Spring Remains the Same - Chapter 98

Summer thunder rumbled as a bolt of lightning tore across the sky.

The flash illuminated the paper-paned windows, making the room suddenly bright before plunging it back into darkness. A sharp clap of thunder followed immediately.

Summer days were hot, and even with rain, it wasn’t particularly cold. But Wei Xiu was frail, and having been soaked by the downpour, Puyang was very worried she would catch a chill from the dampness. After carefully drying her hair, a maidservant came to report that the hot water was ready.

As was her custom, Puyang dismissed all the maidservants and pushed Wei Xiu toward the inner chamber.

It was a bathing room, connected on one side to the princess’s bedchamber and on the other to a heated pavilion. The serving maids would enter and exit through the heated pavilion to add water or place fresh clothes. Once everything was arranged, they would enter the princess’s bedchamber to report. When the princess ordered them to withdraw, they would leave through the heated pavilion, leaving the room empty.

The room was filled with a misty, humid warmth.

Wei Xiu said to Puyang, “Even if we send a rider to the army camp at full speed and Wei You dispatches his troops immediately to rush to the capital without a moment’s delay, it will still take at least four days. Moreover, this matter is of grave importance and involves many factors. The longer it drags on, the more likely it is that word will leak out, and the consequences would be unthinkable. Your Highness should make a decision soon.”

Puyang pushed her to a stop beside the bathtub and said, “I will go one more time. If they still stubbornly refuse…” A dark light flickered in her eyes, and her tone grew heavy. “No matter what, tonight, we will send someone to the Black Armored Army.”

“Very well,” Wei Xiu said. If they could persuade the two middle generals, the Black Armored Army’s arrival would be the icing on the cake, useful for intimidating the lesser factions. If not, the Black Armored Army would be a lifeline in a time of need, absolutely crucial.

The walls of Luoyang were thick, sturdy, and tall, and the city was rich in supplies. If one were to attempt a direct assault, let alone the fifty thousand elite soldiers of the Black Armored Army, even two or three hundred thousand might not succeed in a single stroke. Neither of them mentioned this point. Wei Xiu understood that Puyang would surely find someone to act as an inside agent to open the city gates. Puyang, for her part, already had a candidate in mind; all that was lacking now was the military force.

Everything needed was in the room. Puyang placed a towel within Wei Xiu’s reach and set a change of clothes nearby. The presence of water made slipping inevitable. Puyang placed Wei Xiu’s crutch in her hand, a hint of uncertainty in her expression as she instructed, “I will be just outside. Call me if you need anything.”

Wei Xiu nodded. “Alright.”

Puyang withdrew from the inner chamber and returned to the bedchamber. The thunder roared, accompanied by a torrential downpour. The sky was thick with dark clouds, making the room as dim as if night had fallen.

Puyang walked to a candelabrum, took a fire starter, and lit the candles.

A long time passed before the sound of water came from the inner chamber. Only then did Puyang relax slightly. She picked up Grand Tutor Wei’s letter and opened it. It was nothing more than a declaration of the Wei clan’s allegiance to the Grand Princess, promising their full support for whatever she needed, along with phrases about destiny and the Mandate of Heaven. At the end was the Grand Tutor’s seal.

With this, even if Grand Tutor Wei wanted to switch sides, it would be impossible.

Puyang put the letter away safely.

“Your Highness, the ginger soup is here. Shall this servant bring it in?” Qin Kun’s voice came from outside the door, seeking permission.

Puyang rose, opened the door, and took it herself, ordering them all to withdraw.

The hall fell silent again, with only the sound of the heavy rain washing over the floor tiles.

Another clap of thunder, startling enough to make one’s heart tremble.

Puyang could almost smell the metallic scent of rain mixed with earth.

She sat in the hall, silently running through the next steps of her plan. If she could seize the initiative, all would be well. Her only fear was that the Prince of Jin would act immediately.

The sound of water in the inner chamber ceased. Puyang broke from her thoughts, the somber look in her eyes dissolving into gentle warmth. She picked up the jade cup, her palm against its surface. The ginger soup was still hot. By the time A-Xiu came out, it would have cooled just enough to be drinkable.

After a while longer, Wei Xiu finally emerged.

She was fully dressed, but her hair, not yet completely dry, was draped over her shoulders. Her cheeks were flushed from the steam, and perhaps because she had just bathed, her entire being seemed steeped in mist. The features of her face appeared exceptionally soft and even more refined.

The thought that she was the only one who could see Wei Xiu like this filled Puyang with immense joy. She handed the ginger soup to Wei Xiu, who, without needing any prompting, held it in her hands and began to sip it.

Ginger was warming and could dispel cold. A single sip sent a pleasant warmth through her stomach, which was very comfortable. Puyang then took the fine jade and scent pouch that Wei Xiu had removed earlier from the table, knelt before the wheelchair, and hung them back on Wei Xiu’s waist.

“There’s no need to be so meticulous. I am not going out again today,” Wei Xiu said quickly.

Puyang still hung the jade pendant before standing up and returning to her seat on the couch.

The rain subsided, and the thunder gradually faded.

Perhaps because the plan was set, and what came next depended, to a greater or lesser extent, on fate, both Wei Xiu and Puyang felt a sense of relief.

In five days at most, or four at the soonest, victory or defeat would be decided.

Succeed and you’re a king, fail and you’re a bandit—a universal rule throughout history.

Given Puyang’s status, if she failed, she would not even have the chance to live out her days in obscurity.

That night, a swift rider secretly galloped out of the Princess’s residence, passed through Jiayu Gate, and headed straight for the Black Armored Army’s barracks.

All affairs in the capital proceeded as usual.

The following night, thick smoke suddenly rose from the Imperial Palace, with the faint glow of fire visible.

Sitting under the eaves, Wei Xiu saw this and knew a fire had broken out in the palace. She summoned several attendants and ordered them to find out which palace was on fire.

At a time like this, nothing could be overlooked. Wei Xiu thought it over and over, feeling deeply uneasy.

The attendants were gone for an hour before returning to report: “We couldn’t find out. All the palace gates are sealed shut. No news can get out, and no one can get in.”

Wei Xiu waved her hand, dismissing them. Puyang returned to the residence soon after, coming from the Department of State Affairs. The regent ministers handled daily matters there, and being adjacent to the Imperial City, its access to information was excellent. But this time, she too had heard nothing.

It was clear that preparations had been made in the palace beforehand, and all channels of communication with the outside had been severed.

This was highly unusual, likely a conspiracy by Xiao Dewen and the Prince of Jin.

Wei Xiu’s expression was grim as she pondered, her thoughts unknown.

Puyang was also on edge, feeling this was not a good omen.

A gentle breeze blew, rustling the leaves. The night was serene. On a normal day, it would bring a sense of peace, but at this moment, it felt unspeakably oppressive, as if even the most ordinary things concealed a heart-stopping conspiracy.

“Three more days,” Wei Xiu murmured. Three more days, and the Black Armored Army would reach the capital. Before then, she couldn’t just do nothing; she had to take precautions.

The commotion in the palace subsided before the third watch. The thick smoke dissipated, the firelight was extinguished, and the city of Luoyang fell silent once more in the night, as if the recent event had been just an insignificant disturbance. But whether they were high officials and nobles or common folk, everyone was terrified.

The common people who grew up in the capital were extremely sensitive to the political climate; even they felt that a storm was about to break.

The next day, there were fewer peddlers roaming the streets and alleys, and the number of people on the streets seemed sparse.

Puyang forsook her carriage for a horse and rode to the Department of State Affairs.

Wei Xiu summoned Yan Huan. She took a jade pendant from her sleeve. The jade was of a warm, thick quality, lustrous and translucent green, clearly carved from the finest material.

Just as Yan Huan was about to take it, he saw the meticulously carved character “Zhong” on it. His gaze tightened abruptly, and he pulled his hand back.

As if not noticing his unusual reaction, Wei Xiu said, “Lean closer.”

Yan Huan’s brows furrowed, but he did as he was told. The more he listened, the more hesitant he became. When Wei Xiu finished speaking, he said uncertainly, “In that case, your identity…”

“The fire in the palace last night has left me deeply unsettled. It would be best if this isn’t needed, but if it is…” Wei Xiu closed her eyes and sighed. “Nothing is more important than her safety.”

Yan Huan was silent for a moment, then said respectfully, “I will obey your command, Sir.”

Wei Xiu smiled, her expression as elegant and gentle as ever. “Go now. Remember to act according to the circumstances.”

Yan Huan knelt, accepted the jade pendant with both hands, and after kowtowing, he took his leave.

Meanwhile, everyone had arrived at the Department of State Affairs.

Not only were the regent ministers present, but several other key officials were also there to report on matters or receive assignments.

Everyone was on edge, and everyone was trying their best to conceal it. The Chancellor walked over to Puyang’s side, about to speak, when a young minister approached, holding an imperial edict.

Behind him were four soldiers of the Feathered Forest Guard. He surveyed the officials in the hall, smiled, and bowed. “His Majesty has summoned you. Grand Princess Puyang is requested to make a trip to the palace.”

Puyang rose. An official spoke on her behalf, “For what matter is she summoned?”

The minister had a proud bearing, his face now showing a faint, calm resolve, but the words he spoke were filled with grief. “Last night, a great fire broke out in the palace and burned down the Hall of Ancestral Worship. The spirit tablets of the late Emperor and the late Empress were both damaged. His Majesty requests the Grand Princess to enter the palace to take a look, so that a decision can be made on how to carry out the repairs.”

The hall fell silent in an instant.

This was a reason Puyang could not refuse. To refuse would be unfilial and disrespectful. In front of a hall full of court officials, no one could bear the crime of being unfilial and disrespectful to the late Emperor. The Chancellor frowned. After a moment’s thought, he intended to accompany Puyang. Just as he was about to speak, he heard Puyang say, “This matter must be handled with caution. I will go to the palace at once.”

The Chancellor was greatly alarmed and was about to stop her when he saw Puyang’s fingers pressing on a document on the table. Her fingertip was pointed directly at the character for “stay.”

This “stay,” of course, was not for him to remain. It meant to keep the Prince Consort.

The Chancellor understood. Weighing the options, he nodded. “I will hold the fort here. Your Highness may go.”

The minister who had announced the summons gave a frivolous smile and looked at Puyang. Puyang began to walk, her bearing poised and calm as she exited.

Who could have imagined that the Prince of Jin and Xiao Dewen would dare to burn the Hall of Ancestral Worship? It housed the spirit tablets of the Xiao clan’s ancestors; it was the site of the Xiao clan’s ancestral temple. Burning it was tantamount to destroying the Xiao clan’s lineage and undermining the fortune of the Great Wei.

Puyang’s trip was fraught with peril. The Chancellor immediately rushed to the Princess’s residence, intending to keep Wei Xiu there.

He knew the Black Armored Army would arrive in less than three days. With the Prince Consort outside the palace, they could still negotiate with those inside. Taking a step back, even if they killed Puyang the moment she entered the palace, those outside could still enthrone a new monarch. The late Emperor had more than one son, and more than one imperial grandson besides Xiao Dewen. This way, they would not lose everything.

Furthermore, all contact with the Black Armored Army had been handled by Wei Xiu, and the Princess’s residence only took orders from her. She had to be there.

Upon arriving at the Princess’s residence, before the Chancellor could even dismount, he heard the Chief Scribe, who was waiting at the gate, say, “The Prince Consort has already gone to the palace.”

The Chancellor’s face turned ashen. He stood frozen on the spot.

For the Chancellor, the bigger picture was what mattered. Even if the princess was gone, he could not let the state fall into the hands of those two. He had to turn the tide and prevent Great Wei from falling into chaos. But for Wei Xiu, nothing was more important than Puyang.

The moment Puyang stepped through the palace gates, Xiao Dewen wanted to act. The Prince of Jin stopped him. “Wait. We are still missing Wei Xiu.”

He had just sent someone to inform Wei Xiu of the princess’s arrival at the palace. He knew this, but in Xiao Dewen’s eyes, Puyang was the only threat. The rest could wait until he had a free hand to clean them up slowly.

Thwarted by the Prince of Jin, Xiao Dewen said with displeasure, “Execute the princess first. When the Prince Consort enters the palace, we will execute him too!”

The Prince of Jin looked at him and smiled faintly. “If the princess is dead, will he still be willing to come?”

Xiao Dewen said angrily, “The palace gates are sealed. How would he know if the princess is dead or alive?”

The Prince of Jin said nonchalantly, “Your Highness underestimates him.” He had learned his lesson once. Besides wanting Wei Xiu dead immediately, he also deeply feared her. “The princess doesn’t have to die, but Wei Xiu must be executed. Once the princess is imprisoned, whether she is alive or dead makes no difference. But Wei Xiu… you will never know where he is or how many backup plans he has. Only when he is dead can we truly rest easy.”

In the Prince of Jin’s eyes, Wei Xiu was like a wandering specter, omnipresent. She could even find out about something as secret as the assassination of the late Emperor. What else could be hidden from her?

For the past six months, he had been plagued by nightmares every night. He even felt that as long as Wei Xiu was alive, his own life was not in his hands.

Xiao Dewen did not know the details of this. He only knew that the Prince of Jin had defied him and was greatly annoyed. Just as he was about to reprimand him, he heard a soldier of the Feathered Forest Guard from a distance, rushing to report, “Your Highness, Prince Consort Wei has entered the palace.”

“Excellent! Now that they are in the palace, they cannot escape even if they had wings!” Xiao Dewen’s face lit up with joy. He lifted his chin and said arrogantly, “Kill them!”

The Feathered Forest Guard soldier who should have obeyed the order did not move, nor did he make a sound.

Xiao Dewen suddenly felt something was wrong. He turned to look at the Prince of Jin, who was smiling at him. The kneeling soldier had, at some point, stood up, his right hand already gripping the hilt of his sword. Xiao Dewen finally realized what was happening. His face froze, and fear flooded his eyes like a tidal wave. He wanted to speak, but his teeth chattered uncontrollably, and his throat felt as if it were being squeezed. He stared wide-eyed, his gaze filled with pleading.

The sword left its sheath, its blade scraping against the scabbard with a piercing sound. Xiao Dewen’s eyes bulged as warm bl00d splattered on the spot. He would never have the chance to speak again.