Witchcraft, witchcraft—chaos in the Han household.
Beneath the setting sun, blood flowed like a river through Chang'an City. The treacherous minister Jiang Chong falsely accused Crown Prince Liu Ju of using witchcraft to curse Liu Che. With father and son unable to see each other, he had pushed events toward this calamity.
Wei Zifu used the Empress's seal and sash, opened the armory, and issued military seals. But Liu Che's power was overwhelming, and Liu Ju's forces were defeated.
Weiyang Palace, inside Jiaofang Hall.
Qing Nü looked at Wei Zifu, who had dismissed her attendants and remained calm, and asked, "Do you regret it?"
Wei Zifu gave a soft laugh and shook her head. "I don't regret it! As a disciple of Master, as a member of the Wei Family, I should have been prepared for this! The defeat is already certain. I'll accept it calmly."
Qing Nü looked toward the outside of Jiaofang Hall.
Hong Luan flew back and whispered a few words in her ear.
Qing Nü murmured, "The last time Chang'an saw the calamity of war was a century ago, when Xiang Yu came."
Wei Zifu rose and kowtowed to Qing Nü.
"Master, I'd like to ask you for one thing..."
"Go ahead."
Qing Nü glanced back at Wei Zifu.
Wei Zifu said, "I've already sent Ju'er to Yong City to seek the King of Qin's protection. I don't dare hope he'll keep his position as Crown Prince. I only ask that you spare his life!"
"Who lives and who dies—how could that be for me to decide?"
Qing Nü sighed softly and looked at Wei Zifu. "Still, we were master and disciple. I'll do everything I can."
After hearing this, Wei Zifu said no more. She bowed solemnly to Qing Nü, then hanged herself. The Wei