The rapid increase in military movements through the capital made the sensitive populace immediately tense.

What trouble had arisen now?

Were they pursuing the remnants of Third Prince Zhao’s faction? Surely it wouldn’t require so many troops after all this time? Were there that many remnants?

Or perhaps it concerned the Prince of Zhongshan—

Though the court had never explicitly stated anything, the people had noticed the Prince of Zhongshan’s unusual absence. Neither at the late Emperor’s burial nor at the new Emperor’s coronation had he appeared—not in person, not even through envoys or gifts.

The Prince of Zhongshan had indeed been absent from the capital for a long time, but his continued absence at such crucial times forced people to take notice.

Was the Prince of Zhongshan dissatisfied with something?

Was the court dissatisfied with the Prince of Zhongshan?

Having just experienced the turmoil between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, would there now be conflict between the court and a Prince? Unlike the princes without fiefs, the Prince of Zhongshan had land, children, and wealth. If war broke out, half of Great Xia would be embroiled.

Various rumors flew instantly through the capital. Just as citizens were preparing to flee with their families, the court announced that the King of Western Liang had invaded and the Emperor had decreed they would meet them in battle.

War between two nations was more significant than conflict between the court and a prince, affecting all of Great Xia, yet the people’s hearts grew calmer. First, the border warfare was distant; second, they had fought before—the King of Western Liang had been defeated; and third, external invasion was different from internal family quarrels. This was especially true when people read the young Emperor’s edict—

The young Emperor wrote that he had suddenly faced great calamity, with his royal family tearing itself apart. In a single night, he had lost his parents and close relatives; family was no longer family; even his imperial grandfather had passed away from excessive grief.

The King of Western Liang was taking advantage of his family’s misfortune to attack—an utterly unconscionable act, worse than an animal.

Though he was only six years old, he was not afraid to fight.

He would protect the people of Great Xia and defend its territory, just as the late Emperor and all his ancestors had done.

This edict, written in a child’s voice with many phrases revealing childish innocence, drew no mockery or criticism for not conforming to standard imperial format. Instead, people read it with stirred emotions and misty eyes.

Indeed, this was bullying, utterly intolerable. Though the Emperor was young, Great Xia was mighty—how could it be insulted by the little Western Liang?

At once, the capital’s anxiety was swept away, replaced by righteous indignation and soaring morale. The lingering fear from the Crown Prince and Third Prince’s turmoil completely dissipated.

“Timing is just like this,” Deng Yi said. “The King of Western Liang believes this is his opportunity, but in fact, it is also His Majesty’s opportunity.”

After this battle, the young Emperor’s reputation among the people would surely soar. The people would love him as they would their child and respect him as the supreme sovereign.

He looked at Xie Yanfang sitting opposite him and smiled slightly.

“The Third Young Master wrote the edict well.”

This edict had no literary merit whatsoever, but its childlike sincerity and simplicity were extremely effective. Deng Yi’s praise was sincere.

He genuinely admired Xie Yanfang—the young master’s scholarship, character, and social conduct were all impeccable.

But it was merely admiration.

Xie Yanfang smiled and said: “The Imperial Tutor’s decisive action was also good.”

Previously, there had been some dispute in court about whether to announce the border conflict. Most officials disagreed, saying that after successive incidents, the public was already uneasy and could easily become chaotic. But Deng Yi had the final word, forbidding any opposition, insisting on announcing it to the world and deploying troops.

“Deng Yi!” An elderly official was so angry that he directly called out Deng Yi’s name in court. “Whose court is this? Are your words final?”

Deng Yi looked at the old official with a smile and nodded: “This official was entrusted by the late Emperor to govern, so at this moment, it is indeed this official’s court. Entrusted with the late Emperor’s will, I dare say my word is indeed final.”

Even if one thought this way, to say it directly was truly shocking. Was this the arrogance of a petty man who had gained power? The old official fainted from anger. Deng Yi showed no courtesy, not even sending for an imperial physician, instead directly ordering guards to drag the man out—

No one raised any further objections.

Neither did Xie Yanfang. As soon as Deng Yi finished speaking, he presented the edict he had drafted for the Emperor to announce to the world.

On this matter, Xie Yanfang and Deng Yi agreed.

“All for Great Xia,” Deng Yi said with a smile.

Xie Yanfang nodded and smiled: “For His Majesty, even danger is good.”

Though they seemed to be saying the same thing, there was a subtle difference.

Neither elaborated further. At this moment, Great Xia and His Majesty were equally important. As for the future, if there came a time when one had to be weighed against the other—

That would be addressed later.

However, on another matter, the two disagreed.

Chu Zhao.

Deng Yi wanted Chu Zhao to return.

“Being ambushed on the journey is sufficient proof that she has been targeted,” he said. “Now that the border is at war, the risks on her journey are even greater.”

Though in court he had transformed the risk into morale, Deng Yi was well aware of the grave situation, even more severe than what the public knew. The greatest danger wasn’t even from the border but from the Prince of Zhongshan.

“With Chu Wei there, the King of Western Liang cannot easily break through, but the Prince of Zhongshan is different.”

“Great Xia has suffered successive calamities, which is a good opportunity for the King of Western Liang. The Western Liang invasion, in turn, is an even better opportunity for the Prince of Zhongshan.”

“I don’t want the next news to be the King of Western Liang standing outside the capital with the Empress as his hostage, demanding entry.”

Hearing this, Xie Yanfang couldn’t help but smile.

Deng Yi didn’t smile. He looked at Xie Yanfang, his expression grave: “If that happens, I will advise the Empress to commit suicide for Great Xia and her dignity.”

Xie Yanfang nodded with a smile: “Good, very good. The Prince of Zhongshan’s infamy would then be ineradicable.” Before Deng Yi could speak again, he continued, “She experienced the ambush, the life-and-death danger—she knows it better than we do. So, regarding her next moves, I believe Lady Chu has her judgment.”

Deng Yi smiled: “If she truly had good judgment, she wouldn’t have chosen to leave the imperial city at this time. Filial piety is understandable, but besides being a daughter, she is also the Empress of a nation. If she doesn’t want to be this Empress, this official doesn’t mind replacing her.”

With that, he swept his sleeves and left.

Seeing Deng Yi depart, Steward Cai, who had been waiting outside, entered.

“The Imperial Tutor has quite a temper,” he said softly.

Xie Yanfang smiled: “It can’t be helped. As Imperial Tutor and regent, if he had no temper, that would be trouble.”

Deng Yi’s temper was half natural, half feigned.

A few months ago, Deng Yi had been someone who gave gifts, flattered, and sought connections at every turn.

Previously, one might have wondered how Deng Yi would secure his position; now it was clear he was relying on his temper and ruthlessness.

He no longer needed to flatter anyone; instead, others needed to flatter him, give him gifts, and seek his favor.

“With the nation still unsettled, gifts flow day and night to the Imperial Tutor’s new residence,” Steward Cai said with a half-smile. “Without any pretense of hiding it.”

“Playing the villain is the best approach for Deng Yi, a man of humble origins without power or influence,” Xie Yanfang said, then smiled slightly. “For our Xiao Yu, it’s also a good thing.”

Steward Cai’s gaze immediately turned sharp. Indeed, with Deng Yi so dictatorial in court, so overbearing and power-hungry, when the Emperor came of age, Deng Yi would be the first to be eliminated. No emperor could tolerate such an Imperial Tutor.

Moreover, eliminating such an Imperial Tutor would be applauded by the entire court, who would praise the Emperor’s wisdom.

“This Deng Yi constantly speaks of serving Great Xia,” Steward Cai sneered. “Let’s hope he serves as a warning example to future generations.”

These were still future matters. Xie Yanfang didn’t waste energy on them, as the future held too many variables. Now, the most important thing was the present.

“Those who ambushed Lady Zhao must be the Prince of Zhongshan’s men,” Xie Yanfang sighed lightly, pressing his brow with his hand. “It seems the King of Western Liang’s sudden aggression also owes much to the Prince of Zhongshan’s efforts.”

Steward Cai’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Young Master, call Lady Chu back,” he said. “She is indeed not alone.”

She had the Dragon Might Army with her, and Chu Wei’s border troops.

If she fell into the Prince of Zhongshan’s hands, it would mean the Dragon Might Army and Chu Wei would also fall under his control.

“Deng Yi says if the Prince of Zhongshan holds Lady Chu hostage and demands entry, he would kill her. But I don’t believe Chu Wei would be willing to kill his daughter.”

Not only would he not, but he might even kill—Xiao Yu—for his daughter’s sake.

Chu Wei was a dying man, and one who could befriend and then cut ties with an unstable emperor, showing no respect for over a decade—such a man was also a madman.

Xie Yanfang lowered his hand, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

“I’ll write her a letter,” he said.

He knew people like himself were difficult to persuade.

He would try to see if this girl, who had not yet fully become like him, could be controlled by him.

……

……

Compared to the tension in court, the indignation of the people, and the high morale of the troops, Xie Yanlai seemed much more relaxed.

He didn’t need to concern himself with court affairs, nor did he inquire about military matters. He sat in the Emperor’s bedchamber, looking at the child opposite him.

The child no longer showed his previous intimate behavior, his little face expressionless as he looked at Xie Yanlai.

“I want to discuss something with you.” Xie Yanlai was more at ease than before, his arm propped on the table, his phoenix eyes raised.

Xiao Yu looked at him: “Speak.”

No longer addressing him as “Uncle,” nor as “Master Xie,” but as if facing a stranger.

Xie Yanlai was completely unconcerned. He looked at the child, his phoenix eyes slightly raised: “You’ve used me several times. Now it’s your turn to let me use you.”