Qi Yun announced that he’d hold a proper burial for his father before taking the throne, to which the courtiers responded positively. Some officials suggested preparation for both matters to commence at the same time to avoid delay. Qi Yun nodded in approval and left the tasks to the Ministry of Rites.

After the morning meeting, Nan Xun went straight to the prison. Prince Duan slumped in a pile of rice straw, his usual aplomb long gone.

“Don’t celebrate just yet,” Prince Duan growled, staring at Nan Xun. “I’m not done yet.”

Nan Xun huffed and locked eyes with him. “We’ll see.”

The former emperor had passed away, and Prince Duan had fallen from his grace. Everything was going in the right direction. Their work hadn’t been in vain.

Nan Xun felt much lighter. He returned to his manor for a short rest and went to his study afterwards.

He wrote to Jun Huang about everything that...