There had been too many events in this period. The Third Prince’s rebellion, the Crown Prince’s death, the Emperor’s passing, and the six-year-old Imperial Grandson’s ascension to the throne.

Though all this was shocking, both the common people and officials found it acceptable, as their shock was directed at the events, not the people involved.

But Chu Zhao becoming Empress would inevitably spark much controversy.

This wasn’t just about events, but about the person chosen.

Her selection was simply too sudden and unexpected.

The Imperial Grandson was only six years old, yet he had a thirteen-year-old Empress—this couldn’t help but fill people with suspicion toward her.

Chu Zhao didn’t need to go outside to see; the looks from officials these past few days were enough.

If not for Deng Yi’s vigilant watch, if not for the murderous aura of the guards within the palace city, they would likely have questioned her on the very day of the Emperor’s passing.

Chu Zhao nodded: “With the Third Young Master here, I feel at ease.”

Xie Yanfang said, “It’s not because of me, but because what Miss Chu Zhao has done deserves people’s trust.”

Chu Zhao smiled: “Even if what I’ve done doesn’t deserve trust, I believe the Third Young Master could certainly make it so.”

If a suspicious person heard these words, they might think she meant he could turn black into white—and if one could turn black into white, they could also turn white into black—perhaps making it difficult to respond. But Xie Yanfang smiled and nodded decisively: “I will certainly do so.”

Xie Yanfang wasn’t suspicious; he was truly intelligent, and for such a person, one heart is enough.

Chu Zhao didn’t elaborate further, saying earnestly: “Everything happened so suddenly, and the aftermath was chaotic. I haven’t properly explained to the Third Young Master—becoming Empress was my request to His Majesty.”

Xie Yanfang nodded seriously: “I know. This must have been Miss Chu Zhao’s wish. Miss Chu Zhao is not someone who would be forced to do something against her will.”

Chu Zhao couldn’t help but laugh: “I clearly said I coerced the late Emperor, yet the Third Young Master still praises me?”

Xie Yanfang shook his head: “How could you have coerced the late Emperor? It was the late Emperor who was coerced first; we were all under coercion.”

Talking with intelligent people was so effortless, requiring no further explanation. Chu Zhao continued: “The late Emperor and my father once privately established a military force called the Dragon Might Army. These troops answered only to my father. Most were stationed in border commanderies, though some were hidden in the capital. This was highly confidential, and because of the disagreement between my father and His Majesty twenty years ago, these troops weren’t used again, so even fewer people knew about them.”

Xie Yanfang had already guessed something similar, but now understood more clearly.

“I see,” he said.

No wonder Eunuch Qi brought the young prince to the Chu household, and going further, no wonder Xiao Xun had such an attitude toward Chu Zhao, trying every means to establish a connection.

“The Prince of Zhongshan and his son probably guessed my father had an unusual standing with His Majesty, but they didn’t know about the Dragon Might Army,” Chu Zhao said, smoothing her chest, with a self-mocking smile. “If they had known, A-Yu and I wouldn’t be alive.”

Xie Yanfang remained silent for a moment: “I don’t know whether to say it’s thanks to His Majesty’s blessing or fortunate that we have General Chu.”

Reflecting on Xiao Yu’s escape from danger this time, it truly was perilous in the extreme. It was because of His Majesty and General Chu’s planning years ago, then because of their subsequent estrangement, and then because the General’s daughter happened to return to the capital as his deputy—this chain of events, each one indispensable. With the slightest misstep, or if anyone had been missing that night, Xiao Yu probably wouldn’t exist now.

Chu Zhao also thought for a moment—perhaps it was fortunate that she had died once before.

Of course, she couldn’t say this.

Xie Yanfang continued: “So Miss Chu Zhao, you decisively requested the position of Empress from His Majesty—this was the best way to secure A-Yu’s position on the throne.”

Chu Zhao nodded: “Only this way could the Dragon Might Army remain under the Emperor’s control. After all, following this rebellion, trustworthy troops are scarce. The Prince of Zhongshan has already exposed his ambition without concealment—the Emperor is dead, the Crown Prince is dead, and my father… is also about to die.”

The girl slightly lowered her eyes, her hands on her knees clenched.

These past days, she had been tense and busy, suddenly remembering that her father was also going to die soon. How would she see him?

Could she even leave the capital?

At least for now, she couldn’t.

Who could have imagined that without marrying Xiao Xun, she would still become Empress, and still be unable to leave the capital—

Something warm touched her hand—

Chu Zhao came back to herself, seeing a warm teacup being offered to her.

She looked up to see Xie Yanfang’s gentle, concerned gaze.

“Miss Chu Zhao,” he said, “you’ve already overcome countless dangers, even saving A-Yu’s life. There’s nothing you can’t accomplish. No matter how difficult things get, there’s always a way.”

Chu Zhao held the warm teacup and nodded: “Yes.” She tilted her head back and drank the tea in one gulp.

Outside the door came the sound of light footsteps, accompanied by a soft voice: “Sister—”

Chu Zhao turned her head to see a small figure in mourning clothes behind the fluttering white curtain.

“A-Yu,” she quickly beckoned, “come here.”

Xiao Yu stepped in from behind the curtain. Xie Yanfang rose and bowed: “Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Though the coronation ceremony hadn’t yet been held, Xiao Yu was already the new Emperor.

Xiao Yu walked with lowered eyes to Chu Zhao’s side. Chu Zhao took his hand: “I was discussing the current situation with your uncle.”

Xiao Yu made a sound of acknowledgment, then looked at Xie Yanfang, saying: “Third Uncle, please rise.”

Xie Yanfang sat up straight, looking at the child standing beside Chu Zhao. After successive tragedies, compounded by mourning for the late Emperor, the six-year-old child looked unwell.

But what could be done? Things had come to this point; he could only endure.

Xie Yanfang poured tea and offered it with both hands.

Xiao Yu shook his head: “Thank you, Third Uncle, but I just had tea.”

Xie Yanfang silently put down the teacup.

“Are you hungry?” Chu Zhao asked, holding his hand. “If you’re tired, sit for a while. You don’t need to kneel so straight; your Imperial Grandfather won’t blame you.”

Xiao Yu nodded, then shook his head, saying softly: “Eunuch Qi gave me some pastries. He also drew the curtains, letting me lie down for a while by Imperial Grandfather’s side.”

Upon waking and finding Chu Zhao gone, he had come looking for her.

Knowing Eunuch Qi was taking care of him was reassuring. Chu Zhao pulled Xiao Yu to sit beside her and said: “For now, just focus on sending off your Imperial Grandfather, father, and mother.”

The Crown Prince and Princess’s funeral was being held together with the Emperor’s.

She looked toward Xie Yanfang.

“Your uncle will handle all other matters; there’s nothing to worry about.”

Xiao Yu nodded at Xie Yanfang again without speaking.

Xie Yanfang lowered his eyes: “A-Yu, it was your uncle’s failure that I couldn’t protect your father and mother.”

Xiao Yu still didn’t speak, but leaned closer to Chu Zhao, as if trying to avoid something.

Chu Zhao noticed his movement and quickly stroked his shoulder soothingly. For a child, directly facing the tragic deaths of his parents was terrifying and cruel.

But facts couldn’t be avoided either.

“That night, the Prince of Zhongshan’s heir personally came to my home, threatening and tempting my uncle to kill A-Yu,” she continued the topic. “He left no evidence, neither witnesses nor physical proof. Now, because of my position, I cannot have my uncle confess and testify against them, so the threat of the Prince of Zhongshan and his son is temporarily difficult to eliminate.”

Xie Yanfang said: “I will do my utmost. Rest assured, the Prince of Zhongshan and his son will never threaten A-Yu again.”

Chu Zhao nodded solemnly to him: “I believe in the Third Young Master.”

She truly believed it. In that other life, Xie Yanfang had cornered Xiao Xun until he had no way out, even with Xiao Xun’s status as a rebel. In this life, with the roles reversed, Xiao Xun’s days would be even more difficult.

Hearing Chu Zhao’s words, Xiao Yu raised his head to look at Xie Yanfang and added: “Thank you for your efforts, Third Uncle.”

This was the first time since their meeting that the child had truly looked at him. Xie Yanfang moved in front of him, half-kneeling, and gently stroked his face.

Xiao Yu leaned toward Chu Zhao but didn’t avoid Xie Yanfang’s hand, nor did he avoid his gaze, looking at the face before him—

This face somewhat resembled his mother’s, but was far more beautiful. Xie Yanfang’s skin was as white as porcelain, his eyes long and slender, his nose high-bridged, his gaze gentle and clear—

“It’s no hardship,” he said softly. “Xie Yanfang only wishes to have no more heart-piercing regrets.”