Chapter 64

The autumn wind was already quite cold, but the Changqiu Palace, located on the west side of the Yangdu Palace, remained as splendid as ever. The meticulously cared-for flowers bloomed in full glory, complementing the red walls and golden tiles.

However, this magnificent palace was shrouded in an invisible gloom today. Early this morning, the old emperor’s decree was announced to the court and the nine provinces, adopting Little Prince Zhao and establishing him as the crown prince of the Eastern Palace!

A dazzling golden-red dress with a hundred birds facing the phoenix trailed across the spotless white marble flowerbed. Empress Kun stood still and turned around, her sharp phoenix eyes flashing with cold fury, causing the palace attendants to shiver and retreat to the edges of the garden.

“Brother, the emperor has made that little brat the crown prince.”

The past two days of grand banquets, filled with covert and overt glances, made Empress Kun’s heart burn with anger. She plucked a blooming rose and crushed it in her hand!

Bright red juice seeped through her fingers, and she flung it to the ground. Empress Kun strode into the hall with a fierce expression, followed closely by Imperial Uncle Kun Guo.

Imperial Uncle Kun also looked fierce. “Our Kun clan has sacrificed so much for the late emperor and the current one. Now, they want to uproot us completely? Dream on!”

When the late emperor’s minor branch succeeded the main line, their position was unstable, relying entirely on the Kun clan’s support. Later, when the current emperor ascended the throne, he also needed their assistance. The Kun clan had been devoted to two generations of emperors. Both of the old emperor’s empresses were Kun clan women. Was this because the old emperor had a special fondness for Kun clan women?

Nonsense!!

For two generations, Kun clan women entered the palace, serving the same husband. It wasn’t their fault that they couldn’t bear children!

After all their sacrifices, what was wrong with wanting an heir with Kun clan blood?

This was also approved by the emperor. Otherwise, Prince Qian’s young son wouldn’t have been brought into the palace for upbringing.

And now? With the birth of Little Prince Zhao, the Kun clan was sidelined, turning from trusted ministers to threats that needed to be eliminated. Who could accept this?!

The Kun clan’s centuries-old foundation cannot be allowed to fall in their hands!!

Enough with the nonsense. Empress Kun and her brother were indeed unwilling to accept this and were determined to secure the throne. They had been working tirelessly for years, and now, with the three princes dead, the Kun clan was at a critical juncture. The outcome would depend on their abilities!

Surrendering was not an option. The Kun clan had deep roots and had been the emperor’s trusted aides for many years. They wouldn’t be easily toppled. It would come down to who had the better tactics!

Loyalty or rebellion, it didn’t matter. It was all about winning or losing!

But they had to act quickly. The longer they waited, the worse it would be for the Kun clan.

Empress Kun sat down. “Brother, what’s your plan?” She had some ideas but wanted to hear Imperial Uncle Kun’s thoughts first.

Imperial Uncle Kun replied sternly, “Form alliances and strike first.”

The siblings exchanged a knowing look.

Given the current situation, the Kun clan’s only path was rebellion. For example, forming alliances and then forcing the emperor’s hand.

Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Kun, both seasoned and bold, knew that waiting was not a viable strategy. The three princes’ downfall was a stark reminder. Who knew when the old emperor would die? He always seemed on the brink of death but then recovered.

Relying on luck for their survival was too risky. The Kun clan might not last that long.

Moreover, even if the old emperor died as they wished, he would likely leave an edict to execute Empress Kun.

They had to strike first!

The Kun clan had advantages the three princes didn’t. Imperial Uncle Kun was a trusted aide, and Kun clan women had held power in the harem for decades. Empress Kun was the nation’s mother. If the old emperor died and Little Prince Zhao followed, Empress Kun could legitimately adopt Prince Qian’s young son and support his ascension. As soon as the old emperor showed signs of turning against them, the siblings made the same decision without speaking. But accomplishing this wouldn’t be easy. The old emperor was deeply wary of the Kun clan, and while the Kun clan was strong, they weren’t strong enough against the emperor.

So, they needed to form alliances and secure the necessary support. The first two names on Imperial Uncle Kun’s list were Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao.

As rising stars in the court, they had absorbed much of the power from the Fourth and Sixth Princes’ factions, making them influential ministers. More importantly, Ji Yuanhao was a royal family member, and Yang Yanzong’s position was more delicate. Imperial Uncle Kun knew Yang Yanzong had connections with the old emperor. If used well, this could infiltrate the emperor’s inner circle, greatly benefiting them!

Given these factors, winning over these two was crucial.

Imperial Uncle Kun’s eyes were sharp, his mind clear. “It’s best to find a way to make them come to us willingly.”

Empress Kun frowned slightly. “Should we find someone to approach them?”

“No rush,” Imperial Uncle Kun squinted. “Let’s observe for a few days.”

If the initial approach goes well, it will be fine. If not, forcing it would be counterproductive. This is extremely detrimental to future alliances. The intentions of these two can be observed over time with subtle probing. The old emperor is getting older and acting more decisively. Besides the Kun clan, the next targets will likely be these two. Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao are smart people; they must be aware of this.

---

So, what are Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s intentions?

Of course, they intend to stay out of it.

Yes, they are well aware that after dealing with the Kun clan, the old emperor’s next target will likely be to purge the factions.

However, under their deliberate efforts, they have significantly reduced the number of people who are overly loyal to the former Fourth and Sixth Princes. The current factions are much weaker than before, a shadow of their former selves.

Both men are strategic thinkers, taking one step at a time. They have managed to strike a balance, tolerable to the old emperor but not pushing too far. The fact that the old emperor hasn’t acted against them and has instead adopted conciliatory measures shows the effectiveness of their strategy. This leaves room for maneuver in the future.

Firstly, the old emperor appears quite aged and frail. His urgency in appointing Little Prince Zhao as the crown prince and targeting the Kun clan raises questions about his health.

The Kun clan is deeply rooted and has always been close to the emperor. Their intertwined power won’t be easily eradicated. Even if the old emperor holds on, Little Prince Zhao is still very young. Even with regents, who can guarantee that the currently loyal ministers won’t develop ambitions and become another faction holding the young emperor hostage?

It might be better to keep Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao around, perhaps trimming their power a bit more, to create a balance of power.

The emperor’s way is about balance. For a young emperor wanting to rule, multiple factions are far more manageable than a single, united faction. There will be room for maneuver in the future. It’s certainly safer and easier than allying with the Kun clan to force the emperor’s hand.

“Let the winds blow from all directions; you and I remain unmoved.” Ji Yuanhao raised a cup of wine, clinking it from afar with Yang Yanzong at the other end of the long table, and drank it all. With business concluded, he stood up and left.

Neither man was overly loyal. If pushed too hard, they could resort to drastic measures, but the current situation didn’t warrant it.

After Ji Yuanhao left, Yang Yanzong stood on the steps of the large pavilion. The autumn night wind was cold, gently stirring his robes. A Kang cautiously peeked out, “Master, are we returning to the study or… the rear courtyard?”

In recent days, Yang Yanzong’s personal guards have been probing and testing the waters with the main courtyard, which angers him. How many benefits has she given to the people around him?!

Yang Yanzong coldly glanced at A Kang, “If you dare speak like this again, fifty lashes!”

“All of you!!” He swept his sleeves and left. A Kang stuck out his tongue, not daring to make a sound, and quickly followed.

---

Even though Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao didn’t plan to act, as prominent new nobles with military power, it was hard for them to avoid being drawn into the center of this vortex.

“If they won’t move, then find a way to make them move.” Imperial Uncle Kun slowly rotated two jade balls in his hand and spoke calmly.

Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s actions didn’t surprise him, so he hadn’t planned to have anyone try to contact them initially.

Empress Kun sat on the left side of the sandalwood couch while Imperial Uncle Kun sat on the right. As they spoke, they looked towards a small door on the side of the warm pavilion. Empress Kun raised her sharp phoenix eyes, “Let him in.”

After nurturing soldiers for a thousand days, it was time to use them.

This pawn, kept for so many years, was finally going to be useful.

After a moment, the red curtain of the small door moved, and a person in a black cloak emerged, bowing silently, “Your Majesty, Imperial Uncle.”

“Very good.” Empress Kun beckoned, and the black cloak approached.

Empress Kun leaned in, her red lips moving as she whispered instructions. The black cloak listened, then carefully repeated the instructions. After confirming everything, he stepped back, “I understand!”

The person slightly raised his head, revealing a smooth, beardless chin. Judging by the build and voice, it was a eunuch. The faint candlelight illuminated the lower half of his face, highlighting a pair of black eyes. It was a familiar face, Eunuch Zhang—The inspector from the Supervisor Department, a confidant of Tong Jien, who had dealt with Yang Yanzong and Su Ci in the northwest.

Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Kun’s plan was both complex and simple. If Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao wouldn’t move, they would force them to. The most effective way was to use the old emperor’s hand!

The old emperor, though temporarily conciliatory towards Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao, wouldn’t be for long.

By monitoring and creating false evidence, they could strain the relationship between the two and make them many enemies. Many remnants and factions were eager for revenge. The old emperor’s men would be lax, tacitly allowing or even using this to their advantage, secretly holding Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s families as leverage.

Eunuch Zhang had the people to do this. He could handle it and leave just enough clues for Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao to find.

“It is said that Yang Yanzong loves his wife dearly and often takes her with him on missions.”

“And Ji Yuanhao’s wife, Mrs. Ren, who has endured hardships with him for many years, along with their eldest son, is also significant.”

Imperial Uncle Kun said, “Let’s invite them to the villa in Yunzhou for a few days. Once the alliance is formed, we can ‘rescue’ them back.”

---

Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Kun had planned everything meticulously but couldn’t foresee the subsequent developments.

Under the cold September night sky, the flowing water felt icy. Empress Kun bent down, and the cold stream of water dripped from her fingers, painted with bright red nail polish. She laughed coldly.

After twenty years of marriage, the truth is revealed today, and it’s a matter of life and death!

In the winding palace alleys behind Changqiu Palace, Eunuch Zhang silently returned the way he came, taking great care to change his identity several times before finally returning to his quarters. He quietly removed the black cloak, handed it to a young eunuch, and nodded. The young eunuch quickly took it away to burn.

Eunuch Zhang changed back into his silver-blue uniform. Once again, he was the emperor’s trusted confidant and one of the top five officials in the Supervisor Department. He had been with the Kun clan from the beginning, having sought their protection when he struggled to survive in the palace. He later excelled and, with the Kun clan’s support, aligned himself with Tong Jien, eventually joining the Supervisor Department.

To be honest, with his current power and influence, he wasn’t eager to get involved in this mess. However, both he and the Kun clan had ways to control each other, and his position allowed no flaws. Whether loyal or not, he had to be loyal, so he decided to be completely loyal. He had prepared for a long time, quickly calculating in his mind to ensure he could carry out the plan without exposing himself.

As Eunuch Zhang quickly left and walked towards the second hall of the Supervisor Department, he was slightly surprised.

The second hall was usually dark at this time, but today, he saw a faint candlelight flickering in the wind. He frowned and continued walking. Halfway there, he realized something was wrong. The guards in the courtyard were nowhere to be seen.

The entire courtyard was empty, and in the dark night, the rustling of the wind through the trees gave an eerie feeling of being swallowed by darkness.

Eunuch Zhang, who had seen his share of bloodshed, wasn’t easily frightened. But for some reason, a sense of foreboding crept over him.

At that moment, the door behind him silently closed!

Eunuch Zhang turned abruptly, “Who’s there? Do you know where you are?!”

“Come out!!” His sharp voice echoed in the courtyard. He walked step by step along the corridor towards the main hall. Suddenly, he rushed forward, turned sideways, and looked up, his heart pounding! His limbs felt weak, and he broke into a cold sweat, standing there in shock.

In the main hall, the old emperor, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, was leaning back with his eyes slightly closed. Imperial guards surrounded the room, and on the emperor’s left sat Tong Jien. On the right, standing there, was the young eunuch who had just taken his black cloak to burn!!

The person was still holding the black cloak, with a faint candlelight flickering. He stood respectfully beside the emperor, his head bowed.

Eunuch Zhang was so frightened that he stumbled back three steps and fell to the ground. “Y-Your Majesty!”

“Do you think I would fall into the same trap twice?” The old emperor opened his eyes, his voice cold as the night. He wouldn’t suffer the same loss with Little Prince Zhao again. He had discovered long ago that Eunuch Zhang was a Kun clan member.

The old emperor glanced at Tong Jien, who drew a white silk ribbon and stepped forward.

Eunuch Zhang panicked, shouting desperately, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I am willing to atone for my sins with meritorious service!”

“Please give me a chance, please give me a chance!” He kowtowed frantically.

“Oh?” The old emperor raised an eyebrow, seemingly interested. “Tell me, how do you plan to atone for your sins?”

Eunuch Zhang felt a glimmer of hope. He knew it!

The old emperor still needed him! Such an important pawn couldn’t disappear without a trace, or it would alert the enemy!

He immediately revealed Empress Kun and Imperial Uncle Kun’s plan, including how they intended to monitor and manipulate relationships and, most importantly, how they planned to target Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s families.

The old emperor sneered, “Who would have thought that two previously insignificant figures would become so influential that even the Kun clan would go to great lengths to win them over!”

Eunuch Zhang didn’t respond, nor did he need to. To emphasize his importance, he detailed the Kun siblings’ plan thoroughly. Considering all factors, the old emperor realized it was much better to keep him.

Eunuch Zhang’s heart settled. The moment the old emperor listened to him, he knew he was safe. He began to calculate how to use the conflict between both sides to ensure his survival. He lowered his eyelashes, thinking it would still be better if the Kun clan won. As long as he dealt with today’s witnesses in time, the result would be the same as before.

Eunuch Zhang’s mind raced, but before he could think further, the old emperor’s cold, aged voice rang in his ears, “Alright, since you’ve explained everything, it’s time to go.”

Eunuch Zhang was horrified and looked up abruptly!

He saw the back door curtain move, and a very familiar person stepped out. This person wore a silver-blue uniform with the same build and gait as him. More importantly, when this person raised his face, it was the face of “Eunuch Zhang”!

The old emperor asked, “Did you hear clearly?”

“Eunuch Zhang” knelt with a thud, “Yes, Your Majesty, I heard clearly.” He stood up and smiled at Eunuch Zhang, “Seventh Brother, do you remember me?”

The old emperor would never use this double-dealing eunuch. He knew Eunuch Zhang’s thoughts clearly.

After discovering Eunuch Zhang’s true identity, the old emperor had prepared a backup plan.

This person was also surnamed Zhang but was not a eunuch. He was Eunuch Zhang’s clan brother. The two had similar features, and with years of training and the guidance of a master of disguise, they looked almost identical unless closely examined. At a glance, they looked like twins with no visible flaws!

Eunuch Zhang was terrified but could not shout because Tong Jien saw that the old emperor was already impatient. With a swift gesture, two imperial guards seized him, and with a pull of the white silk, Eunuch Zhang struggled desperately and died.

A corpse lay limply outside the threshold. The old emperor stood up, looking towards Changqiu Palace, his expression turning fierce!

“What a clever diversion trick!” The old emperor sneered, “I will repay them in kind.”

Using the same tactics was the cleanest and most efficient way. If they wanted to target Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao’s families, that was fine; he would let them!

However, the ones to act would be the Kun clan’s people.

The old emperor glanced at Tong Jien and the fake Eunuch Zhang, “You know what to do, right?”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

“Good,” the old emperor smiled coldly. Since it was a vendetta, it would be deadly! Otherwise, it would waste the Kun siblings’ meticulous planning.

“Show no mercy!”

Tong Jien and the fake Eunuch Zhang understood immediately, “Yes!”

The old emperor was much more ruthless than the Kun siblings. Imperial Uncle Kun and Empress Kun still adhered to some principles of martial ethics. They intended to win over Yang Yanzong and Ji Yuanhao and didn’t plan to truly harm their families. But the old emperor was extremely ruthless, aiming directly for their lives without mercy!