“Because they all want to be emperor, to become the supreme ruler of our Yan Dynasty’s vast territories. But we cannot give it to them. This is what your father fought for and sacrificed his life to win. Understand?”
This world belongs only to you. No one else has the right to this position. Remember!” Wei Linxia said.
Xi Qi frowned but nodded firmly.
The Grand Emperor from the Southern Palace had arrived. Wei Linxia knew she had spoken deliberately for his benefit.
The sounds of battle drew closer, reaching the city gates. Wei Linxia ordered all lanterns lit on the city walls. A massive imperial carriage, previously hidden in darkness, suddenly became visible, flanked by flags that only an emperor could use.
“I wonder if these filial princes will retreat because of this!” Wei Linxia smiled at the stern-faced person.
Time seemed to stop. The breathing beneath the city gates vanished, and the sounds of fighting disappeared. The hot night became like any ordinary evening.
An arrow struck down the flagpole, and with this, the palace gates were breached. The army entered, shouting to eliminate the palace’s evil and the usurper.
Weilin taught his son that as long as the people have enough to eat, they won’t care who becomes emperor. The imperial family has no right or wrong; the victor is always right.
The territories of nine princes surrounding the capital were granted by Weilin to distant imperial branches. This ensured that if they rebelled, the closer royal princes would attack, maintaining the capital’s stability.
When the Chief Minister reported creating a separate chronicle for the empress dowager, Weilin reprimanded him, insisting she remain in the imperial consorts’ section.
With the court stabilized and Xi Qi growing older, Weilin’s wax figure became increasingly lifelike. She often held it, feeling as if Xi Linxuan was beside her. Soon, once Xi Qi ascended the throne, they would no longer have to be apart.
Xi Qi, ten years old, displayed complex thoughts and an extraordinary memory, delighting Weilin as he could remember even low-ranking officials after a single meeting. However, she worried that as he grew older and moved to the Eastern Palace, he became more distant from his clingy childhood self.
