Chapter 62

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From early morning, the Duhu Mansion was enveloped in an atmosphere of tense anticipation.

Lu Han was pacing back and forth in the main hall, visibly restless. Xie Lanxu, on the other hand, sat calmly to the side, sipping his tea as if oblivious to the mounting tension around him. The Moqi family, led by Moqi Ling, was also present. Except for Moqi Danliao, who sat motionless with a frosty expression due to certain “unspeakable” reasons, the others frequently glanced expectantly toward the door.

Li Zhi sat quietly by Xie Lanxu’s side, her demeanor calm. Across from her, the Li siblings, speaking softly among themselves, added a faint buzz to the room. Suddenly, the atmosphere was broken by hurried footsteps—Ma Guozi rushed into the hall, his voice cutting through the silence.

“Master! The imperial decree has arrived!”

At this announcement, Lu Han immediately stood up, his hands trembling as he stroked his beard twice in rapid succession. “Good, good! Finally!”

The others, upon hearing that the imperial envoy had arrived, likewise rose to their feet in excitement.

“Your Highness, please,” Lu Han said, gesturing toward Xie Lanxu.

Xie Lanxu and Lu Han exited the main hall together, leading the rest of the group toward the mansion gates.

Li Zhi followed behind Xie Lanxu. Her expression was as serene as ever, but deep down, she couldn’t suppress the excitement that coursed through her—this was the day she had waited over two years for.

When they reached the gates of the Duhu Mansion, they saw the imperial envoy on horseback, flanked by a formidable escort, approaching from the far end of the avenue. Crowds of onlookers lined both sides of the street, craning their necks to catch a glimpse of the procession.

Before long, the envoy’s retinue reached the gates.

The imperial envoy, a young and robust man in his twenties, dismounted smoothly and wasted no time unfurling the imperial decree. His voice was clear and commanding as he began:

“By the decree of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims—”

The crowd held their breath as the envoy read aloud the contents of the imperial edict.

“In the past, the harmony between ruler and subject ensured the stability of the state, and the peace of the borderlands brought prosperity to the people. In the recent campaign in Yizhou, countless heroes emerged.”

“Lu Han, Commander of Mingyue Tower, though having failed in keeping the frontier secure, resulting in the unrest in Yizhou, has nonetheless diligently governed the region since his appointment, promoting agriculture and governance with great success. Considering his hardships on the frontier and the tragic loss of his only son, no severe punishment shall be rendered. Instead, he is hereby appointed Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.”

“Xie Lanxu, though bearing the stain of his father’s crime and exiled to Mingyue Tower, has demonstrated brilliance and valor by achieving victory against overwhelming odds, spreading the prestige of the imperial court. This has greatly pleased Us! For his courageous service and unwavering loyalty, We hereby grant him the title of Prince of Langya. He is to lead the meritorious officers of this campaign to the capital for further recognition and reward.”

“So decreed—”

As the decree concluded, Lu Han’s eyes brimmed with tears.

“This humble servant accepts the decree—”

Following Lu Han, the crowd, including Li Zhi, knelt to pay their respects.

Once Lu Han and Xie Lanxu rose to their feet, the others followed suit.

——

Farewell to Mingyue Tower

That evening, Lu Han hosted a grand banquet at the mansion to honor the imperial envoy. The revelry lasted late into the night, filled with laughter and camaraderie. But by the next day, it was time to bid farewell to Mingyue Tower.

For Li Zhi, Mingyue Tower, once rumored to be a living hell, had transformed into a place she was reluctant to leave.

Compared to the suffocating intrigue of the capital, Mingyue Tower felt like a utopia—a haven far removed from the chaos of the world.

As their departure drew near, Li Zhi found herself already yearning for the boundless emerald grasslands of Xipeng, the crystal-clear waters of Agate Lake, and the ever-present, snow-capped peaks of Xian Naiyue.

She knew that after today, she might never again see such open skies.

Before their departure, Li Zhi sought out Xie Lanxu.

“Ah-Li, could I ask for your help with one thing?”

…

The horse ranch was unusually quiet, likely because most people had gone to the city to bid farewell to the departing heroes. Only a few stablehands lingered here and there.

Li Zhi approached the stable where she used to work, careful not to disturb anyone.

Inside, Hei Huo, with his hulking frame hunched over, was sweeping dried leaves from a corner with a broom that seemed comically small in his large hands.

Hearing footsteps at the door, he raised his head. When he saw Li Zhi standing there, his eyes lit up instantly.

“You… you haven’t left yet?” Hei Huo’s voice quivered with emotion.

Li Zhi shook her head gently.

“I’m leaving soon.”

Hei Huo’s gaze dimmed, and the flicker of hope in his eyes faded just as quickly as it had appeared.

“Would you like to come with us to the capital?”

Hei Huo’s head snapped up, his eyes widening in disbelief. He stared at Li Zhi as if he couldn’t trust his ears.

Li Zhi smiled at him encouragingly.

Moments later, tears welled up in Hei Huo’s eyes.

“I… I would be honored!” He nodded emphatically.

Hei Huo strode toward Li Zhi, still clutching his tiny broom.

At the stable door, he saw Li Cien pulling faces at him, Jia Sui giggling, and Li Xiangsheng bowing respectfully to him.

Hei Huo lowered his head, wiping his damp eyes vigorously with his sleeve.

—–

The procession bound for the capital set off amidst the cheers and well-wishes of Mingyue Tower’s residents, their carriages rolling steadily toward the distant imperial city.

Li Zhi had left the capital on a snowy day two years ago.

At that time, the Crown Prince’s body was barely cold, the court was embroiled in upheaval, and snowflakes fell from the sky like fragments of shattered dreams, mingling with the cries of the Li family’s exiles.

Exile to Mingyue Tower had then seemed like a death sentence.

Yet she had survived against all odds, rising from the ashes to stand tall.

Now, two years later, on the first day of the twelfth lunar month, Li Zhi once again set foot in the imperial city.

That evening, the group stayed at an official inn reserved for court-appointed envoys and dignitaries. The innkeeper warmly welcomed them, ensuring they were well-cared for.

From one to several days, they were to remain in the inn until the Emperor issued his decree to summon them to court. During this time, they were not permitted to leave the premises or receive outside visitors.

Upon arriving, Li Zhi immediately asked Jia Sui to help her thoroughly clean and organize her room.

Comfort was one reason, but precaution was another.

The imperial city, unfamiliar after two years away, now loomed with the weight of hidden dangers.

Once her room was spotless, Jia Sui retired for the night, leaving Li Zhi to sit alone at her table. She carefully polished the shells on her bracelet with a damp cloth. When the shells gleamed, she applied a thin layer of mutton tallow for preservation before slipping the bracelet back onto her wrist.

With that small ritual complete, her heart finally felt at ease.

Stepping outside for some fresh air, Li Zhi found Xie Lanxu leaning against the balcony railing, his gaze fixed on the sea of lanterns illuminating the capital.

Dressed in flowing white robes, his figure was bathed in the soft glow of the lanterns, while the silent night wind whispered through the folds of his sleeves.

Li Zhi’s eyes lingered briefly on the gingko hairpin that adorned his head.

She walked over to stand beside him, saying nothing, and turned her gaze toward the vast, glittering lights of the imperial city.

“Where is the Li family’s residence?” Xie Lanxu asked softly.

Li Zhi pointed in a direction. “That grandest mansion over there—that used to be the Li family estate. I imagine it’s now either abandoned or gifted to some noble.”

“Do you wish to return there?” Xie Lanxu’s voice was calm, but his question carried subtle depth as he turned his gaze back to Li Zhi.

Li Zhi lowered her head and asked in return, “Does Ah-Li wish to return to the place where he once lived?”

Xie Lanxu fell silent, his eyes deep with thought.

Returning to the Eastern Palace carried an extraordinary significance, especially now that the former Crown Prince—his father—was long gone.

After a moment, he finally spoke, “One day, I will return.”

Li Zhi thought his response had ended, but after a pause, she heard him add softly.

“My mother is buried there.”

Li Zhi’s breath hitched slightly, but she kept her composure, her voice steady: “She’s buried in the Eastern Palace? Does the Eastern Palace have a burial ground?”

Xie Lanxu did not answer her question directly.

“Not only must I return to the Eastern Palace…”

His gaze shifted toward the dazzling, golden Imperial City in the distance. Under the night sky, it loomed like a monstrous, hungry maw, shrouded in shadows.

“Only by attaining absolute power can one fully grasp control of their own destiny.”

Li Zhi couldn’t help but admire his clarity, though his ambition mirrored her own in many ways.

The treasures of the former dynasty were her only leverage—one of her few remaining cards to play. Once the dust settled, her plan was to fake her death, take the treasure, and flee overseas. She dreamed of traveling to the legendary land of Dashuo, a realm of endless horizons and azure skies.

There, she hoped to live as free as a bird, seeing the vast ocean and experiencing a life that truly belonged to her for the first time.

As midnight drew near, Xie Lanxu accompanied Li Zhi back to her quarters.

At the doorway, he lingered for a moment, his dark eyes filled with something unspoken, deep and hard to articulate.

Under his intense gaze, Li Zhi felt her thoughts scatter, the pull between them undeniable.

Unconsciously, their faces grew closer and closer until the world outside the room seemed to fade away.

Who closed the door behind them, she could no longer recall.

All that remained etched in her memory was the surge of emotions that overwhelmed her, and the way Xie Lanxu’s gaze—usually so reserved—melted under the weight of their unspoken feelings.

Even the blue tattoos of exorcism on his skin, once stark and unyielding, seemed softened by the sheen of sweat and intimacy.

When it was all over, she rarely slept so soundly. Yet this time, she awoke to find herself still nestled in Xie Lanxu’s arms, his breathing steady and peaceful beside her.

The serene beauty of his sleeping face, untouched by the world’s turmoil, was like a vision beneath moonlight.

Li Zhi lay there quietly, gazing at him for a moment before once again closing her eyes, willing herself to drift back into fleeting tranquility.

—–

At dawn, the imperial decree summoned everyone at the inn to the palace for their official audience with the Emperor.

For Li Zhi, this marked her first entry into the Forbidden City.

She had long imagined the palace as a place steeped in corruption and sin, and this notion colored her perception of everything she saw. As a result, she remained unusually quiet throughout the journey, though her silence blended seamlessly with the nervous apprehension of the others.

When they arrived at the Ziwei Palace, the eunuchs instructed them to wait briefly outside as they went to announce their arrival.

Not long after, one of the eunuchs returned, bowing as he addressed the group. “The Emperor is ready to receive you. Please enter.”

To meet the ruler of all under heaven—such an encounter stirred different reactions in each person.

The Moqi brothers were visibly stiff, with Moqi Ji’s expression especially taut. As the eldest, he felt it was his duty to set an example, holding himself so upright that not a single wrinkle could be seen on his clothes. Even the bold and fearless Moqi Danliao seemed uneasy, constantly fidgeting with her sleeves.

Li Xiangsheng, however, seemed composed on the surface, though his emotions were undoubtedly complex.

Were it not for a single decree from the Emperor, the Li family might never have been exiled thousands of miles away. His mother might not have thrown herself into the river at Mingyue Tower.

Yet Li Zhi had already drilled into his mind the importance of restraint before they came. With Li Cien gently patting his arm for reassurance, Li Xiangsheng outwardly maintained a calm demeanor.

The elderly blind woman who had accompanied them to Mingyue Tower was absent this time. The long journey back to the capital was too arduous for her. Instead, Lu Han had arranged for her to stay behind in a comfortable house, providing her with servants and adopting a young girl from an orphanage to keep her company in her twilight years.

There weren’t many things weighing on Li Zhi’s heart anymore. Among them, however, were the remains of Li Xiangsheng’s mother Madam Zhu, hastily buried in Mingyue Tower; the bones of her dog, Shendan, and the unmarked graves of her other fallen kin.

Transporting those remains back to the capital for proper burials would not be an easy task. She would need the Emperor’s favor—and the rewards of her efforts—to accomplish it.

As the members of the Li family held the lowest status among the group, they were positioned at the very back of the line.

Li Zhi lowered her head as they entered the ornately decorated Ziwei Palace, her eyes fixed on the ground as she followed the others inside.

When they knelt in unison to pay their respects, the others shouted loudly, “Long live the Emperor!”

Li Zhi, however, kept her head bowed low, not daring to meet the Emperor’s gaze.

She feared that if she looked up, she would be unable to suppress the murderous intent surging within her chest.

“Your Majesty, the heroes of the Yizhou campaign are all present,” the eunuch reported with a deep bow.

Li Zhi heard the faint sound of a teacup being placed back on its saucer.

“You are all loyal subjects who have rendered great service to the realm. There’s no need for excessive formality—rise.”

The Emperor’s voice was calm yet carried an undeniable authority.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

The group rose to their feet in unison.

A brief silence followed, but Li Zhi could feel two distinct gazes falling upon her from different directions.

It couldn’t be Xie Lanxu—his back was to her.

“Why do you not raise your head?” the Emperor’s voice suddenly asked, breaking the stillness.

For a moment, there was no response. The silence that followed made it clear to Li Zhi that there was no escape now.

She had no choice but to slowly raise her head, meeting the eyes of the man seated high on the throne—a man dressed in the resplendent yellow robes of the Son of Heaven.

As their eyes met, Xie Shen’s expression shifted into something indecipherable—a mixture of recollection, wistfulness, and perhaps even a glimmer of emotion.

He stared at her, lost in thought, saying nothing for a long time.

“Father—”

“Your Majesty—”

Two voices, one belonging to Xie Lanxu and the other to a sharp and confident youth, rang out simultaneously in the hall.

Xie Shen blinked, as if snapping out of his trance. A faint smile appeared on his lips. “Ah, look at me—getting lost in thought like this. Old age, it seems, has made me prone to distraction.”

“Father, you’re too modest. You work tirelessly for the nation; such moments of reflection are only natural,” a young man in simple yet elegant attire said with a warm smile.

Judging by his four-clawed dragon emblem and composed demeanor, Li Zhi deduced that this must be Prince Jing, Xie Jingtan—the Emperor’s second son, known for his wisdom and bearing.

Standing across from him, radiating youthful energy and arrogance, was another figure adorned in the same four-clawed dragon motif. His commanding presence suggested he was none other than Prince Feng, Xie Fengshao—the Emperor’s youngest and most favored child.

These two, it was well-known, stood at the center of the imperial court’s current battle for succession.