‌Chapter 15: The Mandate of Heaven‌

Pale paper money fluttered in the rain, and the funeral banners snapped sharply in the wind. Through the mournful stretch of the street echoed the drawn-out, heart-wrenching chants of Daoist priests: "Soul of the departed, return home…"

The Feng residence was shrouded in bleak desolation. White flowers hung from the gates, and even the lanterns had been replaced with pale ones. Gao Lishi, clad in plain white robes, stepped down from his carriage. A eunuch hurried to shield him with an umbrella, but Gao snarled, his face dark with fury, "Take it away!"

Tall and broad-shouldered, Gao Lishi bore sharp, angular features, his brows like bold strokes of ink. His swarthy complexion would have made him indistinguishable from other men, save for the absence of a beard. He stood motionless at the gates, letting the cold rain pelt his face and head. Droplets streamed down his cheeks like tears. Only when the Feng family servants knelt to welcome him did he finally stride inside.

Feng Yuanjun had been his last remaining kin, now gone to the underworld. Many in this world took their loved ones for granted… but who could fathom Gao Lishi's grief? He was utterly alone, his sorrow as biting as the icy rain. During Empress Wu Zetian's reign, the Feng family had been purged, leaving only Gao Lishi—castrated, heirless—and Feng Yuanjun as the clan's sole hope. Yet even that hope had now been shattered…

In the mourning hall, the wails of women clad in hemp mourning garments crescendoed, particularly the concubines and maids, who sobbed as if their own fathers had died. But Gao Lishi knew better. Their tears were performative, cries for a new patron now that their pillar had crumbled. How many truly grieved?

Perhaps only Gao Lishi. Yet he shed no tears. Kneeling before the memorial tablet, he bowed silently. Noticing the coffin behind the tablet remained open, he rose and approached.

Feng Yuanjun's corpse lay still, eyes wide open. Gao's jaw clenched until blood trickled from the corner of his mouth. With a trembling hand, he brushed his brother's eyelids shut, but they refused to stay closed, as if still alive.

Gao pressed a hand to his chest, tears glinting in his eyes.

He stifled his anguish, turned abruptly, and fled the hall. Not wanting anyone to witness his vulnerability, he barricaded himself in a side room. Sitting heavily on a chair by the desk, he inhaled deeply, struggling to regain control. Moments later, he suddenly drew his sword, lunged forward, and drove the blade through the sturdy luan wood desk with a crash. The sword snapped with a crack.

Veins bulged on Gao's neck and face as he tilted his head back, mouth agape as if enduring torture. Staring at the broken blade, he whispered, "Yuanjun… I swear I'll tear Xue Chongxun limb from limb. If I fail, may I end like this sword."

A knock interrupted him. Gao tossed the hilt aside and opened the door. The Feng family steward, an elderly man, bowed. "What shall we do with the household? Should they relocate to your estate?"

"My household is full," Gao replied tonelessly. "Dismiss them with silver in a few days. Report to me afterward."

The steward hesitated. "But… Xue's family murdered our master. Everyone here wishes to avenge him. Perhaps you could still use—"

"Unnecessary," Gao cut him off. "The law will deliver justice."

Before the steward could reply, a servant rushed in. "Lord Gao! The Crown Prince has arrived!"

Gao hurried out. "Where is he?"

"He went straight to the mourning hall. We dared not stop him."

Returning to the hall, Gao found Li Longji, the Crown Prince, bowing before the coffin. After paying respects, Li Longji approached. "Your Highness," Gao said, moved, "with your countless duties… why come yourself?"

Li Longji sighed. "Yuanjun was your last brother, was he not?"

Tall and strikingly handsome, Li Longji exuded noble grace. His sharp brows and firm jawline radiated both authority and elegance—the very image of a sovereign.

Gao wiped his eyes and nodded. "Please, Your Highness, join me inside."

Seated in the parlor, Li Longji said gently, "Grieve, but do not harm yourself. I understand your pain. I, too, value brotherhood. Just days ago, I had a long pillow made, large enough for five—my brothers and I often share it when together."

Whether Li Longji's words stemmed from genuine sentiment or political tact, Gao could no longer hold back. He covered his face and wept.

Gao knew the Crown Prince feared his personal vendetta might disrupt their fragile plans. Yet excessive restraint would seem unnatural. Sorrow, at least, was expected.

Li Longji watched him, then said carefully, "This matter… involves Princess Taiping's household. The authorities may never untangle it. What will you do?"

Gao's voice broke. "No investigation is needed. Xue Chongxun is guilty—and that shameless witch from the Yu family! I'll bide my time, but this debt will be repaid."

Relieved, Li Longji said, "Patience. When the moment comes, I'll ensure justice. You're not just my subject, Gao Lishi—you're my friend. Your cause is mine."

Gao nodded fiercely. "You will prevail, Your Highness. I doubt it not. When you do, we'll settle all scores."

Li Longji raised an eyebrow. "Oh? How are you so certain? Even now, few at court back 'Li Sanlang.'"

"A man of benevolence cannot be defeated!" Gao declared. "No scheme can thwart Heaven's will. The people yearn for stability, prosperity, peace—and see you as their sage, their hope. With such mandate, who can oppose you?"

Li Longji's eyes brightened. Truly, Gao Lishi understands me. Aloud, he quoted, "As my great-grandfather Emperor Taizong said, 'If Heaven wills my rise, none may hinder it.'"

"Apt words!" Gao praised. "You inherit the Tang ancestors' legacy—Heaven's chosen Son. My petty grudges mean nothing. When the time comes, justice will prevail."

Satisfied, Li Longji stood. "I'm glad you see reason. Do nothing rash."

‌Translation Notes:‌

‌ (Hún xī, guī lái)‌ – Translated as "Soul of the departed, return home," preserving the ritualistic tone of Daoist funeral chants.

‌ (tōng fáng yātou)‌ – Rendered as "concubines and maids," combining the specific term for maids with bedroom duties and broader context.

‌ (Tiānmìng)‌ – Translated as "Mandate of Heaven," a culturally resonant term in East Asian political philosophy.

‌Li Sanlang – Kept in pinyin with explanation ("Li Sanlang" meaning "Li the Third Son") to preserve the informal reference to Li Longji.

‌Cultural references to Tang dynasty politics‌ – Contextualized through descriptive phrasing (e.g., "Princess Taiping's household") to clarify factional conflicts without over-explaining.

‌Tonal shifts‌ – Li Longji's dialogue reflects regal composure, while Gao Lishi's speech veers between suppressed rage and calculated deference.

‌Classical quotes‌ – Emperor Taizong's saying is paraphrased for clarity while retaining its proverbial weight.