Three Steps: From Assassin to Empress - Chapter 64
Chapter 64
The protagonist, Ying Xiu, receives letters revealing that his close friend, Jian Xin (also known as Wang Shouzhen, the eldest son of the Wang family of Langya), believed he had died. To give him a proper burial, Jian Xin arranged a funeral with ten coffins and even wore mourning clothes while accompanying the procession through the streets. This act angered his father, the head of the family, leading to a falling out. Jian Xin then left home and hasn’t been seen since.
Ying Xiu is deeply moved and feels regretful. He wants to find Jian Xin to let him know he’s still alive. He is aware that Xie Zhou (the Emperor, also known as Yin Huan) dislikes Jian Xin and is hesitant to ask for his help directly, fearing it will make Xie Zhou hate Jian Xin even more.
The Emperor, who has been watching Ying Xiu, waits for him to ask for his help. When Ying Xiu doesn’t, the Emperor confronts him, asking why he doesn’t want to bring Wang Shouzhen back. Ying Xiu replies, “But you don’t like him.”
The Emperor becomes more assertive, telling Ying Xiu that he will bring Wang Shouzhen back. He sees this as a way to keep Ying Xiu in the capital, believing that by having Ying Xiu’s loved ones (his foster father and his close friend) nearby, he can ensure Ying Xiu stays with him.
Ying Xiu, misunderstanding the Emperor’s intentions, believes he is acting out of kindness to help him. Overjoyed, he hugs the Emperor and thanks him. He again accidentally calls him “Xie Zhou” before correcting himself to “Yin Huan.” The Emperor, however, says it doesn’t matter what Ying Xiu calls him, as long as he stays by his side.
Ying Xiu tells the Emperor that just letting Jian Xin know he’s alive is enough and that he doesn’t need to be brought to the capital permanently. The Emperor, however, interprets this differently, concluding that if Ying Xiu doesn’t want Wang Shouzhen to stay, he can simply kill him. The Emperor thinks to himself that if he quietly kills one of Ying Xiu’s friends, Ying Xiu might not even notice right away.
Meanwhile, the head eunuch is outside, diligently feeding the owls that brought the letters. He feels proud, believing they belong to the future Empress. At the same time, officials from the court arrive to report on a case. They notice the grand hall has been decorated with more comfortable furnishings, a change from the Emperor’s usual austere preference.
The officials are nervous as the Emperor has a fearsome reputation, but they know he only punishes corrupt and disloyal officials. They begin their report, and Ying Xiu sits beside the Emperor, observing the scene with a mix of novelty and awe. He realizes the immense power the Emperor holds, as he can single-handedly change the fate of a powerful clan.
The Emperor notices Ying Xiu staring at him and asks what he wants to do with the Wang family of Langya, putting their fate in Ying Xiu’s hands. The officials in the hall are curious to see who holds such sway over their emperor.