Chapter 69: Gathering Stormclouds

One morning, Xiao Yuxi led little Cui'er toward the Eastern Palace. Crown Prince Xiao Y瑾 had long since been informed of Xiao Yuxi's impending visit and was waiting for him in the main hall. When the two met, they were outwardly courteous, but beneath the surface, undercurrents surged violently.

The Crown Prince smiled and asked, "How is it that my imperial elder brother has the leisure to visit my Eastern Palace today? Could it be that you have some important business to discuss?"

Xiao Yuxi smiled faintly and replied, "Your Highness the Crown Prince jests. I merely had some free time and specifically came to catch up with Your Highness."

A flicker of coldness crossed the Crown Prince's eyes as he said flatly, "My elder brother is currently at the height of his prominence, with your reputation as the top scholar of the imperial examination echoing throughout the realm. How could you possibly have free time?"

Unfazed, Xiao Yuxi chuckled and said, "Your Highness flatters me. I merely chanced upon an empty title; how could I ever compare to Your Highness, who holds immense power and commands awe across the court?"

Upon hearing this, the Crown Prince's expression shifted slightly, but he quickly smiled and retorted, "My elder brother is mistaken. We are both sons of His Majesty; how could there be a distinction between us? It is simply that His Majesty has been in poor health recently, and affairs of state are burdensome. As the Crown Prince, it is only natural for me to shoulder more of the load."

Hearing this, Xiao Yuxi felt a jolt in his heart and thought to himself, 'His Majesty's health is poor? Why have I heard nothing of this?'

Yet, on the surface, Xiao Yuxi remained completely composed. He smiled and said, "You have worked hard, Your Highness. I wonder if His Majesty has shown any improvement lately?"

The Crown Prince sighed and replied, "His Majesty is advanced in years, and recent overexertion has made recovery difficult, I fear. I have already ordered the imperial physicians to attend to him day and night, hoping for his swift recovery."

Xiao Yuxi nodded. "Your Highness's filial piety is commendable; His Majesty will surely feel it in his heart."

After exchanging a few more polite pleasantries, Xiao Yuxi took his leave. Once outside the Eastern Palace, his expression instantly darkened. He whispered to little Cui'er, "Return to the estate immediately and summon all members of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. I have urgent matters to discuss."

Seeing Xiao Yuxi's grave expression, little Cui'er dared not ask further and hastily acknowledged the order, departing at once.

Upon returning to the estate, Xiao Yuxi immediately gathered the core members of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion was an intelligence network he had secretly established, composed of erudite scholars from the Great Li Dynasty and eccentric talents from the martial world, dedicated to gathering intelligence on the various political factions in the court for him.

Xiao Yuxi said in a low, deep voice, "The Crown Prince revealed today that His Majesty is in poor health. Have any of you heard wind of this?"

A man clad in black stepped forward and murmured in a hushed tone, "Reporting to the Pavilion Master, we have indeed received some rumors. It is said that the Emperor has been frequently summoning imperial physicians lately, though the exact nature of his illness remains unknown."

Xiao Yuxi knitted his brows, a faint sense of unease stirring within him. He had previously attempted several times to pay his respects to his Imperial Father, only to be rebuffed by the Empress under the pretext of pressing state affairs. When he sought help from his birth mother, Noble Consort Chen Wanlan, she had only worn a sorrowful and helpless expression.

Pondering for a moment, he ordered, "Send men to infiltrate the palace immediately and make certain to investigate His Majesty's true condition. Furthermore, keep a close watch on the Crown Prince's recent movements. Report any unusual activity at once."

Everyone chorused their assent and dispersed.

A few days later, word came from the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion that the Emperor, Xiao Yulong, was indeed gravely ill, and the nature of his illness was highly suspicious. The imperial physicians were at their wits' end, while the Empress had been frequently entering and leaving the Emperor's bedchamber, behaving in a thoroughly questionable manner.

Upon learning this, Xiao Yuxi felt his anxiety deepen. Just as he was about to enter the palace to check on his Imperial Father, an imperial decree suddenly arrived, commanding him to enter the palace immediately to an audience with the Emperor.

Daring not to delay, Xiao Yuxi hurried to the imperial palace. However, upon stepping into the Emperor's bedchamber, he found the hall completely empty, save for the Empress, who sat regally beside the dragon throne, gazing at him with cold eyes.

Xiao Yuxi felt a chill run through him and quickly bowed, saying, "This son greets the Empress Mother."

The Empress let out a cold laugh, then spoke in a measured, unhurried tone, "Xiao Yuxi, do you know your crimes?"

Her demeanor was as though she were looking at a man who was already dead.

Feigning ignorance, Xiao Yuxi widened his eyes with a puzzled look and said, "This son does not understand what the Empress Mother means. I beg you to make it clear."

The Empress sneered and continued, "You secretly established the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion, colluded with court ministers, and plotted rebellion. Do you still dare to quibble?"

Hearing this, Xiao Yuxi was greatly alarmed, yet he maintained his composure on the surface. "May the Empress Mother examine the truth—this son harbors no such intent. The Heavenly Mystery Pavilion was merely established to share the burden for His Majesty; it holds no treasonous heart."

The Empress laughed icily. "Is that so? Then why did you enter the palace today?"

Xiao Yuxi said in a low voice, "This son heard that His Majesty is gravely ill and came specifically to pay a visit."

A flash of ruthless intent crossed the Empress's eyes. "Your Imperial Father has already passed away. What filial son are you still pretending to be?"

Xiao Yuxi felt as though he had been struck by lightning. He stared at the Empress in disbelief and trembled as he asked, "Empress Mother, what did you say?"

The Empress said coldly, "Your Imperial Father has passed away. Before his death, he left behind an imperial edict passing the throne to Crown Prince Xiao Y瑾. If you know what's good for you, don't blame this Empress for showing no mercy!"

Rage burned fiercely in Xiao Yuxi's chest, but he knew he could not act rashly at this moment. Forcing down his anger, he whispered, "Empress Mother, this son understands. I take my leave now."

The Empress waved a hand. "Go. Remember, if you dare any rash movements, this Empress will make you wish you were dead!"

Bowing, Xiao Yuxi backed out of the bedchamber. Once outside, he hurried straight to Noble Consort Chen's palace. However, upon arrival, he found that Noble Consort Chen was nowhere to be found, and only little Cui'er was waiting inside the hall.

Seeing Xiao Yuxi arrive, little Cui'er rushed forward and whispered urgently, "Your Highness, the Noble Consort has been placed under house arrest by the Empress. Your servant risked her life to escape and bring you the news."

Xiao Yuxi's heart grew even heavier. After a brief moment of contemplation, he said in a low voice, "Little Cui'er, are you willing to help me?"

Little Cui'er nodded without hesitation. "Your servant is willing to go through fire and water for Your Highness!"

A flash of resolute determination appeared in Xiao Yuxi's eyes. "Good. Go immediately and contact Meng Hongchang, have him lead troops into the palace. Before the Crown Prince ascends the throne, I will expose the Empress's conspiracy!"

Little Cui'er acknowledged the command and left, while Xiao Yuxi quietly slipped deeper into the palace to search for the whereabouts of Noble Consort Chen.

Meanwhile, Crown Prince Xiao Y瑾 was in the Eastern Palace preparing for the grand ascension ceremony. Smug and triumphant, he believed the overall situation was completely settled, entirely unaware that Xiao Yuxi had already laid his plans in the shadows.

On the eve of the enthronement ceremony, Xiao Yuxi finally located the imprisoned Noble Consort Chen. Upon seeing him, a complex expression flickered in her eyes, and she murmured, "Yuxi, you've finally come."

Xiao Yuxi said gravely, "Imperial Mother, the Empress has murdered Imperial Father and now intends to harm you as well. We must act immediately, or it will be too late for everything."

Noble Consort Chen sighed. "Yuxi, your Imperial Father is already gone. What is left to fight for now?

"Just peacefully content yourself as the eldest imperial prince and disband the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion. No doubt the Empress will still be mindful of her reputation and banish you far from the capital, allowing you to live out the rest of your days in peace. As for me, Chen Wanlan, I was always your Imperial Father's woman; now that he is gone, I have no desire to live. Once you are settled, I shall follow your Imperial Father."

As she spoke, Noble Consort Chen broke down in tears.

Deeply moved by her concern, Xiao Yuxi felt a piercing sorrow, but he knew this was not the time for grief.

Taking a deep breath, he said solemnly, "Imperial Mother, you are far too gentle and kind. Imperial Father died an unjust death; the most important thing right now is to expose the Empress's conspiracy and avenge him!"

A look of shock flashed across Noble Consort Chen's face, instantly replaced by fiery rage. "My son Yuxi, is what you are saying true?"

With grave and steady eyes, Xiao Yuxi replied, knowing he spoke no falsehoods, "Imperial Mother, your life is my life. You must never speak so lightly of life and death again."

Nodding with a mixture of comfort and resolve, Noble Consort Chen said, "Very well. I will assist you with all my might."

The next day, Crown Prince Xiao Y瑾's enthronement ceremony proceeded as scheduled. However, just as he was about to step onto the dragon throne, Xiao Yuxi suddenly burst into the grand hall accompanied by Meng Hongchang and the members of the Heavenly Mystery Pavilion.

Seeing this, the Crown Prince's expression changed drastically, and he barked sternly, "Xiao Yuxi, how dare you trespass into the grand hall? Are you attempting treason?"

Xiao Yuxi let out a cold laugh. "The one committing treason is you! The Empress poisoned Imperial Father and forged the imperial edict—how do you still have the gall to ascend the throne?"

A jolt of panic struck the Crown Prince, though he forced himself to maintain a calm facade. "What nonsense are you spouting? Imperial Father died of illness, and the edict was written in his own hand. How dare you slander us!"

Without further words, Xiao Yuxi waved his hand to signal Meng Hongchang to drag the Empress into the main hall. Bound tightly with ropes and pale-faced, the Empress had clearly already confessed.

Xiao Yuxi said coldly, "Empress, what else do you have to say?"

The Empress sneered. "History is written by the victors; I have nothing to say. But Xiao Yuxi, do you think you have won? Hahahahaha, what a delusional fool! Even if I die, you will soon be joining me down below."

Everyone present merely assumed the Empress had lost her mind. With a wave of his hand, Xiao Yuxi commanded in a deep voice, "Take these rebellious traitors to the celestial prison to await sentencing."

Once the Crown Prince and the Empress had been dragged away, the sacred hall regained its pristine serenity.

Meng Hongchang dropped to his knees with a thud and proclaimed in a ringing voice, "The state cannot go a single day without a ruler. This subject humbly requests that the eldest imperial prince, Xiao Yuxi, ascend the throne."