Chapter 41: An Uninvited Guest (1)

Chapter Thirteen: The Unexpected Visitor

The Great Yan Kingdom, the capital, Yan City!

Within the imperial palace of Yan City, in a secluded courtyard.

In the courtyard stood a man clad in imperial robes, his expression stern and commanding—the ruler of Yan, Emperor Yan.

Before the emperor stood several ministers, with an elderly eunuch trailing behind.

Lying before them was a corpse—the body of Zhao Tiande, the eldest son of the Zhao family, sent by Yan Chuan’s men.

“Zhao Tiande?” Emperor Yan’s eyes narrowed.

“Yan Chuan killed Zhao Tiande and sent his body directly to Your Majesty. This is highly unusual! Your Majesty?” A minister in blue scholar’s robes looked at the emperor.

“He actually dared to challenge me, blaming me for allowing the Zhao family to attempt his assassination?” Emperor Yan spoke coldly.

“The King of the Single Character Shoulder to Shoulder must be coming of age!” The blue-robed minister frowned.

“Your Majesty, shall we announce Zhao Tiande’s death to the public? Rally the people's hearts and counter the Zhao family?” another minister suggested.

“Your Majesty, you must not!” the blue-robed minister quickly interjected.

“Oh? Changqing, what do you mean?” Emperor Yan turned to him.

“Although the King of the Single Character Shoulder to Shoulder does not interfere in state affairs, his standing among the people is more significant than that of any emperor in history. For three hundred years, Yan has endured because of him. Though seven years ago the role changed hands, the people still support the king. His seven years in seclusion have faded him from public view, but if this news is announced—even if he doesn’t appear—his reputation will surge across Yan once more. I sense a foreboding, Your Majesty!” Changqing voiced his concern.

“What premonition?” Emperor Yan asked gravely.

“He sent the corpse here deliberately, perhaps to prompt Your Majesty to make the matter public, reigniting the people's memory of him and paving the way for his return to politics,” Changqing said, furrowing his brow.

“A prelude? Are you suggesting he wants to seize my authority?” Emperor Yan's expression darkened.

“This is merely my speculation. After all, everyone in Yan knows that this kingdom originally belonged to the King of the Single Character Shoulder to Shoulder. He and Your Majesty both have legitimate claims to the throne. Your Majesty holds the military and administration, while he possesses three centuries of accumulated reputation. This might be a probing move, aiming first to win the people's hearts,” Changqing worried.

“Changqing, you overthink it. The King suffers from soul-loss and is only seventeen—how could he possess such deep schemes?” another minister remarked with a laugh.

“Perhaps I am overthinking,” Changqing smiled bitterly, shaking his head.

Emperor Yan, however, frowned in contemplation, falling silent.

“Besides, if Your Majesty handles this quietly, the Zhao family will surely believe you and the King are colluding, setting a trap. The blame for Zhao Tiande’s death will fall on Your Majesty, not on a ‘naive’ seventeen-year-old,” Changqing added.

“To announce it is impossible; to keep it secret is also impossible. If Changqing’s fears are true, then the King’s depth of strategy is terrifying!” another minister said anxiously.

“We await Your Majesty’s decision!” All eyes turned to Emperor Yan.

After a moment of silence, Emperor Yan drew a deep breath and spoke: “The Zhao family must be removed sooner or later. Taking on their hatred means nothing. The King of the Single Character Shoulder to Shoulder? I underestimated him. Does he dream of reclaiming Yan after I am gone? Impossible—my son will surpass him a hundredfold!”

“The Crown Prince is Yan’s blessing. He is a genius, and perhaps Yan will see another King of the Single Character Shoulder to Shoulder arise!” Changqing nodded.

“By the way, none of us have seen the Crown Prince recently, have we?” another minister asked in puzzlement.