The Empress had long been confined to her sickbed, her beauty long faded.
Now, no one could call her beautiful – her appearance was even frightening.
Her face was gaunt and hollow; at a glance, she could easily scare a child to tears.
But the Empress cared nothing for it.
She never shied away from the Kaiyao Emperor’s gaze; she boldly displayed her ugliest self before him.
As for what he thought upon seeing her now, she never bothered to care.
This old lady is dying anyway – why should I care about the feelings of this scoundrel?
If I suffer, you won’t get to have it easy either. Even if I die, I’ll make sure you, this man who deserves a thousand cuts, are left with nothing but headaches and troubles.
The Empress made no attempt to hide her malice.
She truly harboured endless resentment toward the Emperor. At times, even in his presence, she did not conceal her desire to kill him.
And the Emperor’s feelings toward the Empress were a tangle of hatred, wariness, and something more complicated, something difficult to define.
Years ago, when he had ascended the throne smoothly, the Empress and her family had rendered great service.
Her elder brother, the late Zhen guogong, had been a minister of rare quality – not only famed for his military achievements, but also for his political acumen.
In his time, no one could overshadow him. In the Emperor’s eyes, Zhen guogong had been a peerless subject – loyal, weighty, a true pillar of the realm.
Yet even then, while her brother still lived, Empress Cui had made countless attempts to see the Emperor dead.
And the Emperor himself had harboured countless intentions to depose her.
Later, when Zhen guogong died of his injuries, it was as if both husband and wife had a piece of their hearts torn out.
Only then did they realise – Zhen guogong had been the most important person to both of them.
Their shared grief and regret barely held their relationship together – outward civility, inward coldness.
To put it bluntly, the late Zhen guogong was the cinnabar mole in the Emperor’s heart – forever lodged there, never fading.
And so, though Zhen guogong had been dead for many years, the Emperor never deposed Empress Cui. The two of them schemed and endured, and at last, the Empress reached the end of her life first.
Empress Cui said to the Emperor, “Your Majesty, once chenqie is gone…”
“Empress, do not speak nonsense,” the Emperor cut her off.
She shook her head faintly. “Let chenqie finish. If chenqie doesn’t say this now, I may not have the chance later.”
The Emperor frowned. “Today is the first day of the New Year – you should be happy.”
“Chenqie is happy. But chenqie knows my own body. Chenqie is already at the end of the wick – chenqie can’t hold out much longer.” She spoke openly of her approaching death.
All the while, her eyes swept the princes and imperial grandsons, observing their reactions from the corners of her eyes.
They must be longing for me to die, she thought coldly. Once I’m gone, they’ll run wild, sparing no effort to drag the Crown Prince down.
The Crown Prince dropped to his knees with a thud. “Muhou…”
Before he could say more, his tears choked him.
Empress Cui looked at him. “You’re no longer young – you’ll soon be a grandfather yourself. How can you still lose your composure like this? For me to live this long, compared with the empresses of past dynasties, is already a great blessing. You need not grieve so.”
The Crown Prince sobbed quietly, grief overwhelming him.
Ignoring him, the Empress turned back to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, chenqie has no other request – only that after I die, you give the Crown Prince a chance. Don’t be so quick to deny him.”
The Crown Prince froze in shock.
The Emperor’s gaze turned cold as he looked at his son, then he replied to the Empress, “He is our eldest di son. Naturally, zhen will give him a chance.”
“Many thanks, Your Majesty.”
The Empress smiled softly, her expression gentler than before.
Then she turned to the princes and grandsons. “Once bengong is gone, I hope you will stand united and truly support the Crown Prince. You may not be born of bengong, but bengong has watched you grow. You are all good children – do not let greed blind your eyes, forsaking kinship. The imperial clan cannot endure slaughter after slaughter.”
The princes exchanged glances – none knew how to respond.
The Emperor, however, spared them the trouble.
He frowned. “Why say such things, Empress? Are you blaming zhen for failing to teach my sons properly?”
She gave him a half-smile. “Chenqie only wishes His Majesty would indeed guide the princes and grandsons well. But since you are ever so busy, best leave their instruction to their tutors.”
The Emperor snorted. “You think too much. You always have – even now, old as you are.”
“After marrying Your Majesty, chenqie has had endless worries to carry. Naturally, chenqie thinks too much. If blame must be given, don’t place it on chenqie. Chenqie has struggled for a lifetime – now that I’ve only days left, just allow me some peace.”
“Zhen will allow you peace. What else do you want?”
The Empress turned her gaze toward the grandsons standing behind the princes. “By right, imperial grandsons should be the most privileged young men in the world. Yet how is it that not a single one of their marriages has been settled? Liu Zhao – I recall you are twenty already, are you not? Why are you still unmarried?”
Ning wang hurriedly stepped forward. “Reporting to the niangniang – Zhao’er’s health is frail. It is better for him to marry later.”
The Empress snorted and sneered. “Bengong was unaware that Liu Zhao was frail.”
From the crowd, Liu Zhao stepped forward. His face was pale, unhealthily so.
Whether his body was truly weak, or whether he had done something to make himself appear sickly, none could tell.
He bowed. “This grandson greets Imperial Grandmother. To have Imperial Grandmother personally concern yourself with my marriage is this grandson’s fortune. Once I return, this grandson will inform my mother of Imperial Grandmother’s will, and ask her to arrange a match swiftly.”
The Empress said, “How troublesome. Why not let His Majesty choose a bride for you directly?”
Kaiyao Emperor stroked his beard and asked, “Zhao’er, have you taken a liking to any young lady?”
Liu Zhao lowered his head, faintly furrowing his brows, a flash of anger in his eyes.
He knew very well – Empress Cui was deliberately targeting him. All because of the case he had pursued, which harmed the interests of the Eastern Palace. Empress Cui had held the grudge ever since. Today, seizing the chance, how could she possibly let him off?
Unhurriedly, Liu Zhao said, “Imperial Grandfather, your grandson has a presumptuous request.”
“Speak! As long as it is reasonable, zhen shall grant it.”
Liu Zhao raised his voice clearly, “I ask Imperial Grandfather to permit me to choose my own wife.”
“Absurd!” Empress Cui snapped. “Why not allow bengong to arrange a marriage for you? Bengong have long thought highly of the young lady from Lu hou fu – especially the eldest daughter, Pei Yun. Why not betroth Pei Yun to Zhao’er? That would bind our families even closer.”
Kaiyao Emperor frowned slightly and glanced at Ning wang and his son, Liu Zhao.
Ning wang looked embarrassed. “Th-this doesn’t seem appropriate…”
Empress Cui gave a scornful laugh. “What is inappropriate? Ning wang, I recall your princess consort is also of the Pei clan. If you could marry her, why can’t Liu Zhao marry Pei Yun?”
This, this…
Ning wang was tongue-tied. He could hardly say aloud that the Pei family’s power already loomed too great. From the looks around them, this was only a suggestion, yet already many harboured ill intent.
If Liu Zhao truly married Pei Yun, he would become a target of every arrow – his fate would be miserable.
“I don’t like her.” While Ning wang struggled, Liu Zhao suddenly spoke. “I don’t wish to marry Pei Yun. Her temper is strong, and since childhood she has been noisy and unruly. I do not want to marry her and live each day under her discipline.”
He declared this with perfect confidence.
Pfft! Someone couldn’t help but laugh aloud.
Kaiyao Emperor also burst into hearty laughter. “Since Zhao’er does not like her, then we’ll choose another. But your marriage ought to be settled soon. Tomorrow, zhen shall order the Shaofu to bring the registry of capital maidens to your wang fu. You may choose directly, and then zhen shall bestow the marriage by decree.”
Liu Zhao bowed in thanks. “Many thanks to Imperial Grandfather. Your grandson shall obey.”
Empress Cui smiled faintly. “Bengong is most curious – what kind of girl will Liu Zhao favour? Since even Pei Yun does not suit him, I wonder who possibly could. Your Majesty, since there is no pressing matter now, why not summon the registry immediately and let Liu Zhao choose his wife here and now? The other imperial grandsons may follow suit. Once chosen, Your Majesty may issue the marriage decrees on the spot. What do you think?”
Kaiyao Emperor hesitated.
Unexpectedly, Zhao wang voiced strong support. “Your Majesty, niangniang’s idea is excellent. Several of my sons are still unmarried as well – let them all choose together.”
The emperor looked at the gathered princes and grandsons. “Choosing a wife is important, but not so urgent as to be decided this moment. The ministers are still waiting – time cannot be delayed too long. Let us do this another day. Tomorrow, we shall hold a family banquet. Those who should marry will marry, those who should wed will wed.”
Empress Cui fixed her gaze on him. “Your Majesty, chenqie has but little time left. Before closing my eyes for the last time, chenqie wishes to see the marriages of the imperial grandsons settled. Please, grant chenqie this small request.”
Kaiyao Emperor studied her deeply, then finally nodded. “Very well. Zhen shall grant you this. Within the next few days, zhen shall personally oversee it.”
Even though he knew the Empress intended to meddle in the grandsons’ marriages, he would still comply.
She had but little time remaining. Husband and wife from youth, companions into old age – no matter how many times he had once considered deposing her, in these final days, so long as it did not touch the throne itself, Kaiyao Emperor would indulge her wishes.
Empress Cui smiled, satisfied. “Chenqie thanks Your Majesty. Chenqie… cough, cough…”
She broke into uncontrollable coughing, suddenly spitting up several mouthfuls of blood.
All were struck with horror – even Kaiyao Emperor’s expression changed.
The Crown Prince panicked. “Muhou? Muhou, are you all right? Where are the taiyi? Where have they gone?”
In his panic, he reached out to steady her, only to have his hands smeared full of her blood.
Kaiyao Emperor ordered the eunuchs, “Summon all the taiyi of the Imperial Infirmary at once. Ask them: was it truly the Crown Prince who summoned them earlier? Why have they not arrived yet?”
The eunuch took the command and hurried off.
Soon, Wang taiyi rushed in with his medicine chest.
This was the second time Empress Cui had vomited blood today. How could this continue?
At this rate, even with the fiercest drugs, she likely had less than half a month to live.
She lay weakly, all former majesty gone. Now she was nothing more than an old woman, gravely ill and near death. Fixing her eyes on Wang taiyi, she said feebly, “Use strong medicine. Bengong can endure it.”
Wang taiyi understood – she was ordering him to administer the most potent, dangerous remedies at once.
Perhaps she too could feel life draining away, far faster than expected. She feared death – feared dying without value, before her plans were completed.
Wang taiyi nodded. “Weichen will begin with acupuncture. It may hurt; please endure, niangniang.”
The Empress gave a thin smile. “Bengong has endured every hardship in this lifetime – I do not fear pain. Do what must be done.”
Wang taiyi glanced at Kaiyao Emperor.
The emperor nodded. “So long as the Empress’ life can be preserved, use any method necessary.”
This was permission to use even the most extreme medicines.
With reassurance, Wang taiyi began.
The Empress trembled all over in pain.
Kaiyao Emperor could not bear to watch, but he did not leave. He ordered all the princes and grandsons, “Withdraw. Wait outside. Only the Crown Prince remains.”
Obeying the decree, the princes and grandsons withdrew one by one.
They did not dare go far, but waited in the side hall, listening anxiously.
Amid the silence, faint groans drifted from within the chamber.
Ning wang found a moment to whisper to Liu Zhao, “Your marriage can no longer be delayed. The Empress has her eye on you. She will not rest until she sees your match decided. You revealed too much before, and she seized upon it – you should have foreseen this.”
Liu Zhao nodded. “Do not worry, Father. Your son knows what must be done.”
Ning wang frowned. “This concerns your marriage. Do not take it lightly. In truth, Pei Yun is not without merit.”
Liu Zhao lowered his head and sneered. “Better to let san di marry Pei Yun – what does Father think of that?”
“This…”
Ning wang shook his head slightly. “Forget it. Make your own decision quickly. But my advice is – choose from among the noble houses of merit. As for the daughters of civil officials, best avoid them.”
“I understand,” Liu Zhao said, neither confirming nor denying.
In the side hall, everyone waited, faintly hearing the Empress’s groans from within the bedchamber.
The imperial princes exchanged glances. Someone whispered, “The Empress won’t last much longer. She doesn’t have much time left.”
The others nodded repeatedly. Compared to the last time they had seen her, the Empress’s condition had worsened greatly. Anyone with eyes could see her days were numbered.
The taiyi from the Imperial Infirmary came rushing in, sweat streaming down their faces.
It was the first day of the New Year, and aside from those on duty, the other taiyi had been on holiday at home – which was why they had arrived so late.
The taiyi filed into the bedchamber to examine the Empress.
The entire palace grew so quiet it was suffocating, broken only by the low voices of the physicians and the occasional groans of the Empress.
After a long time, Kaiyao Emperor finally stepped out of the chamber, his face weary. The Crown Prince followed behind him, his eyes red and swollen – he had clearly been weeping.
Without a word, Kaiyao Emperor left Weiyang Palace. The princes and imperial grandsons silently followed him toward the banquet hall.
In Chenghui Hall, the palace banquet began. But instead of being presided over by the Empress, it was led by Xue guifei, along with the Shu fei and Xian fei.
The noble ladies exchanged uneasy looks, fearing that something serious had happened to the Empress’s health. During the morning’s New Year’s greetings at Weiyang Palace, the Empress had already looked unwell, ending the ceremony hastily before leaving.
Once everyone had taken their seats, sure enough, Xue guifei announced, “Empress niangniang is unwell. Today’s banquet will be hosted jointly by bengong, Shu fei and Xian fei. Please, do not be restrained – enjoy yourselves freely.”
Xue guifei was no longer young, but she maintained herself well. She looked barely in her thirties, with a striking beauty. Shu fei and Xian fei, however, showed signs of age.
The other concubines and beauties were younger, yes, but youth was their only advantage.
Compared to the Emperor, who was just past sixty, their youth was an awkward thing – because once the Emperor passed away, their futures would be bleak. Those with children would fare better, but those without… their lives would be miserable indeed.
For palace women accustomed to wealth and splendour, to spend the rest of their days in quiet prayer by lamplight and incense was little better than a death sentence.
The current Zhen guogong furen was the Empress’s niece-in-law. Upon hearing that the Empress was unwell, she quickly asked with concern, “Is niangniang’s condition serious?”
Xue guifei looked at her and sighed softly. “Niangniang’s health… ai. The taiyi have already gone to attend her, and His Majesty himself visited her chamber. Furen need not worry – surely niangniang will recover in time.”
But Zhen guogong furen frowned deeply, wishing she could leave immediately for Weiyang Palace to see the Empress herself.
Zhang shi quietly reminded the three girls, “Behave yourselves. It seems change is coming to the palace.”
Xie shi trembled so hard she nearly dropped her teacup. Lowering her voice, she leaned toward Zhang shi. “Dasao, don’t frighten me like that.”
Zhang shi’s face was grave. “How could I dare speak such words carelessly?”
The Empress’s absence from the banquet, in itself, was already a powerful signal. Those who understood, understood. Those like Xie shi who did not, would soon enough.
One only had to look at the hall. Before, everyone had seemed relaxed. But the moment they heard the Empress was ill, all expressions turned solemn.
Now, even if they were starving, no one had the appetite for food or drink.
Besides, the palace banquet fare was never good – cold dishes, tasteless. The palace attendants had always been careless about such banquets.
Only the dishes served to the consorts were warm. For the titled noblewomen, the food was always icy cold, never the slightest hint of heat.
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