Chapter 81

Yang Yanzong was indeed physically and mentally exhausted. After a day of fast riding back to Yangdu, he returned to the mansion through a secret passage and first went to Shou’antang to check on the injured Mrs. Yan.

Mrs. Yan’s injuries were not light. Recently, her illness had improved, and she was no longer in a constant daze. She remembered that she hadn’t heard from Concubine Yan for a long time and became worried. She wrote several letters and sent them out, but there was no response. Unable to bear it any longer, she ordered a carriage to go and check.

Su Rong couldn’t let her go. Yang Yanzong had instructed Mrs. Yan to rest quietly, implying that she shouldn’t be disturbed. The previous letters from Mrs. Yan had been intercepted, and the servants didn’t dare to send them out. They quietly reported to Su Rong, who sent them to the outer study.

The argument escalated, and somehow the matter was exposed, causing chaos. Mrs. Yan was furious and wanted to tear Su Rong apart for deceiving her.

Su Rong was slapped and fell to the ground, triggering a miscarriage scare. The servants were terrified and rushed to pull Mrs. Yan away. In the ensuing chaos, Mrs. Yan either lost her balance or was pushed, hitting her head on the sharp edge of a flowerbed, causing her forehead to bleed profusely.

It was a complete mess, with people falling over each other. Before Yang Yanzong received the message to go to Changyi, he had spent a whole day by Mrs. Yan’s bedside. However, the urgent external affairs had not decreased, and he continued to work through the night, handling matters during the day and staying up all night. He was burning the candle at both ends these days, and his exhaustion was not just physical.

Even today, the room in Shou’antang still smelled faintly of blood, mixed with the bitter and cool scent of medicinal ointments.

Yang Yanzong lifted the curtain and entered. The servants by the bedside hurriedly stood up to greet him, and he nodded slightly.

Mrs. Yan was asleep, her forehead wrapped in white cloth with dried bloodstains at the edges. Her face was pale as she lay there. Yang Yanzong sat down and checked his mother’s pulse, finally letting go after a while.

But Mrs. Yan, deeply sunk into the soft pillow, was not sleeping well due to the pain. When Yang Yanzong touched her, she murmured, “I’m so injured, and your father hasn’t even come to see me…” She was in a daze and didn’t open her eyes.

Yang Yanzong felt a pang in his heart. His mother, now showing signs of old age, had white hair at her temples and fine lines at the corners of her eyes. The pain made the wrinkles on her face look particularly deep and aged.

He took a deep breath and instructed, “When the Old Master feels better, have him come over. Tell him I said so.” He stayed with his mother for half an hour before returning to the study.

Back in the outer study, Yang Yanzong immediately resumed his work. He quickly handled the urgent matters caused by the tug-of-war with the Kun family over the past two days, then went out to discuss the next steps with Ji Yuanhao. By the time he returned, the long night had passed, and the sky was beginning to lighten.

Yang Yanzong felt his head getting heavy. From the secret passage to the study, he rubbed his temples twice. A Zhao, worried, suggested, “Master, why don’t you rest for a while?”

Yang Yanzong rubbed his temples for a while, looked at the water clock, and nodded. He ate a little and lay down for a short nap. This nap didn’t last long, as his time was too precious. He woke up after half an hour, only to find he had developed a fever.

It was a low fever, and his head felt heavy. A Zhao quickly had someone prepare medicine. It was boiling, but Yang Yanzong still drank it in one gulp.

A Zhao advised, “Master, why don’t you rest a bit longer? I can have someone attend the morning meeting…”

Yang Yanzong shook his head. Although he held a high official rank, he was primarily a military commander and didn’t need to attend regular morning meetings. However, he had to attend the monthly grand meeting. With the current undercurrents with the Kun family, he couldn’t show any weakness or give them an excuse to exploit.

Moreover, the upcoming period was crucial for planning and dealing with the Kun family. With centuries of power and control over the emperor, the Kun family was difficult to deal with. Yang Yanzong needed to strike decisively, or he and Ji Yuanhao wouldn’t easily get a second chance.

There were too many things that required Yang Yanzong’s personal attention. He didn’t even have time to be sick.

Yang Yanzong closed his eyes for a moment, then forced himself to sit up, wash, and dress. He splashed cold water on his face, and his willpower made him look as cold and sharp as usual when he left.

After a fierce grand meeting, Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao began investigating the informants provided by Prince Qian, including the young emperor’s close aide, Aunt Hong, and Little Madam Kun.

Following Prince Qian’s clues and combining them with their own network, Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao needed to investigate and grasp the situation thoroughly. They would only act if they were sure, but when they did, the impact had to be maximized!

After meticulous investigation and planning, a letter quietly reached the hands of Little Madam Kun.

This was a personal letter from Prince Qian to Little Madam Kun, dated not from the hot spring villa but from the day before Prince Qian fell into the river.

“These days, I always feel something is off around me. I’m afraid the many disputes in the past have left hidden dangers. If I cannot return safely, this letter will be sent back to Yangdu. Cherish it and be cautious. Please protect our child…”

When Little Madam Kun received this letter, she nearly went mad!

Prince Qian married Little Madam Kun against his will, but for Little Madam Kun, marrying Prince Qian was a dream come true!

Prince Qian was a man of integrity. Apart from a few concubines arranged by the former princess, he didn’t indulge in other women. He was aloof, elegant, and very courteous, treating people kindly. After dismissing those concubines, Little Madam Kun was extremely satisfied with her married life. She admired and was very pleased with Prince Qian, never intending to become a widow. But just as her life improved, and her son ascended to the throne, making her the emperor’s mother, Prince Qian suddenly had an accident and disappeared!

Empress Dowager Kun comforted her but hinted that after so long without news, he was likely gone. Little Madam Kun was devastated, crying for days, and begged her father, brothers, and Empress Dowager Kun to send people to search for him. Then, unexpectedly, she received a letter from Prince Qian written before his accident!

Little Madam Kun was in disbelief. She was shocked, angry, and then filled with uncontrollable indignation. So, you all think I’m a fool, huh?! The main branch of the Kun family has gone too far!!!

The Kun family has two branches. One is Empress Dowager Kun and her brother, Imperial Uncle Kun, who their uncle raised after their father’s early death. The other includes Kun Tai and Little Madam Kun, along with their father, Kun Xin, who is the current clan leader of the Kun family and wields significant influence. If successfully divided, Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Dowager Kun would be in serious trouble.

Prince Qian knew Little Madam Kun well. She had often complained at home that if it weren’t for the age difference between her and her cousins, it would be hard to say who would be the current head of the family. After all, the main branch siblings were raised by her father, Kun Xin. In large families, early deaths can have a significant impact, and power shifts between branches are not uncommon. With her Kun family blood, Little Madam Kun had the typical Kun family traits—pride, arrogance, and ambition. She was very proud of her emperor son and believed she could replace her cousin.

Prince Qian’s letter completely ignited this belief!

Little Madam Kun was extremely furious. Her father had raised the siblings to adulthood, returning all the power to the main branch. She and her brother had respected them as elder siblings for decades, and this was how they treated her?!

That very day, Little Madam Kun took a carriage back to her family home, crying to her brother Kun Tai. When Kun Tai read Prince Qian’s letter, his face turned grim. The siblings immediately went to find their father.

Their father, Kun Xin, had retired due to war injuries but still held significant influence in the court. He had been granted the title of Duke and the rank of Grand Tutor. In recent years, as his niece and nephew had grown capable of leading the family, he gradually stepped back to focus on his health.

Kun Tai and Little Madam Kun rarely disturbed their father. But this time, it was too much. The main branch had gone too far!

Little Madam Kun knelt at her father’s feet, crying, “Father, how could they do this? I treated them as elder siblings, but did they see me as a sister? What place do they leave for our branch?!”

It wasn’t even a critical moment, and Prince Qian didn’t have to die! Why couldn’t the family sit down and talk? They didn’t even give them a chance to speak!

Kun Tai frowned, “Father, no matter what, they should have informed us first.”

The second branch had been completely unaware, and Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Dowager Kun had killed his sister’s husband. Did they even acknowledge the existence of the second branch?!

Kun Xin had only two children, a son and a daughter, with his legitimate wife. Little Madam Kun, though a girl, was highly valued and loved by Kun Xin.

After reading Prince Qian’s letter and questioning his trusted aides about the Grand Tutor incident, Kun Xin’s face darkened.

After a while, he ordered, “Bring Kun Ji back to me.”

Kun Ji, also known as Imperial Uncle Kun, was usually called Ji’er by Kun Xin. This was the first time he used his full name!

Little Madam Kun was finally satisfied, wiping her tears as her brother helped her up.

---

Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s timing was perfect. Just as the Kun family was gaining the upper hand, they delivered a heavy blow!

Prince Qian’s letter was very effective. Even though Kun Xin had retired, he hadn’t handed everything over to his nephew. He was well-informed about the Kun family and quickly uncovered the series of conflicts and disputes between Prince Qian and Empress Dowager Kun.

Additionally, the young emperor was Kun Xin’s grandson. Although he would ultimately side with the Kun family in their interests against the royal family, his stance and mindset were inevitably more nuanced.

Controlling the young emperor, killing Prince Qian, and excluding the second branch—Kun Xin was still alive!

Imperial Uncle Kun couldn’t explain it that day. Kun Xin’s anger was predictable, and the Kun family’s two branches were instantly at odds. Even Empress Dowager Kun had to leave the palace in disguise several times but with little success.

Amidst the chaos, Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao seized the opportunity. After several confirmations, they quietly had their informant in the palace contact Aunt Hong.

Aunt Hong was a Kun family member, Little Madam Kun’s son’s wet nurse. Empress Dowager Kun, wary of her cousin, hadn’t replaced her. Prince Qian had worked hard to win her over.

So, that day, during the young emperor’s nap, he received a letter.

The young emperor had lost a lot of weight and looked haggard. His father’s disappearance had left him anxious and restless, and he constantly asked about his whereabouts, but there had been no news for a long time. One day, as he sought comfort from his wet nurse, he asked, “Aunt, do you think Father will come back?”

In the past, Aunt Hong would always show a bit of worry but gently stroke his hair and reassure him, “Yes, he will definitely come back!”

“Your Majesty, sleep well. If Prince Qian returns and sees you like this, he will be very distressed.”

But today, Aunt Hong took a letter from her bosom and quietly slipped it into the young emperor’s bed.

The young emperor’s heart raced, and he quickly covered it with his hand. He then hid under the covers and read his father’s handwritten letter.

In this long letter to his young son, Prince Qian included some subtle warnings, advising him to be cautious and not to trust certain people easily. He emphasizes the importance of Old General Xu and only mentions Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao at the end.

The young emperor’s heart pounded like a drum. As Aunt Hong dressed him, she reached into the bed, and, despite his reluctance, he handed her the letter to dispose of it.

This was his father’s handwriting. Prince Qian had often guided his small hand, teaching him to write countless times and sending him numerous letters over the years. Prince Qian’s elegant and flowing script was easily recognizable.

More importantly, the letter contained secret codes he and his father had privately agreed upon.

That night, the young emperor lay in bed, recalling the weak yet earnest words in the letter, and tears fell as he bit his lip. He suppressed his anxiety and waited a day. The young emperor was still young, and his expressions might not have been perfectly concealed, but Empress Dowager Kun was preoccupied with matters outside the palace, giving him some leeway.

The young emperor waited another day. When Empress Dowager Kun hurriedly left the palace again, he finally found an opportunity to meet with Yang Yanzong with Aunt Hong’s help.

Yang Yanzong came in person.

Dressed as a young eunuch, the young emperor stared at Yang Yanzong, who was also in the uniform of the imperial guards. He swallowed and puffed out his chest, “Will you help me get rid of the Kun family?!”

Yang Yanzong shook his head, “I cannot do that yet, but I can assist Your Majesty in countering the Kun family and freeing you from their control.”

“This will require Old General Xu’s involvement.”

“If successful, Prince Qian will soon return to court, and you will be reunited with your father.”

Yang Yanzong leaned in, his tone calm but with a hint of temptation, “Everything is in place. It depends on whether Your Majesty dares to act!”

In his and Ji Yuanhao’s plan, there was no reason for the young emperor to hide behind others. Regardless of age, one must make sacrifices to gain rewards, right?

The young emperor’s breathing quickened. He quickly parted ways with Yang Yanzong and quietly returned to the warm chamber in Shangyang Palace for his nap. He lay with his eyes closed for a long time, thinking deeply, and finally clenched his fist tightly!

---

The next day, on the tenth, was the grand court assembly.

The ceremonial whip cracked, and the sixteen-carried Nine-Dragon Imperial Sedan and the golden-red Phoenix Sedan arrived together. Empress Dowager Kun held the young emperor’s hand as they ascended the nine-tiered jade steps and took their seats on the gilded Nine-Dragon Throne and the slightly smaller golden Phoenix Throne beside it.

“All rise!” As usual, the young emperor called for the court to rise after the officials had bowed. Imperial Uncle Kun then took the stage, co-hosting the assembly with Empress Dowager Kun.

The young emperor was still too young to govern. In both grand and small assemblies, he usually listened quietly, with decrees drafted and issued by Empress Dowager Kun on his behalf.

Everyone was accustomed to the young emperor’s symbolic presence. But today, something unexpected happened!

As the Kun family issued several decrees targeting key members of the Yang and Ji factions, the tension continued until nearly noon. Just as the lengthy assembly was about to end, the young emperor suddenly spoke up, “Where is my father? Have you found him?”

The hall fell silent. Imperial Uncle Kun quickly responded, “Your Majesty, a month ago, we deployed 30,000 imperial troops to search along the main and tributary rivers. Urgent dispatches have been sent to all prefectures, and the search is ongoing.”

Empress Dowager Kun sighed and turned to the young emperor, “Your Majesty, I know you are anxious, but the river is vast…”

It had been so long, and everyone knew the chances of finding Prince Qian were slim.

But unexpectedly, the young emperor let out a cold laugh and stood up abruptly. He stared coldly at Empress Dowager Kun and Imperial Uncle Kun, “Of course, I know! I know very well! Since you wanted to kill my father, how could you let him return alive?!”

He reached up and tore off the Nine-Dragon Imperial Crown from his head. The young emperor, with his hair disheveled, cried in a shrill voice, “I don’t want to be emperor anymore!!!”

The young emperor’s childish yet piercing voice echoed through the grand hall. He threw the crown down the nine-tiered jade steps, and it landed heavily in the center of the hall. The nine-colored jade beads scattered, clattering across the floor.

---

Empress Dowager Kun and Imperial Uncle Kun’s faces changed dramatically. They immediately declared that the emperor was ill. The attendants rushed forward to support and coax him, but the young emperor struggled fiercely before being taken away.

Empress Dowager Kun forced a smile, “The emperor misses his father and hasn’t slept for many days. He has been misled by malicious words.”

The assembly quickly dispersed. The young emperor claimed to be ill and was confined to Shangyang Palace by Empress Dowager Kun.

The internal strife within the Kun family temporarily ceased. But no matter how hard they tried to suppress it, the uproar in the court couldn’t be contained.

Meanwhile, the young emperor’s handwritten letter seeking help from Old General Xu had already been sent out of the palace. The process was extremely dangerous, and Aunt Hong was exposed.

In fact, all the people around the young emperor were subjected to a thorough purge. Empress Dowager Kun was furious, and the Kun siblings quickly realized the problem came from the young emperor’s side. In their urgency, and being ruthless individuals, they ordered a complete purge of everyone around the young emperor, whether close or not.

The palace gates were tightly shut, and chaos ensued within.

Fortunately, Aunt Hong had already handed the young emperor’s handwritten letter to a maid on the outermost perimeter. The capture of these peripheral staff members was slower than that of those serving inside the palace, leading to screams and panic. The maid gritted her teeth, crawled through a dog hole she had prepared, and ran for her life!

As the footsteps of the pursuing guards grew closer, she lunged forward and threw the letter over the wall, where it landed in the hands of someone waiting on the other side, who immediately ran off.

The maid fell to the ground and was caught by the pursuing guards. “Where do you think you’re running to?”

---

After meticulous planning, the situation finally became clear. The tension in Yangdu was palpable, but Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao had achieved their goal of maximizing the situation’s impact. Upon receiving the confirmed news from inside and outside the palace, they both breathed a sigh of relief.

Their plan had succeeded!

Ji Yuanhao didn’t look much better, with dark circles under his eyes and a weary complexion. Recently, their struggle with the Kun family reached a fever pitch. The Kun family, deeply rooted and wielding the emperor’s power, was a formidable opponent.

Combined with family matters, it was truly a case of burning the candle at both ends.

However, compared to Yang Yanzong, Ji Yuanhao was in a better position. Mrs. Ren, being gentle yet resilient, was gradually recovering, and her pregnancy was stable. Ji Yuanhao said, “Alright, I’ll go get the letter. You rest for a bit.”

Yang Yanzong’s complexion was terrible, and his hand was still hot to the touch.

Yang Yanzong nodded.

So, Ji Yuanhao immediately left Yang’s residence through the secret passage and headed to the palace to retrieve the letter.

Yang Yanzong took some medicine and lay down for about an hour. When he woke up, he felt lighter, and his forehead was no longer hot. He got up and went to Shou’antang to check on his mother. He had been so busy lately, averaging less than two hours of sleep a day, that he hadn’t had time to visit Mrs. Yan.

But as soon as he stepped into Shou’antang, before even entering the inner room, he heard Mrs. Yan crying and cursing at his younger brother, Yang Yanxin, who had come to see her. “Only you have a conscience. Your brothers don’t care if their mother is dying, especially your eldest brother. He got married and forgot his mother. I can’t count on him anymore…”

Her words were filled with resentment.

Yang Yanzong’s heart turned cold.

Yang Yanzhen, who was behind him, couldn’t take it anymore. He burst into the room, shouting, “Do you know how busy my eldest brother has been lately?! Do you know who he’s dealing with?!”

Mrs. Yan shrieked, “I don’t care who it is. Is it so hard to come and see your mother?! And you, you’re just as unfilial…”

“My brother is at a critical juncture with the Kun family! Do you know what will happen to our family if he fails?!” Yang Yanzhen roared in anger.

But Yang Yanzong had already left. He didn’t know when his mother had become like this, always striking him when he felt soft towards her.

Over and over again, Yang Yanzong was truly exhausted. He couldn’t even muster the energy to be angry.

Returning to his study, he lay down and covered his eyes with his hand for a while before asking, “How is the Old Master? Is his health improving?”

“He’s better. These past few days, he’s been able to walk in the garden.”

Yang Yanzong’s head throbbed with pain, his brow furrowing tightly under his hand. But as he endured another wave of pain, A Zhao handed him a small bundle, whispering, “Master, this is from the Young Madam for you.”

Yang Yanzong was taken aback. He suddenly remembered that the second day of August was approaching, just a few days away. The tension in his chest eased, and even his headache lessened.

“Give it to me!” Yang Yanzong immediately sat up. He took the small bundle and opened it. He couldn’t help but smile.

Inside the bundle was a letter and a palm-sized sachet wrapped in a handkerchief. He quickly unwrapped the sachet. It was a dark green, rectangular sachet with rounded corners made of fabric that had been carefully pressed and starched. On both sides, there were embroidered long-leafed grasses.

The leaves were neatly spread out, but they looked a bit stiff and awkward. The embroidery was done with the simplest straight stitch, with no fancy patterns. Su Ci had tried to embroider flowers and bamboo but had given up.

Yang Yanzong opened the letter. In it, she boasted about the grass, calling it longevity grass, and claimed she had researched its design from ancient texts. She then cheerfully wished him a happy birthday, saying she had planned to make him a bowl of longevity noodles but would do it later since he wasn’t there.

Finally, she gently reminded him to take care of his health, emphasizing that while external affairs were busy, his health was also important, or she would be heartbroken.

Her sweet words, tender and caring, were like a warm tonic injected into Yang Yanzong’s heart. He suddenly felt that everything was worth it. Even if no one else understood his struggles, she did. He was holding up the sky for his wife.

“How ugly!” He examined the sachet for a long time, saying this, but then kissed it and carefully put it in his pocket.

His spirits lifted, and he even asked A Zhao to bring him some food. He washed his face, sat at the table, and reread the letter while eating.

After eating, he felt even better, and his headache subsided. He leaned on the couch, playing with the green longevity grass sachet, smiling, and holding a small piece of drawing paper.

He had just discovered something else in the sachet—a small sketch. It was a self-portrait of Su Ci, not very well-drawn, but her bright eyes and smiling face were vividly captured, looking at him with a tilted head.

There was also a note with a bold statement: “Do you miss me? If you do, you can take this out and look at it~”

He couldn’t help but laugh.

Gazing at the bright eyes and smile in the sketch, the gloom in his heart vanished. For a long time, he lay back on the couch, kissed the sketch, and pressed it to his heart, sighing softly and closing his eyes.

It was like holding a precious treasure. In his moments of discomfort, exhaustion, and emotional turmoil, he was grateful to have her!

He loved her deeply, sometimes wishing he could shrink her down and carry her in his pocket. If only she could fall in love with him sooner!

But despite his grumbling, Yang Yanzong was genuinely happy. He could sense the changes in Su Ci recently. Could he hope that this day wasn’t far off?

Yang Yanzong smiled. At that moment, he stopped thinking about home or his mother and focused solely on her, missing her.

On this not-so-cold mid-autumn morning, his feelings for Su Ci were not just love; she also gave him warmth and was his only solace. He longed to see her, like the tides of the ocean!

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Just as Yang Yanzong saw Su Ci as his only spiritual refuge and found solace in her, even hoping for their love in the near future, something unexpected happened!

Although Yang Yanzong wanted to see Su Ci, he couldn’t go because he had to deliver a letter personally.

Ji Yuanhao quickly retrieved the letter and confirmed it was correct. Yang Yanzong set off that very day, heading straight to Gao Bian!

The letter was too important to entrust to anyone else. Between Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao, Yang Yanzong was more familiar with Old General Xu, so he was the one to deliver the letter and persuade Old General Xu!

This crucial task was given to Yang Yanzong, while Ji Yuanhao stayed in Yangdu to oversee the situation. But at this critical moment, an urgent and unexpected situation arose.

After piecing together clues and reports from those who had pursued Prince Qian, the Kun siblings made a bold yet highly plausible guess!

—Prince Qian isn’t dead!! He might even be in the hands of Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao right now!

“Changyi! The valley stream passes through Changyi!!” Imperial Uncle Kun pointed at the map, gritting his teeth. “From Feng County, it’s about two hours downstream to reach the Changyi area!!”

“Ji Jin is in Changyi!!” Imperial Uncle Kun’s mind raced. “Isn’t Yang Yanzong’s Miss Su in Changyi?!”

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When Ji Yuanhao learned that the Kun family had sent people to Changyi, he was shocked. However, he couldn’t leave Yangdu, and many of his trusted aides had just been sent on urgent missions.

Ji Yuanhao immediately turned to Ji Chengtang. “Did you hear that clearly?!”

“Lead your men through the mountain path to Changyi and have Miss Su move immediately!!”

“And send word to Yang Yanzong!”

Ji Chengtang was stunned for a moment, then urgently replied, “Yes, brother!” He quickly turned and left.