Cultivation Simulator: Starting From The Empress' Palace

The night had deepened into the fifth watch.

Upon learning that Yi Yao and the others were not in the mansion, Chen Mo knew they had moved to a prearranged safe location through the tunnel.

Chen Mo informed Gao Zheng of the location, instructing him to bring Yi Yao and the others back.

The Inner City had already fallen; the major event was accomplished.

No need to hide or conceal any longer.

With a surge of joy, Gao Zheng responded affirmatively, recalling once how he was just a minor Deputy Captain in the Eastern Capital, never imagining such a day would come.

Not long after Gao Zheng left, Xu Dabang came to report that the commander had sent someone.

Xiao Teng’s envoy handed Chen Mo a secret letter.

After reading the contents, Chen Mo crumpled it into a ball and burned it with Taiyi Divine Fire, then loudly commanded, ”Pass down the order to welcome the new emperor at the Crown Prince’s Mansion. Any resistance shall be killed without mercy.”

”Dabang, bring my horse.”

...

After dispersing the ministers, Xiao Yunqi’s expression changed. He ordered the preparation of ink, paper, and inkstone, forcing Zhao Ji to write an abdication edict, ceding his throne to Crown Prince Zhao Chong.

Furthermore, he compelled Zhao Ji to write an edict of self-incrimination.

Zhao Ji swore not to comply.

Xiao Yunqi did not press further, instead having a forged edict of self-incrimination made and sealed with the Heirloom Seal of the Realm, thus making it genuine.

Though Xiao Yunqi sealed Zhao Ji’s cultivation and moved him from Taihe Palace to the desolate Huayang Hall.

As for regicide, he dared not even consider it.

But Wei Xian met a worse fate; Xiao Yunqi directly stripped him of his cultivation and cast him into Huayang Hall as well, to serve Zhao Ji.

After completing these tasks, he inquired about Xiao Yunxi’s situation and was relieved to find her unharmed.

Although he worried for his daughter, he was more concerned about Xiao Yunxi’s presence, as once Zhao Chong ascended, she would rightfully become the Empress Dowager, thus facilitating Xiao Yunqi in controlling the court’s affairs more smoothly.

...

The news in Bianliang was so widespread that the Crown Prince’s Mansion had heard it clearly.

However, as the Crown Prince, Zhao Chong did not wield actual power.

This was evident from the fact that he had not moved into the Eastern Palace and had established his mansion outside the palace.

Furthermore, Xiao Yunqi’s concealment of the coup was so deep that he didn’t even inform Zhao Chong, who was taken aback when he suddenly learned that Xiao Yunqi was purging the palace of traitors, fearing Xiao Yunqi intended to seize power and the throne, hence he hid in his mansion, pretending to be oblivious, as he had no troops to protect the throne.

Regarding Zhao Ji’s safety, Zhao Chong hardly cared.

Not due to the lack of familial affection within the Imperial Family.

Zhao Chong was also aware that his position as Crown Prince was doomed to be abolished eventually, hence he inevitably harbored some resentment towards Zhao Ji.

At this moment, there was a rapid knocking at the door, and the gatekeeper at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, trembling, opened the door, only to be greeted by a smiling Chen Mo.

”Please inquire. I am here under the Supreme Emperor’s edict to welcome the new emperor’s ascension!”

Stunned, the gatekeeper, not knowing how to react, foolishly asked who the new emperor was.

Chen Mo could only say that His Majesty had ceded the throne to the Crown Prince.

The gatekeeper was dumbfounded.

Chen Mo frowned and, paying him no further heed, led his men directly into the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

Upon seeing Zhao Chong, Chen Mo knelt on one knee, and the soldiers behind him knelt in unison, loudly declaring, ”We respectfully invite the new emperor to enter the palace and ascend the throne.”

The resonant words seemed powerful enough to lift the roof of the Crown Prince’s Mansion.

Stunned, Zhao Chong couldn’t help but ask, ”Isn’t it Xiao Yunqi’s coup to usurp the throne?”

Hearing this, Chen Mo paused, did Xiao Yunqi not inform him?

After a moment of contemplation, Chen Mo respectfully replied, ”Your Majesty is mistaken. Traitors coerced the Supreme Emperor; the Grand Commandant went to purge the palace, and the Supreme Emperor, realizing his failure to protect the empire, ceded the throne to Your Majesty.”

Like a pie falling from the sky, Zhao Chong was dizzy: ”Did the Grand Commandant... really say that?”

As Zhao Ji’s legitimate son, and shortly after Zhao Ji ascended, being crowned as Crown Prince, Zhao Chong harbored many ambitions for the throne.

In recent years, Zhao Ji became increasingly indifferent towards him, scolding him for every misstep, which led him to believe his Crown Prince position was bound to be ruined one day.

Zhao Chong’s interest in the throne diminished.

Unexpectedly, Chen Hong suddenly invaded his mansion to compel him to ascend.

”Minister dares not deceive Your Majesty,” Chen Mo respectfully declared.

”Then I... I shall go bathe,” Zhao Chong quickly embraced the role.

”Yes.”

Shortly thereafter, as Chen Mo and the others cheered, Zhao Chong, along with the Crown Prince Consort, no, she should be called Empress, boarded the carriage heading towards the Imperial Palace.

...

Taihe Palace.

Xiao Yunqi with the future Prime Minister, currently Minister of Rites, Hu Mei’Er’s father, Hu Sheng, were discussing the new emperor’s ascension.

At that moment, an aide came to report.

It was said Jingru Palace suddenly had a fire, by the time they arrived, it was thoroughly burnt.

According to Consort Jing’s personal palace maid Qing Shuang’s account, she was struck unconscious from behind and woke up lying on Donghua Avenue.

Consort Jing, being one of Zhao Ji’s concubines, Jingru Palace’s incineration warranted investigation, to determine if Consort Jing was alive or dead.

However, with such chaos tonight, and with the new emperor’s forthcoming ascension, it was merely glossed over.

Regarding Consort Jing, it was recorded as having died from the fire.

But to prevent similar occurrences from happening again, apart from Hu Mei’Er and Xiao Yunxi, all the concubines in the Harem were sent to Huayang Hall to accompany Zhao Chong, and the guard at Huayang Hall was fortified.

...

Outside a sleeping chamber within the Harem, an armored General approached briskly with his retinue.

At the door, the General halted his entourage, entering alone, causing cries of alarm to echo within.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Consort Yu breathed deeply with relief, saying, ”Big brother, why did you barge into the Harem? If His Majesty finds out, he won’t spare you.”

”Forget His Majesty, the current emperor has become the Supreme Emperor. Sister, do you not know what’s happening outside? The Grand Commandant is about to enthrone the Crown Prince as emperor. If you don’t leave, you’ll be sent to Huayang Hall, and may never be able to leave in your lifetime.”

Quan Qiyang finished speaking, hastily instructing his sister’s palace maid to pack belongings to prepare for their exit.

On hearing this, Consort Yu shivered in fright; after all, she was merely a woman, yet to cultivate martial arts, a defenseless woman.

So, in a rush, she packed a few items and, accompanied by Quan Qiyang, slipped out of the Harem amidst the chaos.

However, as they were about to leave the palace, Consort Yu suddenly said, ”Consort Jing and I have a good relationship, brother, why don’t you bring Consort Jing along?”

Quan Qiyang casually replied, ”Jingru Palace caught fire, Consort Jing has already perished in the blaze.”

Upon hearing this, Consort Yu’s face turned pale.

”Sister, let’s hurry, once the new emperor enters the palace, we won’t be able to leave,” Quan Qiyang advised.

...

When Zhao Chong entered the palace, dawn was already breaking.

Soon, the sounds of ceremonial music resounded within the Imperial Palace, the ancient and majestic tones spreading across Bianliang.

ps: Fourth watch ended.