Chapter 46#

One month after the victory banquet, the streets and lanes of the capital were already carpeted with a thin blanket of interwoven emerald and gold. This blanket, soaked through by autumn rains, remained damp for days.#

Prince Xian’s faction had been biding their time for a long while. Seeing that Emperor Shunyuan had finally emerged from the despondency of deposing the Crown Prince, they grew restless and eager to establish a new heir.

In truth, it wasn’t that Prince Xian was overly impatient, but rather that he now appeared to be the obvious choice, the one everyone looked to. Once a person is elevated to such a position, even if they wished to calm down, those beneath them would not allow it.

In his previous life, Wen Zhuo had exploited this growing impatience and recklessness, constantly feeding Emperor Shunyuan, through various means, information about the methods Prince Xian had used against the deposed Crown Prince. This chilled the Emperor’s heart and aroused his suspicions, ultimately eliminating Prince Xian from consideration for the succession.

Emperor Shunyuan himself had a very good relationship with his elder imperial brother. To put it more accurately, his elder brother had protected him since childhood, and he was deeply dependent on that brilliant and martial brother.

However, the brothers of the previous generation, Emperor Kangzhen’s reign, had been restless. Emperor Kangzhen was kind-hearted. After ascending the throne, he did not deal harshly with his brothers but instead granted them powers to assist the state.

But it was precisely this mercy that sowed the seeds of future calamity, resulting in his eldest son’s tragic death and his second son being ambushed three times, escaping death by a hair’s breadth.

Thus, Emperor Shunyuan detested fraternal discord with a passion. What Prince Xian had done to the deposed Crown Prince was more than enough to touch his deepest taboo.

In this life, Wen Zhuo intended to administer this same potent medicine to Prince Xian.

It happened that Mo Shu had just completed the lower limb exoskeleton. In this era, devoid of carbon fiber or modern alloys, he had somehow managed to realize the functions on Shen Zhi’s drawings to a remarkable degree.

The people of the Marquis of Yongning’s household tested it and found it indeed saved effort without being bulky or cumbersome. Only then did Mo Shu bring it to Emperor Shunyuan.

The Emperor received him in the Qingliang Hall. Mo Shu knelt on the ground and respectfully fitted the exoskeleton onto the Emperor.

“Your humble subject beseeches Your Majesty to try it.”

Having said this, Mo Shu lowered his head and shuffled back down to the foot of the steps.

Emperor Shunyuan stood up shakily, both startled and fearful, clutching the device strapped to his legs. Even his steps were cautious.

“Your Majesty, be careful,” Liu Quan said, guarding him attentively, ready to support him the moment he seemed unsteady.

Emperor Shunyuan spread his arms and carefully paced within the Qingliang Hall. At first, he moved extremely slowly, wobbling left and right like a clumsy goose. But after two circuits, he found his rhythm, his pace quickened, and he seemed to recapture some of his former vigor.

Before he could say anything, Liu Quan was already beaming his congratulations: “Congratulations, Your Majesty! With this divine artifact, Your Majesty can walk without trouble!”

“Splendid, splendid!” Emperor Shunyuan exclaimed, propping his hands on his hips and turning to face Mo Shu in pleasant surprise. “Mo Shu, you are truly a genius inventor. You have solved a great problem for me. I must reward you. Speak, what is it you desire?”

Mo Shu, however, did not claim credit or become arrogant. Instead, he bowed his head even lower and said humbly, “Your subject is a man under sentence, living only by Your Majesty’s grace. I dare not presume to ask for rewards. Moreover, the crisis in the southern border has been resolved, the borders of the Great Qian are peaceful, and General Jun no longer needs me. Your subject wishes to emulate Tao Yuanming, ‘Plucking chrysanthemums beneath the eastern fence, gazing leisurely upon the southern mountains,’ to make clear my aspirations for a tranquil life.”

Wen Zhuo had told him that entering the palace this time, he must mention the word ‘chrysanthemum’, and it must be done casually and naturally.

Hearing this, Emperor Shunyuan fell silent for a moment. Then he said, “No, that won’t do. You cannot leave. I will entrust you with the management of the Ministry of War’s Armory and Clearance Department. From now on, you can openly forge weapons, including firearms, for the nation, and together with Huaishen, protect the peace of the Great Qian.”

Mo Shu’s lack of desire for officialdom, his wish only to retire to seclusion, completely disarmed Emperor Shunyuan’s suspicions.

In his youth, the Emperor himself had been fond of seeking immortality and the Dao. He knew that some reclusive scholars of profound attainment were unwilling to serve in the court, and he had always harbored a sense of reverence and longing for them. Now, Mo Shu’s image in his mind was increasingly approaching that of such a recluse, as if Mo Shu had emerged into the world solely to resolve the southern border crisis.

Besides, this divine artifact would likely require future maintenance and improvements, and he needed Mo Shu for that.

Mo Shu trembled, looked up in astonishment at Emperor Shunyuan.

Liu Quan smiled. “Master Mo is surprised, isn’t he? Why not thank His Majesty quickly?”

Mo Shu seemed to awaken from a dream and hurriedly said, “Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace.”

Entering officialdom was never his wish, but for the reputation of the Mo family and the continuation of their scholarly legacy, he had to set foot in the mortal world.

Undeniably, the Ministry of War was the best place to utilize his talents.

After Mo Shu had thanked the Emperor and left, the doors of the Qingliang Hall remained open. An autumn wind, carrying a yellow leaf, blew across the threshold and lay upon the green bricks.

Emperor Shunyuan gazed silently at the fallen leaf, lost in a long-forgotten contemplation.

He couldn’t help but ask Liu Quan, “It’s deep autumn now. Have the chrysanthemums in the palace bloomed?”

Liu Quan’s eyelid twitched. Feigning ignorance, he replied, “They bloom around this time every year, but this servant hasn’t really noticed.”

Emperor Shunyuan closed his eyes and sighed. “Empress Cao always loved chrysanthemums. I had forgotten for so long, but today I remembered.”

Liu Quan remained silent.

The Cao faction had been exterminated to the third degree. The former Crown Prince was confined to the Phoenix Sun Terrace. The Empress Cao had few relatives left in this world.

Now, the Cao faction was reviled by the people. The deceased Empress Cao was also implicated, being rumored among the populace as the chief culprit who had thrown the harem into chaos.

“Xiruo was a kind and gentle person. I have wronged her,” Emperor Shunyuan only dared to confess his true feelings when no one else was around.

Still, Liu Quan dared not respond.

Emperor Shunyuan turned his head, displeased. “Why don’t you speak? Do you think I would take my anger out on you just because I brought it up myself? You’re too calculating!”

Only then did Liu Quan force a smile, bowing even lower as if in atonement. “This servant remembers that the Empress was soft-hearted and treated everyone in the Prince Jing’s manor very well.”

“Yes, yes… At that time, I had locked Consort Chen in a separate residence outside the manor, forbidding anyone from visiting her. Only the Empress secretly brought her nourishing food and added a padded coat in winter.” Emperor Shunyuan’s eyes grew slightly hot and moist, tears blurring the autumn scene before him.

“I scolded her for it, and she accepted it without a word. Afterwards, she still did her utmost to take care of Consort Chen.” Emperor Shunyuan rarely revealed his true feelings to anyone anymore. Liu Changbai had forced him to become a cold tool to ensure the Great Qian’s functioning. Everyone around him were also small tools, destined to live for their ancestors, for the imperial foundation, for the Great Qian. Even if, in the eyes of outsiders, he enjoyed boundless honor and glory.

“In this life, I have had little love or affection. The only bit of true feeling I had was given to Consort Chen. What I gave to Empress Cao was merely a moment of favor. She knew this and never resented me. Cao Youwei was utterly unworthy of having such a good daughter,” Emperor Shunyuan concluded.

Emperor Shunyuan had two empresses in his life. The original principal wife of Prince Jing’s manor, Lady Liu, was forced upon him by Emperor Kangzhen. He had no feelings for her, but she had many expectations.

When she learned of his accidental fall from a cliff, where he met Consort Chen and fell in love at first sight, Lady Liu began to suppress and target Consort Chen in every possible way.

When Consort Chen was confined to the outer residence, Lady Cao cared for her in every detail, while Lady Liu constantly sought opportunities to have Consort Chen killed.

Thus, when Emperor Shunyuan later ascended the throne and was forced to make his principal wife, Lady Liu, empress, he absolutely refused to appoint Shen Bi as Crown Prince.

“The Cao faction committed grave crimes. Your Majesty’s severe punishment was to give an account to the deceased in Qianzhou. The Empress, being understanding, will surely comprehend Your Majesty’s actions,” Liu Quan tried to console. “It is deep autumn. This servant will go burn incense for the Empress and bring her some fresh chrysanthemums.”

“And how is the former Crown Prince?” Emperor Shunyuan asked abruptly.

Liu Quan’s heart trembled again.

Two days later, at the regular court session.

Emperor Shunyuan, wearing the divine artifact made by Mo Shu, strode confidently to his dragon throne.

He was in a good mood, originally intending to show off to his ministers that he could now move like the wind, hinting at a still-sharp blade not yet dulled by age.

But Prince Xian’s faction was too preoccupied with their own schemes to grasp the Emperor’s meaning.

Bu Zhangyi stepped forward first. “Your Majesty, the foundation of the state lies in the heir apparent. Now that the position is vacant, the court and the people are anxious. We beseech Your Majesty to establish a new heir soon, to fulfill the trust of the ancestral temple and the hopes of the people!”

Tang Guangzhi echoed, “Your Majesty, the former Crown Prince’s lack of virtue has caused unrest at court and shaken the people’s confidence. Only by quickly appointing a virtuous and able person can the state’s foundation be secured, the people’s hearts be calmed, and peace be restored both within and without.”

Shang Zhiqin added, “Your subject implores Your Majesty to establish an heir soon, following the ancestral statutes and obeying the late Emperor’s last wishes!”

Emperor Shunyuan’s face darkened instantly, his desire to show off completely evaporating. Instead, he asked warily, “Then, my esteemed ministers, whom do you propose I should appoint?”

Prince Xian, Shen Bi, glanced around surreptitiously, feeling unusually tense, his palms slick with sweat.

In his view, Emperor Shunyuan had no other choice. In terms of virtue, prestige at court, and ability, he was the sole candidate. Besides, he was also the son of the Empress, perfectly legitimate.

Bu Zhangyi and Tang Guangzhi exchanged glances. Believing there were no more obstacles, they decided to make their move.

Bu Zhangyi knelt. “Our dynasty follows the Zhou system of hereditary succession and the rule of primogeniture. In the past, Qin deposed Fusu and appointed Huhai, ultimately leading to its downfall in the second generation. Now, the eldest imperial son is maturing in virtue and talent, fitting the mandate of heaven. This is truly a fitting choice.”

Wen Zhuo couldn’t help but lower his head, suppressing a smile.

Prince Xian’s faction was still unaware that the Emperor had thought of Empress Cao a few days ago and, along with her, the former Crown Prince. He had sent someone to Phoenix Sun Terrace to check on him, where he incidentally learned about the mistreatment and abuse the former Crown Prince was suffering.

Their attempt to pressure the Emperor into establishing an heir was effectively pushing Prince Xian straight into the fire.

Indeed, Emperor Shunyuan said darkly, “Yesterday, I heard that the former Crown Prince, on Phoenix Sun Terrace, has become gaunt and emaciated in just one month. He is also excessively frightened and suffering from a serious illness, yet no imperial physician has been sent to treat him.”

“I also heard that someone ordered the reduction of the former Crown Prince’s food rations and instructed the guards to verbally abuse him, shaming him utterly. Now that the weather is turning cold, his room lacks thick quilts and padded clothes.”

“Since his deposition, like a tree fallen and its monkeys scattered, no court official dares to mention him. The palace maids avoid him. Even those who once served in the Eastern Palace, seeking to curry favor with new masters, slander him endlessly. Only Huang Ting, the former Eastern Palace steward now assigned to the Fifth Prince’s household, was merciful enough to go to Phoenix Sun Terrace and kneel in a distant bow.”

Wen Zhuo was slightly stunned. His smile faded as he turned to look at Shen Zhi. Simultaneously, many officials also looked towards Shen Zhi.

Standing among the princes, Shen Zhi was already quite conspicuous. But he remained composed, showing little reaction to the Emperor’s words and less interest in the officials’ stares. He only allowed a faint smile to appear as his eyes fell upon a certain figure among the foremost ranks of ministers.

Wen Zhuo was caught off guard by this subtle smile. His eyes widened slightly. Realizing he felt a flicker of pleasure, he quickly clasped his unruly ear, adjusting his black crown to cover it.

Emperor Shunyuan continued, “I will thoroughly investigate who harbors ulterior motives and shows disrespect to the former Crown Prince, seeking to do him harm. Until then, all princes are under suspicion. I will not discuss establishing a new heir for the time being.”

The situation took a sudden turn for the worse. Prince Xian’s faction broke out in cold sweat. No one had anticipated that Emperor Shunyuan would still care about a deposed prince.

If the Imperial Guard discovered that they were the ones behind this, and with Gong Zhiyuan and Luo Mingpu fanning the flames, they would find themselves in dire straits.

Prince Xian nearly lost his composure in the hall. He stared blankly at Emperor Shunyuan, now truly understanding the meaning of “extreme joy begets sorrow.”

Although Emperor Shunyuan did not name names, every official in the court knew who the “harboring ulterior motives” person was.

The Third Prince, Shen Ting, curled his lips in a cold smile. Just moments ago, when the ministers petitioned for establishing an heir, he had panicked for a second. Now, it seemed his father had no intention of doing so. Let them all wait, then, and see who could outlast whom. He was still relatively young.

Shen Chen, upon hearing this, could only sigh in frustration, grinding his teeth.

How could he have forgotten to curry favor with the Crown Prince when he was down!

Such an act would not only win his father’s favor but also move the former Crown Prince’s faction to rally behind him. It would have been beneficial in every way! But that peach had been picked by Shen Zhi yet again!

Blame it on his recent absorption in affairs regarding Mianzhou, waiting to deliver a heavy blow to Wen Zhuo, causing him to neglect the palace.

Silence fell over the court. All ministers bowed their heads low. Only Wen Zhuo dared to look up at Emperor Shunyuan’s expression.

He saw that the Emperor’s eye bags had deepened, and the vein in his neck was throbbing violently, proof that his anger had not subsided.

Perhaps it wasn’t so much that he pitied the Crown Prince, but that he realized his ministers’ hearts were no longer with him, that they were eagerly currying favor with the next ruler.

What he detested even more were those who would go to any lengths to destroy their own brothers. This very greed had been the source of the tragedy in his own life.

Wen Zhuo raised his head and said with a smile, “Your Majesty, your subject also has something to report.”

“What is it?” The Emperor was in a foul mood, and his tone was harsh towards Wen Zhuo as well, though he still showed some patience.

“What fine thing is Your Majesty wearing today? It allows you to walk even faster than your subject!” Wen Zhuo’s eyes sparkled, his restless thoughts flowing out through his limpid, watery gaze. “Your subject is usually quite lazy, and the palace avenues are so long. Could Your Majesty bestow one on me as well?”

Emperor Shunyuan let out an exasperated laugh. “You always covet everything I have. This one is out of the question.”

Wen Zhuo’s face immediately fell. He pouted and tilted his head in disappointment.

Liu Quan quickly seized the opening offered by Wen Zhuo’s words. “This is the lower limb exoskeleton specially made by Master Mo for His Majesty. It makes walking very easy. His Majesty is incredibly fond of it.”

Finally, someone had noticed the Emperor’s divine artifact, and that he was full of vigor today. The Emperor’s mood improved considerably.

“Wen Wanshan, you’re pulling a long face again. It’s only because I’m lenient with you,” Emperor Shunyuan chided. But he truly didn’t hold a grudge against Wen Zhuo and immediately explained, “It’s not that I’m unwilling to reward you, but this device requires the highest grade of fragrant rosewood. The entire Divine Wood Factory could only yield two sets. There’s none left for you.”

“Oh?” Wen Zhuo feigned surprise. “So Master Mo is this talented? Not only can he build city-defense ballistae, but he can also make divine artifacts for Your Majesty. Then I suppose I’ll just have to endure my envy.”

Hearing this, Shen Chen’s face immediately turned ashen with humiliation and shame.

Now he understood! He understood everything!

Mo Shu’s trip to the Divine Wood Factory was nothing but a trap! Emperor Shunyuan must have known all along that Mo Shu was selecting rosewood there to make this divine artifact.

That was why Luo Mingpu and Gong Zhiyuan’s attempt to arrest Mo Shu and impeach Jun Dingyuan failed—it directly opposed the Emperor’s interests!

But in the previous life, Mo Shu had never mentioned a lower limb exoskeleton!

Where had this bizarre contraption strapped to the waist and legs suddenly come from?

Xie Langyang felt a dizzy spell, nearly stumbling out of his row.

His pride felt crushed, ground into dust, and trampled on!

He had pondered for a full seven days but still couldn’t grasp the deeper meaning of Wen Zhuo’s scheme. So the Divine Wood Factory affair wasn’t accidental but intentional.

But when exactly had the Emperor made an agreement with Mo Shu?

Surely it must have been when Jun Dingyuan thanked the Emperor in his audience.

But based on a mere promise of a divine artifact, how could the Emperor let Mo Shu, a criminal hiding fugitives, off the death penalty and allow him to work in secret?

He couldn’t figure it out.

Was this matter also connected to the return of the martyrs’ remains?

If, in the previous life, the spy had not been caught, and the return of the remains had been entirely orchestrated by Wen Zhuo, how had he gotten Nan Ping to cooperate?

He had thought the difference between Wen Zhuo and himself was like that between the bright moon and the clouds. Now it seemed he was merely dust on the ground, a firefly’s glow.

It turned out it was Wen Zhuo who chose who would become the Emperor.

That day, after court, Wen Zhuo exited the Wuying Hall and shot a meaningful glance at Shen Zhi.

Shen Zhi slipped out of the palace at the You hour and went to see Wen Zhuo.

Before Shen Zhi could even pick up a slice of pear, Wen Zhuo asked bluntly, “Your Highness sent the former Eastern Palace steward to kowtow to Shen Zhen?”

Shen Zhi silently put down the pear slice he was about to bite. His expression was rather serious, as if he were a cat bristling.

“I thought it was a small matter and didn’t mention it to you, Teacher. Is there something wrong?”

Wen Zhuo slowly shook his head.

That former Eastern Palace steward had once visited his mansion with Shen Zhi before the Spring Terrace Chess Gathering.

Back then, the steward, acting on behalf of the Crown Prince, had been quite discourteous to Shen Zhi. Now that he was assigned to Shen Zhi’s command, Wen Zhuo had assumed that Shen Zhi would at least retaliate.

He was simply a little incredulous that Shen Zhi’s magnanimity reminded him of Great Qian’s Taizong Emperor.

In the past, Taizong had emulated Li Shimin. Broad-minded, he welcomed talented people from all over the world, truly trusting them without reservation, and never feared admitting his own faults. Consequently, all his ministers were awed by his charisma, dared to speak frankly and criticize current affairs. Soon, the court was clear and bright, ushering in Great Qian’s magnificent golden age.

Which minister didn’t yearn to be an official under Taizong’s reign? To avoid scheming and intrigue, and instead focus on applying their skills to state policies?

“He is now your subordinate, yet he still concerns himself with his former master. I thought you would be displeased,” Wen Zhuo said.

“Doesn’t that perfectly prove his loyalty? He didn’t kick the former Crown Prince when he was down. I am confident I can make him willingly pledge his loyalty to me. If he were a two-faced turncoat, what use would he be to me?” Shen Zhi chuckled, picked up another pear slice, and brought it to Wen Zhuo’s lips. “You look so tense and serious. I thought you were angry.”

“How could I be angry with Your Highness? Your Highness handled this very well.” Wen Zhuo lowered his eyelashes, looking at the fresh, tempting green pear. He couldn’t help but lick it with his tongue before saying, “Doesn’t Your Highness forbid your teacher from eating too many sweets?”

“Just a little. I can feed you.” Shen Zhi smiled, using the pear slice to gently rub against Wen Zhuo’s lips, as if urging or tempting him.

Wen Zhuo thought to himself, this is most improper. This shouldn’t happen between a prince and his teacher.

Yet he couldn’t suppress the palpitations in his heart, the desire to satisfy these shameful thoughts.

Even as he condemned himself, he opened his mouth and took the pear slice, biting it gently with his teeth, secretly hoping to be fed another.

Then he heard Shen Zhi sigh, “I just didn’t expect the guards at Phoenix Sun Terrace to be so strict. He talked himself hoarse but couldn’t persuade them, so he just kowtowed outside. Isn’t it supposed to be a high terrace? Couldn’t he have met him by the window?”

Wen Zhuo was suddenly startled by these words, forgetting to swallow the pear slice.