Blossom in Adversity

C159. Please Give Your Orders.

Chapter 159: Please Give Your Orders

The weather in the capital continued to be good, with a hint of early spring in the air.

The carriage swayed gently as it traveled through the outskirts. Hua Zhi hung the curtains of the carriage window to the side, enjoying the good weather outside.

When the weather warmed up a bit more, it would be a perfect time for outings. In previous years, the men of the Hua family would accompany their sisters for spring outings. Of course, she wouldn't participate, but she could still feel the cheerful atmosphere just by watching.

This year, however, it was different.

"Hua Hua." Shao Yao rode up, her heartwarming mood evident even through the billowing curtains. "Come out for a horse ride."

"No need. You've earned your freedom, so go have some fun." Hua Zhi leaned back against the carriage, feeling lazy. Her recent horseback ride to the Northern Lands had taken its toll, and she wasn't particularly enthusiastic about this riding a horse.

As Shao Yao rode off, full of excitement, Hua Zhi thought about what Mr. Lu had told her about her past ambition to be the first female general in the Great Daqing Dynasty. It was a goal that resonated deeply with her, even though she couldn't remember those aspirations.

Hua Zhi's thoughts drifted to Mr. Lu. With Mr. Wang teaching martial arts in the manor today, she couldn't help but wonder what had become of Mr. Lu and his situation.

*

Palace servants scurried along the ornate corridors, and guards kept a watchful eye. Yet, despite the constant movement, an eerie silence hung over the vast palace, broken only by the whisper of the wind.

Stepping out of the Hall of Political Affairs, the Emperor paused to look out over the palace grounds. Despite a lifetime spent within these walls, he found the stillness of the day unsettling.

Could someone be planning to attack him?

Suspicion grew within the Emperor as he scanned his surroundings. Every person seemed like a possible threat, especially the young eunuch who was approaching him on tiptoe. He was certain the boy must be an assassin.

Just as he was about to call for someone, he heard Lai Fu, standing at his side, hiss, "What are you running for? Have you learned your manners from a dog?"

The young eunuch immediately prostrated himself, his forehead pressed against the ground, his voice trembling, "The chief of the Seven Stars has urgent matters to report. In my haste, I forgot my manners. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

"Where is he?"

"Your Majesty, he is waiting outside the Imperial Study."

The emperor strode towards the Imperial Study. He knew the man's character well; he would never appear in the guise of the chief of the Seven Stars unless it was a matter of the utmost importance. He had many identities that allowed him free access to the palace, but the role of the chief was the one he used least, as it was under the scrutiny of too many eyes.

He walked quickly, not noticing the bead of sweat on Lai Fu's forehead as he looked up and motioned for the others to follow. He approached the newly adopted son and whispered, "If it weren't for me acted quickly, you'd be beheaded right now. In this palace, even if a fire were licking at your heels, you must maintain your composure. If there's a next time, you'll join your brothers below."

The young eunuch, well aware of how close he had come to disaster, immediately paid his respects.

Seeing the young eunuch so obedient, Lai Fu felt a sense of satisfaction. As he looked up, he saw the emperor had already turned the corner and hurried to catch up. As he walked, he began to ponder. The emperor was becoming increasingly suspicious and his health was failing, yet he had recently ordered the expansion of the harem, as if trying to prove something to someone.

He had been indulging in every pleasure imaginable of late. If this continued...

A shiver ran down Lai Fu's spine as he contemplated the current state of the court. If the emperor didn't soon establish a crown prince, chaos would surely ensue. He'd just risked his life to save another; who knew if anyone would be there to save him when the time came?

Finally catching up with the procession, Lai Fu subtly repositioned himself beside the emperor. His gaze fell upon the head of the Seven Stars Bureau, cloaked in a dark, patterned robe and a mask. The attire was as unchanging as the court itself, a tradition passed down through generations.

He recalled his initial meeting with him and concerns about the mask, wondering if it might be exploited for assassination attempts. But those worries had been quickly dispelled when an intruder was apprehended and executed before even getting close. This mask was unique, a masterpiece that no artisan could replicate.

It was composed of countless intricate patterns, both visible and hidden, known only to the emperor and the current bureau chief. Considering the man behind the mask and the emperor's favoritism, Lai Fu realized there was no need to look elsewhere. By ingratiating himself with the bureau chief, he would be secure, no matter who ascended the throne.

A greedy glint appeared in Lai Fu's eyes.

Gu Yanxi, ever perceptive, noticed the shift in Lai Fu's expression. This man might prove useful after all.

Emperor, having dismissed the others except for Lai Fu to serve, turned to his nephew, whose mere presence was a source of comfort. "Looks like we have some bad news to discuss today," he said with a wry smile.

Gu Yanxi removed his mask, his expression devoid of any amusement. The casual ease with which he usually addressed his imperial uncle was gone, and the emperor's heart sank. He took a sip of hot tea to warm himself before speaking, "Go on. I can handle it."

To the emperor's surprise, Gu Yanxi knelt. "Your Majesty, I request that you establish a crown prince."

"What have they done now?" the emperor asked, his gaze fixed on his nephew.

"Every blunder they make is a double-edged sword, harming both the enemy and ourselves," Gu Yanxi replied, his voice steady. "But it is our own people, the people of the Great Daqing, who suffer the most. They are undermining the very foundation of our empire."

Gu Yanxi handed a memorial to Lai Fu, who took it and exchanged a meaningful glance with him,

"Get up," the emperor snapped, his eyes narrowing. "Have you forgotten your injury?" He glanced at the memorial in his hand, dreading what he was about to read. If Gu Yanxi was willing to risk his favor by pressing for the establishment of a crown prince, then the situation must be dire indeed.

But as emperor, he had no choice but to face the truth.

As he opened the memorial and read the litany of accusations, he felt no surprise. For the sake of power, his sons would stop at nothing. They would even dare to rebel and depose him.

Force him, their father, to death.

"Where is the sixth prince now?"

"I have placed him in Shao Yao's care."

"I thought you would send him to the Suns."

"Shao Yao is the most suitable person."

Indeed, the emperor thought with a bitter smile. A nameless noblewoman and a disinherited prince, both cast aside by their families. A perfect match.

"If you think it unwise, I can bring him back once he has recovered."

"What's he coming back for, to be stepped on by those elder brothers of his as they climb up?" The emperor shook his head. "Let him just follow Shao Yao. I need to be able to face her in the future."