Sima Chang quietly let out a sigh of relief. Yi Han cared deeply for Sima Qinghe—if he got what he wanted, then even if Qingli had leverage over him, he wouldn’t give in so easily.
Besides, the Yi family wasn’t someone she could deal with casually. Yi Han would hold onto his command. That meant they would become part of his faction.
Soon, Yi Han and the other generals appeared before the crowd.
Though he had led the war, his father didn’t want to steal his spotlight and remained outside the city with the main army, awaiting their rewards.
With special permission, Yi Han and his generals rode their horses into the city. But as they neared the Emperor, Yi Han dismounted respectfully and led the group in kneeling to the ground.
“Your humble general, Yi Han, pays respects to His Majesty…”
“Your humble generals…”
As the sound of ceremonial bows and greetings faded, Emperor Sima Heng stepped forward, beaming with joy, and helped Yi Han to his feet.
“Beloved subject, please rise! You’ve accomplished such a great feat—you are now a national hero of Jin!”
Yi Han smiled humbly.
“Your Majesty flatters me. This victory belongs to every soldier on the battlefield. My efforts were insignificant by comparison.”
His gaze drifted to the figures standing behind the Emperor. As his eyes swept over the crowd, he paused briefly when they landed on Qingli. She gave him a slight smile.
Yi Han quickly looked away and turned to the other side. There, his good friend Sima Chang and Fu Cheng were watching him with excitement. Sima Chang even winked at him, signaling him to look behind.
Behind them stood Sima Qinghe, eyes brimming with tears.
His heart softened, but also grew heavy, as he recalled the words the Imperial Diviner had said before he left for war.
Sima Heng, deeply moved by Yi Han’s modesty, said warmly,
“There’s no need for such humility. The soldiers deserve their credit, but your contribution was even greater. You led them, arranged the formations, and risked your life time and again. Without your leadership, there would have been no victory. I…”
He was just about to announce a marriage reward.
But before he could finish, Yi Han suddenly knelt to the ground and raised his voice:
“Your Majesty! While your servant has indeed contributed to this victory, the true credit belongs to the Imperial Diviner. Without her recommendation, I would never have gone to the battlefield. Without her unwavering support in the face of opposition, without her divine insight and accurate predictions, I would not have been in the war at all. Therefore, I humbly request that Your Majesty entrust the military seal to the Imperial Diviner for safekeeping!”
Sima Heng’s expression changed instantly—he had fully expected to seize a portion of military power for himself.
Sima Chang stared in shock. When did he start siding with Qingli?
Sima Qinghe’s hopeful smile froze on her face. She stared in disbelief—How could Yi Han make such a decision?!
This felt like a betrayal of her third brother.
Fu Cheng, too, was visibly stunned. He hadn’t expected Yi Han to choose this path.
The court was shaken. But before the ministers had time to object, Prince Rui’s heir stepped forward with the Prime Minister and other key officials, all nodding in agreement.
“The Imperial Diviner stands outside the traditional Six Ministries. She is also Your Majesty’s daughter and has proven herself with unparalleled wisdom. It is most appropriate for her to hold the military seal.”
Some of the ministers who had been thinking of opposing the idea hesitated and held their tongues.
A few braver ones still voiced weak opposition.
“But the Imperial Diviner is a woman—how can she be entrusted with the military seal?”
Their arguments lacked conviction. Qingli’s reputation as a near-mystical figure left them wary of outright confrontation.
The Prime Minister smiled and countered,
“Precisely because she is a woman, she is the best choice to keep it safe, neutral and trustworthy.”
That opponent fell silent. Another tried to raise a different concern.
“But what if war breaks out again and the seal isn’t readily available—”
Prince Rui’s heir interrupted sternly,
“This victory is more than enough proof of the Imperial Diviner’s foresight. If there’s another war, she will undoubtedly select the most suitable general, and the seal can then be handed over accordingly.”
The man had nothing more to say.
Then the Prince Regent stepped forward, face dark.
“Nonsense! This military seal was entrusted to me by the late emperor. It has always been in my safekeeping. How can it now be handed to the Imperial Diviner?”
Only now did Qingli step forward, smiling as she replied:
“Your Highness, even if I were not to keep the seal, it certainly cannot be returned to you. Otherwise, I fear the people of this nation will never accept it.”
The Prince Regent narrowed his eyes and stared coldly at her.
But Qingli met his gaze with a gentle smile, not backing down in the slightest.
That moment of confrontation sparked realization among the ministers. Since Yi Han had already refused the power, the seal wouldn’t stay with him. Handing it to the Emperor would be even worse—it would only concentrate more authority in one place. Giving it back to the Prince Regent was dangerous for Jin. Prince Rui already held half the military power, giving him more would upset the balance.
Only the Imperial Diviner remained… the safest, most “harmless” choice.
Once they understood this, more ministers stepped forward and said,
“Your Majesty, we believe the military seal should be entrusted to the Imperial Diviner!”
Sima Heng’s face turned ashen as he looked at the sea of kneeling ministers. He wanted to ask—Is there truly no one who supports giving it to me? I’m the Emperor!
Sima Chang had remained silent for some time, his expression darkening with every word exchanged. When did Qingli’s influence infiltrate this deeply?
Knowing that none of the other options were viable, he spoke carefully,
“My lords, I’m afraid the Imperial Diviner may not be the most appropriate choice. General Yi is the most suitable, or perhaps… Father should retain it himself.”
Sima Heng was moved. Ah, my most promising son. Only my third understands me.
Just as he was about to nod in agreement, Yi Han interjected,
“I am well aware of my limitations. I do not dare take charge of the military seal.”
Sima Heng was about to speak, pleased by the humility.
But once again, before he could get a word in, Prince Rui’s heir declared,
“But Your Majesty is already burdened with the affairs of the nation. To take on this responsibility, too, would be unwise. I believe the Imperial Diviner remains the best choice. Surely the other ministers agree?”
Prompted by this cue, the officials—who had already voiced their opinions—immediately shouted in unison,
“We beg Your Majesty to entrust the military seal to the Imperial Diviner!”
Their collective voices drowned out whatever Sima Heng had been about to say. They truly weren’t going to give it to him?!
His breathing grew heavier, his anger surging. The fury overwhelmed him so much that he felt dizzy and unsteady on his feet. A nearby eunuch quickly rushed to support him.
When the dizziness subsided, Sima Heng looked out at the kneeling crowd of officials, overwhelmed by sorrow and frustration. He wanted so badly to refuse outright, but these were the most influential ministers of the court. He couldn’t afford to alienate them.
Clenching his teeth, he finally muttered,
“Very well… as my loyal subjects have advised. The military seal will be entrusted to the Imperial Diviner.”
Only then did Qingli step forward with calm composure. She accepted the seal with a slight bow, saying,
“I will not fail the trust His Majesty has placed in me.”
That victorious poise made Sima Chang’s vision go black. He nearly lost consciousness and had to be caught by Fu Cheng beside him. He dug his nails into his arm, pain keeping him grounded, preventing a public outburst.
Sima Heng couldn’t bear to stay any longer. He flung his sleeve and stormed off.
The ministers hurried after him.
Qingli lifted her head just as Sima Chang turned his gaze toward her. She gave him a gentle smile and lightly shook the military seal in her hand.
All color drained from Sima Chang’s face.
Sam Williams On TYMIMA Chapter 152