Chapter 796 - 566: Ascending the Throne as Emperor

The most beautiful month of May in the human world, with warm breezes so intoxicating that they melt the soul.

At the wooden window of the Princess Residence, tea and snacks were set out as Puyang Yi sipped her tea slowly, lifting her face to gaze at the fallen petals in the courtyard.

"It’s already May; what’s the Prince of Yonghuai thinking?"

The Princess chuckled lightly. "He’s still waiting."

"Waiting? For what?"

Puyang Yi asked earnestly, as the Princess brushed off fallen petals on her sleeve but responded with a question instead: "When will my son-in-law arrive?"

As soon as Wen Xingsu was mentioned, Puyang Yi couldn’t help but curve her lips into a smile.

She always felt compelled to smile whenever Wen Xingsu came to mind.

"It should be soon, Mother. Please wait a bit longer. I’ll send someone to urge him again..."

Before her voice fully faded, the sound of footsteps came.

The maid joyfully reported:

"Your Highness, Lady, General Wen has arrived."

Puyang Yi darted a glance over.

Wen Xingsu’s figure appeared at the end of the flower path, approaching unhurriedly. He spared her a glance before bowing to pay his respects to the Princess.

"Your son-in-law was tardy; I beg Mother-in-law’s forgiveness."

The Princess lazily lifted her eyelids. "Sit down."

Wen Xingsu sat properly on one side, facing Puyang Yi’s playful smile and returning her with a smile.

The Princess observed the way the two exchanged looks, her lips curling slightly as she began asking Wen Xingsu about affairs in the camp and the recent movements of the Northern Yong Army.

When the Northern Yong Army was mentioned, Wen Xingsu fell into a thoughtful silence.

Finding herself uneasy at his reluctance, Puyang Yi grew anxious and called out, "Mother!"

The Princess frowned. "What’s the matter? Can’t I ask?"

Puyang Yi had never felt so powerless...

On one hand was her beloved mother.

On the other was her husband.

Now that they each governed separately, she was caught in the middle like a tangled mess of strings, struggling but unable to break free—utterly helpless.

"Wasn’t it agreed upon that today was just a family gathering, with no mention of politics? Why, Mother, did you go back on your word?"

The Princess saw Puyang Yi’s delicate brows furrow, her expression worsening, yet merely smiled and gestured for the servants to pour tea for Wen Xingsu, saying softly:

"Mother wasn’t discussing politics—just undecided in some matters and wanted her son-in-law’s opinion."

Puyang Yi’s lips twitched slightly as she glanced at her, choosing to remain silent.

Wen Xingsu quickly cupped his hands. "If Mother-in-law has something to say, please don’t hesitate to share."

The Princess gazed at him with a faint smile. "You’ve been married to Pingyuan for several years now. I see you as one of our own, so I won’t hold back. Let’s be candid with each other—I hope you can do the same."

Wen Xingsu nodded. "Of course."

The Princess pondered for a moment, idly fiddling with the teapot with her left hand, before lowering her voice to ask: "In your opinion, how should the deadlock in West Capital be resolved?"

It seemed Wen Xingsu had already prepared his answer.

Without hesitation, he lifted his sleeve and leisurely wrote a single character with the tea in his cup on the wooden table.

"Yield."

The Princess watched the water stain spread and flow before finally lifting her gaze to stare at Wen Xingsu.

"Yield?"

Wen Xingsu smiled, nodding slightly toward her.

"Under current circumstances, only by yielding can peace be attained."

-

In the agreeable climate of May, the West Capital City was warm and vibrant, with a gentle breeze dispersing the ominous clouds and bringing comfort to hearts.

On the tenth day, Emperor Wenzhi, who had not appeared in court for a long time, summoned all civil and military officials as well as royal relatives to Mingguang Hall for discussions.

Under the scorching sun, Emperor Wenzhi, dragging his sickly body, was helped up the Danbi steps with the support of eunuchs to sit one last time on his Dragon Throne and publicly read the Edict of Abdication before all court officials and noble kin.

Pei Jue tried to refuse, but the officials had already knelt on the spot, crying "Long live the Emperor."

Seated on the Dragon Throne, Emperor Wenzhi bowed repeatedly and expressed his heartfelt intention to step down and make way for a virtuous successor.

After a round of seemingly reluctant tug-of-war, Pei Jue was escorted up the Danbi steps, seated forcibly on the Dragon Throne—

The cries of "Long live the Emperor" echoed throughout the grand hall.

"Mandate from Heaven," thus became reality.

Emperor Wenzhi let out a long breath, supported as he left the palace hall. It was unclear whether it was the relief of casting off a heavy burden or the worry of the future, but his hunched shoulders made him look utterly despondent...

In this season of blooming flowers, history shifted quietly yet with a thunderous speed.

By midday, the sun hung vibrantly in the sky. By evening, West Capital City was struck by lightning storms, with flashes so bright they seemed to split the heavens apart.

Torrential rain fell suddenly.

"The celestial phenomenon is truly peculiar."

"With an emperor’s abdication, Heaven reveals omens—this is surely the sign of a prosperous ruler."

"Who knows? Could it be Heaven’s wrath instead?"

Private debates were drowned out by the downpour.

The transition proceeded smoothly, without encountering a word of dissent.

The rumors of Emperor Wenzhi’s abdication had circulated for quite some time, and the fire finally began to burn. For many, it felt like lifting a weight off their shoulders—at last, everything had fallen into place.

The coronation ceremony had been arranged hastily because Pei Jue disliked extravagance. The rite was conducted according to traditional protocols.

The New Emperor issued a decree to change the dynastic name to "Yong," with the reign title "Jingning," marking the transition from Jin to Yong. The abdication became a tale of virtue.

Pei Jue refrained from exterminating the Yuan Imperial Clan.

He honored Emperor Wenzhi as his "Sworn Brother," preserving the ceremonial appearance and title, and conferred upon him the rank of King Yining.

As for the Princess and royal relatives, their titles, privileges, ceremonial rites, and stipends were maintained exactly as they had been before the abdication.

The court and populace alike showered him with praise.

To abdicate and still secure a good outcome was no easy feat; no one failed to extol the New Emperor’s generosity. Secretly, the Princess employed people to spread favorable rumors throughout the capital, lauding the New Emperor’s foresight and wisdom—whatever compliment was most pleasant to hear, it was said...

All for the royal family’s "good end."

Feng Yun chose not to involve herself in the commotion.

She remained as before in the Pei Residence, neither socializing nor entertaining guests, nor caring about the matter consuming everyone else’s attention: the formal appointment of an Empress.

Initially, Pei Yao assumed it was a foregone conclusion. On the very day Pei Jue ascended the throne, she brought along Azuo and Ayou to congratulate him.

She even instructed the children to address her as "Empress Aunt."

But half a month since the coronation passed, with June approaching, and still no announcement had been made.

Not only had people begun gossiping, even the Pei Residence itself seemed restless.

Xiaoman, Huanhuan, and the others gazed at Feng Yun with increasingly conflicted eyes, seemingly longing to voice their soul’s inner torment.

With the King elevated to Emperor...

Wasn’t his wife naturally supposed to be named Empress?

Why had the New Emperor delayed issuing the decree?

Why wasn’t the Lady concerned at all?

While others fumed, she remained calm, preparing meals for Aozai and pampering the creature until it shone anew, growing more robust as though transformed into a different entity altogether.

Eventually, Pei Yao couldn’t bear to watch any longer.

She brought the pair of dragon-phoenix twins to Feng Yun’s quarters again, subtly chatting about home affairs before finally giving in to her irritation.

"Younger sister-in-law, don’t blame me for speaking out of turn. While I don’t understand court matters, I know family affairs very well... You can’t keep waiting like this."

Feng Yun picked up a palm fan, gently fanning herself, smiling leisurely.

"How does Sister’s remark apply here?"

Pei Yao glanced at her once, her face full of frustrated concern, instructed the maid to take the children away, and then sat closer.

"Don’t say I didn’t warn you—urge Ajue to decree the appointment of Empress soon."

Feng Yun shifted her gaze to her.

Pei Yao’s eyes brimmed with worry.

It was a concern born of a woman’s empathetic understanding.

"I’ve heard the Emperor has no one attending to him, and many are scrambling to present beauties—they’re nearly beating down the door. If you don’t hurry, others surely will."

She paused, seeing Feng Yun remain indifferent, and let out a helpless sigh.

"Don’t take this lightly. Most men are heartless creatures; even my brother is no exception... Who knows when his feelings might change? You’re his rightful wife—secure your position properly; it’s only natural! What are you afraid of?"

Feng Yun smiled faintly. "Thank you, Sister. His Majesty has his considerations, and I have my own future. Neither of us cares about this matter..."

Don’t care?

Or was it "they"?

Pei Yao couldn’t comprehend her thinking.

"Are you foolish?"

Feng Yun saw the sincere worry in her eyes, pressed her lips together, and smiled. "Once Father’s health improves, I’ll return to Andu."

Pei Yao was stunned, choking on air.

Pei Jue’s coronation hadn’t rattled anyone else but was enough to provoke his father.

The Pei Family was renowned for their loyalty and honor; Pei Chong was unshakably devoted. Even though Emperor Wenzhi had willingly abdicated, Pei Chong still felt the family had fallen short, so ashamed he refused to meet others, handling it so poorly he made himself ill, bedridden and unable to rise.

Pei Yao thought of her father’s lifetime loyalty and shook her head.

"In my view, Father simply cannot reconcile with himself. Give him time; once he adjusts, things will improve..."

Feng Yun nodded slightly.

Some beliefs are deeply ingrained.

To change them is no small feat...

She remarked, "I’ve already discussed with Doctor Yao about increasing the use of liver-cleansing and spleen-nourishing prescriptions, though Dr. Yao must leave after a while, leaving the remaining care in Sister’s hands."

Pei Yao furrowed her brows tightly.

"Are you truly leaving?"

Feng Yun chuckled softly. "Yes, don’t you think my presence here is awkward? Even if I’m comfortable, you’re embarrassed on my behalf."

Pei Yao grimaced.

That wasn’t wrong.

She did feel awkward for Feng Yun.

"As for Ajue, I’ll deal with him... If not for you, then for myself. Look around—see how the Yuan royal kin are all settled firmly in place. And how he’s treating his own family, his wife—what nonsense is this?"

Pei Yao was straightforward by nature and acted swiftly. Leaving her two children in Feng Yun’s care, she rushed out, leaving Feng Yun unable to stop her.

"Oh..."

It’s done now.

Another black mark for Pei Gou to shoulder the blame.

Feng Yun watched Pei Yao’s furious retreat, shaking her head with a slight laugh. As she rose to go to the washroom, she suddenly felt dizzy, as though the sun had multiplied in the sky, splitting and swirling around.

Had she been under the sun too long?

In this weather—neither too hot nor cold—it shouldn’t be the case.

She barely managed to grasp the table, and Azuo and Ayou dashed over, one on each side to support her.

"Aunt, are you all right?"

"Aunt, where do you feel unwell?"

"I’ll fetch the doctor."

"We’ll fetch the doctor!"

Feng Yun shook her head—unaware of how pale she looked—and warmly smiled at the two children.

"Aunt is fine, just needs to sit for a moment and she’ll be okay."