The Second Prince, seeing Marquis Wenxin's face alternately flush and pale, quickly interjected, "This matter cannot be blamed on Director Xiao. Marquis, you are well aware of Father's temperament. Disputes over political matters, he can tolerate to some extent, but meddling in palace affairs—even for someone as trusted as Director Xiao—would be overstepping boundaries and risking his displeasure."
Wu Huai also chimed in, "From what I observed, His Majesty appeared in good health, with a robust complexion. It seems to be just drinking, so there shouldn’t be any major issue."
Marquis Wenxin nodded in agreement after considering it. Emperor An indeed spoke with vigor and didn’t appear unwell. Reflecting on his earlier concerns, Marquis Wenxin realized he may have been overly paranoid. Xiao Yan had risen to his current position precisely because of imperial favor; how could he possibly risk losing that trust by taking actions that might displease the emperor?
Moreover, Emperor An’s temper had grown increasingly unpredictable in recent years, especially since the start of the year. He had already flown into multiple fits of rage in court, leading to the punishment of numerous officials.
Marquis Wenxin couldn’t help but think of the unfortunate Censor He, who had been caned ten times daily and forced to kneel in front of the imperial hall reciting the Five Classics of Confucianism. The man was so gaunt he barely looked human anymore, yet Emperor An had shown no signs of relenting.
Recalling the fate of Censor He, Marquis Wenxin stole a glance at Xiao Yan. If anyone was even harsher than the emperor, it was surely him. When Censor He tried to feign illness and stay home, Xiao Yan sent someone to "visit" his family, almost leading to disaster for He’s only son. That ordeal had Censor He returning to court with a broken leg, being carried daily on a stretcher to the imperial hall to "recite scriptures," reduced to a shadow of his former self.
This incident had served as a warning to all officials who had once opposed Xiao Yan.
Xiao Yan, unfazed by Marquis Wenxin’s gaze, shifted the conversation. "I must thank you for your assistance tonight, Marquis. I am indebted."
The marquis quickly responded, "There’s no need for thanks. I was merely helping my wife."
His wife had been a close friend of Cheng Wangfei for many years. Learning of Cheng Wangfei’s plight, she had begged him to intervene. Having owed the Rong family a debt of gratitude from years past, saving Rong Yue was a way to repay that. Xiao Yan’s involvement, he considered incidental.
The marquis, eager to distance himself from Xiao Yan, said crisply, "My wife is worried about Cheng Wangfei’s safety. Now that the matter is resolved, I shall return home immediately to put her at ease."
Xiao Yan watched as the marquis turned and left without hesitation, raising an eyebrow. This Zhou Datou claims to be a military man, but he’s sharper than most.
He found himself briefly missing his newfound “Uncle Qian.”
Unperturbed, Xiao Yan turned to Wu Huai. "I must also thank you, Master Wu."
Wu Huai waved off the gratitude nervously. Having already thrown in his lot with Xiao Yan, he knew better than to claim undue credit. "Solving homicides in the capital is my duty, Director Xiao. No thanks are necessary. However, there is a tricky matter: Cheng Wang’s household insists that Cheng Wangfei killed the Grand Consort Dowager, and I doubt Cheng Wang or his people will change their tune."
"Even if Cheng Wang’s treason is proven, and additional crimes are unearthed, this accusation against Cheng Wangfei... I fear she will struggle to clear her name."
Xiao Yan replied, "Have the coroner examine the body. See if there are other injuries on the Grand Consort Dowager."
Wu Huai hesitated. "Examining the body would require disrobing her..."
"Cheng Wang dared to use torture, and Xie Yin has already been stripped of his status as heir. Do you think His Majesty will care about an already deceased woman?"
Realizing his lapse, Wu Huai quickly responded, "I was mistaken. I’ll arrange it immediately."
===================
After Marquis Wenxin and Wu Huai departed, leaving instructions for the autopsy to be delivered to Jiyun Alley, Xiao Yan left the imperial platform. The Second Prince, instead of departing with the others, trailed behind him.
This didn’t surprise Xiao Yan. Reaching a quieter area, the Second Prince spoke up, "Director Xiao, I owe you my thanks for tonight."
"I originally planned to use the excuse of a coincidence, feeding Father the same explanation we used for Cheng Wang. If not for your guidance upon entering the palace, I might have caused a major blunder."
Xiao Yan replied calmly, "His Majesty is not Cheng Wang, and Marquis Wenxin is not your confidant."
Dusting the water from his sleeve, Xiao Yan continued, "Though I can ensure Wu Huai keeps silent, there’s no guarantee that Marquis Wenxin won’t let something slip in the future. Moreover, if you intend to compete with your brothers for the throne, you cannot remain in the shadows forever. Revealing ambition at the right time won’t make His Majesty resentful; it will prompt him to evaluate your potential as crown prince."
"If you aim for the throne, you must demonstrate your ability to seize it. Staying too low-key will only make you seem incompetent. His Majesty dislikes fools and doesn’t trust overly clever people. Someone with ambition but easy to control—a straightforward temperament—is what will put his mind at ease."
The Second Prince, as if enlightened, effused, "Director Xiao, your understanding of Father is unmatched."
Xiao Yan shook the water from his hands and added, "After tonight, you can confidently begin interacting with court officials. Even if you slightly overstep, His Majesty won’t be angry."
"Regarding Marquis Wenxin, although he avoids entanglement with princes, he accidentally injured you tonight and will feel guilty. Use this as an opportunity to build a relationship with him. Going forward, you can openly associate with him without fear of suspicion."
The Second Prince nodded eagerly, already planning how to strengthen ties with Marquis Wenxin. Delighted, he exclaimed, "Thank you for your guidance, Governor Xiao."
Meanwhile, Marquis Wenxin, having just left the palace, sneezed abruptly and felt a chill down his spine.
After offering a few more words of advice, Xiao Yan stopped abruptly. "The night is late. Your Highness should leave the palace."
The Second Prince hesitated. "Are you heading to the Grand Empress Dowager’s chambers? Let me accompany you..."
"You shouldn’t waste your efforts on irrelevant matters."
Xiao Yan’s voice grew cold, though the darkness masked his expression. "You involved yourself in Cheng Wang’s affairs tonight. Tomorrow, you’ll need to demonstrate your competence in court. Go back and consult your advisors on strategy."
Seeing the prince’s frown, Xiao Yan added, "I know you wish to show filial piety, but His Majesty wouldn’t appreciate you becoming too close to the Grand Empress Dowager. Don’t misplace your efforts."
The Second Prince froze. Father doesn’t want us close to the Grand Empress Dowager?
Though he didn’t doubt Xiao Yan’s words, he reflected on how Emperor An’s respect for the Grand Empress Dowager had always seemed perfunctory. Even during her birthday celebrations, the emperor never went out of his way to honor her. Over the years, she had faded into obscurity, remembered only for her bouts of hysteria and nonsensical ramblings.
Remembering Emperor An’s earlier reaction to hearing about palace concubines disturbing the Grand Empress Dowager, the Second Prince quickly dismissed any further thoughts of using her to bolster his reputation for filial piety.
"You’re right. I’ll leave the palace now."
Xiao Yan nodded. "Don’t forget to engage with the Cui and Feng families, as well as the head of the Li family. The aristocracy is growing increasingly fragmented. Once the Lu family falls, they’ll seek new patrons. Don’t miss this opportunity."
"Cui Lin is wary of me, only wanting to use me against the Lu family. Be cautious around him. Do you know how to approach him regarding tonight’s events?"
The Second Prince assured him, "I’ll claim I discovered your intentions by chance and sought to align myself with you. Rest assured, I won’t make any foolish moves."
Satisfied, Xiao Yan watched the prince leave, his expression cooling once the man was out of sight. He muttered disdainfully, "Annoying."
Then, turning to Jin Yun, he said, "Send someone to Fengxi Palace to inform Empress Lu about the Cheng Wang estate."
Jin Yun was taken aback but quickly complied. "Yes."
"And investigate Cheng Wangfei’s childbirth years ago. Check Lu’s household circumstances at the time and identify the midwives involved. Also, see if any women in the Lu family were pregnant but had a stillbirth or lost a child shortly after."
Jin Yun was shocked. "Director, are you suggesting that Xie Yin might be...?"
Jin Yun’s disbelief lingered as Xiao Yan strode toward the Grand Empress Dowager’s chambers. Compared to the grandeur of the imperial platform and Fengxi Palace, the dowager’s quarters were modest and decrepit. The peeling red lacquer on the door hinted at the neglect beneath a façade of respect.
Pushing open the creaking door, Xiao Yan entered. Inside, the furnishings were exquisite, with calming incense filling the air—a stark contrast to the disrepair outside.
Standing by the divider screen, Xiao Yan saw the frail, white-haired elder sleeping peacefully. A servant whispered, "Qin Niangzi administered acupuncture before leaving. The Grand Empress Dowager has been asleep, only murmuring occasionally."
Dismissing the servant with a wave, Xiao Yan stepped to the bedside. The Grand Empress Dowager lay motionless, her once-imposing figure now reduced to fragility.
He crouched, clasping her withered hand gently in his long, pale fingers. As the candlelight flickered, she murmured faintly in her sleep, "Yuan Sheng..."
Xiao Yan’s cold demeanor softened. Resting his face against her hand, his dark eyes revealed an unreadable sorrow.
"Great-Grandmother, I’ve come to take you out of the palace."
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You can read ahead to chapterr 234 (100+ extra chapters) here
Awww, didn't expect this sweet scene between XY and his great grandmother 🥺
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