Chapter 12
Edward Quan ·
The duke nodded, approval in his eyes.
“This attack is fierce.”
“The Third Prince and his mother’s Li family are behind it.”
“They’ve coveted the succession for a long time.”
“Your father is the crown prince’s staunchest supporter.”
“Naturally, they want him gone.”
The Third Prince was Consort Xian’s son. His court connections were deep and tangled.
His maternal grandfather, Grand Preceptor Li, had students and former subordinates everywhere.
As expected. Them.
“And the commanders who gave their fingerprints?”
“All dismissed officers.”
“They already resented your father.”
“The Lis bought them off to give false testimony.”
He stroked his white beard and spoke slowly.
“I’ve already had them detained.”
“But they aren’t the key.”
“The emperor’s attitude is.”
“The emperor’s attitude,” I echoed.
“Exactly.”
He became more serious.
“The emperor is in his prime.”
“What he fears most is a subject whose achievements overshadow his sovereign.”
“Your father’s three hundred thousand troops are a sword above his head.”
“If he trusts your father, that sword protects the nation.”
“If not, it threatens his life.”
“This accusation is a knife the Lis have offered him.”
“They’re forcing him to choose.”
I was silent.
An emperor’s mind was unfathomable.
Father’s loyalty didn’t guarantee the emperor wouldn’t doubt.
“Your Grace.”
“What should I do?”
“Wait.”
One word.
“Wait?”
“Yes.”
“Wait.”
His gaze was deep as the sea.
“For the emperor to think it through.”
“For your father’s response.”
“The loyalty of the northern army is your father’s strongest card.”
“As long as it stays firm, no one can touch him.”
“Until then, stabilize the capital.”
“Don’t lose your footing.”
“Don’t beg anyone.”
“Especially…”
He paused.
“Prince Yan.”
My heart trembled.
I looked up.
He sighed.
“Your marital discord is common knowledge.”
“The Lis acted because of it.”
“If you beg him now, they’ll believe the Shens are truly cornered.”
“It won’t help.”
“It will make the supposed charges seem stronger.”
“I understand.”
I rose and bowed deeply.
“Thank you for your guidance.”
Leaving his residence, my tense heart finally settled.
Father would have his own response in the north.
I had to hold the rear here in the capital.
It was fully dark when I returned.
The side courtyard was almost soundless.
Yet Xiao Jingyan sat in it.
Two sets of bowls and chopsticks and several small dishes stood on the stone table.
He rose immediately, awkward.
“I…”
“I asked them to cook a few things you like.”
“Could we… eat together?”
For the first time since our cold war, he yielded first.
Ordinarily, this might have been a turning point.
Now, it only seemed absurd.
“How thoughtful.”
“But I have no appetite.”
I went around him toward the room.
“Qingning!”
He caught my hand, urgent.
“I know you’re worried about your father.”
“I asked Mother today.”
“She agreed.”
“She’ll speak well of him to Father.”
The empress.
He had actually asked the empress.
Something squeezed my heart hard.