The noon hour approached, the early spring sunlight lazily spilling over the eastern wing of the main courtyard at the Temple of Common Vocation. The warmth radiating from the door, steps, and ground made Wei Shufen long to simply sit down and soothe her aching back and legs.
Of course, she couldn't possibly behave so rudely. Standing opposite her was the tall, handsome young gentleman Yang Xinzhi, who, like her, was idly pacing outside the eastern wing's window. Their eyes occasionally met, only to exchange awkward smiles.
Li Yuangui had rushed to the temple with Yang Xinzhi to find Chai Yingluo, claiming urgent matters to discuss. The western courtyard was crowded with too many eyes and ears, so the four had retreated to this eastern wing—the very place where Princess Linfen had hanged herself. Yi Niang's body had already been removed and encoffined, and the room had been thoroughly cleaned, leaving it quiet and undisturbed. Li Yuangui had pulled Chai Yingluo inside to talk, instructing Yang Xinzhi and Wei Shufen to wait outside, keep watch, and prevent eavesdroppers.
Only a paper window separated them. Though Li Yuangui kept his voice low, making his words indistinct, the agitation and grief in his tone were unmistakable. Chai Yingluo responded with occasional murmurs of acknowledgment or brief words of comfort.
Unable to contain her curiosity, Wei Shufen whispered to Yang Xinzhi outside:
"What's wrong with the Fourteenth Young Master?"
Yang Xinzhi countered first: "Does Wei Niangzi know about the Fourteenth Young Master's birth mother and younger sister at the Great Peace Palace?"
Wei Shufen nodded. "The High Truth Master told me."
Yang Xinzhi sighed. "Yesterday morning... the Fourteenth Young Master accompanied the Emperor and Prince Consort Chai's family to pay respects to the Supreme Emperor at the Great Peace Palace. The Supreme Emperor remained unconscious, so the Fourteenth Young Master excused himself early to meet us here and investigate the case. The Emperor waited by the Supreme Emperor's bedside for over two hours, but the old sovereign never woke. His Majesty has a short temper—it's said he exchanged some harsh words with Consort Yin. By this morning, servants from the Seventeenth Prince's Residence were spreading word that the Seventeenth Princess had cried all night without pause..."
His voice, already deep, was further muffled by the low volume and rapid pace, making the entire account sound like a throaty mutter. Wei Shufen strained to listen and pieced together the sequence:
Consort Yin had persecuted Li Yuangui's family of three, driving his birth mother, Consort Zhang, to hang herself, then took his younger sister, the Seventeenth Princess, under her control to coerce Li Yuangui—still in mourning—into presiding over Princess Linfen's wedding procession. The Emperor had only learned of this yesterday. While waiting impatiently at the Supreme Emperor's bedside, he must have clashed with Consort Yin. In retaliation, the consort took out her anger on the young princess in her custody, tormenting the girl until she wept through the night. By morning, word had reached Li Yuangui...
"...Yingniang, just focus on treating the Supreme Emperor and keep that vile woman tied to his bedside! Leave the rest to me! I'll go rescue Seventeenth Sister myself!"
Behind the paper window, Li Yuangui's voice rose, edged with recklessness. Chai Yingluo's reply grew louder as well:
"Fourteenth Uncle, don't act rashly! For news from last night to spread across so many courtyards and reach the Seventeenth Prince's Residence by morning—that was clearly the vile woman's doing! The Great Peace Hall is heavily guarded. Even if you take Xinzhi with you, what chance do two men have forcing their way in?"“No chance of winning? Fine! I’ll fight that wicked woman to the death! This life is unbearable anyway!”
“What nonsense! Fourteenth Uncle, wake up! Who are you? A noble of imperial blood, a golden branch and jade leaf, the Emperor’s own brother—do you really think it’s worth throwing your life away against that vile wretch? Besides, Seventeenth Aunt now only has you, her full brother, as family left. If something happens to you, have you thought about her?”
“That’s exactly why I came to you first! We’ll rescue Seventeenth Sister and have her stay at your monastery for a while, then slowly explain things to the Empress. The Empress has already raised several motherless daughters—what’s one more?”
Wei Shufen and Yang Xinzhi exchanged glances outside the window. The voices inside the room grew louder, almost audible to the servants passing through the courtyard. Wei Shufen coughed lightly to clear her throat, and the voices inside immediately lowered again.
Yang Xinzhi gave her a bitter smile. His usually cheerful, plump face was now filled with worry. Unable to hold back, Wei Shufen whispered:
“Yang Dalang, if Prince Wu insists on storming into the Great Peace Hall to take someone by force, will you go with him?”
Yang Xinzhi was personally appointed by the Emperor as Prince Wu’s bodyguard and attendant. In principle, he had to obey his lord’s orders. But forcibly entering the Supreme Emperor’s resting quarters with weapons—the mere thought made one’s legs tremble. Li Yuangui was the Supreme Emperor’s own son, and the Emperor might “keep family scandals within the family,” dealing leniently with his younger brother. But if they needed a scapegoat, Yang Xinzhi, with his towering frame, would have nowhere to hide.
“Let’s hope… it doesn’t come to that,” Yang Xinzhi replied with a pained smile, looking utterly dejected. “But if the worst happens, perhaps when your honored father is commissioned to compile the annals of our dynasty, young lady, you could put in a good word for Prince Wu and me.”
Wei Shufen could only smile wryly in return. She couldn’t even return home herself, yet he was already thinking about her father Wei Zheng writing history—this Yang Dalang certainly had a broad imagination.
The two inside whispered for a while longer before Chai Yingluo pushed the door open and stepped out first, followed by Li Yuangui, whose face still bore tear stains.
“A Fen, I need to go to the Great Peace Palace,” the female Taoist sighed to Wei Shufen. “I suppose you’ve heard enough to understand—another troublesome matter. If you don’t want to get involved, you can return to the Purple Void Monastery on your own.”
“I’ll go with you, Sister Ying,” Wei Shufen said, now in a state where more troubles made little difference. Besides, when she was in trouble, Li Yuangui and Yang Xinzhi had helped her. Now that their sister was in distress, how could she walk away? Whatever they planned to do, having more people along would be better, if only for moral support.
Chai Yingluo glanced at Li Yuangui first. Seeing no objection, she smiled at Wei Shufen. “Very well. They say your father is the Star Lord of Celestial Authority incarnate, with an aura of formidable power. Let’s hope some of that has rubbed off on you. We’re about to face a venomous dragon…”
The four mounted their horses and rode westward along the main path of the forbidden garden toward the Great Peace Palace. Along the way, they passed the Purple Void Monastery, where Chai Yingluo ordered her attendants to fetch some items. After about the time it took to eat a meal, the defensive structures like watchtowers and palisades, along with guards, grew more numerous along the roadside. Wei Shufen knew they were nearing the Great Peace Palace.The Great Peace Palace was located at the westernmost edge of the forbidden garden. Originally built against the mountains as a detached palace during the previous Sui dynasty, it was renovated and renamed "Hongyi Palace" in the fifth year of the WuDe era and bestowed upon the Prince of Qin—the current Son of Heaven of the Great Tang—as his Prince of Qin's Manor and Tiance Headquarters. The Prince of Qin and his family resided here for four years. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, they moved into the Crown Prince's Palace, and in the third year of the Zhenguan era, they relocated again to the Supreme Palace. That same year, the Supreme Emperor Li Yuan moved into Hongyi Palace, which was renamed "Great Peace Palace" for his retirement. Naturally, his consorts and underage children also moved in with him.
The outermost checkpoint of the Great Peace Palace was a pair of ornamental gates erected along the mountain path, flanked by a permanent military camp. After passing the inspection, the path gradually narrowed as they ventured deeper. Though the four could still ride their horses, they could no longer gallop, and the surrounding mountains began to loom overhead.
After passing another palace gate, all four dismounted to proceed on foot. Chai Yingluo pointed to a side path leading into a mountain hollow and explained to Wei Shufen, "That way leads to the Seventeenth Prince's Residence. All of the Supreme Emperor's sons over twelve years old live there. During the WuDe era, it housed the Literary Academy, where the 'Eighteen Scholars' took turns staying on duty."
Wei Shufen deliberately glanced a few more times, but the view was partially blocked by rocks. She could only faintly make out towering pavilions and a cluster of buildings in the hollow. So, Li Yuangui usually lived there—though she wasn’t sure whether Yang Xinzhi stayed with his lord at night or had separate quarters.
The main hall of the Great Peace Palace, the Great Peace Hall, was situated on relatively high ground. Wei Shufen was slightly out of breath by the time they reached the main entrance. A deputy general guarding the gate stopped them, his tone firm despite his polite smile:
"Forgive me, Fourteenth Young Master. As you know, since the Supreme Emperor fell ill late last year, all imperial sons and brothers have been barred from visiting without summons. Is the High Truth Master here to deliver medicine?—This humble general will send someone to inform Lady Consort De immediately. Please wait a moment, High Truth Master."
During the journey, Chai Yingluo had ordered someone to fetch a bundle from the Purple Void Monastery. Now, Wei Shufen stood behind the female Taoist, holding the bundle as her attendant. When the guard inquired, Chai Yingluo took the bundle and opened it for inspection, revealing porcelain bottles and medicinal powders. Meanwhile, Li Yuangui, unable to contain his impatience, grumbled indignantly:
"Yesterday, I accompanied His Majesty to pay respects to the Supreme Emperor, but he never woke up. Can a son not even visit his ailing father to attend to him? I’ve heard my younger sister from the same mother, the Seventeenth Princess, is also unwell. As her elder brother, I haven’t seen her in nearly two months—and now I’m barred from entering? Is there no familial duty or justice left in this world?"
"Enough, enough," Chai Yingluo soothed him. "You know the Supreme Emperor’s condition—he truly can’t endure disturbances. Fourteenth Uncle, just wait here. I’ll go in and check on Grandfather. If he’s feeling better, I’ll ask him to summon you for an audience."
Wei Shufen, holding the medicine box for inspection, noticed the guard’s lips curl into a faint, disdainful smirk at the exchange between the uncle and niece. Chai Yingluo added, "But if the Supreme Emperor still lacks the energy to receive visitors, I’ll ask Lady Consort De to let the Seventeenth Princess come out to speak with you. She’s always been considerate and usually indulges me—so just wait patiently, Fourteenth Uncle."Li Yuangui's expression softened slightly, but he still muttered, "What's the harm in letting me go in with you for a look? Why make it so complicated?" No matter what he said, the gatekeeper merely kept apologizing with a smile, yet firmly refused to let him enter. Wei Shufen glanced at the twenty-some armored halberd-wielding guards stationed at the palace gate and thought that if they followed Li Yuangui's idea of "storming the Great Peace Hall to rescue someone," neither he nor Yang Xinzhi would even make it past this gate, let alone see their father and sister.
Chai Yingluo, however, carried considerable influence. Shortly after the guards relayed the message inside, word came back: "The High Truth Master is invited in." Wei Shufen, carrying a bundle, followed the female Taoist through the gate.
Before the Great Peace Hall lay a sizable open area—a rare sight in this cramped mountain retreat palace. The main hall had a double-eaved hip-and-gable roof, its glazed tiles shimmering emerald green under the sunlight. Yet Chai Yingluo didn't enter the main hall, instead turning west toward a smaller elevated pavilion. It turned out the Supreme Emperor's bedchamber was located here.
Upon entering the warm chamber, the thick medicinal fumes immediately made Wei Shufen dizzy. Keeping her eyes lowered, she followed Chai Yingluo past a wooden screen painted with floral branches and bowed toward a beautifully dressed noblewoman who had come out to greet them.
So this was the infamous, venomous wretch Consort Yin.
Wei Shufen had always imagined "seductive enchantresses" like Consort Zhang Jie and Consort Yin as coquettish, alluring beauties—or perhaps delicate and charming like Consort Yang, Princess of Hailing. She hadn't expected this "imperial consort" past thirty to stand ramrod straight, with relaxed brows, sharp eyes, slightly thick lips, and strong features. Her beauty wasn't stunning, but she carried the noble, commanding air typical of a matriarch from Guanlong's elite families. In terms of presence alone, she and Chai Yingluo, Master of the Purple Void Monastery, seemed to complement each other—though the young Taoist appeared somewhat inexperienced in comparison.
After exchanging a few quiet pleasantries with Consort Yin, Chai Yingluo seemed to notice Wei Shufen's wide-eyed stare. Consort Yin's gaze swept over:
"The young lady the High Truth Master brought today is unfamiliar."
"Lady Yin has sharp eyes," Chai Yingluo introduced with a smile. "This is the eldest daughter of Chancellor Wei. She's currently staying at my monastery to observe fasting rites for her mother's health and learning some medicine from me."
Wei Shufen hastily bowed again in greeting, but before she could finish the formalities, a hoarse, weak voice called from behind the heavy bed curtains in the room:
"...Yin... Ah Yin..."
"The Supreme Emperor is awake." Chai Yingluo started, quickly stepping to the bedside. She knelt, lifted a corner of the curtain, and called softly:
"Grandfather? Grandfather? Yingluo is here to attend to you."
Wei Shufen followed with the medicine, peering through the gap in the curtains. She could vaguely make out an aged face with wild, snow-white hair and beard, covered in spots and wrinkles. His eyes seemed half-open, drool trickling from the corners of his mouth, his cracked lips moving soundlessly.
This was Li Yuan, founding emperor of the Great Tang—who rose from a corner of Taiyuan to conquer the realm, only to be forced to abdicate by his own son's coup.
"Grandfather." Chai Yingluo called again, louder this time, pulling the curtain further open. The old man on the bed reacted, his confused gaze sweeping over the Taoist's lovely face—yet he seemed not to recognize her. His trembling lips only murmured:
"Ah Yin...""Ah Yin is here," Consort Yin said, holding a bowl of medicine just delivered by a palace maid as she walked to the bedside. She cast a smug glance at Chai Yingluo, forcing the female Taoist to rise reluctantly and step aside. Sitting on the edge of the bed, Consort Yin stirred the steaming medicine with a silver spoon while coaxing softly:
"Your Majesty, don't be impatient. Speak slowly. Your servant is right here, not going anywhere. I'll stay with Your Majesty..."
The Supreme Emperor Li Yuan didn't seem to have much to say. His clouded old eyes merely relaxed at the sight of Consort Yin, closing contentedly. Yet he extended a bony, veined arm from beneath the thick quilt, slowly groping until it rested on Consort Yin's thigh where she sat by the bed, then stilled.
A man gravely ill, his mind already unclear, yet clinging deeply to someone by his side—like an infant dependent on its mother. Such scenes were common enough, but when the old man's identity was special, it became exceedingly troublesome.
Wei Shufen began to understand why the current Emperor, Empress, and even Chai Yingluo all loathed Consort Yin yet dared not act against her. The Emperor, striving to maintain his image as a "filial son," naturally wished his father to live as long as possible.
As Consort Yin stirred and blew on the medicine, waves of its bitter aroma filled the air. Chai Yingluo, standing beside her, leaned in to sniff and asked quietly:
"Is this still the Licorice Ginseng Soup prescription from Wu Jingxian and the others last time?"
"Yes," Consort Yin replied. "A formula agreed upon by several imperial physicians. How could I dare change it casually?"
"Lady Yin, wait a moment," Chai Yingluo turned and beckoned to Wei Shufen. "A Fen, take out the celadon vial from the box and pour out one Snow Ginseng Soul-Soothing Pill."
Wei Shufen didn't recognize which medicine was the Snow Ginseng Soul-Soothing Pill, but the wooden box held only two small ebony cases and one slender-necked celadon vial. Chai Yingluo took the box and gestured for Wei Shufen to uncork the vial, tipping a pale yellow pill onto her palm.
The pill was no larger than a mung bean, seemingly insignificant, yet a refreshing fragrance rose from Wei Shufen's hand, uplifting the spirit. Consort Yin couldn't help but laugh. "Such a precious little pill, like a golden bean. What use is something so tiny?"
"Don't underestimate this 'Snow Ginseng Soul-Soothing Pill,' my lady. Yingluo begged Master Sun the Immortal for years to obtain this divine recipe. Gathering ingredients and refining it took three winters and summers, resulting in just this small vial. It's most suitable for the elderly and frail." The Taoist nun held the box and instructed Wei Shufen, "A Fen, carefully drop this pill into the Supreme Emperor's medicine."
Wei Shufen reached out, but Consort Yin, holding the bowl, instinctively shrank back.
The atmosphere in the warm chamber instantly froze.
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