The Beauty Within the Gates
Chapter 69
The emperor’s words had been heard by both Xie Shao and Jing Wang. On the way back, Jing Wang had asked, “Young Master Xie, are you afraid?”
After everything that had happened, the situation was already clear. There was no need for evasions; the two of them did not need to beat around the bush. On this journey, the Xie family had already been bound together with Jing Wang.
The Crown Prince was the emperor’s only biological son. No matter how tyrannical or overbearing he might be, the emperor’s anger might not lead to real punishment.
But if the Crown Prince were ever to rise again, the Xie family would face utter annihilation.
“The moment the Xie family moved to Fengcheng, we were already standing in opposition to him,” Xie Shao replied calmly. “We should have perished half a month ago. That we escaped this calamity under Your Highness’s protection is proof that fate has not abandoned us. What is there to fear?”
Jing Wang paused, looking at him with some surprise. Yet Xie Shao’s expression remained composed and composed.
Jing Wang withdrew his gaze and said nothing more, though a faint, dark glint stirred in his eyes.
How could he not understand? If it truly came to that point, it would not only be the Xie family, but also the Jing Wang Mansion, could they really surrender without resistance?
If the Crown Prince were virtuous, diligent in governance, beloved by the people, and the rightful choice of all under heaven, if his own existence only posed a burden, then there would be no need for conflict. He would willingly give him peace of mind.
But time and again, the Crown Prince had shown himself to be incompetent and reckless, inciting wars without cause, withholding grain and supplies from soldiers. Such a man, was he truly worth sacrificing the entire Jing Wang Mansion, or even the whole realm?
“I have followed His Majesty since childhood,” Jing Wang said at last. “I witnessed him carve out this empire, stroke by stroke, amid the chaos of wars. When he ascended the throne, decades of war came to an end. The realm has known over twenty years of peace and prosperity. Rest assured, Young Master Xie, no one understands better than His Majesty how hard-won all of this is.”
—
The Imperial Palace.
The emperor smashed a teacup. After his anguished outburst, he sat rigidly on the dragon throne in the imperial study, motionless for a long time.
Inciting war, withholding grain and supplies, forging imperial edicts, defying the emperor’s decree, privately mobilizing troops to openly hunt down witnesses…
What was there that the Crown Prince would not dare to do?
The emperor closed his eyes, yet the fury in his chest would not subside. His breathing grew ragged, his chest rising and falling sharply, until he suddenly began gasping for air.
Liu Kun hurried forward to support him. “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. Take care of your health…”
In his youth, the emperor had been strong enough to fight his way out of encirclement by hundreds. But age could not be denied. This surge of anger triggered his old ailment; his face flushed red as he coughed violently. Only after drinking half a cup of hot tea did he gradually steady himself.
The emperor knew well what the Crown Prince sought to achieve, but no matter how many schemes he employed, he should never have lost his conscience, corrupted his virtue, or shaken the very foundations of the state.
“He only knows how to seize power. Does he know how to defend against enemies?” the emperor said bitterly. “Does he think this realm will remain at peace forever? Why has Liao not dared to provoke war? Is it because they fear him, the Crown Prince? Or because they have lost their ambition?”
Disappointment weighed heavily in his voice. “My lineage is thin. I have no fortune of many descendants. After all these years, I am left with only him and Jing Wang. Why can’t he tolerate his own brother? Why must he drive him to ruin, leaving himself no path of retreat?”
At these questions, Liu Kun did not dare to respond.
A father knows his son best. The emperor had not only just realized the Crown Prince’s nature. Eight years ago, when he sent Chancellor Xie to Fengcheng, was that not also leaving himself a way out?
The emperor’s anger gradually subsided, replaced by sorrow. “What I hate most… is brothers turning against each other.”
Their parents had passed early, leaving the two brothers to depend on one another in childhood. If they could share hardship, why could they not share fortune?
Thus, no matter how outrageous the two princes of Hexi and Hebei had been, he had turned a blind eye.
It was only when the Crown Prince proposed reducing the power of the fiefdoms, laying out all the misdeeds of those two over the years before him, that he realized he could no longer indulge them. Given their character, once he passed from this world, they would surely raise their armies and march on the Eastern Capital. If that day came, it would be he who had planted the seeds of disaster for the Great Feng. So, he tacitly approved the Crown Prince’s actions, allowing him to root out his two imperial uncles of Hexi and Hebei without mercy.
But Jing Wang was different. He had always been dutiful and law-abiding, guarding Zhongzhou faithfully. What threat had he ever posed to the Crown Prince?
Back then, amidst war and turmoil, with no other choice, he had kept the two-year-old Jing Wang by his side, teaching him personally and even bringing him onto the battlefield.
More than once, they had nearly failed to return, clawing their way out from piles of corpses. Through countless sleepless nights, he had carried the weight of the dying words entrusted to him by the boy’s mother, “I ask only that my son live a life of peace and safety.”
He had conquered this realm. Finally, he could fulfill that promise. He granted Zhongzhou to Jing Wang, hoping he might live a stable life, and yet still kept him close at heart. So long as Great Feng stood, Jing Wang and his descendants would live in peace.
But now, it seemed he had been too naive. His younger brother could not tolerate him, willing to stake his reputation and future just to take Jing Wang’s life.
If such recklessness could occur while he still lived, then after his death, would Jing Wang’s family have any chance of survival?
In his heart, he silently called that name.
Nian’er…
There is no true peace or safety in this world. Only by sitting upon that throne can one decide one’s own life or death.
The emperor suddenly called out.
Liu Kun hurried forward. “This servant is here.”
“Draft an edict.”
He had fought to win this empire, and to sit securely on the throne for twenty years, no one understood better than he did the hardship and difficulty behind it. The ruler of a nation is upheld by all under heaven; how much had he sacrificed to bring peace to the realm?
No one was allowed to destroy it. Not even his own son.
Liu Kun bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
—
When Empress Yuan heard that the emperor had already granted an audience to the Third Young Master Xie, her face turned pale. She hurried over, just as Liu Kun was helping the emperor out of the imperial study.
The moment she saw his expression, her heart sank. Carefully, she asked, “Your Majesty… has Yan’er angered you again?”
Before the emperor could answer, she continued anxiously, “That child grew up by Your Majesty’s side. His filial affection for you surpasses even the bond between ruler and subject. If he has done anything wrong, Your Majesty is his father. Summon him, speak to him properly, and he will surely listen.”
The emperor shook his head and let out a cold laugh. “Speak to him? I’m afraid I no longer have that ability.”
The empress’s expression changed drastically. She grabbed his sleeve, her voice trembling. “Your Majesty, you are his father. If a son errs and his father does not teach him, who will? He is only momentarily confused. Your Majesty…”
“Momentarily confused?” the emperor snorted, his voice turning sharp. “Forging imperial edicts, inciting war, withholding military provisions, does he still regard me as his father? Does he regard the people of this realm at all?”
With a thud, the empress dropped to her knees. “Your Majesty, he already knows he was wrong. It is my fault. I was too lenient in disciplining him. Summon him back, and I will personally reprimand him…”
“Too late.” The emperor’s voice softened, as if all his strength had been drained. “If you had realized this earlier, he would not have come to this point. I cannot teach him for a lifetime, nor can you. He has lived too comfortably since childhood. He knows nothing of hardship, nothing of the people’s suffering. He is obsessed with power and manipulation, yet fails in the duties of a crown prince. How can he be entrusted with the authority of a ruler? Let him take this opportunity to reflect on himself.”
What did that mean?
Panic seized Empress Yuan. She clutched his sleeve even tighter. “Your Majesty, he is your only son…”
The emperor turned to look at her. “So, you mean, no matter what he has done, whether he is incompetent or unworthy, I have no choice but to hand the realm to him?” A flash of disgust crossed his eyes. “Do not force me to pursue the crimes of your Yuan clan. As his mother, you should reflect as well on how he has come to this.”
The empress froze.
The emperor pulled his sleeve free from her grasp, then, supported by Liu Kun, returned to his chambers without another glance.
—
The next morning, at court, the ministers arrived early and gathered outside the hall, waiting for the doors to open.
The atmosphere had completely shifted from the days before.
Prime Minister Yuan stood to one side, no trace of ease left on his face. His expression was grave, with dark circles heavy beneath his eyes. Clearly, he had not slept well the night before.
This time, it was General Yang who took the initiative to approach him. “Oh? What’s the matter, Prime Minister Yuan? Didn’t sleep well last night? Are there really things in this world that can trouble your rest?”
Yuan Ming’an naturally caught the sarcasm. He turned his head away, unwilling to respond.
General Yang did not let him off so easily. Leaning in, he said in a lowered voice, “I heard the Young Master Xie arrived in the Eastern Capital yesterday. Commander Xu went to receive him, and they even ran into assassins in Nancheng.” He clicked his tongue and shook his head in disapproval. “I wonder who has such audacity. Isn’t this openly defying the imperial edict, showing no regard for either His Majesty or the Crown Prince?”
Yuan Ming’an’s expression darkened further. “Didn’t General Yang just recover from a serious illness a few days ago? What miracle cure did you take to be in such high spirits all of a sudden?”
General Yang smiled. “My grandson returned yesterday as well. Thanks to His Majesty’s grace, he’s safe and sound. What better cure could there be?”
The veins at Yuan Ming’an’s temples twitched. He simply stepped aside, unwilling to waste another word on him.
Lord Wen was also among the ministers in the assembly, quietly observing the exchange between Prime Minister Yuan and General Yang, unease churning in his heart.
The undercurrents at court these days, who among the officials was unaware?
Since entering the capital to serve, he had been most careful to avoid taking sides. Whether it was Yuan’s faction or Pei Yuanqiu’s people, despite repeated attempts to draw him in, he had never relented.
Perhaps it was precisely because of this that he could still stand with a clear conscience.
But the sudden news of rebellion in Fengcheng the day before had changed everything. The Xie family had been implicated and charged with a capital crime punishable by death.
The Third Young Master Xie was his Wen family’s son-in-law. If anything happened to the Xie family, Wen Shuse would inevitably be dragged down as well. As her uncle, how could he stand by and do nothing? Even if it meant breaking his own bones, he would exhaust every means to protect her.
He had tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep.
By the time the morning court convened the next day, after hearing Prime Minister Yuan and the others present the charges against the Xie family to the emperor, Lord Wen grew even more tense, and cold sweat broke out on his back.
By all reason, such grave crimes should have meant the confiscation of the Xie family’s property and the extermination of their entire clan. Yet the emperor had not immediately issued such an order; instead, he had sent people to receive the Third Young Master Xie.
At that point, Lord Wen could no longer read the direction of the winds.
Then, last night, news came from his household advisers that the Young Master Xie had already arrived in the Eastern Capital and, together with Jing Wang, had been granted an audience with the emperor. Only then did the heavy weight in his chest finally ease.
After all, family scandals are not to be aired outside. Even ordinary households would resolve such matters behind closed doors, let alone the Crown Prince, the heir to the throne, whose fate was tied to the future of Great Feng.
As these thoughts turned in his mind, the doors of the grand hall opened.
After the officials paid their respects, silence fell across the court. The emperor gave Liu Kun a signal, and Liu Kun stepped forward to read an imperial edict.
“The Crown Prince has lost virtue, indulged in wickedness, distanced himself from the upright, and defied the moral order. His crimes have disappointed the court and brought grievance to the people. Despite repeated warnings, he has refused to reform. His Majesty, deeply grieved, felt ashamed before my ancestors and the people of this realm. Therefore, the Crown Prince is to be deposed from his position, in the hope that he may reflect, repent, and mend his ways.”
The edict struck like a thunderclap, instantly throwing the court into upheaval.
Even those who knew the situation had not expected the emperor to act so decisively. Those unaware were utterly stunned, though upon reflection, the Crown Prince’s earlier sudden demotion back to his fiefdom had already been a sign that this outcome was not without precedent.
Within the court, half the officials belonged to Prime Minister Yuan’s faction, supporters of the Crown Prince. At this moment, their faces were ashen.
Standing at the very end of the court ranks, Lord Wen let out a long breath. As soon as the session ended, he immediately called for his eldest son and returned home.
Meanwhile, the Eldest Madam had shut herself inside, speaking privately with Wen Suning.
The night before, Wen Suning had not told Lord Wen that she had run into Wen Shuse. But by morning, unable to hold it in and worried that Wen Shuse might suddenly come knocking and leave them unprepared, she went to the Eldest Madam’s room and recounted everything she had seen.
The Eldest Madam froze, her expression changing instantly. “How did she come here?”
Wen Suning frowned. “Together with the Third Young Master Xie.”
The Eldest Madam shot up from her chair in alarm. “I knew it. My eyelids have been twitching these past few days. Nothing good ever comes of that! Why would she come to the Eastern Capital at a time like this? With the Xie family in such a mess…” She paused, her face turning pale with fear. “Don’t tell me she’s come to seek out your father, to plead on the Xie family’s behalf? Heavens! Your father has only just arrived in the capital. He hasn’t even settled in yet, and now he’s already being dragged into this. No, this won’t do… I’ll go speak to the gatekeeper. Under no circumstances can she be allowed to see your father…”
If the Xie family truly fell, then Xie Shao and Wen Shuse would be fugitives. Their arrival in the Eastern Capital must mean they had known disaster was imminent and had come seeking protection.
How could this be allowed?
Back then, the Old Madam had insisted, regardless of the Eldest Madam’s objections, on marrying her own granddaughter into the Xie family. Now that the Xie family had fallen into trouble, they should bear the consequences themselves.
Privately, she felt a wave of relief. Thankfully, they had not become entangled with the Xie family.
“Later, go find out where she’s staying. Have someone keep watch in secret. If she shows up, stop her immediately…”
Before she could finish, she heard footsteps outside. Knowing Lord Wen had returned, she fell silent at once.
Lord Wen pushed the door open. He had intended to question why the Eldest Madam had the door shut in broad daylight, but seeing Wen Suning there, he assumed the mother and daughter were having a private talk and paid it no mind. In fact, there was even a hint of rare excitement on his face as he spoke first. “The Xie family is safe.”
The Eldest Madam froze.
Lord Wen continued, “The Crown Prince has been deposed. The Xie family has been cleared of all charges.”
Both the Eldest Madam and Wen Suning were stunned. It took them a moment to recover before the Eldest Madam asked in a low voice, “What happened? How was the Crown Prince suddenly deposed? What exactly took place?”
Lord Wen did not answer. Instead, he turned to the eldest son who had just followed him in. “Make a trip back to Fengcheng. Go check on your grandmother.”
With the chaos in Fengcheng, the old madam must have been frightened. They also needed to discuss with Second Master Wen about moving to the Eastern Capital as soon as possible.
Before the son could respond, the Eldest Madam immediately stopped him. “At a time like this, you’re sending him back alone? Do you want him dead?”
Her words gave Lord Wen pause. The Crown Prince had been deposed, and Jing Wang was now rising in court. Even he, a mere vice minister, could see the shifting tides. How could the Crown Prince not?
Lord Wen had risen from a county magistrate in Fengcheng to Vice Minister of Works in the Eastern Capital, not by luck alone.
His expression tightened. He quickly amended his order. “Send a reliable man instead. Deliver a message to Fengcheng to inform Second Master Wen of the situation here. Have him take the Old Madam and leave Fengcheng as soon as possible. Remember, avoid the Nancheng route. Head toward Jiangling instead…”
—
The bed at the inn the night before had been truly terrible. Fortunately, the two of them were utterly exhausted; after exchanging a few words, neither dared move, and they slept straight through until morning.
When she woke, Xie Shao was still lying beside her. He turned his head to look at her, eyes already open. “Awake?”
Wen Shuse nodded. Seeing the daylight already bright outside the window, she knew it was late. She lazily rolled over. “Did Husband sleep well last night?”
Her answer came in the form of a series of creak, creak sounds.
Wen Shuse took a deep breath.
Seeing her grim expression, Xie Shao couldn’t help but laugh softly. Only then did he lift the covers and get out of bed, pulling on his robe as he said, “We’ll find a different inn tonight.”
When she didn’t respond, he turned back and saw her still in a daze. “What do you want to eat?”
Wen Shuse’s thoughts were still lingering on that rare smile of his. She hadn’t heard a word he said. “Husband…”
Xie Shao turned slightly, one brow lifting. “Hm?”
“Why don’t I go look for a house?” Wen Shuse finally came back to herself. She got off the bed, stepping barefoot onto the floor. “Since we’ll have to stay here anyway, we might as well find a place sooner. It’ll save us the cost of the inn.”
Xie Shao didn’t quite understand what she meant.
Seeing that he hadn’t yet fastened his waistband, Wen Shuse quickly stepped forward, eager to help. “On the way, I asked Young Master Wei about it. Your post as a Senior Deputy is officially registered with the court. What applies in Fengcheng will also apply here in the Eastern Capital.”
Xie Shao didn’t respond. Instead, he asked, “Do you like the Eastern Capital?”
“I do. The Eastern Capital is so lively!”
“Then we can stay another month.”
Wen Shuse glanced at him and muttered softly, “Why can’t Husband just stay in the Eastern Capital?”
He still didn’t answer. Watching her fumble with the waistband for quite some time without managing to tie it around his waist, he finally asked, “Do you even know how to do it?”
Wen Shuse had been distracted to begin with, and her hands had moved faster than her thoughts. Only after taking on the task did she realize how difficult it was. She looked up, slightly flustered. “No…”
“It’s rare for my wife to show such virtuous intent. I’m quite moved. Please, go ahead.” He spread his arms, giving her room to try.
Wen Shuse glanced at the waistband in her hands, then at the narrow waist before her, utterly at a loss for where to begin. She lifted her head helplessly to look at him.
“Don’t look at me. Figure it out yourself.”
“Fine then.” Wen Shuse stepped forward, no longer holding back. She wrapped her arms around his waist, bringing the waistband around from behind, but something seemed off. Her head brushed lightly against his chest as her hands fumbled. “Why is it twisting like this…”
Xie Shao held his breath, his gaze lowering.
His wife was wearing his inner robe. Her smooth shoulders, pale as jade, gleamed faintly beneath the loose fabric, half-hidden beneath cascading strands of dark hair, appearing and disappearing in a way that stirred the eye.
Was she doing this on purpose?
His outstretched arms suddenly dropped. One hand slid to her slender waist, pulling her closer. Tilting his head, he fixed his gaze on her startled face, his eyes deep as he curved his lips into a faint smile. “Shall I kiss you?”
“Ah… I just got it straightened out. Husband, don’t move…”
“Husband…”
Their lips were just about to meet—
A sudden knock came from outside the door, followed by Minzhang’s voice. “Master.”
A surge of frustration welled up. Xie Shao took a deep breath.
“Master?”
After a moment, he opened the door, his face dark. “What is it?”
Minzhang noticed his expression and realized he might have interrupted something important. Fortunately, the news he carried was enough to save him.
“This morning at court, His Majesty issued an edict deposing the Crown Prince. Jing Wang has sent someone to invite you over.”