Volume One, Chapter 12: Prince Liang

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Exiting Weiyang Palace, Han Zong followed Lin Che and said, "The Emperor is the chosen of Heaven; while concerned for the nation and its people, he must also ensure his own safety to avoid harm from treacherous men."

Lin Che understood that Han Zong feared Yang Huaiman’s retaliation but dared not say so outright, lest it be seen as slander.

"I understand," Lin Che replied to Han Zong. "Grand Tutor, would you care to accompany me for a walk?"

Han Zong bowed slightly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Only he knew that Lin Che had been baiting Yang Huaiman’s faction from the start, since Lin Che himself had trained them.

The two climbed into a sedan chair and departed the palace.

"Your Majesty, Miss Xiao Aoyu is truly unsuited for the bandit suppression task. Please prioritize the greater good," Han Zong remarked, noticing they were heading toward the Xiao residence.

Lin Che smiled.

He was there to collect the agreed ten thousand taels, not to reinstate Xiao Aoyu to her post.

Though the sum was not large, having severed ties with them, there was no need to continue indulging them.

Yet, Lin Che grew curious. "Grand Tutor, what kind of commander is Xiao Aoyu?"

"She has plenty of strategy but lacks foresight, great ambition but no magnanimity, courage in abundance but no heavenly mandate."

Lin Che pondered these three lines.

Meanwhile, at the Xiao household.

Xiao Aoyu and the others were restless, unable to eat breakfast.

The ten thousand taels had yet to arrive from the Prince of Liang.

"Yuer, what’s going on? Lin Che is supposed to arrive today. Why hasn’t the silver come? Is he deceiving us?" Xiao Boqing fretted.

Xiao Aoyu shook her head. "Impossible. Wangzhi is not that kind of man..."

"Then perhaps he’s become Emperor and no longer favors you!" Xiao Chen added, fueling their anxiety.

This was the only possibility they could imagine.

Xiao Boqing dreaded such a fate.

Xiao Aoyu’s expression changed to fear, yet she comforted herself. "No, Wangzhi once said I am the woman he loves most in this life. He would never abandon me just because he became Emperor..."

As they spoke, a voice suddenly rang outside.

"The Prince of Liang has arrived!"

Upon hearing this, the Xiao family brightened with joy, forgetting to question why it was the Prince of Liang’s arrival, not the Emperor’s.

"He’s here! Let’s go out and greet the Emperor!" Xiao Boqing eagerly urged.

Xiao Aoyu was equally delighted, confident Wangzhi would never ascend the throne and forsake her.

All followed Xiao Boqing outside.

There, they saw a luxurious carriage parked at the gate.

They exchanged puzzled glances.

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Only one carriage?

Surely, the Emperor wished to avoid wasting resources and was being frugal!

This was the mark of a wise and benevolent ruler, they thought.

The coachman dismounted and drew back the curtain.

Prince Lin Wangzhi stepped down slowly, his face dark and weary with heavy shadows under his eyes, as though he hadn’t rested for days. His hair was disheveled, carelessly tied, showing no concern for appearance.

Seeing only his shoes, Xiao Boqing and the others immediately knelt, showing deep respect.

"We humbly welcome Your Majesty!"

Xiao Aoyu also knelt, pursing her lips. "Welcome, Your Majesty!"

The rest of the Xiao family followed suit.

Lin Wangzhi trembled slightly, his expression growing even darker. Reluctant to engage but fearing their prolonged kneeling, he ordered, "Rise at once!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

They rose, quickly gathering around.

Xiao Aoyu gazed at Lin Wangzhi with adoration, certain he had come bearing the betrothal gift.

Lin Wangzhi said nothing but waved his hand.

Several coachmen brought over a chest.

He exhaled and said, "Inside is one hundred thousand taels of silver, delivered to you."

Xiao Boqing felt pride swell within, his spirit lifted.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Xiao Chen also spoke, hoping to make a good impression and secure a position.

They failed to notice the coachmen’s discomfort and bowed heads, unwilling to speak.

Lin Wangzhi’s mouth twitched in frustration, inwardly furious with them.

"Your Majesty, you are so busy with state affairs yet still come here. It is our Xiao family’s honor!" Xiao Boqing flattered, "Why stand there dawdling? Bring a stool for the Emperor!"

Lin Wangzhi’s expression darkened further. Unable to endure it, he roared, "Silence!"

His voice struck like thunder.

The courtyard fell utterly silent.

Everyone stared in shock, unable to understand his sudden rage.

Fear kept them from speaking.

Xiao Boqing was baffled but sent a glance to Xiao Aoyu.

She stepped forward cautiously. "Your Majesty, is something wrong?"

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Lin Wangzhi exhaled and looked at her. "Yuer, I am the Prince of Liang, not the Emperor. The Emperor is someone else!"

If he did not still need to use them, he would have killed them all by now.

"What?!"

His words stunned everyone.

Xiao Aoyu’s breath caught in her throat.

"Wangzhi, what does this mean?" she asked anxiously.

Just days ago, rumors spread that the Prince of Liang would ascend the throne. How could so much change in so short a time?

No wonder he was so angry. With the throne taken, how could he remain calm?

Lin Wangzhi shook his head, exhausted. "It’s too complicated to explain briefly. In short, I am not the Emperor."

Xiao Boqing and the others, perceptive as they were, immediately realized the lost prince rumored to have returned was not Lin Wangzhi.

With that prince found, Lin Wangzhi naturally could not claim the throne.

"This..." Xiao Boqing was at a loss.

What a coincidence.

Lin Wangzhi clenched his fists, his eyes bloodshot with hatred.

If not for that sudden appearance of the prince, he would be Emperor now.

He wished to kill the other man.

Why return now, if not to oppose him deliberately?

"Wangzhi, if you won’t be Emperor, don’t be upset. You still have me," Xiao Aoyu tried to comfort him, but Lin Wangzhi’s anger only deepened.

You? Compared to the throne? What are you?

Still, he did not want to dwell on the topic and nodded. "Yes, there’s still a long way to go."

Now, with the court ministers behind him and the Empress Dowager on his side, even if the other man sat the throne, he wouldn’t last long.

The throne would be his sooner or later.

Xiao Boqing was regretful but relieved Lin Wangzhi remained the Prince of Liang. Their family could still claim imperial kinship.

"Yes, yes, Wangzhi, I’ve already prepared food and wine. Let’s go inside..." Xiao Boqing was about to lead them in when footsteps sounded.

"Looks like everyone’s here," Lin Che entered, now dressed in simple cloth.

He immediately noticed the Xiao family gathered in the courtyard, assuming they were waiting for him.

This was good—they should have the silver prepared by now.