Chapter 81: The Imperial Last Will Part 2

Xun Changqing tried to turn, but Wei Lingci held her waist. For some reason, Wei Lingci rubbed her nose against Xun Changqing’s cheek, her voice unusually soft and tender. “You’re the silliest in the world… Mother would do this because back then, she and His Majesty loved each other. When His Majesty took personal rule, she wanted him to abandon the throne and leave with her, but he refused and gave her up, marrying Shao Yun instead.”

“So that’s why she thinks I’d choose the throne like His Majesty. No wonder she pulled this—history repeating itself. Actually, His Majesty’s choice was right. After taking power, he became the parent of Great Qi’s people. How could he abandon them for personal affections? The County Princess has a willful nature and feared he’d betray her with a harem, hence her choice. His Majesty probably feared betraying her, so he eagerly married another. Loving yet unable to be together—that’s the greatest pain.”

She kissed Wei Lingci’s nose tip, her eyes joyful as she said seriously, “We won’t repeat their mistakes, okay? Just you and me for life—no others to interfere.”

Wei Lingci was moved, unable to suppress her emotions as she gazed at her, her voice carrying delight as she probed, “Changqing, if you became emperor, would the Rear Palace… have others?”

Xun Changqing immersed herself, her face slightly flushed like wine-drunken. “Of course not. You’re what I sought over two lifetimes. I won’t easily betray you.”

“Then I’ll believe you.” Wei Lingci chuckled lightly, released her slender waist, and led her toward the County Princess Mansion.

At the County Princess Mansion gate, someone balked, tugging Wei Lingci back a few steps, cautiously saying, “Wei Lingci, your mother will chase me out. Though she helped me last time, I’m still scared. The County Princess even dares mock my father prince—there’s nothing in the world she wouldn’t do.”

Wei Lingci couldn’t help laughing. “Then go back. You can’t cross this threshold anyway.”

With that, she left Xun Changqing behind and stepped over the mansion’s threshold alone. Xun Changqing spun pitifully in place, looking both wretched and adorable, making Wei Lingci double over in laughter. She relented, “Mother is in the palace today, not at home. How did your brain fail to turn that corner?”

Xun Changqing realized belatedly. With the County Princess’s old ties to His Majesty, she certainly wouldn’t stay home. She patted her rotten head and strode over the threshold, glaring at the one laughing at her. “Wei Lingci, you’re a liar!”

The County Princess Mansion differed from the Pingnan Prince’s Mansion—everyone here belonged to Wei Lingci, so they ignored the pair’s playful tussle. They ran about for a bit before Xun Changqing clung to Wei Lingci’s back, arms around her neck, emotionally saying, “Wei Lingci, I really like you, you liar.”

…

During the national mourning, the deep palace was all white as far as the eye could see.

The day was clear, the night moon hung high, but from Radiant Benevolence Palace’s corridor, looking up, the crescent moon was obscured by dark clouds, leaking only faint halos. The courtyard lacked moonlight glow, everything hazy. With His Majesty’s passing, the silence carried eeriness, hinting at lurking danger.

Palace servants added more lamps to the main hall, its orange glow warm and bright, the luxurious bedroom a different scene.

Wise Noble Consort Gu Liangrou selected a few booklets to read, instructing her trusted palace servant, “Replace everything in Thousand Autumns Hall near Departing Eternal Origin Hall. The new emperor likely dislikes ornate, dull furnishings. How are the Coronation Robes for the new emperor?”

“This servant ordered them rushed and finished without delay. Your Ladyship, rest a bit. You’ve been busy all day. Tomorrow, the new emperor will move in and share the burden,” Qingyao took the tea cup from a servant and handed it to the Wise Noble Consort, a trace of unease crossing her heart. “Your Ladyship, will tomorrow succeed? His Majesty didn’t even leave you the Imperial Last Will.”

The candle wick on the table jumped with a crackle. Unminded to drink the tea, the Wise Noble Consort set it down and said calmly, “His Majesty arranged everything properly—no need to worry. As for the Imperial Last Will, it will appear tomorrow. Later, send someone to look after Ning’an County Princess.”

Qingyao softly assented. As she turned, she saw Pingnan Prince striding in and cleverly stepped aside to wait.

The Wise Noble Consort smiled accordingly. “Your Highness, coming at this hour—what important matter?”

Xun Yi slightly bowed, then straightened, his gaze falling on the booklets on the table, scrutinizing them closely. His eyes were like arrows, instantly discerning they were feminine furnishings.

“Your Highness, do you have business?” Seeing him silent, the Wise Noble Consort gently reminded.

Xun Yi snapped back. “Court affairs are settled. Tomorrow at the mourning hall, the Previous Emperor’s Imperial Last Will must be proclaimed to enthrone the new sovereign. Thus, I come to inquire—where is the Imperial Last Will? Prepare early to prevent chaos.”

In such extraordinary times, no visit was trivial. The well-prepared Wise Noble Consort slowly shook her head, feigning confusion and surprise. “Did His Majesty not give it to you before his passing?”

“No. This subject asked the two prime ministers—they don’t know either. Hence, I disturb you.”

“This palace doesn’t manage court affairs. Your Highness seeks the wrong person. Since none know, wait until tomorrow—someone will proclaim it then.”

Her words deflected masterfully, her calm expression dispelling Xun Yi’s doubts. Without further words, he turned and left.

Qingyao let out a quiet breath, patting her chest in relief, her face tense. “Your Ladyship, where is the Imperial Last Will exactly? Does it differ from your arrangements?”

“No. This palace saw His Majesty write it personally, though to whom he entrusted it, he didn’t tell me.” The Wise Noble Consort lifted the now-tepid tea cup, sipping lightly, her demeanor warm and confident.

…

When the crescent moon became half, it finally emerged from the dark clouds, spilling silver glow everywhere. Outside was tension like drawn swords, but the County Princess Mansion remained serene.

Xun Changqing sat in the small room watching an idle maid weave knots. Her fingers flipped nimbly, forming a flower knot—dexterous and clever. Xun Changqing watched for a long time, reluctant to leave, and the maid, seeing her interest, dared not return to her quarters.

This was the tranquil scene Wei Lingci found when she arrived.

She poked Xun Changqing’s forehead, utterly helpless, a faint, ethereal melancholy beneath her calm face. “You must enter the palace tomorrow, yet you won’t sleep? When do you plan to rest?”

In heartlessness, no one surpassed the one before her.