Volume One, Chapter 16: Finally Meeting the Emperor

Song Jing glanced toward the doorway, surprised to see Empress Zhou herself arriving in person.

The commanding presence of Song Jing waned instantly, while the captured Jin soldiers began to wail, each clamoring to lodge complaints against him.

“A soldier can be killed, but never humiliated!” they cried out in unison, demanding an explanation from Song Jing.

Empress Zhou furrowed her brows sharply and ordered, “What are you all standing there for? Hurry and clean up this place. Everyone else, swiftly enter inside!”

At her command, the guards sprang into action, and soon the courtyard regained its quietude.

Empress Zhou then turned to Song Jing and inquired, “What are you doing here? These people must not die, do you understand? Countless eyes across the empire are watching. If your father asks, how do you intend to respond?”

Song Jing had not considered these matters before; his heart was simply aflame with unspent anger.

“Jing’er, you’ve been too impulsive,” Empress Zhou said with a tone tinged with disappointment. Her son had already lost the title of crown prince, and now he had caused such a grave calamity.

Though these captives were Jin, they were all nobles. They had not been executed in the capital, for they served a purpose in the imperial city.

This was a matter of state affairs. If news spread that the crown prince of the Great Zhou had slaughtered Jin captives, how would the world perceive the Great Zhou? It would surely invite the scorn and criticism of politicians and common folk alike.

At that moment, Song Jing suddenly realized the recklessness of his actions. Song Wenyuan had warned him not to dwell on the past.

His anger had been burning nonstop ever since he found Song Jiayin in the sheepfold.

With these thoughts, Song Jing said, “Mother, I shall go to Father immediately and plead for forgiveness.”

Empress Zhou sighed helplessly before her son. No matter how angry she was, what could she do?

The news had undoubtedly spread. Seeking forgiveness was the best course of action.

“Go to your father and sincerely admit your fault. Reflect on your mistakes!” she instructed.

-----

Song Jing nodded in agreement. Throughout his journey, his mind was troubled, repeatedly comparing Song Jiayin with Song Yueyi.

Song Jiayin’s personality was far more stubborn; she was worlds apart from Yueyi. Had she called him “brother” back in the capital, he might never have left her lying in the snow.

As he entered the palace, the attendants by Song Wenyuan’s side hurried over, breathless.

“Your Highness, the Emperor requests your immediate presence in the study.”

Song Jing had not expected the news to reach his father so quickly; he had not even prepared an apology.

He hurried to the study, only to find his siblings and several consorts already gathered, seemingly awaiting his arrival.

Inside the study, Song Wenyuan sat with a somber expression on the dragon throne, while the others remained silent, fearful to speak.

Song Jiayin stood among them.

This was her first meeting with Song Wenyuan in over three years since entering the palace.

Perhaps due to his sour mood, Song Wenyuan only cast her a cold glance, not uttering a word.

After the others paid their respects, Song Jiayin silently stood at the back, offering no greeting.

Facing such cruelty, she responded with equal coldness.

Song Jing arrived punctually, his face anxious. Knowing why he was so, he knelt before Song Wenyuan and said, “Father, today I acted impulsively and killed a Jin noble. I beg your punishment!”

No sooner had he spoken than Song Wenyuan slammed down his tea cup, rose abruptly, and stormed toward Song Jing, delivering a harsh kick.

“Scoundrel!” he shouted.

Song Jing fell to the ground in a sorry state.

Just then, Empress Zhou rushed forward, shielding her son.

“Your Majesty, I have already intervened. Only one Jin was killed. I beg your forgiveness! Jing’er was caught in a moment of anger.”

Song Wenyuan’s voice thundered, “Spoiling a son is like killing one! My crown prince is so reckless and rash, never considering the Great Zhou or the greater good! These Jin are like hot potatoes; I can neither kill nor release them! Yet you, you rush in to bully defenseless captives! Empress, how long will you continue to be biased?”

Empress Zhou was left speechless. Indeed, her son had caused great trouble.

Yet Song Jing’s stubbornness rose once more.

“Father, I know I was impulsive. But these Jin were unbearable. I just wanted to vent my anger. If need be, I am willing to pay with my life!”

-----

Kill a Jin? Song Jiayin roughly understood why she had been summoned.

Her brow furrowed tightly, fearing she might be implicated.

Suddenly, Song Wenyuan kicked Song Jing once more, berating him fiercely.

“You unfilial, ungrateful wretch! Do you think death will solve everything? Your mother, your grandmother—do you hold none of them in regard? Open your eyes and see the current state of affairs, the Great Zhou torn by internal strife and external threats. Are you truly beyond hope?”

Though the Great Zhou army had unexpectedly defeated the Jin, residual Jin forces still lurked.

Meanwhile, the Western Continent and the Shu Kingdom still eyed the Great Zhou with hostile intent; the threat persisted.

Moreover, the internal danger posed by the Southern Protector had yet to be resolved.

Empress Zhou seemed to grasp Song Wenyuan’s meaning. She cast a quick glance at Song Jiayin, who sought to minimize her presence, then stepped before Song Jing.

“Your Majesty, haven’t you already devised a plan? The Jin who died are nothing in the grand scheme. The Great Zhou must first address its internal troubles.”

Song Jiayin felt the weight of Empress Zhou’s gaze and the sudden glance Song Wenyuan shot her—laden with helplessness.

Such a look was truly disquieting.

The “plan” Empress Zhou mentioned likely involved her.

Was she finally about to learn the reason for her retrieval?