The imperial concubine had shaved her head and become a nun in a convent, while her son nearly got beaten to death by refugees in the prison. When Emperor Changde received the news, he was momentarily dazed before his anger finally flared.
First, he cursed the uselessness of those sent to search for Concubine Su and the Fourth Prince. They had been hiding right outside Shengjing City which was practically under his nose, but for over half a year, none of the many dispatched men had discovered them.
As for the people at the nunnery, they were bold enough to encompass the heavens, daring to harbor an imperial concubine. Emperor Changde decided that only by demolishing the entire nunnery and beheading everyone involved could his fury be quelled.
[胆大包天 (dǎn dà bāo tiān): lit. Bold enough to encompass the heavens; fig. Reckless to the extreme, utterly fearless (often used for outrageous actions).]
As for the Fourth Prince, he was even more deserving of death - inciting refugees to riot, throwing all of Shengjing into panic, and making the people curse their emperor as incompetent and foolish. The mere thought of those rumors made Emperor Changde’s head throb with anger. The more he brooded, the angrier he grew, even wishing the refugees had just finished the Fourth Prince off.
After venting his rage on his wife and son, Emperor Changde turned his attention to whoever had delivered them to the government prison.
It was common knowledge that the Wei family had handed over the rioting refugees, including the Fourth Prince to the authorities. No matter how one looked at it, the Wei family was undeniably involved.
Emperor Changde sat down, took a sip of tea, and sneered as he tapped the table. "The Wei family, the Wei family… How dare such a minor clan grow so insolent as to lay hands on this emperor’s own son!"
Aside from the injuries inflicted by the refugees, the Fourth Prince’s tendons in his hands and feet had been severed. Upon learning from Yin Ji that the Fourth Prince was severely wounded in the government prison, Emperor Changde immediately dispatched imperial physicians to treat him and sent Gan Yongfu to interrogate him.
The Fourth Prince told Gan Yongfu that it was Jiang Lin who had reduced him to such a pitiable state.
"Jiang Lin. Wei Yunzhao." Emperor Changde clenched his fists, gnashing their names between his teeth before slamming his fist onto the table. "Summon them! Bring Wei Yunzhao and Jiang Lin to the palace at once! Let this emperor see just how bold they are, daring to harm a prince! Do they intend to move against their sovereign next?!"
Gan Yongfu hastily bowed and retreated to dispatch messengers to the Wei residence. Once the orders were given, he scurried back to Emperor Changde’s side, urging him to calm his anger.
Emperor Changde pinched the bridge of his nose. "Not a single one of them gives me peace."
Gan Yongfu stepped behind him to massage his head. "Your Majesty, the imperial well-being is paramount. All else is trivial. So long as Your Majesty is in good health, none would dare defy you."
Emperor Changde snorted. "Those traitors of the Wei family dared to harm a prince, do they hold this emperor in any regard? I’ve half a mind to have their heads lopped off right now!"
His words carried such genuine conviction that it was clear his murderous intent had solidified. A thought flickered in his mind, and he beckoned Gan Yongfu closer. "Come here."
Gan Yongfu hurriedly leaned in to receive his orders. Emperor Changde murmured, "Recall the earlier messengers. Send new ones to the Wei family quietly. Tell them this emperor has urgent matters to discuss, and no one else must know. Understood?"
Just as Gan Yongfu was about to nod, Emperor Changde spoke again, this time in an even softer voice that required utmost focus to hear. When he finally did, the eunuch was truly stunned.
"This servant obeys. I shall arrange it at once," Gan Yongfu replied, suppressing his shock as he bowed and withdrew.
Emperor Changde reclined in his chair, fingers idly tapping against his leg. It was evident that the scheme he had just devised had put him in a good mood.
Seeing Gan Yongfu finish his task and prepare to re-enter, Emperor Changde summoned his shadow guards and uttered a cold, ruthless command:
"The Wei family, leave none alive."
The shadow guards vanished in the blink of an eye, just as Gan Yongfu re-entered to report, "Your Majesty, everything has been arranged as you commanded."
"Good. Have them wait outside when they arrive. This emperor has matters to attend to."
"Yes," Gan Yongfu understood, this so-called "matter" was merely a delay tactic.
As Emperor Changde rose to open the hidden chamber, Gan Yongfu tactfully withdrew. Today would be anything but peaceful.
The only question was whether the Wei family would escape this calamity, or if the emperor would get his wish.
While Emperor Changde indulged in the attentive service of his beauty in the secret chamber, the palace envoy sent by Gan Yongfu arrived at the Wei mansion to summon Wei Yunzhao and Jiang Lin. There was only one envoy, and from his demeanor and attire which looked like plain civilian clothes, he bore no resemblance to the usual protocol for imperial summons.
Wei Yunzhao and Jiang Lin eyed the man with suspicion. In response, the envoy shoved a waist token directly into Wei Yunzhao’s line of sight. Wei Yunzhao recognized it, a specially issued token, something that was rarely seen or used.
Seeing Wei Yunzhao’s nod of confirmation, Jiang Lin spoke up, "Then may we trouble you to wait a moment? We’ll change into proper attire and follow you shortly."
The envoy coldly refused, "Unnecessary. His Majesty has urgent business summoning you to the palace. Come with me now."
Jiang Lin and Wei Yunzhao exchanged a glance, their suspicions deepening. Testing the waters, Jiang Lin said, "At least allow us to inform the housekeeper before we leave," and made to call for him.
The envoy sharply cut him off, "His Majesty’s summons concerns matters of grave importance. No announcements are to be made. Now, if you please!"
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