Li Changyu returned to the Palace well before the sun even touched the horizon. He hopped through the window into Jin Xiyan’s bedchambers and immediately stripped down to his underclothes, chucking the set of robes underneath the bed to hide them. He went back to the desk where he woke up and placed the broken cup back where he had found it, broken and on the floor just at the side.
He then grabbed the light evening robe that Jin Xiyan wore when he died and shrugged it on. At the sleeve was a mess of bright red blood, likely from a cough after being poisoned. It was the same side as the rash on the wrist, the sight of which brought back unpleasant memories. Pushing them aside, he went to task.
Playing an Emperor in distress was easy. Li Changyu would just have to act like someone who was poisoned – which he had experience with already – and like someone with a stick up their ass. To kick off his theatrical performance, Li Changyu nudged the teapot over the edge. It shattered loud enough that even the most sleepy of servants would be jolted awake. Li Changyu let out an anguished cry and flopped onto the ground, clutching the edge of the desk like a scrambling, desperate man.
Su Ao rushed in, calling to him, “Your Majesty!”
Li Changyu really hammed it up, dropping his voice to a rasp when Su Ao rounded the corner of the screen. He reached a hand out to the eunuch, “Su…Ao…”
He slumped forward, letting himself fall face first to the ground. Su Ao let out a very undignified cry and yelled for the guards.
“HIS MAJESTY HAS BEEN POISONED!”
People burst in, and movement swarmed in around him. All he had to do was be limp with eyes half-closed while the men put him on his bed. Once the Head Imperial Physician, Mu Jiang, rushed in with his aides, most of the guards had left to surround the palace. The servants, including Su Ao, lined up on a wall opposite Jin Xiyan’s bed.
Li Changyu remembered Mu Jiang’s poor bedside manner from when he was in and out of consciousness when he was poisoned. He went above and beyond this time, likely sucking up to him for favor.
Physician Jiang lifted his head after taking his pulse, “His Majesty has indeed been poisoned.” To the servants, he demanded, “Show me what he drank.”
Su Ao and Physician Jiang hovered over the broken pieces of the cup and teapot, dabbing a handkerchief in a bit of the spilled tea. Physician Jiang sniffed the handkerchief and then examined the shards in the light. His long white mustache twitched and he wrapped the contents in a large white cloth.
Physician Jiang turned to Su Ao, “Who checked His Majesty’s tea before serving it?”
“It was I,” he answered. Su Ao was flushed red, his neck looking like a freshly cooked crab. He fidgeted like one too, his fingers motioning about like pincers. Physician Jiang sighed.
“We will have to conduct some tests to determine if it was the tea or cup that was poisoned, Your Majesty.” He handed the bundle to one of his aides. Physician Jiang bowed towards him. “It will take time for this servant to investigate, but we will make haste.”
“Physician Jiang…” Li Changyu pretended to struggle to sit up, and Su Ao gasped and tried to urge him to lay down.
“Your Majesty, your health!”
He ignored Su Ao and did sit up, but he kept his head slightly down to maintain a weak composure. Li Changyu slowly pulled back his sleeve to reveal his rash then looked to Physician Jiang.
“I–Zhen thought nothing of it, but Zhen recalled that my Family’s Empress had a similar rash when they were pregnant.” He lifted his hand, “What do you make of this…?”
The man looked nervous, his beady eyes wide and sweat clung to his bushy, greying brows. He straightened and tentatively stepped towards the bed. Li Changyu offered his hand and let the Physician examine it, but he simply skimmed over it before bowing low.
“This Physician admits ignorance of this, Your Majesty. Please, punish this lowly servant.”
Looking at the servants, Li Changyu ordered, “Leave.” They bowed and left, but Su Ao remained. He shot him a glare. “You and the Physician Aides, too. Zhen wishes to speak to Physician Jiang alone.”
Su Ao looked reluctant, but he was an obedient servant – not that it made Li Changyu trust him any, of course. Once gone, Li Changyu set his eyes in a hard stare at the Physician, who fell to his knees beside the bed.
“His Highness the Empress once claimed he was poisoned. Zhen had you investigate, yes?”
“A-a-answering His Majesty, yes.”
“Remind Zhen what was your conclusion.”
“He…His Highness…th-there was no evidence of poisoning on the baby, nor their blood. It is this servant’s opinion that falling out of the tree caused trauma to the womb, and that is how the child was lost.”
Either the Physician was bold enough to lie, or he was just that incompetent. Li Changyu couldn’t tell which, or if it was a case of both. “Then what you are telling Zhen is…there is no poisonous thing that causes a rash like this and can kill a man?”
“Y-Your Majesty…may this servant speak frankly?” Physician Jiang lifted his head up, his upper lip quivering so much that the corners of his mustache danced. It would have been comical, but Li Changyu had to keep a straight, stern face.
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
He nodded, and the Physician continued, “This servant would remind His Majesty that His Highness’ Family has knowledge of medicine and foreign herbs. I am reluctant to say this, but…could there be a possibility…”
Trying to pass off the blame to me too? Is he in on this plot? Li Changyu’s gaze darkened and he hardened his voice.
“You will be flogged twenty times. If you dare repeat what you just said, you will be whipped next time.” Physician Jiang was in a full body tremble now, but Li Changyu casually laid back against the pillows. “Write your prescription and make the medicine, then head over to the Household Manager for punishment.”
“Yes, Your Majesty! Long live His Majesty!” Physician Jiang kowtowed three times, thumping his forehead against the ground.
“Leave first, and send Su Ao back in.” He dismissed the man with a wave. The Physician stumbled out of his room, hurrying like a dog was nipping at his heels. Not even a soldier had ever responded like that to him before.
Li Changyu actually kind of liked it.
One can get used to this. No wonder Jin Xiyan is full of himself. Snorting, he rested his head back as Su Ao bustled in like a hurricane, rushing to his Master’s side so fast he skidded to a halt beside the bed. He fell to his knees and huddled at the edge of the bed. Being a beta on the smaller side, his head poked out just enough to be seen.
“Y-Your Majesty, you summoned this one? This humble servant swears, this was not my doing! His Majesty saw that I tested the tea!”
Li Changyu suppressed rolling his eyes. Give me a break. Like he was placating a child, Li Changyu gave a small smile and patted the top of the good eunuch’s head. “I–er–Zhen will not question this servant’s loyalty. However,” Li Changyu cleared his throat and put on his most authoritative tone. “Zhen has an order for Su Ao.”
Su Ao blinked owlishly and scrambled backwards to bow his head to the floor, awaiting his command.
“Let Physician Jiang prepare the medicine, but throw it out immediately. Contact Physician Li and seek her prescription, and ask her for a recommendation to replace Physician Jiang.”
“Y-Your Majesty is firing the Imperial Physician?”
“En,” he replied, “Next, please fetch for Minister Ping–”
A familiar shrill cry from outside the doors interrupted him.
“You will not prevent me from seeing my child!”
Now Li Changyu really wished he had been poisoned. He tried to order Su Ao to make sure Jin Qiuye wouldn’t enter, but it was too late. The doors banged open and his “Mother” fluttered in, looking a bit disheveled. As soon as they made eye contact, Jin Qiuye burst into tears.
Li Changyu stiffened, unused to seeing Jin Qiuye like this. The Empress Dowager ran over and nearly kicked Su Ao out of the way before he flung himself onto the bed. He half draped himself over Li Changyu and cupped his face, practically squishing it.
“My Dear, are you okay? I thought you died when they told me!” Jin Qiuye’s eyes welled up with fresh tears, his lower lip trembling.
Growing up he couldn’t deny that Jin Qiuye had some sort of love for his sons. A very transactionary, materialistic love, but his tears looked genuine. Never in a million years would Li Changyu suspect Jin Qiuye would be willing to cry hard enough to turn red faced and have snot dribble down. There was just something a tiny bit off.
While Jin Qiuye rambled his worries and looked him over, Li Changyu focused on the other omega. He smelled strongly of incense, like he’d bathed in it, and his lips looked plump, almost like they’d been thoroughly—
Ugh! Li Changyu flinched from Jin Qiuye’s grasp. He’d been having sex!
Jin Qiuye gasped and pulled his hands back, “My Dear, did I hurt you? This Mother is sorry. Oh, my sweet Son…”
Li Changyu doubted Jin Xiyan knew about his Mother’s…proclivities, for a lack of a better word. Especially since Jin Qiuye spent so long covering it up, and doing it pretty well too. He couldn’t smell any alpha on the Empress Dowager. Reluctantly, he let Jin Qiuye touch him, but he gagged inside.
“M-Mother…please, let Zhen rest.” He made a motion for Su Ao to run along, which the eunuch nodded in understanding and quietly shuffled away. Jin Qiuye shook his head adamantly.
“I will not leave your side at this time of need!” His eyes narrowed and his lip curled. “It had to be that Li Changyu. Your Uncle told me about what happened, and that he has an army! I was absolutely terrified.”
You are Jin Xiyan. You are Jin Xiyan. He chanted it a few more times internally before speaking in a very careful, measured tone.
“Mother…Zhen has reason to believe it is more complicated than that. Please, keep your nos–Ah, what Zhen means to say is…please do not worry yourself over these Court matters.”
“I will heed my Royal Son’s words, but I run the Inner Court. Li Changyu is in the Cold Palace, is he not? I will make sure he is dealt with accordingly.”
“No!” He shouted, grabbing a hold of Jin Qiuye’s wrist. He underestimated his strength, because Jin Qiuye winced, and Li Changyu immediately let go. Being in an alpha’s body had considerable strength, though Li Changyu could tell immediately that it wasn’t as fluid or flexible. Unlike him, Jin Xiyan didn’t learn as much martial arts as him.
I don’t need Jin Xiyan to be hurt by his own Mother. Sighing, Li Changyu tried to come up with something on the spot.
“Mother, this Son appreciates your concern, but it is not the Empress’ fault. Please leave this up to Zhen.”
Jin Qiuye’s expression softened and he reached forward to kiss Li Changyu’s forehead. He shut his eyes and groaned for real. Uuuuggh where have those lips been?
“Please, follow the Physician’s orders.” Jin Qiuye stroked his hair away like any Mother would and Li Changyu forced himself to relax. “Do not push yourself. I will not spill a word of this to the Harem.”
“Thank you, Mother.” Unsure how Jin Xiyan interacted with his Mother behind closed doors, he patted the Dowager’s back lightly and dropped it. “Now please, let Zhen rest.”
Li Changyu smirked to himself, Because I have Court in the morning.
——
In the years Li Changyu spent training, studying, and being in battle, there were a few things he took to heart. Namely, The Thirty-Six Stratagems. This was the very first thing he learned and memorized by heart as a young child, and he realized it was something he utilized many times. However, the enemy had already bested him once, and this time, he likely wouldn’t have another chance. In order to pull this off, he would have to practice some of the stratagems he normally did not employ.
To do this, he called for Court to start bright and early. He kept playing weak – which was his usual strategy – but it made the most sense. He was poisoned, and his enemies would think he was affected. His servants dutifully dressed him, and in looking at the mirror, Li Changyu was confronted with the truth: Jin Xiyan was really attractive, especially in his gold Emperor robes.
Li Changyu snorted at his reflection in the mirror. This idiot dog Emperor. He refused to wear the ridiculous hat, however, and wore a hair crown in a half bun instead, much to Su Ao’s disappointment.
The moment the chamber doors for the Court Hall opened, everyone yelling inside immediately hushed. The air in the room shifted, and all turned to him and bowed, creating a sea of men who were kneeling before him. His Father was among those in attendance.
He quirked a brow. Well…this will certainly take some getting used to. Li Changyu rolled his shoulders back and held his head high as he walked to the platform where the Dragon Throne was. It was large and imposing, golden with extravagant carvings, and it was all his – for the time being that is. Li Changyu sat down and set his arms on the rests. He rubbed his fingertips against them, reveling in the feel. When all the men rose, his attention was pulled away from the shiny toy and he was suddenly conscious of his position.
Right now, I am the Emperor…Delighted, his heart sped up. Su Ao sidled up beside him and lowered his head to Li Changyu’s ear and whispered.
“Your Majesty, those present today are Minister–”
Li Changyu held up a hand to stop Su Ao. He smirked at the eunuch and whispered back, “Let Zhen handle this, Eunuch.”
After clearing his throat, Li Changyu formally addressed everyone.
“Zhen will not bother with trivialities. You have all heard by now that there was an attempt on Zhen’s life – and the Empress’.” A low murmur rumbled over the crowd and he continued while scanning his audience. His Father looked slightly panicked at the mention of him. “Because of this and other evidence, Zhen will decree that His Highness’ imprisonment is suspended. Further investigation is required.”
Unsurprisingly, an uproar came over the officials. He caught Su Ao trembling so hard in his robes he looked like a curtain caught in the wind.
“Your Majesty, this subject cannot support this!” Minister Gong, the same one who had stupidly brought dogs for Jin Xiyan’s birthday, came forward. He pointed a stubby finger across the aisle to his Father, “There is evidence that the Li Family has conspired against Your Majesty!”
Li Changyu had a retort, but another official cut him off. Commander Yuan came to Li Beidou’s defense. “The Li’s have been loyal to the Emperors for generations!”
“Ha!” Minister Kung, a rail thin beta, wagged his finger at the other man. “Li Jiao-long married a Northerner, and his descendents fraternize with them today! What if they are conspiring about our borders?!”
“There is no collusion!”
A General thumped his fist against his chest, proclaiming, “I will give my life to prove His Highness’ innocence. If I am wrong, hang me!”
Jin Ai chuckled and unfurled his fan with a clack. “There is the testimony of those twenty soldiers, are we to dismiss them?”
Their arguments kept pouring out, creating a cacophony of noise inside the hall.
“Clearly that Empress bewitched Your Majesty!”
“An unchecked omega has led to the downfall of many empires!”
“Surely Your Majesty can see reason?!”
They are just arguing like they are haggling in a market square! Li Changyu ground his teeth, and even he was about to get a headache. Is it really always like this for Jin Xiyan?
Minister Huang, who stood beside Zhang Wenru, knelt down, “Please, Your Majesty! Consider a just punishment!”
Having grown tired of this fairly quickly, Li Changyu slammed his fist down on the armrest and shouted, “Enough!”
Several Ministers and Officials looked surprised, and clearly Jin Xiyan had never had an outburst like this. Li Changyu reigned in his volume, but his tone was firm and clear.
“Minister Huang, what would you consider a just punishment?”
“A-A-Answering Your Majesty, this subject suggests execution for the traitor Li Changyu!”
“Execution to the whole clan!” Shouted Minister Gong, with several others alongside him calling out their agreements.
“Ha!” Li Changyu smirked and glared down at the lowly Minister. His grin quickly turned feral when Minister Gong shrunk his neck into his shoulders. “You forget that your Nephew is part of His Highness’ garrison. Tell Zhen, just how many branches of the Huang Family should be pruned because of your relation?!”
Minister Gong did a perfect impression of a fish, jaw bobbing up and down, and Li Changyu forged ahead.
“There are still many unanswered questions, and because of this, Zhen has to take drastic measures.” Li Changyu drew in a deep breath and straightened his face. “Minister Ping, come forward.”
Ping-Shixiong looked nervous, but he came forward as ordered and was truly submissive in his posture and bow. He spoke sincerely, “What may this servant do, Your Majesty?”
He didn’t want to suspect his Shixiong, but Li Changyu was now thrust into a situation where he could barely trust anyone. It was extremely unlikely, but this was a plan he came up with that would serve two purposes.
“This confusion begins with the Ministry of War. Your subordinates claimed that there was word of an attack, but nothing about any possible involvement by the Empress. You went so far as to insist that the Empress be the one to lead. This, quite frankly, is suspicious.”
Minister Ping’s thin lips pressed together, almost disappearing, but he kept his eyes down obediently. “Answering Your Majesty, this servant understands. I can only insist that His Highness is innocent, and that this Minister believed the reports given to him.”
“Be that as it may…Zhen decrees this: You will be dismissed from your post without your salary, and Third Prince Uncle Zhang Wenru will be your replacement.”
A stunned silence fell across the Generals and Commanders present. The Pings served as Ministers within the Ministry of War for generations, and this was a blow to them. Regardless, Li Changyu had to follow Stratagems Twenty-Eight and Twenty-Nine. After his favorite strategy of looking weak or crazy were the two wise methods outlined by Generals of old is this:
28. Remove the ladder when the enemy has ascended to the roof.
29. Decorate the tree with false blossoms
Meaning that by elevating Zhang Wenru’s Ministry position from Personnel to War, he was decorating the ugly, rotten tree by giving a valuable and coveted position. By putting on a front that he trusted only his Family, it would show that “Jin Xiyan” did not suspect his Uncle. In truth Li Changyu had just pulled the rug out from under him. As per the twenty-eighth stratagem, Li Changyu did this to make sure that Zhang Wenru would not be with any close allies and was thrown in with a group that was on Li Changyu’s side.
“Jin Xiyan’s” actions could be dismissed as favoring his Uncle, not cleverly maneuvering the pieces on a board.
Li Changyu sighed softly. It wasn’t until today that Li Changyu truly understood how influential his Family was. The Military backed the Li’s, except for Sun Shangwu who lurked in the outskirts of the group of Military Officials who insisted on his innocence. Seeing how split the Court was and how heavily things were favored to him, Li Changyu could understand Jin Xiyan’s worries about his Family.
He didn’t want to leave Ping-Shixiong hanging, either. He quoted their Shizun, trying to subtly give the man a clue. “A wise man once told Zhen that it is easier to dodge a spear from in front, but harder to avoid an arrow from behind.”
Ping-Shixiong blinked then lifted his gaze ever so slightly as a flicker of recognition passed over him. He peeked at Li Changyu, his brow slightly arched, but quickly dropped his head to the floor.
“Your Majesty, this subject will vacate the Ministry of War by midday.”
Li Changyu didn’t think Jin Xiyan said thank you to his subordinates, so he chose instead to say, “Very well. Zhen calls this meeting to a close and requires time to recuperate.”
He rose and people awkwardly shuffled about, some looking lost and others frustrated. The air was still tense in the room, but when he caught sight of Li Beidou’s relieved face, Li Changyu lingered.
He knew that he could not approach the man, not like this. He was supposed to be the Emperor. I hope Mama can reassure the Family that “I” am okay… His Father’s head turned ever so slightly and their eyes locked. Li Changyu could only smile sadly, hoping it was enough to convey something, but even he was unsure what he wanted his Father to know.
Turning to Su Ao, he announced, “Call for the Imperial Palanquin to take Zhen to the Phoenix Palace.”
Thanks for the new chapter! You’re my favorite author 😊
That is SO kind! I am glad you enjoyed, plus a bonus chapter just dropped 😉
I can’t be the only one who thinks LCY does a better job than JXY right? Say it ain’t so. 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Ah finally.. I’ve been waiting for the whole week.. Now waiting is really such a pain..thank you for the update
Bonus Chapter is also up! 🙂 Hope this helps!
The palace full of snakes. The third uncle is behind it but JXYs mother doesnt know about it. I hope LCY could get more allies inside the palace.
Thanks for the chapter!
unless Jin Qiuye is…faking it all along (dun dun dun)
(I can’t confirm the statement above I just want to tease everyone so they trust no one)
Its a high possibility. Its just right now, i cant think of a reason why would JQ hurt his son. JZY as emperor is useful to him. So my theory is, ZWR is using him to cause trouble to LCY. Though there might be something nore deeper. 🤔
Jwel is the detective on this case!
🧐🧐
I was thinking, “Go away Mother, you smell like guards” but you topped it with ” Uuuuggh where have those lips been” 😂. I’m glad Li Changyu gets to see what Jin Xiyan has to deal with every morning. Bonus chapter happy dance!!
I am always happy to see your comments! 🙂 🙂
Due to my travel schedules i was late to read this, but oh this is such a treat. yes, we witness powress of our Family’s empress(Emperor). I was so waiting to tear the mouth of those trashy ministers for last so many chapters. Finally you got to know your place Trashy Gong. 😈😈😈LCY such a treat, he is so precious 😘😘😘
Again a great chapter Author nim, the story gets better and better. Thankyou for your hard work
🤗🤗🤗
this gong is 🗑 but his 🍆 is wooooo
I love how precise and straightforward LCY is as the emperor. He let them argue a but before he put his foot down.
I hope Ping isn’t in on it either.
The list of suspects is a mile long.
I feel so enlightened and educated reading this ⁽⁽ଘ( ˊᵕˋ )ଓ⁾⁾ also- my trust issue just got worse Σ(ಠ_ಠ)
LCY is having fun being the emperor and bossing people around and i’m here for it. He’s the only one who can clean up this rotten court
He just did JXY but better