When He Anchang returned to his seat, he still carried a chill with him. Zhang Taiyan’s sharp, aged eyes immediately noticed something amiss with his lips. The Crown Prince turned back, his gaze sweeping over He Anchang’s mouth as he smiled. "I did not expect Ruxu to be such a man of romantic tastes."
He Anchang gave a slight nod, maintaining a reserved air. "It is better to exercise some restraint, after all. I have invited Your Highness’s ridicule."
Singing girls were present at this annual banquet; if one were to be caught in the sights of a calculating official, it would be considered a refined affair. However, He Anchang had never been the subject of any such rumors. His current appearance was truly unexpected, and it was no wonder people were staring. Only Bo Jiu spared a glance toward Xie Jingsheng’s position, seeing that the fellow was actually chatting and laughing with Prince Tang, startling the Prince so much he didn't even dare touch his food.
The banquet’s music and song were the height of decadence, filled with the clinking of cups and the exchange of social pleasantries. Xin Yi noticed that Prince Qin had remained seated in one spot, motionless, not even lifting his eyes, looking like a dead, withered eagle. He hadn't been like this even when the foreign envoys arrived. What could have happened to make a man look more defeated than one who had lost a child in his old age?
Halfway through the feast, the Crown Prince led the officials in another toast to the Emperor. Prince Qin and Prince Tang stood to his left and right, with Bo Jiu and Zhang Taiyan slightly behind them. The officials raised their cups, their voices joining in a chorus of "Long live the Emperor." The Emperor looked pleased, even lifting his cup toward the Crown Prince, saying with gratification, "The Crown Prince is truly filial."
The Crown Prince hurriedly demurred. The Emperor then turned to Prince Qin at his side. "You are good as well." As he spoke, he reached out to pat the Prince’s shoulder. Unexpectedly, Prince Qin swayed and collapsed toward the Emperor. The Emperor caught him, but before he could call for help, a sharp *hiss* rang out as something was ignited. The Emperor was startled and instinctively pushed Prince Qin away. A line of fire raced across the carpet, suddenly surging toward the pillars. The pungent scent of gunpowder filled the air.
Someone was the first to scream "Protect the Emperor!" and then the gunpowder exploded with a deafening roar. The banquet tables near the pillars were flipped and sent flying by the blast!
Xin Yi was violently yanked aside, rolling to the other side of the hall. Bo Jiu shielded him beneath his chest, shouting in a low voice, "Pull Prince Qin away!"
The booming sound left everyone’s ears ringing. In the chaos, no one moved except for Xiao Jin, who rolled across the floor, grabbed Prince Qin by the collar, and desperately dragged him out of the range of the shattered tables and food trays. But Prince Qin, for some reason, appeared to have fainted; blood flowed from a wound on his head where a flying wine cup had struck him, and his eyes remained tightly shut in a deathly silence.
On the other side, the Crown Prince was the first to shield the Emperor. Blood soaked through the back of his robes where he had been struck by debris. Prince Tang huddled in a corner, clutching his head and trembling uncontrollably. He Anchang had shielded Zhang Taiyan, but the elderly man had still been knocked unconscious by the massive shockwave.
"Teacher, Teacher!" He Anchang pinched the pressure point beneath Zhang Taiyan’s nose, but there was no reaction. Panic surged in his heart, and he was about to call out when a hand reached over, scooped up Zhang Taiyan, and grabbed He Anchang’s wrist to drag him back.
"He won't die!" Xie Jingsheng dragged them away. The surroundings were a frantic mess of people crowding together. He stood up to look around, but another explosion forced him to crouch down, clutching his head. Seeing He Anchang trying to protect Zhang Taiyan, he pushed him down and yelled at the top of his lungs, "Stay down!" If someone were trampled to death in this chaos, it would be a disaster beyond even the Court of Judicial Review’s power to judge!
Xin Yi was held tightly, his ears covered, yet he was still left dizzy and dazed by the vibrations. Bo Jiu’s narrow eyes were dark and cold as they swept across the chaotic hall, landing instantly on the Crown Prince, who was guarding the Emperor.
Two more explosions followed. One of the hall’s pillars collapsed, triggering another wave of screams as it crashed down. Xin Yi reached back and tightly covered Bo Jiu’s ears, trembling slightly amidst the cacophony of shattering porcelain. Bo Jiu held him close, firmly stroking his back several times to soothe him.
When the explosions finally ceased, everyone’s ears were still buzzing. For a moment, no one knew if more blasts would follow. Bo Jiu raised his voice, "Xiao Jin! Immediately summon the Capital Guards into the courtyard to protect the Emperor!"
Xiao Jin scrambled to his feet to run, but Bo Jiu caught him and gently pushed Xin Yi toward him. "Get the Young Prince out of here!"
Xin Yi looked back sharply, but Bo Jiu’s expression was terrifyingly grim. He whispered, "Go home and wait for me."
Xin Yi’s chest heaved, his teeth clenched so hard they ached. But what could he do if he stayed? Today’s events would surely have far-reaching consequences; perhaps by tomorrow, the Emperor’s wrath would result in a river of blood. Currently, he held no power or office, yet he carried the weight of Beiyang’s thirty thousand troops and had lived in Bo Jiu’s manor for a long time. He was a walking target.
He understood everything perfectly, yet at this moment, he felt an extraordinary sense of indignation—the same indignation he felt years ago when he was sent alone to Shanyin. He was unwilling to accept that he had survived until now only to still be so powerless! He was unwilling to leave Bo Jiu here amidst the literal and figurative blades!
He opened his mouth, gripped Bo Jiu’s hand, and said in a low, raspy voice, "I will wait for you."
Xiao Jin led him toward the exit. The hall doors were half-smashed, leaving only a gap to squeeze through. He dragged Xin Yi along as they ran. The winter night was freezing. As they ran, Xiao Jin realized that Xin Yi was unnervingly silent behind him. But Xiao Jin had no time to think, because he realized that despite such a massive commotion, no one from the Capital Guards had arrived. It wasn't until they cleared another layer of the palace that they saw the Capital Guard units being blocked by another group of men. Xiao Jin stepped forward, held up his waist token, and barked, "Where is the Capital Guard! Follow me at once to protect the Emperor!"
"Sir!" A deputy who had been blocked pushed aside the man in front of him. "This man is blocking the way!"
The man blocking the path turned around. He was also dressed in the uniform of the Capital Guards, but his face was one Xiao Jin had never seen. He did not salute Xiao Jin, saying only, "Forgive my insolence, but by the Crown Prince’s order, no one may enter!"
Xiao Jin narrowed his eyes. "I am the Commander of the Capital Guards. There is no rule saying I must follow the Crown Prince’s orders!"
The man raised his chin. "I am a subordinate of the Crown Prince. Tonight is the annual banquet, an extraordinary time. Unless it is the Crown Prince’s command, no one shall pass!"
Xiao Jin’s temper flared, but before he could move, Xin Yi suddenly brushed past him. The man saw only an insignificant young noble approaching, and in the blink of an eye, a fist smashed into the bridge of his nose! Immediately after, a sharp pain bloomed in his abdomen as the saber at his waist was snatched away. He tried to strike back, but Xin Yi grabbed his belt, flipped him over, and slammed him into the snow! The long blade struck the ground with a *clang* right next to his neck, drawing a thin line of blood instantly.
Xiao Jin immediately said in a chilling voice, "The Young Prince comes by command. Who else dares to block us?!"
The crowd recoiled in shock, and Xiao Jin immediately led his men back. Before leaving, he didn't forget to say to Xin Yi, "Next time, just slit his throat! Dog of a lackey, bah!" Xin Yi gave him a push, telling him to get lost. Xiao Jin then whispered, "The carriage is outside. I’ve ordered men to escort you all the way. This matter is of grave importance; by leaving the scene, you avoid being dragged into the trouble. Though Prince Pingding didn't explain, it’s mostly for your own good. Xin Yi, the time isn't right. Even if you can't bear it, you must!"
Xin Yi glanced at him, his eyes clearly saying he understood. Xiao Jin rubbed his frozen, pale hands and gave him a smile. Xin Yi smiled back and punched him on the shoulder. Seeing that no one was paying attention to them, he said, "I’ll head back on my own. The Emperor is waiting, so get moving."
Xiao Jin rubbed his shoulder and pointed at him. "The timing is wrong today. Next time you get handsy with me, I’ll beat you!" With that, he stomped his feet and led his men back.
Xin Yi stood there, watching him disappear. He looked up at the vast, empty sky; the smell of gunpowder seemed to linger in his nose. His smile gradually faded, and he stood there for a long time.
"Scoundrel! Scoundrel!" The Emperor had been helped into the Palace of Heavenly Purity. He pointed at the newly awakened Prince Qin, trembling with uncontrollable rage. "Do you wish to kill me?!"
Prince Qin knelt on the floor, strangely numb. The wound on his head hadn't been bandaged, and blood stained half his face. He repeated over and over, "Your son does not know."
"What do you not know!" The Emperor slammed the table, his face flushed an unnatural red. He spoke with a voice full of blood and hatred, "You are my own son, the son I raised by my side!"
Prince Qin remained indifferent. He closed his eyes and pressed his forehead to the floor, saying nothing. To one side, the Crown Prince crawled forward on his knees, clutching the Emperor and weeping, "Imperial Father, you watched Old Fourth grow up. He has never had such audacity. How could he do something so treasonous?"
The Emperor kicked him away. The Crown Prince braced himself on the floor, the red blood on his shoulders and back striking the eye. The curse at the tip of the Emperor’s tongue faltered. He said, "What are you doing! Kang Fu, help the Prince up!" Kang Fu hurried forward to support the Crown Prince, but the Prince refused to rise, pleading, "Imperial Father! This was absolutely not Old Fourth’s doing!"
Prince Qin remained motionless on the floor. The Emperor stepped forward and stomped on him. "You did this villainous thing, yet you make your brother plead for you! You scoundrel! Tell me, why? Why!"
Prince Qin was kicked over, his frame looking gaunt and withered. He suddenly began to cough violently. He covered his mouth, his gaze sliding from his father to his brother. He kept coughing, blood leaking through his fingers. Yet he remained stubbornly silent, seemingly determined to seek death.
"Imperial Father!" the Crown Prince continued to plead. "Our brothers are scattered; now only Old Fourth and Old Fifth remain. I beg for your mercy. Since childhood, he has had a stubborn temper and wouldn't speak even when wronged, but who has shown you more filial devotion than him? If Old Fourth had malicious intent while in the capital, he could have acted at any time. Why would he choose a moment where he would be caught instantly?" The Crown Prince cried out, "I will investigate! I will go and investigate!"
The Emperor brushed his sleeve coldly. "He was in the capital—was he not acting as your eyes?"
The Crown Prince looked shocked, sobbing uncontrollably as he bowed to the floor. "Imperial Father!"
"Your Majesty." Zhang Taiyan’s face was pale. The old man was still shaken by the explosion, but he had to speak now. "This case is extraordinary. If Prince Qin were the mastermind, why would he put himself in danger? I fear someone else is playing the devil here."
The Emperor’s eyes bulged with suspicion and doubt. He suddenly stared at Zhang Taiyan, took a few steps back, and said suspiciously, "Are you saying I have wronged him?" Zhang Taiyan saw the look in his eyes and knew things were bad. Sure enough, the Emperor roared, "You too wish for me to die!"
One must never respond to such words! Zhang Taiyan immediately knelt, his voice aged as he kowtowed. "Your Majesty, please calm your anger!"
Bo Jiu stood to the side, his narrow eyes downcast. He heard the Emperor shout, "Xiao Jin! Call Xiao Jin!"
He looked up, knowing that this time, even Zhang Taiyan might be dragged down.
Xiao Jin practically tumbled into the room, his face covered in soot and grime from his frantic work. But the Emperor didn't mind in the least, asking him, "Who did you say blocked you just now?"
Xiao Jin froze. At a time like this, he didn't dare let his gaze wander. The Emperor was currently devoid of all reason, acting entirely on suspicion. If Xiao Jin even flickered his eyes, he might be marked as a conspirator. The hot sweat on his back turned cold. Not knowing the depth of the situation, Xiao Jin could only speak the truth: "Men of the Capital Guard, claiming to be under the Crown Prince."
The Emperor’s gaze snapped back to the Crown Prince. He let out a cold laugh. "You? You dare as well!"
The Crown Prince kowtowed. "The Capital Guard was split into different commands three years ago, and a portion is indeed in my hands. But I only ordered them to maintain strict security for the sake of tonight’s safety! Imperial Father, please see clearly!"
"You have only just returned to the capital and you already cannot wait!" The Emperor’s chest heaved violently. He leaned on Kang Fu, staring fiercely at everyone with a hint of madness. "You all want me dead! You! Rebels and traitors!"
Everyone knelt. The Emperor’s hands shook as he said, "Take them away! Take them all away! You! And you! Execute them both!" He pointed at Prince Qin and Zhang Taiyan.
He Anchang looked up from the back, shocked. "Your Majesty, please reconsider!" The entire Leftist faction kowtowed in unison, "Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
How could they execute Zhang Taiyan? He was a veteran of three reigns, the leader of the great families, a man with students all over the world, and possessed a peerless reputation. If Zhang Taiyan were killed without concrete evidence, the Emperor would truly become a tyrant!
The Emperor could no longer hear them. He was trembling like an ordinary old man, muttering "execute them" as he continued to back away.
"Imperial Father." Prince Qin looked up, his face numb and despondent. He said hoarsely, "You kill your sons like discarding trash, and you kill your grandsons with cold blood. Do you never dream of Eldest Brother, Sixth Brother, and Seventh Brother?"
The Emperor shuddered. In his panic, he grabbed a cup from the table and hurled it at him, shouting in shock and rage, "Presumptuous! You son of a lowly maid!" He screamed again, "Xiao Jin, Xiao Jin! Kill him! Drag him out! Kill him!" Seeing that Xiao Jin did not move, he slammed the table hysterically. "Did you hear me! Execute this scoundrel!"
Bo Jiu suddenly stood up and went forward to support the Emperor. The Emperor was still shaking. Bo Jiu gripped his wrist; his narrow eyes were cold and focused, but his voice was gentle as he said, "Your Majesty, those involved in this case cannot escape. There is no rush for this moment. Eunuch, follow me to escort His Majesty to his bedchamber."
Strangely, once the Emperor was grabbed by him, he seemed to snap back to his senses slightly. His shaking hands gripped Bo Jiu’s sleeve, and he said tremulously, "And you... fortunately, I still have you."
Bo Jiu slowly let a smile spread. "Your Majesty, the health of your dragon body is the foundation of the state."
The Emperor followed him inside step by step, repeating, "I am the foundation of the state, I am the foundation..."
Kang Fu carefully helped the Emperor onto the bed and tucked him in. He saw the Emperor clutching Prince Pingding’s sleeve like a drowning man clutching a straw, pleading with the frailty of old age, "You must watch them."
Bo Jiu leaned down and removed the Emperor's hand, his narrow eyes filled with a hidden chill. "Your servant obeys the decree."
The Emperor muttered in a daze, "Don't let them come... don't let them near me..."
"Eunuch."
Kang Fu bowed respectfully to Prince Pingding. "Your Highness, please give your orders."
"Summon Head Physician Hong of the Imperial Academy of Medicine." Bo Jiu unhurriedly wiped the sleeve that had been grabbed with a handkerchief, smiling warmly. "Tell him to prepare another dose of medicine for His Majesty."
Kang Fu did not dare look up as he answered in the affirmative.
When Bo Jiu came out, Prince Qin and Zhang Taiyan had already been taken away. He Anchang was still kneeling in his original spot, and the Crown Prince was also still there, looking up to stare at Bo Jiu.
"Prince Pingding is very good." The Crown Prince slowly stood up. "This move was very good."
Bo Jiu lowered his eyes and smiled, a sense of danger permeating his lush and beautiful features. He said softly, "The Crown Prince has only just returned. There is no need to be in such a hurry."
***
| Chinese | English | Notes/Explanation |
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
| 乾清殿 | Palace of Heavenly Purity | The Emperor's residence/main hall. |
| 洪院使 | Head Physician Hong | The head of the Imperial Academy of Medicine (Taiyiyuan). |
| 康福 | Kang Fu | The Emperor's head eunuch. |
| 如许 | Ruxu | He Anchang's courtesy name. |
| 大理寺 | Court of Judicial Review | Also known as the Grand Court of Revision. |
