When Xiao Xun raised his army, he did not declare himself Emperor.

At the time of the uprising, some suggested that Xiao Xun declare himself Emperor, while others believed they should first execute the treacherous ministers Xie Yanfang and Chu Zhao to console the spirit of the late Emperor, and only then ascend the throne.

Xiao Xun compromised between these suggestions. He abolished the current era name of the Da Xia dynasty and continued using the Yongning era name to show his rejection of the current state. As the Young Master of the Prince of Zhongshan, he would punish the treacherous ministers. After eliminating evil and restoring order, he would then fulfill the late Emperor’s wishes by ascending the imperial throne.

Therefore, Deng Yi remained as the Imperial Tutor who governed as regent by the late Emperor’s decree.

Initially, Xiao Xun thought this arrangement was acceptable. With Deng Yi at the forefront, he would bear all the infamy. Beyond conquering cities and territories, and proclaiming to officials, noble families, and commoners that traitors had usurped the state, Deng Yi was also ruthless toward officials and aristocratic families.

Accepting gifts was one thing—everyone knew Deng Yi had this habit, and giving gifts made people feel secure.

But accepting gifts didn’t stop Deng Yi from turning against them.

A prominent family in the commandery city was charged by Deng Yi for inflating grain prices. Naturally, the family refused to comply meekly and mobilized family members, neighbors, and guards to resist the officials. Upon learning this, Deng Yi directly used military authority to surround the family compound and beheaded ten people on the spot, shocking the entire commandery city.

At that time, Xiao Xun was personally leading troops elsewhere, and by the time he received the news and returned, it was too late.

Hearing Deng Yi’s words, Xiao Xun felt a trace of displeasure, but quickly concealed it.

“I’m not saying the Imperial Tutor acted wrongly,” he said. “I know the Lin clan behaved very inappropriately—reselling military provisions, enclosing land, and keeping slaves… but still.”

He sighed softly, looking at the flags and markers scattered across the map hanging nearby.

“We’re at war, and these prominent families control their territories with extensive networks and substantial power. They are allies in consolidating support and stabilizing our cities.”

“If we’re too harsh with them now, they might become alienated and side with the imperial court, which would be disastrous.”

Deng Yi smiled slightly: “Don’t worry, they won’t side with the imperial court. Your father, the Prince, has been accumulating power for decades, and these families have long been subdued by him.” He pointed at the map. “Otherwise, how could so many cities respond to Young Master’s call to arms, with overwhelming support and followers everywhere?”

Was he implying that occupying these territories was all thanks to his father’s efforts? Displeasure flashed in Xiao Xun’s eyes again.

“Besides,” Deng Yi seemed not to notice his displeasure and smiled, “rest assured, Young Master, even if these families sided with the imperial court, the Empress wouldn’t accept them.”

Hearing the word “Empress,” Xiao Xun couldn’t help but smile. Chu Zhao—she had cultivated her private guards at court, spied on and monitored officials, and confiscated property and punished people at will. This girl had transformed from crude and overbearing to ruthless.

“The Empress has been retreating continuously recently,” he said, looking at the map again with a curved smile. “What do you think about my writing her a letter, inviting her to be my Empress? Isn’t being Empress what she wants? She can be Empress fighting for that child, or she can be Empress by my side.”

She’s not fighting for the title of Empress, and not for that child, Deng Yi instinctively wanted to say, but swallowed the words. What did Chu Zhao’s motivations have to do with him?

“Although the imperial court’s forces are retreating steadily, we shouldn’t pursue too eagerly,” he said coolly, looking at Xiao Xun. “These victories didn’t come because we’re particularly powerful.”

Xiao Xun’s smile faltered; he understood Deng Yi’s meaning.

The current conflict was different from the war with Western Liang. All were Da Xia soldiers and civilians; the cities being fought over were Da Xia cities, and the opposing troops might even be relatives.

This battle was being fought with restraint—

Restraints on the Empress’s actions.

“So Young Master shouldn’t rush to defeat the Empress and attack the capital,” Deng Yi continued, pointing at the map. “First secure half the empire, build on the foundation your father laid, along with the late Emperor’s decree. Let people see you can be a good Emperor, and let them accept you as their Emperor. Then launch a fierce attack with overwhelming force.”

Xiao Xun listened attentively and nodded: “The Imperial Tutor is right. I shouldn’t be overconfident because of temporary victories.” With that, he stood up. “Imperial Tutor, please make yourself comfortable. Regarding the Lin family matter, I’ll explain the current situation to everyone and warn them not to think they can do whatever they want just because we’re at war.”

Deng Yi bowed to him, watching as Xiao Xun walked out. As Xiao Xun left, the noise outside grew louder.

Many people were waiting for Xiao Xun outside.

“Young Master—what did he say?”

“By what right does he execute first and report later! Does he have any respect for Your Highness?”

“What exactly is he trying to do?”

“He’s pretending to be an upright official and saint! Does he think people don’t know how he served as Imperial Tutor in the capital?”

“He dares to confiscate others’ property? The Empress—no, that Chu woman—almost confiscated his property!”

Amid the clamor came Xiao Xun’s voice: “Everyone, please calm down.” “Please listen to me.” “The Imperial Tutor has his deeper intentions.”

Moments later, the noise subsided as those people left with Xiao Xun.

Or rather, they went elsewhere to continue speaking ill of him.

Deng Yi smiled thinly, indifferent. He had never reached his current position by trying to be likable.

As long as he remained useful—even if only as a foil for Xiao Xun—he wouldn’t be discarded.

As long as he wasn’t discarded, he could naturally do whatever he wanted—

Everyone in the world interacts based on mutual benefit.

When the late Emperor appointed him as Imperial Tutor, it was for his crafty, self-interested, petty nature. Such a person was more useful during chaotic times and in supporting a new Emperor.

Xiao Xun associated with him because he could serve as a standard-bearer.

Officials and prominent families flattered and curried favor with him to benefit from his position.

Deng Yi’s hand gently brushed his temple. At this point, he should have reined in his thoughts, but for some reason, he lazily allowed them to wander.

Chu Zhao had associated with him because he held the advantage of having made the first move…

Initially, he had gone to investigate her officials, and then…

“Why does Lord Deng want to give gifts?”

“Lord Deng is so formidable!”

“Since that’s the case, I’ll treat my lord to a meal this time.”

The girl’s crisp voice echoed in his ears, and her delighted smile in the capital’s restaurant rippled before his eyes.

This voice and smile interrupted his train of thought.

Deng Yi raised his hand and waved, dispersing the vision.

……

……

The Prince of Zhongshan’s residence remained the same, except now Xiao Xun sat in the chair covered with white tiger skin.

The officials and family elders who had gathered earlier had all taken their leave.

Ning Kun personally brought hot tea to Xiao Xun.

“Deng Yi is truly arrogant. No wonder he and that Chu woman ended up in such a state,” he said. “Now he’s a fugitive who’s fled to us, yet he still doesn’t know how to repent.”

Xiao Xun smiled: “This is exactly why the late Emperor made him Imperial Tutor and regent. Because someone like him makes life difficult for everyone, whether it’s that child as Emperor or us seizing the throne—we can’t escape being constrained by this petty man.”

With that, he waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t mind him. This kind of behavior is his way of survival.”

Ning Kun frowned: “So are we going to follow his advice, changing from offense to defense, and face off against Chu Zhao’s army? Although the imperial court has sent considerable reinforcements, our cities are firmly united in military and civilian support. Our position is very favorable—we could at least drive the imperial forces back south of the Yellow River.”

Xiao Xun remained silent, his fingers lightly stroking the tiger skin. Suddenly, he smiled: “Why not write a letter to Chu Zhao to discuss matters?”

Ning Kun was momentarily stunned, feeling somewhat helpless inside—for the Young Master, that Chu woman was truly an obsession.

“Isn’t being Empress what she wants? And a powerful Empress at that,” Xiao Xun said. “I can promise her that after I ascend the throne, I can also hang curtains behind me for her.”

Ning Kun hesitated slightly: “Well, she might be tempted.”

Xiao Xun immediately became more interested and was about to call for brush and ink, but before he could speak, Tie Ying rushed in urgently.

“Young Master,” he said anxiously, “Local noble clans in Han Commandery have rebelled, killed the commander, opened the city gates, and surrendered to the Empress.”

……

……