The Emperor's Conspiracy

“To the city!” Pan Yueyang rode back to the army with Yan’er, his face full of anger. He shoved Yan’er off his horse, though not with much force.

Without a backward glance, Yan’er slipped straight into the carriage. Nearby soldiers exchanged glances, wondering what had happened between the general and his wife. Only moments earlier, they’d seen the smile on the general’s face as he departed—how had the two returned so cold and distant?

The mighty army waited outside the city. Pan Yueyang raised his hand, prompting cheers from the soldiers atop the city wall. “General Pan has returned victorious—open the gates!”

Yan’er lifted the small curtain of the carriage bed and peered through the gap, witnessing the crowd’s jubilant celebration. Yueyang was the hero in their hearts. Quietly, she lowered the curtain, her self-doubt rising. The child was destined not to be; she would bear alone the pain belonging to both herself and Yueyang.

Under the gaze of the townsfolk, Pan Yueyang returned to the General’s Mansion, where everyone bustled about. Feng He, spotting the carriage, ran over nimbly. “Madam.”

Yan’er lifted the curtain and offered a faint smile.

Feng He looked Yan’er over. “You’ve changed, Madam.”

“Feng He, I’m tired,” Yan’er replied, unwilling to speak further.

Her coldness was like a block of ice—an aura of ‘keep away’ emanating from her. Pan Yueyang watched her retreating figure…

“General.” Pin’er, still clad in white, greeted him slowly.

“Rise,” Pan Yueyang said, as if purposely provoking Yan’er, and swept Pin’er into his arms. “Have you missed me lately?”

Pin’er was startled by his sudden gesture. “General, you’ve frightened me.”

Yan’er heard their intimate exchange but did not pause her steps.

Pan Yueyang exhaled heavily, Yan’er…

Pin’er sensed something was amiss with Pan Yueyang. “Yueyang, would you care to rest awhile in Autumn Court?” Her eyes sparkled with charm.

The others in the courtyard departed after Pan Yueyang left. Dan Yunjie shook his head in puzzlement.

Not long after the mansion returned to calm, a group arrived at the gates.

General Pan Yueyang, receive the imperial decree—

It was the same tall eunuch, his thin, sharp voice echoing outside the mansion.

Everyone had gathered to welcome the general home, but before the banquet could begin, the imperial edict arrived, sending people scrambling; Dan Yunjie wiped sweat from his brow.

Pan Yueyang had changed into a pale blue robe and knelt respectfully.

Yan’er, lost in her own world, knelt with the others, only rising when Feng He helped her up.

Pan Yueyang accepted the decree. “I shall enter the palace at once.”

He spoke these words, and then departed with the eunuch.

“Feng He, what’s happened?” Yan’er finally returned from her reverie, seeing Pan Yueyang hastily leaving.

“Madam, His Majesty has summoned the general to the palace tonight.” Feng He tightened Yan’er’s cloak.

“Let’s go back, I’m tired.” Since her return, Yan’er’s refrain was always that she was tired.

Inside the imperial palace—

“Yueyang, rise, ha ha ha ha.” Emperor Jing prevented Pan Yueyang from performing a full bow.

“I wonder for what purpose Your Majesty has summoned me to the palace?” Pan Yueyang looked around the study—apart from the emperor and himself, Mu Qianxue was also present.

Emperor Jing toyed with a jade ring, glancing at Mu Qianxue. “The eldest princess of Tianfeng is our guest; she wishes to thank you, Yueyang.”

Mu Qianxue was now dressed in a luxurious gown—a bright yellow dress adorned with large peonies blooming across her form. Regal as ever, she nodded slightly.

Pan Yueyang arched an eyebrow. Was he summoned for this? It couldn’t be so simple. Mu Qianxue’s intentions clearly centered on him.

Emperor Jing watched Pan Yueyang’s expression closely. Seeing the disdain and displeasure in his gaze toward Mu Qianxue, he laughed heartily. “Ha ha ha ha, the princess is of noble birth, and it is our honor to host her in Panlong.”

“Then I thank Emperor Jing,” Mu Qianxue replied, not even bowing, her chin raised in pride.

“How about Yueyang stays tonight and dines with me?”

“If Your Majesty has any commands, please speak; I shall do all I can.”

“Oh ho ho ho, originally I planned to host a banquet tomorrow honoring our returning soldiers. But the princess said she missed you dearly, so I invited you for a simple supper tonight.” Emperor Jing cared only for the treasure behind Mu Qianxue. Pan Yueyang had already explained matters in a letter, which allowed Mu Qianxue to reside in the palace. Still, the emperor hadn’t expected Mu Qianxue to seek him out personally.

He recalled how Mu Qianxue had bypassed the eunuch and come straight to negotiate in the imperial study, which had angered him.

“Emperor Jing, surely you know what I have behind me.”

“Oh? What does the princess possess?”

“The most precious imperial seal of Tianfeng... Surely you are aware.”

“Ha ha, that is Tianfeng’s seal, not Panlong’s. I am not interested.”

“The world knows Tianfeng is wealthy, its treasury inexhaustible…”

“Princess, speak plainly.”

“The imperial seal of Tianfeng is the key to our royal treasure…”

“And so? Panlong may not be as rich as Tianfeng, but—”

“Emperor Jing, don’t be hasty. I, Mu Qianxue, ask little; Tianfeng’s treasure, all of it, I can present.”

“How generous, princess, but surely there are conditions?”

“Of course. I fancy a man.”

“Let’s hear it.”

“Pan Yueyang.”

…

Emperor Jing, ever cunning, would never allow Pan Yueyang to dominate Tianfeng and its treasure. Mu Qianxue was indeed a threat, but she was too naïve, revealing her cards too soon—hm!

“Yueyang, the third princess is betrothed to you. My word is law; this decree is binding, no error permitted.” Emperor Jing smiled at Mu Qianxue.

“I am aware of my engagement, and have never harbored affection for any other woman,” Pan Yueyang replied darkly. The emperor trusted no one; if not for concerns over military power, he would never have married his daughter to him.

“Princess, you heard it. Yueyang has been engaged to my daughter since childhood; the wedding is set for the autumn festival.”

“Your Majesty can annul the engagement,” Mu Qianxue suggested innocently.

“Hmph!” Emperor Jing struck his desk. “I am emperor; my word stands! Princess, you must understand: you are in Panlong now, and Tianfeng is no longer yours!”

Mu Qianxue was startled by the emperor’s command, her mind racing. “Emperor Jing, I am willing to be the lesser wife.”

This cannot be! Emperor Jing suppressed his anger, choosing not to voice it.

“How about this: my daughter marries into the general’s mansion first; after some time, my adopted daughter Mu Qianxue can marry General Pan as well.” The old fox smiled at them both. The treasure was his for the taking, but he didn’t trust Pan Yueyang, whose power was formidable. His own daughter would secure her place first, then Mu Qianxue. Mu Qianxue was rich but empty-headed—once the seal was obtained, she would be eliminated to prevent Pan Yueyang from pursuing other ambitions. Then Pan Yueyang would be made to march on Tianfeng, expanding his domain and acquiring the treasure.

“Emperor Jing—” Mu Qianxue tried to speak, but the emperor raised his hand, his gaze sharp. Mu Qianxue knew her status was no longer what it once was.

Pan Yueyang watched them, a cold laugh on his lips. What did they take him for? Thrusting a princess upon him, now using him as a pawn for their treasure—ha, foolish monarch! He ignored Mu Qianxue, mocking this reckless princess. Did the old fox really think she could wield power in Panlong? He was merely sacrificing her body for Tianfeng’s treasure; once the treasure was secured, she would meet her end. Yet she seemed delighted—pitiful.

“Yueyang, truly, you must marry the princess after the autumn festival. This must be swift.” The emperor glanced at Mu Qianxue.

“I accept the decree,” Pan Yueyang replied, teeth clenched.

“Oh, by the way, Yueyang’s birthday is near, isn’t it? Ha ha, I must celebrate properly—you are the beloved son of old General Pan.”

Mu Qianxue’s eyes lit up at the mention of Pan Yueyang’s upcoming birthday.

“Yes, my birthday is indeed approaching,” Pan Yueyang answered, ignoring Mu Qianxue.

“Attend me, proclaim the decree to all!”

The next day—

All the citizens of the imperial city were abuzz. General Pan was indeed formidable; the emperor himself had issued a decree to celebrate his birthday, and afterwards, he would marry two princesses. But when had the emperor ever adopted a princess?

Whether real or adopted, they were both princesses. Two princesses in one breath—how enviable!

Rumor had it the celebration would be held in the palace, with both princesses preparing a performance before the emperor.

Indeed, even the concubines of the general’s mansion were expected to prepare!

But… with two princesses married at once, the concubines in the general’s mansion would hardly have peaceful days ahead.

Ha ha ha, that’s why, they say, being a concubine in a powerful household is risky—one false step and the principal wife might…

I bet the imperial performances will be quite a spectacle, though sadly we won’t see them.

The gossip spread like wildfire, and even the people of the general’s mansion discussed it eagerly.

Yan’er listened to the maids’ occasional chatter, head bowed in silence.

“Madam,” Feng He entered with a smile.

Seeing Feng He had something to say, Yan’er looked at her. “Speak.”

Feng He smiled. “Madam, with the general’s birthday and the imperial decree… even if you wish for peace and quiet, it won’t be possible now.” Feng He, long aware of Yan’er’s desire for a simple life, took her hand. “Why are you so cold?”

“It’s nothing,” Yan’er replied, unsure of Feng He’s purpose.

“Madam, you must prepare for the imperial performance as well.”

“Me?” Yan’er was puzzled.

“The two princesses will perform for the emperor; those in the mansion must also offer their talents.” Feng He deliberately avoided the word ‘concubines,’ fearing it would upset Yan’er.

“Imperial performance?!”