TVSS Chapter 38-39

Due to the incident of Wei Guijun’s miscarriage, the Emperor was furious, and the situation in the capital became unpredictable.

Su Jingxuan received the news but chose to ignore it, calmly planning his next moves.

After the Emperor’s wrathful outbursts and the dismissal of officials, the courtiers gradually realized that there was something wrong. The common factor among those reprimanded and removed from office was their association with the Wei family, which raised suspicions.

Meanwhile, General Wei, who was highly favored by the Emperor, was sent to the remote and harsh region of Lingnan to suppress bandits. This distant and impoverished area had long been a neglected region for the court, now becoming a three-no-go zone.

The sudden dispatch of General Wei to combat bandits raised suspicions. Rather than a promotion for building military achievements, it seemed to be a genuine exile.

Simultaneously, the consorts in the imperial harem gradually sensed something amiss. While the Emperor claimed to protect and stationed guards around Huacheng Palace, it felt more like confinement. Even Wei Guijun had not stepped out of her palace for months, resembling more of a soft imprisonment, with the Emperor visiting every night.

People began to doubt, and the consorts in the palace tried various means to convey the news back to their families, advising their relatives in official positions to be cautious.

Among the ministers in the court, speculations arose. It seemed that the Emperor harbored a fear similar to what he had for the Nalan family in the past. Given the growing influence of the Wei family in recent years, the sudden fall from favor and the apparent confinement of Wei Guijun raised questions. Dealing with the Wei family became an inevitable task for the Emperor.

Just as it was with the Nalan family before, now it was the Wei family. Serving in the court was truly akin to accompanying a tiger.

Yuan Beiyi had always been a ruthless individual. Back when he ascended to the throne from an unfavored prince, with numerous brothers meeting unclear and mysterious deaths, it was evident that he had climbed to power on the blood of many.

He had loved Wei Zixuan for a lifetime, and in the end, the other party had brought him such a large green hat. How could he be willing?

What was Wei Yifeng? In terms of status, talent, and even the love for Zixuan, he couldn’t compare to Yuan Beiyi. What did Zixuan love about this man?!

As for the Wei family… they were truly ‘loyal subjects,’ huh?

Conquering an enemy state but bringing back the enemy’s prince to raise? What kind of intention was that?

Upon hearing that Queen Jiang Liaowang was once the wealthiest person in the world and possessed the secret to treasures that could overturn the world, but it was all for this?

Well, unfortunately, those things had long been obtained by the late emperor…

All the truths surfaced, and Yuan Beiyi felt a bitter irony in his heart. He had actually lost to Wei Yifeng, this pseudo-gentleman with false virtues, and let the ambitious Wei family trip him up.

No wonder the Wei family had always guided him to destroy the Nalan family. Without the Nalan family as a useful ally, the Wei family would face one less significant obstacle in their plans.

He had been foolish, too foolish.

But it wasn’t too late. If the Wei family wanted to seize his throne, it wouldn’t be so easy!

Yuan Beiyi acted swiftly. As an emperor who had risen to power on a path paved with corpses and blood, dealing with the Wei family was now a top priority. Wei Zixuan’s actions only fueled his determination. He would find ways, use any means necessary, to eliminate the Wei family!

……

Three years passed in the blink of an eye, and the struggle between Yuan Beiyi and the Wei family grew more precarious day by day.

The Wei family’s ambitions were exposed, and the Emperor relentlessly pursued them, forcing them to abandon the splendor of the capital. They escaped in the dead of night and, in a face-off, Wei Yifeng contacted the military forces outside the city, tearing off the pretense and openly rebelling against the Emperor.

After years of planning, the Wei family had considerable influence, and Wei Yifeng had taken precautions when leaving. While ostensibly leading five thousand troops to suppress the rebels, he secretly transferred the remaining substantial forces under his control.

As the conflict escalated, the Emperor found it impossible to crush the Wei family in one fell swoop. Instead, Wei Yifeng, who had prepared in advance, absorbed and expanded his influence by rallying the bandits in the southern regions. They stood in opposition, deadlocked.

Simultaneously, under the manipulation of Su Jingxuan, the name of Prince Cong of Yubei resonated more and more, and his power grew day by day.

Yuan Beiyi had no choice but to divert his attention to contain these two formidable enemies, Yubei and the southern regions. His energy was stretched thin.

He considered issuing an edict for Chu Heng to resolve the rebellion of the Wei family. However, Chu Heng declined, citing the busy task of subjugating tribal fiefdoms on the northwest border.

Moreover, reports revealed that Chu Heng, who resided in the secluded villa in Yubei, had frequent and close interactions with the ‘Empress Dowager,’ making Yuan Beiyi shiver with fear. He suspected that this powerful Prince Cong had likely been successfully won over by Su Jingxuan.

The barrage of bad news caused him to age visibly overnight, but he never wavered in his habit of nightly stays at Huacheng Palace.

Even though each visit would be met with resentful and mocking glares from Wei Zixuan, who bitterly spoke unsettling words, torturing him emotionally, Yuan Beiyi persisted in going.

……

Su Jingxuan has been closely monitoring the news from the capital. He observes the letters containing palace secrets and developments one after another on the table. He can’t help but sarcastically reflect on whether it’s Yuan Beiyi’s excessive affection or Wei Zixuan’s overpowering protagonist aura that contributes to this.

However, regardless of the reason, he cannot allow himself to soften even a bit. Yuan Beiyi owes everything to the Nalan family, and Su Jingxuan is determined to reclaim it all.

Though three years is not a long time, it has given him ample time to prepare. Without the constraints of the imperial palace and with the care of the Crown Prince, he has lived a rather leisurely and relaxed life in Yubei.

The child has grown quite a bit in these three years. His mind was already mature, and his intelligence was extraordinary. He could memorize what he read, and he excelled in martial arts.

From his demeanor, the twelve-year-old doesn’t look his age. He exudes an air of maturity and stability when dressed in the attire of a prince, though his face still carries a hint of youthfulness.

Su Jingxuan feels gratified that the meticulous care and changes in environment over these three years have allowed the child to open up.

Life in the military camp is far better than the mistreatment he suffered from eunuchs and palace maids in the imperial palace. The soldiers here are straightforward, and the harmonious and united environment easily influences the growing child, helping him break free from the darkness he witnessed in his early years and discover the beauty and joy of the world.

Compared to the silent personality three years ago, the child has become more cheerful.

He no longer resists Su Jingxuan as much. When he sees Su Jingxuan, his expression softens, and he occasionally speaks a few words. However, most of the time, he remains silent, listening to Su Jingxuan and handing him a cup of pre-prepared warm tea after he finishes talking.

At mealtime, if he notices a dish that the child likes, he quietly pushes it in front of him.

Although these are small things, Su Jingxuan is deeply pleased, and he can’t help but tease the child a few times.

“Are you caring about your ‘royal father,’ or are you caring about your little uncle? Does the stubborn little one know how to show goodwill now? Has the sun risen in the west? Or have iron trees blossomed?”

According to the royal rules, he is the legitimate consort, so the child should call him ‘royal father.’ Following the Nalan family’s hierarchy, the child should call him ‘little uncle.’ Both are acceptable.

“Eat without speaking, sleep without talking.”

Unexpectedly, the child remains calm, putting down the chopsticks and reminding him with a mature tone. At the same time, he serves a bowl of soup and pushes it in front of Su Jingxuan.

Su Jingxuan feels defeated and mutters, “Little kids are not cute at all. Raising a child is really a tricky business.” Then, he quickly finishes the soup and leaves to seek comfort from Chu Heng.

He swears that he will never raise a child again. Mischievous kids are too difficult to handle!

Due to his frustration, he doesn’t notice the child’s smirk when he leaves.

These small incidents indicate a change in the child’s attitude toward him. However, what truly made the child let go of his guard and open up was an unexpected event.

Su Jingxuan has always acted according to his own wishes, especially in matters of the heart. Although his relationship with Chu Heng is not convenient to be known by others, he doesn’t care much about appearances in private. Carrying the sense of security from sleeping with his lover is incomparable, and he is not someone who fears this or that.

However, with frequent nighttime excursions, it’s inevitable to encounter some unpleasant surprises. The child happened to witness an intimate moment that proved the nature of their relationship.

The child’s face changed rapidly, and he quickly ran away. It wasn’t until the evening that he appeared in front of Su Jingxuan. Without saying a word, he knelt down, hugged Su Jingxuan’s waist, and his voice unexpectedly carried a hint of sobbing.

“Yue, little uncle, I’m sorry. It’s all Crown Prince’s fault. Crown Prince was wrong. I used to think that in your heart, Crown Prince was just a tool for power and profit. Your kindness towards me was just to make Crown Prince more obedient. Crown Prince didn’t like that and didn’t want that kind of kindness. That’s why I was so indifferent to you, not because I disliked you.”

“Now, Crown Prince understands. You didn’t care about me for your own gain; you did it to protect me. You blackmailed Father Emperor for my sake, took the punishment meant for Crown Prince from Wei Guijun, and now you endure such humiliation for Crown Prince. You’ve done so much for me, and I didn’t understand your intentions.”

“Little Uncle Yue, Crown Prince promises you that in the future, anyone who humiliates, shames, or harms you, I will make them wish they were dead!”

These words were spoken with hatred and venom, especially the last promise, which reflected the child’s temperament.

Su Jingxuan was completely caught off guard, and the child knocked his head heavily against him again.

“Little Uncle Yue, please forgive Crown Prince’s current uselessness. But I will soon rescue you from this predicament. Crown Prince swears! You… rest well.”

After saying this, the child wiped away the tears from the corners of his eyes, turned, and left.

Returning to his room, the child lit a candle. He choked back his sobs and forced himself to open the book on the table. He couldn’t cry. Little Uncle Yue had spoken, and crying wouldn’t help.

When Su Jingxuan went after him, he could only see the child locking the door of his room. The window reflected the shadow of the child sitting at the desk, studying by the light of the candle.

A bit worried, Su Jingxuan tried to speak, “That, Yuan Chengmian, let me explain…”

“Little Uncle Yue, you don’t need to say anything. I know everything. I need to study now. You can go back.”

The child’s voice was dull, and the shadow on the window wiped away tears with a sleeve.

Su Jingxuan paused, “What do you mean, ‘know everything’? Did you say something to him, Fu Gonggong?”

Seeing the eunuch wiping away tears behind him, Su Jingxuan felt that he might understand something.

“Old servant didn’t say anything. The old servant just advised His Highness a few words…”

The eunuch was vague, with teary eyes.

“Just advised a few words?” Su Jingxuan thought to himself, looking at the shadow on the window, where the child was crying so emotionally.

In a skeptical tone, Su Jingxuan asked, “Fu Gonggong, did you really just advise him a few words?”

The old eunuch looked guilty, “Well, maybe a bit more…”

Su Jingxuan sighed. It seemed that the eunuch might have revealed more than he intended.

In the next chapter:

Su Jingxuan had originally not planned to let the child know too much. He could be ruthless in achieving his goals, but when it came to the child, he didn’t want to use those methods. However, with the unintentional assistance of the old eunuch, Su Jingxuan decided to seize the opportunity. The child’s stubborn personality made him initiate a conversation.

The child, in turn, expressed his understanding and willingness to cooperate. However, with the red eyes, it was clear that the child had not completely let go of his resentment. Despite this, the incident led to a positive change in the child’s behavior. He became more diligent in his studies and martial arts, and his attitude towards Su Jingxuan softened. The child even went out of his way to express his appreciation, trying to make amends for his previous misunderstanding. However, when it came to encounters with Chu Heng, the child remained vigilant, determined to verify Su Jingxuan’s words about his uncle’s character.

Then, feeling dejected, Su Jingxuan and the old eunuch sat together in the garden. It was evident that the child had been successfully influenced by the eunuch.

The seemingly relaxed three years had passed. Now, the situation in the court was grim, with Yuan Beiyi and Wei Yifeng locked in a prolonged struggle. Both sides were weakened, but neither was willing to back down.

Yuan Beiyi couldn’t swallow the humiliation of being cuckolded.

Wei Yifeng couldn’t accept the Emperor’s act of forcefully bringing Wei Zixuan into the harem, and he was even more unwilling to see the decades-long plans of the Wei family easily crumble.

The deadlock between the two powerful adversaries continued, with Su Jingxuan observing from the sidelines. In an effort to break the stalemate, he secretly facilitated communication between Wei Yifeng and Wei Zixuan.

After three years of being confined in Huachen Palace, Wei Zixuan was on the verge of madness, yearning for his true love, the protagonist.

During these three years, the Emperor frequently visited his palace, and through subtle inquiries, Wei Zixuan learned about the ongoing struggle between the Emperor and Wei Yifeng. He was both concerned and moved by the fact that the Wei family had rebelled directly for his sake.

Having severed his emotional ties with the Emperor and harboring deep resentment for the death of his unborn child at the Emperor’s hands, Wei Zixuan readily believed Wei Yifeng’s request for assistance. He immediately began preparing for action and proactively sent eunuchs to invite the Emperor.

“Your Majesty, Lord Wei has sent someone to request your presence. He wishes to dine with you today.”

The chief eunuch, who served in the imperial presence, reported, sighing inwardly. He was well aware of some of the affairs involving Lord Wei, given that he accompanied the Emperor every day.

“He took the initiative to send someone to invite Us?”

Yuan Beiyi’s hand, writing on paper, paused. He looked up, revealing a face marked by the passage of time. His voice lacked the former vigor and was now hoarse, resembling that of an elderly person. Despite being only thirty-six, half of his once-black hair had turned white.

“Yes, Your Majesty. Lord Wei took the initiative to send someone.” The chief eunuch responded.

Yuan Beiyi displayed a mix of joy and sorrow. Wei Zixuan had always wished for his death, so why would he voluntarily send someone to invite him for a meal today?

Waving his hand to dismiss the eunuch, Yuan Beiyi put down his brush and fell into contemplative silence for a moment. He glanced around the empty surroundings before asking,

“Go and investigate. Check if there’s any unusual activity in Huachen Palace today.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With only the sound of footsteps and no visible figure, the chief eunuch responded and left the study. The imperial study fell into a silent hush as Yuan Beiyi patiently waited, sitting motionless on the throne.

After a short while, a black-clad guard appeared, kneeling down to report.

“Your Majesty, there is no unusual activity in Huachen Palace. However, Lord Wei’s meal today includes an additional dessert.”

“I understand. You may leave.”

Yuan Beiyi dismissed the guard and leaned back in his throne, closing his eyes with a bitter smile.

Zixuan, in the end, I still can’t win your heart. If that’s the case, if you want to see him, I’ll allow it. I, am tired and weary.

Even the strongest emotions cannot withstand self-destructive actions. Only unwavering love can settle and endure in the passage of time.

Yuan Beiyi, too, was human. His heart could ache, and he had shouldered the burden of the world, yet he couldn’t obtain Wei Zixuan’s heart. He felt tired, and in the depths of his memories, he often questioned if he had made a mistake.

Given the current situation, even if Wei Zixuan didn’t intervene to assist Wei Yifeng, the latter’s defeat was inevitable. Yuan Beiyi couldn’t suppress the forces in Yubei any longer. Faced with the impending failure, Yuan Beiyi decided to let go. He recalled all covert operations, lifted Wei Zixuan’s house arrest, and allowed him to communicate and coordinate with the forces outside the palace. Wei Yifeng received crucial military intelligence and swiftly advanced towards the city.

Despite giving up resistance, it didn’t mean Yuan Beiyi was willing to hand over his kingdom and throne to the Wei family, a group of treacherous ministers. He refused to surrender to the rivals who had taken away his beloved. He strategically positioned all his forces within the imperial palace. When Wei Yifeng’s forces easily breached the palace, Yuan Beiyi was so consumed by desire and excitement about ascending the throne that he almost forgot his own name.

Therefore, when Yuan Beiyi’s secretly prepared forces struck back, Wei Yifeng’s rebel army couldn’t resist the determined defense of the imperial palace. In a short half-hour, the situation in the palace was under control. As for the rebels outside the city, Yuan Beiyi had no interest in dealing with them at the moment. His sole focus was on killing Wei Yifeng.

“No, please don’t kill him, Your Majesty. Zixuan begs you, please spare his brother. Your Majesty, Zixuan has never asked you for anything. Zixuan implores you, please spare Yifeng, my brother.”

At the critical moment of life and death, Wei Zixuan’s only concern was his brother Wei Yifeng. To save his beloved sibling, he crawled on the ground and knelt before Yuan Beiyi, pleading for mercy.

Little did he know that such a plea would only further enrage the man before him.

“You dare to plead for him? You dare to kneel before me for him?”

Yuan Beiyi was furious and heartbroken. What could be more painful and infuriating than having the one you love kneeling before you, begging for mercy for another, a traitor and enemy?

“Zixuan, you know well what he has done. He’s conspiring to seize my throne, to take this land of Yang. He is a traitor and a villain. You dare to plead for him? You dare to kneel for him? Zixuan, after all I’ve done for you, can’t I win even a bit of your heart?”

“Your Majesty, my brother did it for me. It’s my fault that he became a traitor. I am the one who harmed him. He’s trying to save me.”

Wei Zixuan shook his head, attributing his brother’s tragic fate to himself. He believed that his existence brought calamity and disaster to everyone.

“It’s not for you. He’s not doing it for you. He wants to be the emperor, he wants the throne, he doesn’t truly care for you.”

Yuan Beiyi was furious, his emotions reaching a boiling point. He was bleeding from the mouth as he spoke, his anger and frustration pouring out.

“Your Majesty, it’s me he loves. It’s me,” Wei Zixuan argued desperately, attempting to convey the truth he believed in.

“He is not doing it for you. He wants to be the emperor. He wants the throne. He doesn’t genuinely love you.”

Yuan Beiyi’s anger escalated, and he couldn’t comprehend why he had lost to Wei Yifeng. The memories of the past, when Wei Zixuan had confessed his feelings and the youthful gaze he had directed at Yuan Beiyi, haunted him. Yet, it had all turned out to be a dream.

“Fine, fine, fine. If you want me to spare him, I will kill him. After all, you already hate me. What do I have to fear? What should I beg for?”

Yuan Beiyi, with bloodshot eyes, pushed away those standing in his way and drew a long sword from a guard’s waist.

“No,” Wei Zixuan screamed in a piercing voice. Nevertheless, Yuan Beiyi thrust the sword into his rival’s throat.

Wei Yifeng died without uttering any last words, falling to the ground, his blood staining the imperial hall’s stone floor.

“Yuan Beiyi, you killed the child I longed for the most. You killed the man I loved the most. I hate you.”

Wei Zixuan’s voice echoed with despair and hatred as he stood up, grabbing a fallen long knife from the ground, and rushed towards Yuan Beiyi without hesitation.

The news from the capital has always been closely monitored by Su Jingxuan. Watching the secret letters about the palace affairs on the table, he couldn’t help but sigh ironically. He wondered if it was Yuan Beiyi being too affectionate or Wei Zixuan’s protagonist halo being too prominent.

However, regardless of the reason, he couldn’t afford to be soft-hearted. Everything that Yuan Beiyi owed the Nalan family had to be repaid.

Three years might not be long, but it was enough for him to prepare. Without the constraints of the imperial palace and with the care of Prince Gong, he led a leisurely life in Yubei.

The child had grown a lot in these three years. Mature in mind, exceptionally intelligent, with an exceptional memory for reading and a talent for martial arts.

Looking at his demeanor, the age of twelve didn’t really show on him. He appeared even more mature and composed, wearing the attire of a prince, exuding a royal demeanor, albeit with a slightly tender face.

Su Jingxuan was pleased that his efforts hadn’t been in vain. Three years of careful care and changes in the environment were enough to open up the child’s heart a bit.

Life in the military camp was different from the abuse he suffered from eunuchs and palace maids in the imperial palace. The soldiers in the military camp were straightforward men, creating a harmonious and united environment. This easily influenced the growing child, dispelling the darkness he had seen in his childhood and revealing the beauty and joy of the world.

Compared to his silent personality three years ago, the child had improved a lot in these few years.

He wasn’t as resistant as before. When the child saw him, his expression softened a lot. Occasionally, he would say a few words, but most of the time, he remained silent and handed him a cup of pre-brewed warm tea after he finished speaking.

Although these were small things, Su Jingxuan found them quite useful and couldn’t help but tease him a bit.

The outcome today was something he had anticipated long ago. The moment Nalan Yu ascended the city tower to proclaim his grievances, he should have known that the once weak, innocent Nalan Yu was no more. He was now faced with difficulties.

However, what difference did it make to anticipate it? He couldn’t change it, just like the scene when he led troops into the palace, forcing the former emperor to abdicate.

The overall situation was already lost. He took a deep breath, accepting his fate. However, there was one person he couldn’t let go of, even in death.

“Nalan Yu, I concede. I will pass the throne to Chengcrown, but you must promise me one condition – spare Zixuan.”

Wei Zixuan lifted his head, glancing at him with complex emotions.

Su Jingxuan smiled. “Your Majesty, your deep affection truly impresses me. It moves me. But do you think you still have the qualifications to negotiate conditions?”

“If you kill me, Chengcrown’s ascension will be deemed patricide and regicide, condemned by the world, recorded in history, and scorned by all.”

“I can just kill everyone in this hall who can’t keep their mouths shut, distort history, Your Majesty, what do you think of this method?”

Su Jingxuan sneered. Those who couldn’t see the situation clearly were the most foolish.

“Nalan Yu, there are still ministers and generals in this hall. Do you intend to kill them all?” Yuan Beiyi threatened with a heavy tone.

“Then let’s kill them all. What’s the problem?” Su Jingxuan coldly laughed. He swung the whip in his hand, and before the words were finished, the nearest unfortunate person’s head fell to the ground.

The crowd gasped collectively, and those less courageous courtiers directly fainted.

“We haven’t seen anything,” the remaining ministers, wisely, all kneeled down, trembling as they shouted, their voices echoing in the grand hall.

Yuan Beiyi covered his chest, breathing rapidly.

Su Jingxuan smiled, tossing away the whip in his hand and walked over slowly. The debts and grievances of the Nalan family would be settled today.