The Golden Hairpin

The situation had ultimately reached this point—bloodshed in the Hanyuan Hall was now inevitable. He pointed directly at Li Shubai, mustering his fiercest breath as he declared, "Today in this hall, the Prince of Kui must die!"

On such a bitterly cold day, the vast and frigid Hanyuan Hall of the Daming Palace was only faintly illuminated by thin, pale sunlight filtering through the windows.

Li Shubai slowly reached out and took Huang Zixiao's hand by his side.

Though the sunlight that fell upon them through the windows was meager, it still managed to fill the palace with a rare warmth. Hand in hand, they gazed at the Emperor and Empress seated upon the dais, feeling that despite their lofty positions, they were also cowering in darkness—pitiable and lamentable.

Li Shubai turned his head and gave Huang Zixiao a faint smile.

Exhausted from her meticulous deductions and the weight pressing upon her heart, she had felt utterly drained. Yet his smile renewed her strength. Their fingers intertwined tightly as she returned a faint smile of her own.

Wang Yun, standing not far from them, silently turned his face away, took half a step back, and rested his right hand on the hilt of the sword at his waist.

By now, the Emperor no longer bothered with pretense. He merely glanced at Empress Wang and gave a slight nod.

Empress Wang withdrew her hand from the Emperor's back, her body slowly turning from its side-facing position. Then, she raised both palms and clapped twice—sharp, crisp sounds.

In the empty hall, footsteps suddenly erupted. Armored imperial guards rushed in from outside, arrows nocked and blades drawn, surrounding Li Shubai and Huang Zixiao in an instant.

Wang Yun, who had remained silent in the hall all this time, led several subordinates in bowing to the Emperor and Empress. "Your Majesty's command—how shall these two be dealt with?"

The Emperor's throat rasped as he stared down at Li Shubai for a long moment, his voice low and venomous. "After all, you are my fourth brother. How could I bear to watch you fall to the blade? Today... I shall share one final cup of wine with you, to settle... our brotherly bond."

Wang Zongshi watched Li Shubai with cold eyes, personally carrying a wine vessel forward. He set out two cups and filled them to the brim.

Li Shubai studied the two cups on the tray in Wang Zongshi's hands—one to the left, one to the right. The golden cups shimmered faintly, seemingly identical in every way.

Wang Zongshi lifted one cup and handed it to Li Shubai, his expression as icy and sinister as ever. Once Li Shubai accepted it, he picked up the other cup himself and carried it up the steps to place it on the imperial desk.

Li Shubai held his cup aloft, gazing at the faintly rippling wine for a long while before lowering his eyes with a faint smile. "I thank Your Majesty for this kindness. Though I wonder—after this cup is drunk, how does Your Majesty intend to deal with your younger brother?"

Empress Wang lifted the cup for the Emperor on the dais and raised it in salute. "Prince of Kui, drink this cup, and His Majesty will decide."

Li Shubai glanced at Wang Zongshi before shifting his gaze to Empress Wang. "Your younger brother toasts His Majesty."

As Li Shubai brought the cup to his lips but did not drink, Empress Wang sat beside the Emperor and raised the wine to his mouth.

Yet the Emperor's lips barely moved. He only grasped her wrist weakly and murmured with difficulty, "I... fear I cannot drink. Empress, you..."

Understanding, Empress Wang turned and raised her cup toward Li Shubai. "His Majesty's health is frail—he may not be able to drink. This consort shall drink in his stead."

Li Shubai lifted his cup in contemplation. Silence reigned over the hall, from the base of the steps to the imperial dais.Surrounded by armed guards on all sides, the sunlight streaming through the windows glinted sharply off the blades, reflecting onto their faces like countless flickering points of deadly light.

A cup of wine in hand, cold steel at their throats.

Trapped in a hopeless situation with no way out.

Huang Zixiao could feel the sweat soaking through her back, dampening her clothes. She whispered softly behind him, "Your Highness, after drinking this, we must leave the palace immediately... Perhaps there's still a way to expel the fish eggs."

"And if we can't?" He shielded his mouth with the cup as his lips barely moved.

Then he would become like Yu Xuan, or Zhang Xingying, or Prince E—consumed by obsessive delusions until madness took him, clinging stubbornly to his folly even in death.

Huang Zixiao bit her lower lip and said quietly, "No matter what you become, Zixiao will stay by your side in this life and never abandon you."

Li Shubai turned to gaze at her, meeting her steadfast and clear eyes, seeing his own reflection within them. His image remained anchored deep in her pupils, unwavering.

A faint smile suddenly touched his lips. Holding the cup in one hand, he gently caressed her cheek with the other and murmured, "Really? Letting you see me like that would surely be worse than death."

Huang Zixiao's throat tightened, leaving her momentarily speechless.

But he had already released her, turning to raise his cup toward the emperor. "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for this generous gift. This cup of wine is my rightful punishment for years of arrogance and overstepping my bounds. Today, I willingly accept Your Majesty's judgment. But Zixiao was merely caught up in my affairs—all her offenses against Your Majesty were for my sake. I beg that, in consideration of this cup, you allow her to leave the Daming Palace unharmed."

Though his words were addressed to the emperor, it was Empress Wang who nodded and said, "Though Miss Huang has overstepped, she also rendered meritorious service in solving the cases of my cousin and Princess Wenyi. His Majesty is benevolent and merciful—so long as Prince Kui admits his guilt, she will naturally not be implicated."

With that, she drained her cup and turned it upside down toward him.

Li Shubai raised his cup, glanced back at Huang Zixiao, and whispered, "Go."

"Your Highness!" Huang Zixiao couldn't suppress a low cry, but before she could rush forward, Wang Yun had already seized her elbow.

Helpless, she watched as Li Shubai drank the wine, tears welling in her eyes. Frantically, she turned to Wang Yun, whose expression was unreadable as he pulled her through the ring of blades and pointed to the palace gates. "Go."

Huang Zixiao looked back at the surrounded Li Shubai, tears now spilling over. "No... I'll wait for him."

Wang Yun followed her gaze to Li Shubai, encircled by soldiers.

His thoughts drifted back to that night in Shu when Li Shubai had sought him out for a long talk. He had said then that though the prince was a man of extraordinary talent and strategic brilliance, before the weight of empire, human lives were as insignificant as grass—let alone one orphaned girl. Sometimes, the slightest misstep could trample a delicate orchid.

And Li Shubai had only given him seven words in response: "I will ensure her safety."

Now, he had truly kept that promise. No matter the time, place, or circumstance, he had protected her—even now, at the cost of his own life.

Gazing at Li Shubai, Wang Yun murmured under his breath, "I've lost."Huang Zixiao did not understand his meaning, standing just inside the palace doors, her gaze fixed unwaveringly on Li Shubai. Even though she could turn and flee the imminent danger, she remained rooted to the spot, not moving an inch.

Li Shubai bowed to the emperor and empress, saying, "Your humble brother takes his leave."

Empress Wang slowly seated herself beside the emperor, raising her hand to signal his dismissal when the emperor's faint voice suddenly spoke, "Wait..."

Li Shubai halted, lifting his head slightly to look at him.

Leaning against Empress Wang, the emperor was clearly exhausted, yet his mouth twisted open grotesquely, like the furious dragon head on the screen behind him. His voice was hoarse as he spoke, each word deliberate, "Fourth Brother, don’t be in such a hurry... Wait a little longer."

Li Shubai stood at the foot of the steps before him, raising his head to meet his gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly.

Even when he had learned of the events surrounding the late emperor’s death, even when he knew the emperor had stolen the throne that should have been his, there had still been a glimmer of light in his eyes. Now, it was gone.

He stared at his elder brother, the master of the Daming Palace and the realm, without uttering a word. But the sudden coldness and resolve in his gaze sent a shiver down Empress Wang’s spine. She instinctively straightened her posture, gripping the emperor’s arm tightly, yet dared not speak.

The emperor’s gaze was already unfocused, his eyes fixed on Li Shubai as if staring into emptiness. He said, "When the late emperor passed, we were too hasty... so much so that he coughed up the medicine he had just swallowed..."

Listening to his labored breathing, watching this man on the dragon bed, clinging to life yet still determined to destroy him, Li Shubai suddenly let out a cold laugh.

He said, "Your Majesty worries too much. What use is a little more time? Your humble brother has already prepared oleander. Half a month of it will surely kill the fish parasite in my belly."

Wang Zongshi stood silently to the side, saying nothing, only taking a slow step back and folding his hands into his sleeves.

Li Shubai’s icy words made the emperor struggle upright. His hands flailed wildly in the air as he roared, "Imperial Guards... Where are the Imperial Guards?"

Wang Yun glanced at Huang Zixiao before turning to the emperor and responding, "Your Majesty! Wang Yun, Commander of the Right Imperial Guards, is here with his men."

With his last ounce of strength, the emperor stood, pointing at the blurred figure of Li Shubai in his vision, his voice a hoarse shriek, "How can the court tolerate such a kinslayer? Kill him at once!"

Empress Wang held his rigid body tightly, not daring to make a sound.

The situation had finally reached this point—bloodshed in the Hanyuan Hall was now inevitable.

Huang Zixiao felt her head buzzing, her blood rushing too fast, every nerve stretched taut, her vision swimming. She gasped for breath, stepping back to lean against the wall, her eyes locked on Li Shubai, now surrounded by the Imperial Guards.

Seeing her refusal to leave, Wang Yun stopped paying her any mind. His slender saber slid from its sheath. With the blade angled downward, he advanced toward Li Shubai, his gaze lingering one last time on Huang Zixiao’s face, his lips moving slightly.

Huang Zixiao heard him whisper, "It will be quick—just a moment."Huang Zixiao saw the slight contraction in his dark pupils. In that instant, it reminded her of the peril they had faced in Shu. During that midnight ambush, the guards of the Kui Prince's residence had been scattered, with Wang Yun in pursuit, issuing the order: "The two riders on the black and white horses must be killed!"

Back then, he had come under orders, and now, he was leaving under orders as well.

No matter the circumstances, the honor of his family and his duty as the eldest grandson of the Wang family's main lineage would always take precedence over everything else.

The imperial guards inside the hall had already received Wang Yun's signal and did not obstruct her. Alone, she leaned against the wall and silently opened the box in her hands, retrieving an item.

The cold iron dagger bestowed by Emperor Taizong to Empress Wu Zetian. It was the blade Gongsun Yuan had used to avenge her younger sister, and the weapon Prince E had destroyed before his mother.

Though damaged and its edge dulled, it was still sharp enough to kill.

She gripped it tightly, watching Li Shubai amidst the forest of blades.

Li Shubai merely glanced at her once. Upon seeing that the guards around her had been dismissed by Wang Yun, he slowly turned his gaze away. Standing in the hall, he ignored Wang Yun before him and instead looked toward the emperor on the throne, asking, "Your Majesty, are you truly determined to eliminate your younger brother?"

The emperor, who had seemed on the verge of exhaustion, stirred at these words.

He raised his hand, pointing directly at Li Shubai, and with a surge of manic energy, hissed, "Today in this hall, the Kui Prince must die!"

The near-hysterical tone gave the imperial guards pause before they raised their weapons and advanced step by step with Wang Yun.

Wang Zongshi nodded to Wang Yun, then turned and swiftly exited the hall, undoubtedly to mobilize his Shence Army.

Huang Zixiao fixed her gaze on the encircling wall of soldiers, watching as the blades drew ever closer, leaving Li Shubai with no escape.

She tightened the fingers of her right hand, gripping the dagger firmly in a reverse hold.

She wondered: if she attacked Wang Yun from behind with this dagger, could she buy Li Shubai even a fleeting chance? If he seized this fleeting opportunity, could he escape the Hanyuan Hall?

But even if he escaped the hall, how could he possibly repel the tens of thousands of Shence Army outside and make it out of the Daming Palace alive?

With these thoughts, she slightly raised her left hand and pressed it against her chest, her mind suddenly crystal clear. Having seen countless corpses pierced through the heart, this time, it might be her turn. The dagger was already damaged—would it get stuck between her ribs? She had to be careful.

Before she could even locate the right spot between her ribs, Li Shubai, surrounded by the guards, spun around and launched his counterattack. A flash of cold blue light swept through the forest of blades—no one could quite see what happened—but the clang of metal rang out as the tips of the two foremost swords fell to the ground.

In Li Shubai's hand was a slender blade, held like a dagger—none other than the legendary Fish Intestine Sword.

The Fish Intestine Sword could slice through metal as if it were mud. Li Shubai moved with lightning speed, dodging and striking, severing countless blades in the blink of an eye. Yet, there were no fewer than a hundred guards in the hall. No matter how skilled he was, armed with only a short sword, his strength would inevitably wane.

Wang Yun, seeing that Li Shubai had already wounded over a dozen men and was showing signs of fatigue, tightened his grip on his sword hilt and stepped forward. Just then, a voice rang out from the hall's entrance: "Hold!"Standing atop the vermilion steps, Empress Wang looked down and immediately noticed the figure entering the hall. Her expression shifted slightly as she asked, "Eunuch Wang, why are you alone? Where are the Divine Strategy Army? And the Imperial Guards outside?"

Wang Zongshi's face was paler than usual, his temples slightly disheveled. As he approached Wang Yun, he pressed down the hand holding the sword and said in a low voice, "Step back for now."

Wang Yun knew something must have gone wrong, but there was little he could do. He glanced at Li Shubai, whose breathing had grown labored, then silently sheathed his sword and signaled the Imperial Guards to disperse.

Only when the hall fell silent did the sounds from outside become audible—the sporadic clashing of blades.

Wang Yun rushed out of the Hanyuan Hall and saw several bloodied guard corpses strewn along the Dragon Tail Way. Most of the guards originally stationed outside had vanished. In their place were black-armored soldiers blocking both ends of the Dragon Tail Way and surrounding the Hanyuan Hall.

Wang Yun recognized them instantly. Among the ten military divisions of the capital, only Prince Kui Li Shubai's elite troops—reconstructed from veterans of the Xuzhou, Nanzhao, and Longyou campaigns—bore black armor. Unlike the conscripted soldiers of other divisions, these two armies, the Divine Might and Divine Valor, had the smallest numbers but the most illustrious battle records and fearsome combat prowess. They were the only troops in the capital who had truly seen battle, taken lives—and never tasted defeat.

The Divine Might soldiers outside were closing in on him. Wang Yun immediately retreated back into the hall. With a last glimmer of hope, he looked toward the palace gates. After all, the Divine Might and Divine Valor armies were few in number. Reinforcements from other capital garrisons could easily suppress them.

Yet all he saw were tightly shut palace gates. Above them, on the barbican walls, a squad of black-armored soldiers rained arrows downward.

Wang Yun didn’t need to see to understand—the Divine Strategy Army led by Wang Zongshi must have been trapped inside the barbican. The forces blocking the Daming Palace gates were likely the Sixteen Guards of the Southern Administration. Surrounded with no escape, the Divine Strategy Army stood no chance against the hail of arrows from above.

A cold sweat broke out across his body. Before he could turn and rush back inside, a blade pressed against his chest. A voice spoke leisurely, "Commander Wang, it’s been a while."

Wang Yun stared at the man before him in shock. "Jing Xiang? You didn’t die in Shu?"

"Thanks to your hospitality in Shu, Commander, I had hoped to return sooner to repay the favor. But His Highness had other tasks for me, hence the delay." His tone was as unhurried as ever, the blood splattered on his cheeks barely noticeable.

"So, the disturbances across the regions—you were the one coordinating them?" Wang Yun forced himself to stay composed. "You truly are Prince Kui’s right-hand man, a formidable asset."

Jing Xiang merely smiled. "You flatter me. This humble servant only just completed His Highness’s orders a few days ago—almost didn’t make it in time."

Despite the blade at his chest, Wang Yun only glanced at it before slowly raising his own sword to parry. "Rest assured, Eunuch Jing Xiang, the Imperial Guards have treated your prince with courtesy. If you doubt it, step inside and see for yourself."

He retreated a step, evading Jing Xiang’s blade. Seeing no further advance, he turned and strode back into the hall.The hall was now left with only a few dozen Imperial Guards, surrounded by the black-armored troops. As they watched Jing Xiang lead his men inside in panic, Li Shubai shouted, "If any of you wish to live, lay down your weapons and leave!"

The soldiers stood frozen, their panicked eyes turning to Wang Yun.

Wang Yun gripped his horizontal blade, his gaze fixed on the Emperor and Empress as if he hadn't heard. Only when Wang Zongshi grasped his shoulder and whispered, "Yunzhi, will you drag the Wang family down with you?" did he snap out of it.

He stiffened, his fingers loosening unconsciously, and the razor-sharp blade clattered to the ground. With that first metallic clang, the weapons of the remaining Imperial Guards followed suit, a cacophony of surrenders ringing through the hall.

Wang Yun retreated two steps, his eyes seeking Huang Zixiao, who stood motionless in the hall. Yet her gaze never found him.

Her eyes were only for Li Shubai. Through perilous straits when doom seemed imminent; through miraculous deliverance when all became clear.

Through joy and sorrow alike, from beginning to end, her eyes had never strayed from Li Shubai.

Wang Yun closed his eyes, wrenching his gaze away. Amidst the searing pain in his chest, he felt an unexpected relief.

A clean break—realizing that some things, some people, would forever remain beyond reach—was perhaps better than grasping them only to find no bond existed.

Even if it meant an eternity of unrequited longing.

Wang Yun exhaled deeply and quietly stepped behind Wang Zongshi. The disarmed Imperial Guards scrambled out in disarray, swiftly subdued by the black-armored soldiers.

In what seemed like mere moments—as sunlight climbed higher and fresh bloodstains dotted the hall—the balance of power in the Hanyuan Hall had completely shifted.

The Emperor's face was ashen with despair, his breath coming in ragged gasps. Empress Wang knelt before him, silent tears rolling down her cheeks.

Li Shubai's gaze swept over them before turning to Huang Zixiao.

She had already sheathed her dagger. Meeting his eyes, she offered a faint smile and nod, her pallor the only sign of their recent ordeal.

As dust settled, the clamor outside gradually faded into silence.

Crossing the empty hall, Li Shubai approached her and asked softly, "I told you to leave first. Why didn't you listen?"

Huang Zixiao looked up at him, backlit by the slanting sunlight. Though disheveled from their narrow escape, he appeared more striking than ever in his triumph.

She meant to smile, but tears welled before she could speak. Drawing a steadying breath, she whispered, "Because you deceived me first—keeping me from standing by your side."

He couldn't suppress a soft chuckle. "And you doubted me first. I told you to trust me completely."

Her lips curved even as tears traced down her cheeks. "Yes. I'll remember that."

Glancing at the Emperor and Empress, then back at Huang Zixiao before him, Li Shubai felt overwhelmed by fortune's generosity—as if all the world's blessings had converged upon him.

Smiling, he reached to gently wipe her tears, leaning close to murmur, "Come. Let's go home."

Huang Zixiao nodded, then asked, "Did you really prepare oleander?""None, it's a lie. Looks like we'll have to stop and buy some on the way back."

Before the words had fully left his mouth, someone nearby remarked, "As for this oleander, I don't think Prince Kui needs to purchase any after all."

It was Wang Zongshi, who bowed slightly to Li Shubai before continuing in a low voice, "In truth, of those two cups of wine, one contained the eggs of an Agashini fish, while the other merely had rouge powder—just as Miss Huang deceived me with last time."

Huang Zizao and Li Shubai exchanged glances, their gazes slowly shifting toward Empress Wang.

The emperor had already fallen unconscious. Empress Wang stood coldly observing his prone form, seemingly calculating how best to deal with him.

Wang Zongshi's voice was faint and sinister, ensuring that Empress Wang seated above could not hear his words.

"His Majesty's intention was to prepare both cups of wine. One as a precaution, and the other... because His Majesty could not bear to leave the Empress alone in this world."

Huang Zixiang and Li Shubai exchanged a glance, a chill running down their spines, leaving them speechless.

Naturally, the Emperor feared the Empress—especially after learning she was not of the Wang family and shared no blood ties with the Crown Prince. Coupled with the capital's mocking whispers of "the exalted Emperor above, the martial Empress below," it was unthinkable for him to let her live in peace.

As for the Wang family, this pawn had long outlived its usefulness and had even become an obstacle. Naturally, it was time to discard it without hesitation.

Wang Zongshi knew exactly what they were thinking, but he didn’t care. He continued in a low voice, "However, this old servant has always believed that Prince Kui is the pillar of the court. Should His Majesty pass, without Your Highness's support, the Great Tang would surely teeter on the brink of collapse. Thus, recalling how Miss Huang once deceived this old servant with rouge powder, I decided to return the favor. So, Your Highness need not worry—even if I defy His Majesty, I would never dare let any harm befall you."

Hearing this, Li Shubai cupped his hands in acknowledgment. "I am deeply grateful for Chief Wang's kindness."

Wang Zongshi raised his voice so that Empress Wang in the hall could hear him clearly. "Your Highness, the Langya Wang family has always held goodwill toward you. Though past actions may have been misguided, they were all under imperial decree. Even Her Majesty the Empress was unaware of what transpired on the day of the late Emperor's passing. The Wang family acted under the Emperor's orders—it was all under duress..."

Li Shubai replied calmly, "In truth, I am also grateful. After all, Zixiang has benefited greatly from your... consideration. Had Chief Wang not subtly aided us, she would never have uncovered the truth, and the current situation would not have progressed so smoothly."

Huang Zixiang suddenly remembered the hints Wang Zongshi had dropped during her time at the Wang residence—seemingly intentional, yet ambiguous.

Now, looking back, had his agreement to let her investigate Prince Kui's case truly been to relieve the pressure from the Emperor's orders? In reality, the Emperor had never cared about the truth—because the truth itself had been their design. Meanwhile, the Wang family had spread word of the Zhenwu Army's defeat and the urgent need to reinstate Prince Kui to repel the Uighurs. Though this forced the Emperor to act against Li Shubai sooner, it also secured his release from the Imperial Clan Court. Had the Emperor not suddenly fallen ill, would Li Shubai truly have escaped unscathed?

Huang Zixiang turned her gaze to Wang Zongshi. His face remained pale, his expression hovering between a smile and something inscrutable. Yet, beneath his faint smile, a cold sweat prickled down her back like needles.

Her eyes shifted to the Emperor, lying deathly still on the dragon bed. She thought to herself: With Prince Kui's downfall, the next target would have been the Wang family—the thorn in the Emperor's side for over a decade. But now, the Emperor was beyond recovery, Prince Kui was reviled by the people, and only the Wang family, thanks to Wang Zongshi's subtle maneuver, had secured Li Shubai's favor—enough to shield them from annihilation.

After all these years of scheming, the Emperor had believed himself the fisherman reaping the rewards. Yet, even now, he likely never realized who the true victor was.Li Shubai naturally understood everything clearly. Yet he merely gave Huang Zixiao's shoulder a light pat before addressing Empress Wang, "His Majesty has suffered such a fright that it may harm the imperial health. Your Highness might consider having him escorted back to Xianning Palace first."

Seeing the emperor had fallen unconscious, Empress Wang slowly released her grip, letting him collapse onto the couch. Wiping away her tears, she rose and stood upon the vermilion steps, gazing down at them with a voice like cold steel: "With matters having come to this today, is Prince Kui mobilizing such forces to seize the throne?"

Li Shubai's gaze fell upon the golden lacquered dragon couch—that resplendent, jewel-encrusted seat where his elder brother now lay. His complexion was ashen, his breathing faint; anyone could see his life hung by a thread.

Yet no one paid him any heed. His radiant empress abandoned him upon that supreme seat, busying herself instead with discussing his disposal with others.

Li Shubai suddenly laughed, countering: "Indeed. So ten years after our father's passing, might I finally reclaim what is rightfully mine?"

Empress Wang's expression shifted slightly, maintaining only the last vestige of arrogance as she tilted her chin upward.

Wang Zongshi interjected: "This is only proper. When the late emperor ascended as the imperial uncle, he governed with perfect order, earning the people's gratitude. Now with Your Highness's brilliance and martial prowess, universal peace would surely follow your enthronement."

"And then?" Li Shubai retorted.

Wang Zongshi faltered, uncertain of his meaning.

"Then I'd begin by eliminating threats to my throne—say, my nephews: twelve-year-old Crown Prince Xuan'er and seven-year-old Jie'er, the empress's son. Correct?"

Empress Wang shuddered violently, all color draining from her face until even her rouge couldn't conceal her ashen, trembling lips.

Wang Zongshi remained silent, his expression hesitant.

As if not seeing her, Li Shubai continued slowly: "Yet many court officials have petitioned for my execution—some even declaring today that I deserve death. How could such men remain under my rule? Then there are heads to roll for Prince E's death; more executions for my forced accession; until the entire court is purged for a fresh start. Isn't that so?"

Huang Zixiao shook her head with a quiet smile, picking up her overturned case kicked aside by retreating imperial guards and reorganizing its contents.

"As for common gossipmongers—they're beyond counting. Those accusing me of regicide and fratricide, spreading rumors that Prince Kui would overthrow the realm, whispering about my usurpation... endless slander shaking the foundations of state. What then? Must I slaughter half the capital's population until commoners dare only exchange fearful glances in streets before my throne is secure?"

Wang Zongshi said: "Your Highness's benevolent nature may not require such measures.""Perhaps I don’t wish to kill them now, but who knows what kind of person one becomes after sitting in that position for too long—just like His Majesty. He never thought of killing me or Seventh Brother before, but one must act according to their role. Human hearts are fickle, and when it comes to that point, who can control their thoughts or actions?" Li Shubai sneered bitterly at this point, shaking his head. "By His Majesty’s grace, I am now infamous, branded a treacherous rebel. If I dared to covet the throne, I would surely be reviled by the masses and condemned for eternity. Since Xuan’er is already the Crown Prince, his ascension will ensure stability in the court. Why should I plunge the people into turmoil for my own selfish desires?"

Empress Wang exhaled deeply, still dazed, staring at Li Shubai without daring to speak.

Li Shubai continued, "Your Majesty, didn’t you ask if I wanted to take the throne for myself? Today, I will tell you—and the entire world—that not only do I have no interest in that position, I wouldn’t even take a single step onto the imperial dais!"

With that, he turned to Huang Zixia, who had already packed her belongings and walked toward him with a faint smile.

Gazing at her, he said softly, "Let’s go."

Huang Zixia nodded, then remembered something. She retrieved the late emperor’s edict from her case and handed it to Wang Zongshi. "Eunuch Wang, this is for you—to answer your doubts."

Wang Zongshi, suspicious and hesitant, slowly unrolled the edict. After a glance, his eyes widened in shock. "This... this isn’t the same edict!"

"Indeed. The real edict was destroyed. The ink-peeling method only reveals the hidden characters for an instant when the surface layer is washed away. I merely forged a replica that looks identical at a glance but feels wrong upon closer inspection," she said, radiant with relief as she held Li Shubai’s hand. "Eunuch Wang, you were right—there are no such miracles in this world."

Wang Zongshi stared at her blankly before finally letting out a bitter laugh. "I never thought even I would fall for your trick."

Huang Zixia smiled and nodded at him, then turned her gaze to Wang Yun.

Standing behind Wang Zongshi, Wang Yun watched her silently, saying nothing.

As the eldest grandson of the Langya Wang family’s main branch, he bore the greatest hopes of his centuries-old lineage. The proud legacy of his family rested on his shoulders.

Burdened with too many responsibilities, he could never abandon everything for her. In his heart, she would always come second to his family.

Now, she had found someone who placed her above all else in the world.

And so, he could only concede defeat willingly and let her go.

Huang Zixia released Li Shubai’s hand and bowed deeply to Wang Yun in a formal salute.

Wang Yun returned the gesture with a nod.

Neither mentioned the betrothal letter—nor the annulment.

Thus, with unspoken understanding, it was over.

The imperial guards at key posts in the palace had all been replaced by the Divine Might Army. As Li Shubai descended the dragon-tail steps, cheers erupted outside the hall.

He glanced back at Huang Zixia. She followed half a step behind him—never too fast, never too slow.He paused with a smile, standing at the highest point of the capital, gazing at the vast Daming Palace before him and the distant city of Chang'an.

Under the early spring sunlight, the willows of the capital had already turned vibrant green, and all the flowering trees had sprouted tender buds and blossoms. The fresh greens and soft pinks adorned the most prosperous city under heaven, dazzling the eye with brilliance and splendor.

This was Chang’an—the Chang’an of seventy-two wards and a million souls.

This was the Great Tang—the Tang of spring rains in Jiangnan and bright moons over the northern frontier.

Beneath the boundless sky, amid the sweeping wind, and before the spring day, Li Shubai smiled faintly, calmly raising his hand and reaching back.

After a moment, a slender, delicate hand gently settled into his palm. And he, in turn, tightened his grasp, holding her firmly in his hand.

Their fingers intertwined, never to part again.