Coroner's Diary

After the morning court session, Minister of Personnel Cheng Yundu followed Minister of Works Wei Xiang out of the hall.

Both men came from prominent families, had reached their thirties, and had served in the court for many years. Tracing back their lineages, the two families even shared some marital connections. Cheng Yundu glanced sideways at Wei Xiang and said with a smile, "Brother Wei, why have you suddenly taken such an interest in Prince Rui's household affairs?"

Half an hour earlier during the morning court, the Ministry of Rites had submitted a memorial regarding the matter of Yan Chi, Prince Rui's Heir, inheriting the title after Prince Rui's passing. The Emperor had no objections to this, but when he sought the opinions of the court officials, Wei Xiang had expressed strong agreement, supported by Song Huai, the Minister of Justice. Just as the matter seemed about to be settled, Cheng Yundu raised an objection.

The case of the Northwest military provisions had not yet been fully investigated. Although Prince Rui had passed away, if the case was connected to the Northwest Frontier, Prince Rui and his son would at least be guilty of negligence. Under such circumstances, allowing Yan Chi to inherit the title immediately would be inappropriate.

Cheng Yundu's words stirred up a storm. Prince Rui had been a pillar of the state, having guarded the Northwest for many years, and Cheng Yundu's remarks were somewhat taboo. Yet, many supported him, leading to a stalemate.

In the end, no conclusion was reached, but the matter was now openly discussed in court. The Emperor's intention was likely to revisit the issue later.

Cheng Yundu was slightly plump with a kindly face, though his eyes gleamed shrewdly. Wei Xiang, in contrast, was lean and gaunt, his temples graying, making him appear older than Cheng Yundu. Wei Xiang narrowed his long, narrow eyes, a cold smile playing on his lips. "Brother Cheng, your words are misguided. With Prince Rui's passing, it is only natural for the heir to inherit the title. Yet you boldly claim that Prince Rui is connected to the military provisions case. If Prince Rui were still alive, would you dare say such a thing?"

Cheng Yundu, cornered by this retort, chuckled. "Brother Wei, your words are quite cutting. Everyone in and out of the court knows the military provisions case remains unresolved. Earlier, when Yu Wenxian went to the Northwest, he did not send back any definitive findings. Since the Northwest Frontier has yet to be fully investigated, it is only prudent not to absolve Prince Rui's royal residence entirely. Delaying the inheritance is for the good of the court."

Wei Xiang snorted coldly. Unlike Cheng Yundu's composed demeanor, Wei Xiang was more overt in his emotions. He smiled mockingly, "Don't try to deceive me with such talk. Zhang Qide has returned, and the Emperor has yet to decide who will lead the Northwest Frontier Army. At a time like this, if Heir Yan inherits the title and a new generation of Prince Rui emerges, who do you think the soldiers and civilians of the Northwest are hoping for?"

He flicked his sleeve dismissively. "Hmph, such hypocrisy..."

Cheng Yundu was well aware of Wei Xiang's stubborn temper and, instead of taking offense, laughed it off. "Brother Wei, look at your temper. That's not the way to put it. General Zhang has returned to report on his duties. How the Emperor decides is His Majesty's affair. Neither of us serves in the Ministry of War, so we have no say in such matters!"

Wei Xiang shook his head. "The Crown Prince seeks to control the Northwest Frontier Army now, but it is still too early. You, old fox, should advise the Crown Prince against it. The case of Prince Jin has only been temporarily suppressed. Li Muyun submitted a memorial just today."

Cheng Yundu sighed repeatedly, glancing around to ensure no one was within earshot.

He quickened his pace to catch up. "Those are baseless rumors. How could you believe them, Brother Wei? Has Prince Cheng said something again? And your defense of Heir Yan today—was that also on Prince Cheng's orders?"

Wei Xiang let out a sharp "Ha!" His eyes fixed on Cheng Yundu, and he came to an abrupt halt."Prince Cheng is still in the hall. Why don't you go ask him directly?! What command or no command! You are the Minister of Personnel of the Great Zhou Dynasty, yet you've willingly lowered yourself to become the Crown Prince's retainer. Don't think I'm the same as you!"

Wei Xiang stood with his hands behind his back, nearly pointing at Cheng Yundu's nose as he scolded.

Cheng Yundu listened with a laugh. "Brother Wei, the Crown Prince treats scholars with courtesy, but you—you've fallen into someone else's trap—"

Wei Xiang stiffened his neck. "What about Prince Cheng? Last year, when Prince Cheng went to repair the Wu River waterway, I saw it with my own eyes. The year before, during the Xiang River floods, Prince Cheng personally supervised the efforts for a month to spare the people from suffering. These are all facts!"

As the head of the Ministry of Works, Wei Xiang had a foul temper, yet he had never made a mistake over the years. It was precisely because of his uncompromising, stern disposition that the Ministry of Works had remained disciplined and diligent, never plagued by corruption or other evils. He was straightforward and disliked interference from the inner court in politics, which was why he disapproved of the Crown Prince being heavily influenced by the Empress. Instead, Yan Qi had caught his favor.

For over two years since Yan Qi took charge of the Ministry of Works, although he acted recklessly in private, he was meticulous in official matters. Repairing waterways, managing floods, and disaster relief were no simple tasks, yet Yan Qi was willing to set aside his princely dignity, being strict with his subordinates and equally harsh on himself. When managing rivers, he rested by the waterways; during disaster relief, he slept alongside the refugees. His swift and decisive methods had yielded remarkable results, earning the approval of this seasoned official, Wei Xiang.

Seeing Wei Xiang like this, Cheng Yundu knew their political choices were far apart.

Prince Cheng was arrogant and cunning, well-versed in winning people's hearts, but Cheng Yundu naturally favored the benevolent and wise Crown Prince.

Cheng Yundu sighed and had no choice but to say, "Brother Wei, this matter isn't just about a title. Right now, the Emperor's envoys are still in the northwest, and you know how much the Northwest Frontier Army and the people there revere Prince Rui. Prince Rui has passed away, and the northwest situation is unstable. Whether it's the Emperor, the Crown Prince, or Prince Cheng, none of them want Prince Rui's residence to continue intimidating the northwest. So, it's best not to have another Prince Rui emerge anytime soon. The heir apparent and the prince—these mean different things to the military and civilians in the northwest..."

As he spoke, Cheng Yundu lowered his voice, appearing utterly sincere.

Wei Xiang glared at him, his eyes nearly piercing through Cheng Yundu. "Don't you frame Prince Cheng! This is the Crown Prince's idea, not Prince Cheng's! Prince Cheng has long believed that Yan Qi should inherit the title. Yan Qi has achieved illustrious military merits and spent years in the northwest—which of the younger generation can compare to him?! Prince Cheng is not petty-minded; it's your thinking that's sinister..."

A straightforward temper was a good thing, but if a person's mind refused to bend, it wasn't necessarily beneficial. Cheng Yundu looked at Wei Xiang with a headache, truly baffled at how he had maintained his ministerial position all these years with such a temperament. He could only sigh again. "Since you won't listen to reason, forget it. Just wait and see—if Yan Qi inherits the title, even the Emperor will be displeased."

Wei Xiang stared at Cheng Yundu, but this time he didn't argue. After a moment, he snorted. "I don't care about all that. In my view, this is the right thing to do. I'm not as cunning as you, Brother Cheng."

With that, Wei Xiang walked off. Cheng Yundu remained where he was, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

He sighed softly and followed helplessly.

...

...

In the Longevity and Health Palace, the Empress Dowager coughed twice and asked, "Is that what was said in court?"Mammy Chen nodded. "Indeed, that's exactly what Minister Cheng of the Ministry of Personnel and several others said. Ah, Prince Rui has already passed away, yet these people still want to tarnish his name. Prince Rui treated his soldiers like his own children—how could he be involved in military provisions corruption? Even if there was negligence, it shouldn't fall on Prince Rui or His Highness Yan Chi. Why not just investigate the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue instead..."

The Empress Dowager narrowed her eyes. "This is the Eastern Palace and the Empress's doing."

Mammy Chen didn't dare say more and hurriedly offered the lung-moistening sweet soup to the Empress Dowager. The Empress Dowager waved her hand, unwilling to eat. "This inheritance of the title is only right. Send someone to Chongzheng Hall to keep watch. When the Emperor is free, have him come see me. Cough, cough, cough..."

Mammy Chen promptly acknowledged the order and went to pat the Empress Dowager's back. "Let the Lady Qin prepare another dose of medicine. Your cough has started again."

The Empress Dowager chuckled wryly. "It's my body failing—medicine won't help anymore. Just stick to gentle nourishment."

Mammy Chen's eyes dimmed slightly, and she fell silent for a moment.

The Empress Dowager seemed somewhat listless. Seeing that it was only midday outside, she said, "I'll go rest for a while. Remember to wait at Chongzheng Hall—no rush, speak to him after he's finished his work."

"Don't worry, Your Majesty. This servant understands."

……

……

Yan Huai arrived at the Longevity and Health Palace by evening.

The Empress Dowager was reclining on the daybed in the Warm Chamber. Her smile deepened upon seeing Yan Huai.

"Mother, you specifically summoned your son. What is the matter? Your complexion doesn't look well again. Should we have Qin Guan enter the palace?"

The Empress Dowager waved her hand and studied Yan Huai carefully. This was her son. Now that she was aged and frail, Yan Huai's temples were also streaked with silver. "Don't worry about my health—I just didn't sleep well. I called you here today about Yan Chi inheriting the title."

Yan Huai smiled faintly. "Does Mother feel sorry for Yan Chi and want him to inherit the title quickly?"

The Empress Dowager shook her head. "No, it's not out of pity. I believe he deserves this title—he is worthy of it."

Yan Huai's smile remained, as if waiting for the Empress Dowager to say more. She leaned against the pillow and sighed. "This is what I've always appreciated about you—you've been steady and composed since childhood. Che'er takes after you in this regard. No matter what I say, you're always willing to listen. Eventually, I spoke less because you handled everything so well."

The Empress Dowager seemed to recall something, her gaze growing distant. "Your brother wasn't like this. Though you were only a year apart, your temperaments were complete opposites. He... sigh... I'm not making excuses for him by saying this. I knew his nature wasn't suited for that position, but when it came to that matter, I also bear responsibility. He felt wronged, yet I had your father send him to his fiefdom, which only fueled his anger further. That's why..."

A faint, elusive smile touched Yan Huai's lips as he grasped the Empress Dowager's hand. "Does Mother miss younger brother?"

The Empress Dowager paused, then nodded and shook her head, seemingly unwilling to elaborate. "Twenty years have passed in the blink of an eye. Even you have gray hairs now. My health declines with each passing day—who knows how long I have left? Aside from you brothers, Yan Lin spent the most time by my side. I originally thought that since your brother was gone, at least Yan Lin could keep you company, but now..."The Empress Dowager clasped Yan Huai's hand in return. "Being an emperor is a bitter path. With no one standing behind you, your mother aches for you. Yan Chi was raised by Yan Lin and excels in leading troops and warfare. I don't oppose keeping him in the capital, but I believe when Shuoxi needs him someday, it would be better to send him back. Though his mind isn't as upright as his father's, he won't easily stray from the right path. All these years he has achieved remarkable merits in Shuoxi. Now that Yan Lin is gone, if he doesn't inherit the title, what will others think? If we wait a few more years, I fear the fate of Prince Rui's royal residence will completely decline..."

Speaking of this, sorrow welled up in the Empress Dowager's heart. "Both he and Yan Li grew up before my eyes. As for the others - we needn't speak of Yan Zhi. Yan Ze still has Yan Xiang by his side now. Though his fate is somewhat bitter, your aunt has communicated with me - that girl Yue Ning has already expressed her stance, making them a fine match. Only Yan Chi and Yan Li..."

"That year's affair was so treasonous. While the father's debts should be paid by the son, I won't plead much for Yan Li. All these years I've indulged him. Once his temperament stabilizes in a couple of years, we'll find him a compatible young lady and that will suffice. But Yan Chi... when Shouxin passed away that year, Yan Chi was only this tall, just ten years old, and was directly taken to Shuoxi. All these years, the life he's lived has truly been..."

The Empress Dowager suddenly tightened her grip on Yan Huai's hand. "Emperor, do you understand my meaning?"

Yan Huai maintained a faint smile throughout, sighing at her words. "Mother Empress, your son understands."

Pausing slightly, Yan Huai spoke with some relief, "It's been twenty years, Mother Empress need not keep it weighing on your heart. Regarding inheriting titles, Yan Li also has a title waiting. Your son knows you care for them both. I actually think it would be better to confer titles upon both of them together."

The Empress Dowager caught her breath, looking at Yan Huai with utter astonishment. She had come to plead for Yan Chi, but never expected Yan Huai would include Yan Li's portion as well. This truly surprised and delighted her!

Yan Li had been delayed all these years, holding no real power. If he never inherited the title, without her care his later years would likely be bleak. But now that Yan Huai had relented, with a prince's title Yan Li would have security!

"Emperor, are your words true?!"

Yan Huai smiled broadly, his features appearing particularly gentle in the chamber's dim lamplight. "Of course they are true."

The Empress Dowager gasped sharply, her eyes slightly reddening. "Huai'er, you..."

Since he became emperor, the Empress Dowager rarely called him by name. Now it was evident she was deeply moved. Yan Huai squeezed her hand. "Mother Empress need say no more. Your son understands your concerns. I assure you, I will never treat Yan Li harshly."

The Empress Dowager nodded, her eyes already moist. Yan Huai was the ruler of Great Zhou, with many considerations and constraints - all of which she understood. After Prince Gong's failed rebellion that year, because Yan Huai wanted Yan Han's cenotaph entered into the imperial mausoleum, mother and son had been estranged for a time. Fortunately, they later resolved their differences. All these years, the Empress Dowager had never forced Yan Huai to let Yan Li inherit the title.

She had been waiting, thinking she might never see this day, yet unexpectedly it had finally come.

"Your mother is happy, truly. Huai'er, your mother can rest assured now."

Yan Huai smiled while comforting the Empress Dowager. Mother and son spoke at length until the Empress Dowager showed signs of weariness, upon which Yan Huai took his leave.After leaving the Longevity and Health Palace, the faint smile on Yan Huai's face faded. Once he boarded the Imperial Carriage, his entire being was enveloped in a cold, somber aura. Yuan Qing, who followed closely behind, knew what Yan Huai had just promised. Seeing Yan Huai in such a state, he kept his head lowered, not daring to make a sound. Only after they had traversed the straight Palace Road outside the Longevity and Health Palace did Yan Huai finally speak, "To the Noble Consort’s place."

This had been prearranged, and Yuan Qing hurriedly acknowledged, "Set forth for Changxin Palace!"

The night wind was crisp and cold, the early winter drawing nearer day by day. Yan Huai's eyes, dark and unfathomable, were concealed beneath the carriage curtains. It was not until they arrived at Changxin Palace that he lifted his chin and relaxed. The servants of Changxin Palace were already waiting, and Feng Lingsu stood at the palace entrance. When Yan Huai descended from the carriage, she did not bow but instead stepped forward to greet him, "Your Majesty has arrived—"

This was a privilege unique to Feng Lingsu, who had been favored by Yan Huai for nearly twenty years. She linked her arm with his affectionately as they walked inside. Yan Huai patted her hand and said, "Why come out to greet me in such cold weather?"

Feng Lingsu replied in a sweet voice, "Your subject wished to see Your Majesty sooner."

A faint smile tugged at Yan Huai's lips. Feng Lingsu quickly added, "Your subject prepared white fungus and snow pear soup for Your Majesty. It has been simmering for two hours, waiting for Your Majesty’s arrival tonight. Fortunately, I did not wait in vain."

Yan Huai smiled faintly as they entered the main hall’s Warm Chamber. The snow pear soup was indeed ready and waiting. Feng Lingsu first helped Yan Huai remove his outer robe, then personally presented the soup to him. After dismissing the attendants, her cheeks flushed slightly as she said, "Will Your Majesty try it? Your subject added many medicinal herbs, but I assure you, no bitterness can be tasted."

Under the warm, yellow lamplight, Feng Lingsu’s face seemed frozen in time from twenty years ago. Only upon closer inspection could the fine lines at the corners of her eyes and beside her nose be discerned. Her beautiful eyes, moist with emotion, gazed at Yan Huai, and the blush on her cheeks was not from rouge. There was a reason Feng Lingsu had remained favored all these years—her figure carried the allure of a mature woman, yet her face retained a fresh, innocent charm. Coupled with the reverence and tenderness she constantly displayed toward Yan Huai, it was difficult for him not to dote on her.

Yan Huai took a sip from the bowl held by Feng Lingsu and showed a satisfied expression.

Feng Lingsu smiled softly. "Your subject still remembers the first time I made soup for Your Majesty—it was snow pear soup. Back then, I added too much sugar, and even though Your Majesty has a sweet tooth, it was hard to swallow. Yet you could not bear to disappoint me and finished it anyway. From that moment, I knew I would love Your Majesty deeply for a lifetime..."