The Sovereign – Chapter 113

Volume Six: A Cold Rainy Night Buries the Famous Flower

Turning the Tide

I will not only imprison my husband, but also pass judgment

“That is the Emperor’s court ground. It seems inappropriate for the Wise King’s Consort to stand there.” Huo Yunqi said while glancing at Qin Junhao.

“Jin’er, how can you stand there so casually? Come down quickly.” Qin Junhao’s face changed slightly as he stepped forward.

“My Prince, I am your wife and Guo’er’s mother, bound to observe the Three Obediences and Five Virtues [traditional ethical codes], with husband as my heaven [supreme authority]. However, today I stand here not in that capacity.” Yun Jin’s brow carried a dignified air as she gazed at Qin Junhao. “I was entrusted by Imperial Sister to handle court affairs and read memorials. Today there are rumors of her being in trouble, the court is in turmoil – how can I sit idle?”

“The Wise King’s Consort keeps claiming the Emperor entrusted her, but do you have an Imperial Edict in hand?” Huo Yunqi pressed aggressively. Having waited long for this opportunity today, he wanted the Wise King to legitimately take control of the court.

Yun Jin looked at Huo Yunqi without speaking. The court officials whispered among themselves, all looking toward Yi Qinghuan, hoping the Empress Dowager would take charge of the situation at this time.

“Jin’er, did the Imperial Child leave you any verbal orders or written edicts? Since she values you so, I trust her judgment. You may present her orders to silence these murmuring voices.” Yi Qinghuan had always doted on Yun Jin and knew her character – she wouldn’t seize power in such circumstances. But with the court situation now unstable, she couldn’t show favoritism to either side.

After all, according to protocol and status, it wasn’t appropriate for a prince’s consort to take charge. Even if someone were to handle court affairs, her son Qin Junhao would be most suitable.

“In response to Mother Empress, Imperial Sister did give verbal orders, otherwise she wouldn’t have allowed your daughter-in-law to move into Fengluan Palace.”

“Everyone knows the Wise King’s Consort is virtuous and worthy, deeply loved by the Empress Dowager, and like sisters with the Emperor. When the Emperor was poisoned and unwell, moving into Fengluan Palace to care for her was reasonable. But this cannot prove the Emperor transferred power to you – how can we officials be convinced?”

Huo Yunqi repeatedly created difficulties, his ulterior motives clear to all. If the Wise King took power, he as father-in-law would reach the highest official position.

“Lord Huo, why trouble the Princess Consort so?” Ji Qiuchen stepped forward and bowed to Yi Qinghuan. “Empress Dowager, please allow me to report: before leaving the palace, the Emperor summoned this old official and indeed instructed me to assist the Wise King’s Consort in governing.”

“Oh? If that’s the case, and since Jin’er has been handling court affairs in an orderly manner, there’s no need for further discussion.”

Seeing the Empress Dowager not taking his side at all, Qin Junhao felt wronged and even more indignant. He approached Ji Qiuchen, staring at him and asked: “Grand Scholar, during Imperial Sister’s poisoning, she remained unconscious and weak, only improving a few days before leaving the palace. How could she arrange for you to assist Jin’er in governing?”

“Wise King, even if this old official had enormous courage, I wouldn’t dare falsely transmit imperial orders.”

“Could it be that when Imperial Sister was sick and confused, you all misheard? Yun Jin is my primary consort, she has never been involved in politics – how can she handle such great responsibility?” Qin Junhao refused to give up, yet remained calm and composed, as Huo Yunqi had analyzed the entire situation with him before entering the hall.

He walked toward Yi Qinghuan, appealing to emotions: “Does Mother Empress think your son is incompetent, unable to handle anything well? At this time when our great Ji is pursuing grand ambitions, can I not help Imperial Sister? You would rather trust Jin’er than trust your son?”

“Hao’er…” Yi Qinghuan’s brows furrowed slightly, giving Huo Yunqi a deep look. Her humble and gentle son had been bewitched by others, actually daring to develop a heart for conflict.

But she wanted to see how Yun Jin would handle the current predicament. After all, if Qin Junlan truly intended to pass the throne to Guo’er and ordered Yun Jin to assist in governing, she would need not only court dignity but also talent in managing affairs and ruling the country. Today was the best opportunity to witness her abilities.

“The inner palace cannot interfere in politics. Today I stand with reason, not emotion. I trust the Emperor. Everything follows her orders. No matter who manages the court today, I will not interfere.” Yi Qinghuan looked at Yun Jin, hoping she could stabilize the situation today and thus establish authority.

Yun Jin’s eyes showed a smile, understanding Yi Qinghuan’s meaning. She looked at Qin Junhao and said: “My Prince, for us husband and wife to fight for power here would invite mockery from all under heaven. If you truly wish to govern, wait for Imperial Sister’s return – if she is willing, I will naturally step down. But if you are merely bewitched by others, coming here to trouble your wife and child, I hope you will think thrice.”

Yun Jin was respectful and courteous, her words gentle. Though carrying an innate noble air, it couldn’t hide her grace and dignity. This version of Yun Jin left Qin Junhao defenseless and made his heart flutter even more.

He almost softened, but how could Huo Yunqi give him such a chance? He seized the opportunity to say: “The Prince and Princess Consort are one family – why fight over who governs? Why not have the Princess Consort and Wise King work together in harmony, jointly sharing the Emperor’s burdens?”

“Lord Huo, do you not understand my words? I said, while Imperial Sister is away, I govern!” A cold glint flashed in Yun Jin’s eyes as her fair hand lightly raised, dramatically revealing the Jade Dragon Golden Token.

Seeing this, the court officials reacted as if Qin Junlan herself was present, hurriedly bowing down and prostrating themselves, “We officials pay respects to Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand of ten thousand years!”

This token was Qin Junlan’s personal item, only she possessed it – seeing the token was like seeing the Emperor. All officials, without exception, knew that this Dragon Golden Token represented the highest authority.

When the token appeared, no official dared speak further, except for Huo Yunqi, cunning and crafty, had already thought of a countermeasure.

“This old official heard that during the Emperor’s unconscious state, she gave the golden token to the Princess Consort, showing sufficient trust in you. Why must you insist on solely controlling court power?”

“Jin’er, why don’t you first withdraw from court, and we can discuss this later.” Qin Junhao and Huo Yunqi worked in concert, maintaining an unyielding stance.

Yun Jin’s expression slightly changed, her face, which originally held a faint smile, slowly darkened. She had yielded again and again, yet they remained aggressive.

“What if I don’t withdraw?” Yun Jin displayed unprecedented severity, while the court officials could only silently observe, not daring to speak more.

“If you don’t withdraw, don’t blame your husband for being impolite. Come!” At Qin Junhao’s command, Imperial Forest Guards suddenly rushed in from outside the hall, surrounding the great hall.

“Prince, you…” Ji Qiuchen hadn’t expected Qin Junhao would mobilize the Imperial Forest Guards. Looking again, these men were all once Huo Yunqi’s trusted followers – this old schemer was indeed the one stirring up trouble.

“Hao’er! Do you want to rebel?”

Qin Junhao just glanced at Yi Qinghuan, coldly smiling, “Mother Empress has shown too much favoritism to Imperial Sister and Jin’er these years, when have you ever noticed your son? Even if Jin’er is Aunt’s daughter, you’ve hurt your son’s heart too much!”

Qin Junhao’s personality change was unbelievable to Yi Qinghuan. Now that he had pushed the situation to this point, if handled improperly it would become “treason,” and even she wouldn’t be able to save him then.

“My Prince, listen to Jin’er’s words – return to the Wise King’s mansion. There’s still time to turn back.” Yun Jin wanted to give Qin Junhao one last chance. Being husband and wife for many years, and green plum and bamboo horse [childhood friends], she never wanted things to reach this point.

“Hmph, I am the husband, you are the wife – you still dare to order me?”

Seeing the two in confrontation, and soldiers pointing at Yun Jin, Guo’er immediately spread his small arms to block them, “Father King, don’t bully Mother Consort. Imperial Aunt doesn’t allow anyone to bully her, and Aunt Master also doesn’t allow it.”

“Guo’er, come to Father King.” Qin Junhao showed a slight smile, extending his hand gently. Guo’er hesitated for a moment, glanced at Yun Jin again, and firmly shook his head.

Qin Junhao’s brows deeply furrowed, his fists slightly clenched, his sharp gaze bursting toward Yun Jin, “Come, escort the Wise King’s Consort and Young Prince back to the prince’s mansion.”

“Yes!” Several guards stepped forward, but before they could get close, a figure suddenly flew in, executing a flying kick that sent several people tumbling down the hall steps.

Li Ruo landed before Yun Jin with sword drawn, followed by a large unit of Imperial Forest Guards with bows and arrows surrounding the Wise King’s soldiers.

“Let’s see who dares disrespect the Wise King’s Consort today! By Imperial decree, during the Wise King’s Consort’s governance, anyone who dares to rebel will be executed without mercy!” Li Ruo raised his sword toward everyone, then knelt before Yun Jin, “This official greets the Wise King’s Consort. How shall we deal with these rebels? Please issue your orders.”

Yun Jin looked at Qin Junhao and his group, completely composed, showing royal dignity. She looked down at everyone and commanded: “Immediately confine the Wise King to his mansion! Await the Emperor’s return for judgment.”

Qin Junhao was shocked, pointing at Yun Jin and saying harshly, “Yun Jin, you dare imprison your husband!”

“I will not only imprison my husband, but also pass judgment! Huo Yunqi and his daughter bewitched the Wise King, plotting to seize power – a crime punishable by death. Today Huo Yunqi is dismissed and investigated, and Consort Huo Xiao will be confined to the Wise King’s mansion, not allowed to leave.”

“Wise King’s Consort, this old official has served three reigns – what qualification do you have to dismiss me? The Military Affairs Bureau has many important matters waiting for this old official to handle!” Huo Yunqi hadn’t expected Yun Jin would dare treat him thus, immediately realizing he had underestimated her and also underestimated Qin Junlan’s preparation.

“From today, I will handle these matters personally! Take them away!” Yun Jin’s anger shook the court. No one dared doubt Yun Jin’s authority anymore. This act shocked the nation, and the matter of imprisoning her husband became famous across the four seas, reaching other countries.

Thus ended this turmoil. From then on, Nalan Qing’s divorce and Yun Jin’s imprisonment of her husband became stories told by all under heaven.

Fortunately, the dispatched Shadow Guard received Li Yue’s pigeon message midway, stating that Qin Junlan had safely reached Shennong Valley to recuperate, ordering them to return to the palace to report safety and comfort the officials, which finally put Yun Jin’s mind at ease.

Falling leaves herald autumn [idiom for sensing coming events], cranes fly against the wind in Shennong Valley, spectacular flowers of many colors form a dreamlike painting. Yet in this secluded valley of orchids lay the dying Empress Qin Junlan of Ji Kingdom.

Yi Qingyu was treating Liu Qianxun’s internal injuries, while beside them, Guiguzi was concentrating on applying acupuncture to Qin Junlan, who remained unconscious. Guiguzi used acupuncture therapy to open all major blood vessels in her body, while using detoxification pills to suppress the poison in her body, and simultaneously prepared various external medicines to apply all over her body.

The wounds were severely festering, flesh and blood mangled, sticking to her clothes, with pus oozing out, inflammation triggering other bodily ailments.

“Master Ghost, how is she?” Liu Qianxun was extremely weak, yet despite her many pains, she remained single-mindedly concerned about the still unconscious Qin Junlan.

“You… fortunately you brought her to Shennong Valley. If taken elsewhere, she would have died without doubt.” Guiguzi’s brows were tightly knitted as he looked at Qin Junlan and sighed deeply, “Ah.”

“Why sigh? If you have something to say, say it.” Yi Qingyu also grew worried, after all, she could see at a glance that Qin Junlan’s condition was indeed terrible.

“Though her life is saved for now, her foundation is damaged – I fear her lifespan will be shortened.” Guiguzi shook his head helplessly.

Even though Yi Qingyu was unwilling to admit it, she knew Guiguzi’s words were conservative estimates. How could she not see that Qin Junlan’s nine deaths, one life [brush with death] had already taken half her life? “In your opinion, how long can she live?”

“Living to your age would be good enough; living to this old man’s age would be a miracle.”

“Having me accompany her, though we can’t have longevity, just cherishing each moment will be enough.” Liu Qianxun tried to rise but was pressed down by Yi Qingyu, “First concentrate your spirit and gather your qi. Are you truly not caring for your life? Don’t you fear going astray in your internal energy cultivation?”

Only then did Liu Qianxun realize she was using internal energy to heal, nearly worsening her injuries. She hurriedly followed Yi Qingyu’s instructions to regulate her breathing.

Guiguzi wanted to sigh every time he saw these women – truly, few people could make him sigh like this. He didn’t know where Liu Qianxun got her willpower from; her own body was already badly broken, yet she could persist in bringing Qin Junlan here.

When Liu Qianxun’s internal injuries slightly improved, she walked to Qin Junlan’s side, tightly gripping her hand against her cheek, “Aunt Qing, Yan’er really won’t die, will she?”

“Don’t worry, Yan’er is the Emperor, heaven will naturally protect her. As for yourself, you’re barely better off than Yan’er – half your martial arts are ruined, deep poison in your body, yet you still force your internal energy. It’s already a miracle you’re not completely disabled.”

“Thank you for taking care of Mother, Aunt Qing.”

“Take good care of your Yan’er. Your mother has me to look after her, don’t worry.” Yi Qingyu wanted to pat Liu Qianxun’s shoulder, but seeing the festering wound there, helplessly lowered her hand.

These mother and daughter were truly cut from the same cloth. One could only hope heaven would show mercy and stop torturing these two children.

“Old Ghost, I leave Yan’er to you. I’m going to check on Zhu’er.” Yi Qingyu’s brows furrowed, her hand unconsciously touching her chest, seeming unwell. Guiguzi knew her internal injuries had worsened again.

He felt both angry and helpless.

Who knew what these women were thinking? This whole family, old and young alike, were like this – each one more severely injured than the last. Were they testing his medical skills? Yi Qingyu, in her current state, still using internal energy to treat Liu Qianxun – truly disregarding her own life. Thinking of this, Guiguzi walked out dejected, picked up a wine jug, and began drinking gloomily.

“Elder Ghost Doctor, may this junior borrow a jug?” Li Yue pointed at the wine jug on the ground, asking politely.

Guiguzi nodded, stroked his beard, and walked toward the lakeside swinging his arms. Li Yue carried the wine jug and followed, “Elder Ghost Doctor, your superior medical skills have done their best, Senior Yi Qingyu surely understands this in her heart.”

Guiguzi was drinking glumly, but hearing Li Yue’s words, suddenly became interested – this girl had seen through his thoughts? He raised his wine jug, the two clinked jugs. Guiguzi was naturally free-spirited, yet there were times when even he felt helpless.

“To reduce Little Liu Zhu’s pain, Qingyu uses internal energy daily to seal her major acupoints making her sleep, and uses true qi to treat her when she wakes. Her internal injuries were already severe [literally: adding frost to snow], and today she treated Liu Qianxun again. She truly doesn’t care for her life, not even fearing the loss of her martial arts!” Guiguzi felt sad speaking of this. Yi Qingyu had been proud all her life, obsessed with martial arts, maintaining both chivalry and tenderness without ever showing weakness. Now like this, he truly feared… Thinking of this, Guiguzi drained his jug in one gulp.

“Perhaps you think they’re foolish, never thinking more of themselves, but some people will choose based on their heart’s persistence. If not living according to their hearts, they would suffer. I hope Elder Ghost Doctor understands.” When Li Yue finished speaking, her heart suddenly hurt like being pricked by needles, as she recalled that face that once brought her joy.

Guiguzi once didn’t understand, couldn’t comprehend, but now seemed to slowly grasp it.

In this mortal world, nothing is more inexplicable than love. He didn’t want to understand – in this life, he’d rather live a bit muddled. As long as Qingyu was well, that would be enough.

“Old man!” Just as he was thinking, Yi Qingyu’s voice came. Guiguzi, without another word, tossed away the wine jug and hurriedly ran over.

“Qingyu, old man is here.”

“Zhu’er has awakened, come quickly and check on her.”

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