Chapter 101: Resolve to Change

Liu Li stood on the city tower, gazing far into the distance. Here, the magnificent scenery of rivers and mountains unfolded before him, along with the bustling streets alive with carriages and horses. The entire vista of Beihua lay spread out beneath his feet, yet it was veiled in a layer of ash and shadowed by a faint trace of melancholy.

Could the empire be so captivating? For its sake, his mother had lost her true self, discarded benevolence and righteousness, ignored the dictates of human ethics, and failed to distinguish right from wrong. If this affair truly stemmed from her doing, how would he ever face it? In her eyes, was he not even worth the benevolence and love she might extend?

Liu Li's heart grew heavy with a gray pall, as though dusted over with the lingering ash of the previous night. Ever since he had been able to remember such things, he had sensed that the Empress Dowager was overly obsessed with power. Yet he had naively believed her satisfaction with that power would suffice. Thus, he had never competed for influence, never rebelled, only wishing to see her content and return to her proper place. But she had moved further and further away, lost upon an uncertain path.

Guilt weighed upon his heart, and he had begun performing small acts to counsel his mother, to halt her descent and mend the welfare of the empire and its people.

It was not until repeated strange and troubling incidents arose that Liu Li realized Beihua's court politics was far more complex than he had imagined. He bore greater responsibilities and heavier pressures than he had ever known. Many others had whispered dark secrets to him, pointing out the Empress Dowager as the hidden mastermind with clear evidence. He could not bear to brand his own mother with the label of utter ruthlessness, yet he required the truth, and all must know it.

This time, he could no longer remain a bystander!

Just as the thought formed, a dark silhouette appeared in the dim, gray dawn. Gao Hai approached from afar.

"How did it go?"

"Your Majesty, it is done. When do we proceed?"

"Eight hours have already passed. I wonder how Fengxing fares on that side."

The words had scarcely faded when Liu Li spotted a strange butterfly fluttering toward him, its wings fluttering with an unsettling familiarity.

"It is Miss Qu's spirit butterfly. She must have already met with Fengxing. We shall go at once."

Last night, Liu Li had proposed an autopsy, for the coroner could discover no trace of poison. Yet the Empress Dowager and Liu Zhong had unanimously declared the deceased most important, insisting that the body need not be opened, and that other methods might yet be found.

Liu Zhong said, "The remains of my mother are mine to decide. We must not let her suffer further harm. Moreover, since I already know the truth, there is no need to act upon my mother. To clear your own name, you may pursue the matter elsewhere."

The Empress Dowager replied, "Shu Taifei loved cleanliness above all in her lifetime. She feared pain so deeply that a single needle prick would bring endless tears. How could she ever tolerate such cruel and disrespectful dissection? Furthermore, rumor has it that the dead must remain whole to appear before the King of Hell, that they may then be reborn into a fortunate family. Your Majesty, if you truly pity Shu Taifei, you must not press the point."

Liu Li lacked the strength to argue forcefully, and he knew the medicine bottle in his hand carried its own strange significance. He therefore withdrew his insistence.

In truth, the autopsy had been nothing more than a test to observe the Empress Dowager's choice. It had only chilled his heart further.

The most chilling revelation came when Shu Taifei's words were confirmed: the Empress Dowager had indeed chosen to bury her at the first light of dawn, for that was the most auspicious moment. Any delay would have required waiting seven full days.

With a heart heavy with grief and indignation, Liu Li had enlisted the aid of Fengxing and Yu Qixian to contact Ling'er. The answer to this affair must come from those of Lanxin Pavilion at the dawning hour.

Gao Hai stationed Fengxing at the door, then carried Shu Taifei's remains into the chamber and laid the body reverently before Ling'er for examination.

"Every step calculated, every motive ingenious, every detail airtight. Someone moved with purpose. This is no accident; it is a carefully laid plot."

Ling'er sighed softly, then drew the veil aside to inspect Shu Taifei's form. "Indeed, the medicine came from Pingliang, yet how could she possess it?"

Liu Li was stunned. He gripped the medicine bottle tightly in his hand.

"What does Miss Qu intend?"

Ling'er removed the veil and turned to him. "As the sovereign of Beihua, do you truly not know the affairs between Pingliang and your realm?"

Liu Li pondered for a long moment, then asked in astonishment, "Pingliang and Beihua ceased hostilities years ago, exchanging yearly tribute and securing lasting peace. Is there more beneath that surface?"

Ling'er shook her head with a sigh. "How unfortunate. Even you are unaware. It seems your mother does not trust you. Strange woman that she is..."

Liu Li exhaled heavily, the pain in his heart familiar and crushing.

Ling'er shook off her melancholy and regarded Liu Li's troubled face, her own heart stirring faintly. "Very well. Seeing you so wretched, this girl will tell you."

"Thank you, Miss."

Ling'er smiled gently, thinking, If I could not bear to witness a handsome man's sorrow, I would never have softened my heart.

Gao Hai stepped forward and extended his hand. "Your Majesty, this is poison. Why carry it with you? Allow me to take it."

"I have not opened it; it should be safe."

"Give it here." Ling'er snatched the bottle from Liu Li's grasp and examined it closely, turning it over and over. "Fortunately you did not hand it over. Otherwise, that person would have died with their eyes wide open."

"What do you mean by that?"

"This medicine is a tribute from Pingliang's imperial court, rarer and more precious than the snow lotus of Tianshan. Only the Pingliang royal family has seen it, and the sole authority rests with the sovereign. To hold such an item is to stand in deep friendship with the Pingliang king. Having first failed to clear the charge of murder, you would now be branded an accomplice to rebellion. No one could protect you, and seeking revenge would prove impossible."

"Is that so? If the medicine is indeed so precious, what effect does it hold? Why did Shu Taifei wish to possess it?"

Gao Hai leaned close and lowered his voice. "Your Majesty, have you not wondered why Shu Taifei suddenly changed her mind? It could have ended you. The second prince would then have ascended the throne."

Ling'er laughed for a long time before the tension in the air finally eased. "The case teems with doubts, yet once you understand that the Empress Dowager provided this medicine, everything will fall into place."

Liu Li stood frozen, unable to escape the crushing weight of grief.

"Your Majesty, this is the Empress Dowager's scheme. She feared you would learn the truth of old. She has been preparing this vicious trap for a long time—first to win the second prince, then to draw you in. You must guard your words and deeds with utmost care."

"I thought Mother was merely..."

"Without the great authority of the emperor, you cannot even retain your titles. Spare me your tangled relations. I think survival is what matters now." Ling'er smiled and began to gather her things. "Sort your affairs carefully. I must be going."

"Miss, there is one more matter I would ask you to confirm."

Ling'er nodded, smiling. "Speak."

"Does the Empress Dowager hold any transaction or alliance with the Pingliang king?"

Ling'er paused, then nodded. "As one of Pingliang, I do not wish it, yet this arrangement serves the cause of peace. I hope your mother will not treat Pingliang as a mere pawn."

Liu Li inclined his head. "May Miss travel safely."

"Since I have received your favor, I shall tell you one more thing."

"What is it?" Liu Li longed to know, yet feared the answer.

Ling'er indicated Shu Taifei. "The true rarity of this medicine lies in its power to awaken the dead."

"What?" Liu Li looked at her in astonishment.

"Ten hours of apparent death, yet the sleeper must be called back."

"How is that done?"

Ling'er avoided his expectant gaze. "Do not ask. Even if you offered me greater rewards, I would not reveal the method. Besides, it is useless now. She has already been sealed at the acupoints. It was done when she was buried, and no one can undo it. She will not wake."

Liu Li gazed at Shu Taifei with horror and shame, a wave of pain crashing over him. "It is all my fault. Had I been present, you might have awakened by now. I went to her in hope, yet returned empty-handed."

"Seeing you suffer thus, perhaps I should have kept silent."

"No. Thank you, Miss, for your guidance." Liu Li drew a breath and fixed his gaze on Shu Taifei with resolve. "Only by confronting reality directly can I escape my own hesitation and doubt, and truly see my mother's face and the path I must walk."

Ling'er smiled with satisfaction. "Well chosen. I did not aid the wrong person. Though you cannot save her, you may yet save the souls of the realm. Beihua has many innocent lives. Do not let them perish in vain."

Liu Li bowed in salute. "I shall remember. Thank you, Miss."

"Remember our pact."

After Ling'er departed, Liu Li remained for some time, speaking at length to Shu Taifei.

Gao Hai glanced at the sky and approached with gentle counsel. "Your Majesty, spare yourself this sorrow. We must return. We should bury Shu Taifei at once."

"Where shall she rest? She would surely prefer not to return to the imperial mausoleum."

Gao Hai pondered, then summoned Fengxing. "Fengxing, you know this region well. Shu Taifei shall be entrusted to your care."

Fengxing nodded. "I will see her laid to rest with honor."

"Then I shall escort the Emperor back. Once you have finished, return at once."

"Yes."