord Zou in case of any unexpected events.”

Wuyang looked at the small patch of golden light lifted by the wind. The sky outside had darkened, “You really think ahead, Master. The Second Prince’s people have almost turned the entire Northern Region upside down. How could things change so much in just a few months?”

Lian Rong’s gaze darkened, and she did not respond.

*

In the dark corridor, a tall figure appeared at the entrance, and steady footsteps echoed through the passage. He stopped in front of a door, took a long time to pull out a key, unlocked it, and pushed the door open.

Inside the secret room, it was not as dark as outside; instead, it was illuminated by the firelight. A person, dressed in tattered clothes, lay on the ground, seemingly asleep, but occasional convulsions in his body indicated his current suffering.

“Third brother, are you alright?”

The person on the ground moved slightly, gave a soft moan, and then fell silent.

“Third brother, I’m your second brother.”

“Get lost!” The effort to lower his voice was hoarse and unpleasant, filled with restrained disdain and anger.

Lianyang stood up and sat calmly on the only bench, looking at the person on the ground. “Third brother, when I ascend the throne, it will be your time for freedom. Don’t you like the Northern Desert? I can give you all the territories of Duke of Beiyuan, as long as you can forgive me.”

The person curled on the ground suddenly laughed, “Lianyang, I really misjudged you. You dare to challenge the Emperor. Cough, cough… you, cough…” The painful cough echoed terribly in the secret room. “You won’t end up well. The royal uncle… won’t spare… you. Cough, cough.”

“Royal uncle? Haha, now the entire court is mine. She has power but can’t act. Do you think she can do anything now? Third brother, she didn’t even bring Meisheng back this time. I suspect she had him hidden. This can’t just end here; if Meisheng can’t be found, you all must die! All must die!” Lianyang suddenly walked over and grabbed Lian Chen, lifting him up, “Do you know? I was forced to marry Gu Ran; I don’t love her! I don’t love her!”

Lian Chen looked at the violent youth before him. What has turned him into this? He did not know what had happened outside. The Lianyang he knew was gone; this was no longer the gentle, blushing second brother he once knew. He had completely transformed into someone ruthless and violent. If such a person took the throne, the consequences would be unimaginable.

“Third brother, you know the second brother the best. They harmed my Mother Empress, and now they want to take away the woman I love the most. You want me to let go? I cannot, the second brother cannot either.” Lianyang bent down, his handsome face filled with pain, but for just a moment, his face turned somewhat sinister. “If Lian Rong doesn’t tell me Gu Meisheng’s whereabouts, not even the entire Prince Rong residence will have peace. I must find a way to bring her here. Third brother, our respected royal uncle will come to accompany you soon, haha… hahaha.”