The two argued fiercely about the poisoning, but the Emperor’s death interrupted them. One was on the left, the other on the right, both wailing, though the sincerity was questionable. Ruan Ning glanced at Gu Lianchang, who kept his head down, expressionless, seeming to have everything under control. She felt reassured and lowered her head, squeezing out tears.
After burning a piece of paper, Wei Shu said, “Father Emperor, you died in obscurity. Your son must uncover the mastermind and let you rest in peace!”
Prince Jin cried out, “Father Emperor, please open your eyes! You’ve just left, and someone is trying to harm your most beloved son!”
Father Emperor, your words about making me heir are now being disregarded by these heartless people!”
Consort De wanted to throw herself on the coffin, screaming, “Your Majesty, you’ve just left, and they can’t even protect your beloved son. What am I living for? I’ll go with you!”
“The criminal who harmed Father Emperor shall atone with your death!” Wei Shu declared grimly.
With the Emperor dead, Prince Jin faced accusations of patricide. Wei Shu was the rightful heir, and during the mourning period, the three dukes would support his claim. The inner court and the entire realm would soon fall under his control.
He glanced at Gu Lianchang, thinking how the arrogant eunuch would soon be powerless. Then he looked at Ruan Ning, kneeling with half her profile visible in mourning attire, making her appear even more beautiful. A powerless empress would be unable to escape his grasp once Gu fell.
Suddenly, Ruan Ning straightened and turned to the quarreling crowd: “The Emperor has just died, and you’re causing a scene in front of him. How improper!”
Wei Shu admired her beauty but then saw her clutch her chest and fall. He jumped up to support her, but Gu Lianchang was quicker, already holding Ruan Ning.
He ordered, “The Empress has fainted from grief. Quickly send her back to the palace to rest.”
Wei Shu gritted his teeth in frustration but was held back by Qin Zhi, who whispered, “Focus on the important matters first.”
Prominent court officials and high-ranking royal relatives had gathered in the mourning hall. The Crown Prince’s tutor spoke: “…The emperor has just passed away, and the country cannot be without a ruler for a day. The Crown Prince possesses both virtue and talent and should ascend to the throne as soon as possible.”
Wei Shu suppressed his joy, knowing that the only person who could disrupt his succession, the Prince of Jin, had been eliminated. His inheritance of the throne now seemed proper.
Several ministers and relatives voiced their agreement. Suddenly, a cold voice rang out: “Wait, the Crown Prince has committed patricide and regicide and cannot ascend to the throne.”
It was Gu Lianchang.
Everyone was shocked. They had just dealt with the Virtuous Consort’s poisoning incident, and now the Crown Prince was accused of the same crime?
Qin Zhi’s heart skipped a beat. She gripped the imperial seal in her sleeve, knowing Gu Lianchang would not let the matter rest. Fortunately, she had arranged her people and was prepared to take the throne by force if the situation became critical.
Wei Shu felt guilty, but with the throne so close, he couldn’t hesitate. He coldly said, “Gu Lianchang, I see you are with the Virtuous Consort’s faction, trying to confuse the truth and avenge your master.”
“Bring the witnesses,” Gu Lianchang said to Zhang Jing, ignoring Wei Shu.
One by one, people were brought forward: imperial physicians, palace eunuchs, palace officials, and some unfamiliar faces. The Crown Prince’s tutor asked, “Chief Gu, what is the meaning of this?”
Gu Lianchang explained the poisoning details, the symptoms, and presented witnesses who testified to the Crown Prince’s involvement in the emperor’s death.
The narrative continues with intense political intrigue, accusations of poisoning, and a dramatic scene where the empress tests the emperor’s hair to prove the presence of a rare poison, casting suspicion on the Crown Prince.
The passage ends with the Crown Prince and his wife confined to the Eastern Palace, while Qin Zhi urges an immediate rebellion, and Wei Shu appears confused about their next move.
“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.
In the massive fire that engulfed half the Eastern Palace’s sky, three imperial decrees spread throughout the Forbidden City, reaching the Eastern Palace guards and imperial troops in battle. Zhang Jing stood on the high wall of Chonghua Gate and proclaimed, “Wei Shu has poisoned and murdered the monarch and his father, with conclusive evidence. He has been stripped of his title by the Empress and reduced to a commoner. The Fifth Prince is about to ascend the throne. Those who are sensible should lay down their weapons. Chief Supervisor Gu will only pursue the primary culprits, pardoning accomplices. But if you remain stubborn, you know Chief Supervisor Gu’s methods!”
The commanders of the Imperial Guard and Tiger Cavalry countered, “Don’t listen to them! The Crown Prince is the rightful heir. He has certainly been wrongly accused. Charge in and rescue the Crown Prince – this is a merit that will bring glory to your families!”
Before he finished, a small arrow struck the throat of the Imperial Guard commander. Gu Lianzhang appeared beside Zhang Jing and declared, “Have you understood? The new Emperor is about to ascend the throne. The criminal Wei Shu has been captured. I will only eliminate the mastermind. Soldiers coerced will be pardoned if they lay down their weapons!”
The leaders’ hearts were gripped with terror.
