Chapter 345: Fate Already Sealed

The chief eunuch in the hall kept his gaze lowered, trailing the slow, meandering movements of the calico cat on the floor. Her tail swayed as she leisurely crawled forward, pausing briefly to glance up at a high-ranking eunuch before continuing.

As she passed by the eunuch’s feet, her body brushed against his robe, causing its hem to sway. Instantly captivated by the movement, she raised a paw and swiped at it twice with lightning speed.

She then circled a nearby pillar, her curiosity leading her in loops before she wandered aimlessly across the center of the grand hall. Her gait wobbled slightly, as if she were drunk.

When she encountered a palace maid carrying a tray of dishes, she instinctively crouched low in a cautious posture, observing the maid with upturned eyes. After a moment, she dashed away, sprinting out of their path like a streak of lightning.

The empress loved cats and kept several of her own. But she had never seen one as intelligent or striking as this.

Few people knew about tonight’s banquet hosted by the emperor. Yet, if word of the discussions within Changle Palace were to spread, countless people would be willing to pay fortunes for even a fragment of the information.

However, there were few present to hear it.

The prime minister of the current dynasty wielded little power. Previously, much of the authority had been in the hands of the State Preceptor. The prime ministers were traditionally not men of great ability; their primary qualification was loyalty to the emperor, serving as a counterbalance to the Preceptor.

Now that the State Preceptor had left court for pressing matters, the prime minister lacked the capability to assume full authority, leaving the administrative powers of the six ministries fragmented. His continued role as prime minister was owed solely to his loyalty.

The prime minister, naturally, would not betray the confidentiality of tonight’s discussions.

Others often sought to bribe palace eunuchs, especially in the past one or two years.

Yet, despite the emperor’s advanced age, his residual authority remained potent. To the eunuchs, who had witnessed him weather countless storms and emerge victorious every time, his prestige was unshakable. They believed he could still command any situation, leaving them no courage for disloyalty.

For all the gravity of the matters at hand, neither the prime minister nor the eunuchs were as serene or carefree as the calico cat wandering and playing in the hall.

“Then, I must first ask Your Majesty,” the Daoist replied.

“Oh?”

“Three years ago, Your Majesty spoke with me and stated confidently that you knew Chen Ziyi harbored no rebellious intentions. What is Your Majesty's current view on this matter?”

The prime minister, who had been quietly eating, unconsciously set down his chopsticks and glanced at the Daoist across the table.

The eunuchs collectively lowered their heads, feigning ignorance of the conversation.

The chief eunuch, however, continued watching the calico cat.

He saw that the cat had wandered to the emperor's table. Sensing something unusual, she turned her head and curiously scanned the hall, finding nothing amiss. Then, shaking her head as if dismissing her suspicions, she moved closer.

Soon, she was by the emperor's feet. None of the eunuchs stopped her—not because this particular cat was extraordinary, but because the emperor was known for his tolerance. In such an informal setting, even a regular palace cat from the harem would be allowed to approach him.

The elderly emperor raised his gaze to meet that of the young Daoist. “In the current world, who would dare rebel under my rule?”

Three years ago, the emperor might have spoken these words with even greater firmness. Today, his tone carried no less confidence.

Bolstered by the recent northern victory—a monumental achievement—his words sounded even more credible to the prime minister and the eunuchs.

The Daoist pursed his lips but refrained from responding directly. Instead, he asked, “Does Your Majesty suspect that Chen Ziyi harbors rebellious intentions but refrains from acting under your suppression?”

“

Sigh...

”

The emperor let out a deep sigh.

“The world is complicated. How can one man alone decide everything? Just as I, though an emperor, often find myself constrained, so too are all emperors throughout history. Even the sovereign who built this palace could not dictate every brick and tile. How much less can the one who merely sits within it?”

From this, Song You discerned that the emperor still believed Chen Ziyi harbored no rebellion.

“Then what does Your Majesty wish to ask? I will speak freely.”

“There is no one in this world whom I trust more than you, sir,” the emperor said.

“Then please, ask away,” the Daoist replied.

“You have been to the northern garrison. What is your assessment of its state?”

“Great Yan is currently at its peak, and the people take great pride in being its citizens. The soldiers in the northern garrison share this sentiment,” Song You replied truthfully. “In my observation, the army is composed of many loyal and righteous individuals.”

“I hear that Chen Ziyi commands absolute obedience in the army?”

“General Chen holds immense authority and respect,” Song You answered candidly. “He has also extensively recruited northern martial artists to balance the influence of the military aristocracy. Over years of relentless campaigns, this has forged the northern garrison into an elite, battle-hardened force. General Chen is undeniably the heart of the army.”

The prime minister lifted his eyes toward them.

This was a double-edged sword.

If Chen Ziyi, who commanded this formidable force, remained loyal to the emperor, it would amplify the emperor's power to its zenith. But if he turned his forces southward, the consequences would be catastrophic.

The emperor on the main seat asked further, “Do you know who would replace Chen Ziyi in leading the northern garrison should he return to the capital?”

“His cousins, Chen Yi and Chen Bukui, would act as commander, with Advisor Zhang assisting him,” Song You answered.

“What of Chen Bukui?”

“Brave and loyal, respected in the army—similar to General Chen, though not equal to him.”

“Do you know, sir, that when I summoned Chen Ziyi to court, I actually summoned them both?”

“Who would willingly walk toward their death?” Song You lifted his gaze to the elderly emperor.

Surely, the emperor understood this truth all too well.

The emperor fell silent, as expected.

“Sigh...”

“Why does Your Majesty sigh?”

“I know that Chen Ziyi is unparalleled in bravery and no less loyal than he is courageous. But I am old and can only hold on for so much longer. People's hearts are fickle. Chen Ziyi is just over thirty. Today, he revels in the thrill of the battlefield, the glory of his triumphs, and has no treasonous intentions. But will he remain the same in the years to come?” The emperor looked directly at Song You.

He continued, “I may trust him now and fear him not, and I can choose not to kill him. But can my descendants be as discerning? And what will Chen Ziyi become by then?”

“That is too great a question for me. Perhaps my master’s master, Daoist Tiansuan, could answer it, but I cannot,” Song You replied after a brief pause. “However, I do know something, and Your Majesty knows it too.”

“Go on.”

“Great Yan is presently enjoying an unprecedented golden age. Your Majesty's renown and authority echo across the four seas, even within the border armies. Yet, if General Chen does not return to the north, his loyal northern garrison would undoubtedly rally under Chen Bukui and the military advisor, marching southward.”

Song You’s tone was calm but firm. “Even if other provincial forces do not respond, chaos would erupt in the north, wasting this elite force. And at that point, the empire would face a catastrophic disaster, with corpses strewn across the land.”

“...”

The emperor’s expression shifted slightly.

He had already considered this possibility, but having it voiced so plainly was different. Thoughts that remained internal were one thing; hearing them mirrored in someone else’s words was another.

“We were just speaking of history, of the emperors of previous dynasties and their affairs. It’s fascinating, really.”

“What fascinates you?”

“Some traditions persist, almost as if alive,” Song You remarked. “For instance, the founding of the previous dynasty was fraught with internal strife among the royal family, and this pattern continued with their descendants as if it were a curse, steeping every succession in blood until the dynasty fell.

“The Wei Dynasty was known for its indulgence, and over the centuries, its people became reckless and frenzied. The Yao Dynasty started strong but gradually grew dismissive of military strength, favoring scholars over soldiers. They were wary of military officers. For generations, they lacked a formidable army and suffered defeats everywhere.”

“You’re right,” the emperor said with a faint smile.

This perspective was new to him.

The more complex a power structure became, the more it feared mistakes. The tendency toward conservatism in large families and royal households was even stronger than people might imagine, making change and innovation require even greater courage. As a result, the actions of predecessors often had an influence on their descendants far beyond expectations, potentially establishing a new tradition.

But it was always a gamble.

From below, Song You observed the emperor with a calm gaze, understanding that this monarch would not make decisions based on a few words. Advice from others would only tilt the scales slightly in one direction.

Yet he also could see that this emperor had already leaned toward a decision before tonight. It had not been finalized nor spoken aloud.

His words might accelerate the process, and with speed came fewer variables. No matter what, it was a good thing.

“It seems that you hold General Chen in high regard,” the prime minister interjected, raising his cup with a smile in a gesture of toast toward the Daoist.

“General Chen is a commander for the ages. Anyone aware of his deeds, whether from past or future generations, would find it hard not to admire him. I’ve even heard that among the upright individuals in the vast grasslands of the northern frontier, even among our enemies, General Chen is deeply respected,” Song You said with a smile, raising his cup in return.

He added, “But I must say, I am not one to tell lies. Everything I’ve said tonight is the truth.”

The prime minister smiled faintly and set his cup down.

His eyes unconsciously flickered toward the elderly emperor’s murky gaze, and a sudden chill ran through him, causing him to tremble slightly.

The Daoist shook his head with a knowing smile.

The emperor, too, appeared disheartened.

After a long pause, the emperor finally looked at the Daoist and asked, “Would the heir of Hidden Dragon Temple of this generation truly bear to witness the great calamity of the world, with corpses strewn across the land?”

“Even the most indifferent of our heirs, those least concerned with worldly affairs, would not bear to witness such a scene,” Song You replied candidly.

“Your words, sir, put my mind somewhat at ease,” the emperor said, though he sighed deeply again. “I can spare Chen Ziyi and let him return to the north. But I have only a few years left to live. Who can predict what changes the future holds?”

The prime minister, hearing this, understood that the decision had already been made.

“With the empire prosperous and at peace, someone like Chen Ziyi would not easily turn to treachery unless forced,” Song You said. “Your Majesty’s forbearance is truly commendable. If this magnanimity can be passed down to your successors and to the future generations, fostering trust between rulers and officials in the future, it would be even better.”

“Shall I act based on trust alone?” the emperor asked.

“Your Majesty is broad-minded, and General Chen is not one to cling to power,” Song You replied. “Just a few days ago, General Chen sought me out again and mentioned that with the northern campaigns concluded, it would be inappropriate for him to continue commanding all five northern garrisons. He expressed a desire to relinquish command of three garrisons. I believe he will come to Your Majesty with this proposal in the coming days.”

“Managing all five garrisons must indeed be exhausting,” the emperor said, waving his hand. “Letting him shoulder less responsibility would be good.”

“Our prosperity is hard-won. Let us hope it endures for a long time.”

“Sir, you truly care for the worries of the world,” the emperor said.

“I am but a humble Daoist of the wilderness. Your Majesty’s heart cares for the world, and that is enough,” Song You replied with a shake of his head. “However, during my travels in the north, I saw the hardships there. In places like Yuezhou, even now, the land is littered with exposed bones, and the countryside is silent with no sound of roosters crowing. I truly hope no other prefectures will suffer the same fate.”

The prime minister had lowered his head, remaining silent.

The chief eunuch also kept his head bowed, his attention fixed on the calico cat.

The cat had just circled the emperor, curiously observing the man who held the greatest power under heaven. After a while, finding it uninteresting, she wandered to the door. Now, she stood on her hind legs, paws resting on the threshold as she peered outside.

𝙛𝒓𝓮𝒆𝔀𝒆𝙗𝓷𝒐𝙫𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝓶

Occasionally, when the Daoist spoke, she would glance back at him, her demeanor making it seem as if this were not the imperial palace, nor a grand imperial banquet, but merely her own little home, and this gathering a dull soirée hosted by the Daoist.