Standing in the court hall, Xie Yanfang was the youngest—young in age and light in qualifications.

He could stand in the court hall because of his identity as the Emperor’s maternal uncle.

Of course, he didn’t mind this identity. He had originally planned to use this identity to stand in the court hall, just not now.

It was too hasty.

Too many unexpected events.

“Third Young Master, what does Deng Yi mean by this!”

A voice asked from behind.

Xie Yanfang turned his head to see a group of officials catching up. They varied in age and official position, but what they had in common were expressions of righteous indignation and closeness to Xie Yanfang.

Even if entering court hastily, the Xie clan had been cultivating relationships for a long time, and Xie Yanfang himself had extensive social connections. Although these court officials had no dealings with him, their families had all received his favors and had friendship with him.

Friendships of mutual benefit and reciprocation.

He wasn’t truly just a fledgling eagle. Previously, he simply hadn’t stood in the court hall. As long as he stepped forward, he could spread his wings and soar.

These people directly called Deng Yi by name, disdaining his official title of Grand Tutor.

If we’re really talking about a fledgling eagle, this Deng Yi was one. Xie Yanfang smiled at the officials.

“First he had the Empress accompany His Majesty at the enthronement ceremony, and now he has the Empress accompany His Majesty to court,” one official said in a deep voice. “What exactly does he want to do!”

“Whatever he says goes.”

“Has this court hall become Deng Yi’s?”

Other officials also expressed their anger and dissatisfaction.

Xie Yanfang listened gently, neither interrupting nor agreeing. Only after everyone had vented did he say, “He’s doing this for His Majesty. His Majesty truly needs to learn and grow quickly. Everyone think about it—to personally instruct His Majesty at every moment, hand-in-hand—besides the Empress, is there anyone more suitable?”

An official was about to speak, but Xie Yanfang stopped him again.

“I know any of you could do it, but would Deng Yi allow it?”

That was accompanying and instructing the Emperor. For a six-year-old emperor, it meant becoming an extremely intimate person who would be trusted and relied upon by the Emperor.

How could Deng Yi, who held power in his grasp, allow others to gain the Emperor’s trust?

“He’s doing this for His Majesty,” Xie Yanfang continued. “But also for himself. He supervises the state and cannot be distracted to instruct His Majesty, yet he’s unwilling to let us instruct him. Therefore, the Empress is the most suitable person.”

After all, the Empress was a woman. Once His Majesty matured, she would have to withdraw to the inner palace. She would not and could not interfere in court affairs.

The officials nodded, understanding. But—

“So we just tolerate Deng Yi like this?” they asked angrily.

Xie Yanfang said, “Right now His Majesty is still young. The most important thing is the stability of the nation. So please, everyone, guard the court hall well and fulfill your duties. It’s not for Deng Yi’s sake, but for His Majesty’s.”

As he spoke, he bowed to everyone.

The others hurriedly returned the courtesy, saying one after another, “Young Master is too polite.” “My lord, this is our duty.”

Watching Xie Yanfang walk away at a leisurely pace, the officials also dispersed. Compared to when court had just dismissed, everyone’s emotions had stabilized considerably.

This court hall wasn’t Deng Yi’s domain—they were here too. Most crucially, the Xie clan was here. Speaking of intimacy, this was whom His Majesty the Emperor truly trusted. Deng Yi was merely a coincidental opportunity, a helpless choice by the late emperor.

The late emperor had already passed. How long could Deng Yi survive?

However, judging from the current situation, Xie Yanfang hadn’t opposed anything Deng Yi had done.

“Perhaps Deng Yi consulted with the Third Young Master beforehand,” one official said in a low voice.

Very likely. This Deng Yi wasn’t stupid either. Did he really think that holding the imperial seal and military authority meant he could do whatever he wanted? If Xie Yanfang had expressed opposition at the time, what could Deng Yi have done? Expelled Xie Yanfang from the court hall? Executed him on the spot?

He wouldn’t dare even with a hundred times the courage!

So, they must have consulted beforehand and persuaded Xie Yanfang.

Deng Yi also had his concerns. That was good.

Everyone’s expressions relaxed further as they continued walking slowly. But then another official stopped in his tracks.

“However, Deng Yi is reluctant to leave the court hall and unwilling to instruct His Majesty. Third Young Master Xie is also unwilling, isn’t he?” He couldn’t help muttering.

Deng Yi was unwilling to let others instruct His Majesty. If Xie Yanfang insisted on going, could Deng Yi stop him?

In fact, Deng Yi would probably be delighted if Xie Yanfang went. That way he could weaken Xie Yanfang’s position in the court hall, trapping him in the palace—

Xie Yanfang wasn’t stupid!

Right, just as Xie Yanfang said, His Majesty was still young, and personal rule was far off. No need to worry about it for now. Controlling the court hall was the urgent matter.

Third Young Master Xie’s actions were reasonable and justified.

When Xie Yanfang returned home, the Xie family already knew about the court affairs. Although currently only Xie Yanfang could attend court from the Xie clan, as Xie Yanfang said, not being in the court hall didn’t mean being distant from it.

Not being in the court hall actually made it easier to accomplish things.

“Did Deng Yi consult with you?” Steward Cai asked with a frown. “What exactly does he want to do? Curry favor with Chu Ling?”

Xie Yanfang looked at Steward Cai, his eyes slightly raised. “No.”

No what? Steward Cai was stunned. He didn’t believe Deng Yi was truly doing this for the little emperor’s good.

“I mean, Deng Yi didn’t consult with me,” Xie Yanfang said, entering the room and removing his court robes.

Steward Cai was even more puzzled. Then who? Deng Yi’s subordinates? He knew many in the court had already pledged themselves to Deng Yi’s faction, but did this rabble already dare run before Xie Yanfang to talk nonsense?

“Steward Cai, don’t be angry,” Xie Yanfang tossed aside his court robes and turned back with a smile. “It was Chu Zhao, our Empress.”

Steward Cai was stunned, then flew into a rage.

“Audacious!”

“What does she want to do!”

……

……

Audacious?

Xie Yanfang thought about being summoned into the palace, listening to the girl sitting opposite him speak those words. His feelings—surprise, yet also not surprising.

The girl still wore ordinary dress, no different from the Miss Chu who had intruded into the Xie residence wanting to see him before.

Her expression was still as spirited and clear as before, only with some additional radiance.

This kind of radiance wasn’t unfamiliar to Xie Yanfang either. Back when he was thirteen years old, when he heard the Crown Prince was coming to hunt and climbed the mountain with his longbow to look down, his eyes must have sparkled with this same radiance.

That was—eager to try.

He wasn’t surprised, nor did he immediately express compliance. He calmly asked his confusion: “Why?”

The girl looked at him and calmly said, “Because I don’t want A Yu to depend on Deng Yi. I want him to stand independently in the court hall.”

Xiao Yu was still a child. Whether it was Deng Yi or some court official who instructed him, it would make him develop dependent feelings. If a ruler developed dependent feelings toward court officials, he would inevitably be constrained by them.

Of course Xie Yanfang understood this principle. But when Chu Zhao said this, she was telling him that she didn’t trust Deng Yi.

“I want to accompany A Yu. I’ll teach him.” She said, then bowed deeply to Xie Yanfang. “Please, Third Young Master, allow me to do this. Entrust A Yu to me.”

She was requesting this of him.

Xie Yanfang smiled, withdrawing his thoughts. He picked up the tea from the table and discussed with Steward Cai: “Of course I cannot entrust A Yu to Deng Yi, so entrusting him to her is most appropriate.”

After listening to his explanation, Steward Cai’s expression changed repeatedly. “It sounds reasonable when you put it that way. It’s just that this girl’s intentions—”

Ever since learning that this girl’s position as Empress was something she herself had requested from the Emperor, he couldn’t help being vigilant when looking at her.

This was the position of Empress.

Now she also wanted to attend court with His Majesty.

This girl’s appetite was too large.

“What else then? She risked life and death just to help strangers in distress?” Xie Yanfang smiled, passing over his teacup to indicate Steward Cai should add more tea. “Attending court is really so tiring. Standing before people is so tiring. Having to say so many words.”

Steward Cai helplessly poured him tea. “You don’t say fewer words at home either.”

Xie Yanfang drained the tea in one gulp.

“I’m not afraid of what intentions she has. Right now her only intention can be: if A Yu is well, she’ll be well,” he said. “For A Yu to be well, we must treat her well.”

Steward Cai set down the teapot. “Fine, fine. If you say it’s good, then naturally it’s good.” After speaking, he stood up. “You should rest a bit. There are still many things for you to do behind the scenes.”

Xie Yanfang watched the old servant withdraw, then reclined and lay down. Suddenly he opened his eyes again.

He had been persuaded by that girl.

But what about Deng Yi?

How did that girl persuade him?