Zhong Nian tried to conceal the truth but was exposed by his own father. With charges of deceiving the emperor, disrespecting him, and attempting rebellion, Zhong Nian had committed three major crimes, which would have been enough to warrant the extermination of the entire Zhong family. However, Cui Yi did not intend to go that far.
"I have been on the throne for less than a year, and it is not appropriate to start with executions. Besides, the Zhong family once contributed to protecting the throne. How can we punish everyone indiscriminately?" After the court session, Cui Yi summoned several senior ministers to the imperial study to discuss how to handle the Zhong family affair.
Minister Fang bowed and said, "Your Majesty is truly benevolent, which is rare. But if we don't severely punish the Zhong family, what will happen if other meritorious officials follow suit?"
Minister Li, standing beside him, disagreed, "There aren't many people who want to rebel. Zhong Nian is merely a greedy and shortsighted child, not worth fearing. Moreover, Zhong Yuanshan was kept in the dark and truly unaware. Princess Yanhe has already died tragically. If Your Majesty punishes the Zhong family further, how will the people view Your Majesty?"
The ministers were divided into two camps: one advocating for severe punishment and the other for leniency. They argued back and forth, citing classics and historical precedents, growing red-faced. Cui Yi simply held his ginseng tea, watching them silently.
Once the ministers were exhausted from arguing, he finally spoke, "From what you all have said, it boils down to one principle—compassion for their situation but punishment for their crime. Am I right?"
All the ministers bowed together, "Your Majesty is wise."
"Then let me share my thoughts with you. Would you like to hear them?"
"We are all ears!"
Cui Yi handed his empty teacup to Du Zhongquan and said, "Zhong Nian incited Prince Jing to rebel, and although Zhong Yuanshan was unaware, as a father, he bears some responsibility for failing to educate his son. Strip him of his title as Marquis of Jiangzhou and bring him to the capital to train troops under me. This is still within his expertise. Remove the horse monument at the Zhong residence. His wife, Lady Zhang, was an accomplice in the rebellion and should be executed according to law. But considering she is Princess Yanhe's mother and has supported her husband and children for over twenty years, I will spare her life. She will be demoted to commoner status, and her relatives will be permanently barred from entering the palace or the court."
"The Xie and Ye families have long harbored disloyal intentions. Effective immediately, revoke Queen Xie's title and send the men to Lingnan to serve as slaves to the Nuosuo people. The women will be assigned to the music bureau. Anyone who resists will be punished with collective punishment—anyone who rebels will see their entire family executed."
Minister Fang cautiously asked, "After Your Majesty recalls General Zhong to the capital, what position do you plan to assign him?"
Cui Yi rested his cheek on his hand and casually replied, "Assign him a minor position, perhaps fourth or fifth rank. It won't be higher than any of your hats, so you can rest assured."
Several ministers from three dynasties present blushed awkwardly, stuttering and unsure of what to say.
Baili Zan watched the scene with amusement, but unexpectedly, Cui Yi called him out, "What do you think, Minister Baili?"
"Your Majesty, I believe your handling of the situation is perfect," Baili Zan said with a teasing smile. "Balancing mercy and severity, this aligns perfectly with Your Majesty's reputation as a wise ruler." He winked—was this another suggestion from Her Highness?
Cui Yi took the teacup with his right hand, shaking his head indifferently—not entirely.
In fact, Cheng Ying had suggested sending Zhong Yuanshan to Liangzhou to guard for three to five years before recalling him to his original position, stripping him only of his title while retaining his salary. This way, it would silence the ministers and give Zhong Yuanshan a chance to serve loyally—especially since Ji Jie was still somewhere in the northwest.
Cheng Ying's idea was to gradually distance the Zhong family from the royal house, letting them become an ordinary family. However, Cui Yi had different plans. Bringing Zhong Yuanshan to the capital reduced his official rank but elevated his status. Who would dare disrespect the emperor's uncle under the emperor's nose? This was effectively protecting Zhong Yuanshan's life.
After the ministers left, Baili Zan asked, "Your Majesty, given that the former emperor fled to the northwest and entered Liangzhou territory but disappeared, why not send General Zhong to clear out the rebels and redeem himself?"
"Cheng Ying and you have the same idea, thinking Zhong Yuanshan should be sent to Liangzhou," Cui Yi rubbed his rough chin thoughtfully. "But have you considered that Second Uncle is past fifty? If he goes into battle again, I fear he might not survive until victory."
Baili Zan nodded, "That's true, but old horses still aspire to gallop thousands of miles. Perhaps General Zhong hopes to continue serving Your Majesty on the battlefield. Why not ask him directly before making a decision?"
But Cui Yi firmly refused, "No, I have made up my mind. There's no need to discuss it further."
Baili Zan was surprised, finding the emperor almost unrecognizable. He couldn't help but ask, "May I be so bold as to ask, what is Your Majesty's intention behind this arrangement?"
Cui Yi raised his last two fingers, saying meaningfully, "I have two reasons. One, as I mentioned earlier, I don't want to see Second Uncle die in Liangzhou. I believe my mother wouldn't want that either. And the second reason..."
Baili Zan saw a familiar bloodthirsty look in his eyes and instantly understood.
"I will lead the expedition myself."
Leading an expedition was easier said than done. Throughout history, founding emperors established their reigns on horseback, but later generations rarely ventured onto the battlefield—those who did usually did so to boost morale, wearing armor but needing protection. Some even viewed it as causing trouble.
But Cui Yi was different. He grew up on horseback, becoming emperor when he wore the dragon robe and a general when he put on armor. With veteran generals retiring and young talents emerging, none could match this young emperor in martial prowess.
The news of the new emperor leading the expedition spread first through the court, then to the common folk, and finally reached Cheng Ying through Nian Jiaojiao.
Upon hearing the news, Cheng Ying paused her embroidery momentarily, then resumed as if nothing had happened.
Nian Jiaojiao noticed her lack of reaction and tugged at her sleeve, "Your Highness, why aren't you saying anything? Is it true? Is His Majesty really going to lead the expedition?"
Cheng Ying smiled, "This is a matter for the court. If you want to know the truth, you should ask General Xu. Why come to me for answers?"
Nian Jiaojiao pouted, grumbling, "Yuanke tells me nothing, saying I'm too young and talk nonsense."
Cheng Ying laughed, patting her head, "You're sixteen now, but you still act like a child. No wonder General Xu treats you like one."
Nian Jiaojiao huffed proudly, "If you won't tell me, fine. In a couple of years, I'll be taller than him, and I'll call him a kid."
Cheng Ying chuckled again, but then felt a pang of sorrow. She sighed, "Sometimes, men keep things from you not because they look down on you or distrust you, but because they want to protect you. Do you understand?"
Nian Jiaojiao looked up at the ceiling, "He looks down on me, treating me like a kid."
"In a few years, you'll understand," Cheng Ying said wistfully, gazing out the window.
Six years.
Time seemed to pass quickly, and only in her dreams did Cheng Ying realize that in two months, it would be the day Cui Yi died at Bai Long Gang in the previous life.
What should she do? Should she tell him? In the second year of Cheng Guang, October will be your death date. If you don't want to die, stay away and do nothing.
Since her rebirth, she had changed many things, but some were beyond her control. For example, Cui Huan's death was inevitable, occurring within a year of Ji Jie's ascension. Even though she had altered the timeline significantly, the tragedy couldn't be avoided.
And what about Cui Yi? Could he escape his fate at Bai Long Gang?
Cheng Ying felt an unprecedented fear of the unknown future. Initially, she relied on Cui Yi to survive, but now, their bond transcended mere romantic love. If he died, she wouldn't be able to live alone in this world.
At night, after their intimate encounter, Cui Yi yawned, ready to sleep, but Cheng Ying climbed onto his chest, "Ying Rong."
Cui Yi smiled lazily, asking, "Still not enough?"
"Are you going to Liangzhou?"
Cui Yi's smile froze, but he didn't deny it, "Yes."
"When?"
"Don't worry, I won't be gone long. I'll return before the New Year. This battle must be fought, even if you disagree."
Cheng Ying shook her head gently, "I'm not trying to stop you. I want to go with you."
Cui Yi was taken aback, "What did you say?"
"I want to go with you. I don't care about being Empress or Consort. I just want to be with you."
Cui Yi's heart was struck by her words, feeling a mix of sweetness and bitterness. Words, expressions, or actions seemed inadequate to describe his emotions.
"To live together or die together, this is the ultimate love."
"Why are you suddenly saying this?" Cui Yi hastily gathered his thoughts as Cheng Ying began to sob uncontrollably on his chest. "Don't cry, why are you crying?"
In her previous life, Wu Wang Cui Ying Rong was just a symbol, but in this life, he surpassed her parents and siblings, becoming the most important person in her life. Losing him was more unbearable than losing her family.
Thinking of him dying on the battlefield, pierced by spears or decapitated by swords, the pain felt real. When he fell, horses would trample his body, mud and blood mixing...
Rough fingers wiped her tears. Cui Yi sat up, holding her tightly, wrapping them both in the blanket. Though it was summer, it gave a sense of security. Cheng Ying leaned against his solid chest, comforted by the warmth, and gradually calmed down, ceasing her tears.
"Feeling better?" Cui Yi wiped the tears from her eyelashes, "Why are you crying like a child when I mention leading the expedition? You never reacted this way before."