The Beloved Concubine of the Eastern Palace (book 2)

Chapter 251 - Reckoning

"Release my son!" Empress Li, clutching her pierced hand, staggered forward, shouting in rage.

"The Imperial Guards cannot enter the palace without orders. You dare commit treason. The Emperor is harmed by the Crown Prince. Lay down your weapons, and I may spare your lives!" she demanded.

The Third Princess echoed, "Imperial Guards, seize the traitor Pei Yao and all who conspire with him!"

"Who dares!" Pei Yao's voice cut through, carrying the letters as evidence.

The Imperial Guards hesitated, seeing Hu Daixu with King Ming in chains. They were motivated by promises of rewards from King Ming, but his capture changed the stakes.

Seeing this, Pei Yao spoke loudly, "The Empress colluded with King Ming, using alchemists to poison the Emperor and frame me, intending to usurp the throne. These letters are proof. Now that King Ming is captured, I offer forgiveness to those deceived if they lay down their arms. Refusal will be seen as treason, and your families will suffer."

The guards, weighing their loyalty and survival, hesitated.

King Dun stepped forward, "With the Emperor ill, the Crown Prince governs. Obey him, as decreed by our royal rules!"

Prompted by this, the guards withdrew their weapons.

The Third Princess shrieked, "What are you doing? Do not be swayed by his lies! King Dun, we share our father's blood. How can you side with an outsider?"

"Third Sister, the Crown Prince is our cousin, our family too," King Dun replied coldly. "Without the late Emperor's trust, our father wouldn't reign, nor would you enjoy your status. Your actions betray us all."

Empress Li laughed maniacally, accusing King Dun and Chen Fei of deception. "You helped the Crown Prince return! I was fooled by your piety, Chen Fei. Your son is cunning. I should have killed you both."

Ignoring her outburst, Chen Fei remained silent.

Pei Yao ordered, "Arrest them both. They'll be detained and tried."

The revived guards seized Empress Li and the Third Princess, escorting them to prison with King Ming.

Thus ended the coup.

Inside the hall, many ministers, including Cabinet members and six ministers, stood silently. Among them were King Ming's father-in-law, Liu Minghe, and Fang Hongshen.

Seeing King Ming's defeat, they paled, fearing they'd be next.

After dealing with Empress Li and King Ming, Pei Yao consulted with the physicians about Emperor Chengjing's condition.

The waiting was torturous for Liu Minghe and Fang Hongshen, fearing retribution.

Fang Hongshen, feeling cold and dizzy, barely remembered leaving the palace. He collapsed at his own gate, overwhelmed.

Indeed, Pei Yao had not yet dealt with all of King Ming's supporters. More accurately, he had not yet moved against Fang Hongshen.

Liu Minghe, King Ming's father-in-law and Minister of Personnel, had already been dismissed and investigated. Over the years, he used his position to benefit King Ming, and Pei Yao was well aware of his actions without needing an investigation.

Fang Hongshen, however, remained untouched for now, as Pei Yao had other plans.

Regardless, the court had changed dramatically in a day. With Emperor Chengjing comatose and the Empress and King Ming's coup foiled by the Crown Prince, who now governed as regent, it was clear to anyone with sense that the Crown Prince would soon ascend the throne.

In the Eastern Palace, Biluo Pavillion, Fang Yun heard the news and enjoyed an extra bowl of rice at lunch. She knew the Fang family's days of prosperity were over.

"Qingrong, fetch the money chest. Everyone in Biluo Pavillion gets an extra month's pay today. You, Yanwei, and Yuanhe will receive two months' worth."

"Why the sudden reward?" Yanwei asked, surprised.

Though aware of Fang Yun's strained relationship with her family, Yanwei didn't understand her sentiments since Fang Yun and Qingrong never detailed her past with the Fang family.

Qingrong, avoiding the topic, smiled, "Today, Liangdi is happy. Isn't that reason enough?"

"Yes, I'm happy today," Fang Yun declared, lifting her chin with a bright smile. "I haven't celebrated my pregnancy yet. Let this be a celebration of that joy."

Yanwei, understanding, smiled and nodded, hurrying with Qingrong to prepare.

While Yanwei distributed the rewards, Fang Yun quietly spoke with Qingrong indoors.

"His Highness dealt with King Ming's father-in-law but hasn't touched the Fang family. He must have other considerations. My dear father must be terrified. Do you think he regrets not treating me better? Is he desperate to cling to me now?"

"Liangdi is favored and pregnant. Lord Fang might indeed see you as a lifeline," Qingrong replied with a wry smile. "Now they are at your mercy. You decide their fate."

Fang Yun raised her hand, signaling Qingrong to be quiet, then gently stroked her belly. "Don't let the child hear this. I am still a Fang daughter. I cannot stand by idly. But first, they must redress my mother's grievances."

She smiled faintly, but her eyes gleamed with cold resolve.

Qingrong bowed and quietly left.