The Grand Chancellor slowly removed the black gauze hat from his head and set it beside him. Then, with a deep bow, he lowered himself until his forehead touched the cold marble floor. His voice, aged and resolute, trembled through the vast hall.
“If by doing this, Heaven will show mercy upon Great Xuan,” he said, “then whether Your Majesty takes this old minister’s office or his life, I have no complaint.”
The court was shaken. The faces of the assembled civil and military officials changed color. Even the two Grand Academicians who were usually at odds with the Chancellor exchanged astonished glances, their eyes flickering with reluctant admiration.
High above the court, the emperor, Fu Chui, gave a low laugh. His fingers turned the jade thumb ring upon his hand as his gaze swept over the kneeling ranks below. He said nothing for a long time.
Silence fell like a shroud over the hall. No one dared to breathe too loudly.
The ministers remained bowing, their foreheads pressed against the dark polished floor. None would rise until the Son of Heaven permitted it.
Some among them, those weakened by age or illness, felt cold sweat trickling down their cheeks, dripping onto the obsidian tiles beneath them. Their vision blurred.
They could hear the soft rustle of the chief eunuch, Xu Yongde, quietly inquiring after the emperor’s comfort. The faint sound of water poured into porcelain cups. The delicate clink of tea being served.
The faint fragrance of tea drifted through the oppressive silence. Above them, they could hear the emperor turning pages of memorials, taking leisurely sips.
Not until three or five ministers had collapsed silently to the floor did the stillness break.
A sudden crash rang out, the shattering of porcelain. Hot tea splashed across the floor, scattering droplets of gold beneath the lamplight.
The ministers startled, heads instinctively lifting. Then they saw it, the crimson stain blooming before the Grand Chancellor’s bowed form.
A few academicians who stood closer caught it all, the emperor had hurled his teacup at the Chancellor’s head.
Fu Chui gave a soft sigh, his tone one of mild surprise. “Ah, Beloved Minister Yin, rise quickly. It was I who held the cup poorly, how careless of me to let it fall.”
The Grand Chancellor rose unsteadily, voice buzzing in his ears, murmuring that he was unharmed, begging the emperor not to be troubled.
Fu Chui exhaled in apparent relief. “It is my fault, then. I let you kneel far too long.”
He paused, his tone light, almost indulgent. “You are no longer young, and should not be overly taxed. So be it. I shall reward you, one hundred taels of gold and a thousand acres of fertile land, in recognition of your decades of loyal service to Great Xuan.”
A faint smile curved his lips. “From this day forth, you may rest at ease.”
A chill swept through the hall.
The emperor had granted the Chancellor precisely what he had begged for, release.
After forty years of governing the empire, the Grand Chancellor’s career ended in that single, soft-spoken decree.
The remaining ministers swallowed hard, afraid to even breathe.
Yes… how could they have forgotten?
Years ago, when this emperor was still the Silver-Robed General who rode from the borderlands, he had returned at the head of his troops, forced the abdication of the former emperor, purged the royal clans, and washed the capital in blood.
Seven years had passed since that day. Back then, countless senior ministers had chosen to die protesting his ascension. The golden pillars of the throne hall had been stained daily with fresh blood.
In those days, the emperor’s wrath was still tempered by clarity. He had laughed as he ordered ten coffins placed outside the hall. “For those who die in loyalty to the state,” he had said, “I shall gift them golden coffins and bury them with honor.”
But soon, the defiant old ministers had all perished and the rest learned caution.
Once, the emperor’s temper had been fierce yet righteous, he worked late into the night, rooting out corruption, building roads and canals, appointing men of talent. Had it not been for the endless disasters that plagued the land, he would have been hailed by the people.
Now, after seven years, Heaven’s calamities came one after another. The emperor had changed. He no longer raged. His emotions seemed contained, his thoughts unreadable.
At thirty, Fu Chui was no longer the hot-blooded young general in shining armor.
He seemed gentler now, but that gentleness inspired more fear than his fury ever had.
When he finally opened his eyes again, his voice was weary. “Where is the Minister of Rites?”
A man stepped out from the front ranks, holding his jade tablet, bowing deeply. “Your Majesty, this servant is here.”
“Good.” Fu Chui nodded faintly. “See to the preparations for the Grand Rite of Heaven.”
A murmur rippled through the court. Joy and pity mingled in the officials’ eyes as they glanced toward the Chancellor’s stooped back.
The rite was granted, but the court session was far from over.
The emperor continued discussing taxation, famine relief, and reconstruction. He spoke with calm precision, his gaze sharp when the topics turned to corruption and nepotism.
“Let every provincial official heed the voice of the people,” he said coldly. “No oppression, no deceit.”
The ministers bowed low, voices unified. “We hear and obey.”
Only when the shrill voice of Xu Yongde declared “Court dismissed!” did they dare to exhale.
They knelt once more, crying out, “Long live His Majesty!”
Fu Chui departed the golden hall, his dragon robe brushing softly against the floor as he passed through the corridors.
Beneath a flowering hibiscus tree near the imperial study, he paused.
Falling petals drifted down. He stood with his hands clasped behind his back, gazing toward the window where the sound of young voices reciting echoed clearly.
“Your Majesty,” Xu Yongde said quietly, bowing. “The young princes study diligently. Under their effort, Great Xuan will surely prosper.”
Fu Chui’s lips curved faintly. “They study so earnestly,” he said, “because they know I am here.”
Xu Yongde stiffened, unsure how to reply.
“Come,” Fu Chui said softly. “Let’s go in.”
At his entrance, the boys’ voices faltered.
The Grand Tutor and the princes immediately bowed low.
Fu Chui lifted a hand. “Rise.”
His tone was mild, almost warm. “It has been some time since I came here. Tell me, Grand Tutor, which of my nephews has made the best progress?”
The tutor hesitated briefly, then gestured toward a youth in blue robes. “In my humble opinion, the Prince of Yan shows the greatest talent for study. His essays grasp the essence of the classics and he often extrapolates with keen insight.”
Fu Chui smiled faintly. “Ah, Jue’er. You do not disappoint me. Continue like this and in three years I shall send you to the Six Ministries for training.”
The young prince’s eyes brightened with delight. He bowed deeply. “Thank you, Uncle Emperor!”
Fu Chui remained seated as the tutor brought forth the princes’ essays. He took up a vermilion brush, scanning each scroll and making brief annotations.
At last, he paused before one written by a youth in plain green robes.
“This one,” he murmured. “This essay breathes of spirit… and carries a heart for all under Heaven. Well done.”
The green-robed boy beamed, while the Prince of Yan clenched his fists, envy burning in his eyes.
When the lesson ended, Fu Chui rose and left.
Ignoring Xu Yongde’s anxious reminder that he had not eaten, he went straight to the archery field, doffing his dragon robe.
He drew bow after bow, loosing arrows until the shafts split each other in midair.
By the time he descended from the field, sweat soaked his tunic, veins standing taut upon his arms.
Xu Yongde handed him a cloth with trembling hands. “Your Majesty… this old slave worries for you.”
Fu Chui gave a quiet laugh. “I am no fledgling boy. Why worry?”
After bathing and taking a light meal, he returned to his desk, working through memorials until the candles burned low.
Hours later, after a solitary game of chess that ended in stalemate, he glanced up to find the sky outside deep black.
The palace was silent.
He rose, clasped his hands behind his back. “Xu Yongde,” he said, “walk with me.”
The eunuch bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”
Their footsteps echoed against the stone paths, long shadows stretching under the moonlight.
The palace was too still, no chirping of insects, no flutter of birds.
Xu Yongde hesitated, then spoke with difficulty. “Your Majesty… this old slave dares to offer a word of counsel.”
Fu Chui’s tone was mild. “Oh? Speak.”
“Your Majesty should… perhaps find someone close to you. Someone who can attend to your daily comfort.”
Fu Chui stopped walking.
The eunuch’s heart froze.
The emperor stood tall, towering, rigid as a pine. His voice cut sharp as steel. “You grow bold, Xu Yongde. Do you wish to follow Yin Langtong’s path?”
The name struck like a blow. The very man dismissed that morning.
Xu Yongde dropped to his knees, shaking. “This slave, dares not!”
Fu Chui’s sternness softened into a smile. “Rise. You are not him. You have served me for a long.”
Xu Yongde rose but his pulse still raced. He knew well, the emperor’s smiles could be deadlier than his anger.
Fu Chui sighed. “I have no heart for indulgence, Xu Yongde. Lust holds no sway over me.”
The eunuch’s voice trembled. “If Your Majesty had a son… you would not need to rely upon the princes.”
For once, the emperor’s tone shifted. Quiet. Almost human.
“Even if I had sons,” he murmured, “in the House of Heaven there is no true bond of father and child. A father may slay his son, a son his father, the bloodline offers no warmth.”
Xu Yongde’s breath caught. He had touched upon the forbidden, the secrets of the royal bloodline.
The emperor gave a low laugh. “Do not tremble. It has already happened and speaking of what is done harms no one, it only adds flavor to a dull night.”
The eunuch’s mind spun. He realized too late that the emperor’s mood tonight was dark, his tongue looser than usual. One wrong word could cost him his life.
Desperate to steer the topic away, Xu Yongde forced a laugh. “This old slave, too, was indignant today. The ministers are blind, ungrateful to Your Majesty’s grace.”
Fu Chui raised an eyebrow. “Oh?” His smile deepened, thin as a blade. “But were they wrong? I am a cursed star, after all.”
He spoke with a strange calm.
Xu Yongde’s heart lurched. He remembered the stories of the neighboring Ling Dynasty, where the appearance of divine beasts marked Heaven’s favor.
Ten years ago, the Ling people had feared they had chosen the wrong heir. Then, a golden phoenix had descended, perching upon the Crown Prince’s shoulder and speaking human words. From that day forth, his position was unshakable.
Xu Yongde had heard of that phoenix, it was said to be no larger than a dove, its feathers blazing red, capable of speech.
A miracle, they said. A sign of Heaven’s blessing.
Privately, Xu Yongde had always suspected otherwise, perhaps the Ling royals had merely trained an exotic bird, teaching it to mimic speech, crafting a grand spectacle of divine favor.
He sighed inwardly. The fault, perhaps, lay in Great Xuan’s faith in dragons.
Dragons were harder to summon than lions or birds. Yet when Fu Chui’s father had seized the throne, a so-called “dragon” had appeared, a creature long-bodied, horned, but with neither scales nor whiskers. It, too, had growled in a voice uncannily like a man’s.
Fu Chui stopped beside a moonlit pavilion. “Come,” he said softly. “Sit with me.”
The eunuch’s legs felt like water, but he obeyed.
Fu Chui pressed him down gently by the shoulder. “Sit,” he said again.
Xu Yongde’s eyes stung. “Your Majesty is only suffering from ill fortune. You are the true Son of Heaven.”
Fu Chui’s laugh was low and bitter. “The true dragon?” he said quietly. “My father was the true dragon. My brother was the true dragon. Even my sister bore the mark of it. Only I…” His fingers tapped once on the table. “…was not.”
“Your Majesty…”
The night deepened. For a long time, neither spoke.
Then, in a whisper, Xu Yongde asked, “Does Your Majesty mean… that no divine beast came for you?”
The emperor’s tapping ceased.
When he spoke again, his voice was scarcely audible. “Only I was born beneath an inauspicious star. Only I… am unblessed.”
The eunuch felt his blood run cold.
He remembered the legends: in the Ling Dynasty, the divine beast was the celestial lion, its image kept in a great temple, white-furred, flame-patterned, horned, with twin tails and four ears, claws six-toed, and fangs like a wolf’s.
Each Crown Prince, within a year of birth, would have a lion appear bearing one of these sacred traits, a sign of Heaven’s favor.
But among them, there had once been two princes born a month apart. The elder’s lion had six claws. The younger’s lion had flame markings and four ears, two marks of the divine.
And so the elder was stripped of succession and the throne passed to the younger.
The emperor’s voice, low as the wind, drifted into the night.
“In the end,” he murmured, “Heaven always favors another.”
✦ ✧ ✦
Vynellia
[Translator]
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ChaptersChapter 1 · Little DragonChapter 2 · Selling FishChapter 3 · DraughtChapter 4 · Giving LifeChapter 5 · MeritsChapter 6 · Dragon can summon Rain?!Chapter 7 · Wicked Dragon?Chapter 8 · Dragon likes sweetChapter 9 · Dragon WineChapter 10 · Snow Mountain ElixirChapter 11 · The official forced the dragon to rebelChapter 12 · Ministers kneel down and confess their sinsChapter 13 · Court struggle, faith is the dragonChapter 14 · Why do others have auspicious signs, but I don’t?Chapter 15 · Corrupt officialsChapter 16 · The dark side of officialdomChapter 17 Part 1 · Transforming into a golden dragon in full view of all!Chapter 17 Part 2 · Transforming into a golden dragon in full view of all!Chapter 18 · Wrath of the True DragonChapter 19 · Give him a ninth-rank official position!Chapter 20 · The days of being loved by Longlong have begunChapter 21 · Pamper the little dragon, finally full!Chapter 22 · It’s perfectly normal for humans to like dragonsChapter 23 · Avenge Longlong against corrupt officialsChapter 24 · Is being an official like the Dragon King difficult?Chapter 25 · Dragon-shaped woodChapter 26 · Emperor felt the vibrancy of lifeChapter 27 · Do you like the obedient and affectionate little dragon?Chapter 28 · Your Majesty’s PastChapter 29 · A ray of light in a noisy worldChapter 30 · Let’s give the dragon a lake!Chapter 31 · Dragon, don’t run aroundChapter 32 · YaunBaoChapter 33 · Recruiting soldiers and buying horsesChapter 34 · Expand Dragon armyChapter 35 · Longlong is in a dilemmaChapter 36 · Being a king is difficultChapter 37 · Attended the morning court session.Chapter 38 · Secretly feeding the dragonChapter 39 · The restless little golden dragonChapter 40 · Your Majesty foreshadowed thisChapter 41 · Fostering teacher student bondsChapter 42 · Now that the dragon has an official positionChapter 43 · If a dragon wants to become an official, why not touch it?Chapter 44 · Longlong enters officialdomChapter 45 · The Emperor’s disciple?Chapter 46 · Long day’s laborChapter 47 · Being a dragon is comfortableChapter 48 · Thank you, YuanbaoChapter 49 · Very sleepyChapter 50 · The Dragon Who Saves the WorldChapter 51 · Strange storiesChapter 52 · Dragon God saying it wanted to eat peach crystal cakesChapter 53 · The tree is aliveChapter 54 · We can just hold a family feastChapter 55 · What kind of worship?Chapter 56 · Don’t be naughtyChapter 57 · Why does Teacher always avoid my human formChapter 58 · I will be an indifferent learning machineChapter 59 · Jinlong made a fortuneChapter 60 · Ten thousand taelsChapter 61 · FamilyChapter 62 · Will you accompany the dragon?Chapter 63 · What did you hunt, sir?Chapter 64 · From fifth rank to proper fourth rankChapter 65 · Orange PeelChapter 66 · Great Xuan may have enough to eatChapter 67 · Poisoned GrainsChapter 68 · The balance of the mortal world is about to changeChapter 69 · Teacher’s lap truly was very comfortable.Chapter 70 · Caught the little dragonChapter 71 · Only he alone could see that golden lightChapter 72 · Great King must not declineChapter 73 · The top scholarChapter 74 · I do not like other defying meChapter 75 · Great Xuan truly has quite a number of martial expertsChapter 76 · What was there to fear?Chapter 77 · Then Teacher can raise the dragonChapter 78 · Little Dragon Steals Peaches.Chapter 79 · Resentment and Poison.Chapter 80 · Male PartnerChapter 81 · How about choosing a human?Chapter 82 · Young Lord Zhen has a friendChapter 83 · Morning DewChapter 84 · Earth DragonsChapter 85 · Greetings, Your MajestyChapter 86 · Then what am I allowed to do?Chapter 87 · What exactly Happened?Chapter 88 · Praise The golden Dragon!Chapter 89 · ComplexionChapter 90 · Gift is almost readyChapter 91 · Surely Sir would no longer refuse himChapter 92 · Seven YearsChapter 93 · She is really just a childChapter 94 · Good YuanbaoChapter 95 · Ten Thousand year old JadeChapter 96 · They were overwhelmed with griefChapter 97 · Villain: So what if I use magic?Chapter 98 · The Dragon Clan MeetingChapter 99 · The Big reveal!Chapter 100 · The prototype of His MajestyChapter 101 · Autumn HuntChapter 102 · This painting was created by the Emperor’s consortChapter 103 · They gave themselves away and caught the plush rabbit doctor.Chapter 104 · The Rabbit gangChapter 105 · The scars on the fox spirit’s handsChapter 106 · Wang JinzhongChapter 107 · I don’t believe the White Tiger doesn’t protect its foodChapter 108 · Karmic SinChapter 109 · Yuanbao, would you take me a thousand li away?Chapter 110 · Pear FrostChapter 111 · If Yuanbao ever loses sight of the road ahead, then come find meChapter 112 · Let’s take a step at a time..Chapter 113 · The imperial marriage was announced to the public.Chapter 114 · The army, navy, and air force are preparing to attack the Yujing River.Chapter 115 · The attack on Yujing River-humans should not spread rumors!Chapter 116 · King Golden Dragon ascends the throneChapter 117 · Sir, would you like a bowl of dragon soup?Chapter 118 · Wedding celebrationChapter 119 · Establish the Demon RealmChapter 120 · Lord of the Demon RealmChapter 121 · Flourishing and decliningChapter 122 · The Ling Dynasty was defeated, and father and son fought amongst themselvesChapter 123 · The gentleman’s is dragon-themedChapter 124 · People from HeavenChapter 125 · The truth behind the White TigerChapter 126 · Azure Dragon, WarChapter 127 · A great war is about to break outChapter 128 · Victory in the great battleChapter 129 · Side Story (1)Chapter 130 · Side Story (2)Chapter 131 · Side Story (3)Chapter 132 · Side Story (4)Chapter 133 · Side Story (4)Chapter 134 · Side Story (5)Chapter 135 · Side Story (6)Chapter 136 · Side story (7)Chapter 137 · Side Story (8)Chapter 138 · Side Story (9)Chapter 139 · Side Story (10)Chapter 140 · Side Story (11)Chapter 141 · Side Story (12)Chapter 142 · Side Story (13)Chapter 143 · Side Story (14)Chapter 144 · Side Story (15)Chapter 145 · Side Story (16)Chapter 146 · Side Story (17)Chapter 147 · Side Story (18)Chapter 148 · Side Story (19)Chapter 149 · Side Story (20)Chapter 150 · Side Story (21)Chapter 151 · Side Story (22)