Chapter Six: Fraught with Peril

Outside the Golden Throne Hall.

The Crown Prince was surrounded by a throng of ministers, their incessant chatter filling the air. Gao Changling, already feeling frayed and restless, grew even more displeased.

"All of you, be silent!" Gao Changling snapped in anger. "In this morning’s court session, not only did I lose the Minister of Justice, but I also failed to secure the opportunity to command the troops heading to the Northern Frontier. And yet, you all have the audacity to stand here and bicker?"

"As for what the Emperor is truly thinking, I suggest you all find some time to ponder that for me," he added, huffing with indignation. He was well aware that his greatest rivals remained his brothers, Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei. Although the Eastern Palace’s influence remained overwhelming even without the Minister of Justice, Gao Changling had no desire to see his opponents grow stronger.

"And then there is that boy, Gao Changsheng," he continued. "He truly stole the spotlight today. Although Father has appointed him as a military advisor, he is not the commander-in-chief. It is not impossible to deal with him."

He scanned the ministers of the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Ministry of War. "The three of you, just attend to your own duties. If that boy, Gao Changsheng, comes to you, you know exactly what to do without needing me to teach you."

Stumbling blocks were merely appetizers. Within the entire city of Jinyong, the means at the Eastern Palace’s disposal were beyond imagination. One could walk down the street and suffer a "mysterious accident" without warning. Thus, when Gao Changsheng remarked that the next three days would be difficult, it was no idle threat.

***

At the Chu estate, the sedan chair of the Minister of War, Chu Jiangnian, arrived at the main gate. The fifty-year-old official looked weary the moment he stepped inside his home.

"Father, did you encounter trouble at the court session today?" A graceful figure approached him, her voice filled with concern.

"Sigh, don't even mention it," Chu Jiangnian replied, his heart still racing. "I doubt the morning court has been this lively in decades. Four dragons clashing—in all my years of service, I have never seen such a sight."

Four dragons? The young woman was puzzled. Living in Jinyong and born into the family of a high-ranking official, she was well aware of the partisan strife between the Crown Prince and the two seven-bead Princes. Nominally, her father’s Ministry of War belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction. However, being a seasoned old fox, Chu Jiangnian often made grand gestures of support for Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei to show he was not entirely the Crown Prince's man. Despite the Crown Prince’s repeated attempts to pressure him into total submission, Chu had managed to stall for years by playing the fool. He wanted to offend neither side, fearing the day a new emperor ascended the throne and began a purge.

"By the way, Yunyan," Chu Jiangnian said, "when the court adjourned, the Crown Prince specifically instructed me to make things difficult for the Sixth Prince. Give your father some advice: should I listen to him?"

The Sixth Prince? Chu Yunyan was perplexed. Why would the Crown Prince bother a spineless prince? And who were these "four dragons"?

"Father, you have me confused," she said with a touch of resentment. "Tell me what happened first, so I can analyze it for you."

Chu Jiangnian gave a sheepish smile and recounted everything that had transpired.

"The Sixth Prince, Gao Changsheng, was actually capable of that?" Chu Yunyan was stunned. Was this the same useless, cowardly prince from the rumors?

"Indeed, I was just as shocked," Chu Jiangnian sighed. "A pampered, cowardly prince suddenly seemed like a different person. He not only dared to scheme against the Crown Prince but used his silver tongue to outshine the two Princes. At first, I thought he had the backing of the Princes and the Empress, but now it seems he has offended everyone. I fear his next three days will be anything but easy."

After a long silence, Chu Jiangnian looked at his daughter, who was lost in thought. "What is it, Yunyan?"

"Father," she asked, "do you believe a person can become someone else entirely in the span of a single month?"

"What do you mean?"

"The Sixth Prince was imprisoned for a month due to the case of the Duke of Liang. Instead of keeping a low profile, he emerged to target the Crown Prince and the two Princes. He even debated the ministers and persuaded the Divine Martial Emperor to change his mind. That takes more than just a silver tongue; it requires extraordinary wisdom and courage. Unless there was a master guiding him in the dungeons, how could he undergo such an earth-shattering transformation?"

"You mean... he has been hiding his true self all these years?"

"Not only that," Chu Yunyan said confidently. "He hid his brilliance for twenty years, only to reveal it today. There must be a reason. People like him rarely act without certainty; once the victory is within reach, they strike with full force."

"I understand," Chu Jiangnian nodded. "I don't care what the other ministries do, but my Ministry of War will not make things difficult for him."

"Don't be hasty," she replied. "I intend to write a letter to meet him and probe this Sixth Prince who has been hiding his intentions. If he is as I suspect, then we can decide our next move."

Though young, Chu Yunyan was more thoughtful than her father. It was no wonder Dong Yu called her the most brilliant talent in Jinyong. However, Jinyong was never short of clever people. If Chu Yunyan could see the clues, so could others.

That person was the mistress of the inner palace: the Empress.

In the Kuning Palace, Gao Changwen and Gao Changfei were paying their respects.

"The Sixth Prince said all this?" The Empress’s reaction to their report was unexpectedly intense.

"A useless prince managed to discern the Emperor’s true intentions, while the ministers, the Crown Prince, and even the two of you failed to notice? This boy is not simple," the Empress said, looking as if she were facing a formidable enemy.

Women were often more sensitive than men. Having survived the intrigues of the harem for years, she knew how terrifying a person who had learned to bide their time could be. They were like vipers: still until they strike, and when they do, the result is devastating.

"Tell me," the Empress asked cautiously, "has the Sixth Prince ever indicated that he would stand on your side?"

The two princes exchanged glances, searched their memories, and shook their heads in unison.

"Kill him," the Empress said, her face suddenly filled with murderous intent. One word was enough to reveal her ruthless nature. "He has been dormant for so many years; he was likely waiting for a chance to leave Jinyong. Once he succeeds, he will be like a dragon entering the sea, beyond anyone's control. We must kill him before he becomes a dragon."