Сhеng Shао recеivеd thе summоns аnd hurried to the Qiаnqing Рalaсe.
Thе Еmреrоr sаt on the lаrge kang by the window. Thе еarlу summer mоrning sunlight strеаmеd through thе bright glаss раnеs, illuminating his fаce, which wаs sаllow аnd pale, wеary аnd haggard.
Сhеng Shао fеlt а sеcret раng of аlаrm, rеcаlling the frаgmеnts of rumors hе hаd heаrd in recent dаys.
Could thе Еmрerоr’s health truly bе dеtеriorаting dау bу dау?
Hе dаred nоt show аny sign of his unеasе аnd rеspесtfullу stеpped fоrward to pay his rеspects.
Тhe Emрerоr hаd the mеmorials on the kang table cleared away and said, “Sit and speak.”
Having served as minister for over twenty years, Cheng Shao did not stand on ceremony. He removed his shoes and sat cross-legged on the other side of the tea table.
A eunuch, slightly hunched, entered quietly and set up a chessboard.
But instead of picking up a chess piece as he usually did, the Emperor waved for all the attendants in the room to withdraw. He then asked Cheng Shao, “How are your two great-grandsons doing?”
Cheng Shao was somewhat surprised. “Are you referring to A Bao and A Ren?”
The Emperor nodded.
Cheng Shao smiled. “Both children are of pure and good character. As for whether they are cut out for scholarly pursuits, it’s still too early to tell. But compared to before, their temperaments have grown much livelier. Whenever they visit Zi Chuan’s home, they chase birds and dogs with Zi Chuan’s eldest son, making quite a mess.”
The Emperor chuckled upon hearing this. “It seems the children are quite close.”
Cheng Shao replied, “The Cheng family in the capital is small in number. It livens things up when they visit each other during festivals.”
The Emperor nodded. “That’s because your family is affectionate. Otherwise, children are the most perceptive—they know who treats them well and who doesn’t. They may not speak of it, but they carry a scale in their hearts. An adopted grandson raised in an orphanage wouldn’t dare chase birds and dogs with proper young masters otherwise.”
Cheng Shao smiled and agreed, wisely refraining from further comment—the Emperor was most likely thinking of his own sons.
Unexpectedly, the Emperor pressed on with the topic. “I’ve heard that several young masters from the Earl of Pengcheng’s household are studying near Chaoyang Gate?”
Cheng Shao smiled. “After Zi Chuan’s eldest son was born, my sister-in-law realized that several of our relatives in the capital had children of similar ages. Thinking it would encourage the children to study together, she invited a retired Hanlin scholar to tutor them at home for their early education. The Earl of Pengcheng, seeing that our family has produced six jinshi over three generations, always believed we had some secret to scholarly success. So he sent his children to Chaoyang Gate to study alongside the children of our relatives. As you know, my sister-in-law was once very close to Lady Fengsheng. Because of this, she didn’t treat the Peng family’s children as outsiders, and they all study together in a crowded setting.”
The Emperor smiled. “Their family is truly dedicated to establishing a scholarly legacy.”
Hearing the note of approval in the Emperor’s tone, Cheng Shao followed along. “When children study more and learn to read and understand principles, they tend to be more affectionate toward their siblings.”
At this, the Emperor let out a cold laugh. “Are the tutors I appointed for my sons not learned enough? Why is it that none of those ambitious wolves knows the meaning of brotherly affection and respect?”
Cheng Shao deflected with a jest. “If there’s any blame, it can only be placed on your family’s wealth being too vast—even the teachings of sages cannot restrain it.”
The Emperor’s expression softened slightly upon hearing this.
Cheng Shao could tell that the Emperor had not summoned him to play chess but because he was troubled in his heart."The weather is quite pleasant today," he said straightforwardly. "When I arrived, I saw all the azaleas in the rear hall in full bloom. Would Your Majesty like to take a stroll to the rear hall? The sun will be out soon."
And the flowers would wilt.
The Emperor had only learned last night that the Fourth Prince's consort had handed over her own niece to Cining Palace.
He had been restless and agitated ever since, barely managing to endure until after the morning court session today. Yet, instead of dissipating, his frustration had only grown more intense. He no longer wished to be angered by such matters, which was why he had summoned Cheng Shao.
But upon seeing Cheng Shao, he couldn't help but inquire about his family affairs. Even he himself didn’t know what kind of answer he hoped to hear...
Perhaps it was best to set these matters aside for now?
He was growing old and always hoped that all his children would fare well.
The Emperor and Cheng Shao went to the rear hall, where they casually admired the azaleas. At noon, the Emperor kept Cheng Shao for a meal.
Cheng Shao always ate heartily and honestly, which was one of the reasons the Emperor enjoyed having him stay for meals.
After the meal, Imperial Physician Cao arrived to check the Emperor’s pulse.
Cheng Shao prepared to take his leave.
But the Emperor kept him for a game of chess.
As they played, the Emperor’s spirits gradually lifted. The two chatted and laughed together. In the evening, Cheng Shao was on duty at the Hanlin Academy, while the Emperor, because the Empress Dowager had returned from Daxiangguo Temple, went early to Shenwu Gate to welcome her back to the palace.
Cheng Shao kept a close watch on the situation there.
Upon hearing that the Emperor had dined at Cining Palace, accompanied the Empress Dowager for a while, and had already returned to his own palace, Cheng Shao couldn’t help but heave a long sigh of relief.
What Cheng Chi had feared had not come to pass, indicating that the Fourth Prince did not yet possess such audacity.
But this meant that the Fourth Prince’s ambitions remained unchecked, the Imperial Grandson was still young, and the Emperor was growing older by the day. From now on, the court might never know peace again.
The Cheng family would also have to remain perpetually vigilant, living in constant apprehension.
Perhaps it would be better to confront the matter head-on.
To settle things once and for all, whether in life or death!
With a bitter smile, Cheng Shao lay down on the hard wooden bed Huaishan had prepared and picked up a book he had brought into the palace to pass the long night.
The surroundings were silent and still, making the chirping of insects sound even clearer and louder.
Cheng Shao grew drowsy.
A young eunuch rushed in with hurried steps, urgently saying, "Lord Cheng, the Emperor summons you."
Cheng Shao was taken aback. "At this hour?"
The young eunuch replied, "Yes! His Majesty asks you to come quickly."
Cheng Shao hastily dressed and went out.
Standing beside the young eunuch was a tall, burly guard who looked very familiar, though Cheng Shao couldn’t immediately recall who he was.
The guard saluted Cheng Shao and said, "The palace gates are already locked. Although the young Father-in-law has a pass, it would be best if I escort both of you to Qianqing Palace."
The duty room was located in front of Xiuxin Hall, but to reach Qianqing Palace from there, one had to pass through Yuehua Gate.
At this hour, Yuehua Gate should already be locked.
The guard claimed to be escorting them, but in reality, he was there to monitor them—such was the palace protocol.
Cheng Shao nodded to the guard with a smile, and the group proceeded to Qianqing Palace.
Qianqing Palace was quiet, with only the Eastern Warmth Pavilion lit.
The chief eunuch, Chen Li, stood respectfully under the corridor of the Eastern Warmth Pavilion with several of his subordinates. Seeing Cheng Shao enter, he smiled and said, "His Majesty is waiting for you! Please go in quickly." With that, he personally lifted the curtain.
Cheng Shao stepped inside.
He saw two people in the room.
One seated, the other standing.
The seated one was naturally the Emperor.
The standing one... was none other than the Fourth Prince, who should have been hundreds of miles away at this moment, dressed in military attire.Cheng Shao’s heart skipped a beat, and he stood frozen in place.
From behind came Chen Li’s voice, usually gentle and polite but now carrying an eerie undertone: “Lord Cheng, His Majesty awaits you!”
How had the Fourth Prince entered? How had he persuaded Chen Li? Was the Empress Dowager’s departure from the palace related to the Fourth Prince…? Doubts swirled in Cheng Shao’s mind, but he dared not dwell on them.
Masking his panic, he strode forward and bowed to the Emperor. “Your servant Cheng Shao. I have come by imperial summons and await Your Majesty’s command.”
The Emperor’s expression was stern, as impassive as when he sat upon the golden throne, revealing neither joy nor sorrow. “I did not summon you. It was the Fourth Prince who called you here. You should hear what he has to say.”
Cheng Shao lowered his gaze and bowed to the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince feigned modesty, turning slightly to accept only half the bow. He personally helped Cheng Shao rise, speaking with refined courtesy. “Lord Cheng, His Majesty believes the Imperial Grandson is too young to shoulder the responsibilities of the state’s heir apparent and wishes to pass the throne to me. I ask for your assistance in drafting the edict.” As he spoke, he gestured toward the blank imperial decree placed on the kang table before the Emperor.
Without hesitation, Cheng Shao smiled and replied, “Your Highness is mistaken! The state’s heir apparent is the foundation of the nation, and since ancient times, succession has followed the principles of primogeniture and legitimacy. Your Highness has both elder brothers ahead and a legitimate nephew behind. Even if His Majesty intended to pass the throne to you, it would require deliberation among the court ministers. How could such a decision regarding the imperial succession be made privately? I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness for my ignorance, but I dare not draft such a document.”
The Fourth Prince raised an eyebrow, his features suddenly sharp as a blade’s edge.
He sneered, “Are you defying the imperial will?”
“Your servant would not dare defy the imperial will,” Cheng Shao replied with a smile, standing tall and straight as a pine. “Court officials are forbidden from associating with feudal princes. I beg Your Highness’s forgiveness!”
The Fourth Prince snorted coldly and glanced toward the corner of the room.
Cheng Shao instinctively followed his gaze.
Only then did he notice a person lying in the corner.
It was an old acquaintance of his.
Li Yun, the messenger on duty today at the Messenger Office.
Cheng Shao remained silent.
Chen Li’s voice echoed from beyond the door: “Fourth Prince, it is almost time for the guard shift.”
Hearing this, a trace of ferocity surfaced on the Fourth Prince’s face.
Chen Li added, “The minister on duty at the Grand Secretariat today is Lord Yuan. Shall I summon Lord Yuan?”
The Fourth Prince thought for a moment and said, “Very well.”
Footsteps echoed from outside.
Suddenly, the Emperor beckoned to Cheng Shao. “Come, play a game of chess with me.”
Cheng Shao straightened his robes and walked over calmly, sitting cross-legged opposite the Emperor. He retrieved the chessboard and pieces from beneath the kang table.
Something lay beneath the chessboard.
Cheng Shao discreetly slipped it into his sleeve.
A flicker of relief passed through the Emperor’s eyes.
The two began their game of chess.
Soon, Yuan Weichang arrived.
His face paled abruptly, and he bowed deeply to the Emperor and the Fourth Prince.
The Fourth Prince repeated what he had said to Cheng Shao.
Yuan Weichang’s face shifted between shades of green and white as he said, “Fourth Prince, without His Majesty’s explicit decree, I dare not draft such an edict.”
The Fourth Prince laughed in anger. “I never expected both of you to aspire to be loyal ministers. Very well, I shall grant your wish…”
As he spoke, he drew the sword at his waist.
But outside the door, a clamor erupted… along with Chen Li’s panicked voice: “Fourth Prince, Han Ding has appeared out of nowhere…”The Fourth Prince showed a flicker of panic in his expression but quickly regained his composure, saying, "Stop Han Ding... the Emperor is on our side..."
Before he could finish his sentence, the window shattered, and guards swung in from the roof on ropes, surrounding the Emperor and Cheng Shao, who were in the middle of a chess game.
※
Zhou Shaojin asked Cheng Chi, "What happened next?"
Cheng Chi smiled and said, "The Emperor had long been aware of the Fourth Prince's actions, but after all, he was his own son, and he always held onto the hope that he would come to his senses. He never expected the Fourth Prince to be even bolder than he imagined. He actually took a desperate risk, trying to seize the throne by capturing the leader first. He underestimated the Emperor too much..."
"I wasn’t asking about that," Zhou Shaojin said. "I was asking what Second Uncle took from under the chessboard?"
※
Sisters, here is today’s update.
There’s still one last chapter left.
(>_<)
※ (To be continued ~^~)
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