The emperor’s condition seemed to be worsening.
On the first night of September, he suddenly overturned a bowl of medicine and shouted “Begone, evil spirits!” throughout the palace. Every night since, he repeated the phrase several times. Rumors spread rapidly through the palace, claiming the emperor had been possessed by dark forces and had gone mad.
Word traveled fast. In less than two days, it went from “everyone in the palace knows” to “everyone in the capital knows.” Feng Lezhen acted as if she hadn’t heard a thing, going about her business as usual. It was Yu Shou who couldn’t keep it in anymore. He summoned her to the Yu residence and deliberately had a servant repeat the emperor’s madness in full detail.
Feng Lezhen calmly sipped her tea and even helped herself to more pastries, as if listening to gossip about strangers.
Yu Shou was clearly anxious, but seeing her eat so heartily, he pushed another plate of pastries toward her. Only after dismissing the servant did he finally speak: “By the way, Madam Fu also went mad and drowned herself in the pond not long after.”
“Grandfather suspects I did it?” Feng Lezhen raised an eyebrow.
Yu Shou glanced at her. “Didn’t you?”
Feng Lezhen looked up. “If even you are starting to doubt me, others must suspect it even more.”
Yu Shou fell silent.
If it had only been Madam Fu’s incident, perhaps it could be overlooked. But with her sudden madness and death followed just days later by the emperor’s breakdown—it was hard not to be suspicious.
Feng Lezhen gave a small smile, picked up the teapot, and poured him a cup of tea herself. “Though I have no intention of comparing myself to Feng Ji, there’s one thing he and I do share: whatever we do, it must be both in substance and in appearance. Since returning to the capital, I haven’t made any overt move to seize power—precisely for this reason.”
The teapot clinked softly as she set it down.
Her expression remained composed, even faintly amused. “If he were to die suddenly from madness, it would surely stir doubt among the ministers. In the future, when history is written, I might end up labeled with vague and baseless accusations. That wouldn’t do—certainly wouldn’t do.”
The smile faded from her eyes. “I’ve plotted all this time so I can take that position openly, with rightful legitimacy. How could I resort to shady tricks at such a critical moment?”
“…So you mean, the emperor is faking it?” Yu Shou hesitated. If she hadn’t caused it, then Feng Ji must be pretending. There couldn’t be that many coincidences in the world.
Feng Lezhen’s brow lifted slightly as she calmly raised her cup.
“Why would he do that?” Yu Shou asked, puzzled.
Feng Lezhen replied, “A few days ago, the forces from Tayuan finally withdrew.”
Yu Shou froze, frowning at her.
“They’d been at a standoff for two months without a single battle. If the standoff dragged on any longer, people would start questioning things,” Feng Lezhen said, spreading her hands. As long as Tayuan hadn’t retreated, Feng Ji wouldn’t dare touch her. She didn’t want to give up such a life-saving card either. But more importantly, she couldn’t leave behind a weakness for others to exploit.
“No wonder…” Yu Shou exhaled deeply. “You must be extremely cautious in the coming days. Don’t go out unless necessary. If you must, take plenty of guards. Do not give him an opportunity.”
“If I don’t give him an opportunity, how am I supposed to seize his place in a way that appears perfectly justified?” Feng Lezhen asked innocently.
Yu Shou was momentarily stunned, unable to respond.
Seeing his dazed look, Feng Lezhen couldn’t help laughing. “Grandfather forgot already? I just said—I want to take the throne with legitimacy and righteousness.”
As she’d grown older, many of her views had changed, and she’d learned to be more flexible and tactful. But this one thing hadn’t changed. It hadn’t changed when she killed Qing Wang years ago, and it hadn’t changed now.
“You…” Yu Shou sighed. “All these years, and you’re still this stubborn.”
“Then let’s wait and see what our dear emperor plans next.” He shook his head.
Feng Lezhen smiled faintly and drank her tea in one final gulp.
Feng Ji kept up his act for five or six days straight, but Feng Lezhen never responded. In the end, he resorted to holding a ritual, claiming it was to drive away evil spirits.
The ritual lasted three days. On the first day, over a dozen dead sheep were found in the southern part of the capital. On the second day, many people suddenly fell ill with dysentery. By the third day, Feng Ji coughed up blood on the altar and collapsed on the spot.
The whole affair left the people in a state of fear. No one dared to leave their homes, and the once-bustling capital took on a strangely desolate atmosphere.
At that time, the palace suddenly released a statement: the evil presence this time was unusually powerful and could only be expelled if the most noble woman in Great Qian went to the imperial tombs on a divinely chosen day to fetch incense, then returned to the palace to burn it and complete the ritual.
This “fetching incense” ritual simply meant someone would prepare incense in advance, leave it before the ancestral tablets for two or three days, then someone would kneel three times and kowtow nine times before bringing the incense back.
When the eunuch delivered the message to the Princess’s Manor, Feng Lezhen chuckled. “The most noble woman in Great Qian? Isn’t that the Empress? If I recall, His Majesty appointed one seven or eight years ago.”
“Your Highness jests. Though the Empress is highly ranked, she is far from being as noble as you,” replied the eunuch—coincidentally the same one who had once tried to take Fu Zhixian away. After being thoroughly tormented last time, he trembled the moment he saw Feng Lezhen. “If the Empress had the power to suppress those spirits, His Majesty wouldn’t still be possessed.”
Feng Lezhen smiled without speaking.
“…Now, all the people of the capital are hoping Your Highness can drive out the evil and restore peace. You’ve always loved the people as your own—surely you wouldn’t wish to let them down?” The eunuch pleaded, his voice cautious and tentative.
Feng Lezhen arched her brow. “Using the people to threaten me?”
“I wouldn’t dare!” The eunuch dropped to his knees with a thud and stammered, “I wouldn’t dare. I’m only here to deliver His Majesty’s order. H-His Majesty also said that if Your Highness has any doubts, you may go ask him yourself. H-He will try to explain everything…”
Feng Lezhen gave him a bland glance and couldn’t be bothered to trouble a mere eunuch. She simply responded and dismissed him.
Once the eunuch left, Ah Ye immediately scowled. “This is far too suspicious. Your Highness mustn’t go. Starting today, pretend to be sick and don’t step outside. Since the Emperor wants to use the people to pressure you, I’ll spread rumors of my own—say it’s that morally corrupt Emperor who brought evil upon the city. If people want peace again, he should offer up his life in apology. I’d like to see if he’s willing to sacrifice himself.”
Feng Lezhen burst out laughing. “You’re quite quick-witted—coming up with a scheme like that.”
“It’s called returning one’s tactics in kind,” Ah Ye snorted.
Feng Lezhen smiled but didn’t comment.
“…Your Highness… You’re not really going to go, are you?” Ah Ye suddenly had a sinking feeling.
Feng Lezhen looked thoughtful. “I don’t want to go. But if I don’t, how can the show go on?”
“You—how can you…” Ah Ye was flustered, knowing she couldn’t stop her. She rushed off and dragged over Steward Qin and Fan Gonggong. “Convince them first!”
Feng Lezhen tugged at the corner of her lips. “Now you’re bringing reinforcements. You really are getting more capable.”
Qin Wan and Fan Gonggong looked at each other, and after a moment of silence, Fan Gonggong hesitantly asked, “Your Highness, what’s going on?”
Feng Lezhen gestured for him to ask Ah Ye instead. Before he could open his mouth, Ah Ye had already explained what the eunuch had said.
She thought they would strongly oppose it like she did—but surprisingly, the two of them said nothing. Ah Ye instantly felt something was off and eyed them warily. “Don’t tell me you actually agree with Her Highness risking herself?”
“I trust Her Highness’s decision,” Qin Wan said firmly.
Fan Gonggong also nodded. “Her Highness has done everything that could be done. Yet it’s still just a step short. If taking a risk can help obtain the leverage needed to openly force the Emperor to abdicate, it might be worth trying… but…”
He looked toward Feng Lezhen. “Your Highness, how confident are you?”
“It certainly isn’t a sure thing.” Feng Lezhen gave a soft laugh. Before Ah Ye could object, she said gently, “But Ah Ye will protect me, won’t she?”
“O-Of course. When have I ever not protected you…” Ah Ye grumbled, knowing she’d already lost this argument.
Feng Lezhen chuckled and said nothing more.
Soon enough, the so-called auspicious day chosen by the “master” arrived.
Before dawn, Feng Lezhen dressed in splendid palace robes and calmly arrived at Feng Ji’s bedchamber.
“Greetings to Your Majesty,” she said. Though the words were respectful, she did not kneel.
It had only been a few days, but Feng Ji had already lost a noticeable amount of weight, with strands of white hair creeping into his temples. Lying in bed, he looked worn and aged—nothing like someone in his twenties.
Even on such a grand occasion, he wore only sleepwear. Beside him was a half-eaten bowl of steamed egg, topped with minced meat and scallions. Though savory, it oddly seemed to have brown sugar in it too.
That was how they made it back in Fan Gonggong’s hometown. He used to cook it for her when she was ill—but that was during childhood. She hadn’t eaten it in years. Now that she saw it again, she couldn’t help looking at it a little longer.
Facing the radiant and composed Princess, Feng Ji was silent for a while before saying faintly, “I’ll leave everything to you, Royal Sister.”
“Your Majesty, rest assured. I’ll return as soon as possible.” Feng Lezhen gave a light, gentle smile.
Feng Ji said nothing, simply stared at her.
Feng Lezhen found it all rather boring and turned to leave.
Outside the bedchamber, over a hundred guards were already waiting. Also present were more than a dozen high monks and the ceremonial flower carriage for the palace ritual. When Feng Lezhen emerged, all but the monks dropped to their knees in unison.
“Respectfully welcoming Her Highness, the Eldest Princess!”
The sound shook the skies. Feng Lezhen let her gaze pass over each of their faces one by one. When it landed briefly on a young soldier, she paused for a moment—then looked away.
She glanced up at the sky—light was already breaking through the clouds. It looked like it would be a fine day.
Feng Lezhen lifted the corners of her lips and cast a look at the eunuch beside her. The eunuch immediately straightened his posture and announced loudly, “Rise. Set out—!”
The sharp and high-pitched voice rang out. The hundred-some people around them stood up in unison. Supported by Ah Ye, Feng Lezhen slowly made her way toward the carriage. Halfway there, she suddenly paused and turned around as if sensing something. She saw Li Tong standing beneath the eaves of a side hall, staring at her coldly.
Feng Lezhen narrowed her long eyes and silently met his gaze.
“Your Highness?” Ah Ye called softly when she noticed her pausing.
Feng Lezhen turned back around and climbed into the carriage.
“Our people have already taken position near the imperial tomb,” Ah Ye murmured. “Two hundred in total—one hundred more than the imperial guards stationed here. They arrived in batches over the past three days, no one the wiser.”
Feng Lezhen’s expression was calm. “Understood.”
The imperial tomb lay due south of the capital. To reach it from the palace, one had to pass through the city’s most bustling streets and residential districts. Beyond that lay a vast forest, with the tomb hidden at the far end.
Now that everyone knew Her Highness the Princess was going to the imperial tomb to pray for the country’s fortune, countless commoners knelt to her along the way as if she were a deity. Even Feng Ji wouldn’t be foolish enough to make a move there—so the only place left to strike was the forest.
But oddly enough, even after they passed through the woods, not a sound stirred.
Ah Ye remained alert the entire way. When the imperial tomb gates finally came into view, she turned to Feng Lezhen in astonishment. “Your Highness, you truly predicted it—His Majesty didn’t make a move in the forest after all!”
“So, did you still place troops there?” Feng Lezhen asked.
Ah Ye laughed sheepishly. “A little…”
Though her mistress had hinted she should focus on the tomb itself, Ah Ye simply couldn’t rest easy. So she had quietly stationed some men in the woods anyway.
“Your Highness… Are you angry with this servant?” she asked cautiously.
Feng Lezhen chuckled. “Caution is no fault. You did the right thing—why would I be angry?”
Ah Ye sighed in relief, but then realization struck. “Wait—you knew I’d station men in the woods?”
Feng Lezhen smiled but said nothing.
“If you didn’t stop me, that means I was right… But then why did you tell me to focus on the tomb?” Ah Ye huffed, exasperated.
Feng Lezhen gave her a side glance. “I said to focus on the tomb. I never said you couldn’t arrange forces in the forest.”
Ah Ye: “…” That’s… fair.
As they spoke, the carriage had already come to a stop before the tomb.
The imperial mausoleum was divided into two main sections. The front courtyard housed ornately decorated halls where tablets of past emperors were enshrined. Behind the hall was the actual burial ground, where emperors, imperial consorts, and meritorious officials of enduring fame were interred.
Even emperors had to dismount and proceed on foot here, and Feng Lezhen was no exception. As soon as the carriage stopped, she stepped down and walked toward the hall at a leisurely pace, followed by her entourage.
Back when she lived in the capital, she had come here every year during Qingming to honor the ancestors. But ever since she’d been sent to Yingguan, she hadn’t returned. Stepping into the grounds now, a wave of disorientation struck her.
Unlike her drifting thoughts, Ah Ye had been on full alert since getting off the carriage. Only after confirming there were no archers lying in ambush did she allow herself to breathe more easily.
“His Majesty really is going all in,” Ah Ye muttered. “To think he’d dare make a move in the imperial tomb. If word of this spreads, Your Highness won’t even have to act. He’ll have to strip off his dragon robes and kneel in shame before the ancestral tablets.”
Feng Lezhen snapped out of her daze. “Before, I wasn’t enough of a threat to him, so he was willing to maintain appearances. But now that I’m about to drive him off the throne, what do appearances matter? So long as he can kill me, I doubt he’d mind kneeling here for three days and nights.”
Ah Ye tugged at the corner of her mouth. Once inside the ancestral hall, she remained tense, her brows furrowed the entire time.
Feng Lezhen calmly accepted three sticks of incense from the master leading the ritual and respectfully bowed three times before the ancestral tablets. When the master stepped forward to take the incense from her, Ah Ye blocked him.
“Her Highness will do it herself,” she said.
The master froze for a second but wisely stepped back.
Feng Lezhen approached and inserted the incense into the burner, then gazed serenely at the tablet before her.
“Royal Father… It’s been four years. Are you well?” she spoke softly. “They say that if a person accumulates enough merit, they can become an immortal. During your reign, you gave the people a peaceful and prosperous Great Qian—surely that counts for something?”
She looked at the gold-bordered characters on the tablet that read “Emperor Qianyuan” and suddenly smiled.
“Your daughter hopes you became a god, so you can watch from the heavens as I, step by step, correct all the mistakes you made.”
The master glanced at her in shock, then quickly bowed his head, not daring to make a sound.
After paying her respects, it was time to perform the incense ritual. But the surroundings were so silent, it felt almost eerie.
Feng Lezhen calmly washed her hands in the consecrated basin. Ah Ye scanned the area warily, then quietly moved to her side. “Your Highness, something feels wrong.”
“What feels wrong?” Feng Lezhen didn’t look up.
Ah Ye whispered, “Since His Majesty dared to lure you here, he must know you’d bring backup. But apart from these hundred imperial guards, there doesn’t seem to be any other arrangement—no reinforcements either. Does he really believe a mere hundred soldiers can kill you?”
“Of course he arranged for reinforcements,” Feng Lezhen replied, glancing at her. “But if those under him only pay lip service, what can he do?”
Ah Ye froze—then it clicked. “You mean…”
“Watch out!”
Feng Lezhen suddenly shouted. Ah Ye spun around just in time as a short arrow shot from her sleeve and pierced straight into the master’s throat.
The master still had a dagger clutched in his hand, drawn stealthily from beneath the offering tray, as if he intended to stab Ah Ye in the back. Unfortunately, even by the time he collapsed to the ground, he hadn’t managed to brush so much as a corner of her sleeve.
The dagger hit the floor with a crisp clang—like some kind of signal. In the next instant, the sound of violent fighting erupted outside.
The imperial guards were stationed just beyond the doors and now surged into the hall like a tide. Though Feng Lezhen’s own men outnumbered them two-to-one, they were waiting outside the mausoleum. Even though they rushed in at the first sound of disturbance, they were still a step too late. Ah Ye drew the soft sword at her waist and placed herself firmly in front of Feng Lezhen, preparing to fight to the death.
But just then, the imperial guards at the front suddenly turned—kicking back at their own comrades.
Ah Ye froze. In the next moment, she caught a clear glimpse of the lead guard’s face and gasped. “You?!”
A smile spread across Feng Lezhen’s lips. She looked at the young general standing before her, protecting her with such fierce resolve, and was reminded of that night she returned from the Fu residence. Two carriages had passed each other, and a slip of paper had flown from one window into another.
“Your Highness…” The man’s voice was calmer now, but when he looked at her, his eyes remained clear, steadfast—tinged with a trace of pleading. “Please trust me.”
Though the carriages had passed and he hadn’t had time to say more, Feng Lezhen had already smiled.
Of course she trusted him—she had, ever since their past life.
