Chapter 65: Palace Changes

In the Eastern Palace, the storeroom is partially collapsed, thick smoke billowing. In the main hall, the piercing sound of shattered jade resonates. Crown Prince Ning Tan trembles, lying prostrate on the ground, a thick and sticky crimson immediately oozing from his forehead.

As soon as the Empress hears the news and rushes over, the Emperor angrily exclaims, “Look at the good son you’ve raised!”

The Empress responds, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger, the dragon’s health is of utmost importance.”

The thick blood clings to his eyes, and he dares not wipe it with his sleeve. He can only crawl on his knees, using his head to plead, “Your son is wronged! It must be someone framing your son! I implore Father Emperor to see the truth!”

“The disobedient son dares to argue!”

The Emperor, with a hoarse cough, points at him, saying, “During the Empress’s birthday banquet, you spoke arrogantly in front of the courtiers and consorts. Instead of making progress in the Eastern Palace, you indulged in revelry with eunuchs and palace maids at night, granting titles to several ‘concubines’ and ‘officials’… Based on this alone, I could sentence you to death for treason!”

Ning Tan is frightened, his neck shrinking, and his cries of defense are instantly choked in his throat.

Previously, when the Emperor returned from the autumn hunt with a slight illness, Ning Tan had helped with the memorial reports for two days, tasting the supreme power of the throne. He became somewhat complacent, thinking he could act without being noticed, but little did he know that the Emperor was well aware.

Seeing the Crown Prince in disarray, the Emperor knew that those absurd actions were true, and his anger intensified.

“Remember, everything you have is given by me! I can crown you, and I can also depose you!”

After saying this, the Emperor leaves in a huff.

“Father Emperor… Mother Empress, Mother Empress!”

Ning Tan desperately grabs the Empress’s phoenix robe, as if clinging to the last piece of driftwood.

The Empress, with vacant eyes, immediately has palace attendants come forward to pry apart the Crown Prince’s fingers. When the phoenix robe mercilessly sweeps past him, Ning Tan finally collapses his shoulders.

“Prime Minister, Prime Minister Xue!”

Ning Tan looks hopefully at the old man standing outside the door with a cane, tears streaming down his face. “I am the only legitimate son! Will you help me?”

“Am I right?”

Minister Xue, with his white beard slightly moving, sighs from his nostrils and, supported by Xue Song, slowly turns and leaves.

The north wind whimpers, and the Emperor’s weary voice faintly comes, “Old Xue, in your opinion, regarding the matter of deposition and succession…”

“The establishment of the heir involves the state and ritual laws; it cannot be rushed,” the elderly Minister Xue says, “Wait until the Emperor’s eldest grandson is born, Your Majesty can make a decision then.”

“If that’s the case, let’s wait for another two months,” the Emperor sighs, “The end of the year is full of worries, and the winter festival is coming. I’m tired…”

In the vast hall, only Ning Tan remains sprawled on the ground like soft mud, his shadow dancing on the wall like a ghost.

Gradually, despair spreads recklessly, giving birth to an overt hatred.

…

As the year-end approaches, there are many banquets and toasts.

This dynasty was founded on the Winter Solstice a hundred years ago, so this day is the second-largest festival after the Lantern Festival, commonly known as “Sub-Year.”

This year’s winter festival is no different from usual. The Emperor commands the Ministry of Rites to host a grand palace feast, offering sacrifices to the heavens, to reward the loyalty and hard work of civil and military officials throughout the year.

Due to the bestowed marriage, Yu Lingxi is also among the invited.

The cold wind is biting, and dark clouds hang low on the horizon, hinting at the possibility of heavy snow.

Yu Huan, the Minister of War, is busy with official duties, and Yu Xinyi leads a hundred riders to guard the inner palace. In the carriage, Yu Yuan personally accompanies his daughter to the feast.

The streets are spacious and lively, and the carriage moves slowly. Yu Lingxi, wrapped in a crimson cloak with a rabbit fur collar, looks exceptionally delicate. Suddenly, the carriage tilts, and Yu Lingxi bumps against the carriage wall, her arm aching.

“What’s going on?” Yu Yuan asks.

After a brief inspection, a guard responds, “Reporting to General, the carriage axle has broken.”

A broken carriage on the way is considered an ominous sign.

Yu Lingxi frowns, feeling inexplicably uneasy. She recalls the significant changes that would happen at the end of this year from her memories of a past life, each day feeling like walking on thin ice.

Yu Yuan’s expression also becomes serious. Seeing that the carriage wheel is taking a long time to repair, he picks up his cloak and says, “We cannot afford to delay the palace feast. I will go to the palace first. If the wheel is not fixed, I’ll have Qingxiao escort you back. I will make up an excuse for you to the Empress and the Xue family.”

Yu Lingxi thinks for a moment and reminds, “There may be changes recently. I hope Father will be careful.”

“I know, my daughter.”

Yu Yuan abandons the carriage and mounts a horse, his cloak fluttering as he rushes towards the palace gate.

The sound of repairs echoes as the carriage is being fixed, and Yu Lingxi sits alone in the carriage for a while. Previously, she had sent invitations and lanterns through Tang Buli but received no response, not knowing if Ning Yin had caught her hint.

Based on her memories from a past life, the massacre in the Ziying Hall and the murder of the Emperor and Crown Prince occurred at the end of this year, just a month away from the present.

Unfortunately, she won’t be able to wait until that time.

In seven days, it will be her wedding day.

If she’s fortunate, after everything settles, the Yu family might obtain a divorce for her. Perhaps, this is the price of tampering with fate, where not everything goes as planned. While pondering, she suddenly hears another clattering sound from the carriage.

After a moment of silence, a cautious voice from outside says, “Miss, the, the other side of the carriage axle is also broken.”

“…,” Yu Lingxi’s current attire is not suitable for horseback riding, and it’s too late to look for another carriage. Besides, she is not in the mood to go to the palace to flatter and please.

“Let’s go back home.”

In the palace.

After the lengthy ritual and offerings to the heavens, officials, consorts, noble ladies, crown princes, and others split into two lines and entered the Ziying Hall for feasting and music.

Yu Yuan glances around and notices that no one from the Xue family has arrived. It is said that Minister Xue, due to the incident involving his son Xue Cen and a courtesan, has fallen ill and did not attend the banquet.

Recalling recent events, Yu Yuan’s thoughts become heavy.

In front of the hall, Yu Xinyi, in the attire of the Commander, carrying a bow and arrows on her back, guards the safety of the inner palace.

Seeing Yu Yuan entering the banquet confidently, she looks back and asks, “Father, what about Sui Sui?”

“The carriage broke down, perhaps unable to make it to the feast in time.”

Yu Yuan explains in a few words and admonishes, “The guards on duty at the palace gate may be unfamiliar today. Keep a close eye on everything; don’t be careless.”

“Daughter understands,” Yu Xinyi says.

As Yu Yuan leaves, a crisp young voice is heard, “Commander Yu!”

Yu Xinyi can’t help but want to roll her eyes upon hearing this voice. Turning around, she sees Prince Ning Zizhuo of Nanyang.

“Little Prince.”

Yu Xinyi can only bow and salute. This young prince is playful by nature, and such a lively palace banquet is undoubtedly not to be missed for him.

Prince Ning Zizhuo, dressed in a light gold and white prince’s robe, his ponytail tied high, runs over with a smile, “Commander Yu, I just tried a piece of transparent flower cake, and it tastes excellent. You should try it too!”

After saying this in front of everyone, the audacious Ning Zizhuo casually stuffed the exquisite pastries he had picked up from the banquet into the hands of Yu Xinyi, making it look like a grand and natural gesture.

Yu Xinyi felt that this guy was only missing a wagging tail behind him. 

The subordinates of the cavalry behind them dared not look aside, wanting to laugh but suppressing it, their faces turning red and necks thickening.

“Everyone, no need to be reserved, please enjoy the feast!” The Emperor raises his cup, the courtiers stand up to reciprocate, and the banquet officially begins, with music and dance weaving together, bells ringing in harmony, creating an unparalleled spectacle.

Suddenly, a person walks in from outside.

Crown Prince Ning Tan is dressed plainly, barefooted, sharply contrasting with the gorgeously attired officials and consorts.

The music stops abruptly, and the congratulations from the officials gradually quiet down as the Emperor’s face instantly darkens like the bottom of a pot.

Although the matter of hiding the dragon robe has been suppressed, there is no wall without cracks in the world, especially when Ning Tan acts so conspicuously. Many can guess something.

“Why are you here instead of reflecting on yourself in the Eastern Palace?” the Emperor sternly asks.

“Your son is ashamed of the teachings of Father Emperor and Mother Empress, restless day and night. On this winter festival grand ceremony, I specially came to bow before Father Emperor and the people of the world to confess my sins.”

Ning Tan, barefoot on the floor tiles, shivers from the cold, looking pitiful. He says with a mournful expression, “I implore Father Emperor to give your child a chance to repent in person! If the courtiers still think your child is unworthy of the position of Crown Prince, your child… is willing to abdicate the throne!”

Yu Xinyi lightly sneers.

She watches the Crown Prince, who bows with tears streaming down his face, thinking: What play is he acting out now?

At the table, Yu Yuan’s expression is also solemn as he observes from a distance.

The Emperor’s face eases a bit, saying, “Knowing one’s mistakes can lead to correction, and not all mistakes warrant death. Speak, what do you want to say?”

Ning Tan takes a cup of wine from a servant’s tray and stands up, saying, “In the seventh year of Tianzhao, Father Emperor appointed me as the Crown Prince. For six years as the Crown Prince, I have made no achievements, never submitted a memorial, and never dealt with any political affairs…”

These words don’t sound like they would come from a frivolous and lascivious Crown Prince.

Yu Xinyi furrows her brow, feeling that something is not quite right.

Sure enough, in the next moment, Ning Tan raises his hand, turns around, and points his finger directly at the Emperor sitting on the throne, his mournful face showing an extreme and distorted suppression: “…that is because, the Emperor—my current Father Emperor, treats his son like guarding against a thief! What he needs is not a Crown Prince but a puppet, a sculpture that obeys every command!”

The Crown Prince has gone mad, daring to publicly insult the Emperor!

A stir and a change of color spread throughout the hall.

“Why don’t you listen to your son’s explanation? Why?” Ning Tan’s face turns red, gripping the cup and shouting, “Why!”

The Emperor’s face, which had just eased, suddenly tightens again, and the veins on his forehead stand out: “Crown Prince, you’re out of your mind!”

“Yes, yes! It’s because of your coercion! You don’t allow your son to touch imperial power, nor do you allow your son to be incompetent and lascivious. The position of the Crown Prince is given and taken away by you at will. It’s really difficult, so difficult to be your son!”

Ning Tan laughed, his voice hoarse, “In your eyes, I am not the Crown Prince. I am just a dog that you generously give when you’re happy and kick away when you’re not!”

With a loud sound of breaking jade, Ning Tan fiercely smashed the wine cup in his hand.

Wang Lingqing, the closest to the Emperor, took the lead in attacking, followed by General Yun Hui, Li Mao, and Liu Feng, leading the imperial guards rushing in!

Under the influence of interests, there is no absolute loyalty. For those who are not satisfied with their greed, the promise of being “awarded kings and marquises” after helping the Crown Prince ascend to the throne is enough to drive them to do anything.

Splintered jade flew, reflecting the cold gleam of swords and shadows throughout the hall.

Seventh Prince’s residence.

Six or seven corpses lie scattered on the ground, including eunuchs and palace maids, all of whom were spies planted in the Eastern Palace or the palace. At this moment, they lie in contorted positions in a pool of blood, completely wiped out.

Their masters behind them won’t live through today either, so these troublesome rats naturally cannot be spared.

Ning Yin ordered, “Clean up thoroughly.”

The bodies are dragged away, several basins of water are poured, and in a moment, the steps shine as if new.

A servant receives a secret letter, hurries through the courtyard, and reports, “Your Highness, the Eastern Palace is in action, and Chen Feng and others are ready. Shall we…”

Ning Yin sits by the earth furnace, carefully wiping his hands.

Until the cold, pale joints are wiped clean, removing the smell of blood from his body, he leans against the window desk, playing with the delicate and charming black jade carving in his hand, inch by inch, gently caressing.

“Don’t close the net too hastily; let’s wait.” Ning Yin says.

Having just stabilized his position in the palace, under him, besides Chen Feng and Li Jiu, who infiltrated the Forbidden Army by faking their deaths, there are very few usable individuals.

Moreover, since he is here for revenge, he naturally has to wait for the internal strife, the father-son conflict, and the tragic deaths before making his move.

“Your Highness, there is another matter.”

“Speak.”

“According to the plan, I arranged for the Yu family’s carriage to break down halfway, and the streets were blocked, but it still did not stop General Yu…”

The servant bowed, rolled his Adam’s apple, and said in a low voice, “He rode alone on horseback and entered the palace.”

The hand playing with the jade carving paused.

Ning Yin squints, his beautiful and pale face against the cold light, repeats, “Oh, he entered the palace?”

Although his tone is seemingly casual, the servant’s back shivers, and he quickly kneels down, saying, “I failed in my duty! May I suggest using another plan to coerce General Yu, making him collaborate from inside and outside…”

“No need.”

Yu Yuan is a straightforward military general. Although forced by the emperor’s suppression and suspicion, he gave himself some leeway in secret, it doesn’t mean he would agree with his crazy and bloody ideas.

Unless…

Ning Yin looks at the delicate jade carving in his palm, his fingers brushing over the detailed features.

Yu Lingxi sat in the flower hall, feeling uneasy, as if something was bothering her.

“Sui Sui?”

Madam Yu called several times before Lingxi came back to her senses, smiling and saying, “Mother, what’s the matter?”

Su Guan, a bit worried, held her hand and said, “Mother is asking you if there are any modifications needed for the dowry list for the marriage.”

Yu Lingxi glanced at the elaborately decorated red dowry list and lowered her eyelashes, “I’ll listen to Mother.”

Madam Yu, how could she not see through her daughter’s thoughts? Although Yu Lingxi and Xue Erlang were innocent, with only the affection between siblings, and no romantic feelings, they were still bound together by the decree of a marriage.

Hearing from her husband, Yu Lingxi had the chance to escape. However, for the sake of the overall situation and the safety of the extended family, she chose to obediently return home.

As a mother, how could Madam Yu not feel heartbroken?

Sighing, she heard the urgent sound of horse hooves outside the door. Unlike the usual sounds of father and son returning home, this time, the sound of horse hooves was chaotic and hurried, with people coming and going in a flurry.

Yu Huanchen had already changed into armor, entering with a dusty appearance, bringing in a cold and brisk wind.

“Sui Sui, you, mother, and Ah Guan should stay at home, no matter what happens, don’t go out.”

His tone was unusually heavy, devoid of the usual cheerfulness.

After comforting her mother and sister-in-law, Yu Lingxi just went out to see that several trusted generals under the command of the Yu family were already gearing up, discussing something.

“…The Emperor has divided the military power into three, and now, if we want to mobilize troops, we still need to follow the instructions of the Ministry of War and the eunuchs. How can we make it in time!”

One of them sighed, angrily saying, “If we mobilize troops privately, we’ll be accused of rebellion!”

“Father and sister are still trapped in the palace. We can’t ignore it,” Yu Huanchen decisively said, “You go and mobilize all the available Forbidden Army, and take command at Ziying Gate. Even if we can’t act recklessly, it will deter the rebels.”

Then, Yu Huanchen turned his head and saw his sister standing in the courtyard, causing him to be momentarily stunned.

“Sui Sui.”

Yu Huanchen waved to his subordinates to make arrangements and walked towards his sister.

Yu Lingxi looked at the silver-scaled armor on her brother’s body and asked with a furrowed brow, “What happened in the palace?”

Yu Huanchen looked at his sister’s clear eyes and remembered the prophecy she had mentioned before. He decided to tell her the truth, “The Crown Prince rebelled during the winter feast, imprisoning more than three hundred officials and noblewomen in the Ziying Hall, forcing the Emperor to abdicate.”

Yu Lingxi’s mind went blank, and all the missing memories connected at this moment. She finally understood what she had missed when she was seriously ill in her past life.

It was a palace coup, a turmoil sufficient for Ning Yin to reap the benefits and cleanse the court in blood. The Prince and the Emperor fighting each other, one would inevitably fall, and the remaining survivors would be like turtles in a jar, unable to stop Ning Yin’s steps…

But in the chaos of the past life, there was no presence of her brother and her father, which was the only variable in Ning Yin’s revenge plan.

A very dangerous variable.

“Elder brother, can you trust me one more time?” Lingxi said seriously.

“Of course!” Yu Huanchen nodded.

From the true culprit behind the disaster relief to the real identity of Wei Qi, from the Xue family’s double-dealing to her prediction of the year-end turmoil, many things she foresaw had become reality. Yu Huanchen had no reason not to trust her.

“No matter what happens in this palace coup, please save our father and sister, and also protect the Seventh Prince.” Purple

Yu Lingxi took a deep breath, bowed deeply to her brother, and said, “I beg my brother to help him!”

In her past life, Ning Yin killed everyone, standing in the highest position in the world in a nearly self-destructive way, but also enduring the most malicious insults and backlash.

If possible, this life, she wanted Ning Yin to have the world’s power and earn the respect of everyone.

She wanted him to transform from the madman of the past life into a legitimate and respected hero.

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