“I have already arranged for one thousand palace guards and two thousand imperial guards ready to strike.”
As long as Your Highness gives the order, they can rush in and eliminate all those who oppose Your Highness’s ascension,” Qin Zhi said. “The situation is critical. Please give the order!”
Wei Shu, who wanted to be emperor, had never considered using military force for the throne. To him, ascending as crown prince was a matter of rightful succession. Raising troops would leave him vulnerable and tarnish his reputation.
He shouted, “What are you doing? Who authorized you to mobilize troops?”
Qin Zhi replied, “I obtained the crown prince’s seal to mobilize troops. Gu Lianchang is cunning and has colluded with the empress to eliminate the Prince of Jin and then you, likely intending to use the Fifth Prince as a puppet. The arrow is nocked and cannot be withdrawn. If you cannot decide, I will for you.”
Wei Shu was already furious after suffering a setback under Gu Lianchang’s hand.
Seeing that she was not obedient, he became even more enraged and slapped her, saying, “Are you trying to rebel? Who gave you permission to use my seal? Tomorrow at the morning court, my people will impeach Gu Lianchang. He cannot escape my grasp!”
Qin Zhi calmly replied, “Your Highness, I’m afraid before tomorrow’s morning court, your crimes will be exposed, and you’ll be joining the Virtuous Consort.”
Gu Lianzhang lowered his head, a hint of a smile playing at the corner of his lips. This woman was becoming more clever; although they had not discussed anything beforehand, they were surprisingly in sync. He said loudly, “Your Majesty’s observation is most astute. This subject obeys!”
No one from Wei Shu’s faction spoke, but Gu Lianzhang did not need their approval. As Chief Ceremonial Secretary, drafting imperial edicts was a simple task. Soon, he prepared two decrees: one stripping Wei Shu of his position as Crown Prince, and another establishing Wei Ying as Emperor. Ruan Ning personally affixed the Empress’s seal, announcing it to the inner and outer courts. The newly crowned Emperor Wei Ying then issued his first edict, honoring Empress Ruan Ning as Empress Dowager.
