Chapter 135: Final Chapter

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Chu Jinyao was about to call out “Your Highness,” but she held herself back. Qin Yi had already heard the commotion but restrained himself from looking. Even so, when his gaze caught sight of her, he couldn’t suppress the pain in his heart.

 

How had she grown so thin? Her belly was larger, but her frame had only gotten more frail.

 

There were many people in the Hall of Heavenly Purity (Qianqing Palace). The emperor sat at the highest position and spoke: “Now that you’ve seen her, can you rest assured?”

 

Qin Yi withdrew his gaze and bowed slightly toward the dragon throne. “Now that I’ve confirmed she’s safe, I’ll keep my word. I will take my men and leave for the border.”

 

Upon hearing this, Chu Jinyao’s eyes widened. “Your Highness…”

 

Qin Yi turned and gave her a comforting look. Receiving his message, she held back her worry.

 

What had Qin Yi discussed with the emperor before she arrived? The situation in the capital was so tense that if Qin Yi left, wouldn’t he be handing over all the power and glory to others?

 

The emperor seemed satisfied with Qin Yi’s words. When he summoned the crown prince to the palace, he hadn’t expected Qin Yi to actually come alone, even offering to hand over the task of rebuilding the imperial guards to the Ministry of War while he went to the border to clear out the remaining Wara forces. The emperor was pleased with how smoothly Qin Yi relinquished his power, and, amidst his satisfaction, felt a twinge of guilt.

 

Perhaps he had been too harsh on Qin Yi, but only one person could hold the throne. Even though the emperor would eventually have to hand over the kingdom, he would personally decide to whom.

 

Prince Su was visibly delighted. Two tigers cannot share one mountain—if Qin Yi left the capital, the entire city would be his. The emperor’s health was deteriorating, and if something were to happen, Qin Yi would be too far to make it back. The prince felt like he had stumbled into an unexpected windfall. He had anticipated many possibilities but had not expected Qin Yi to let go of power so easily.

 

Prince Su cast a glance at Chu Jinyao, a sneer rising in his heart. To love a woman over the throne—he hadn’t expected his older brother to be so foolish. He hoped that after being far from the seat of power, Qin Yi wouldn’t regret his decision.

 

Both the emperor and Prince Su relaxed. Qin Yi said to the emperor, “Matters of the court should not involve women. Speak to me directly; there’s no need to involve her. She is with child—let her be taken back.”

 

The emperor didn’t object to such minor matters. He wasn’t one to make things difficult for women. As soon as the emperor agreed, a eunuch approached to escort Chu Jinyao. But as the eunuch came closer, a strange feeling washed over her.

 

The eunuch was halfway there when a voice suddenly rang out: “Wait.”

 

Fang Pucun spoke up, halting the eunuch’s actions. He glanced at Qin Yi and then bowed to the emperor. “Your Majesty, I don’t think this is wise.”

 

“Why?” the emperor asked, confused. Even Prince Su was annoyed, silently cursing Fang Pucun for speaking out of turn.

 

Both the emperor and the prince had relaxed after hearing Qin Yi’s words, but Fang Pucun remained tense. He glanced at Qin Yi again and, trusting his instincts, continued: “It’s commendable that the crown prince is willing to defend the border, but the border is dangerous. The crown princess is a woman and shouldn’t be brought along. Since that’s the case, it would be better for her to stay in the palace while the crown prince goes to the front.”

 

The moment Fang Pucun’s words left his mouth, the people behind Qin Yi showed their anger. This treacherous scholar! Prince Su suddenly understood. If Qin Yi left with Chu Jinyao, there would be nothing left in the capital to restrain him. Who knew what he might do? But if Chu Jinyao remained in the capital, they could use her to control Qin Yi’s actions.

 

Fang Pucun was truly a master of manipulation.

 

Realizing this, Prince Su also bowed and said, “Minister Fang is right. The crown princess’s condition makes it unwise for her to travel. Once she gives birth to the royal heir, the palace will be better suited for her care. This way, the crown prince can focus on leading the army without worry.”

 

It was a shameful statement, and Qin Yi responded coolly: “My crown princess needs no one else’s care. People live in the borderlands, too, despite the cold and snow.”

 

Chu Jinyao nodded in agreement. “I am not afraid of the hardships at the border. If the crown prince is going to defend it, I wish to follow him.”

 

Fang Pucun, his tone chilling, added: “The crown prince and princess are indeed deeply affectionate. But for that very reason, it is all the more inappropriate for her to leave the capital. What if, once the crown prince takes her away, he decides to turn back and attack the capital? Since the crown prince has no such intentions, it shouldn’t matter whether the princess stays or goes.”

 

The emperor visibly hesitated. Qin Yi saw this and, with a cold smile, said: “Whether I harbor rebellious intentions has nothing to do with whether a woman is by my side. If I had such thoughts, holding a woman hostage would hardly stop me. I wouldn’t hesitate to have more children. If I’d wanted to, during the crisis at Xuanfu, I could have easily crowned myself emperor. But I didn’t. Now I’ve come back at your command, and you still doubt me? If you can’t see who’s truly plotting to benefit from this situation, then I don’t know what else to say.”

 

Chu Jinyao sighed inwardly, recognizing the silent battle of wits between Qin Yi and Fang Pucun. Both were masters of manipulation. Deciding to stay out of it, she resolved to remain quiet.

 

As for Qin Yi’s remarks, she understood the reasons behind them. He was deliberately downplaying her role for her own safety, and she didn’t take it personally.

 

Feeling cornered, Prince Su quickly moved forward to pledge his loyalty: “Father, I only have the kingdom’s best interest at heart. Please believe me.”

 

Qin Yi glanced at him coolly. “No one mentioned you. Why are you so eager to defend yourself? Feeling guilty?”

 

Prince Su was speechless, his face turning ashen. He was fed up with Qin Yi’s arrogance and the way he always seemed to come out on top. Whether they were young and studying with the grand tutor or now, Qin Yi always held the upper hand. Prince Su had had enough.

 

Seeing the prince’s discomfort, Fang Pucun subtly stepped forward, taking over the verbal sparring with Qin Yi. He directly addressed the emperor: “Your Majesty, the crown prince is right to prove his loyalty by heading to the border. But with so many soldiers under his command, no one can predict what might happen. Therefore, it’s best for the crown princess to remain in the palace. Please, consider this.”

 

The emperor, after a moment’s thought, finally sided with Fang Pucun. “Qin Yi, as you’ll be leading troops, and there will be many battles, it’s unsuitable for a woman to accompany you. The crown princess will stay in the palace. Once the child is born, we can take better care of them here.”

 

Suppressing his anger, Qin Yi said, “Ever since I was young, you’ve had the grand tutor teach me righteousness, loyalty, and patriotism. That’s why I refused to let the Wara invade and defended the capital with my life. I’ve done all of this for the sake of our ancestors’ legacy. Now, you listen to their lies and tell me to leave the capital. A ruler commands, and his servant obeys. If you distrust me, I will do as you wish and leave. But you are also a man with a family. When you sent me to the border just because I offended the former empress, did you ever consider how much I’ve sacrificed? And now you’re telling me to abandon my wife and child? Can you honestly say you’ve treated me and my mother fairly?”

 

The emperor looked guilty, his voice faltering as he replied: “I know I’ve wronged your mother. I will apologize to her when I join her in the afterlife. But for now, the crown princess must remain here to prove your loyalty.”

 

“Prove my loyalty…” Qin Yi echoed the words coldly, a bitter smile crossing his face. “If I were truly guilty, what would there be to prove? I once believed that while you lacked the authority of a ruler and the grace of a father, you were at least a man of honor. But now… Your actions are disgraceful. You emptied the treasury for the empress’s grand funeral, yet you say such things to me now?”

 

The emperor turned his head, avoiding Qin Yi’s gaze. A eunuch took the cue and stepped forward to escort Chu Jinyao. She was soon surrounded by attendants, but before they could lead her away, she caught Qin Yi’s eye. He was also looking at her.

 

She knew what Qin Yi was trying to do—retreating in order to advance. By distancing himself from the capital, the emperor would no longer suspect him, and soon Prince Su would fall under suspicion. The plan had already succeeded halfway, and though she had been under house arrest for a month, extending it wouldn’t harm them further.

 

But Chu Jinyao couldn’t stand by and let Qin Yi’s plan fail. She gently shook her head at him from across the room.

 

Prioritize the greater good, she silently conveyed.

 

For Qin Yi, that moment stretched into what felt like a lifetime. “Prioritize the greater good”—his advisors had always said that. His confidants in the imperial guard had said it too. But what exactly was the greater good?

 

At sixteen, he had prioritized the greater good and was sent to the border as punishment. At seventeen, while his mind was full of national affairs and fighting off foreign invaders, he was unaware that Chu Jinyao was suffering back home—unaware of her mistreatment, her near demotion to concubine. Now, after all these years, they had become husband and wife, and their first child was about to be born. Chu Jinyao had endured so much for him in the palace. And now, in this moment of crisis, was he supposed to abandon her for the so-called greater good?

 

Qin Yi asked himself: if he were in the emperor’s position, with a rebellious son and the possibility of a male heir being born, would he allow that child to live as a threat to his power?

 

No. If it were Qin Yi, he would make sure the child never posed a danger. As a member of the royal family, he knew better than anyone how ruthless royal men could be. They wouldn’t hesitate to kill an innocent child to ensure their own security.

 

And if their child died, would Chu Jinyao survive?

 

Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao locked eyes for a long time. His fingers, hidden within his sleeve, twitched slightly.

 

Chu Jinyao had always regretted not witnessing Qin Yi’s famous arrow shot from the city walls, where he had launched an arrow into a sea of soldiers—a moment that had cemented their fate. That had been the beginning of it all. A brash young crown prince, an unknown noblewoman, and an emperor and empress whose actions had intertwined their fates. She hadn’t seen that moment firsthand, but she could imagine how impressive Qin Yi’s archery must have been.

 

Now, it felt as though time had reversed, and history was repeating itself. A flash of light shot from Qin Yi’s sleeve, whistling through the air past Chu Jinyao’s face and straight into the heart of the eunuch holding her. In the blink of an eye, the men behind Qin Yi also sprang into action. Judging by their movements and cold gazes, they were clearly no ordinary eunuchs.

 

Qin Yi had made up his mind to start a coup. Based on the expressions of his disguised servants, this had been the last resort.

 

The eunuchs around Chu Jinyao fell one by one, yet she remained unharmed. The remaining enemies, realizing what was happening, drew their blades and rushed toward her. Chu Jinyao, both terrified and furious, found herself shaking uncontrollably. In a surge of adrenaline, she yanked the hairpin from her hair and stabbed at the nearest person without even looking, aiming at whatever she could reach. The hairpin was poisoned, and the deterrent was effective. In that brief moment, Qin Yi had already reached her side, pulling her into his arms. Before she could say anything, he shoved her into the arms of one of his disguised attendants.

 

“Take the crown princess away!”

 

Chu Jinyao, panicked, took a few steps after him, but the attendants quickly held her back. “Your Highness!” she cried.

 

Qin Yi didn’t look back.

 

Chu Jinyao was hurriedly led out of the Hall of Heavenly Purity, while chaos erupted inside. As the palace guards realized something was wrong, they rushed in to protect the emperor, but Qin Yi’s men had already made their move, and the entire imperial palace was soon engulfed in turmoil.

 

Chu Jinyao struggled to keep up, but after a while, she couldn’t take it anymore and collapsed, clutching her belly.

 

Linglong, who had followed her out, screamed in panic: “Her water broke! Oh no, the crown princess is in labor!”

 

The disguised guards were also alarmed. Having never witnessed childbirth, they were at a loss. “What do we do? Should we go ask His Highness for instructions?”

 

“No!” Chu Jinyao shouted with all her remaining strength. “Do not distract him. Take me to Ciqing Palace immediately. If that’s not possible, find the nearest room. We need to induce labor quickly, or the baby will suffocate and die.”

 

“But…” the guards hesitated. They were palace guards disguised as eunuchs, prepared for an emergency, but they hadn’t expected Qin Yi to actually start the coup. As men, they could understand Qin Yi’s reasons, but now the crown princess was in danger. Shouldn’t they inform him?

 

“No one goes!” Chu Jinyao’s face was pale, drenched in sweat, but her voice was firm. “He cannot afford to be distracted right now. Help me get to Ciqing Palace. No one is to disturb him.”

 

Fang Pucun and Prince Su had been slandering Qin Yi for some time, but no one had expected him to actually rebel. There was no turning back now—either he would seize the throne by force or perish as a traitor. There was no third option.

 

Even Chu Jinyao could see that Qin Yi had been forced into this. As she struggled to move, she knew his situation was far more dangerous than hers.

 

She would endure her own pain, but she would not allow anyone to interfere with Qin Yi’s focus.

 

Chu Jinyao never made it to Ciqing Palace. They found an empty room along the way, where Linglong hastily cleaned the dust off a bed and helped Chu Jinyao lie down. Although the palace had prepared extensively for the crown princess’s pregnancy, none of it was being used now. The guard hurriedly went back to the Eastern Palace to fetch a midwife, leaving Chu Jinyao with only her maid during this life-threatening moment.

 

Linglong was trembling uncontrollably, her tears falling unchecked. She had to both watch over Chu Jinyao and boil water, wishing she could split herself in two. Frantic and stumbling, she finally returned with water and began wiping Chu Jinyao’s hands clean. The crown princess’s delicate fingers clung tightly to the bedding, her knuckles pale from the strain. Linglong, shocked by Chu Jinyao’s strength, hurriedly cleaned her fingernails, fearing the poison hidden beneath would scratch her skin. Trembling, she wiped Chu Jinyao’s fingers as the midwife finally arrived with Dingxiang and a few others.

 

Chu Jinyao labored through the afternoon and into the night in the most rudimentary conditions. She teetered on the edge of death, barely holding on by sheer willpower. She lost all sense of time, her mind drifting in and out of consciousness, until, at last, she heard the faint cry of a newborn, as weak as a kitten’s.

 

Someone cried out joyfully by her side: “Crown princess! It’s a boy!”

 

The people around her were weeping and laughing, but Chu Jinyao’s vision was blurred. She forced herself to look at the newborn, and a surge of warmth filled her heart. Exhausted, her lips cracked and her voice hoarse, she managed to ask with her last bit of strength, “Where is His Highness?”

 

That night would go down in history as one of great turmoil, though the official records would remain vague and ambiguous, as if intentionally obscuring certain details.

 

This vagueness sparked endless debate among later scholars. Did Emperor Yan Cheng (Qin Yi) truly rebel and seize the throne through treason?

 

Critics argued that as crown prince, with significant military achievements and popular support, Qin Yi had no reason to risk rebellion. But others pointed to certain inconsistencies in the official records—like the sudden, unexplained death of Prince Su, or the mysterious disappearance of many palace officials. Why hadn’t the emperor’s abdication edict been discussed with the imperial cabinet?

 

Historians would continue to debate the events of that night for centuries. But in the moment it was happening, Qin Yi stood in the dim light of dawn, his black robe stained with blood, as the Hall of Heavenly Purity was finally brought under control, and the emperor’s abdication edict had been signed. The coup had begun in the afternoon, and by nightfall, the emperor—after waiting in vain for reinforcements to suppress the rebellion—realized that no one was coming to save him.

 

With the abdication edict in hand, Qin Yi wasted no time in rushing to the rear palace, where he finally learned that Chu Jinyao had gone into early labor due to the shock.

 

Qin Yi stood frozen in place for what felt like an eternity before he snapped out of it and hurried to the makeshift delivery room. When he arrived at the unfamiliar, cramped palace, a nurse holding a swaddled infant approached him, relief flooding her expression as she bowed. “Your Highness, the crown princess has just given birth to a son. Both mother and child are safe.”

 

A eunuch behind Qin Yi was about to remind the nurse to use a different title, but Qin Yi waved it off. It wasn’t important. The nurse presented the baby to him. Qin Yi glanced at his newborn son, Qin Hongyan, who still resembled a small monkey, before asking, “Where is the crown princess?”

 

“She’s inside, resting.”

 

The nurse had barely finished speaking when they heard a rustling sound from within. Startled, she exclaimed, “I can’t believe she hasn’t fallen asleep after such an ordeal!”

 

Before she could finish, a shadow flashed past her. Qin Yi had already crossed the threshold.

 

The nurse opened her mouth to offer a traditional warning about bloodshed in the birthing room, but seeing the black-clad soldiers with their lingering scent of blood, she wisely held her tongue.

 

Inside, Chu Jinyao, utterly exhausted, had been drifting in and out of sleep, her mind tethered by a single thread of consciousness. When she opened her eyes once more, she saw Qin Yi sitting beside the bed, looking as though he wanted to reach out but didn’t dare.

 

“Your Highness…” she whispered weakly. She tried to prop herself up but, after much effort, could only manage a slight movement of her fingers.

 

With all the care in the world, Qin Yi gently held her hand. “It’s over. I’m back.”

 

Lying on the bed, Chu Jinyao suddenly broke down in tears. Qin Yi looked at her, both heartbroken and helpless. He lowered his voice, saying softly, “Don’t cry.”

 

“Don’t cry.” Those were the first words they had exchanged when they met. Two people who had once been strangers were now inseparably bound, their lives intertwined like wind and water.

 

—Don’t cry.

 

—Who are you? Why are you in my jade pendant?

 

—I’m called Qi Ze.

 

—Don’t cry. I’m back.

 

The End.

 

—

 

Author’s Note:

Typing the words “The End” brought tears to my eyes. Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao’s story has come to a close, ending just as it began—with their first words to each other.

I feel a deep sadness, the familiar sense of loss, as though experiencing heartbreak. The Crown Prince in Jade Pendant was my first attempt at a long, emotionally-driven story. From the beginning, I was nervous about whether I could write their dynamic well. But by the third chapter, when Qin Yi made his entrance, I suddenly felt at ease. Yes, I thought, this is exactly the crown prince I had imagined.

Qin Yi grew from an arrogant, brash young prince into a man who bore the weight of his country’s fate, eventually becoming a capable emperor amidst the chaos of war. He’s a complex, often contradictory character—ruthless but willing to sacrifice himself for his people. He cared deeply for his country but still ended up leading a rebellion. Initially, I was drawn to the idea of a crown prince because of Rong Ke’s father, and I created a character who was vastly different, even somewhat wicked. But as I wrote, I found myself falling in love with Qin Yi.

As for Chu Jinyao, her growth is perhaps more noticeable. From a timid young lady to a composed crown princess, her journey of personal growth and love was the heart of this story. Initially, I wanted to portray her as a warm and gentle character, like a little ball of sunshine. But by the end, she could skillfully outmaneuver Noble Consort Shu with cutting words that carried no malice. I was genuinely surprised to see how far she had come.

I’ve always enjoyed writing Qin Yi and Chu Jinyao’s relationship. Their scenes together are easy to write, and their bond feels so warm and comforting. I love the idea of a relationship where all the crises come from external forces, while they always trust and support each other. It’s a fairy-tale romance, and I want to let it end here.

From their first meeting, it felt as though they were old friends returning home.

There will be a few more extras, updating at the usual time. Writing this story has been such a fulfilling journey, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the readers who have supported me over the past three months. Thank you to everyone who threw lightning bolts, poured nutrient fluids, and left comments. And above all, thank you to every reader who subscribed. Without your support, I don’t think I could have made it this far.

Now that The Crown Prince has reached its conclusion, Chu Jinyao and Qin Yi’s palace tale has officially come to an end.

This story is finished.