Chapter 87

That night, even Yan Donghuang herself couldn’t rest.

Rong Ying returned early, and the news he reported confirmed Yan Donghuang’s suspicions: “Imperial Physician Feng has a poison called ‘Seven-Day Intestinal Poison.’ This poison was originally extremely toxic and should be called ‘Seven-Step Intestinal Poison,’ as it can kill instantly within seven steps after ingestion. However, Imperial Physician Feng altered its properties, turning it into ‘Seven-Day Intestinal Poison.’”

The original ‘Seven-Step Intestinal Poison’ was extremely toxic, causing immediate death with no antidote. Imperial Physician Feng altered the poison to delay the death of the poisoned person, allowing for a buffer period. As for why a buffer period was needed…

Yan Donghuang stood by the window, contemplating the events of her past life.

According to Sheng Jing’an, Yan Ming needed enough time to eliminate the seven generals of the Qingluan Army, during which Yan Donghuang had to make an appearance. If news of her death spread right after her marriage, the Qingluan Army would not let it go easily. Therefore, the seven generals had to be eliminated before announcing Yan Donghuang’s death.

But Yan Donghuang felt that things were not that simple.

As a ruler, Yan Ming was not bright, but was he really that foolish?

The more he feared the Qingluan Army, the more he should have considered the consequences of their retaliation. His order for Sheng Jing’an to poison her was a gamble with his kingdom.

Where did he get the confidence that his plan would be foolproof?
The night wind brought a bone-chilling cold of winter.

Yan Donghuang returned to her senses and asked calmly, “Who in the palace is Imperial Physician Feng in contact with?”

“Noble Lady Wei,” Rong Ying replied, “the one who lives with Consort De.”

Yan Donghuang’s eyes turned cold. Noble Lady Wei?

Noble Lady Wei’s father was the commander of Xiangzhou, so Xiangzhou was also under the control of Minister Chu?

“Your Highness,” the stewardess of the Grand Princess’s Mansion, Madam Cui, walked in respectfully, presenting two invitations, “these are invitations sent by the old lady of the Duke of Zhen’s Mansion, inviting the Grand Princess to visit tomorrow to discuss important matters.”

“The other invitation is from Princess Fengyang, who recently became pregnant and wants to share the good news with Your Highness.”

Yan Donghuang looked at the two invitations in silence.

One was from her nominal fiancé’s mother, her future mother-in-law, who treated her with courtesy before marriage but quickly showed her true colors after marriage.

The other was from her deeply affectionate royal sister.

Yan Donghuang’s lips twitched, her expression unreadable. As a princess with military power, others dared not confront her directly, so they tried to soften her with emotions, attempting to influence her decisions?

Yan Donghuang suddenly wanted to know what heavenly rule she had broken by inheriting the throne as a princess, causing even Prince An and Princess Fengyang, who once had good relations with her, to oppose her?

Perhaps she should think carefully about how much of the past affection was genuine and how much was false?

The words of Yan Yushu from her past life echoed in her ears. She had a hard time in the Marquis of Pingyang’s Mansion because Yan Ming did not protect her after ascending the throne.

In this life, Yan Ming had not yet ascended, and her father was still alive.
Yan Yushu’s days in the Marquis of Pingyang’s Mansion should not be too difficult. So, was her invitation at this critical moment for the Chu family or for Yan Ming?

Yan Donghuang closed the window, her tall and slender figure exuding a sense of loneliness. The supreme status was destined to be lonely. She should have learned to cut ties earlier.

“Your Highness,” Si Ying returned just before dawn, bringing news that changed Yan Donghuang’s expression, “the ‘Silk-Binding’ is extremely rare and vicious, never seen in the imperial city, but there is a doctor in Prince An’s Mansion who often brings cats and dogs home to test poisons. Additionally, the maids in Prince An’s Mansion have also been poisoned. I need some time to investigate this doctor’s background.”

“Prince An’s Mansion?” Yan Donghuang’s expression turned cold as she looked at Si Ying, “Are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” Si Ying knelt on the ground, “just before I returned, that unknown doctor had just poisoned a maid, and her body was thrown into a well.”

Yan Donghuang’s expression darkened, her eyes covered with a layer of frost, cold to the bone.

The truth was emerging.

“I understand,” Yan Donghuang said indifferently, “there’s no need to alert Prince An’s Mansion for now, nor to keep an eye on them. First, investigate the relationship between Noble Lady Wei and Imperial Physician Feng in the palace. Besides Imperial Physician Feng, Noble Lady Wei must have other close contacts. Investigate them slowly without alarming her.”

“Yes.”

Yan Donghuang fell silent, a chill spreading through her heart. She had spent years on the battlefield, knowing that palace struggles were numerous and the fight for the throne was always a matter of life and death. She was reluctant to participate and hated scheming against others, preferring to stay at the border. But even though she knew the evilness of human nature, she still felt incredibly foolish at this moment.

How could human nature be just evil?
It was layers of disguise, wrapping oneself tightly. All the kindness shown to others might not be genuine kindness, deep sisterly affection might not be genuine sisterly affection, and so-called gentleness and harmlessness might not be truly gentle and harmless.

Yaoguang was right. She should not easily trust anyone.
Trusting others completely was putting her life on the edge of a knife, utterly foolish.
…

Yan Donghuang didn’t think much more. She quickly finished her breakfast and changed into her court dress to enter the palace.

In the main hall, civil and military officials bowed: “Your subjects greet Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!”

Emperor Wu Lie, supported by Rong Chun, walked to the dragon throne and sat down: “Rise.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The officials stood up, and civil and military officials lined up on both sides. Among them were Feng Yaoguang, Xie Yunjian, and other generals of the Qingluan Army. Last night, the palace was under martial law, the Imperial Guards were collectively on leave, and several generals took turns guarding the palace gates at night. When the officials entered the palace for the court session in the morning, they felt a cold killing intent. It was the aura of soldiers returning from the battlefield.

“Yesterday, in front of the Prime Minister, the Grand Tutor, the princes, and the concubines of the harem, I announced that Donghuang would be the crown prince of the Yong Dynasty, the next heir to the throne.”

Emperor Wu Lie announced this major decision again as the first thing after sitting down, “Today, with all the civil and military officials present, I solemnly announce it again.”

“Donghuang is my most proud daughter, capable of going to the battlefield to protect the country and also capable of ruling the country and governing the world.” Emperor Wu Lie’s words were powerful, “From today, Yan Donghuang is the crown princess of the Yong Dynasty. You can call her Crown Prince or Crown Princess. It doesn’t matter. What matters is that she is my only appointed heir.”

The officials knelt: “Long live the Emperor!”

“Anyone who disagrees can stand up now.” Emperor Wu Lie’s gaze swept over the officials in the hall, “I can give him a chance to speak.”

No one spoke. The hall was silent, the kneeling officials as steady as rocks, appearing obedient and docile.

“Since no one opposes, this matter is settled.” Emperor Wu Lie’s gaze fell on the Minister of Works, “Minister Hu, has the Eastern Palace been arranged for renovation?”

“Your Majesty, after Your Majesty’s decree yesterday, I sent people to renovate the Eastern Palace, removing all items used by the deposed crown prince, and planned to consult the Grand Princess today to arrange it in her preferred style.”

Emperor Wu Lie nodded and turned to the Minister of Rites: “Has the Ministry of Rites chosen a good date?”

“The Astronomical Bureau has not yet replied.”

“Hurry up.”

“Yes.”

“Minister Ye.”

“Your subject is here.” The Minister of Justice stepped forward, presenting a list: “Your subject completed the statistics of the Chu family members last night; please review it.”

“The entire Chu family will be executed at noon outside the Wu Gate.” Emperor Wu Lie said coldly, “No one is allowed to plead for mercy, or they will be considered accomplices!”

“Your subjects obey.”

“I am unwell. Starting today, Donghuang will act as regent.” Emperor Wu Lie’s gaze swept slowly, “Considering that King Jing went to the Grand Princess’s Mansion to apologize yesterday but then falsely accused Donghuang of using private punishment, I hereby grant Donghuang a special privilege—during her regency, the crown princess’s power is equivalent to mine, so she can punish anyone who is wrong according to the law. All of you, be careful.”

The civil and military officials felt a chill in their hearts.

The princes’ faces changed dramatically. Father had just appointed the crown princess and now gave her such power, allowing Yan Donghuang to eliminate dissidents?

Yan Donghuang already had military power and acted arrogantly, and Father still indulged her… Did he have a grudge against his own sons?

“Dismissed.” Emperor Wu Lie stood up, “Donghuang, you will be in charge of the affairs in the Qin Zheng Hall later.”

“Your daughter obeys.”

Standing among the princes, Prince An, Yan Ling, silently looked up at Yan Donghuang, his lips pressed tightly, his expression gloomy. It was unclear what he was feeling gloomy about.
…

Chapter 88

The ministers called to the Qin Zheng Hall for discussions were mainly high-ranking officials. They were either the Prime Minister, the Grand Tutor, or heads of the six ministries.

Yan Donghuang had not entered the Qin Zheng Hall for discussions many times, and the few times she did were related to military affairs. Today was her first time entering the Qin Zheng Hall as the regent.

There were many memorials on the imperial desk, and the palace attendants stood quietly by. It was the end of the year, and many matters had accumulated, making them difficult to handle, but these were not the most critical issues. The key issue was the ministers’ attitude. They clearly could not accept the idea of a princess ruling, and although they were forced to comply with the emperor’s decree, they still felt it was somewhat frivolous.

So when Prince An suggested talking with the Prime Minister and the Grand Tutor, Prime Minister Pei, Grand Tutor Qi, and the senior officials of the six ministries naturally slowed their steps, chatting as they walked, and honestly expressed their concerns about a female emperor ruling and their worries.

Prince An listened silently, occasionally nodding, his expression gentle and reserved: “Since Father has decided on this matter, I hope you all will cooperate well with Donghuang. She has been on the battlefield for many years and has a temperament similar to Father’s. She is not soft-hearted, so it is best not to confront her head-on.”

Prime Minister Pei nodded: “Rest assured, Your Highness, we will be prudent.”

“Although the natural order should not be disrupted, the Crown Princess’s temperament is actually similar to that of a man, even surpassing many men. I believe we should not judge her suitability for the throne based on her gender,” Grand Tutor Qi sighed lightly. “They are all the emperor’s children. If the rule of the eldest legitimate son does not apply, then it should be based on ability, which is the most responsible decision for the Yong Dynasty.”

The legitimate son of the empress was the most qualified to inherit the throne. However, recently, the crown prince made a mistake and was deposed, and the other princes were secretly vying for the position. If the emperor had enough time to understand the princes’ abilities in detail, perhaps he could choose a satisfactory heir. But the emperor had been on the battlefield for many years and knew Yan Donghuang, who had followed him, far better than the princes.

Moreover, the emperor’s health was weak, and it was uncertain if he could survive the winter. There was not enough time to understand each prince’s abilities and character, so there was no compelling reason to establish any of them as the heir. In this situation, he could fully understand the emperor’s decision to appoint Princess Qingluan as the heir.

Prime Minister Pei looked at him in surprise, clearly not expecting Grand Tutor Qi to say such things.

After all, the Grand Tutor was the current emperor’s teacher. He taught the way of the emperor, the inheritance of rules and systems since ancient times, and adhered to the views of ancient sages.

The ancient sages taught that men were superior. All important positions and roles in the world were held by men: emperors, ministers, generals, scholars, merchants, doctors… Women were only responsible for managing the household, serving their parents-in-law, and educating their children.

If the precedent of women in power were set, wouldn’t the natural order be turned upside down?

If everyone had ambitions like Yan Donghuang, who would serve their parents-in-law and educate their children? Who would maintain the peace of the household?

If women were out in public, how could men focus on their studies and careers?

“Does the Grand Tutor support Father’s decision?” Prince An was slightly surprised and taken aback by Grand Tutor Qi’s words.

Grand Tutor Qi was silent for a moment: “The imperial decree cannot be violated.”

Prince An smiled faintly: “Let’s go to the Qin Zheng Hall first. We shouldn’t keep the Crown Princess waiting.”

Prime Minister Pei sighed and turned towards the Qin Zheng Hall. He knew that the emperor’s decision was unchangeable and that Grand Tutor Qi’s reasoning was sound. It was indeed better for the capable to rule. But once this precedent was set, the consequences would be unimaginable.

With different thoughts, they arrived at the Qin Zheng Hall, only to find it empty… Well, Yan Donghuang was not there, but other eunuchs were.

“Her Highness the Crown Princess has already left,” a eunuch said respectfully.

“Left?” Prime Minister Pei was puzzled, “Wasn’t she here for discussions?”

“The Crown Princess came earlier, looked through the memorials on the desk, and left when she saw that the ministers had not arrived.”

Prime Minister Pei’s expression changed slightly. They had chatted on the way and delayed a bit, not expecting Yan Donghuang to leave so quickly. There were so many memorials on the desk. Even if they were late, she could have started reviewing them…

“The Crown Princess instructed the ministers to attend to their duties first and to go to the Grand Princess’s Mansion for discussions after lunch,” the eunuch said, pointing to the memorials on the desk, “These memorials will be sent to the Grand Princess’s Mansion later.”

Prime Minister Pei was silent for a moment, then smiled bitterly: “It seems the Crown Princess does not like to wait.”

“Not necessarily,” Grand Tutor Qi said, “Perhaps Her Highness has other plans.”

At this moment, Yan Donghuang had already arrived at the Marquis of Pingyang’s Mansion, accompanied by Chang Lan and Chang Yue, as well as eight guards.

The servants of the mansion respectfully welcomed her to the warm pavilion in the east garden and reported: “The princess just had a doctor check her pulse. Upon learning of the Grand Princess’s arrival, she was delighted and instructed the servants to bring the Grand Princess here for tea. Please wait a moment, Your Highness.”

Chang Lan and Chang Yue exchanged a glance, about to correct the servant’s address, but Yan Donghuang raised her hand: “You may leave.”

“Yes.”

Yan Donghuang sat in the warm pavilion in the garden, which was elevated and offered a view of the desolate garden. There were few flowers to admire in the winter garden, and the Marquis of Pingyang’s Mansion was not as wealthy as before, so the garden was not as well-maintained as those of princes and high officials. Therefore, it was somewhat unusual for the servants to lead her to the warm pavilion in the garden.

Yan Donghuang turned to look.

The warm pavilion was connected to a long corridor next to a high courtyard wall, with the west garden on the other side. The mansion’s garden was divided into east and west gardens, separated by a high wall. When young men visited to admire flowers and compose poems, the Marquis of Pingyang would entertain guests in the east garden, drinking, playing games, and discussing literature.

The west garden was used to entertain women. However, given Yan Donghuang’s noble status, the Marquis of Pingyang should have known better… Well, although his understanding was limited.

Leaving the Crown Princess alone in the garden was indeed an unusual way to treat a guest.

“Your Highness, what kind of hospitality is this from the Marquis of Pingyang’s Mansion?” Chang Yue frowned, clearly finding it strange, “It’s cold outside in winter, and there’s nothing to admire in the garden. Even if Princess Fengyang is seeing a doctor, the old lady of the mansion should not avoid meeting you, right?”

Given Yan Donghuang’s status as the rightful heir, the mansion’s treatment of her with only a maid serving tea was extremely disrespectful.

Yan Donghuang said calmly: “How do you know this isn’t Princess Fengyang’s intention?”

“Princess Fengyang’s intention?”

Chang Lan and Chang Yue were puzzled. They exchanged a glance and looked at Yan Donghuang: “Why would the princess do this?”

Yan Donghuang said indifferently: “You will know soon.”

As soon as she finished speaking, an anxious voice came from the other side of the high wall: “Marquis! The emperor has decreed that the entire Chu family be executed!”

Chang Lan and Chang Yue turned to look. Although they couldn’t see anything over the high wall, they could hear the voice clearly.

The person reporting must have been a guard or servant of the mansion. After a moment of silence, a young man’s angry voice came from the other side: “Is the Yong Dynasty’s fate coming to an end? The emperor, in his old age, not only decided to let a princess ascend the throne but also allowed Yan Donghuang to disrupt the court and suppress loyal officials. It’s truly disheartening!”