The Blood Crown - Chapter 101

In the midst of the lingering ice and snow of early spring, an unexpected event occurred in the imperial harem.

In the chambers of Concubine Wengui, a person disguised as a eunuch attempted to assassinate the twelve-year-old Second Prince, Prince Chen’an. Fortunately, the attempt was thwarted by palace guards, and the prince escaped unharmed.

Infuriated, Emperor Zhaowu ordered a thorough investigation within three days to uncover the mastermind behind the assassination attempt. He also decreed the removal of General Zhulan Ting from his position as commander of the Imperial Guards, but upon the pleas of many ministers, this punishment was postponed until after the investigation.

Upon interrogation, the assailant, who bore distinct features uncommon among Central Plains people—high cheekbones, dark complexion, and rosy cheeks—confessed that he had been instigated by Consort Huifei to assassinate the Second Prince. He admitted that Consort Huifei had guided him to Concubine Wengui’s chambers on the day of the attempt, shortly after Consort Huifei had visited there herself.

This revelation was of significant consequence, implicating the Crown Prince and Consort Huifei. Although the matter was kept under wraps, news spread quickly throughout the capital. Despite the confidentiality of the interrogation, word leaked out, and even the scholars in the Hanlin Academy were privy to the details. By the time Yan Sikong learned of the interrogation results from his former colleagues, Minister Yan Zilian had already been summoned to the palace.

Yan Sikong felt anxious. It was evident to discerning eyes that Consort Huifei could not have orchestrated such a plot. She was a simple girl from the countryside, lacking both background and the temperament for such schemes. Moreover, her son was already the Crown Prince; there was no reason for her to plot against another prince.

Like many others, Yan Sikong suspected that Concubine Wengui was behind the plot, given her father’s connections to the Ministry of War and the Imperial Guards. However, he knew that Zhulan Ting was unlikely involved, as he was known for his integrity and would not harm his own position.

Yan Sikong decided it was unwise to linger in the Hanlin Academy. He planned to visit Minister Yan Zilian later that evening. He wanted to offer comfort to Prince Chen’an and his mother, but he knew there was little he could do. Unless…

Yan Sikong thought of the Virtuous Consort, his future mother-in-law, who was highly regarded by Emperor Zhaowu. If only Feng Ye could appeal to her in front of the emperor, it would surely lend weight to their cause.

But the thought of Feng Ye made Yan Sikong’s heart ache. He had tried to avoid thinking about him, but he found it impossible to suppress his feelings. Worse yet, he realized with shame that he was eagerly awaiting an excuse to see him again.

He cursed himself for his foolishness. Not only were he and Feng Ye in their current predicament, but the cryptic remarks made by Minister Yan Zilian during the banquet had also revealed Emperor Zhaowu’s apprehension towards Prince Jingyuan. Yan Sikong had once hoped that Feng Ye would join him in supporting the Crown Prince, but after Prince Jingyuan’s defeat against the Wala, he wished the Fēng family would stay out of the succession struggle altogether, to avoid further suspicion.

That night, Yan Sikong visited Minister Yan Zilian’s residence. When he inquired about the assassination attempt, Minister Yan Zilian sighed heavily. He lamented that Emperor Zhaowu was furious, and despite Consort Huifei’s tearful pleas, Minister Yan Zilian’s efforts to persuade the emperor had been in vain. Emperor Zhaowu had ordered the case to be thoroughly investigated, even including Consort Huifei and the Crown Prince in the inquiry.

Yan Sikong’s premonition had come true. The following day, a memorial from a faction of censor officials accused the Crown Prince of disrespecting imperial authority by performing sacrificial rites at the Northern Mausoleum without having ascended the throne, sparking outrage throughout the court. Despite the Crown Prince’s denials, the accusations gained traction, fueled by rumors circulating in the capital.

Without concrete evidence, the accusations against the Crown Prince seemed baseless, but the court officials were powerless against the allegations. The imperial system allowed censor officials to report rumors and hearsay, providing them with a platform to accuse anyone, including members of the imperial family.

Emperor Zhaowu’s anger led to the imprisonment of Consort Huifei and the Crown Prince, pending further investigation into the assassination attempt.

As the situation escalated to this point, everyone speculated that the Emperor was going to depose the Crown Prince. Many also pointed fingers at the Second Prince, believing he was implicated in the matter, causing widespread anxiety in the court.

When Yan Sikong heard the news of Consort Huifei and the Crown Prince’s imprisonment, his legs nearly gave way beneath him. He leaned against the door, standing for a long time before hurrying to the Wen Yuan Pavilion to find Yan Zilian.

Upon meeting, both teacher and student wore grim expressions.

Yan Sikong anxiously asked, “Teacher, what has the Court of Judicial Review found out?”

Yan Zilian shook his head heavily. “Indeed, Consort Wen Gui has conspired with Xie Zhongren. The one who accused the Crown Prince today was the Court of Rites’ Imperial Censor.” He gritted his teeth. “One eunuch, one woman, colluding together, intending to seize the position of the heir! “

Yan Sikong clenched his fist tightly. “That eunuch…” He cursed, wishing he could flay Xie Zhongren alive!

“Although His Majesty has imprisoned the Consort and the Crown Prince, many officials are remonstrating. For now, they are safe, but…” Yan Zilian covered his weary eyes. “His Majesty has never favored the Crown Prince or Consort Huifei. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have imprisoned them based solely on the words of a few court officials. After all, the Crown Prince is the future heir of our Great Sheng Dynasty. What kind of precedent is this?”

“There’s no time to worry about precedents now.” Yan Sikong urged, “As you said, His Majesty dislikes both the mother and son. He has long wanted to replace the Crown Prince, and with the Empress Dowager ailing, she’s unable to pressure him. I’m afraid His Majesty will seize this opportunity to depose the Crown Prince!”

“That’s precisely what we’re most worried about.” Yan Zilian opened his eyes, each deep wrinkle on his face filled with heavy concern. “Deposing the elder to favor the younger is going against the natural order. His Majesty cannot afford to make such a foolish decision.”

“Hasn’t His Majesty always been foolish?” Yan Sikong gritted his teeth.

Normally, Yan Zilian would have reprimanded Yan Sikong for speaking so rashly, but at this moment, he thought the same. Yan Sikong was just voicing his thoughts. Yan Zilian said gravely, “I’m afraid the next step will be for His Majesty to have the Court of Judicial Review interrogate the Consort and the Crown Prince, which will only complicate matters further.”

Interrogation by the Court of Judicial Review inevitably involved torture. According to the laws of the dynasty, regardless of guilt or innocence, the first ten strokes of the whip were administered upon imprisonment to uphold the authority of the law and deter wrongdoing. Most royal family members would be exempt, but if His Majesty personally issued the decree, who would dare to defy it? Although the mother and son had been neglected for many years, they had never endured physical punishment. Furthermore, this was such a humiliating ordeal.

Yan Sikong felt a chill in his heart and whispered, “Consort Huifei is timid by nature. If she is frightened during the interrogation or if she is coerced into saying something she shouldn’t, the Crown Prince will be beyond redemption.”

“That’s exactly what I fear,” Yan Zilian said. “I will go find the Minister of Justice immediately. With the situation so dire, if he doesn’t stand up against our enemies, it would be tantamount to allowing them to insult the future Emperor of our Great Sheng Dynasty. Enlightening him about the greater good might persuade him.”

“Let’s hope so,” Yan Sikong suddenly remembered something. “Teacher, how did the Crown Prince react during the morning court?”

In this dynasty, officials above the fourth rank were required to attend the morning court. He had heard that Fenyang Wang had recently returned to the capital, and since the Imperial Censor accused the Crown Prince today, Fenyang Wang must have been present.

Yan Zilian said, “He advised His Majesty to reconsider and believed that the Crown Prince was innocent.” He stared at Yan Sikong. “Do you have a plan?”

Yan Sikong thought for a moment. “I thought of a plan, but…” He lowered his eyelids, concealing his emotions. His heart was in turmoil. “Because of the marriage arrangement, the Crown Prince and I have grown apart. It might not be effective if I approach him.”

“Ah, I advised His Majesty not to release any information about the marriage before it was finalized, citing concerns about Xie Zhongren’s interference. I never expected the Crown Prince to be so concerned about his status.” Yan Zilian looked at Yan Sikong. “What’s your plan then? Do you want Jingyuan Wang to intercede for them?”

“No,” Yan Sikong said firmly. “If Jingyuan Wang intercedes, it will only add fuel to the fire.”

Yan Zilian immediately grasped the key point. “That’s right. His Majesty is wary of Jingyuan Wang. If he intercedes for the Crown Prince again, the heir’s position will certainly be untenable. So, what do you suggest?”

“Have Princess Wanyang plead to the Empress Dowager.”

Yan Zilian’s eyes lit up. “That’s a good plan. If His Majesty dares to do this, he must be keeping it from the Empress Dowager. Princess Wanyang visits the Empress Dowager daily. If we inform her of this matter in secret, it may not implicate Consort Huifei. Now, only the Empress Dowager can save Consort Huifei and the Crown Prince. Wait a moment…” He worried again, “But there’s a record of the Crown Prince entering the palace. His Majesty cannot be deceived.”

“The Crown Prince doesn’t need to enter the palace. Just a letter delivered to Consort Huifei will suffice. This matter will require your assistance, Teacher. Can you persuade General Zhulan to relay the message to the Crown Prince? The palace is heavily guarded now, and General Zhulan is carrying out his duties despite being under suspicion. Only he can do it.”

Yan Zilian smiled bitterly. “Even if it costs me my dignity, I’ll ask him. Besides, General Zhulan was appointed as the Crown Prince’s martial arts instructor by the Empress Dowager. I believe he also wants to help the Crown Prince. What about you? Are you confident in persuading the Crown Prince?”

Yan Sikong looked uneasy. “Not entirely.”

Yan Zilian grabbed Yan Sikong’s hand, his eyes as sharp as an eagle’s. “Sikong, you understand the gravity of this situation. You cannot afford to fail. You must succeed.”

Yan Sikong slowly knelt down. “Teacher, I will do my utmost.”

The fate of Consort Huifei, the Crown Prince, and the entire dynasty hung in the balance as they contemplated their next steps.