### ChengSangJY suppressed a laugh, thinking, "Huaichu, you sneaky fox, meeting a girl in such a place. If your brother finds out, you're doomed. I wonder which family's girl has caught Huaichu's eye."
"Zhiyue~"
JY's mind buzzed, feeling a chill run down his spine despite the warm spring waters.
"I feel like JY has been acting strange lately, Huaichu. Do you think he's discovered us?"
"Impossible. As long as you don't say anything, and I don't say anything, no one will know. Once he ascends the throne, you'll be the empress, with unparalleled power. You can do whatever you want."
JY stood in the water for what felt like an eternity, the water dripping from his soaked clothes, his hair clinging to his face. His lips were pruney from the long soak. His mind was filled with the conversation he had overheard, and he trudged back to the Cui residence with heavy steps, his bare feet making no sound.
"Brother Cui, have you seen JY?" Huaichu asked, wandering around the residence early in the morning.
"I was looking for him earlier too. He's nowhere to be found, and his bed was left in disarray. His clothes are gone as well. Perhaps he had to return to the palace for something urgent," Cui Yi replied.
"Something urgent at the palace? And he didn't call for me? Well, I won't linger then. I'll visit another time," Huaichu said, clasping his hands in farewell before leaving.
As Huaichu's figure receded, Cui Yi's lips curled into a subtle, satisfied smile.
About an hour later, JY stumbled in through the back door of the Cui residence. The back led to the livestock area, and the bleating of a nearby lamb caught JY's attention. Exhausted, he made his way to a pile of hay and collapsed into it.
A servant, who had come to feed the horses, saw JY and immediately ran to inform the steward.
"Brother Yun, Brother Yun."
JY was gently roused by Cui Yi, finding himself now lying in a bed within the house.
Seeing JY awake, Cui Yi's expression of worry softened. With a mix of concern and reproach, he said, "Oh, Brother Yun, why were you sleeping out there? Look at you, catching a chill like this." He reached out to feel JY's forehead.
JY felt utterly drained and only wanted to be left alone. The conversation he had overheard the previous night replayed incessantly in his mind, and he was at a loss for how to explain it to Cui Yi. Forcing a smile, he said, "I might have sleepwalked. Ended up outside in the yard."
"You have sleepwalking issues?" Cui Yi asked, handing over a bowl of medicine.
JY nodded stiffly, taking a sip before replying, "Occasionally. Fortunately, there are always some medicines prepared at the palace. Could I trouble Brother Cui to arrange a carriage to take me back?"
Cui Yi nodded, still looking concerned, "Sending you back isn't a problem, but you're still unwell. I'm worried about you traveling alone."
JY forced another smile, his heart heavy with mistrust. "Now, I am left alone. I no longer have anyone trustworthy by my side," he thought.
### LinMuchuan's Study
ShangGuanCY was furious, slamming his hand on the table, "This JY, even after I made it clear in court today, he still insisted on handing back the military power. Minister Yang Zhan of the Ministry of War originally served the Xiao family. Entrusting him to JY was not a problem, but now he's handed the power back to the Emperor just like that."
Huaichu, lying face down on the desk, sighed, "I don't know what's wrong with JY. I haven't seen him in a long time. Every time I go to visit, Manager Duo always blocks me with some excuse."
MuJinling didn't find JY avoiding Huaichu problematic, "If he is interested in participating in court affairs, distancing himself from you isn't a bad thing. The Lin family has soldiers, and now the Emperor has permitted him to be involved in politics. His status makes 'military power' a sensitive topic. Whether it's the Lin family's soldiers or the Ministry of War, if he wants to avoid arousing the Emperor's suspicion, staying away from these matters is beneficial."
"Well, I hope so. I've been idle lately, and following the clues given by the master, I've identified most of MoLan prince's bases in the capital. I've marked them on my brother's map. Apart from the visible businesses, there are some suspicious shops with frequent visitors," Huaichu said, nodding towards the map on the desk.
ShangGuanCY and MuJinling walked over to examine the map, scrutinizing the marked locations to find patterns.
"The master mentioned in the letter that it's winter, yet these shops have much more traffic than in other seasons. Many visitors enter but do not leave. It's suspicious," Huaichu added.
ShangGuanCY pointed to the marks on the map, "From the master's clues, there are fifteen shops in total. They are positioned in the four corners surrounding the ShangGuan mansion, MoLan prince's residence, and the Lin mansion."
MuJinling nodded, seeing the pattern, "Exactly. The northeast corner of the Lin mansion, though not marked, was where we found Huaichu's secret chamber last time."
"Indeed. The master's findings are accurate. These shops form a network around the key locations," ShangGuanCY agreed.
"That's right. Although the northeast corner of the Lin Mansion does not appear marked, last time we found the secret room where Huaichu was imprisoned, it was exactly in the northeast corner," ShangGuanCY nodded in agreement.
As they were speaking, LinMuchuan rushed in from outside, his expression urgent.
"Something's happened. Scouts report that two armies, each numbering around twenty thousand, are approaching the capital from the west and east. I've already requested reinforcements and have also dispatched two elite squads from the Lin family to bolster our defenses."
"Twenty thousand? I thought ChengSangMo's resources could only maintain a few thousand elite soldiers. I didn't expect him to have such a large private force," ShangGuanCY remarked, visibly surprised.
LinMuchuan, his brows furrowed, continued, "I've already sent an urgent report to the palace. I'm here to discuss this matter with you."
"Unexpectedly, he lost his patience so quickly," ShangGuanCY had just finished speaking when a deafening explosion shook the Lin Mansion, causing it to tremble.
Everyone hurried outside to investigate, the noise startling the citizens in the streets. LinHuaichu lightly tapped the ground and leaped onto the roof, swiftly moving towards the source of the sound.
LinMuchuan and ShangGuanCY stood at the mansion's gate, surveying the surroundings. They saw dust rising in the distance, accompanied by more explosions. MuJinling, in the courtyard, summoned a shadow guard to assess the situation.
Shortly after, LinHuaichu returned and reported, "It was the shop at the corner; something might have accidentally triggered an explosion."
At almost the same time, the shadow guard from Zhiyue Pavilion arrived and whispered something to MuJinling.
Upon hearing the report, MuJinling's eyes sharpened, and she quickly returned to LinMuchuan's study, with ShangGuanCY following suit.
MuJinling circled the explosion points on the map, confirming several times before saying, "The shop explosion was not accidental. The shadow guard reported that other explosions occurred at these locations. Do you see any pattern?"
Everyone examined the map. LinMuchuan quickly identified the issue and exclaimed, "These locations are the main routes from the Lin Mansion, ShangGuanCY's residence, and MoLan prince's palace to the royal palace!"
"Exactly. If my guess is correct, the urgent report never made it to the palace. The two armies will likely remain outside the city. The main force will enter through the south gate. Middle Street is the widest road in the city, and the north gate is too close to the Lin family. ChengSangMo's troops will likely march up Middle Street to the royal palace," MuJinling pointed out on the map.
"No time to waste. I must enter the palace immediately," ShangGuanCY said.
Meanwhile, at the riverbank behind the Cui residence, a boat slowly docked. Cui Yi stood on the shore, eagerly awaiting the person on board.
A tall figure emerged from the cabin, a black cloak covering his entire body. Though his face was obscured, his commanding presence was undeniable.
"Greetings, Master," Cui Yi knelt on one knee.
"Is everything prepared?" the man's voice was low and gravelly, carrying the weight of experience.
"Yes, Master. The tunnel is complete, and we can directly enter the palace from there," Cui Yi said, gesturing for the man to follow. The man quickly headed in the indicated direction.
In the royal palace, ChengSangJY heard the explosions but remained unperturbed. A hint of melancholy flashed in his eyes as he murmured to himself, "What's destined to come will come." He then took a box from a shelf behind him, opening it to reveal several silver beads.
In the capital, LinMuchuan and ShangGuanCY split up. LinMuchuan headed to the south gate to buy time, while ShangGuanCY, along with MuJinling and LinHuaichu, hurried to the palace. If their assumptions were correct, ChengSangMo might already be inside the palace.
In the imperial study, ChengSangKing also heard the explosions. However, within the deep palace, the sounds were faint. ChengSangKing assumed the citizens were prematurely celebrating the New Year and didn't pay much attention, even making a lighthearted comment, "Eunuch Liu, it seems the citizens can't wait for the New Year. Listen to those firecrackers; quite loud, aren't they?"
Eunuch Liu chuckled in response. At that moment, a young eunuch entered and reported, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince requests an audience."
"Let him in," ChengSangKing said, somewhat surprised. Since Empress Xiao's death, JY's behavior had become increasingly peculiar. Feeling guilty, ChengSangKing had refrained from imposing too many restrictions on him. JY had grown more serene and stable over time, but this was the first time he had requested an audience outside of formal greetings.
"Greetings, Father," ChengSangJY saluted.
ChengSangKing, feeling gratified, assumed JY had finally come to terms with Empress Xiao's death and sought to mend their relationship. He asked with concern, "JY, what brings you here so suddenly?"
"I have something to ask. Please, Father, dismiss everyone else," ChengSangJY replied seriously.
ChengSangKing rarely saw JY so serious and thoughtful. Thinking it had been a long time since he had spent any time alone with his son, he signaled Eunuch Liu to lead everyone out.
Once the room was empty, ChengSangKing spoke, "Alright, there's no one here now. What do you want to ask?"
ChengSangJY knelt on both knees and kowtowed to ChengSangKing. "No matter if Father gets angry or not, I must ask."
ChengSangKing smiled, finding it hard to believe JY could provoke his anger. "You've always been obedient and sensible. What could possibly upset me? Go ahead."
Receiving permission, ChengSangJY kowtowed again and, while kneeling, raised his hands in salute. His voice was clear and calm as he asked, "I want to know, does Father know who my biological mother truly is?"
Meanwhile, on South Middle Street, LinMuchuan encountered ChengSangMo at the entrance of a tea and embroidery shop. Behind ChengSangMo was a well-equipped army. Today, ChengSangMo was clad in golden armor, his hair tied up in a high crown. The once-white hair was gone, replaced by black strands that flowed in the wind, making his skin appear even paler. His eyes, however, were filled with a determination and killing intent unseen in years.
"MoLan prince, where are you heading with such an armed force?" LinMuchuan questioned.
ChengSangMo, atop his horse, signaled his troops to halt. Seeing LinMuchuan blocking his way, he wasn't surprised and smirked mockingly. "Since when did General Lin take up the hobby of blocking the road and lodging complaints?"
LinMuchuan spun his spear and shouted, "ChengSangMo, no troops may enter the capital without summons. Any troops entering the capital must be unarmed and in light armor. Do you not know this? Leave the capital immediately, or I'll show no mercy."
ChengSangMo laughed heartily and then said, "LinMuchuan, do you think it's still useful to lecture me about the rules now? Or did you come here just to joke with me? Face reality. The roads in the city are blocked. Even your Lin family's cavalry can't get here in time. Do you really think you can stop my army alone? Surrender now, and when I take the throne, I will remember your loyalty and let you keep your position as General."
LinMuchuan remained resolute, glaring at ChengSangMo with unwavering determination. "ChengSangMo, are you rebelling?"
"Hah, LinMuchuan, did you just realize that? You, ShangGuanCY, and Zhiyue Pavilion have been tracking me for months. Is it surprising that I make my move now? This throne will be mine sooner or later. A day early or a day late, what's the difference?" ChengSangMo looked at him disdainfully and adjusted the reins casually.
"You audacious traitor! As long as I, LinMuchuan, am here, you will not step into the palace!" LinMuchuan shouted, raising his spear and thrusting it towards ChengSangMo.
At the palace gate, before the guards could relay the urgent report, the soldiers guarding the gate refused ShangGuanCY and his companions entry. "By royal decree, no one may enter the palace unless summoned or delivering an urgent report," the guard stated firmly.
"Are you blind? I am the King of Yunqing, and I have the right to enter the palace freely. Let us pass!" ShangGuanCY shouted angrily.
The commotion attracted the attention of Commander Jin, who asked, "What's going on here?"
"Commander Jin, you arrived just in time. Order your men to clear the way. I have urgent business with the Emperor," ShangGuanCY said anxiously.
He expected Commander Jin to let them through immediately, but Jin only glanced at him briefly and then waved his soldiers aside.
"Jin Beishi, how dare you block my path!" ShangGuanCY shouted, seeing that he was being ignored.
MuJinling gently tugged on ShangGuanCY's sleeve and whispered, "Look at the commander's boots. Jin Beishi is likely one of ChengSangMo's men. He's here to prevent anyone from entering the palace. Don't waste time arguing with him. We need to act quickly before the situation in the palace changes."
ShangGuanCY glanced at Jin Beishi's boots and noticed the bloodstains that had not yet dried. He understood the gravity of the situation and nodded to LinHuaichu, signaling him to come closer. "When we enter the palace, we'll split up. I'll go to the imperial study to see the Emperor. You take XB and find JY. ChengSangMo's actions mean JY is likely in danger."
"I understand," LinHuaichu replied.
The three exchanged looks and then turned to attack the guards blocking the gate.
In the imperial study, ChengSangKing was taken aback by JY's question. "JY, what do you mean by this?"
JY, his eyes devoid of light, stared at the ground in front of him. His voice was cold and eerily calm. "Mother left a letter stating clearly that I am not her son but the result of your affair many years ago. She raised me because I am of royal blood. I ask you to tell me my birth mother's name so I can repay her."
"Outrageous! You come here to question me with a dubious letter? JY, have you lost your mind?" ChengSangKing shouted, slamming the table.
"The letter was not dubious. Mother left it specifically for me to know the truth. But she only revealed half of it. Now that she's gone, I can only ask you for the rest. I don't want to know about your past affairs, just a name. Please, Father, grant me this," JY said, unperturbed by ChengSangKing's anger.
"Nonsense! The Empress committed treason, a woman with a vicious heart deserved to die. Yet you believe her letter and question me? I've been lenient with you, but this is too much. Guards!" ChengSangKing shouted, "Take the Crown Prince outside and give him twenty lashes."
JY had anticipated this outcome before he came. He shook off the guards' hands and said, "If you don't tell me today, you may never have the chance to."
ChengSangKing, enraged by JY's words, shouted, "Are you cursing me to die today? Let's see whose life lasts longer. Take him out and give him a hundred lashes!"
Eunuch Liu, at a loss, tried to mediate. "Crown Prince must have misspoken. If he apologizes, surely Your Majesty will forgive him."
"Please tell me the truth," JY repeated, ignoring Eunuch Liu's attempt to help.
Eunuch Liu closed his eyes, unable to understand why JY was so determined today.
ChengSangKing, even angrier, grabbed a paperweight and threw it at JY, shouting, "Get out! Drag him out!"
The paperweight struck JY's forehead, drawing blood, but he did not flinch. As he was being dragged away, he reached for the pouch at his waist.
"Your Majesty! Your Majesty!" ShangGuanCY burst in, seeing JY being dragged out with blood on his face. Realizing what was happening, he pushed the eunuchs aside. "Let go! All of you, let go!"
The eunuchs, knowing they couldn't win, looked to Eunuch Liu for guidance. Seeing his nod, they stepped back.
"What happened?" ShangGuanCY asked, reaching to wipe the blood from JY's face, but JY moved away, expressionless. ShangGuanCY paused, then said, "Stay here. I'll deal with you later. If you run, you're dead." He then rushed deeper into the study.