Character Index
Zhou Yunqi: The Crown Prince.
Wise Consort: Mother of Zhou Yunqi, from the Shu clan.
Wei Guang: Imperial Edict Bearer and Minister of Censure.
Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince
Qiu Jianluo: Yunqi's eccentric strategist.
Archduke Qi: The Emperor's half-brother, deceased.
Chuluo Khagan: The Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
Ashina: Personal name Ibilga, Princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
Zhou Kuang: The Third Prince.
Royal Consort: Mother of Zhou Kuang, from the An clan, a military clan.
General Yan: Commander of the reinforcements sent to Chuluo.
Cao Shuyi: Wife of Zhou Kuang.
Yu Bianfu: A female officer in the military, Xianchun's childhood friend.
General Yu: Yu Bianfu's father.
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Yunqi knelt before the casket, trying to hold back his tears. He was dressed in rough white linen, the traditional mourning clothes that had seen more use within a month than it had in years. Though the Wise Consort was not the Empress, she was the mother of the Crown Prince, warranting her a grander funeral than her position demanded.
But what use was it? The funeral was a political showing for the living. It had no meaning for the dead.
Yunqi tenderly laid his hand on the coffin, picturing his mother’s face in his mind’s eye.
I have everything now, mother. And look at the price we’ve paid for it.
He allowed himself to lean his head against the mahogany of the coffin for a brief moment, pulling away before he could dissolve into his grief.
It would be alright. They wouldn’t have suffered for nothing.
Don’t worry, mother. You, Kuang, Grandfather, all of you who made this possible for me, I’ll make it worth your sacrifices.
The bloodstained throne had named Yunqi its heir–it would become his in due time. Yunqi straightened his back, a cold light in his eyes.
Since the heavens have granted me this, then allow me to serve this world as they see fit.
He returned to his spot, presiding over the gathered mourners until the funeral rites were done for the day.
The Emperor was not present at the funeral, claiming to be in ill health. Some might have assumed that he had been worn out by the consecutive tragedies, but Yunqi knew better.
The Emperor was worn out by causing the tragedies. If he hadn’t been Yunqi’s father, Yunqi thought he would hate the Emperor.
Still, when the Emperor summoned him, Yunqi went over with the demeanor of a worried son.
“Yunqi, you’ve done well to handle the funeral in my stead,” the Emperor said.
“I only did what I should have,” Yunqi said. “Father, please restrain your grief. Your health comes first, how can anything be more important than that?”
A flash of guilt flickered over the Emperor’s face.
“You’re a good son, Yunqi,” the Emperor said. “I’m sorry about your mother.”
Yunqi shook his head. “Mother’s health has been poor for a long time now,” he murmured.
The Emperor nodded. “She was a fine woman,” the Emperor said. “It’s late, but she is the mother of a Crown Prince. I’ll bury her as an Empress. What do you think?”
Neglect her during her life and honor her during her death, is that how it is?
Yunqi smiled gratefully, hiding his thoughts. “Father, it would be an honor! Please allow me to thank you on her behalf!”
He bowed his head. The Emperor grabbed Yunqi’s arm and pulled him up.
“Now now, there’s no need for that,” the Emperor said, relief palpable in his voice. “You’re a good son, Yunqi. She was lucky to have you.”
And unlucky to have married you.
“I’m unworthy of such praise,” Yunqi said humbly.
The Emperor patted Yunqi’s shoulder.
“I’m old now, and weary, while you are in your prime. I am pleased–and relieved that I have such a reliable son,” the Emperor said. “I lack the energy and the heart to continue ruling this nation. Son, I will name you the regent of this country.”
A jolt went through Yunqi’s heart, and he knelt, bowing his head to the floor.
“I am truly grateful for being entrusted with such a task! Father, though I am lacking, I will do my best to serve you!” Yunqi said.
The Emperor laughed softly.
“Very well,” the Emperor said. “I look forward to your accomplishments.”
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The Imperial Edict took everyone off-guard. It had been expected, but still, no one had thought it would happen that soon.
Kayla was not as surprised as the others, having borne witness to the Emperor’s deterioration. Still, as she answered Yunqi’s summons to the palace, she still found it difficult to believe.
That fast?
Was the Emperor really letting go of his power to Yunqi? Kayla exchanged a glance with Wei Guang as the other man joined her. He nodded back, satisfied.
The Crown Prince had the Emperor’s full trust, something that was as rare as it was valuable.
The unspoken worries plaguing them slowly settled down.
Yunqi greeted the two of them, still wearing white though he had changed out of the linen mourning clothes.
“Once again, please accept my condolences, Your Highness,” Kayla greeted him. “And my congratulations as well.”
“Congratulations, Your Highness. Being named the acting regent of the country as the Crown Prince is a greater sign of trust than has been afforded to anyone before,” Wei Guang said. “Not in the history of the dynasty have we seen such a thing!”
Yunqi smiled.
“Thank you, Lord Wei. This is due to the support I’ve received from all of you.”
He turned to Kayla, patting her on the shoulder.
“Especially the two of you. Now come, help me take a look at this.”
The three of them dove into familiarizing themselves with the documents and procedures that Yunqi would be handling from now on. Even with an army of secretaries, there was still a veritable mountain of work that he would be responsible for.
It was only when their heads were beginning to spin from it all that Wei Guang finally brought up his concerns.
“My prince, now is the time to fully declaw the Seventh Prince,” Wei Guang said. “He should be granted a fief, as distant and impoverished as possible, and sent there post-haste with a staff composed entirely of your men.”
“I understand your concerns, but Xianchun is my only remaining brother,” Yunqi said. “How can I bear to do such a thing?”
“But keeping him in the capital–” Wei Guang began to protest.
“It’s alright. My advisor Qiu Jianluo also agrees with your suggestion, but I think otherwise,” Yunqi said. He turned towards Kayla. “Wenyuan, what say you?”
“My prince has a point,” Kayla said. “Sending Xianchun to a fief is, of course, a stable option…”
She trailed off. In truth, if Yunqi had no intention of making use of Xianchun, then it was safer for both of them this way. But why was Yunqi so against it?
Not only is he against it, he’s trying to make it sound reasonable that he’s against it. And he’s making me come up with the reason. Come on, man.
“However, we must remember that there’s a great deal of factors at play. We’ve killed Archduke Qi and exiled his servants, but we have no evidence that they were the only ones involved. What do we do if there were other conspirators? They could end up bringing the prince into their control and attempt to stir chaos through the kingdom,” Kayla said, managing to find a reasonable explanation.
“Yes, that is also a concern,” Yunqi said. “Then let’s do it this way–Xianchun will remain under protection in the capital right now. Does anyone have objections?”
Sensing that something was off, Wei Guang shook his head.
“Very well then. Thank you both,” Yunqi said. “I have duties to attend to, but I would see you both after.”
“I’m afraid that I am weary and cannot accompany you later today, my prince,” Wei Guang helpfully supplied, giving Kayla and Yunqi a meaningful smile. “Please forgive this old man.”
“Of course, Minister. You’ve exerted yourself for my sake, you ought to rest if you need to,” Yunqi said understandingly.
The two watched him leave.
“What is the Crown Prince planning?” Wei Guang murmured.
“I don’t know,” Kayla replied.
The two stood there in uneasy silence. Each had an inkling of what Yunqi wanted, but neither wanted to voice their suspicions yet.
“Figure it out,” Wei Guang said. “He trusts you more than me.”
With that, the man turned and left, robes swishing as he walked away.
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It was nightfall when Yunqi finally called for Kayla again. She entered his study–it was strange to think of it as Yunqi’s study. It was always the Emperor’s study before, but it hadn’t been used by him in weeks.
“My prince,” Kayla greeted him. She paused, glancing at the scrolls piled on his desk.
Yunqi followed her gaze with a rueful smile.
If you spot this tale on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.
“A great deal of work has piled up in the last few weeks,” Yunqi said. “With Father’s health like this, a lot has been left to the secretaries, but there are some things–the most important affairs of state–that can’t be handed off to other people.”
He gestured at his desk balefully.
“It is as you can see. I suppose I’ll be working till midnight today.”
“But you haven’t even had time to rest a full day after the funeral,” Kayla said in shock. “Please let me know if there’s anything I can do to help or to make things easier, I’ll do whatever I can.”
Yunqi’s posture relaxed, and the turmoil of the past few days showed on his face.
“Thank you, Wenyuan. You’re the only one I can rely on,” Yunqi said, relief creeping into his voice.
“Don’t worry, my prince. Not just me, you also have the Imperial Edict Bearer’s support,” Kayla said encouragingly. “He has served the dynasty for two generations, and he has both prestige and wisdom. The Imperial Edict Bearer has countless connections with the Hanlin scholars and their students, and surely you will be able to amass a great deal of talented officials.”
Yunqi gave a small, opaque smile.
“Your career is still long, Wenyuan,” Yunqi said instead of offering a response. “We’ll be walking this winding path together.”
A little confused, Kayla gave a smile. “Yes, my prince. You can count on my loyalty.”
Yunqi looked pleased at that.
“I have thought it through over the past few days, and now my plans are all the more certain. Now that I am Crown Prince and regent, there are a great deal of things I need to do.”
Kayla nodded, waiting for him to go on.
“For one, I would take a Turkic bride as a high-ranked Consort from your wife’s tribe. One of your wife’s sisters, preferably.”
Kayla kept her surprise from showing on her face. No Emperor had taken a bride from the Turks in generations, not since the Zhou clan had become the ruling family. Moreover, after his mother’s death, Yunqi would be expected not to marry for three years if not for the fact that his position demanded him to have heirs. In the name of the country’s future, he was being robbed of his filial duty. She had expected reluctance, or even outright resistance from Yunqi to the idea of having to take a bride, but here Yunqi was smiling as if none of this was a big deal.
“I think it would be a good idea, not just to strengthen our ties with Chuluo Khagan, but also for the sake of our nation. It would make us brothers-in-law, wouldn’t it?” Yunqi seemed somewhat amused by this idea.
“A wise decision, my prince. But the officials will surely–” Kayla began.
“Of course. My Empress must be a woman of our country. But I must have two things: A son with Turkic blood, and a brother-in-law of the Khagan’s blood to reside in the capital.”
Kayla hesitated, her mind racing to take in the implications of Yunqi’s words.
He continued, not minding her lack of response.
“We both know what will befall us in the future. While the Eastern Turks are our allies now, who is to say what could happen next? If I have here in Luoyang heirs who can contest their rulers, then we can keep the vast majority of the conflict within their borders simply by supporting them as candidates. One of the Khagan’s sons would be preferable, but adding my own son into the fray may offer us extra insurance,” Yunqi said.
“A succession crisis on their end,” Kayla murmured.
Yunqi nodded. “Exactly.”
You’d have a son for the very purpose of throwing him into that mess?
But throwing some money and minimal reinforcements behind a Turkic royal in exchange for civil strife within the Khaganate was one of the most effective ways of keeping them occupied with minimal cost. Would it be better to let the Emperor protect his own son but throw countless soldiers to their deaths on the battlefield instead?
Your son or the sons of countless others, huh?
“I understand, my prince. But will the Khagan be willing?”
“I suppose they have no reason not to. I will also arrange a match between my youngest sister and a young Prince on their side. There would be years yet until she must marry into their country, and who knows what will happen by then? But at the moment, both marriages are a renewal of the alliance made with the previous Emperor, and ensures that our military reinforcements would continue to support them. They have no reason to refuse us.”
What would happen if Ibilga ever had a son?
Her mind flashed to Archduke Qi’s bitter smile and Kayla had to suppress a shudder.
“I suppose not,” she said.
“As for my foremost wife and future Empress, it’s not so easy to make a choice. But what do you think, Wenyuan?” Yunqi said.
Why are you asking me? Is this a litmus test? A compatibility check?
Realization dawned on her as Kayla thought back over everything that had happened thus far.
Kuang died on my watch, Kayla thought grimly. Even if he doesn’t blame me for that, he’ll still want to know if I had any actual loyalty or care for the Third Prince, or if my actions in helping Yunqi were just out of opportunism.
It was similar to the distrust she couldn’t help but harbor for Wei Guang since their first meeting.
Do you see me as a person or as a tool? That was the unspoken question.
Yunqi’s unease and uncertainty reminded her of the Emperor’s suspicion-prone nature, and Kayla couldn’t help but wonder what it had been like for the Emperor after his ascension to the throne. One by elimination of potential candidates, one by coup. Sympathy for both the man before her and his father washed over Kayla like a tidal wave.
If that’s what he’s worried about, then I already know who he wants as his Empress.
“How about someone from the An clan?” Kayla suggested. “After the death of the Third Prince, his maternal clan’s ties to the Imperial Family have also weakened accordingly, and Her Highness the Royal Consort has also suffered greatly. Marrying one of her nieces may be the best way to bring joy to Her Highness, and while it may not be advisable for the two to spend too much time together at this point in time for fears of sparking unneeded accusations, the two would have each other to rely upon in the capital.”
Yunqi nodded thoughtfully. Not a single ripple went through his expression, but something seemed to thaw in his eyes.
“An excellent idea,” Yunqi said quietly. He straightened his posture, folding his fingers together. “If General Yan has any daughters or nieces, I would also like to take one as my consort. The same goes for the Cao clan. If my sister-in-law has any cousins or sisters of marriageable age, then I should marry one to cement our existing alliances as well…”
He paused, giving a soft huff. “After the war between the East and Western Turks comes to a close, we should also consider a marriage alliance with the Western Turks too.”
He really thought this through, huh?
As if hearing Kayla’s thoughts, Yunqi gave her a wry look. “The list just keeps growing longer.”
And it’ll grow longer, Kayla thought, thinking of the Emperor’s extensive harem.
“I’m afraid it can’t be helped, my prince.”
“No, I suppose not. If the Emperor can contribute to the nation's stability simply by taking an additional consort, then he has no excuse not to. And there is one other thing.”
“Yes?”
Yunqi’s face was completely serene, like one of the statues you found at a remote shrine.
“A great series of calamities has befallen the Imperial Household as of late. I propose consecrating a new temple to assuage the fears of the populace.”
“An excellent idea, my prince.”
“It ought to be a modest one, at little cost to the country, but refined in taste and solemnity. But the important thing is finding the right location,” Yunqi said.
“Where do you think would be suitable?” Kayla asked, a strange sense of trepidation at where this was going.
The serene look melted off of Yunqi’s face, leaving a sudden starkness that took Kayla by surprise.
“My brother once said he would demolish Xianchun’s household and build a temple there. I believe it is time for me to fulfill his wish.”
Kayla’s heart skipped a beat and thudded against her ribcage.
“I will arrange for the divinators to find the suitable location as Your Highness wishes,” she said.
Yunqi gave a thin smile. “And for my youngest brother, who nobly sacrifices his own residence for the nation’s wellbeing, I will gift him a new villa. And perhaps a new wife.”
“Who would Your Highness think is suitable?”
Yunqi’s brows furrowed.
“I would have him serve me. I need his help. But I won’t have him become a threat to me. Have him marry Yu Bianfu. After the mourning period of one year is up, I will grant her a grand wedding as congratulations for returning to the harmony of matrimonial life after so many years of harsh endurance in the military. Out of consideration for her father, who has only this one child, I will relocate him to the capital and grant him a promotion to the Ministry of War so that he may be closer to his daughter.” He spoke the final words with vindication.
A promotion in name but a demotion in actuality. And how can General Yu refuse to marry his daughter into the Imperial family? They’re done for. Once they’ve married into the Imperial Family, the Emperor can openly interfere in their family matters. Not just them, the Yu clan’s done for. Xianchun’s connections in the military will be completely crushed.
She took a deep breath.
“A benevolent choice, my prince,” Kayla said.
The raw anger wilted from Yunqi and he leaned back into his chair, looking exhausted.
“A temple is a good idea,” he said. “We could use some better fortune…we need the gods to smile upon us.”
Fear flickered in his face.
“Too much has happened, too many people have died…Father, too, he–” Yunqi cut himself off, shaking his head.
“What about the Emperor, my prince?”
Yunqi sighed. “I don’t want to say this. But the eunuchs whisper, and I don’t know what to do other than to quash the rumors from spreading.”
“What is it?” Kayla asked.
“Father has begun speaking to himself,” Yunqi said grimly. “Eunuchs hear him talking when the room is empty, and when they took an excuse to go and check, they found that he wasn’t using any communication devices.”
Cold horror pooled in Kayla’s stomach. The Emperor had made Yunqi regent, but the Emperor was still the Emperor. If his sanity was slipping from him, there was still the potential of a bloodbath like Kayla had never seen.
“Father’s unstable,” Yunqi admitted.
Kayla looked at him helplessly, not knowing what to say.
“I don’t blame him for his decisions. It was a horrific act for a person, but an understandable choice for an Emperor,” Yunqi said. “But he–he’s deteriorating. I don’t know if he’s truly quelled his suspicions yet, or if he’s just going to keep going. The Royal Consort–she–I don’t even know how to protect her! Is it better to keep her here where I have some sway? Or to send her to the summer palace, out of Father’s sight? I don’t know how far Father will push this. I don’t know if he’ll just continue until the sword is pointed at me.”
There it was. The uneasy suspicion Kayla had earlier was finally actualizing itself.
This is Yunqi’s true fear.
“I wish he would just stop there, but…” Yunqi shook his head.
“We must preserve your position no matter what, my prince,” Kayla said. “I will defend you at any cost, even if it–”
She stopped herself short, heart pounding. It was too much of a risk, even for her.
Yunqi didn’t respond, quietly watching Kayla for a moment before he stood. Kayla uncertainly rose to her feet as well.
The prince was silent for so long that Kayla could feel her heart pounding painfully in her ears.
Then Yunqi pulled her into a hug that she nervously returned.
“Thank you, Wenyuan,” Yunqi said. He let go, patting her on the shoulder.
“I knew I could rely on you.”
Fuck.
A eunuch knocked on the door, announcing the arrival of a senior secretary.
“Take a seat, Wenyuan,” Yunqi said. “If you have the time, let’s meet him together.”
“Of course, my prince,” Kayla said. “It would be an honor.”
The secretary greeted Yunqi with a bow, starting in surprise when he caught sight of Kayla there as well. He hesitated until Yunqi gestured for him to go on before launching into a report. Kayla barely registered any of it, her mind still lingering on Yunqi’s unspoken request.
It’s only a matter of time now, Kayla realized. He can’t be secure in his seat unless the Emperor’s gone. I was a fool to think that the worst was over.
Swallowing the anxiety in her throat, Kayla watched the prince seated across from her.
Yunqi’s a kindhearted man, Kayla thought grimly. We have no idea what this will do to him in the long run.
She turned her attention to the secretary instead, letting his droning words quash the worries from her mind.
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Cultural Notes
丧服/Mourning clothes: In Ancient China, white was the color of mourning. Also why Chinese people instinctively do a double take if they see white flowers placed before a family photo sometimes when they visit a Western household. The most orthodox clothes would be made of rough white linen.
追封/Posthumous honors: The act of granting someone a posthumous title that they did not gain in life. In many dynasties, we see the cases of extremely favored consorts being buried as Royal Consorts or, for higher-ranking ones, as Empresses.
监国/Regent: Allowing the Crown Prince to reign as regent while the Emperor took a backseat was a practice used by many Ancient Chinese Emperors, but some dynasties and Emperors actively avoided this situation, meaning that the Crown Prince only ruled when the Emperor died.
封王/Granting title of King: In Ancient China, the position of King was similar to a Duke or Archduke in Europe. Archduke Qi and Archduke Wei are actually in this category, but it's confusing to go around calling them King Qi and King Wei when there's Emperors and Princes running about. Usually, princes that were not made Emperor were granted a fief and a title of King.
封地/Fief: The fiefs of Kings/Archdukes in Ancient China varied by dynasty, but most dynasties avoided granting large fiefs and too much autonomous power.
两朝老臣/Old official of two generations: An Ancient Chinese term for senior officials who have served two Emperors (aka accumulated a lot of experience).
翰林学院/Hanlin Academy: The official thinktank/policy drafting mechanism in Ancient China, often also an institute for scholarly research and teaching. Usually very selective.
守丧/Mourning period: This typically lasted for three years for one's parents, during which you were not supposed to consume meat or wine, listen to music or watch entertainment, or get married. The degree of strictness varied a lot over time. The three years of mourning were thought to correspond to the first three years of your life, during which you were entirely dependent on your parents for survival.
占卜/Divination: A practice in Ancient China.
行宫/Travel/summer palace: Emperors usually maintained a palace outside of the capital where they would go on vacation (often in summer).