Chapter 81: The Imperial Last Will Part 3

Compared to the silently anxious Wei Lingci, Xun Changqing was serene as a meditating monk, tilting her head toward outside. “The moon is just a sliver—it’s early. Entering the palace tomorrow is just following the crowd to mourn. Once the new emperor ascends, we return. What’s tiring about it?”

The nearby maid saw Wei Lingci’s expression cool and, frightened, dropped her weaving, curtsied, and hurried out, leaving master and disciple alone.

Wei Lingci saw her unmoved and, too lazy to speak, bent to scoop her up. Xun Changqing froze, then wrapped her arms around her neck, staring long, not missing even her fluttering lashes, yet still that cold allure.

“Miss Wei, why so gentle today? Feeling guilty over some scheme?”

She liked calling her Miss Wei in jest, like others, her voice soft and laced with sly delight. Wei Lingci lowered her gaze. “In your Princess Highness’s eyes, am I so vile?”

“Not really. Our Miss Wei is warm and considerate, empathetic—just too alluring to peaches.” Xun Changqing nestled in her arms, thought, then added solemnly, “Miss Wei is sometimes too profound, tells too many lies.”

In a few words, Wei Lingci was stripped bare. She placed her on the bed, leaned over to remove her shoes and socks, fetched a thin blanket from the cabinet, and tossed it over. “Sleep now, or I’ll sleep elsewhere. Tired of your nagging.”

What Xun Changqing feared most was this. Months apart, rare intimacy—she wouldn’t sleep alone. She lay down quietly. Moments later, Wei Lingci extinguished the lamps and lay down too.

She rolled a few times on the bed’s inner side, dissatisfied, then rolled back to Wei Lingci’s side, hands around her waist. “I can’t sleep. Will there be trouble tomorrow? You won’t say, but I feel you’re afraid.”

“There will be. Court affairs never go smoothly. But remember I’m here—you’ll be fine.” Though said so, Wei Lingci was uneasy too and dared not speak truth. The small body beside wriggled; she turned, pulling her into embrace, chin on her head—physical comfort better than words.

“Actually, tomorrow holds no great peril. Father Prince has prepared thoroughly.”

Wei Lingci softly acknowledged, not refuting, hugging tighter.

Xun Changqing felt breathless but unwilling to break silence. Her small hand crept to Wei Lingci’s chest, eyes closed awaiting success—only to be caught and returned. Unhappy, she said, “I still can’t sleep…”

“Then what do you want?”

“Kiss me, and I’ll be sleepy.”

Such a drunken reason. Wei Lingci smiled helplessly, in the dim yellow light kissing her trembling lashes, task done.

Xun Changqing remained dissatisfied. “Not there.”

Wei Lingci’s expression hardened. “Sleep.”

“You’re lying again…”

“You said kiss, not where. You’re unreasonable.”

Xun Changqing felt inexplicably wronged—just a few words short, exploited by Wei Lingci. Knowing she was at fault, she fell silent, only humming in protest.

…

In Splendid Clarity Palace, the emperor’s coffin rested in the main hall.

Everyone was panicked and restless. After paying respects, many ministers stood outside the hall. The late emperor’s intent was inscrutable, but all knew his heirs unfit for the throne. Thus, eyes fell on Pingnan Prince Xun Yi in white robes and fillets outside.

From the silent Splendid Clarity Palace exterior came faint chaotic footsteps, as if people hurried back and forth.

Xun Changqing stood under the corridor like a shadow. Wei Lingci stayed by her side. She glanced alternately at the hall interior and Xun Yi outside—the latter grave, unlike his usual resolute confidence.

At this point, her anxious heart knotted. Seeing the Wise Noble Consort approach slowly calmed her. What was done was done—fear changed nothing.

Not only the Wise Noble Consort arrived; Yuan Qingming too. She hid behind a deep red pillar until Wei Lingci pulled her into view. She grumbled, “Why drag me here? One glance from these schemers makes me uncomfortable.”

“Relax—no one’s minding you. Don’t you see everyone staring at Her Ladyship?”

“The Imperial Last Will is in her hands—naturally the center of attention.”

As words fell, Xun Yi entered the hall. Wei Lingci followed, then ministers, but none dared speak—a heavy breath might miss vital news.

The Wise Noble Consort, long master of the Rear Palace, held undeniable majesty. Silent a moment, standing before the coffin, her filial white not diminishing past splendor but adding domineering poise. She gazed around and said deeply, “The nation cannot be leaderless a day. The Previous Emperor did pen an Imperial Last Will personally, but he did not entrust it to this palace.”

The words ended—hall in uproar.

Xun Yi stood steady at center, motionless moments, while other ministers first stirred, whispering. In the corner, Wei Lingci and Xun Changqing watched quietly. The former suddenly said, “Note their expressions now to know their character. Those near Xun Yi—be extra cautious with them later.”

“Why?” Xun Changqing puzzled at the offhand remark. Just then, a minister couldn’t wait, suggesting Pingnan Prince act as regent until the Imperial Last Will was found and new emperor enthroned.

Words ended—half assented.

The Wise Noble Consort eyed those stepping forward, lips curving coldly. “I’m afraid that’s improper. Better find the Imperial Last Will first.”

“Your Ladyship, this subject searched the palace thoroughly—no trace.” Xun Yi bowed slightly. Yesterday, he ordered a day-and-night search—no clues. The Previous Emperor’s intent eluded him.

Xun Yi’s deference natural, neither arrogant nor impatient, made the Wise Noble Consort glance sideways—he was too composed. She didn’t rush to speak; the hall devolved into chaos, opinions flying. She subtly frowned, scanning, her gaze landing on cornered Wei Lingci and Xun Changqing, nodding slightly—stay calm.

Amid the din, unnoticed, Ning’an County Princess Wei Xiao in white quietly entered, proclaiming loudly, “The Imperial Last Will is here.”

Ministers turned as one—even Xun Yi looked back. Wei Xiao, who had exited unnoticed, reentered holding a bright yellow Imperial Last Will.

Hearts leaped to throats. She stepped forward slowly, offering it to Xun Yi with both hands. “Your Highness, as Xun clan elder now, you proclaiming it is most just.”

Xun Yi took it without demur, unease undisguised. Wei Xiao’s appearance too suspicious. Cautiously unfolding, black script confirmed Previous Emperor Xun Ziqian’s hand. Scanning, his gaze locked on ‘Imperial Daughter Xun Changqing’—fingers viciously pinching the precious yellow silk, teeth gritted against surging shock and fear.

He remained silent for a long time, merely veins of anger bulging on his flushed cheeks. The crowd had no idea what was going on when they heard Wei Xiao’s clear voice ring out: “The Previous Emperor’s will was to pass the throne to the Imperial Daughter Xun Changqing.”

No sooner had the words fallen than a young man leaped forward and accused her: “Absurd! Xun Changqing is my father’s youngest daughter—how did she become the Imperial Daughter? Ning’an County Princess, you forged the Imperial Last Will; that’s a crime punishable by the extermination of nine clans!”