Chapter 104: The Seventh-Day Memorial Ceremony

Yet another treacherous banquet unfolds...

On the seventh day after the passing of the Virtuous Dowager Consort, the Empress Dowager arranged a grand sacrificial ceremony, its scale rivaling that of the Ghost Festival.

Liu Zhong expressed deep gratitude and planned to follow the Empress Dowager’s method to assassinate Liu Li that very night.

In recent days, Liu Zhong had tried various means, all unsuccessful, which only heightened Liu Li’s vigilance. Thus, the Empress Dowager personally bestowed upon Liu Zhong a potent poison and a specially crafted wine vessel.

The poison was a rare toxin from the Western Sea Prefecture—colorless and tasteless. Those who consumed it would show no immediate symptoms; death would come peacefully in sleep, undetectable and unsuspected, as if passing away in tranquility.

The wine vessel was a secret imperial creation, its handle fitted with a hidden button that could control whether the wine poured contained the poison or not. Unlike other adjustable vessels, this one was indistinguishable from an ordinary wine pot, and only the holder could discern the mechanism.

Liu Li had no reason to refuse, despite his busy schedule and ongoing investigations into the late emperor’s old cases and the Virtuous Dowager Consort’s suspicious death.

From afar, the clear and melodious music could already be heard—an all too familiar sound.

“This music seems familiar...”

“Your Majesty, it is said the Empress Dowager has invited musicians from the Western Sea Prefecture!”

Liu Li glanced at Gao Hai but said nothing more. Gao Hai, however, cautioned him extensively, fearing another assassination attempt.

As Liu Li and Gao Hai walked, they indeed encountered members of the Western Sea Prefecture’s troupe. Liu Li was surprised—why were the Western Sea Prefecture’s people serving the royal family? The worlds of martial arts and politics were growing ever closer.

Watching the troupe pass by, Liu Li did not see He Yu, contrary to what Yu Qixian’s letter had suggested. Just as he was about to leave, hurried footsteps sounded behind him.

He turned to find He Yu.

She was dressed in the attire of a Western Sea Prefecture musician—graceful and lively, embodying both the spirited charm of youth and the gentle elegance of a court musician.

“He Yu, you really came?”

He Yu nodded. “Has Young Master Yu already told Your Majesty? He can be so careless!”

“No matter. Tell me, what brings you here?”

He Yu was about to speak but noticed Qiu Di waiting nearby. Hastily, she pulled something from her bag and handed it to Liu Li.

“Not now—I'll explain later. Take this cup to drink the wine. It looks ordinary but can detect poison...”

Liu Li was stunned. “This?”

Gao Hai was straightforward and took the items from him. “Thank you, miss. These will come in handy!”

“Good, I must be going!”

After He Yu left, Gao Hai handed the items back to Liu Li. “Your Majesty, quietly switch your utensils later. I think these will be useful. Lately, there have been too many poison snakes and toxins; we must be cautious!”

“Indeed, the presence of Western Sea Prefecture people in the palace during this ceremony is unusual.” Liu Li sighed, tucking the items into his sleeve.

Gao Hai felt somewhat reassured and walked alongside Liu Li, his thoughts drifting: The emperor is unhappy again. Could the goddess of Tianshan descend once more? Last time my prayers were answered; will she grant her mercy again?

“Unexpectedly, my harem life begins anew!”

Gao Hai snapped back and consoled him, “Your Majesty need not worry; this too shall pass. You are the true sovereign—you will be safe!”

“I am not afraid for myself. It is the unstable court that troubles me. When will the people live in true peace?” Liu Li sighed, then said, “You should find Eunuch Liu now and ask about the late emperor’s affairs. I will come shortly.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

The priests began the rituals; the sorcerers chanted incantations. Amid the wind sounded the bells, curses, and sword dances.

Then the musicians from Western Sea Prefecture played, their music steeped in sorrow and depth, worthy of being called the foremost female sect in the martial world. The melodies seemed like spells, clouding minds, enchanting souls, drawing listeners into a vortex impossible to escape.

Liu Li struggled to remain clear-headed and seized the moment to replace his cup and chopsticks from his sleeve.

All the royal family gathered—noble members seated to observe. Before each lay a simple black table set with wine and dining utensils for drinking and eating.

On the seventh day after death, everyone must bow and kowtow before the spirit’s tablet, burn incense in respect; then the deceased’s family would offer “soul-reviving wine” and “cleansing noodles” to each person. The wine must be drained and the noodles finished.

“Today marks the seventh day since the Virtuous Dowager Consort’s passing. None of us have emerged from grief; I, too, share this sorrow. The truth will soon be revealed. I urge everyone to grant the emperor trust and tolerance. Gathered here, set aside personal feelings—the deceased is paramount! To secure the best priests and musicians, I have spared no effort. Tonight, let no ill omens mar the occasion.”

“As the Empress Dowager commands!”

“Very well, I shall lead in bowing and incense offering for the Virtuous Dowager Consort!”

After the Empress Dowager descended, Liu Li approached. Liu Zhong showed no reaction.

Liu Li respectfully bowed and burned incense, then returned to his seat to observe. After all had offered incense, Liu Zhong spoke, then presented the prepared wine and food to the guests in turn.

“Thanks to the Empress Dowager for her thoughtful care in mother’s affairs. Please, Your Majesty, partake of the wine!”

Liu Zhong poured wine and served the noodles to the Empress Dowager, who accepted each offering. Next was Liu Li. Liu Zhong lingered, teeth clenched, then stepped forward.

Liu Li watched the expression on Liu Zhong’s face darken; it seemed Liu Zhong still suspected him.

Liu Li was increasingly aware of how keen his intuition had become—especially in reading others’ eyes, uncanny in its accuracy. Perhaps the eyes cannot conceal the heart’s truth.

“Your Majesty!” Liu Zhong stood before Liu Li. “Thank you for your tireless investigation; may the truth soon come to light!”

Liu Li nodded and handed the cup to Liu Zhong. Liu Zhong took it, placed it on a tray held by a servant, poured wine from the pot into the cup, and placed a bowl of noodles on the tray. The servant presented the tray to the emperor, who returned Liu Zhong’s gesture.

“Please enjoy, Your Majesty!”

“Thank you, Second Brother!”

In Beihua tradition, the living partake of the food and wine on behalf of the deceased, to ensure the departed’s spirit rests peacefully. If the offerings are sincerely consumed, the soul will be satisfied and leave in peace, sparing the living from haunting. But if left unfinished, the deceased will cling on.

Liu Li raised the cup to drink—only to find the inside of the cup entirely blackened. He was startled.

“Second Brother, this wine is tainted! Mother, do not drink!”

At that moment, Liu Zhong had just poured wine for the Virtuous Consort. Hearing Liu Li’s warning, the gathered crowd froze in shock. The Virtuous Consort gripped her cup tightly, hesitant to move.

“Your Majesty, what do you mean? The wine is poisoned?” The Empress Dowager approached, suspicion in her voice, holding her cup.

Liu Zhong stepped forward, glaring. “Third Brother, do not overstep! For mother’s sake, I have restrained myself. Are you trying to cause trouble on her seventh day?”

Liu Li shook his head and handed the cup back. “Second Brother, it is not that I distrust you. But in front of all these witnesses, do you think I would falsely accuse you?”

Liu Zhong examined Liu Li’s cup, eyes flashing with anger and surprise, then looked to the Empress Dowager for support. Before she arrived, the Virtuous Consort suddenly snapped to attention—no longer the usual dull and gentle woman.

“This wine was personally prepared by the Second Prince. No poisoning could occur at any step. If the Second Prince is innocent, then drink it yourself!” Seeing He Yu’s expression, the Virtuous Consort understood immediately and placed three cups before Liu Zhong. “You poured three cups—will you drink them all alone?”