Chapter 80: Princess Changle Assumes Regency
The next day, Yan Xuerui awoke to find the spot beside her on the bed long cold. Indeed, Gu Yan had always been diligent in his court duties; even during his days off at the marquisate, he was never to be seen in the mornings.
Yan Xuerui lowered her gaze and summoned Bi He to attend to her toilette. The commotion from the previous night had been considerable, and Bi He, who had been on watch outside, had naturally heard it. Having narrowly escaped death at Gu Yan's hands, she trembled at the mere sight of Grand Tutor Gu and dared not intrude.
Her thick, lustrous hair was deftly woven into an elaborate coiffure by Bi He's nimble fingers. As she pinned a sapphire-blue kingfisher-feathered pearl hairpin into Yan Xuerui's hair, she softly inquired, "Your Highness, does this hairpin please you?"
Yan Xuerui tilted her neck, gazing at her reflection in the bronze mirror, remaining silent for a long moment. Bi He, thinking she was displeased, hastily produced several mutton-fat jade hairpins for her selection.
"Your Highness, please examine these."
Bi He was anxious and uncertain. Madam Yan had always favored simple, elegant attire; her natural beauty, like a lotus emerging from clear water, required no elaborate clothing or headwear. However, since becoming Princess Changle, she often wore the princess's ceremonial robes, adorned with shimmering gold threads that exuded solemn grandeur, naturally necessitating gold-inlaid, kingfisher-feathered, gem-studded hairpins and step-shakers.
Clothes make the man. Imperceptibly, Yan Xuerui had shed much of her former frailty and illness, gaining instead an alluring and authoritative presence.
Yan Xuerui suddenly spoke, "There's a hairpin in the secret compartment by my bed. Fetch it for me."
Bi He possessed a singular virtue: she obeyed her mistress without question. She retrieved the magnificent phoenix hairpin Yan Xuerui had kept and fastened it into her hair, unable to suppress a heartfelt exclamation, "Your Highness, you are truly beautiful!"
Yan Xuerui gazed at her reflection for a long time, recalling Gu Yan's words from the previous night, spoken in the throes of passion.
Though she had been tending to her young son at the estate these past days, she was by no means oblivious to the outside world. She had instructed the people Gu Yan had left with her to gather intelligence from the capital. The Emperor was gravely ill, and the Crown Prince was overseeing the state. Maintaining the current tranquility demanded Gu Yan's utmost effort, leaving him stretched thin.
He had come specifically to convey this matter.
Yan Xuerui caressed the raised phoenix head and asked, "Is it truly beautiful?"
Bi He nodded emphatically. The Princess's hair was raven-black and lustrous, piled high like clouds, and such a magnificent phoenix hairpin adorned it without overshadowing her beauty.
Thinking Yan Xuerui might be concerned about the hairpin exceeding regulations, Bi He reassured her, "It looks splendid on Your Highness. Besides, we aren't leaving the estate, so it will remain our secret. No one will know."
Yan Xuerui remained silent, seemingly acquiescing to Bi He's words. She rose, her long skirt trailing, and ordered the removal of the traps set within the estate. She then had Zhilu brought to her, fed him, and held him in her arms, playfully teasing him.
She had given birth to her youngest son in the first month of the year, and in the blink of an eye, he was almost one year old. When she bore him, she only felt the hardship; how could she have foreseen this day?
Zhilu, unaware of what lay ahead, gurgled and cooed, his chubby little arms waving as he tried to grasp the tassels dangling from the phoenix's beak in his mother's hair.
"You little rascal, you certainly know what's good."
Yan Xuerui laughed in surprise, removing the newly pinned phoenix hairpin. She didn't give it to him but playfully dangled it just out of his reach. Zhilu was too energetic; the entire household revolved around the tiny figure. Only when he was tired and asleep would there be some peace.
Mother and son enjoyed a warm, harmonious moment in the tranquil room, filled with peace and serenity.
...
A few more days passed, and Gu Yan still did not visit the Princess's estate. However, as the New Year approached, he sent several cartloads of provisions—food, supplies, and a peacock-feather cloak woven with gold threads, shimmering like emeralds and gemstones, radiating a golden, jade-like brilliance under the light. It was said to be a tribute from a distant province, and Gu Yan, finding it unique, specifically sent it for the Princess's enjoyment.
Though he was absent, his gifts arrived frequently, making it impossible for Yan Xuerui to forget him. Thus, the hundred-day banquet at the Eastern Palace arrived. In the depths of winter, sharp icicles hung from the eaves of the Eastern Palace's red walls and green tiles. Inside, the hall was festively adorned with lanterns and decorations, casting a cold, brilliant light.
Yan Xuerui sat slightly to the side at the head of the hall, clad in a vibrant red palace gown woven with golden phoenix patterns. Her hair was piled high, adorned with the exquisite golden phoenix-and-pearl hairpin Gu Yan had sent. Her skin was fairer than snow, her cloud-like hair intricately styled. Too many legends surrounded Princess Changle, and now she wore a phoenix hairpin that openly defied regulations, drawing many surreptitious glances.
Back at the marquis's estate during the Flower-Viewing Banquet, she would have cowered under such scrutiny, but now she remained as serene as still water. Her slender fingers idly twirled a thin-walled white jade cup, allowing various gazes to speculate without betraying any emotion.
She was unconcerned, but someone else was.
Both were uninvited guests at this banquet. Out of deference to Yan Xuerui's royal status, the Crown Prince treated her with courtesy. However, for Gu Yan, who had arrived without an invitation, his seat, though not at the very end, was, whether intentionally or not, deliberately separated from Yan Xuerui.
His view was obstructed by a massive pillar, allowing him to see only the astonished expressions of others, but not his Rui'er. Gu Yan's stern face grew increasingly grim as he silently drank. Suddenly, he slammed his wine cup onto the table with a sound neither too loud nor too soft, yet sufficient to draw everyone's attention.
The Crown Prince, seated at the head of the table, flinched and quickly set down his cup. "What troubles Grand Tutor?"
The Crown Prince wore a purple-gold crown; his handsome face was refined and amiable, yet it could not conceal the deep exhaustion in his eyes. Though he was titled Crown Prince and tasked by the Emperor with overseeing the state, in reality, by the time memorials reached him, Gu Yan had already dispatched them to the Six Ministries for processing. Those that moved swiftly had already been handled, leaving him feeling frustrated in his role as regent.
But above him was Gu Yuan guarding the northwest, and below him were Gu Minglan's marital ties to the Western Rong. Even the Emperor could not control Gu Yan. The Crown Prince had been tutored by Gu Yan since childhood. In his heart, Grand Tutor Gu was like a steadfast mountain. Once, Gu Yan had shielded him from adversity; now that they were adversaries, he was utterly terrified of Grand Tutor Gu.
Even when dealing with Gu Yan, he only dared to employ petty tactics to annoy him, all while fearing his wrath and secretly observing his reactions.
The Crown Prince composed himself and said, "This Prince thought the Grand Tutor had been exhausted recently, so I did not prepare a seat for him. Grand Tutor, you came uninvited. Are you blaming this Prince?"
"I dare not."
Gu Yan smiled without warmth, refilled his cup, and raised it from afar, saying, "Your subject proposes a toast to Your Highness, congratulating you on the Imperial Grandson's hundred-day celebration. May the Imperial Grandson enjoy long-lasting blessings and eternal nobility."
The Crown Prince grew even more suspicious. He had been unsettled all day, feeling as though something momentous was about to occur.
Before he could formulate a response, Gu Yan continued on his own, "Speaking of which, the Imperial Grandson is truly a blessed individual."
The Crown Prince's expression grew wary. "How so?"
Grand Tutor Gu held immense sway in court. At this moment, no one had the mind to admire beauties; even Yan Xuerui's gaze was unconsciously drawn to Gu Yan. Gu Yan smiled faintly, as if discussing something trivial, and then dropped a bombshell.
"Your subject received news today, which is why I arrived somewhat late."
His gaze was dark and sharp, sweeping around the room before finally settling on the Crown Prince's handsome face, making the Crown Prince squirm.
The corner of his mouth curved slightly as he said, "His Majesty has awakened."
The music and chatter had ceased at some unknown point. The Imperial Grandson's hundred-day banquet, attended by nearly all civil and military officials, now resembled the Imperial Court itself.
In the profound silence, Gu Yan adjusted his robes and headwear, rose, walked to the center of the hall, and withdrew a bright yellow imperial edict from his wide sleeve.
"Hear the decree."
His cold voice pierced through the entire palace, striking every heart. The crowd knelt as one. Gu Yan lowered his gaze and declared, "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor proclaims: I have reigned for decades, toiling day and night... Now, my vigor wanes daily. I ordered the Crown Prince to oversee the state to inherit the great lineage."
"However, the Crown Prince has acted recklessly, disregarding propriety and law, neglecting his personal virtue, and deceiving his sovereign father, proving unfit to rule. With a heavy heart, after repeated deliberation, I hereby abolish the Crown Prince's position."
"My prolonged illness is difficult to cure. With the Crown Prince abolished, the state cannot be without a ruler for even a day. The Imperial Grandson Xuan Yi has just reached his first year. Yet, the Imperial Astronomer has determined that this child bears the dragon's qi, chosen by fate. I decree to pass the throne to him. All ministers shall assist the young ruler and protect the nation together."
"The new ruler is young. His mother, Princess Changle, is virtuous and understanding, possessing the qualities of a maternal paragon. I specially appoint Princess Changle to assist in governance and oversee the state until the new ruler comes of age to rule personally. Announce this to the world, so all may know."
"Thus it is decreed—"
Gu Yan closed the edict. One piece of news after another left everyone stunned and speechless.
The Emperor had abolished the Crown Prince and passed the throne to an infant who couldn't even speak?
Had they misheard? It would take at least a decade for a child to grow up. Princess Changle was a woman of the inner chambers—what kind of governance was she supposed to assist with?
To be honest, if Gu Yan had suddenly smashed his cup as a signal, ordered the Eastern Palace surrounded, donned the imperial yellow robes, and declared himself emperor, it would have felt more real than this. There were too many inconsistencies, and for a moment, no one knew where to begin.
The Crown Prince rose, his face purple with fury, and roared, "Gu Yan, how dare you forge an imperial decree!"
He pointed at Gu Yan, his hands trembling with rage. "Guards! Seize this treasonous scoundrel spouting nonsense!"
The Eastern Palace had imperial guards and soldiers exclusive to the Crown Prince, but at this moment, they seemed deaf. Not a single person entered. Gu Yan chuckled lightly. The Black Armor Army that Gu Yuan had left him before departing—if not now, then when would he use it?
After a long wait with no sign of anyone, the Crown Prince exploded in thunderous rage. His purple-gold crown fell off, his hair disheveled, making him look like a madman as he pointed at Gu Yan and shouted angrily:
"Gu Yan, Heaven’s justice is plain for all to see—are you trying to fool the whole world?"
"Absurd... utterly ridiculous. Who’s going to believe this?"
"If you’re bold enough to rebel, why not admit it?"
"Even if you kill me today, you will remain a traitor, forever condemned in the annals of history!"
At this moment, the Crown Prince had cast aside all dignity. His eyes were bloodshot, his voice hoarse from shouting: "All the loyal officials in this court, all the people of this land—who would tolerate a fraud like you, who tricks the world for fame!"
Breathing heavily, the Crown Prince looked around frantically, then in a rage, he snatched a decorative, blunt precious sword from the wall and pointed it at Gu Yan. "I’ll fight you—"
Clearly, the pampered Crown Prince was no match for Grand Tutor Gu, who trained relentlessly day and night. Gu Yan didn’t even bother to look at him—he knew exactly what his former student was capable of.
With a light step, Gu Yan evaded him. The Crown Prince stumbled and fell without even touching the hem of Gu Yan’s robe. Without even looking his way, Gu Yan walked directly to Yan Xuerui and gently helped her up.
Their eyes met. Yan Xuerui’s beautiful eyes were wide with shock, as if she had not yet recovered from the recent revelation.
She understood his ambition and had vaguely guessed his plans, but she never expected the final part of the imperial decree. She had imagined the best outcome: Zhilu, with royal blood, ascending the throne, with Gu Yan acting as regent.
What exactly was he trying to do?
Gu Yan gave her hand a reassuring pat and addressed the stunned crowd in a calm, unhurried tone: "His Majesty is in the Qianyuan Palace. Whether I have forged this decree or not, all you have to do is ask him."
He looked down at the Crown Prince and said softly, "His Majesty has deposed the Crown Prince. If others are unaware of the reasons, don’t you know, Your Highness?"
"'Lacking in personal virtue, deceiving his sovereign and father'... must I elaborate on the reasons in front of everyone?"
The Crown Prince, who had been all fired up moments before, instantly paled. Had his father found out? He actually knew!
No man could admit such shame in public. Gu Yan smiled faintly and pressed on, "In that case, does the Crown Prince accept His Majesty’s decision?"
In the dead silence, the Crown Prince’s face was as pale as paper, his handsome features twisted. In a barely audible voice, he said, "I accept."
"I... I accept."
Gu Yan gave a slight nod and said coolly, "Since the Crown Prince has been deposed, the nation cannot be without a ruler for even a day. It makes sense for His Majesty to choose the Imperial Grandson. The new sovereign is young, and the Eldest Princess will serve as regent. While uncommon, there are historical precedents for this—it is not an unprecedented move."
"Princess Changle is respectful, virtuous, and devoted to His Majesty. When His Majesty recently fell ill with a chill, Princess Changle entered the palace daily to fulfill her filial duties. The Imperial Grandson is also deeply cherished by His Majesty. The phoenix hairpin bestowed upon Princess Changle by His Majesty was already a clue."
"What is so absurd about this?"
Yan Xuerui wore the overtly non-compliant phoenix hairpin in her hair. Among the guests were censors who had already taken mental notes, preparing to impeach her the next day. Little did they expect Gu Yan to preempt them. With his twisting of facts, the absurdity almost seemed to make sense.
After a long pause, a respected elder minister rose unsteadily to his feet and said, "Marquis Gu, this matter concerns the heir apparent and cannot be taken lightly. We will go now to seek an audience with His Majesty."
Gu Yan neither agreed nor objected. The others gradually rose, brushing off the dust. No one had expected that, so close to the New Year, a perfectly good banquet would end like this. It would be best if this decree were genuine—if it were forged, with Grand Tutor Gu’s power and ruthless methods, things would spiral out of control.
When the crowd had thinned out, Yan Xuerui slowly descended the jade steps, looking at Gu Yan with confusion and bewilderment.
"Why?"
She frowned slightly. Since he dared to go this far, why not go all the way? She didn’t understand the point of such an elaborate charade.
Gu Yan’s dark eyes fixed intently on her as he countered, "Isn’t this what you asked me for?"
He reached out and gently touched her cheek. "Didn’t I give you everything you asked for?"