Jade of Another World

Under Consort De's meticulous planning, a conspiracy surrounding the throne, like a dark fog, quietly spread throughout the Dayu Palace. She frequently held secret meetings with several key ministers, discussing how to launch a coup at the opportune moment and place Prince Xiaoyu on the throne. On the one hand, they secretly cultivated more power in the court, promising high-ranking positions and generous rewards; on the other hand, they began preparing to forge imperial edicts and other matters, seeking a "legitimate" pretext for this coup.

Meanwhile, Wanyan Qiang was also watching closely. After reaching an agreement with the mysterious man in black, he was waiting for the right opportunity to rise up in rebellion and further disrupt the situation in Dayu to achieve his ulterior motives. In the post station, he constantly discussed the details of the operation with his subordinates, closely monitoring every move of the palace and the court, like a vicious wolf lurking in the shadows, ready to pounce on its prey at any moment.

Lin Ning and Lin Wan, watching the increasingly tense situation, were filled with worry. The sky over the capital seemed shrouded in a dark cloud, so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. They knew that Dayu was on the verge of extreme danger; a slight misstep could plunge it into utter ruin.

"Sister, His Majesty's situation is becoming increasingly dangerous. What should we do?" Lin Wan paced anxiously in the room, her eyes filled with worry.

Lin Ning frowned, pondered for a moment, and then said, "Wanwan, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our doom. First, we must find a way to cure His Majesty's poison as soon as possible; this is the key to solving all problems. Second, we must closely monitor the movements of Consort De and Wanyan Qiang, and immediately notify His Majesty and General Xuanyuan if we discover any of their actions."

Lin Wan nodded in agreement, "Sister is right. But how easy is it to cure Gu poison?"

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "We can start with the previous clues and see if we can find any traces. In addition, I have heard that there are some extraordinary people in the martial arts world who may know how to cure Gu poison. We might as well send someone to the martial arts world to inquire."

So the two sisters acted swiftly. Lin Ning arranged for the secret guards of the Prime Minister's residence to keep an eye on Consort De and Wanyan Qiang's movements inside and outside the capital, while Lin Wan personally selected some agile and clever servants to disguise themselves as martial arts figures and travel to various places to find clues to cure the Gu poison.

In this impending storm, Lin Ning and Lin Wan, like a glimmer of light in the darkness, strive to find a way to dispel the gloom and try to save Dayu from its dire straits... However, the road ahead is full of unknowns and dangers, and whether they can successfully resolve this crisis remains to be seen.

"His Majesty has passed away!" This devastating news struck the capital like a thunderbolt, catching everyone completely off guard. The once seemingly peaceful capital was instantly plunged into chaos and panic. Upon hearing the news, Consort De was first stunned, then slowly knelt down, followed by a long, unrestrained roar, her eyes gleaming with madness and excitement. She had waited for this moment for far too long. In her heart, Nangong Jin's death was undoubtedly a golden opportunity bestowed upon her by heaven, the perfect chance for her son, Prince Xiaoyu, to ascend the throne. The ambition suppressed within the palace for years surged forth like a flood bursting its banks.

"Finally, finally this day has come!" Consort De murmured to herself, a twisted smile playing on her lips. She quickly rose and ordered her confidants to immediately summon the ministers involved in the plot to discuss the next steps, determined to seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and successfully place Prince Yu on the throne.

Meanwhile, when Lin Ning and Lin Wan learned of Nangong Jin's death, they seemed frozen in place, their faces filled with shock and disbelief. Their eyes widened, as if they couldn't believe what they were hearing, a strong sense of unreality washing over them.

"This... How is this possible? How could His Majesty suddenly pass away?" Lin Wan's voice trembled slightly, and her eyes instantly reddened.

Lin Ning's face was also deathly pale, her heart filled with mixed emotions. She knew all too well that Nangong Jin's death was undoubtedly a devastating disaster for Dayu. With the court in turmoil and various forces stirring, Consort De and others would surely seize the opportunity to launch a coup, plunging Dayu into a bloodbath.

"Wanwan, don't panic." Lin Ning suppressed her grief and tried to calm herself down. "We must go to the palace immediately and find out the truth behind His Majesty's death. There may be more to the story."

The two sisters dared not delay for a moment, hastily tidying their clothes and hurrying towards the palace. Their hearts were heavy with grief for Nangong Jin's passing and deep concern for the future of Dayu. Meanwhile, the palace was in complete chaos. Palace maids and eunuchs ran about, cries and shouts mingling together, and a fierce struggle for the throne was about to begin…

Lin Ning and Lin Wan rushed to the palace and went straight to the place where Nangong Jin's body was laid to rest. They saw that the coffin had already been placed properly, and Xuan Yuanche stood quietly to the side, his expression grief-stricken, with traces of tears still on his face.

Lin Ning slowly walked to the coffin, gazing at Nangong Jin's deathly pale face within. Tears instantly streamed down her face. The once spirited emperor, with his heart set on the world, was now separated from her by death. How could he...? Lin Ning was numb, unable to believe it. Although she had always kept her distance from Nangong Jin, he had always been the man who had first stirred her heart. But... even though they couldn't be lovers, he was someone she had cared for. How could he be so easily separated from her forever?

Xuan Yuanche's voice was hoarse, filled with endless grief as he said, "His Majesty's last wish was for me to bury him on the border of Dayu. He said he wanted to guard that place, to always protect Dayu..." At this point, Xuan Yuanche could no longer hold back, and tears welled up in his eyes again.

Upon hearing this, Lin Ning and Lin Wan were overcome with grief. The three of them embraced and wept, their cries echoing in the silent palace, seemingly expressing their reluctance to part with Nangong Jin and their deep sorrow.

After a long silence, Lin Ning, suppressing his grief, raised his head and said, "His Majesty devoted his entire life to Dayu, and even at the end, he was still thinking about protecting this land. We cannot fail His Majesty's last wish. We must find out the truth about His Majesty's poison and we must not let His Majesty die in vain."

Upon hearing this, Lin Wan and Xuan Yuanche nodded in agreement, a determined glint in their eyes.

Xuanyuan Che wiped away his tears and said, "Miss Lin is right. His Majesty's departure was too sudden. I also feel that something is amiss. However, we don't have any clues yet."

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "We need to start by investigating those around His Majesty, leaving no stone unturned. Also, Consort De must have already begun to take action; we must keep a close eye on that as well."

After discussing their plan, the three immediately began their operation. Lin Ning and Lin Wan were tasked with investigating the truth behind Nangong Jin's death. Xuan Yuanche, on the other hand, mobilized his trusted confidants to secretly monitor Consort De and the ministers in the court who had close ties with her, preventing them from taking the opportunity to launch a coup and disrupt the court.

In this moment of grief, Lin Ning, Lin Wan, and Xuan Yuanche channeled their sorrow into strength, determined to seek justice for Nangong Jin and safeguard the peace of Dayu. However, the road ahead is fraught with difficulties, and whether they can uncover the truth remains to be seen…

The Eighth Prince stepped into the palace, his steps steady yet tinged with solemnity. He saw Lin Ning, Lin Wan, and Xuan Yuanche, who had just stopped crying, straightening their slightly disheveled clothes. Upon seeing the Eighth Prince, the three quickly bowed respectfully.

Xuanyuan Che looked solemn, took out a letter from his pocket, handed it to the Eighth Prince, and said, "Your Highness, this is a letter His Majesty left for you."

The Eighth Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes, and slowly took the letter. Unfolding the letter, his gaze quickly swept over the words on it, which read: "I know my body is no longer able to bear the burden, and my time is near. I hope that you, Uncle, can temporarily take over the management of the country. After Xuan Yuan Che escorts me to the border of Dayu and returns, I hope that you can assist Xuan Yuan Che in governing this land of Dayu well."

After reading the letter, the Eighth Prince remained silent for a long time, his expression unreadable. He gently folded the letter and put it in his sleeve, still without saying a word. He simply took a deep look at Nangong Jin in the coffin, then turned and left.

Lin Ning, Lin Wan, and Xuan Yuanche watched the Eighth Prince's departing figure, each lost in their own thoughts. Lin Wan couldn't help but whisper, "Why did the Eighth Prince leave without saying anything? Will he follow His Majesty's last wishes?"

Xuanyuan Che frowned slightly and said, "The Eighth Prince has always been a man of deep thoughts and a man of low profile. Although he has not expressed his opinion, since His Majesty left this letter, he must trust him very much, and he will surely make the right choice. However, the situation is complicated now, and Consort De and others are making moves. We still cannot let our guard down."

Lin Ning nodded and said, "That's right. No matter what the Eighth Prince plans, we must continue to fulfill His Majesty's last wishes, find out the truth, and protect Dayu. The most urgent task is to send His Majesty off on his final journey."

So, in accordance with Nangong Jin's last wish, the three prepared to send his body to the border of Dayu.

Three days later, before dawn, with the light morning mist still lingering, the capital city seemed to be immersed in tranquility. Xuan Yuanche, clad in plain armor, stood solemnly at the head of the procession, behind him the coffin carrying Nangong Jin's body and a squad of elite guards. They were about to embark on their journey to the border of Dayu to fulfill Nangong Jin's final wish.

Lin Ning and Lin Wan arrived at the palace gate early to see Xuan Yuanche off. Lin Ning looked at Xuan Yuanche with worry and entrustment in her eyes: "General Xuan Yuan, the journey is long, please be careful. His Majesty's affairs after his death depend entirely on you."

Xuanyuan Che nodded slightly, his gaze firm: "Miss Lin, rest assured, I will ensure His Majesty's safe arrival at his destination and will not fail His Majesty's trust. I will leave the matters of the palace to you two ladies. The situation is complicated now, so please be extra careful."

Having said that, Xuanyuan Che mounted his horse and, with a command, the procession slowly set off. The sound of hooves echoed through the quiet streets, gradually fading into the distance until they disappeared into the morning mist.

Lin Ning and Lin Wan gazed in the direction the group had gone, remaining there for a long time. Lin Wan said softly, "Sister, for some reason, I feel uneasy."

Lin Ning frowned slightly, her heart also enveloped by a strange unease: "Me too. I always feel that something is hidden beneath this calm. Perhaps, as you said, this is the calm before dawn, but this calm makes people more and more fearful and uneasy."

Back in the palace, Lin Ning and Lin Wan immediately began their investigation. They started with the eunuchs closest to Nangong Jin, questioning them in detail about every aspect of the Emperor's passing. However, after careful questioning, they found nothing unusual.

"Sister, could it be that His Majesty really died from the poison? But why did it happen so suddenly?" Lin Wan asked, her face full of doubt.

Lin Ning pondered for a moment and said, "We can't jump to conclusions. Although the Gu poison is serious, His Majesty has been actively dealing with it, so it's unlikely that he would suddenly... Let's look for clues from other sources, such as the medical records of the imperial physicians and the ministers who have been in contact with His Majesty."

Just as they were preparing to conduct further investigation, a commotion suddenly erupted within the palace. Lin Ning and Lin Wan exchanged a glance, a sense of foreboding washing over them, and hurriedly ran towards the source of the disturbance. They knew in their hearts that beneath this seemingly calm surface, the hidden crisis was perhaps about to explode…

The atmosphere inside the Golden Palace was extremely oppressive during the morning court session. The Eighth Prince, dressed in a black court robe, sat solemnly beside the throne, acting as regent.

Consort De strode confidently into the hall with Prince Yu, drawing the attention of all the ministers. Consort De's eyes revealed arrogance and ambition, while Prince Yu appeared slightly nervous, but at his mother's prompting, he forced himself to remain calm.

"Eighth Prince, do you have His Majesty's decree to exercise the power of regent? Now that His Majesty has passed away, the country cannot be without a ruler for a day. My son, Prince Xiaoyu, is His Majesty's own son and should inherit the throne. Yet you are issuing orders here without authorization. What are your intentions?" Consort De spoke sharply, getting straight to the point and trying to suppress the Eighth Prince with her imposing manner.

Upon hearing this, the ministers in the hall immediately began whispering and discussing amongst themselves. The Eighth Prince frowned deeply, extremely annoyed by Consort De's arrogance and domineering attitude.

"Your Highness, His Majesty left a will entrusting me with the important task of overseeing the country, awaiting General Xuanyuan's return to assist the new emperor. During this period, I hope Your Highness will not disrupt the court." The Eighth Prince said in a deep voice, his voice not loud, but exuding an unquestionable authority.

Consort De sneered, "A will? Who can prove that it was written by His Majesty himself? Could it be that you forged it for your own selfish desires?"

At this moment, the court was in complete chaos. Ministers supporting Consort De and those maintaining neutrality held opposing views, and arguments erupted everywhere. Seeing this chaotic scene, the Eighth Prince could no longer contain his anger.

"Enough!" The Eighth Prince slammed his hand on the table, stood up, and swept his gaze across the crowd like lightning. "The imperial court is not a place for you to quarrel as you please!"

Consort De, however, remained relentless, saying, "Eighth Prince, if you insist on preventing my son from ascending the throne, don't blame me for turning ruthless."

The Eighth Prince snorted coldly, "Consort De, you colluded with ministers, plotting a rebellion. Do you really think I don't know? Guards, seize those two ministers who secretly colluded with Consort De!"

As soon as she finished speaking, the guards on both sides rushed forward like wolves and tigers, subduing the two flustered ministers on the spot. These two were the very men that Consort De had bribed with a large sum of money to create momentum for the young Prince Yu in court.

"Eighth Prince, you are slandering me!" Upon seeing this, Consort De's expression changed drastically.

"Hmph, the evidence is overwhelming, leaving no room for your sophistry. I am acting as regent on His Majesty's dying wish, how can I allow you traitors to act with impunity? Today, I will use the heads of these two men to uphold justice!" The Eighth Prince waved his hand and issued the decree for their execution.

This sudden turn of events caught Consort De and Prince Xiaoyu completely off guard. Prince Xiaoyu's face turned deathly pale, and his legs trembled slightly, while Consort De stood frozen in place, her eyes filled with disbelief and anger.

With two screams, two ministers were beheaded, and the court fell silent instantly, everyone stunned by the Eighth Prince's swift and decisive actions. The Eighth Prince surveyed the crowd and coldly declared, "Anyone who dares to disrupt the court or plot rebellion will suffer the same fate as these two!"

After this battle, the court temporarily returned to calm, but everyone knew that this struggle for the throne had only just begun, and a much bigger storm was yet to come...