Yunqi poured another cup of tea for himself in an elegant motion. Kayla was rather impressed at how calm the Fifth Prince was after receiving the talisman and her update on the investigation, he didn’t seem stressed or surprised in the slightest despite the Empress Dowager’s signal for the succession battle to officially begin.
“Things will become much more of a mess very soon,” Yunqi finally said. He smiled and gestured for Kayla to take another tea cake. She complied and took her third cake, wondering if Yunqi had inherited the Emperor and Empress Dowager’s instinct to stuff Wenyuan with food.
“It is as you say, my prince. As for the investigation,” Kayla prompted. Yunqi held up a hand to cut her off.
“Third Brother will be returning to the capital very soon, I expect it to be quite the spectacle,” Yunqi said.
Kayla nodded in response. It had been more or less glossed over in the original novel, which had been from Xianchun's point of view and therefore focused on the capital, but the Third Prince was set to return with no small amount of military merit.
The northwest border had been a site of turmoil with various nomadic tribes for much of the country's history, but with the tribes splintered and fragmented, it usually only amounted to raids whenever there was a drought or a really bad winter. After the tribes had been consolidated into a Khaganate, the two previous dynasties had given in and agreed to pay tribute in order to avoid a full-scale military conflict they didn't think they could win.
The current dynasty had actually gotten quite lucky, with the Khaganate splitting into two after a succession crisis right as the dynasty was establishing itself, and the Khaganate had remained a mess long enough for the Emperor's forefathers to fill the treasuries and strengthen the military. The current emperor's grandfather Emperor Gaozong had stopped paying tribute, and yet another succession crisis had further splintered the Eastern Khaganate before it could retaliate.
The previous Khagan had chosen his youngest son Chuluo as the successor, but his eldest son revolted almost immediately. Chuluo ended up fleeing south and sought asylum with the Imperial Court in Luoyang, where Emperor Gaozong gave him military support to reinstate him as a Khagan who was loyal to the Imperial Court. The reinstatement worked, but Chuluo also wasn't willing to be a puppet ruler. The resulting conflict had been brief but bloody and was also where the Grand Duke's eldest son had died at his post, leaving an open spot in the Ministry of War that was soon filled by Zhao Wei, Wenyuan's father still too young at the time. After several more border skirmishes, the Eastern Khaganate and the Imperial Court finally signed an alliance, but this extremely tense friendship was tested pretty much at least two or three times a decade despite the multiple political marriages that took place, and both sides kept their borders highly militarized as a result.
The current border crisis had been likely to erupt into a full-scale war after a Khaganate warrior was killed after drunkenly crossing the border, leading to escalating acts of violence on either side. Kuang had arrived just as the situation had reached a boiling point and his first day at the border was spent driving back the Khaganate's army, but it spoke to Kuang's military and diplomatic skill that the conflict had ended peacefully with an affirmation of the treaty. If not for the fact that Kayla knew Xianchun was the final victor, she would have thought that Kuang was the Main Character from that achievement alone.
“Indeed, I should offer my congratulations to the Third Prince for his impressive success at the border,” Kayla replied politely.
“I’m sure you’ll have plenty of chances to say it in person, Third Brother’s looking forward to speaking with you,” Yunqi said. Kayla nervously reached for her cup of tea. She’d expected as much, but in the original novel, Wenyuan hadn’t survived until Kuang’s return. Now that the plot had changed, Kayla felt even more uneasy dealing with Xianchun’s main competitor for the throne.
“I would be honored to speak with the Third Prince,” Kayla replied.
Shit, you didn’t get much interaction with him either, did you?
Nope, even at banquets, we sat several seats apart. He was always chatting with someone so I never approached him either.
Kayla hid her grimace by sipping at her tea again. Yunqi watched her with an amused smile.
“Wrap up the investigation however you see fit, we’ll continue supporting you for the next round,” Yunqi said. Kayla nearly spat out her tea in surprise. As much as she’d hoped for this outcome, she hadn’t expected it to be that easy.
“Wait-really? I mean-I’m deeply grateful for your support, your highness.”
“Did you think we would be reluctant because our men are implicated?” Yunqi asked lightly. Kayla lowered her head and nervously avoided his gaze.
“Please don’t misunderstand, Wenyuan. The central pillar is not any of our supporters, but Third Brother himself. Not to mention that he took your advice last time to heart, we’re hardly going to take a blow from this,” Yunqi said.
Kayla glanced at him cautiously.
“I…hadn’t expected that my prince,” she admitted.
“Third Brother assessed the situation and found your judgment to be correct, that’s all there is to it. There’s no need to overly complicate things,” Yunqi said mildly. “In either case, you’re someone we’re interested in.”
“My prince-” Kayla protested.
“No need to worry, we know your current situation demands neutrality. Nonetheless, I’m grateful for your concern for my mother. I heard that your aunt often visits her as well,” Yunqi said.
Kayla gulped. Shit, I should’ve known he would misunderstand.
“My aunt has a straightforward personality that is easily misunderstood, but she’s a good-natured person. She’s received much kindness and support from the Wise Consort, how could she not repay the Wise Consort’s benevolence?” Kayla replied.
That’s right, it’s strictly Inner Palace business, nothing to do with me. Not taking sides here, not at all, don’t drag me into this.
“Both the aunt and the nephew are people who acknowledge the kindness and seek to repay it then,” Yunqi said. He gave her a pleased smile. “I look forward to what you can do with this investigation.”
Kayla bowed her head. Shit, he totally misunderstood. Xianchun’s going to be so fucking pissed.
You can’t refuse him to his face a second time, Wenyuan said in alarm. Especially now that the Third Prince is about to return! Kayla hesitated but accepted the warning.
“I’ll be sure not to let you down, my prince.”
This is not good.
//////////////////
Kayla knelt and bowed her head to the floor as she entered the Empress Dowager’s quarters. It was the first time she or Wenyuan had ever used the full rites to greet the Empress Dowager outside of a formal event. Kayla tried her best to ignore the sweat beading on her forehead, her heart thumping nervously against her ribcage.
“Please get up, your majesty,” the Empress Dowager said. Her tone was regal and imposing, matching her image as the deeply respected master of the Inner Palace. Kayla held still, her forehead pressed to the floor until the Emperor had gotten up. The Emperor had knelt on only one knee and not bowed his head due to his high status. He got up, silk robes rustling softly.
“Thank you, mother,” the Emperor replied. The Empress Dowager nodded toward Kayla.
“Wenyuan, you get up as well,” she said. Kayla got up and bowed slightly.
“Thank you, grandmother.” She straightened, watching discreetly as the serving girls and eunuchs bowed before scurrying out of the room in two neat queues. It was possible for Wenyuan's coming and goings from the Inner Palace to go mostly unnoticed, or at least not taken much note of. Even when people did hear of it, it was only brushed off as Wenyuan being doted upon by the Empress Dowager. On the other hand, who the Emperor brought and where he brought them was certain to be information that spread like wildfire. The Emperor hadn't brought Kayla here on a whim, but rather to spread the news ahead of time that the investigation results were approved of by the Emperor and Empress Dowager.
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“Please sit,” the Empress Dowager said, her tone softening somewhat. After the Emperor took a seat, the Empress Dowager gestured for Kayla to do the same. Rather than her usual seat right by the Empress Dowager’s knee, Kayla’s seat was both aside from and lower than the couch where the Emperor and Empress Dowager sat side by side.
The seating arrangement corresponding didn’t do anything for Kayla’s nerves, and she shifted uncomfortably as the two looked at her expectantly. After raising her proposal, she had been brought to the Empress Dowager’s quarters by the Emperor. Now for the first time, all three of them were sitting together.
Or rather, four if she counted Wenyuan.
Help, why is this so scary?
Calm down, this is a good sign, Wenyuan comforted her. Kayla took a deep breath.
It’s serious enough that they’re openly discussing this together. They’re usually so careful to keep their influences look as though they're separate, was this really such a big problem? Did I say something wrong?
I don’t know, please just stop overthinking it, I’m scared too.
“What a lovely surprise to see the both of you,” the Empress Dowager said lightly.
“I’m glad I brought the right guest, mother. Wenyuan was at my study earlier so I decided to bring him over as well,” the Emperor replied.
“How thoughtful of you, I was just thinking of Wenyuan when the two of you arrived,” the Empress Dowager said, turning towards Kayla. “It’s reassuring to see you still have time for your old grandmother in the midst of such a busy investigation.”
Kayla recognized the cue for her to start speaking, still feeling like a rabbit under the hungry eyes of a raptor. “Not at all, grandmother. It is my filial duty to visit you, and my pleasure as well. I had come into the palace to discuss a concern regarding the investigation with Uncle, but I would be immensely grateful for your wisdom.”
The Empress Dowager smiled and waved away the last lady-in-waiting standing a distance away, waiting until the three of them were completely alone in the room.
“So, what concerns do you have?”
Kayla bowed her head slightly. “It is my disgraceful incompetence. My hot-blooded actions have stirred up great discontent in the court and brought on difficulties for the investigation. Though I may be foolish and lacking, I hoped to find a solution to resolve this situation.”
“Oh? And did you find one?” The Empress Dowager’s smile grew wider.
“I would certainly say that he did,” the Emperor cut in. He nodded fondly at Kayla. “Go on and speak, Wenyuan.”
“Thank you, uncle. But I dare not claim sole credit, I received help from the experienced investigators of the Bureau as well,” Kayla said humbly. “I believe that the investigation at hand should be wrapped up in a manner that does not implicate everyone for whom we have evidence, as that would provoke the court’s rage. If we end this on a lighter note than what officials had expected, then let things die down a bit, the officials we have evidence against may let down their guards. The Third Prince’s return may help with this as well.”
The Empress Dowager nodded. “You mean to minimize the impact then?”
“That’s right, grandmother. However, I don’t mean to do so for long. I propose that after the Third Prince returns, more investigations can be launched. It won’t be necessary to stir up such a ruckus the next few times, as the evidence is already on hand. If a broad range of officials is implicated, they will scramble to cover for each other and grab onto their allies as lifelines. It would also make it difficult to administer the punishments they deserve if the implications are broad and wide-reaching. As such, playing the long game with a divide and conquer strategy may be more beneficial for the stability and prosperity of the dynasty,” Kayla said.
“Your reasoning is correct. This investigation has already reached its purpose, I approve of calling a stop to it. Even a cornered dog will attempt to jump the wall, much less these crafty officials,” the Empress Dowager said. “It’s not as though we can execute all of them. How do you want to wrap it up then?”
“Wenyuan means to wrap up two cases at once, mother,” the Emperor said. He gave her a broad grin. “The Yue Wuxuan case and the Liu Hongyu case. I am rather pleased with his plan.”
“Let me hear of it,” the Empress Dowager said.
“Xie Yunan and Ge Renqian should be found guilty as the main culprits, as well as the local investigators involved in this case as well. As for Liu Hongyu, of course he would be found guilty as well,” the Emperor said. “I’m fully in approval of this plan. I’ll be able to change out the Ministry of Justice with more suitable people and have them continue the investigation into the Ministry’s corruption with Tabuyir. Once the Ministry of Justice comes under control, any further investigations will become easier.”
“That’s a good plan. Most of the officials Wenyuan arrested were low-ranking, no one will kick up a fuss about them. But how will you appease the officials who had their homes searched if you don’t immediately punish them?” The Empress Dowager asked.
“That’s what I hoped to ask your help for, mother. Your son is also at a loss as to how to deal with this,” the Emperor said sheepishly.
“You say you’re at a loss, but you already have a plan, don’t you?” The Empress Dowager asked affectionately.
“Mother is astute as always,” the Emperor replied. “Given that Liu Hongyu’s case has been dragging on for a while now, I believe it’s time to end it on a satisfying note. As the Secretariat Director, if he is harshly punished, officials ranked lower than him won’t dare to say any more at this moment.”
“That’s right, grandmother. I believe that a display of Uncle’s wrath will quiet down the court, or at least make them less comfortable with continuing to stir up trouble,” Kayla chimed in.
“I like this idea. It would have been difficult for me to say this if you didn’t bring it up, but my anger towards that white-eyed wolf cannot be quenched with a tap on the wrist. As much as I wanted to call for him to be harshly punished, the Inner Palace cannot easily intervene in these matters,” the Empress Dowager said.
Jackpot. This was exactly what she wanted. Kayla softly drew in a deep breath as some of the tension eased from her shoulders.
“Of course, mother. How do you believe we should proceed then?”
“Yue Wuxuan faced the extermination of his family for treasonous statements, why should Liu Hongyu not face the same?” The Empress Dowager said frostily. Kayla flinched in shock before she could hide her reaction.
“But of course, he has served two Emperors and his family has been loyal for generations. Before him, at least, they were a loyal and virtuous line. It can’t be denied that Liu Hongyu’s son has climbed to his current rank through his father’s connections, and the same goes for the Minister of Rites as well. Of the whole family, the only one who can be said to have earned their keep is Consort Liu. Even if she’s only had a daughter who didn’t survive infancy, she’s still served you attentively for many years,” the Empress Dowager said, her tone easing up a little. She glanced at Kayla with a reassuring expression.
“It is unfortunate, but mother’s words are painfully accurate,” the Emperor admitted. “Then how about this? The members of Liu Hongyu’s family who currently serve in the capital should be demoted and stripped of their titles. Liu Xiu will be removed from the ranks of officials altogether, and the others should be transferred to the provinces. Consort Liu should remain as she is, I can’t bring myself to drag her into this because of her father. As for Liu Hongyu himself…” the Emperor trailed off, leaving it open to the Empress Dowager.
“The Emperor’s judgment is wise, if even a single member of his family remains in the capital, they will go around trying to pull connections or raise a ruckus to reverse your decision. Better to keep your eyes clean with them out of sight,” the Empress Dowager said. “As for Liu Hongyu, I suppose executing him outright may incur a backlash. Even if people wanted to see him come to ruin, the hearts of the populace are easily swayed to anger or sympathy.”
“Then what do you think is best, mother?”
“Keep him under house arrest in his Inner Quarters. Let him stay where he is, but shut his ears and mouth,” the Empress Dowager replied. “Without an Imperial Decree, no one should be permitted to make any contact with him, not even his wife or concubines, much less anyone else.”
Kayla felt a small rush of relief. Even if it wasn’t her decision to make, she still balked a bit at having a direct hand in the extermination of someone’s family.
Thanks to your grandmother’s restraint, looks like I won’t have to worry about that just yet.
I know, these types of cases usually can’t be wrapped up without some serious bloodshed, I’m almost surprised at how lightly they’re treading.
“That’s an excellent judgment, mother. It would be difficult to execute him outright, given that I do not wish to tarnish my sister’s reputation by fully disclosing his insults to her name,” the Emperor said. He glanced at Kayla.
“Wenyuan, what do you think? If possible, I want to minimize your involvement in this to the public,” he added.
“I am always in awe of Uncle and Grandmother’s foresight and thoughtful arrangements,” Kayla replied. “I have no objections.”
“Good, then let’s settle it like this,” the Empress Dowager said with finality. She turned towards the Emperor. “I’m very satisfied with Wenyuan’s performance thus far. As for the next few investigations, how about leaving them to him as well?”
“That’s exactly my plan, mother. I’m glad you also agree,” the Emperor said. “Kuang’er will be returning soon, so let’s hold off on it for a bit. We can continue after he’s back.”
The Empress Dowager nodded with a satisfied expression. “Yes, a good occasion will justify it as well. Wenyuan, you should return to the Ministry of Justice for the time being, and we will arrange the rest,” she said.
Arrange what? Something vaguely resembling an alarm bell went off in Kayla’s mind. She knew that the Empress Dowager was definitely aiming for another goal beyond implicating officials in the Grand Duke's faction, but not what the old woman actually wanted.
“Understood, grandmother,” Kayla said obediently. It wasn’t as though there was anything she could do about it. The conversation turned to the topic of the Third Prince’s return, with the Emperor bubbling with barely contained excitement. Kuang was still the Emperor’s favorite son at this point, and Kayla was hardly surprised when the Emperor decided to have the court welcome the Third Prince from outside the city gates.
She swallowed the last shreds of nervousness bubbling in her stomach. I’ll just have to trust that their arrangements are for the best.