Xie Yanlai stormed into the imperial court with Xie Yanfang’s token that he had stolen, demanding to confront Deng Yi.

Fortunately, the palace guards reacted quickly and stopped him.

“Young Master, if you cause a disturbance, you’ll be playing right into the Imperial Tutor’s hands,” a guard advised in a low voice. “Forget about rewards—you could end up locked in prison for a year or more.”

Though he had been away from the imperial city for over two years, the guards still remembered him and addressed him with familiarity.

“I don’t deserve a reward?” Xie Yanlai cursed angrily, pointing toward the Imperial Tutor’s hall. “Who does Deng Yi think he is? A door attendant! Just because he guarded the palace gate for the Late Emperor and got an opportunity. To truly speak of guarding the gates, I’m the one guarding the most outer and important position. This position of Imperial Tutor was perhaps meant by the Late Emperor for me, but was stolen by him, Deng Yi!”

He was truly saying whatever came to mind. The guards desperately wanted to cover his mouth as they noisily escorted him out.

But some people listened with gleaming eyes, remembering past events, and couldn’t help muttering, “It’s possible.”

The commander kicked the muttering guard away, then helplessly said to Xie Yanlai: “Colonel Xie is brave and skilled; we all know that.”

But what could be done? Bravery was simple, but court politics were complicated.

He lowered his voice and pointed: “Young Master, go to the Ministry of War. It’s safer than here, and you can still make a scene and vent your anger.”

…

…

As dusk fell, Chu Zhao listened in the rear palace as Xiao Man described the scene of Xie Yanlai causing a commotion at the Ministry of War.

This was different from her dispute with Deng Yi inside the palace. The Ministry of War was on Imperial Street, where many people came and went—news spread instantly.

“The whole city is discussing it now,” Xiao Man said. “Everyone knows that a conflict has arisen in court over the matter of rewards.”

Chu Zhao asked: “What are the people saying?”

This time, it wasn’t Xiao Man who answered but Ding Dachui. He respectfully replied: “The people are saying that the Xie clan and the Imperial Tutor are struggling for power, and that the Empress is being coerced by the Xie clan, caught in a difficult position between them.”

Chu Zhao sighed: “Xie Yanlai is trying to clear my name.”

In truth, he wouldn’t care whether he received rewards or not. By causing a scene, he drew attention away from her, preventing the people from being shocked that the Empress was interfering in government affairs, and ensuring soldiers wouldn’t question whether the Empress was suppressing the Liang family out of self-interest.

After arguing with Deng Yi, Deng Yi had gathered officials for discussion. Chu Zhao hadn’t been idle either, retrieving the records of the Liang father and son to examine their military achievements. They were indeed solid and impeccable. Compared to Xie Yanlai, the father and son had excellent reputations, praised by all.

If word spread that she was refusing to reward Liang Qiang, public opinion would be the least of her concerns. It would affect military morale, and with others adding fuel to the fire, her reputation would be ruined.

The hall was silent. Even the usually carefree Xiao Man frowned slightly. Having been by Chu Zhao’s side, she was no longer the little mountain bandit from the border province and could sense that this time, both the Empress and the Imperial Tutor were different from before.

Ding Dachui, no longer a mountain hunter, suddenly asked: “Your Majesty, do you need us to do something?”

After coming to the capital, Ding Dachui had been placed in the Dragon Might Army by Chu Zhao. She had divided the Dragon Might Army into two groups: one serving as guards in the rear palace, and the other transformed into a secret patrol dispersed throughout the capital.

Ding Dachui belonged to the latter group.

However, they had never been needed until now; Xiao Man’s subordinates like Little Rabbit had been sufficient.

Chu Zhao glanced at the desk where Deng Yi had sent a new reward decree. Both Xie Yanlai and Liang Qiang were to be appointed as You Ji General, each able to command thirty thousand troops. Deng Yi had also directly designated which of the four generals they would serve under, both avoiding Luocheng.

“The imperial seal has already been affixed,” A-Le couldn’t help saying softly. “The Imperial Tutor also said it would be announced tomorrow morning. He’s in a hurry.”

What kind of discussion was this?

This was already Deng Yi stepping back. Chu Zhao said: “The Imperial Tutor knows I will agree, and the earlier the announcement, the better. This will quell the matter and prevent greater rumors, especially since we’re still at war.”

The young mistress agrees? A-Le sighed in relief. So this matter was settled.

Chu Zhao looked at Ding Dachui and said: “You all—”

Was this her answer to his inquiry? Ding Dachui looked at Chu Zhao, somewhat confused. Why did she start speaking and then stop? Did it seem difficult for her to say?

Chu Zhao lowered her eyes briefly, then raised them again and continued: “—keep an eye on the Imperial Tutor.”

…

…

The commotion that occurred in the capital during the day didn’t fade with nightfall; even Liang Qiang, residing in the capital garrison, heard about it.

Deep into the night, visitors continued to arrive at his quarters.

The kitchen even sent him a late-night meal.

This was completely different from the cold reception when he first arrived.

At that time, hearing his name but not seeing any official documents, the garrison personnel had been indifferent, simply giving him a place to stay and sending him off, telling him to pay for his meals, then continuing to enthusiastically discuss Xie Yanlai with their companions.

“Quick, tell us more about the parade!”

“Did so many people call him a brave hero?”

Back then, the entire garrison was talking about Xie Yanlai.

But now, the entire garrison was asking about Liang Qiang.

Who was Liang Qiang? What had he done? His history was dug up, his achievements mentioned. Some were excited for him, others indignant on his behalf.

“Young Master Liang, you will certainly be rewarded.”

“You deserve the reward; your merit is undeniable.”

“Should he be discriminated against because of his former criminal status?”

“I feel indignant for Young Master Liang! What right does Xie Yanlai have—”

“That’s not fair to say. Xie Yanlai also has genuine achievements—”

The arguments continued from nightfall until dawn, and with the light of day came confirmed news.

“—Liang Qiang is summoned to the palace to attend court—”

Though details weren’t provided, being summoned to attend court meant rewards were forthcoming.

The garrison was once again in an uproar, with countless people surrounding Liang Qiang to offer congratulations.

Liang Qiang thanked everyone with a calm expression. Escorted by over a dozen soldiers, he mounted his horse. Seeing his composure, the surrounding soldiers sighed, “Truly the demeanor of a noble young master—” “This must be what they call remaining unmoved by favor or disgrace.”

By the time Liang Qiang arrived at the city gate on horseback, daylight had fully broken. People were coming and going, casting curious glances at this young officer surrounded by soldiers.

“Is he from the border army?” a passerby asked loudly.

Liang Qiang glanced at him and nodded: “Yes.”

This time, he didn’t claim to be there in a private capacity, nor did he remove his military robe. Instead, he urged his horse forward.

The street wasn’t as crowded as that day, no one was waiting to watch him, and no flowers were thrown his way. But Liang Qiang was not met with silence.

“Look, it’s Liang Qiang.”

“Young Master Liang—you’ve finally returned—”

“Brother Qiang, it’s me, your Brother Huang—”

“Quick, beat the drums and gongs, welcome Young Master Qiang back—”

“We should be welcoming the young hero Liang—”

Many of his old friends appeared on the street, standing at the roadside, in teahouses and restaurants, calling out excitedly and even bringing servants to beat drums and gongs.

They were moved to tears at seeing him again.

“Qiang, why didn’t you let us know earlier—all your brothers would have welcomed you from ten miles away—”

Sitting on his horse, Liang Qiang couldn’t help but smile. Earlier? That wouldn’t have happened; they would likely have pretended not to know him.

Although these young masters’ shouting and drumming wasn’t as beautiful as the scene that day, it attracted people to gather and inquire. Combined with yesterday’s news, discussions immediately erupted.

“So this is Liang Qiang?”

“The one whose reward Xie Yanlai was furious about yesterday at the Ministry of War?”

“So it’s him? Well, he’s quite handsome too—”

“Is he the one the Imperial Tutor strongly recommended? And the Xie family forced the Empress to help prevent his appointment?”

“Is he that impressive—”

“Hey, he’s Liang Qiang, from Liang Siqing’s family. Have you forgotten what happened to Liang Siqing back then?”

“Never mind what happened back then; being rewarded means he must have merit.”

“Hey, brave hero—take off your robe and let us see—”

The morning street gradually became lively, escorting the young officer bathed in morning light as he slowly made his way toward the imperial city.