Chapter 6: The Deep Bond Between Father and Son

“We heed His Majesty’s sacred decree.” The assembled civil and military officials answered with utmost respect.

Eunuch Li, with a gentle smile, approached Zhao Su and bowed. “Your Highness, the bloodstains on you mar your appearance. Allow me to help you clean them away.”

As he spoke, he produced a silk handkerchief from his sleeve, intending to wipe the blood from Zhao Su’s body.

“Thank you for your kindness, Eunuch Li, but I wouldn’t dare trouble you. I’ll take care of it myself.” Zhao Su reached for the silk handkerchief the old eunuch offered and wiped the blood from his face.

The effect was almost worse than before; streaks of blood turned his face into that of a grim specter freshly emerged from a den of demons.

Even Eunuch Li, head of the Eastern Depot and no stranger to carnage, could not help but feel a chill at the sight of those emotionless eyes.

Zhao Su turned and barked at the Imperial Guards who had followed him, “Guard the Hall of Heavenly Purity. Without orders from me or my father, no one is to enter. Any who dare defy this command are to be seized at once and await my judgment.”

Forty Imperial Guards took up positions at the palace doors, subtly hemming in the civil and military officials. The Imperial Forest Guard, not daring to appear idle, hurried to join the Imperial Guards in their movements.

The ministers were filled with outrage but dared not show it. Zhao Su’s silent execution of Xiao Lin moments ago had truly terrified them.

Each one was steeling themselves to impeach Zhao Su at court, determined to persuade the emperor to strip him of his crown prince title.

Eunuch Li whispered, “Your Highness, please come with this old servant to change your clothes.”

Zhao Su nodded and followed Eunuch Li to a side chamber, where he quickly washed and changed into fresh robes.

“Grandfather, come with me to pay respects to Father,” Zhao Su said to Duke Wei.

The two of them, with Zhao Su leading, followed Eunuch Li into the Hall of Heavenly Purity. The Fourth Prince, the Sixth Prince, and the three Grand Secretaries followed behind.

As soon as they entered, they saw an old man lying on the imperial bed, his face ashen and drained of strength.

He wore a yellow inner robe and reclined against a pillow, eyes closed as if asleep. Though only in his forties, his hair had turned mostly grey, making him appear closer to sixty.

Zhao Su knew this was his original self’s father—the current emperor of Great Qin, Zhao Qinzheng.

It was an excellent name, given by the late emperor in hopes that his son would be diligent and benevolent. Unfortunately, Zhao Qinzheng was never fit for the throne.

He cared more for beauty than for his empire, neglecting state affairs in favor of calligraphy and painting, in which he had remarkable talent. If Zhao Su were not his first love’s child, he would have lost the crown prince’s title long ago.

A lifetime of muddled indecision and incompetence had led to widespread discontent under his rule. Uprisings had become common, and the surrounding border states had grown bolder, now even coveting the treasures of Great Qin.

Corrupt ministers reigned within, oppressive as tigers, while powerful enemies eyed the empire from without. If things continued this way, Great Qin would face the risk of collapse within ten years.

In Zhao Su’s mind, this emperor could rival Emperor Huizong of Song in incompetence, perhaps even surpassing him.

The only redeeming quality Zhao Su could find was the man’s deep affection for his original self. Despite persistent petitions from the ministers to depose the crown prince, he had always stood firm, never granting their requests.

They had barely entered the bedchamber when, before anyone could offer a formal salute, Zhao Yu rushed forward, wailing, and threw himself at the bedside. “Father, what has happened to you? Please open your eyes and look at your son!”

Zhao Su’s lip twitched in spite of himself. This fourth brother was truly a master of theatrics; even the snot running from his nose could win him an Oscar.

“Fourth Brother, do not raise your voice and disturb Father’s rest. If you harm his health, you are guilty beyond redemption.” Zhao Su rebuked him sharply, carrying all the authority of an elder brother.

According to his memories, Zhao Yu had always coveted the position of heir apparent.

Whether or not he had tried to harm Zhao Su, his ambition alone made him an enemy. Zhao Su saw fit to saddle him with a grave accusation right away.

“Elder Brother, you… you accuse me unjustly!” The Fourth Prince was taken aback, but dared not keep crying and hurried to defend himself.

The Sixth Prince interjected with a laugh, “Don’t fret, Fourth Brother. Eldest Brother is only teasing you; don’t take it to heart.”

He turned sincerely toward Zhao Su. “Elder Brother, seeing you recovered brings me great joy. I hope you remain healthy and happy, free from all illness.”

Zhao Su laughed coldly to himself. Did this harmless facade really think he couldn’t see through its schemes?

Still, since the other wanted to act, he would play along. He didn’t expose him, but replied, “Thank you for your kind wishes, Sixth Brother. Now that I’m recovered, no illness can touch me.”

“Cough, cough…” As the three brothers spoke, the Emperor Zhao Qinzheng on the bed began to cough.

Zhao Yu hastily took up a spittoon and brought it to his father’s side, gently patting his back. “Father, take it slow.”

After spitting up a mouthful of phlegm, the emperor regained his breath and looked up at Zhao Su and the others.

“Your son (Your ministers) greets Father (Your Majesty),” intoned Zhao Su and the assembled officials, kneeling and bowing.

“Su’er, is that you?” The old emperor leaned over the edge of the bed, staring at Zhao Su as if to be sure this was truly his ill-fated child.

“Father, it’s me, your son,” Zhao Su replied, tears streaming down his face as he crawled forward on his knees and embraced the old emperor, sobbing bitterly.

If it was a matter of acting, he was more than up to the task, having watched more than enough palace intrigue dramas to rival any performer.

Father and son clung to each other in grief, while the Fourth and Sixth Princes looked on with envy. Though all were sons of the emperor, he had never shown them such heartfelt affection.

Duke Wei’s eyes grew misty as well; seeing his grandson and the emperor so deeply moved, his old heart was at peace.

After a long bout of weeping, Zhao Su and his father finally parted.

The old emperor looked Zhao Su up and down, nodding repeatedly. “Good, good, good! I have always worried for your health. Now, under Heaven’s protection, you are cured. Even if I were to die this instant, I could rest in peace.”

He might not have been a competent ruler or administrator, but he had always cared deeply for Zhao Su, his eldest son.

Zhao Su’s heart was touched; he hadn’t expected such genuine affection from the old emperor.

“Father, you are sure to live a long life. Do not speak such ominous words,” the Fourth Prince Zhao Yu interjected.

“My son speaks well. I shall indeed live a hundred years.” The emperor was greatly pleased and patted Zhao Yu’s hand. “Your filial heart is commendable, Fourth Son. I grant you a measure of South Sea pearls.”

Zhao Yu was overjoyed, hurriedly knelt to thank his father, and when he rose, couldn’t resist shooting Zhao Su a triumphant glance, as if to say, “See? Father favors me.”

The emperor bade them rise, then turned to the Sixth Prince and the others. “Sixth, and you ministers, rise as well.”

“Thank you, Father (Your Majesty),” replied the Sixth Prince Zhao Heng and several ministers, rising after offering thanks.

The old emperor caught his breath, and then, with obvious exhaustion, said, “My health is frail. I have summoned you all today to discuss the matter of the regency.”

At these words, every gaze in the hall sharpened.