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The Xuande Emperor was deep in thought, pondering the matter concerning Mingze. As a court official, it was his duty to alleviate the troubles of the court.
"Hmph! Whose troubles are being alleviated? Whose difficulties are being resolved?" Shi Yun's voice grew cold. "Your Majesty, when will you stop this nonsense?"
"How can this be nonsense? I think every day about how to save Great Jing. Shi Yun, can't you help me?"
Shi Yun pointed out bluntly, "But your son lacks ability and is unworthy of the Sang family girl. You want to define the Sang family as relatives by marriage through this action, which would lead to the disgrace of usurping power. This will affect their reputation among the people and make them cautious."
"Have you considered that in a situation where a woman is strong and a man is weak, there are many ways to seize power? Leaving children to their fathers, listening behind curtains— the Sang family has produced many female generals. It wouldn't be rare to have another Empress."
The Xuande Emperor shouted in frustration, "Then what do you want me to do? Do you think I am eager to abdicate because I want to be a ruler of a fallen nation?"
"I am now isolated and helpless, yet even so, I still want to fight for it. You all think my actions are laughable, but if I had another method..."
"Had I known today would come, why would I have acted as I did back then?"
Observing the Xuande Emperor's expression revealed no remorse; instead, it was filled with jealousy and scheming.
"I advise Your Majesty to focus all your attention on governing the country. If your health does not permit it, just speak up and we will take care of things. Beyond that, do not reach out for help."
This conversation nearly exhausted all of Shi Yun's patience with the Xuande Emperor. It seemed that the Emperor would not heed this final advice.
After leaving the palace, Shi Yun relayed the Emperor's delusions to Mingze and offered some comfort. "Don't worry; the Xuande Emperor is trembling so much he can't even write a decree. The court officials are busy protecting themselves and won't be foolish enough to take on this hot potato."
As for other channels, Gentle was keeping a close watch.
Mingze took a long time to swallow his anger and spoke darkly, "Does he really think those princes are such prized possessions? If we spread news about establishing an heir, they will all show their true colors."
"The Fourth Prince?" he continued. "Relying on being the first choice, he has been arrogant these days. But his brothers are not pushovers either; among them are even princes."
After losing his chance, the prince became dark and sensitive. The matter of the Xuande Emperor abdicating was quite a blow to him. Although he rarely left the palace, he secretly set many traps for other princes, embodying the idea that if he couldn't have it, neither could anyone else.
He even considered contacting the Sang family; since he was destined not to become emperor, it would be better to preserve his current wealth and glory.
Shi Yun asked who he intended to contact.
"Me," Mingze replied.
"That's not a bad idea," Shi Yun sighed. "If the prince doesn't get into trouble, he could still be supported. What a pity."
Mingze quickly added, "What’s there to pity? The royal Qin Clan is inherently selfish and ruthless."
"Emperor Qin Zhang has built an impressive reputation publicly but has already begun laying the groundwork for the downfall of the Sang family in private. In fact, there are traces of this."
During the time of the Sang Family's prominence, they were among the few who thrived before Qin Zhang ascended to power, only to quickly decline. The Sang Family's immense influence served to highlight the noble character of the Monarch, and Qin Zhang's remarkable patience was truly astonishing.
In the Qin Family's era, they were overly ambitious yet lacked the capability to support their grand aspirations, causing much suffering among the common people. Ironically, they had even been kidnapped at one point. The three generations of the Qin Family valued martial prowess lightly; with the Sang Family keeping them in check, they dared not overreach. They could only manage to be a competent Monarch who maintained stability, yet ultimately fell victim to his own son.
There is no need to mention the Chongjing Emperor and Xuande Emperor. You might think that a prince could provide support, but I believe that your loyalty could provoke his suspicion, leading to an outcome far worse than that of the Sang Family.
In contrast, the Sang Family's connection with both military generals and common people reveals their understanding of public sentiment: those who win the hearts of the people will gain the world.
Shi Yun listened with a smile, and I sighed, unexpectedly drawing out so many words from you. Tsk, my brother-in-law hasn't even arrived yet, and you're putting in quite an effort.
Mingze apologized, saying he was merely stating facts. "You keep busy; I’ll take a leave to deal with Fourth Prince."
Two days later, shortly after the decree for establishing an heir was issued, Fourth Prince suddenly became lame. Mingze stirred things up; it was a calculated move by the princes. On the day Fourth Prince received the decree and was preparing to express his gratitude at the palace, he slipped on a slope in front of the main hall and fell. A few guards managed to catch up and intervene, but in the chaos, Fourth Prince ended up injuring himself further and became lame.
Upon learning this, Xuande Emperor was furious and ordered Gentle to conduct a thorough investigation. Within a day, Gentle reported back with findings that pointed directly to Fifth Prince’s maternal family while clearing Mingze and the princes of any traces.
Fifth Prince’s mother and her family were imprisoned that very day. According to succession rules, although Fifth Prince had some involvement, Xuande Emperor conveniently overlooked it and still designated him as heir.
Xuande Emperor did not care what kind of Monarch Great Jing would have; he simply did not want history to remember him as a king who lost his country. However, such aspirations ultimately proved unattainable. Sang Bai Jue kept a close watch on court developments; he was not at Vulture Ridge but had received a decree sent by Sang Qingxiao and immediately set off.
He missed an encounter with Cai Zhuo, which spared him some awkwardness; nonetheless, Sang Bai Jue still sent someone to make contact with him. Shi Yun estimated it would take at least two months, but in reality, Sang Bai Jue arrived at Jingjing City’s gates in just one month.
Accompanying him were two sturdy nephews, Sang Yiran and Sang Yizhu. Both had robust physiques that made Sang Bai Jue appear rather frail in comparison. This trio attracted quite a bit of attention as they stood at the city gate.
The identification documents presented by Sang Bai Jue were not his own. The three entered the city smoothly. Sang Bai Jue looked around with interest at the bustling marketplace. In the past, he had loved eating roasted meat from a stall at the street corner; he would buy plenty to satisfy his cravings but could hardly eat any himself as his brothers would snatch it all away.
However, after tasting Xiaoxiao’s cooking now, he found himself somewhat disdainful of it. Tastes change over time; everything is changing—the past should remain in the past—and our Sang Family will surely continue to thrive.
As Sang Bai Jue reminisced about old times with a hint of sadness, his two strong nephews suddenly exclaimed that they were hungry.
"Such brutes," he thought. "All you think about is food! Most of what your sister gave me has gone into your bellies. I just fed you outside the city; how can you be hungry again so soon?"
Sang Yiran asked, "Uncle, should we go find our sister now?"
Xiaoxiao was busy, with no time to greet them. Naturally, they had to go home first.
Under the guidance of Sang Bai Jue, the three quickened their pace and arrived at the entrance of Prince Jing's Residence. They saw the brand-new walls, the piles of offerings outside, the burning incense, and the unburned joss paper.
Sang Bai Jue's eyes glistened with unshed tears. Although the people had once been misled and harbored hatred for the Sang Family, when victory finally arrived—indeed, even earlier, as the evidence against the Sang Family was gradually overturned—the people had already begun to remember them.
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