Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 92

Perhaps because it had snowed, or perhaps because the sky was overcast, the day seemed particularly bleak.

The common folk along the streets all clutched their collars tight to prevent the cold wind from seeping in. The normally bustling main thoroughfare was dotted with only a few scattered figures, presenting a rather desolate scene.

Everyone had gone home to take shelter from the snow. Judging by the look of the sky, a heavy snowfall was likely imminent.

The Prince of Jin galloped through the streets on his horse, followed closely by several mounted servants. Though they didn’t know what had happened, seeing the Prince of Jin’s solemn expression, they too put on a serious air and served him with caution.

The party arrived outside the Prince of Jin’s residence. Someone came forward to take the reins.

The Prince of Jin swung himself off his horse. As he strode quickly into the residence, he asked with a grim face, “Where is the Princess Consort?”

The household steward following closely behind him was bewildered. He answered carefully, “Your Highness, the Princess Consort went out early this morning.” She had left with him, in fact. Had His Highness forgotten?

The Prince of Jin stopped dead in his tracks and turned to glare at him. “The Princess Consort has not yet returned?”

The steward was even more confused, but fearing the Prince of Jin’s authority, he dared not ask another word. He only replied with extra caution, “That is correct.”

All the color drained from the Prince of Jin’s face. Terror gradually welled up in his eyes, and his hands, hanging at his sides, began to tremble uncontrollably.

The poison would not take effect immediately. After administering it, he had taken his leave and intended to go to the rear palace for lunch at the residence of his mother, Consort Shu. This was also to hear news from the palace as soon as possible so he could react in time.

But with a guilty conscience, he was restless and unable to sit still in Consort Shu’s palace.

His Majesty was a cautious man; poisoning his food was harder than ascending to heaven. The Prince could only do it himself. For the past few months, he had put on a full display of obedience, deceiving the Emperor and gaining his trust, finally finding an opportunity today.

Since it was poison, it was bound to leave a trace. He and Consort Shu had been planning for months and were long prepared. The traces would be erased in the quickest possible time, without anyone knowing. Even if someone suspected him, they would never be able to produce any evidence.

Seeing him pacing back and forth in the hall, Consort Shu said, “If you are afraid, then you shouldn’t have done it. Since you have, then be calm.” Her tone was full of frustration at his lack of fortitude.

The Prince of Jin hastily agreed and sat down. His heart was still in turmoil, but he managed to compose his expression.

After a while, the Prince of Jin showed his panic again, asking, “Mother, I ran into Consort Wei on my way here. His sudden arrival at the palace, could it cause any complications? I hear he is highly skilled in medicine!”

A trace of helplessness also flashed across Consort Shu’s face, but she feared something else. “Why did he choose today of all days to enter the palace? Did you let something slip at your residence?”

The Prince of Jin hurriedly said, “Though your son dare not claim to be meticulous, I would not be so careless in this matter. Only you and I, mother and son, know of this. It has absolutely not reached a third person’s ears!”

Consort Shu was still unconvinced, looking at him sternly.

The Prince of Jin suddenly remembered. “The day before yesterday was the Minister of State’s birthday. Your son went to his residence to offer congratulations and met Consort Wei there. While conversing with others, he mentioned that he had been recovered for many days but had not yet entered the palace for an audience. He said he would come to the palace in the next few days. I didn’t expect it to be today.”

So it was a coincidence? Only then did Consort Shu feel at ease.

Just then, a eunuch entered the palace to report that the Princess Consort requested the Prince of Jin to return to his residence at once, as she had an urgent matter to report.

The words “urgent matter” made the Prince of Jin’s heart pound. At this critical juncture, any single event could affect the entire situation. The Prince of Jin quickly asked, “Who brought the message?”

The eunuch was articulate and slick, and he described the messenger in detail.

The Prince of Jin couldn’t recognize every single one of the many servants in his residence. He vaguely recalled that there seemed to be such a person. At first, he was uncertain, but the more he thought, the more he felt that there was indeed such a person in his residence.

This eunuch was very slick. After delivering his message, he looked at the two of them expectantly, not leaving immediately. Seeing this, Consort Shu knew he was asking for a tip. The Prince of Jin and Consort Shu, who had been somewhat suspicious, now had their doubts dispelled. What eunuch delivering a false message would dare to ask for a tip? They had someone give him a few coins and sent him away.

The Prince of Jin could no longer sit still and wanted to leave the palace. “It is already suspicious that I happen to be in the palace at the time of His Majesty’s death. Now that there is an urgent matter at my residence, if I don’t leave and instead linger in the palace, it will be even more suspicious.”

Consort Shu thought so too and told him to return to his residence. “This matter cannot be traced to you. Even if it’s discovered that His Majesty died of poison, all the evidence will be destroyed. Rest easy, and just wait…”

She didn’t finish her sentence. Mother and son exchanged a look. Encouraged by his mother, the Prince of Jin gained a bit more confidence. He stood up and said briskly, “I will have to rely on you, Mother, for matters in the palace!”

With that, he left immediately.

But upon returning to his residence and asking, the Prince of Jin broke out in a cold sweat!

Seeing the Prince of Jin’s face grow even paler, the steward also began to panic, stammering, “Sh-should I… ask… ask the Princess Consort to return to the residence?”

The Prince of Jin cut him off sharply. “No need!” He turned to stare at the steward. “Everything in the residence is to remain as it is. There must not be the slightest change.”

“Yes, yes.”

Since someone had deliberately lured him out of the palace, there was likely to be a major change of events in the palace. The Prince of Jin thought with a terrified heart. He wanted to send someone to the imperial palace to gather information, but he hesitated. If it was later discovered that he had made such a move, it would seem as if he had foreseen events, and the court would surely suspect him.

But if he just stayed in his residence knowing nothing, the Prince of Jin could not feel at ease.

Why was he specifically lured out of the palace? Could it be that someone knew in advance that he would make a move? Impossible. He had acted with extreme secrecy; there was no way the news could have leaked. It must be a coincidence!

Regicide was a capital crime. Once exposed, his entire household would not escape death.

The Prince of Jin was already afraid, and now he was even more panicked. He stammered, “Someone!”

“Your Highness?”

The person arrived, but the Prince of Jin didn’t know what order to give. He tried his best to steady his mind. If there was truly a major change in the palace, he could not sit and wait for death. He gritted his teeth and said, “Send reliable men to watch all the palace gates and see if there is anything unusual.”

Those who could serve by his side were all people he trusted. Their loyalty was unquestionable, and they were capable.

The Prince of Jin waited in his residence, his mind in turmoil.

After about an hour.

The man he had sent returned in a panic to report, “Your Highness, the palace gates have been sealed! Before that, Her Highness Princess Puyang, His Highness the Prince of Zheng, and the Chancellor entered the palace one after another. Apart from them, no one else has gone in!”

The Prince of Zheng, head of the imperial clan; the Chancellor, head of all officials. If something happened to the Xiao family, these two would certainly be present. As for Puyang, the Prince of Jin frowned in disgust, his eyes filled with hatred. Since the Consort was in the palace, it was not strange for Puyang to enter.

The Prince of Jin was certain that something had already happened in the palace. He began to ponder how he should act to gain the most benefit.

His Majesty’s death was sudden, so there would surely be no final edict. It would be logical for the Imperial Grandson to succeed the throne. The Prince of Jin suddenly thought, at the Grandson’s age, he doesn’t even know which person is suited for which official post, how can he govern the country? There would definitely be a regent minister, or perhaps a member of the imperial clan to supervise the state. It couldn’t be the Grandson’s mother holding court; the Princess Consort of Yan had never been involved in state affairs, and with so many capable men in the court, it wouldn’t be her turn. The Prince of Zheng also disliked getting involved in politics, so it probably wouldn’t be him either. In that case, one would have to be chosen from among the four princes.

The Prince of Jin was overjoyed. He had found a shortcut. He just needed to suppress the other three princes.

By now, the capital must have noticed the abnormality at the imperial palace. The Prince of Jin gathered his men, preparing to head to the palace.

Who knew that before he could even leave his residence, a palace attendant came to summon him to the palace.

The Prince of Jin: “…” He always felt a step too late.

The Prince of Jin was not the only one summoned. All reputable members of the imperial clan and officials of the third rank and above in the capital were on the list.

The Prince of Jin rode his horse swiftly to the palace, heading straight for the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue.

The banners in the palace had all been changed to white. The red tassels on the Feathered Forest Guard’s armor had been removed. Many of the palace attendants passing by had already changed into white. The further in he went, the more palace attendants he saw in mourning clothes.

Only then did the Prince of Jin notice that not only officials but also titled ladies from both within and outside the palace had entered. The ladies, who were usually lavishly adorned, had removed their hairpins and ornaments, their faces full of sorrow.

The sound of weeping was incessant in the palace.

Upon entering the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue, such unrestrained sobbing ceased.

Many officials were crying, but their sobs were kept very low as they tried to focus on two things at once. The Prince of Zheng covered his face, tears streaming down endlessly. The Chancellor was being supported by someone, almost unable to stand; the Emperor was not just his sovereign, but also a son-in-law who had been very good to his family. The Imperial Grandson was also present, equally sorrowful, but clearly more panicked.

Puyang stood in a corner, closest to the inner chamber. Her eyes were terribly red and swollen, still holding tears. Her face was filled with a grief so heavy, so real, so numb. Wei Xiu was by her side, trying to comfort her, but she seemed completely unaware.

The Prince of Jin didn’t care about the Emperor at all, but he had to force out a tear. What he wanted to know was who would succeed the throne. Many people in the hall were concerned about this question. A country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Mourning for the late Emperor was not the most urgent matter at hand; the most important thing was the successor.

Seeing that almost everyone had arrived, Dou Hui came out holding an edict.

“This is the late Emperor’s final edict,” Dou Hui said, wiping away tears.

The Prince of Jin felt as if he had been struck by a sudden blow. How could there be a final edict!

The hall was filled with whispers.

The Prince of Zheng wiped his eyes and, managing to suppress his sobs, said, “Since it is a final edict, please, Eunuch Dou, read it aloud before the court.”

As he spoke, everyone knelt down together.

The edict was not long. The gist was that the realm was to be passed to the Imperial Grandson. As the new ruler was young, the edict appointed the Prince of Zheng, the Chancellor, and Princess Puyang as joint regents to assist the young emperor and continue the rule of the Great Wei.

There was nothing strange about the entire document. It was just that Princess Puyang’s inclusion among the regents was very surprising. But no one dared to question it. There were three regents, all named in the same edict. To question Puyang would be to question the other two. The Chancellor commanded all officials, and the Prince of Zheng was the most prestigious member of the imperial clan. No one could afford to offend them.

The Prince of Jin was about to faint. If there had been only one of these three as regent, he could still have found a way to maneuver. But with all three of them appointed as regents, what could he possibly do?

Everyone knelt and listened to the edict. After they stood up, they suddenly felt that although the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue was still the Hall of Proclaimed Virtue, it was somehow different.

The Prince of Jin finally couldn’t hold back and said, “I request that the final edict be shown to all the officials!” His Majesty had died suddenly; it was impossible for there to be a final edict. This edict must be a fake!

The Prince of Zhao and the others, upon hearing this, also chimed in, “Show it to the officials to verify its authenticity!”

The Imperial Grandson’s brow furrowed tightly. Thinking they were targeting him, he glared at the four princes, his eyes filled with anger. But he had little authority, and no one listened to him when he spoke.

The officials broke into discussion. To be honest, this edict was very reasonable. The Imperial Grandson was the crown prince, so his accession was a matter of course. With a young emperor ascending the throne, it was also reasonable for ministers to act as regents. As for the candidates, the Chancellor and the Prince of Zheng were the best choices. Princess Puyang, though a woman, was also capable. If the four princes were made regents, the country would truly descend into chaos.

The ministers were divided into two factions: those who wanted to verify it and those who disagreed. For a moment, the hall was in an uproar.

Dou Hui felt a moment of unease and looked towards Wei Xiu, who gave a slight nod. Dou Hui’s panic turned to calm. He walked over to the Chancellor as planned and whispered a few words. The Chancellor nodded and said in a loud voice, “Since it is the late Emperor’s final edict, it is naturally not something that just anyone can look at. For verification, I ask the Nine Ministers to step forward and authenticate it!”

The hall fell silent. No one objected. The Nine Ministers had all seen the Emperor’s handwriting; they would know at a glance whether it was real or fake.

Wei Xiu watched this chaotic scene with cold eyes. She remained by Puyang’s side the entire time, not saying a word.

“A Xiu…” Puyang seemed not to have heard the debate in the hall, calling out to Wei Xiu in a soft voice.

Wei Xiu quickly turned her head and said, “I’m here.”

Puyang’s gaze was as if dead. She seemed to be looking at Wei Xiu, yet also not looking at her. “If… if I had entered the palace with you today, would I have been able to see him one last time?”

Wei Xiu’s heart tightened. Words of comfort simply would not come out.

On the other side, a result had been reached. It was indeed the late Emperor’s handwriting. The Prince of Jin and the others had nothing more to say. He looked around at the faces, all of them familiar. He suddenly felt that this was like a play, one that had been rehearsed long ago. Some were the actors, and someone was the director.

And he had merely paved the way for others!