Leveraging her access to official records in the Ministry of Personnel, Wei Fengzhi spent three years studying officials’ weaknesses. This year, she entered the Imperial Study and aimed for promotion to Right Prime Minister next year.
The Feng Harvest spy sent to Yan Country reported sufficient evidence to destroy the Yan King. She planned to reclaim the Yan Country’s fief and incorporate it into Huo Country. When news of Wang Ling’s “sudden death” spread, she would send Li Weiheng back to Huo territory. In the Yan Dynasty, remarriage was not unusual, depending on Xi Zhaoting’s wishes.
Upon returning to the palace, Weilin urged Xi Qi to study. The child was restless and ran over to watch her write.
“Mother, you’re writing again?”
“Yes.”
“Whose writing is it?”
“A sage’s writing.”
“Can I copy it too?”
Weilin patted his head. “No, you won’t need to; soon you will become a sage yourself.”
Xi Qi looked puzzled, resting his chin on his hands as he watched Weilin write methodically.
Suddenly, the circumstances changed. At that time, only thirty thousand guards were in the capital, and although Mu Feiyun was in command, facing an army of fifty thousand was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
According to reports, chaos had erupted in the capital as noble families and wealthy merchants fled the city under cover of night.
Wei Linxia remained calm. Despite the fifty thousand troops gathered outside the east and west gates of the imperial city, she had her own plans.
The bloody smell grew heavy. Standing at the city gates, Wei Linxia had Feng Shou “invite” someone from the Southern Palace; his arrival would make things more interesting.
In the distance, firelight illuminated the sky, accompanied by thunderous sounds as the rebel army attacked the city gates. Bloodshed was inevitable.
The smell of blood grew stronger. Xi Qi, held by Wei Linxia, felt uncomfortable and covered his nose, commenting on the overpowering odor.
“Xi Qi, watch carefully. These people are your uncles and cousins. They’re not here to pay respects; they’re coming to kill us. If we lose, we’ll die horribly. Do you understand?” Wei Linxia looked down at her son.
Fortunately, she saw no fear in his eyes, only confusion.
“Why do they want to kill us?”
