Chapter 63: Seeing the Light Again

Before long, the people from the Grand General’s manor arrived, including Wang Xueru, Zhan Yan’s second mother, and several of Yan Kuan’s children—Zhan Ning, Zhan Lin, Zhan Qing, Zhan Hong, and Zhan Wei. It was clear that Yan Kuan had already prepared everything before his expedition, bringing his family back to Xiyuan.

“Wang Xueru, as the wife of the Grand General, you tell us—did the Grand General kill Zhan Tianyi all those years ago?” Yang Yuxiong cast a glance at Wang Xueru. She had been sent by him to monitor Yan Kuan, so naturally, when trouble arose, he turned to her first.

“Your Majesty, when I married the Grand General, he had already been living in the Prince of Southtown’s manor for nearly a year. I do not know.” If she hadn’t secretly caused Yang Yuxin’s death back then, she would never have gotten close to Yan Kuan. Yan Kuan had loved Yang Yuxin with unwavering devotion; even though she was living under another’s identity, he cherished her above all. If Wang Xueru hadn’t used her schemes, taking advantage of Yang Yuxin’s childbirth to kill her, she would have never had the chance to approach Yan Kuan.

“You all, speak. Has the Prince of Southtown exhibited any unusual behavior over the years? If you cannot answer, you’ll all accompany the Second Prince to the grave,” Yang Yuxiong said coldly, his gaze sweeping over Yan Kuan’s family.

The golden hall fell instantly silent; no one dared utter a word, and the Prince’s family trembled in fear.

“Your Majesty, the Grand General ordered me to guard a secret chamber these years, to bring food daily to the person inside. I do not know who resides within. He instructed me never to open the chamber’s door, and if the prisoner escaped, my life would be forfeit,” a middle-aged man in his thirties replied, trembling. He had guarded the chamber since his teens, and after more than ten years, the task remained unchanged.

“Someone, go to the Grand General’s manor, follow this man, and bring the person from the secret chamber,” Yang Yuxiong ordered urgently.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” The guards quickly accepted the order and departed. Yang Yuxiong hoped Zhan Tianyi was alive; otherwise, his son’s life would be in grave danger. After all, if someone could abduct his son from an army camp guarded by hundreds of thousands, they were not to be underestimated.

An hour passed, but Yang Yuxiong showed no intention of ending the court. Everyone waited anxiously, hoping Zhan Tianyi was alive; otherwise, the emperor’s anger might be vented on them, and they would suffer injustice.

After another period, those sent out finally returned. Several men escorted Zhan Tianyi into the hall. At the sight of him, everyone let out a sigh of relief. It was indeed Zhan Tianyi; Yan Kuan had returned to Xiyuan with this very face, so everyone could recognize him instantly.

“Zhan Tianyi, you’re lucky to be alive. Your fate has spared you today,” Yang Yuxiong said with hatred, glaring at Zhan Tianyi. It was for this man that his son had been abducted, so Yang Yuxiong’s resentment was profound. Yet he could do nothing to him, the frustration gnawing at him like poison.

“Yang Yuxiong, you despicable villain! You had someone assume my identity to commit countless evil deeds. As long as I, Zhan Tianyi, draw breath, I will never let this go!” Zhan Tianyi, furious upon seeing Yang Yuxiong, could not help but curse him. If Yan Kuan had impersonated him for the sake of Xin’er, Yang Yuxiong had had him take his name to commit treason, which could only be by Yang Yuxiong’s orders. Otherwise, how could a general’s disappearance for over ten years go unnoticed?

“How dare you speak so disrespectfully to His Majesty!” The guards escorting him slapped Zhan Tianyi across the face. Years without sunlight had left his face pallid; now, a clear mark appeared where he’d been struck.

“Enough. Keep a close watch on him. Yang Ming, you are to escort him with great fanfare to the frontier, so those who captured the Second Prince know he is alive,” Yang Yuxiong said, not wanting to waste any more time.

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Yang Ming dared not protest, quickly accepting the order. He glanced helplessly at Zhan Tianyi—his brother-in-law. Thinking of Zhan Tianyi’s sixteen years of imprisonment, he felt pity for him. His sister had died barely a year after marrying him, a memory that always brought him sorrow. Now, seeing his brother-in-law and recalling his departed sister, he couldn’t help but feel grief. On the journey, he would have to take good care of Zhan Tianyi, for his brother-in-law had suffered enough.

“Court is dismissed.” Yang Yuxiong waved his hand and left the golden hall.

After the court, Yang Yuxiong went straight to the harem, heading for Qixia Palace, the residence of Lady Liang. The servants knelt in greeting as he arrived. Yang Yuxiong signaled them to rise, then asked in a deep voice, “Where is Lady Liang?” Usually, she would come out to greet him the moment he arrived. Seeing no sign of her now, Yang Yuxiong’s face darkened.

“Your Majesty, the lady fainted upon hearing the news of the Second Prince’s capture. The imperial physician has just examined her—she was deeply shocked and remains unconscious,” replied an elderly matron.

“My beloved has fainted? Let me see her,” he said, entering the inner chamber. At the bedside, he found Lady Liang lying quietly, her face pale, eyes closed, and unaware of anything.

“Did the physician prescribe medicine? Why hasn’t it been brought for her to take?” Yang Yuxiong asked, feeling a pang of sympathy as he looked at Lady Liang.

“Your Majesty, the medicine is being prepared and will arrive soon,” the maids replied, hastening to fetch it from the kitchen.

Lady Liang drank the medicine, and soon after, she slowly regained consciousness. Opening her eyes, she saw Yang Yuxiong seated at her bedside. “Your Majesty,” she said, attempting to rise and pay her respects.

Yang Yuxiong quickly pressed her hand to keep her down, speaking gently, “Beloved, you need only rest; no need for ceremony.”

“Your Majesty, Qi’er…” Lady Liang’s words stopped as tears streamed down her face, her expression indescribably pitiful. She cast a reproachful glance at Yang Yuxiong; he had promised to call Qi’er back to the capital, but days had passed with no action. Had Qi’er been summoned earlier, he would already be in the capital and would never have been captured.

“Are you blaming me, beloved?” Yang Yuxiong frowned at her. He had always expected unquestioning obedience from women and could not tolerate reproach.

“Your servant dares not,” Lady Liang quickly lowered her head, hiding her discontent. When she looked up again, her expression was gentle and endearing. “Your Majesty acts with wisdom; how could I ever blame you? You care for Qi’er more than I do, and your heart is more anxious than mine,” she flattered him, speaking words of comfort.

“Beloved always understands me.” Lady Liang’s few words coaxed Yang Yuxiong into smiling, his mood brightening. “Rest assured, beloved. I have found Zhan Tianyi and dispatched him to the frontier. In a few days, Qi’er will return.”

“Your Majesty, is it true?” Lady Liang exclaimed, her excitement barely contained.

“When have I ever deceived you, beloved?”

“Your Majesty, you are so good to me.” Lady Liang hurriedly embraced Yang Yuxiong, pressing herself tightly into his arms.

“You aren’t angry with me anymore?” Yang Yuxiong laughed softly, gazing at the alluring woman in his embrace, his spirits soaring.

“Your Majesty…” Lady Liang called to him in a tender, soft voice, making Yang Yuxiong’s bones melt. Naturally, the two became intimate again.

“Someone, come here.” After Yang Yuxiong left, Lady Liang’s expression turned cold and stern. She summoned her attendants.

“Lady,” soon a man dressed in plain attire appeared.

“Send someone to the frontier and make sure Qi’er is well protected. These people will not let him return to Xiyuan easily; they would rather see him dead.” Lady Liang, after twenty years in the palace, understood well the ferocity of its power struggles. Surely, her rivals would seize this chance to eliminate her son.

“Yes, Lady.” The man accepted her orders and departed. Lady Liang rubbed her forehead, a flash of ruthlessness crossing her well-maintained face. Whoever dared harm her son would pay with their life. After twenty years of struggle, all her hopes were pinned on her son; she could not afford a single mistake when victory was within reach.

“Nanny Qian, tell me, that woman has been dead for so many years, yet he still refuses to make me empress. What is he thinking?” Lady Liang toyed with her fingers, speaking as if discussing the weather, questioning her trusted servant.

“Lady, this servant is slow-witted and cannot fathom the reason,” Nanny Qian replied respectfully. The emperor’s favor toward Lady Liang was obvious to all, yet the empress had been gone for over a decade, and he never spoke of appointing a new one. It was truly perplexing.

“Nanny, the emperor’s mind is deep indeed. Even I cannot guess his thoughts,” Lady Liang said, shaking her head. She believed her own schemes in the palace ran deep enough, always presenting an innocent facade, never losing control in front of others.

“Lady, rest assured. I believe the future emperor will surely be the Second Prince,” Nanny Qian flattered her.

“Let us hope so,” Lady Liang sighed softly.