Three Steps: From Assassin to Empress - Chapter 65
Chapter 65
In the main hall, Ying Xiu sits next to the Emperor, adorned in fine silk and jewelry. His striking appearance captures the attention of the court officials, who quickly avert their eyes after feeling the Emperor’s cold glare.
Ying Xiu tells the Emperor to handle the case of the Wang family of Langya according to the law, which dictates that falsely accusing officials of treason is punishable by exile.
The head eunuch announces that Wang Daokui, the Minister of Personnel and head of the Wang family, is waiting outside. Ying Xiu, curious to hear his former master’s defense, agrees to let him in.
Wang Daokui, looking composed and well-prepared, enters the hall and declares his innocence, claiming he is being framed. At that moment, another man, Wang Yu, emerges from behind a pillar, confronting Wang Daokui. Wang Yu, who has been recently injured and threatened, reveals that he is prepared to testify against the Wang family. With this testimony, the charges against the Wang family are solidified.
Ying Xiu then questions Wang Daokui, who looks up and is shocked to see the young man sitting next to the Emperor. He immediately recognizes Ying Xiu as the assassin he had sent to kill the Emperor—not only is Ying Xiu still alive, but he is now the Emperor’s favored male companion. Realizing the Emperor is acting on Ying Xiu’s behalf, Wang Daokui, with a last-ditch effort, asks if Ying Xiu is a descendant of the Yu family.
Ying Xiu admits that he is, despite knowing it might bring a bad reputation to the Emperor. The Emperor, however, is not concerned and simply reassures Ying Xiu. This confirms to the officials that the Emperor is acting out of affection for his companion, a revelation that makes Wang Daokui realize he has made a grave mistake. He is led away, visibly shaken.
Ying Xiu is lost in thought, reflecting on how his life has been completely upended. The Emperor, seeing his distress, dismisses the other officials. Ying Xiu then calls the Emperor by his real name, “Yin Huan,” a bold act that causes the departing officials to stumble in shock.
Ying Xiu, confused by their reaction, turns to the Emperor with a serious expression. He tells him that Wang Daokui seems to be holding a secret and is trying to stall for time, likely with the help of the Xie clan. He is concerned that the Emperor, who used the name Xie Zhou and identified himself as a member of the Xie clan’s retinue, might be conflicted.
The Emperor reassures him, offering to kill Wang Daokui immediately to resolve the matter. Ying Xiu, however, refuses, stating that he wants a thorough investigation to avoid any injustices.
Trusting Ying Xiu’s instincts, the Emperor summons his special guards, the Xuanjing Division, from the rafters. The guards appear and kneel before them. The Emperor then tells the guards that from now on, Ying Xiu is also their master and that they must obey and protect him. The guards, who are already familiar with Ying Xiu, accept this new command without question.