After Being Reborn as the Chief Eunuch Chapter 46

Chapter 46

That evening, Li Zhan finally returned.

When Ji Qingzhou heard he was back, he hurried to Li Zhan’s sleeping quarters.

Outside the hall, Dong Dong and Qin Zheng were standing guard. Both of them looked grim.

“What happened?” Ji Qingzhou asked in a low voice.

Qin Zheng glanced at him, his expression deeply serious.

“The Old Wang Ye passed away at noon today,” Dong Dong said.

Ji Qingzhou didn’t respond. He had already anticipated this outcome. If it hadn’t been so urgent, Li Zhan wouldn’t have needed to rush to the outskirts of the capital overnight.

“Before the Old Wang Ye passed, he summoned Minister Zhang and instructed him to read the late emperor’s imperial edict before all civil and military officials at court tomorrow morning,” Dong Dong continued. “The edict’s content… concerns the marriage arrangements between Wang Ye and Prince Heng.”

According to the Old Wang Ye’s wishes, this announcement was originally planned for the end of June. But since Li Zhan made the first move and exposed the issue with Qiu Lanting, it was temporarily shelved. No one expected that even on his deathbed, the Old Wang Ye would still insist on pushing this marriage through—completely disregarding Qiu Lanting’s crimes.

“What about what Qiu Lanting did?” Ji Qingzhou asked.

“The Old Wang Ye had no authority over court affairs. Ultimately, it’s still up to Wang Ye to decide,” Qin Zheng replied. “But what Qiu Lanting did doesn’t amount to treason or rebellion. Even if the Ministry of Justice sentenced him to death or exile, the Qiu family’s daughter is still the Empress Dowager’s sister. It doesn’t affect Wang Ye’s marriage arrangements.”

In other words, how the Qiu family’s members were dealt with all depended on how Li Zhan handled the marriage.

If he married Qiu Lanxi, then she would naturally be spared punishment. After all, they couldn’t possibly exile the Wang Fei* of the Regent, could they?

Note: Wang Fei is Wang Ye’s main wife.

Ji Qingzhou frowned. “Isn’t there any other way?”

“Minister Zhang has the late emperor’s edict in his hands…” Qin Zheng sighed.

Both Qin Zheng and Dong Dong looked visibly indignant because they knew very well how resistant Li Zhan was to marrying into the Qiu family. For years, Li Zhan hadn’t taken a wife simply because he didn’t want his marriage dictated by others. He had gone so far as to remain unmarried to avoid a political union. Yet now, even after all that, he still couldn’t escape it.

“Where is the Wang Ye?” Ji Qingzhou asked.

“He’s inside… won’t let anyone serve him, and won’t let anyone in,” Dong Dong answered.

Ji Qingzhou walked to the door and gently knocked. Dong Dong reached out to stop him, but Qin Zheng grabbed his arm instead. Qin Zheng gave him a look, signaling him not to interfere.

“Wang Ye… I’m coming in,” Ji Qingzhou called softly through the door. There was no response for a long while, so he pushed the door open and stepped inside.

By now, night had fully fallen, and there was no candlelight inside the hall—it was pitch black.

Ji Qingzhou closed the door behind him and stood quietly for a moment. When his eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, he could vaguely make out a figure sitting by the short couch not far away.

He slowly walked over, pulled out a fire striker, and lit a candle nearby. The room was immediately illuminated, though only dimly. The faint, flickering glow cast gentle shadows on Li Zhan, outlining his tall frame with a touch of melancholy.

Li Zhan sat beside the short couch, his elbows resting on his knees, his head buried in his hands. The posture was filled with loneliness.

“Wang Ye…” Ji Qingzhou stood beside him and called softly.

After a long pause, Li Zhan finally raised his head. His eyes were bloodshot, and his face bore an exhaustion Ji Qingzhou had never seen before.

In all the time he had known him, Ji Qingzhou had never seen Li Zhan like this. The sight stirred a pang of pity in him.

Until now, he had always seen Li Zhan as indestructible. But in this moment, in his eyes, Ji Qingzhou glimpsed a rare vulnerability. He thought, even the strongest people must have moments when they are overwhelmed.

And the stronger someone usually appeared, the more devastating it was when they finally revealed their weakness.

Looking at the man before him, Ji Qingzhou found himself at a loss. He felt that no words were appropriate right now.

“If Wang Ye would prefer to be alone for a while, I’ll wait outside. Just call, and I’ll come immediately,” Ji Qingzhou said, turning to leave—only to feel a sudden weight on his arm as Li Zhan reached out and grasped him.

“Don’t go… Will you stay with me a while?” Li Zhan’s voice was slightly hoarse, and Ji Qingzhou’s heart immediately softened.

Li Zhan’s broad palm clutched his arm tightly, as if afraid Ji Qingzhou might run away. Ji Qingzhou didn’t pull away. He quietly remained by his side.

“They’re all forcing me…” Li Zhan finally said. “The late emperor… my uncle… the court’s civil and military officials…”

He gave a bitter laugh after speaking. His expression wasn’t angry, but rather full of disappointment and helplessness.

“No matter what I do, they’ll never be at ease,” Li Zhan said, lifting his gaze to Ji Qingzhou. “What about you, Ji Qingzhou? In your heart… do you see me as they do? A man filled with ambition?”

Ji Qingzhou looked at Li Zhan and said, “Many people believe that position is the most desirable thing in the world, so they inevitably judge others by their own standards, assuming everyone covets it. But if I may be so bold, I’d guess that, in Wang Ye’s heart… there are many things far more important than that throne.”

In a royal family, anyone who wasn’t interested in the throne seemed abnormal.

But Ji Qingzhou had always believed that not everyone in the world wanted to be emperor—at the very least, he believed Li Zhan didn’t.

Li Zhan’s eyes lit up instantly at his words, and he asked, “You truly think so?”

Ji Qingzhou nodded. “As the saying goes, ‘those without desire are strong.’ Since Wang Ye is open and untroubled in his heart, what is there to fear this time?”

Li Zhan looked at Ji Qingzhou, his gaze carrying a mix of emotions that Ji Qingzhou couldn’t quite read. Ji Qingzhou hesitated briefly, then gently patted the back of Li Zhan’s hand that was still gripping his arm—a gesture of comfort.

The youth’s palm carried a subtle warmth, which passed through the skin on the back of Li Zhan’s hand. Something stirred in Li Zhan’s heart, and he barely resisted the urge to pull the person in front of him into an embrace. In the end, he simply leaned forward slightly and rested his forehead on the back of Ji Qingzhou’s hand, as though drawing strength from it…

Instinctively, Ji Qingzhou wanted to pull his hand away. Li Zhan’s gesture felt a bit too intimate to him.

But then he thought better of it. Li Zhan had likely been deeply hurt by the arrangements made by the Old Wang Ye and the late emperor. For someone like Li Zhan, who valued family so deeply, to be forced in such a way by his closest relatives must have been heartbreaking. With that in mind, Ji Qingzhou resisted the impulse to pull away.

“Accompany me to court tomorrow morning,” Li Zhan said hoarsely.

“Yes,” Ji Qingzhou replied.

Ji Qingzhou stayed with Li Zhan for a while longer. Just as he was about to suggest that Li Zhan get some rest, he suddenly felt the weight on his arm lighten—Li Zhan had actually fallen asleep leaning against the back of his hand, nearly collapsing onto the floor if Ji Qingzhou hadn’t caught him in time. Ji Qingzhou didn’t dare wake him. He carefully supported him and helped him lie down on the short couch, then fetched a thin blanket to cover him before quietly leaving the room.

Outside, when Dong Dong heard that Li Zhan had fallen asleep, he finally let out a sigh of relief.

He had been truly worried that his Wang Ye might be so angered by all this that he’d fall ill…

Before the morning court session the next day, Ji Qingzhou changed into his ceremonial python-robe and headed to Li Zhan’s chambers.

Li Zhan had already washed up and was fully dressed in court robes.

Ji Qingzhou accepted the jade belt handed over by a palace attendant and helped Li Zhan fasten it around his waist.

Li Zhan had already returned to his usual self; the vulnerable expression from the night before felt almost like a hallucination to Ji Qingzhou.

“Is there anything you want to say to me before I go to court?” Li Zhan asked, lowering his gaze to look at the youth standing so close to him. His eyes held a faint warmth that was hard to detect.

Ji Qingzhou’s hands paused, his arms frozen briefly around Li Zhan’s waist. After a moment, he quietly said, “Let’s talk after court.”

Last night simply hadn’t been the right moment for Ji Qingzhou to speak his mind.

And no one could say what might happen in court today. Naturally, Ji Qingzhou couldn’t say anything now that might distract him or upset his focus.

Li Zhan was fully prepared for court today, like a soldier headed to battle. He had expected Ji Qingzhou might offer a few encouraging words—that’s why he asked. But he hadn’t expected this kind of reply.

Li Zhan didn’t dwell on it. Once Ji Qingzhou helped him secure his headpiece, he left Yinghui Pavilion and headed for the throne room.

That day, the civil and military officials had arrived early—likely because they sensed something major was about to happen.

News of the Old Wang Ye’s passing had already spread that morning. Everyone knew Minister Zhang held the late emperor’s imperial edict and that it would be read aloud today.

In the court, Ji Qingzhou stood to the side. His eyes happened to fall on Li Zhan’s face. He noticed Li Zhan’s expression was calm and composed—there wasn’t the slightest hint of emotion. Ji Qingzhou felt a ripple in his heart and grew curious as to how Li Zhan would handle today’s situation.

Based on what he knew of Li Zhan, the man wasn’t someone who would quietly accept such an arrangement.

But if he refused, how would he explain it to all the officials?

Would he really defy the late emperor’s edict in full view?

If that happened… the court’s suspicions and whispers about him would only grow louder.

But by doing this, Li Zhan likely affixed a label to himself—one that would never be torn off.

Even if, a hundred years later, it was proven that Li Zhan harbored no treasonous intent, the official histories would still probably record that he once entertained disloyal ambitions.

Sure enough, after the morning court began, Minister Zhang first announced the passing of the Old Wang Ye. Then, in front of all the civil and military officials, he publicly read the late emperor’s edict. The officials first expressed mourning for the Old Wang Ye’s passing, and then they all cried out long live the emperor… In the end, the edict was handed to Li Zhan.

According to protocol, Li Zhan was supposed to kneel alongside the officials and accept the edict.

But at that moment, everyone—including the other key person named in the edict, Prince Heng—was already kneeling, yet Li Zhan showed no intention of accepting it.

The officials looked around at each other, all wearing uneasy expressions.

“Wang Ye… please accept the edict,” Minister Zhang reminded him.

Li Zhan took a deep breath, but instead of receiving the decree, he turned and dropped to one knee before the young emperor.

The officials were shocked—no one had expected Li Zhan to actually refuse the edict!

The young emperor panicked as well, staring at Li Zhan in a daze, unsure of what to do.

“The late emperor, in his misplaced affection, entrusted His Majesty to me. Since the late emperor passed, I have fulfilled his command to assist His Majesty. I dare say I have never done anything to betray the trust of the late emperor or His Majesty, nor have I done anything to shame the Dayu or its people.” Though Li Zhan was kneeling, his back remained straight and his voice rang clear and powerful, his authority undiminished.

“The late emperor had concerns and worried over my marriage. But as His Majesty is still young, my energy is limited, and I dare not be distracted by personal affairs to the detriment of national matters.” Li Zhan continued, “So today, in front of His Majesty and the entire court, I swear—until His Majesty comes of age and rules in his own right, I will not marry nor have children. Only after I return power to His Majesty will I consider attending to my personal affairs.”

The court was instantly thrown into an uproar!

None of the officials had imagined that Li Zhan would defy the edict in such a way.

If he had simply refused to obey, it would have been hard to justify.

But Li Zhan, while defying the decree, also made a solemn oath. That changed the meaning entirely.

Everyone knew this edict from the late emperor was clearly meant to restrain Li Zhan, to prevent him from starting a family that might one day challenge the young emperor. But Li Zhan’s vow rendered that concern moot—it was more effective than an arranged marriage.

A political marriage with the Qiu family would only serve as a tether through familial ties to the Empress Dowager. Whether that bond could truly restrain him, though, was uncertain.

But as long as Li Zhan neither married nor had heirs, there would be no reason to worry at all…

In that case, the late emperor’s goal was fulfilled.

At face value, Li Zhan had defied an imperial edict—but in truth, he had declared his unwavering loyalty. For a moment, no one in the court could find any words of objection. In fact, many visibly relaxed and began praising the Regent for his loyalty and integrity, calling it rare and admirable!

In just that moment, many who had previously harbored deep suspicions toward Li Zhan now suddenly changed their attitudes completely…

“Imperial Uncle…” Though still young and naïve, the emperor sensed something unusual in the air. He looked visibly saddened and stepped down from the dragon throne to personally help Li Zhan to his feet. Li Zhan looked at him and gave him a small, comforting smile.

This image of a benevolent uncle and filial nephew deeply moved the assembled officials.

One after another, they knelt and cried out, “Long live the Emperor! Long live Wang Ye!”

Ji Qingzhou stood there, gazing at Li Zhan’s tall, straight back, overwhelmed by mixed emotions.

It was in that moment that he felt he truly came to understand the man before him…

In a person’s life, it was inevitable to be misunderstood, to be distrusted, to be wronged or slandered. Some people gave up under such pressure. Some fought back. Some simply endured it all in silence…

But the choice Li Zhan made went far beyond what Ji Qingzhou had expected.

He couldn’t even find a single word to describe what Li Zhan had done…

Solitary courage? Resolute sacrifice?

Or perhaps it was what Li Zhan had said the night before: *those without desire are unshakable.*

Since he couldn’t stop others from doubting him, he simply cut off the root of their suspicion!

At the very least, from today onward, the court officials would no longer have any ground to doubt him.

Whatever Li Zhan chose to do in the future—so long as it wasn’t outrageously improper—he would have near-total freedom in court.

After all, what right did anyone have to question a man in such a high position who was willing to sacrifice both family and heirs just to prove his loyalty?

But to reach this point, what Li Zhan had given up was beyond imagination.

Ji Qingzhou recalled that in the original book, Li Zhan had never married. He hadn’t expected that even after reliving his life, Li Zhan would still make the same choice…

At that moment, Ji Qingzhou’s gaze fell on Li Zhan’s straight back, and he felt a strange ache in his heart.

At the same time, he felt troubled… Li Zhan had just sworn before the entire court not to marry or have children—so what about the child in his belly? Was he now supposed to make Li Zhan break his vow right after he had made it?

Immediately after rejecting the marriage, Li Zhan had the Ministry of Justice issue the verdict on the Qiu family. According to the laws of Dayu, the Qiu family’s assets were confiscated. Qiu Lanting was found guilty of corruption and embezzlement on a massive scale and was sentenced to death. The rest of the Qiu family, though not guilty of capital crimes, were still held responsible. Qiu Lanhui was sentenced to exile. As for the Qiu family’s women, they should have been sent to the government brothels—but in deference to the Empress Dowager, their punishment was commuted to exile as well.

Because Li Zhan had already refused the marriage, the court officials had long expected that he would show no mercy toward the Qiu family. So they weren’t surprised by the outcome. Whether the Qiu family lived or died had nothing to do with them. Since even the Empress Dowager said nothing, they naturally wouldn’t speak up for the Qiu family either.

At the end of the court session, due to the passing of the Old Wang Ye, Li Zhan announced a three-day suspension of court.

The civil and military officials said no more and withdrew one after another.

After the court was dismissed, Li Zhan stayed behind with members of the Ministry of Rites to discuss the funeral arrangements for the Old Wang Ye.

Ji Qingzhou, meanwhile, escorted the young emperor back to Fu’an Palace. For the next few days, the young emperor would not need to attend the palace school.

“Ji Gonggong, why won’t Imperial Uncle get married?” the young emperor asked along the way, clearly still bothered by the matter. “I wanted a little brother or sister to study with me.”

Ji Qingzhou sighed and said, “Because Wang Ye is too busy. He has to take care of Your Majesty, so he has no time for other things.”

“Is it because of me?” the young emperor asked sadly. “But I don’t want it to be that way…”

Ji Qingzhou reached out and held the young emperor’s hand to comfort him. “Then Your Majesty must grow up quickly. Once you’re old enough to take on the burdens of the realm, Wang Ye can go and live the life he wants.”

“By then will Imperial Uncle get married?” the young emperor asked.

Ji Qingzhou thought for a moment and replied, “Maybe.”

Only then did the young emperor look a little more at ease. He then turned to ask Ji Qingzhou, “What about you?”

“I…” Ji Qingzhou let out a bitter laugh and said, “That’s going to be a bit tricky for me…”

He glanced down at his still-flat belly, feeling as though he had been backed into a dead end.

Everything that had happened today felt like a cosmic joke at his expense…

But after going through all of this, his previous anxiety had lessened quite a bit. He didn’t know why, but when Li Zhan had leaned on his arm and dozed off the night before, he had suddenly felt a sense of calm. He felt that if Li Zhan found out the truth, he probably wouldn’t make things too difficult for him.

But still…

What would Li Zhan choose?

Would he remain bound to the vow he made in court—to never have children?

Or would he find a way to preserve this child… which might very well be the only one he would ever have?

Ji Qingzhou gave a bitter laugh and thought to himself, everyone else has already taken their turn pressuring Li Zhan. 

Now, is it finally my turn? To force him to make this choice…

At the front hall of Yinghui Pavilion, Li Zhan was in the middle of discussions with the Ministry of Rites when a guard arrived outside.

The guard leaned in to whisper something to Dong Dong, who immediately turned grim and walked quickly into the hall.

“Wang Ye…” Dong Dong stood at the doorway, his face full of concern.

Li Zhan signaled the Ministry of Rites officials to continue their discussion without him and got up to step outside.

“Wang Ye, word just came from the Court Prison—Young Lady Qiu is requesting to see you,” Dong Dong reported.

“The matter is settled, and the Ministry of Justice has already passed judgment. There’s no point in more talk,” Li Zhan said calmly.

Dong Dong lowered his voice and whispered into Li Zhan’s ear, “The guard said Young Lady Qiu wanted to pass along a message—she said the moonlight was lovely that night during the palace banquet. She asked if you still remember.”

*The palace banquet that night?* Of course, both Li Zhan and Dong Dong knew exactly which banquet she was referring to.

But for Young Lady Qiu to bring it up now—what was she trying to do?

Upon hearing this, Li Zhan’s expression immediately darkened, and his face took on a cold edge.

Dong Dong added, “She must be referring to… the incident at Fengxian Pavilion?”

It had been more than three months since the events at Fengxian Pavilion. After the death of the eunuch who drowned himself in the lotus pond, the matter had gradually faded from people’s memories. For a while, even Dong Dong had believed that the eunuch who died that night was the one found in the pond. But Li Zhan had ordered an autopsy and knew there was something off about the body.

He hadn’t pursued the matter further only because he already knew who was behind it.

And at the time, pushing the investigation would’ve only drawn more attention and stirred up trouble.

He never expected that Qiu Lanxi would bring it up again now.

“Wang Ye, are you going to see her?” Dong Dong asked.

Li Zhan hesitated for a moment, clearly torn, and finally spoke. “Keep an eye on things in the front hall. I’ll go see her—just this once.”

Dong Dong nodded at his words and turned back to the hall, while Li Zhan followed the messenger from the Ministry of Justice to the Court Prison.

The Court Prison held only the most serious offenders—each of them with significant status—so its conditions were much better than the cells of the Office of Judicial Review.

Li Zhan went alone, without bringing any guards. When he reached the cell where Qiu Lanxi was being held, he dismissed all the prison guards.

Inside the cell, Qiu Lanxi was wearing prisoner’s robes, though they still appeared fairly clean and neat.

Li Zhan stared at her coldly without saying a word, as if waiting for her to speak first.

After everything she’d been through, Qiu Lanxi had matured quite a bit. She no longer looked as carefree and innocent as she once had.

When she saw Li Zhan arrive, a sudden light filled her eyes—she knew she’d guessed right.

The only thing she had left to bargain with was that matter. She had been worried that the person in question, being so close to Li Zhan, might have already confessed everything. But seeing Li Zhan appear before her today, she knew she’d bet correctly.

Li Zhan didn’t know the truth yet. That’s why he came.

“Wang Ye.” Qiu Lanxi dropped to her knees and bowed deeply to Li Zhan.

Li Zhan looked at her and said, “Speak directly. No need for pleasantries.”

Still kneeling, Qiu Lanxi appeared humble and respectful. She showed no trace of resentment or dissatisfaction toward Li Zhan.

“After that palace banquet in April, I kept waiting for Wang Ye to come question me. I never expected that until now, you still hadn’t mentioned it. I was terrified after that night. I feigned illness and stayed home for a long while. Later, when I entered the palace… I thought Wang Ye would have me arrested and interrogated. I didn’t think you would stay so calm,” Qiu Lanxi said.

Li Zhan responded indifferently, “That matter was Qiu Lanting’s doing, wasn’t it? To push our marriage, he didn’t even hesitate to sacrifice your reputation. Your brother… was certainly willing to go far.”

“My brother was blinded. Her Majesty the Empress Dowager always advised him to stay within proper bounds, but he refused to listen and insisted on his own way,” Qiu Lanxi said.

“You didn’t summon me here just to talk about that, did you?” Li Zhan asked.

Qiu Lanxi bowed again and said, “Wang Ye… in coming to you today, I suppose I’ve betrayed that person too. But as a woman with no one to rely on, I truly have no other way…”

Li Zhan’s sharp mind instantly caught onto a specific word.

“That person”…

“That night at the palace banquet, I didn’t know what really happened in Fengxian Pavilion. But afterward, the rumors in the palace spread like wildfire. From my brother’s words, I pieced together a few clues. Only then did I learn that night…” She blushed as she spoke, clearly too embarrassed to go into detail about what had happened.

But Li Zhan fixed her with a piercing stare, waiting for her to continue.

“Later, I heard that a eunuch had drowned in the lotus pond. The very same eunuch who was with Wang Ye that night…” Qiu Lanxi paused, then added, “I thought perhaps Wang Ye believed the rumors too. Otherwise, you wouldn’t have stopped investigating.”

Li Zhan’s gaze turned cold, and something dawned on him. “He’s still alive?”

“Wang Ye…” Qiu Lanxi started to kneel again.

But Li Zhan’s voice turned icy. “I’m not the type to bully a powerless woman. If there’s something you want, I’ll do what I can to help you. Just tell me—is he still alive?”

“Yes.” Qiu Lanxi took a deep breath, her face filled with guilt. “And… he’s the person closest to Wang Ye.”

Li Zhan’s expression flickered. He seemed momentarily dazed.

Then his pupils contracted sharply, as if a realization had suddenly struck him.

“It’s him?” Li Zhan murmured.

“It’s him,” Qiu Lanxi said aloud. “The eunuch in Fengxian Pavilion that night… was the young master from Grand Tutor Ji’s household—your personally appointed Chief Steward of the Inner Attendant Department, Ji Qingzhou.”

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