WBSGVS Chapter 209 V1

Imperial Astrologer’s Residence

Qingli had just finished meeting with a guest who came seeking guidance about their love life when she took a sip of tea.

Unlike the stereotypical image people had of an aloof and mysterious imperial astrologer, Qingli’s version of the job was extremely busy. She had opened a public appointment system, accepting up to ten commoners a day, completely free of charge.

After all, there were only so many high-ranking nobles to begin with, and ten appointments a day didn’t even begin to fill the slots. At first, things were quiet. But once word spread that this imperial astrologer was truly approachable and willing to answer the questions of ordinary people, everyone scrambled to book an appointment.

And so, what was supposed to be a cushy, ceremonial role had been turned by her into a schedule busier than most doctors’.

Ironically, it was precisely because of this that her reputation among the people had only grown stronger.

After another sip of tea to soothe her throat, Qingli asked Bai Zhu, “All done with today’s appointments?”

Bai Zhu immediately nodded. “Yes, Your Highness. Would you like to bathe and rest first, or have a meal?”

“I’ll eat first,” Qingli said, rubbing her stomach—she was hungry.

Bai Zhu turned to inform the kitchen, but as she moved, her foot knocked into something. She looked down and saw a crumpled piece of paper under the table. Picking it up, she glanced at the writing, then handed it to Qingli.

Qingli read the note and chuckled. There was only one line written: “The Second Prince is about to stage a coup.”

Bai Zhu lowered her voice. “It was probably dropped by one of the visitors earlier. Should I call them back for questioning?”

Qingli shook her head. “No need.”

Bai Zhu said no more and left the room. Qingli, meanwhile, pulled out Sima Heng’s birth chart and began calculating his fate.

When it came to power struggles over the throne, no one was in more danger than Sima Heng.

And sure enough, the chart confirmed it.

Qingli had previously done a reading for him after receiving his birth data from Prince Duan. At the time, she’d seen a quiet, uneventful life that would end peacefully—ideal, she had thought, as it would give Sima Yan the time to enjoy a carefree childhood.

But now, the fate had shifted. An ominous sign appeared, and the timing matched the warning in the note exactly.

The Second Prince’s coup was undoubtedly a collaboration with the Prince Regent. After surviving an assassination attempt, the Regent had become more subdued due to health issues. Later, his military power was stripped, and he kept an even lower profile. But now, it seemed he couldn’t hold back any longer.

Still, Qingli sensed that Sima Heng’s danger didn’t just come from the Second Prince. The one who sent the note was also a threat.

As the Imperial Astrologer, she knew she had to prepare. Fate changed constantly, and even small actions on her part could alter its course. She let out a soft chuckle and turned to another maid. “Bring me a brush and ink. I need to write a message to Prince Duan’s residence—”

Before she could finish, the steward sent a servant running in. “Master Qingli, Prince Duan, and Young Master Lu have arrived!”

Qingli immediately stood up. “Please, let them in.”

She went to the entrance to receive them.

The elderly Prince Duan entered the gate, supported by Lu Pingyuan. As soon as he saw her, he burst into laughter. “Master Astrologer, forgive me for coming uninvited. It’s just that the food here is too delicious!”

Lu Pingyuan gave him a helpless glance, then greeted Qingli. “You told my grandfather to eat light, so the food at home has been bland. He’s been craving your cooking and insisted I bring him over. I’m off duty today, so… here we are.”

Qingli smiled. “Your visit honors me. Come in.”

She stepped to Prince Duan’s other side, walking beside him.

“What’s on the menu today?” Prince Duan asked, grinning.

“I told the kitchen to keep it simple today,” Qingli began, then seeing his face fall, quickly added, “but since you’re here, of course we’ll make more dishes. Someone sent some lamb recently—how about a lamb hotpot?”

“Perfect!” Prince Duan beamed.

After she seated him and dismissed the attendants, Qingli said, “You’ve come at just the right time. I just received word—the Second Prince is planning a coup with the Regent. I was about to discuss it with you.”

Prince Duan’s expression turned serious. “No other intel?”

Qingli shook her head. “No. But I checked the Emperor’s fate using his birth chart. The signs are bad. The coup is likely real. And worse—it looks like there’s a hidden threat waiting to take advantage.”

Prince Duan’s smile faded completely. He sighed. “I knew it. My father’s generation fought over the throne. My cousin’s generation did the same. Only your father was spared the power struggle. But now Yan’s generation is caught in it again.”

It was precisely to avoid such conflict that he’d once taken up military command and then deliberately allowed everyone to believe he had no children.

That way, he’d be overlooked—no one would see him as a threat, even if he held power. He’d spent years in quiet service, just a symbol of the royal family. And yet now, in his old age, he still had to watch another political drama unfold.

Qingli said nothing. She was part of this too, though not by choice. If she didn’t step in, she’d be trampled like everyone else. So she might as well take the reins.

Seeing her silence, Prince Duan smiled again. “Maybe it’s for the best. Soon I’ll be free of these responsibilities. The royal family will be in your hands.”

Qingli pressed her lips into a smile. “Alright.”

—

Half a month later, on what seemed like a perfectly ordinary day—not even a full moon night—chaos erupted in the palace. An emergency distress signal was sent out in the confusion.

Fully prepared, Qingli donned her armor and led several thousand troops into the palace, right into the path of the Regent, who was staging his coup.

Their eyes locked. No words were needed.

One word was enough:

“Kill!”

The sound of clashing weapons echoed through the halls of the palace.