Since the first flurry of snow, the capital city experienced ten days of continuous falling snow. There were gray skies above, snowy grounds, and occasionally birds glided across the horizon, wings stirring up drifting snowflakes, their calls echoing far off into the distance.
The atmosphere of the capital mirrored the sky above, solemn, cold, and turbulent beneath the surface.
After several rounds of debate, the long-delayed case against Yin Chengru came to its conclusion.
Yin Chengru, Regional Governor of Jizhou, had privately mobilized troops to his own command and secretly colluded with Xihuang, plotting treason against the nation. He had been disloyal and unrighteous. After three joint trials by the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Justice, and the Supervisory Commission, he was sentenced to death by beheading to serve as a deterrent example.
The Yin family had boasted generations of loyal service to their nation. The emperor, unwilling to chill the hearts of loyal souls, spared them from punishment in this case.
And so it was that the guilty subject Yin Chengru was set to be executed at the hour of the horse on the fifth day of the tenth month.
*
On the day of the execution, many gathered to watch.
Some were friends of the Yin family who wished to see him off for the last time, while others came purely for the spectacle. Yet another group went to gauge the Yin family's attitude.
Regardless of motive, all kept a low profile among the commoners, avoiding any appearance above the site of execution. Yin Chengru was a traitor, after all, and no one openly sought connections with him.
The carriage of the Yong'an Palace similarly blended into the crowd. Ye Yunting and Li Fengqi were inside, observing the movements at the scene of execution from afar.
There were only a handful of minutes left before the hour of the horse. Yin Chengru was escorted before the guillotine, his hair disheveled and face smeared with grime.
He knelt with perfect posture, his disheveled hair and grimy face unable to conceal the fury and resentment burning in his eyes.
Beside him, Yin Hongye held his final meal, choking back tears as she fed it to his mouth.
On the day of the execution, only one member of the Yin family arrived at the site: Yin Hongye.
Because the Yin family was not implicated by Yin Chengru's crimes, Li Zong had granted special permission for any members of his immediate family to return to the capital to see him off, as a gesture of goodwill toward them.
However, not even Yin Xiaozi, nor the wife nor children of Yin Chengru showed up.
Ye Yunting lowered the curtains, his expression growing even more worried. "The Yin family has made their decision."
If they refused to enter the capital at this time, it was likely because they feared that Li Zong would seize this opportunity to detain them in Shangjing. By staying away altogether, they cut off any possible avenue for Li Zong to use them.
Li Fengqi nodded, then after a moment's silence, said, "Within ten days, we shall receive news from Yunrong."
As they spoke, it was already the hour of the horse. Yin Hongye descended from the platform with the help of servant girls, and Yin Chengru was pressed down n the guillotine by the executioner, his face reflected the icy gleam of the blade above.
He looked at the sea of people below, as well as the inconspicuous sedan chairs and horse carriages among them, and sneered before shouting angrily, "All of you, watch! This is the fate for those who remain loyal to the Emperor! It wasn't because I, Yin Chengru, have only one life, and I will lose it not because I committed treason—but rather, for the Emperor!"
The words had barely left his mouth when the guillotine fell. Amidst the spray of blood, Yin Chengru's head rolled away, two eyes defiantly wide open.
Though he lay dead, his final words sparked heated debate amongst the common folk. They knew little of court affairs, so instead, they passionately discussed whether Yin Chengru's case concealed some miscarriage of justice.
Only those officials present to witness the execution looked shocked and uneasy.
In this world, there was no wall without breaches in its defense. After Yin Chengru's conviction, whispers began to circulate throughout the capital—whispers suggesting that while he was sentenced for treason, the real reason for his arrest was his role in trying to bring down the Xuanjia Army on behalf of the emperor. However, his plan was exposed: he failed to bring down the Xuanjia Army, and Prince Yong'an defeated him and used the charge of treason against the nation to send him to the execution block.
The rumors had appeared suddenly and without foundation. However, Yin Chengru's statement today that his life was paid for by the emperor indirectly validated these whispers.
Yin Chengru served the emperor, yet the emperor failed to protect him in the end.
In this game of strategy, Prince Yong'an ultimately emerged victorious. Officials who had placed their bets on the emperor could not help feeling uneasy.
After all, no one wished to be the next Yin Chengru.
There were those with sharper eyes who noticed the absence of the Yin family at this final farewell, and were secretly alarmed.
Ye Yunting and Li Fengqi returned to the capital in a carriage.
With the execution concluded and the crowd of spectators dispersed, the bustling streets once again came alive along both sides of the road. Watching the lively scene outside the window, Ye Yunting said, "I hope this peaceful scene can last longer."
Three prefectures surrounding Shangjing protected it, but if the Yin family truly rebelled, the capital would be in peril. It might well lead to a devastating conflict.
"What is coming cannot be avoided." In contrast to Ye Yunting's worries, Li Fengqi seemed less concerned. Beizhao had accumulated a lot of problems. Even if it wasn't the Yin family, it would likely be the Chen or Wang families.
Accumulated problems bred hidden dangers that were difficult to eliminate. It would only be a matter of time.
*
After this day, Li Fengqi began attending early court sessions daily, and after court was dismissed, many officials visited him. Li Fengqi did not shy away from discussing matters with Ye Yunting, so Ye Yunting learned much about the political climate within Beizhao.
On the seventh day, Zhu Lie finally obtained funding for the army from the Ministry of War.
One hundred thousand taels of silver might not be such a large sum for an army, but it was enough to purchase numerous useful supplies.
Ye Yunting assisted Zhu Lie in preparing the necessary provisions and armaments, then ordered people to transport them by waterway to the northern border as soon as possible.
Another seven days passed until the fourteenth of October. Yunrong sent an urgent report that Grand Commander Yin Xiaozhi had gathered eighty thousand soldiers and executed several government officials before setting out for the capital city.
By the time the emergency missive reached the emperor, the rebel army had already departed from Zhongzhou and travelled three hundred li to cross the Zao River.
Since the founding of Beizhao, Shangjing has been guarded by the military strength of Luzhou, Zhongzhou, and Jizhou prefectures. The Zao River and Mangshan also serve as natural barriers, rendering the capital impregnable and difficult to attack.
However, Zhongzhou and Jizhou rebelled and were captured from within, with almost no resistance.
This news stunned both court and commons alike.
Li Zong flew into a rage. "I was merciful and spared the Yin Family, yet these Yin bastards know no gratitude! Indeed, they are ambitious wolves!"
"The most urgent priority is to immediately dispatch troops to intercept," the Minister of War said, stepping forward. "If the rebel army crosses the Zao River, the safety of the capital will be threatened."
The other ministers echoed their agreement.
Li Zong's dark gaze swept across the officials before settling on Li Fengqi, whose expression remained impassive. "My dear ministers, who among you will lead the charge to repel our enemies?"
The crowd instinctively turned toward Prince Yong'an at the front.
Dressed in deep purple ceremonial robes, Li Fengqi stood with composure and ease, his face devoid of emotion, as if he cared not for the rebellion of the Yin family. Or perhaps...he had seen this coming long ago.
Each person had their own thoughts, but they all looked upon him with eager eyes, waiting for him to speak.
No one doubted Prince Yong'an's capabilities; even if he was unable to walk, his military prowess lay in strategy, not merely brute force.
Li Zong's gaze landed on him as well, but the hand hidden within his sleeve tightened into a fist. If Li Fengqi could act now, the danger facing the capital might be resolved—but Li Zong knew very well that Li Fengqi would never work for him again at this time.
As expected, Li Fengqi held his tongue, ignoring the fervent gazes of those around him.
"Does Prince Yong'an have any suggestions?" Seeing his silence, Li Zong leaned forward, fixing his gaze on him.
Li Fengqi met his eyes, smiling lightly. He patted his leg and said with distress, "This subject has been suffering from lingering poison these days, and my legs are often throbbing with pain. How can I find time to attend to other matters? I'm afraid I am unable to alleviate Your Majesty's worries at present. Please forgive me."
He didn't bother to hide the intention of shirking responsibilities in these words.
"...Then Prince Yong'an should focus on his recovery," Li Zong said through clenched teeth, his gaze toward the court ever more sinister.
He swept his eyes across the officials, then abruptly fixed upon Ye Zhili, who stood with lowered head, eyes downcast, and had yet to speak a word. "Why does the Minister of the Central Secretariat not speak? You and Yin Xiaozi are son-in-law and father-in-law. Have you heard any news?"
"Your Majesty is wise!" Ye Zhili's heart leapt as he knelt decisively, pressing his forehead to the floor as he cried out his innocence. "Though this subject has interacted often with the Yin family these past few years, I truly know nothing of such matters." He seemed to choke as he continued, "My second son was only sent off to Yunrong army last month. If I had known beforehand, how could I...how could I..."
His voice choked up as he lay prostrate on the ground, unable to continue.
Li Zong scoffed at his appearance but was too lazy to argue with him. Even if he killed Ye Zhili right now to vent his anger, it would do little to persuade the Yin family to retreat.
He waved a hand. "Stand. There is no need for such trepidation, Minister of the Central Secretariat. I merely asked in passing. However, given your familial connections with the Yin family, you must tread carefully. For the time being, you may remain at home and rest."
Ye Zhili clenched his jaw silently but could only accept the order and express his gratitude.
Li Zong swept his gaze over the trembling , quail-like officials below him and knocked on the dragon table, then spoke slowly. "Since no one has stepped forward to volunteer, I shall personally appoint officers for this mission."
"Commander Chen Yun of Shence Army, take my Tiger Tally and assemble fifty thousand Shence soldiers outside the city walls to repel the enemy forces. Zhang Yi and Zhao An, receive my personal instructions to lead an additional hundred thousand troops from Luzhou and Lizhou to quell the rebellion." His eyes gleamed with ferocity. "With an army of 150,000, strike from front and back and ensure every last rebel is annihilated!"
The three generals stepped forward to accept their orders while the remaining officials bowed and pressed their palms together respectfully.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
*
After court dismissed, Li Zong summoned his most senior ministers to discuss matters at the Political Affairs Hall.
Only Li Fengqi and Ye Zhili were excluded from this meeting, joining the rest of the officials as they walked toward Taihe Hall's exit.
One moved leisurely, carefree; the other paced anxiously, burdened by worries.
Several officials stepped forward, hoping to obtain news from Li Fengqi, but retreated in fear after being swept by his cold eyes.
Li Fengqi moved unhurriedly alongside Ye Zhili. The two parted ways by the palace gates. Just before entering their respective carriages, Li Fengqi suddenly spoke up, "Is the Duke of Qi concerned for the Second Young Master?"
Ye Zhili's eyes flickered slightly, and he sighed with worry. "Indeed, if I had known things would turn out like this, I never would have agreed to let him join the army."
Li Fengqi glanced at him, then agreed, "Yes, perhaps if the Second Young Master had joined the Xuanjia Army instead, there would not be such a dilemma today."
Ye Zhili nodded reluctantly, unsure what Li Fengqi meant by his sudden words.
He narrowed his eyes slightly—could it be that Prince Yong'an had uncovered some truth?
But he quickly shook his head inwardly, dismissing this possibility. His actions had been flawless; there was no way Prince Yong'an could have seen through him.
"It is too late for such regrets now." Ye Zhili sighed deeply, his expression helpless. "I can only hope that the Yin family will consider the Madame's face and let my son come back."
With this, he turned away with a sorrowful air, as if unwilling to speak further, bowed to Li Fengqi, then climbed into the carriage.
Watching his departing figure, Li Fengqi sneered.
What a hypocrite.
===Author's Notes===
77: It is impossible to fight. I am an invalid who cannot even walk and needs my wife to hold me.
Tingting: ?
===Translator's Notes===
Hour of the horse: 11am to 1pm.
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