Gradually, I shed my previous wariness. I once thought Hongdi was kind only because of the Wujin symbol. However, even without returning it or revealing its whereabouts, he remained friendly and supportive, never mentioning the symbol. His care for my family was touching. During a private conversation, he recalled his oath to return the throne to the Xuan Emperor’s descendants, lamenting that I was not yet capable of controlling the situation and must proceed gradually.
His every word and action considered me, leaving no room for doubt.
The same was true for Jiang Yunqiao. Despite the factional struggles between Liu and Gan positioning us as competitors, she remained unconcerned, maintaining our interactions without hesitation. Her actions were transparent, often helping and guiding me. After guarding against her for so long without finding anything suspicious, I gradually opened my heart to her.
Not long after, a significant event occurred. The Qi Emperor suddenly fell seriously ill and passed the throne to Crown Prince Xia Zhiyuan, who ascended as the new emperor of Qi.
I knew An Jin and the others had begun to act, but I never expected their move to be so swift.
Months later, the Western Liang army, accompanied by the long-missing Third Prince Xia Zhichun, charged into the Qi Kingdom under the banner of “following the will of heaven to eliminate evil and punish treachery.” Inside the Qi Kingdom, panic spread, fueled by rumors that the current emperor had obtained the throne by poisoning his father and murdering his brothers, labeling him an unforgivable demon deserving execution.
Rebellions arose in the Qi Kingdom in response to Third Prince Xia Zhichun’s call to drive the patricidal Xia Yiwen from the throne. The Western Liang army joined local rebel troops and quickly captured Yanfeng City.
Xia Zhichun rescued the former Qi Emperor, confirming Xia Yiwen’s misdeeds. Supported by officials and the people, he became the new Son of Heaven after Xia Yiwen fled in fear of punishment. The Qi Emperor passed away shortly after his rescue.
Once the situation stabilized, the Western Liang army withdrew from the Qi Kingdom. Emperor Yan and Xia Zhichun expressed hopes for a peaceful era between the two countries. To show gratitude for Western Liang’s support, Xia Zhichun ceded the western cities of Liao and Kangyuan as a gesture of friendship.
