Deng Yi’s study was somewhat messy, with scattered books, documents, and papers.

A few papers had drifted to the doorway. Liang Qiang lowered his head to look and immediately saw something written about a certain person who had once been in close contact with the former Zhao family—

This was a secret accusation letter.

But the fact that such a letter was just tossed on the floor showed that Deng Yi didn’t take it seriously.

Liang Qiang withdrew his gaze, avoiding these papers, and stood firmly in the room, raising his head to look.

Amidst the chaotic papers and books surrounding the desk, a man wearing the Grand Tutor’s official robe sat in a chair, reading a document in his hand, his brows furrowed.

His appearance was ordinary, but he had long eyebrows and deep-set eyes which, combined with his solemn official robe, made him seem imposing and difficult to look at directly.

Liang Qiang knew he shouldn’t stare, but couldn’t help his curiosity. Having been born into an official family with wide connections, he knew almost all the court ministers and noble families, but this Deng Yi had been a person as insignificant as dust.

Even if he had become Grand Tutor through relentless striving, no one would consider him insignificant anymore.

Deng Yi raised his head, meeting the young man’s gaze.

Liang Qiang was startled and quickly lowered his head, bowing deeply: “Liang Qiang pays his respects to the Grand Tutor.”

Deng Yi, holding the document, asked: “Why are you dressed like this?”

Liang Qiang was still holding his military robe rolled up in his arms. He hurriedly bowed again: “This humble officer has been disrespectful. I removed my military robe to avoid misunderstanding from the common people.”

Deng Yi smiled slightly. Without Liang Qiang having to explain further, he understood the meaning. The earlier excitement in the streets, with flowers being thrown in welcome, wasn’t directed at him, and he didn’t want to be surrounded and questioned.

Young masters from prominent families were very concerned about appearances, or rather, very insecure.

“Having you enter the capital in a private capacity is an inconvenience I’ve imposed on you,” he said lightly.

Liang Qiang hastily bowed again, saying he wouldn’t dare think such a thing.

Deng Yi waved his hand: “I have many matters to attend to. These pleasantries are unnecessary. Whether you feel inconvenienced or not is of no importance to me, and I don’t care. I summoned you in a private capacity to ask about the situation in the border commandery, and you should answer in a private capacity, without reservation.” Having said this, he pointed to the side, “Sit.”

Liang Qiang also understood that at present, he was as insignificant as dust. In Deng Yi’s eyes, even if he had dissatisfaction, grievances, or even hatred, it was all inconsequential.

He said no more and sat down as instructed, answering Deng Yi’s questions one by one. As he spoke, Deng Yi didn’t even look at him, either pondering or looking at the document in his hand, sometimes frowning, nodding, as if verifying something.

Liang Qiang realized that Xie Yan Lai must have just described the border army’s situation at court, and Deng Yi didn’t trust Xie Yan Lai, after all, he was a Xie family member, so he had called him to verify.

Deng Yi quickly finished his questions, made notes on the document, then looked at Liang Qiang, indicating: “Put your clothes on.”

Liang Qiang had been holding his military robe in his arms the whole time. Hearing this, he hurriedly stood up and put it on.

“You needn’t worry. Wearing your military robe wouldn’t cause any misunderstanding,” Deng Yi said. “You and your father entered the military as criminal slaves, and today, being summoned by me to the capital is already quite remarkable and honorable.”

Liang Qiang, having put on his military robe, responded affirmatively, and then said: “This humble officer feared causing trouble for the Grand Tutor. The status of my father and me cannot compare with Commander Xie.”

Even Zhong Chang Rong had been very displeased, declaring that the Grand Tutor had not issued an official decree to the border army—this was a private letter, so the military envoy could only be Xie Yan Lai, and as for him, Liang Qiang—

“I’ll give you a month’s family leave,” Zhong Chang Rong had said with a half-smile. “You’re permitted to go to the capital, nothing more.”

So he could only travel to the capital in Xie Yan Lai’s wake, in a private capacity. If he had also worn his military robe and been surrounded by commoners on the street, who knew if it might have been used against him.

Deng Yi smiled and said: “If you were likely to cause me trouble, I wouldn’t have called you here. And precisely because you and your father cannot compare in status with Commander Xie, I invited you. Liang Qiang, do you understand my meaning?”

Liang Qiang understood and said: “My present position is all due to the Grand Tutor’s patronage.”

Deng Yi said: “I have indeed promoted you and your father, though, of course, your bravery came first.” Having finished, he put down the document, “All right, you may go.”

Liang Qiang looked at him without moving.

Deng Yi made a sound of acknowledgment and continued: “A trip to the capital is rare. You can enjoy yourself for a few days, meet with old friends. Wear your military robe if you wish, or civilian clothes if you prefer.”

The young man in the hall still didn’t move.

Deng Yi looked at him: “Does Young Master Liang have any other business?”

This was a direct dismissal.

He did trust them, but that was the extent of it. In Deng Yi’s mind, it wasn’t that he couldn’t do without the Liang family; it was that the Liang family couldn’t do without him. So for the current Liang family, the Grand Tutor could summon them at will and dismiss them just as easily. Not impeding the Liang family’s military achievements and promotions was the Grand Tutor’s greatest kindness.

As for patronage, treating them as his people—that was still not enough.

Liang Qiang understood this.

To gain the Grand Tutor’s true regard, bravery alone wasn’t enough.

Oh, Liang Qiang no longer believed the Grand Tutor was his backer. He pressed his hand to his chest. Upon arriving in the capital, one of his soldiers-or or rather, guards—had handed him something.

“I heard that when seeking favors from the Grand Tutor, one must bring gifts.”

The Grand Tutor wouldn’t send gifts to himself; whoever prepared this gift was the real backer.

This person was not Grand Tutor Deng Yi.

Liang Qiang couldn’t say whether he felt regret or melancholy, or perhaps nothing at all. As a mere pawn, he had no right to any emotions.

Collecting himself before Deng Yi could speak again, Liang Qiang bowed deeply and took out a scroll from his bosom, offering it with both hands: “Grand Tutor, this is a small token of appreciation from my father and me. Please accept it.”

Deng Yi smiled and said: “Military Commander Liang understands this Grand Tutor well.” He pointed to the table, “Since you’re sincere, I’ll accept it.”

Liang Qiang placed the scroll on the desk: “As the Grand Tutor said, although I’m not here on official business, I am from the border army, so I’ll stay at the military camp. If the Grand Tutor has any instructions, send someone to the capital garrison to call for me.”

With that, he bowed and took his leave decisively.

From his words, did he think there would be a need to find him again? Deng Yi smiled slightly. The Liang family was indeed useful, or rather, anyone at odds with the Xie family was useful. He would give the Liang family a boost, but heavy reliance was out of the question.

He picked up the scroll Liang Qiang had left. Was it a list of gifts? The Liang father and son had done well, risking their lives in a short time to rebuild their fortune, or perhaps it was wealth the Liang family had hidden—despite the confiscation of property and exile, these great noble families always had multiple hideaways, inevitably concealing some private assets.

But when Deng Yi opened the scroll, what met his eyes were names. It began with the Border Army General, listing his name, age, native place, background—

These weren’t unfamiliar to Deng Yi. Even before he became Grand Tutor, he had information about these generals, and now their profiles were readily available to him.

The section about the General was brief. Then the writing shifted to another name, someone with the title of Chief Clerk to the General. Although this Chief Clerk’s position wasn’t as high as the General’s, the content about him filled an entire page—

As Deng Yi read on, his smile faded, and his expression grew solemn. He stood up and walked out.

The attendants outside hurriedly asked: “What are your instructions, sir?”

Deng Yi strode outward: “Return to the imperial city.”

The visitors watched the commotion at the door as Deng Yi, who had just returned, hastily departed again. Their earlier speculation was confirmed.

“The Grand Tutor suddenly returned just to see Young Master Liang.”

“Young Master Liang has gained such regard from the Grand Tutor!”

“But we didn’t see him give any substantial gifts?”

“Perhaps they were given earlier.”

“The Liang family is being restored!”

The visitors didn’t remain seated until dark as usual. Some hurried to bring this news to their masters, while others rushed to visit and inquire about this Young Master Liang.

……

……

While Young Master Liang’s private audience with the Grand Tutor was causing small ripples in the capital, Xie Yan Lai, who had caused much bigger waves, woke up in the imperial city.

After waking, whether from embarrassment or some other reason, he immediately rose to leave.

Xie Yan Fang and Xiao Yu came over from the other side.

“Are you returning to the military camp or going home?” Xie Yan Fang asked. “If you don’t want to go home, you can stay at the capital garrison. If there’s any news from the imperial city, I’ll have someone inform you promptly.”

News from the imperial city—Xie Yan Lai glanced at Chu Zhao.

Chu Zhao was smiling at him, and seeing him look over, she nodded: “The capital garrison isn’t far. Communication is much more convenient than from the border commandery.”

That’s still distant. Xie Yan Lai raised an eyebrow, looking at Xie Yan Fang: “I fear the family doesn’t want me to return.” Before Xie Yan Fang could speak, he continued, “Whether they want it or not, I’m going back.”

Xie Yan Lai clenched his fists, making a cracking sound, a cold smile at his lips.

“I have some scores to settle with my nephews.”

With that, he bowed to Xiao Yu.

“This subject takes his leave.”

The three in the hall didn’t have time to say anything before Xie Yan Lai had already left, though they all seemed accustomed to this and showed no surprise.

Xie Yan Fang also bowed to Xiao Yu: “This subject takes his leave.”

Chu Zhao asked with a smile: “Will the Third Young Master accompany him back?”

Xie Yan Fang smiled: “Of course not. If I go back now, they’ll come to me to arbitrate their fight. I won’t be going home at all tonight.”

Chu Zhao and Xiao Yu both burst into laughter.

Xie Yan Lai had left, and Xie Yan Fang returned to his office, but Chu Zhao didn’t continue cracking melon seeds with Xiao Yu.

“I’m going to say a few words to the Grand Tutor,” Chu Zhao said. “A-Yu, write a few characters first, so we won’t have to do homework tonight. I’ll call the small theater troupe to perform for us.”

Xiao Yu clapped his hands happily: “Good, good, I want to see somersaults.”

Chu Zhao said to Eunuch Qi: “Did you hear that? Follow His Majesty’s orders—everyone does somersaults!”

Eunuch Qi responded with a smile: “His Majesty and Your Highness can look forward to it.”

Chu Zhao left, but Xiao Yu didn’t return to the study. Instead, he climbed onto the couch by the window.

“My Emperor,” Eunuch Qi hurried over, advising in a low voice, “the Empress asked you to practice writing. Don’t be lazy, or your sister might punish you.”

Away from Chu Zhao’s presence, there wasn’t a trace of childishness on Xiao Yu’s face.

“I know,” he interrupted Eunuch Qi, frowning as he looked across the desk and even beneath it.

“Your Majesty, what are you looking for?” Eunuch Qi asked cautiously.

Xiao Yu looked at the almond shells on the desk and shook his head: “Nothing.” He jumped down from the couch, flicked his sleeves, and walked toward the study with his hands behind his back.

Eunuch Qi didn’t dare ask more and quietly followed.