When my father became the Grand Secretary, the Emperor was already old and frail. Many people said father was cunning and ruthless, and that he had seized control of the government and sidelined the emperor.
In the spring of my eighth year, the Emperor passed away. It was said that father, along with my little uncle, General Min, colluded to keep the death a secret.
The Emperor had not established a Crown Prince before his death. Among his sons, only Prince Ning remained, so logically, he should inherit the throne.
Prince Ning's Dragon Robe was already embroidered, but father produced a will and supported Zhao Yi, the Grandson, to ascend to the throne.
Prince Ning led his men into the palace, accusing father of being a traitor who seized the country.
It was my first experience with Shengjing under martial law, and the sharp clanging of weapons filled my dreams.
In the end, Prince Ning was executed.
