The skin near Yun Kui’s neck had been grazed by Qin Ge’s sword. It wasn’t serious enough to require bandaging, so after prescribing medicine for her abdominal pain, Liang Jin also left some golden sore ointment for her to apply.
She lifted her fingertips and slowly brought them to her nose, catching a faint whiff of medicinal fragrance.
She had once changed His Royal Highness the Crown Prince’s dressing, and the scent was quite similar.
After a long daze, she finally recalled that after fainting, it had felt as if an insect had bitten her neck—had she actually been injured?
Fortunately, it didn’t hurt much. Only the scratch itself had seemed to break the skin, and there was no blood under her nails, so she stopped overthinking it and lay quietly.
Though she had slept soundly after losing consciousness, she now felt wide awake. But this was the Crown Prince’s bedchamber, not the wooden bed in her side hall where she could toss and turn as she pleased.
Yun Kui dared not move recklessly. The presence of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince behind her was too palpable—his breath, faint as it was, seemed to brush against the nape of her neck. For some reason, it felt as if a single spark could set her aflame, her entire back growing warm and flushed.
The Crown Prince gazed at the wound on her neck, and before his eyes surfaced the faint bite marks he had left on her neck the night he was under the influence of the Joyful Union Powder. For a moment, his thoughts grew restless.
A faint scent of grass lingered at the tip of his nose. The Crown Prince closed his eyes, allowing that inexplicable restlessness to slowly subside.
…
Early in November, the Eastern Palace underwent its first major purge since the Crown Prince’s return.
Hundreds of palace staff were interrogated one by one in the punishment chamber, with Cao Yuanlu personally overseeing the proceedings. Those deemed disloyal were either beaten to death on the spot, tortured for confessions, or expelled from the palace. For a time, the Eastern Palace resembled a living hell, with everyone fearing for their lives.
The charge of “disloyalty” was vague and elusive—what constituted “disloyalty,” and how was it determined? Most palace staff had no opportunity to even approach the Crown Prince, let alone commit any disloyal acts. As for the spies planted by various factions, most were still in the observation phase and had not yet taken any rash actions.
Yet, in just a few days, over a dozen people had been beaten to death. Those dragged away could even include an obscure maid from the outer courtyard who did nothing more than sweep and clean.
Outside the punishment chamber, a biting cold wind swept through, carrying a chilling dread. Dozens of people trembled as they lined up, awaiting their interrogation.
Guards at the entrance called out names from a list, grouping people in sets of five. Not far away was the site of the floggings, where people were periodically dragged out and beaten to death with clubs. The agonized screams of those being punished rose and fell, each cry tearing at the heart, while those waiting could not help but shudder in fear, terrified that they might be next.
Inside the punishment chamber, the air was thick with the overwhelming stench of blood. Various instruments of torture hung on the walls, and a long table in the center was neatly arranged with an assortment of knives, iron pincers, and needles of different sizes. In a charcoal brazier, a branding iron sizzled and hissed.
Cao Yuanlu sat in a sandalwood ring chair, flanked by Qin Ge, De Shun, and others, interrogating the palace maids and eunuchs as they entered.
In such an environment, many could not help but vomit or feel dizzy the moment they stepped inside. Extreme fear made it easier for their inner thoughts to be exposed.
No one knew that behind an inconspicuous partition in the punishment chamber sat the one who truly held the power of life and death over them.
In the past, the Crown Prince, plagued by chronic illness, had paid little attention to such matters. He often waited until someone could no longer restrain themselves and approached him before making an example of them. This had only emboldened those outside who coveted the heir apparent’s position, making them increasingly brazen and unrestrained.
But if he were to investigate thoroughly, not a single one of them could escape his notice.
Moreover, with his mind-reading skill now, even the most profound schemes were like blank paper before him—a single spark could reduce them to ashes.
Thus, when these palace staff with guilty consciences were interrogated, though their answers were seamless and they believed their words and actions since entering the Eastern Palace had been flawless, they were effortlessly seen through.
Qin Ge stood by the partition door, acting on his master's hand signals: a tap of the index finger meant immediate execution by caning, a tap of the middle finger indicated harsh interrogation under torture, and a tap of the little finger signified expulsion from the Eastern Palace. If there was no signal, the person was innocent and could remain.
To be honest, in his ten years serving the Crown Prince, Qin Ge had never witnessed such a thorough purge. Both he and Cao Yuanlu were experts in interrogation, yet often before they could detect any clues from the palace staff's words—some having spoken only a single sentence—His Highness had already decided whether they would stay or go.
Qin Ge had his doubts, but he trusted the Crown Prince's judgment more. As a result, the punishment chamber operated with remarkable efficiency, processing nearly a hundred people in a single day.
Among them, assassins, spies, and informants from various factions accounted for ten to twenty percent. Those physically present but loyal to others, those with vulnerable family members who could be manipulated, those easily swayed by money, and those who fainted in terror at the sight of torture instruments made up sixty to seventy percent—all were handed over to the Imperial Household Department for reassignment. The remaining ten to twenty percent were relatively honest and capable without being overly timid, so they were temporarily kept under observation.
Within days, the Eastern Palace's population plummeted. Several corpses were even delivered to the masterminds behind the plots, and the Empress's Kunning Palace received the body of a young eunuch. The Empress was so terrified she fainted on the spot.
The commotion grew so intense that it directly alarmed the Chunming Emperor.
Out of concern for his nephew, the Chunming Emperor came to see for himself.
When the Crown Prince emerged from the interrogation room, everyone's faces betrayed unconcealed fear. No one had expected the Crown Prince to have been in the punishment chamber all along.
This meant their lives and deaths had truly rested on the Crown Prince's whim.
Including the Chunming Emperor, everyone paled at the sight of the fresh bloodstains on the Crown Prince's attire.
Before his subjects, the Chunming Emperor was a wise ruler who balanced kindness with authority.
But before the Crown Prince, he was an amiable, even somewhat humble uncle.
The Crown Prince stood tall and imposing, his demeanor radiating both the dignified majesty of an heir apparent and the sharp, battle-hardened aura of one who had fought on the front lines. His eyes, which seemed to look down upon all living beings, appeared destined to command submission.
The Chunming Emperor was already half a head shorter, and with his deferential posture, he appeared three parts weaker in presence. "Crown Prince," he said, "I heard the Eastern Palace uncovered moles. Regarding the corpses you sent out—have you conclusively identified the masterminds behind them?"
Since the dead could not testify, the Chunming Emperor feigned ignorance despite knowing the truth.
The Crown Prince's expression was cold and sharp, and he did not respond.
The Chunming Emperor sighed. "The Empress has always cared for you deeply—how could she plant agents by your side? There must be some misunderstanding. This time, she was so frightened she hasn't slept for nights and has fallen ill."
"Is that so?" The Crown Prince smiled faintly, casually wiping the blood from his hand. "It doesn't matter if they dare not admit what they've done. For every one they send, I will kill one—until the Empress has no one left around her. What does Your Majesty think of that?"
Meeting those piercing dark eyes, the Chunming Emperor felt a chill creeping up his spine.
The Crown Prince's eyes bore a striking resemblance to those of Huigong Empress, yet the innate authoritative sharpness in his gaze was identical to that of the Late Emperor.
However, while the Late Emperor embodied more martial valor and ferocity, the Crown Prince’s brow was perpetually shadowed by a sinister, ruthless aura—like the frigid, desolate depths beneath a snow-capped mountain, or a blood-soaked icy sword wielded by a general whose bones lay shattered on the battlefield—both violent and unhinged.
Especially when he uttered the words "kill until no one remains," Chunming Emperor clearly saw the merciless determination in his eyes to sweep aside all obstacles.
With such a gaze, even if the Crown Prince were to commit regicide at this very moment, Chunming Emperor would not be the least bit surprised.
Having occupied the Dragon Throne for two decades, the emperor quickly steadied his emotions and resumed his kindly, benevolent demeanor. "If the Imperial Household Department’s arrangements were improper, the oversight is mine as well. The Eastern Palace ought to be purged thoroughly, but given your severe injuries and the mental toll this would take, perhaps it would be better to entrust the investigation to the Jinyiwei…"
"No need." Before he could finish, the Crown Prince interrupted with a light laugh.
He was truly the first in the world to openly refuse an emperor.
"Matters of the Eastern Palace need not trouble Your Majesty’s personal guards," the Crown Prince said with a faint, enigmatic smile. "Who’s to say there aren’t those with ill intentions among the Jinyiwei?"
Chunming Emperor’s expression shifted repeatedly, only to hear the Crown Prince continue, "Or does Your Majesty distrust me? Do you believe I cannot even manage a mere Eastern Palace?"
Chunming Emperor sighed. "Of course not."
The Crown Prince pressed, "Then you must think I’m on death’s door, and any effort now would be in vain?"
Chunming Emperor hastily waved a hand. "Nothing of the sort. I am concerned for your health and fear you might overexert yourself. Right now, recuperation is paramount. The matter of purging the Eastern Palace can be handled by me or the Empress."
The Crown Prince chuckled. "Your Majesty would do better to spend more time in the rear palace. I’ve heard you added seventy-two new consorts last year alone—all eagerly awaiting your favor."
A trace of embarrassment finally surfaced on Chunming Emperor’s usually unflappable face.
While it was customary for an emperor to expand his harem to secure the royal lineage, and the number of consorts did not define a ruler’s character, Chunming Emperor was, in the eyes of the realm, merely a regent. He had no need to produce heirs to ensure the dynasty’s continuity; a century hence, he would still have to return the throne to the Crown Prince.
Unfortunately, the Crown Prince was far from the benevolent ruler the people hoped for, making it difficult to win their trust.
In contrast, Chunming Emperor, though not exceptionally accomplished in civil and military affairs, had ruled for over twenty years with diligence and compassion, promoting benevolence and earning widespread acclaim both at court and among the populace.
Since he excelled as emperor, why should he relinquish the power he held to a violent, notorious nephew? Even if he were willing, the people would not accept it.
In recent years, he had expanded his harem precisely to secure his own lineage and avoid the Late Emperor’s predicament.
The Late Emperor had only one heir, and that heir was of a tyrannical nature. But Chunming Emperor had nine sons, each outstanding. Compared to the Late Emperor, his bloodline was the one truly destined to inherit the mandate of heaven and uphold the imperial legacy.
Every one of these thoughts was perfectly discerned by the Crown Prince.
Even without any mind-reading skill, he had always been acutely aware of his uncle’s ambitions.
However, these years his chronic illness had been difficult to cure, and later he was constantly campaigning everywhere, defending territories and expanding borders, leaving many matters unattended. Now that he had returned, perhaps his end was near, or perhaps there was still a chance for recovery. But what needed to be rectified must be rectified, and the vengeance that needed to be exacted must be exacted.
The Crown Prince said, "If the Jinyiwei truly have nothing to do, they might as well help me investigate someone."
Chunming Emperor immediately asked, "Who?"
The Crown Prince seemed to smile, but his dark eyes held a faint scrutinizing tone. "During the Battle of Wolf Mountain back then, a lieutenant under the Late Emperor’s command was trapped with the main army and ultimately vanished without a trace. The person I want to investigate is precisely him."
This expedition to the northern frontier was not only to pacify the borders, secure the people, and reclaim the lands seized by Northern Wei from Da Zhao, but uncovering the truth of that year was also of utmost importance.
He needed to know why his undefeated father had suffered a fatal injury in his prime, ultimately forcing him to relinquish the throne to another.
This journey indeed led him to uncover the key figure from that battle.
Before the Crown Prince even mentioned the name, Chunming Emperor’s slightly trembling pupils revealed everything.
"What exactly does he know? Why bring this up so suddenly? Could it be…"
Chunming Emperor clenched his fists behind his back, his palms already sweating. "That person vanished without a trace back then. It’s been over twenty years—how could there be any clues left to find?"
The Crown Prince stared intently at him and said, "The Jinyiwei are renowned for their investigative and arrest capabilities. Surely they understand the principle of 'finding the person alive or seeing the body dead' better than I do."
Chunming Emperor’s gaze flickered briefly but quickly returned to calm. "Since you insist on investigating, I will order Lu Qi to handle it."
Lu Qi was the current commander of the Jinyiwei.
The Crown Prince’s lips curved slightly. "Your Majesty, aren’t you going to ask the name of this lieutenant?"
Chunming Emperor’s face paled, and he stiffly forced a smile. "Who is it?"
"Feng Yu," the Crown Prince said lightly, a faint smile on his lips. "Does Your Majesty have any recollection?"
Though Chunming Emperor had prepared himself, the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly upon hearing the name.
"I was merely a leisurely noble prince residing in the capital back then. How would I know which lieutenants served by the Late Emperor’s side?" Chunming Emperor chuckled. "But since you wish to investigate this person, I will have it looked into for you."
He turned and glanced at the palace servants awaiting interrogation outside the punishment chamber, swiftly changing the subject. "The Eastern Palace is undergoing a major overhaul. It’s fine to dismiss these useless ones, but you still need attendants by your side, and the outer halls require management as well. I will instruct the Imperial Household Department to select some steady and dutiful individuals to serve."
"Then I shall trouble Your Majesty."
Though his words said "trouble," there was no trace of respectful gratitude in his demeanor, revealing that he had never regarded himself as subordinate to the supreme ruler. For many years, he had never knelt before the Son of Heaven and still referred to himself as "I."
Though Chunming Emperor was accustomed to it, it did not mean he held no resentment. On the contrary, every time he heard this "I," it felt like thorns pricking his back, filling him with stifled anger.
Just as he was about to leave, four beauties appeared at the edge of his vision. Their attire and makeup differed from ordinary palace maids, and each was stunningly beautiful with graceful figures.
Chunming Emperor narrowed his eyes and immediately realized that these were likely the four maids sent by the Imperial Household Department to serve in the bedchamber. However, faced with the fear of interrogation, all four beautories had lost their composure.
Chunming Emperor teased, "I heard you’ve been favoring one beauty lately. Could it be that even she couldn’t escape the interrogation?"
The punishment chamber of the Eastern Palace was no ordinary place for questioning—entering it would strip one of at least a layer of skin.
The Crown Prince stared at the trembling young maid at the end of the line, suppressing the smile at the corner of his lips. "Your Majesty has seen it for yourself. I have matters to attend to and must beg your pardon for not seeing you off."
The Chunming Emperor suppressed his displeasure, watching as the Crown Prince strode over casually. Passing by the group of beauties, he said something that instantly turned their faces as pale as paper, trembling as they followed him inside.
The Chunming Emperor sighed inwardly—the Crown Prince was unlike both him and the Late Emperor.
The Late Emperor had concentrated his affections on one person, a rare romantic at heart, while he himself would take anyone for the sake of heirs.
But the Crown Prince kept his distance from women, indifferent and unfeeling, as though nothing could shake his heart.
Inside the punishment chamber, the four beauties knelt in a row.
The Crown Prince sat leisurely in an official's armchair, sipping tea without a care.
Cao Yuanlu glanced at him, his gaze sweeping over the four before lingering briefly on Yun Kui's anxious face. He then posed the first question: "You were all meticulously selected by the Imperial Household Department to serve His Highness. Forgive my impertinence, but may I ask: What is it about His Highness that most captivates you?"
At these words, the others grew uneasy, bowing their heads in deep thought. Only Yun Kui cautiously lifted her eyes to glance in the Crown Prince's direction.