Volume One, Chapter Six: The Formal Return

Lin Che had already returned to Weiyang Palace.

Lin Xu, suppressing his illness, summoned all the key ministers.

In the main hall, Lin Xu sat on the dragon throne, with Lin Che standing to his right.

“Everyone, I must clarify some matters…”

Upon learning Lin Che’s identity and Lin Xu’s long-term scheme, the ministers were utterly astonished!

Rumors had been rampant in the court recently, all saying that Prince Liang’s return to the capital surely meant he was to inherit the throne.

Some had even prepared to welcome Prince Liang.

Yet unexpectedly, it was not Prince Liang who came, but a prince?

Staring at Lin Che, the ministers below could hardly believe their eyes.

He was strikingly similar to the emperor!

In his brows, his aura, he was so much like His Majesty!

No one had imagined the emperor had been plotting for twenty years!

He had even concealed this from them all!

And this man was none other than the husband of General Xiao Aoyu!

Some recognized Lin Che faintly; truly, appearances could be deceiving.

For a moment, the faces of the ministers in Weiyang Palace ranged from shock, bewilderment, joy, excitement, to resentment.

The minister closest to the throne, an elderly man with graying beard and hair, had trembling pupils from excitement.

He was Han Zong, the Military Sage, and a paragon of loyalty to the court!

No one understood the current state of the Great Zhou dynasty better than him. Should the emperor pass and Prince Liang ascend, loyal ministers would surely be purged and the court might fracture.

Thus, Lin Che’s sudden emergence gave the court a leader!

“Everyone, you know the situation. I am gravely ill and can no longer manage state affairs. I ask you to assist Che well and prepare for the coronation ceremony three days from now,” Lin Xu said, leaning on the throne, coughing weakly.

“Your Majesty, this is our duty!”

“Truly, heaven has opened its eyes. With a successor in the Great Zhou, the dynasty will surely thrive!”

The ministers spoke one after another, some sincerely joyful, others feigning.

Though uncertain whether this prince was worthy of their support, they had to show respect.

Some sighed, believing the Xiao family was destined for greatness this time.

With Lin Che’s return, Xiao Aoyu would surely become Empress.

They had yet to know the full story.

Nearby, the Prime Minister, wearing a purple ribbon at his waist, smiled but his hooked nose and small eyes revealed a hint of cruelty.

Recently, they had been plotting how to force the emperor to name Prince Liang as Crown Prince!

Damnable!

So close!

Just a little more!

Then they could support Prince Liang and rightfully seize power!

But unexpectedly, a prince suddenly appeared!

In truth, he had suspected the emperor had secretly raised a prince outside the palace.

Hence, over the years, he had dispatched countless assassins to uncover this hidden threat.

None succeeded.

So upon seeing Lin Che, he realized his suspicions were correct!

This ignited murderous intent within him!

This prince had concealed himself within the Xiao family, never appearing until now—just when Prince Liang returned and they were ready to conclude their plans!

This was intolerable!

They watched Lin Che, and Lin Che watched them.

Before these most capable ministers of Great Zhou, Lin Che showed no fear.

He seemed to possess an innate kingly aura.

Now radiating from him, some ministers dared not meet his gaze.

It was as if his eyes could pierce all things!

Expressionless, Lin Che showed no stir of emotion as he listened to his father.

“You all know why I have done this. There are rebels in the court, but I do not know who they are. For the unity of the imperial line, I secretly sent Che out of the palace to hide his identity.”

Lin Xu continued, his gaze sharp as a needle: “Now that Che has come of age, he has been ordered to return to the court to inherit the throne. With the new emperor’s ascension, I want you to assist him well!”

“We swear unwavering loyalty to Great Zhou!” the ministers declared.

Lin Xu nodded, looking to Han Zong. “Han Zong, you have no duties now. I appoint you Grand Tutor to assist the young emperor.”

“I obey, Your Majesty!” Han Zong quickly knelt.

Lin Xu turned to Lin Che. “Che, Grand Tutor Han is accomplished in both civil and military affairs. From now on, consult him on all matters before making decisions to avoid mistakes.”

Lin Che bowed slightly. “I will remember, Your Majesty.”

Lin Xu nodded, then suddenly began coughing violently, covering his mouth with a handkerchief. When it was withdrawn, a bloodstain had blossomed.

“Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty!”

Cao Shiqi and the loyal ministers panicked.

“Your Majesty, you must rest soon,” Cao Shiqi urged.

“Yes, Father!” Lin Che also said.

Lin Xu felt his strength fading and said, “I have said all I must. If no one has anything to add, we may adjourn.”

He never mentioned Prince Liang, as if the prince was already an outsider.

Everyone wisely withdrew, and Lin Xu was helped from the hall by Cao Shiqi to the anteroom.

Lin Che followed.

In the anteroom, Lin Xu lay on the bed, his complexion easing somewhat.

“Che, prepare yourself these days. I can no longer attend court… cough…” Lin Xu coughed hoarsely again.

“Father, please take care of your health. I will follow your orders,” Lin Che said.

Lin Xu struggled on: “By the way, Che, you have now severed ties with the Xiao family. The dragon jade you gave them should be reclaimed… cough, that was left by your mother for the future empress…”

Lin Che understood. The jade pendant was an imperial token. When he married Xiao Aoyu, besides the twenty thousand silver in bride price, he also gave them this.

But now, since he had no relation to them, according to the strict hierarchy, he could no longer keep it with them.

Great Zhou’s sense of rank was strong, even clothing and utensils could not transgress boundaries.

“Father, I will visit them tomorrow.”

“And be cautious of Prince Liang.”

“I will remember.”

Knowing his father was still weak, Lin Che saluted respectfully and withdrew.

As he stepped outside, he saw a woman waiting by the palace gates.

She wore a blue ruqun, her eyebrows delicate as autumn waters, her smile blooming like a flower.

Her hands were folded before her, and stray strands of hair danced in the breeze.

Her eyes sparkled with laughter and seemed to speak.

Seeing her, Lin Che was stunned.

“Greetings, Your Highness,” the woman bowed lightly, her voice sweet and melodious.

This woman was the match the emperor had arranged for Lin Che long ago.

She was the daughter of the current Minister of Works, Murong Qinghe.

Previously, Lin Che had refused this match for Xiao Aoyu’s sake.

Now seeing her again, Lin Che felt an indescribable emotion.

“Shall we go for a walk?” Murong Qinghe smiled softly.

This time Lin Che did not refuse. “Let’s go to Cangchi.”

…

“Damn it! That old fox really had a hidden hand—he suddenly produced a prince!”

After leaving the palace and returning to his residence, the Prime Minister and the Censor-in-Chief gathered to discuss countermeasures.

Lin Che’s appearance had completely disrupted their plans.

“Prime Minister Yang, what now?” the Censor-in-Chief asked, already numb.

Prime Minister Yang Huai’s expression was as dark as water, full of unwillingness.

“Heh, don’t rush. Over half the court is on our side now. This new emperor wants to make waves, but it won’t be easy. Don’t drown trying to stir a ripple that never forms.”

Hearing this, the others understood and sneered.

“Moreover, Prince Liang is currently in the capital, which favors us.”

“Yes, Prince Liang just achieved great merit. If anything happens to this prince, he’ll be emperor!”

The old emperor was gravely ill, and the young emperor a mere boy; they did not take him seriously.

They only needed to find an opportunity to replace him!