Chapter 84: C84. The Arrival of a New Ruler.

Chapter 84

In Liping, Guizhou—a place far removed from the bustling capital—the journey to greet the new emperor began in early February. The entourage charged ahead relentlessly, racing against time, until the long-awaited reunion finally took place at the tail end of May.

Leading the way, Empress Dowager Cao, clad in her regal authority, personally guided a throng of civil and military officials out of the city gates to welcome the emperor back in style.

Meanwhile, at Zuixianju, the air was thick with anticipation. Early that morning, Yunzhu stood with her mother and sister-in-law, awaiting the emperor’s grand entrance. As the booming drums heralded the ceremonial procession, Meng Shi clutched her daughter and daughter-in-law close, all three peering out from the window with bated breath.

The emperor sat regally in his gilded chariot, his presence commanding even at a distance. Surrounding him were a battalion of silver-armored generals, their faces set with unflinching discipline. But it was the striking figure of a young man in crimson robes, astride a proud steed, that stole the scene. Positioned protectively to the left of the royal chariot, his sharp, composed features stood out like a beacon. This was Li Xian, the third son of the Duke of Ningguo, radiating quiet authority well beyond his sixteen years.

Yunzhu’s eyes locked on her brother for the first time in a year. The boy she remembered was gone, replaced by a young man whose sun-bronzed skin, towering build, and steady demeanor whispered of growth and transformation. He exuded maturity that belied his age, and Yunzhu couldn’t help but marvel at the man he was becoming.

Meng Shi’s gaze softened with maternal pride as she watched her son advance with such poise. At her side, Gu Min, ever the lively one, teased with a playful smirk. “Third Brother is turning heads left and right. Just look at the way those young ladies down below can’t seem to take their eyes off him.”

Yunzhu reluctantly tore her attention from her brother’s retreating silhouette, only to spot her father riding alongside Cao Xun, both striking on horseback.

The chatter from the crowd below was almost as loud as the fanfare.

“Duke Ningguo and the emperor’s great-uncle—now there’s a pair of dashing generals! You’d think they came from the same lineage.”

“He’s more Duke Ningguo’s son than the eldest Li ever was!”

“Ten years younger, and yet, he’s stealing the show. It’s their youthfulness, I tell you.”

“Speaking of which, look at the heir, Li! He’s a beast of a man—I’d pity the poor horse carrying him.”

The words sent an involuntary ripple through the room. Both Yunzhu and Meng Shi turned, curious, to see Gu Min’s reaction.

Gu Min’s cheeks burned crimson, her flustered expression betraying a mix of amusement and irritation. Retreating to her chair, she poured herself a cup of tea, using the steaming liquid as a shield for her embarrassment. But beneath her feigned annoyance, her lips curled in a sly smile.

For all her sharp tongue, she had to admit—Li Yao, for all his bulk, carried it well. After all, wasn’t that horse holding up just fine?

*

After the new emperor entered the palace, he led all civil and military officials to pay homage to Emperor Qianxing at the Feng'an Temple, built in his honor.

Emperor Qianxing's coffin is still here, surrounded by a circle of ice to combat the summer heat. Despite this, some lingering smells escape.

Former second prince, King Li, now Emperor Xining, held three sticks of incense and bowed calmly three times to the coffin.

As the elder brother and now the Emperor, he did not feel the need to kneel to his deceased brother.

Emperor Xining never anticipated returning to the capital after the challenges he faced on his way to Guizhou. Even in Guizhou, he planned to protect himself from any harm related to his late brother's death.

Who could have foreseen that Emperor Qian Xing would torture himself to death after Emperor Xining and Li Xian gathered loyal followers to ensure their safety in the stone village.

Emperor Xining was not surprised by the depravity of Emperor Qianxing, as he had mistreated servants since his time as crown prince.

With Emperor Qianxing's past attempts on his life, Emperor Xining felt no sorrow at his passing. He did not pretend to mourn and only offered Empress Dowager Cao a solemn sigh.

It is through these small details that a person's true temperament is revealed.

Empress Dowager Cao and the ministers recognized that Emperor Xining did not seek to please others. His throne was not sincerely given by Emperor Qianxing, and he would not feign gratitude for it. There was no need for Empress Dowager Cao and the ministers to manipulate him using this matter.

After honoring Emperor Qianxing, the ministers knelt and formally worshiped Emperor Xining before he led them to Qianqing Palace, where Empress Dowager Cao, his uncles, and the ministries awaited.

Emperor Xining convened the cabinet and six ministries to present their assessments of recent court matters. At present, the realm faced no immediate concerns. The discussion then shifted to the burial arrangements for Emperor Qianxing.

Remarkably, the tomb for Emperor Qianxing was completed in a mere four months. Historically, most emperors of the Great Xia Dynasty required several years to construct their tombs. This expedited timeline was influenced by Emperor Qianxing's unwed status, obviating the need to accommodate an empress. Furthermore, his brief reign, untimely demise, and strained relationship with the new emperor were contributing factors.

Although Empress Dowager Cao ardently desired to commemorate her son with an extraordinary mausoleum, she found herself without the rationale or authority to pursue this ambition.

Emperor Xining, after scrutinizing the propitious dates ascertained by Qin Tianmon, inquired of Empress Dowager Cao, "Mother, which day do you believe is most suitable?"

Empress Dowager Cao, with a mournful countenance, replied, "Let him be laid to rest as soon as possible, on the seventh day of June."

With her son interred, she experienced a sense of relief.

Emperor Xining directed the Minister of Rites to oversee the arrangements.

Once the cabinet and ministers departed, Emperor Xining adopted a genial demeanor as he addressed Li Yong and his son, saying, "The Duke and Xian sanlang have journeyed far with me. You must be weary. Return to your residence and retire early."

Li Yong and Li Xian were subsequently excused.

At that moment, only Emperor Xining, Empress Dowager Cao, and two uncles remained within the Qianqing Palace.

Wisely, Empress Dowager Cao suggested they adjourn to the Cining Palace for repose.

Emperor Xining turned to Cao Shao, inquiring, "Uncle, please escort my mother."

Cao Shao replied deferentially, "Of course, Your Majesty."

Without a word, he gently extended his arm to offer his support to his sister, and they departed the Qianqing Palace at a leisurely pace.

As they distanced themselves, Empress Dowager Cao observed her younger brother intently. The sight of his gaunt and sun-kissed complexion saddened her, prompting her to express concern, "You must have endured much hardship on your journey, haven't you?"

Cao Shao met his sister's gaze, speaking softly as they walked, "Thankfully, the Duke and others took good care of me throughout the journey. Following my audience with the Emperor, His Majesty also treated me with great courtesy."

Empress Dowager Cao pursed her lips.

From childhood, the second prince had been quietly composed, always adhering to impeccable etiquette. Unlike her son, who wore his emotions and frustrations openly and could not conceal them.

"No matter how courteous he may be, he should not have silenced his uncle," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper, almost as fleeting as a gentle breeze. Despite their proximity, Cao Shao scarcely heard her words, yet he discerned their meaning clearly.

Cao Shao's emotions were intricate.

Following his nephew's ascension to the throne, his status was significantly elevated. To claim that he felt no contentment would be disingenuous.

However, Cao Shao understood that despite his elation, his nephew lacked sagacity, and managing many affairs gave him frequent headaches. After nearly two months of close association with Emperor Xining, Cao Shao reluctantly acknowledged a growing chasm between them. His living nephew was more suited for the role of emperor than his deceased nephew had been.

Never did Cao Shao entertain thoughts of exploiting his uncle status for personal gain, and thus, if Emperor Xining briefly distanced himself, owing to his deceased nephew, Cao Shao would bear no excessive disappointment. He believed that as long as he faithfully and genuinely served the court, Emperor Xining recognized his worth and would eventually reinstate him.

Therefore, Cao Shao harbored no envy toward his elder brother, who was perceived to hold greater favor with Emperor Xining.

He reassured his sister, "The Emperor is just and benevolent and not inclined to retaliate. Take comfort, sister. His Majesty will honor and value you."

Empress Dowager Cao gazed wistfully at the distant sky, responding, "Do not fear; I understand." There was no advantage in opposing Emperor Xining.

*

Under the quiet shadows of Qianqing Palace, after everyone had retreated, Cao Xun sank to his knees before Emperor Xining, his movements deliberate, his presence striking in the stillness of the room.

Startled by the unexpected gesture, Emperor Xining immediately moved to lift him up, his voice tinged with alarm. “Uncle, what is the meaning of this?”

But Cao Xun—despite his wiry, youthful frame—held firm, his slender fingers clasping the Emperor’s hand with surprising strength. His gaze dropped, heavy with regret, as he spoke with raw honesty. “It is my failure, my weakness, that allowed Your Majesty to fall into danger at the hands of Wei Gang and the Imperial Physician Song.”

His words dragged the room back to the memory of that near-fatal moment a year ago, when poisoned food had come close to claiming the Emperor’s life.

Emperor Xining’s expression darkened as he sighed, the weight of the past settling on his shoulders. “I know there are those who would see me fall, Uncle. Your concern is not misplaced.”

The treachery had cut deep, and those responsible for his safety back then had been appointed by Wan Gonggong under Emperor Qianxing’s orders. If Cao Xun sought to infiltrate such circles with his own loyalists, his power would be unmatched—a force even the Emperor might struggle to control.

Still, Emperor Xining’s voice softened, a rare vulnerability breaking through his regal composure. “Uncle, please rise. You’re the only family I have left—the only one I trust. Don’t pull away from me now.”

Cao Xun lifted his head, meeting the young Emperor’s earnest, unguarded gaze. Slowly, he rose to his feet, the tension in the room easing just slightly.

Emperor Xining gestured for him to sit, his voice shifting to discuss the pressing affairs of the capital. In return, Cao Xun inquired about the Emperor’s well-being over the tumultuous year that had passed.

A faint smile touched Emperor Xining’s lips as he confided, “It’s been a trial, but Xian Sanlang has been at my side. Without him, I doubt I would have survived.”

Cao Xun’s sharp eyes lingered on the Emperor, unwavering, his tone steady yet emboldened. “Your Majesty’s struggles will shape your wisdom. This past year has been more than hardship—it has been revelation. You’ve faced the treachery of the court and glimpsed the pain of the people. I believe the heavens have tempered you for greatness. Your people will see that. When you ascend to the throne, you will be a monarch who commands loyalty, not fear.”

Moved by his uncle’s conviction, Emperor Xining straightened, a fiery determination flickering in his eyes. “That is my goal, Uncle. But I am still young and have so much to learn. I will need your guidance.”

Without hesitation, Cao Xun dropped to his knees once more, his voice firm, unyielding. “Your Majesty, my loyalty to you and my devotion to the country are unshakable. Say the word, and I will face any peril, no matter the cost.”

*

When Li Yong and his son Li Xian returned from the Palace, they were met with a warm, heartfelt reception from their family.

Li Xian, in particular, found himself wrapped in the enthusiastic embrace of his mother, Meng Shi, his vivacious sister Yunzhu, and the gentle presence of his reserved sister-in-law, Gu Min. Yunzhu, ever the bold one, wasted no time. She dashed forward, throwing her arms around her younger brother, who now towered over her. With a playful smirk, Meng Shi ruffled her son’s hair, her affection plain to see. Gu Min, demure and dignified, kept her distance, standing beside her mother-in-law with a soft smile that spoke volumes.

Meanwhile, Li Yong sought refuge in the hall, savoring a moment of calm as he poured himself a soothing cup of tea.

Li Xian caught sight of his father’s familiar figure and leaned in toward Yunzhu. “Father’s already inside,” he said, his tone casual yet knowing.

Yunzhu rolled her eyes, her lips curving into a teasing pout. “Go on, then. I don’t feel like seeing him right now.”

Li Xian grinned mischievously, and with his mother urging him on, he swept Yunzhu off her feet, lifting her effortlessly into his arms.

Caught off guard, Yunzhu’s laughter rang out, mingled with a hint of protest. “Put me down, you brute! You’re squishing me!”

Relenting, Li Xian set her down gently, only for Yunzhu to grab his hand in concern. Her sharp eyes caught what others might have missed. “Why are you so thin?” she asked, her voice softening.

Li Xian’s face betrayed nothing, but the bones of his hand told another story. Worry flashed across Yunzhu’s features.

He shrugged helplessly. “The trip to Beijing was brutal. We barely stopped to rest. Even the Emperor lost weight. We didn’t have the luxury to take it slow—not with unrest brewing across the land.”

Yunzhu sighed deeply, her fingers tightening around his hand. “Well, you’re home now. You’ll eat properly, regain your strength, and stop looking like a starved ghost. Got it?”

Li Xian chuckled and nodded. Then, turning his gaze to Gu Min, he said with quiet confidence, “Sister-in-law, you won’t have to wait much longer. Good news is on its way.”

Gu Min’s cheeks flushed faintly, though she kept her composure. She didn’t ask for details, but the implication was clear. Beside her, Meng Shi placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, her contented smile mirroring the quiet joy in the room.

Their family was finally whole again. Soon, Gu Min would have her long-awaited reunion with her own kin. It was a time of celebration—a double blessing that brought hope and light after a long, arduous journey.