With these words, the Celestial Screen gradually faded away. Unlike the sudden blackout during its first appearance, this time it vanished slowly, just as it had suddenly appeared, leaving no trace behind.
The Celestial Screen seemed visible only to a select few individuals. Though the exact criteria—whether based on official rank or a place in historical records—remained unclear, the number of people affected was limited. Moreover, it only displayed events from the past, such as the already-concluded Yumen Pass Rebellion, so its impact remained within controllable bounds.
The civil and military officials who could see the Celestial Screen were no fools. None would recklessly spread the words of the future they had witnessed on the screen.
Furthermore…
The existence of the Qianwu Emperor was enough to set their minds racing, especially for those who had already aligned themselves with the factions of the First Prince or the Third Prince. They began scheming on how to profit from these so-called words of the future.
The Yumen Pass Rebellion had brought Qian to the brink of collapse, but what did that have to do with them?
“If one cannot manage a single room, how can one govern the world?” Moreover, with the Qianwu Emperor destined to appear, no matter how much they stirred trouble, nothing catastrophic would happen—the dynasty would always be restored to glory.
Perhaps… the prince they followed might even be that very Qianwu Emperor. In that case, seizing the throne must become their utmost priority.
Within the four walls of the Imperial Prison, the greatest beneficiaries of the Celestial Screen—the founding emperor and his Three Excellencies, who had finally grasped the situation of this later era—once again exchanged glances.
A chaotic age requires a heroic ruler. Neither Emperor Ling of the North nor Emperor Yunqi could be called such a ruler; otherwise, Qi Zhou would not have departed with regret. And the responsibility of resisting Chanyu Lie Ri certainly could not be thrust upon an eight-year-old child.
Otherwise, why had they come to Later Qian? Merely to sit in prison?
Now that their purpose was clear, how should they proceed?
Jun Youcheng was the first to speak: “Your Majesty, what must we do?”
Xiao Jingchuan did not hesitate, his answer almost immediate, as he had been pondering this while watching the Celestial Screen: “First, leave this place. Do what you do best. I believe with your abilities, each of you must have a way to escape.”
Gu Yue’s lips twitched: “This subject does have one, though it is somewhat… undignified. I fear it may tarnish the name of Qian…”
Xiao Jingchuan, however, waved it off: “It’s fine. You go first. Once we’re out, there is hope. As for the name of Qian… hahaha, does the Qian of today even have such a thing?”
Dian Cui nodded inwardly: It seems His Majesty truly has gone mad.
Gu Yue still wore a worried expression: “But Your Majesty, what about you—”
Xiao Jingchuan adjusted his pillow: “Me? I’ll wait for the person who framed my original self into coming here to find me. Or, you find a way to rescue me.”
Jun Youcheng sighed: “It will be dangerous.”
He had inherited many memories from this body and knew that Emperor Yunqi had three sons. The Crown Prince and the Third Prince were subtly vying for power, while Xiao Chuan was a fool, originally posing no threat to either contender for the throne. But with the title of Qianwu Emperor now revealed—
Whether from the Third Prince’s faction or the Crown Prince’s, they would strike first to eliminate Xiao Jingchuan.
Better safe than sorry. The struggle for succession was no child’s play; each side had staked their family’s fate and everything they could muster. They would rather kill wrongly than let any potential threat slip away.
“Oh dear, Lao Jun, you’re worrying yourself sick again. Don’t worry about me—I’m a fool, still a child. Who would bother holding a grudge against a fool?”
Xiao Jingchuan blinked his large eyes as he spoke.
Jun Youcheng immediately turned his eyes deadpan: Old man, stop pretending to be young.
He couldn’t be bothered to engage with Xiao Jingchuan. Upon seeing the shadow of a patrolling jailer appear under the lamplight, he instantly launched into his performance.
Jun Youcheng shouted loudly, “My father was wronged! My father was wronged!”
The other three were startled, and the patrolling jailer who had approached was also frightened, turning and running away.
Xiao Jingchuan: “…Lao Jun, are you sure about this?”
Jun Youcheng sneered coldly: “Your Majesty, just watch.”
The catastrophic downfall of the Jun family had come inexplicably, undoubtedly the result of countless intertwined forces clashing behind the scenes. When one side triumphed, the other would fall. In that case…
Then he, the last surviving bloodline of the Jun family who had narrowly escaped death, naturally became an ally for the defeated side.
No one could resist making a move.
“Why were those four locked up together? What connection do their crimes have?”
“Perhaps it was an oversight by the jailers. Ah, Commander Wei, you know how things are in the Imperial Prison these days. This humble official will definitely correct it next time, definitely…”
Soon, two people engaged in conversation walked into the circle of candlelight.
One was the patrol captain who had just run off, and the other was… a Black Dragon Guard dressed in brocade uniform, with delicate features resembling a gloomy black snake.
Black Dragon Guards who wore brocade uniforms were not comparable to ordinary covert guards. Their rank was higher, more akin to officials in the court.
However, everyone knew what lay behind that silver-patterned black robe.
“Young Master Jun…”
Jun Youcheng stared intently at the Black Dragon Guard.
The Black Dragon Guard merely smiled and tossed him a jade pendant inscribed with the character “Chen.”
Chen Su, the Minister of Revenue who supported the Crown Prince, shared that surname.
“Let’s go, Young Master Jun. There is someone waiting for you.”
Black Dragon Guard Xiao San made a gesture of invitation. Seeing this, a nearby guard hurriedly and eagerly opened the door to Jun Youcheng’s cell, then presented the key to Xiao San as instructed.
Jun Youcheng said nothing. He walked straight out without even glancing at the Black Dragon Guard beside him. At the end of the exit, servants holding lanterns were already prepared to receive him.
“Wow, such a temper, so stubborn.” Xiao San wasn’t angry; in fact, he remarked with interest. Swinging the key the guard had just presented, he turned to Gu Yue: “Has Lieutenant Gu made up his mind yet? His Majesty hasn’t treated you poorly. When two people are together, it’s mainly about living life. Gender isn’t really that important. Considering you nearly became my colleague and are still so young, let me remind you—don’t foolishly lose your life for failing to appreciate His Majesty’s intentions.”
Gu Yue mustered every ounce of determination before speaking.
“I… this subject was wrong. I have realized my own foolishness in failing to comprehend His Majesty’s grace. I thank His Majesty for his benevolence!”
Xiao Jingchuan silently closed his eyes and pretended to sleep: This is practically forcing the virtuous into prostitution, framing the innocent as thieves! How is this not a form of NTR?!
Emperor Yunqi, you cheap, grandson of a father, just you wait!
Xiao San immediately beamed with joy and unlocked Gu Yue’s shackles. The Third Prince had impeached Minister of Personnel Jun He, so Jun Youcheng became a pawn for the Crown Prince’s faction to spite the Third Prince’s faction.
The man Gu Yue was to marry was the son of the Minister of War. The Minister of War had long been someone the Third Prince’s faction sought to win over. That old man prided himself on being a principled official and never took sides. Now, having been so disgusted by the mad Emperor Yunqi, he was sure to seek revenge, and the Third Prince’s faction, to which Gu Yue’s parents belonged, was his best choice.
It was all so perfect that even someone as optimistic as Xiao San hadn’t expected to complete both tasks assigned to him tonight by the Third Prince’s faction and the Crown Prince’s faction. Now he could profit handsomely from both sides, filling the Emperor’s treasury.
Having achieved their goals, everyone left satisfied.
Dian Cui waved to Xiao Jingchuan. “Well, Your Majesty, I’m off too. If you need anything, have Xiao Jingzi contact me!”
With that, Dian Cui vanished, leaving only a beautiful blue bird that flew out of the Imperial Prison amid the flickering candlelight.
Now that all his prison companions were gone, the surroundings grew quiet.
Xiao Jingchuan: …Why do I feel like such a lonely old man?
Just then, another patrolling guard walked over. Glancing at the now-empty four-sided cell, he sobered up in fright. “What?! How is there only one person left?!”
“I don’t know, hehehe.” Xiao Jingchuan thought to himself, Finally, it’s my turn.
With everyone gone, he simply widened his eyes and claimed ignorance, playing the fool.
Meanwhile, in Jinling City, the capital of Nan Qian, at Kunning Palace in the Qian Palace.
“Mother Consort, the matter of Minister Jun has been resolved. Next…”
In the inner chamber, the Third Prince bowed respectfully.
The woman smoothing incense ash with an Incense Seal was dressed in plain white silver Brocade Uniform, with a Hairpin with Pendant whose tassels draped to her shoulders. She exuded a subtly enchanting and proud charm, yet her brows were serene and elegant, like the fragrance of night-blooming flowers.
Consort Gan looked up, her face devoid of joy or sorrow. Gazing at her confused son, a trace of worry lingered at the corners of her eyes.
By age, the Third Prince was only twenty-three this year. In an ordinary wealthy family, he would be at an age of carefree freedom.
Unfortunately, he was born into the imperial family. Even Qian Taizu had already assembled his own forces at twenty-three and joined the chaos of the former Yan Mo. The Third Prince had even less… opportunity to compare with ordinary families.
Consort Gan closed her eyes.
“Your son has one thing he doesn’t understand. Minister Jun clearly—”
The Third Prince lowered his voice, gripping the hem of his robe. The information about the Qianwu Emperor brought by the Celestial Screen hadn’t stirred any extra emotions in him. His main purpose in coming was to clarify the matter of Jun He.
But Consort Gan cut him off.
“How is the search for the Sacrificial Texts progressing? You must do more to share your father’s burdens and not disappoint his expectations of you.”
“…Yes.”
Looking into his mother consort’s eyes, the Third Prince ultimately refrained from asking further.
After all… shadows loomed around Kunning Palace.
On one of the vermilion eaves, Xiao Si hid deep in the darkness, his breath sealed beneath the veil of the Black-Clothed Guards. He stood there like a wisp of a ghost.
With utmost seriousness, he took out a small notebook secured with a mechanical gear lock. With the intense focus of a university student highlighting key points before finals, he meticulously recorded every word Consort Gan said, stroke by stroke.
Well, the handwriting was atrocious.
Xiao Si felt like he was about to die laughing at those dog-scratch-like characters, but it didn’t matter. These notes would eventually be transcribed by the Chief Director of the Ceremonial Directorate, Eunuch Lu. Since it wasn’t his headache to deal with, he couldn’t be bothered to worry about it.
“A Ying, be good, copy the Sacrificial Texts carefully and pray for His Majesty’s New Elixir.”
Consort Gan closed her eyes, discarding the Incense Seal in her hand. The metal clattered to the ground with a sharp, clashing sound. The Third Prince’s face turned pale. Intelligent from a young age, he could naturally sense the impending storm from his mother’s reluctance to say more. Though he had always disliked Jun He, that old man who spoke bluntly and disregarded court etiquette—much like the Crown Prince’s faction did—he had never truly wished for the other’s death. Now, it seemed Jun He’s demise was not his mother’s intention either. Then…
He no longer needed to dwell on it.
After paying his respects, the Third Prince bowed quietly and withdrew.
“An Xiang.”
In the silent chamber, Consort Gan suddenly spoke.
“Your servant is here.”
The senior palace maid, dressed in fine attire, picked up the Incense Seal from the side and bowed.
Without looking up, Consort Gan asked, “How is the Sixth Prince?”
An Xiang replied, “He has been imprisoned in the Imperial Prison. I specifically instructed the guards there not to mistreat him, just to leave him be.”
Leaning back in her chair, Consort Gan sighed. “Then go ahead and have the Sixth Prince killed. He won’t survive anyway. Better he die by our hands—it will be a quicker end.”
An Xiang acknowledged the order.
“An Xiang… would you hesitate because this is a grave crime?”
Consort Gan suddenly asked.
An Xiang merely bowed again. “In serving Your Highness, merit and guilt are not for ordinary people to judge.”
Consort Gan smiled. “It seems I should think the same way.”
In serving His Majesty and my great cause, how could merit and guilt be judged by ordinary standards?
She no longer needed to hesitate.