When Xiao Xun raised his army, he had not proclaimed himself Emperor.

At the time of the uprising, some advised proclaiming Xiao Xun as Emperor, while others believed they should first execute the traitorous minister Xie Yanfang and Chu Zhao to comfort the Late Emperor’s spirit in heaven, then ascend the throne afterward.

Xiao Xun compromised between the suggestions. He abandoned the current Da Xia court’s era name and continued using the Yongning era name to show non-recognition of the current state. In his capacity as Heir of Prince Zhongshan, he would campaign against the traitorous ministers. After rooting out treachery and evil, restoring proper order, he would then fulfill the Late Emperor’s wishes by ascending to the imperial throne.

Therefore, Deng Yi remained the Regent Grand Tutor wielding the Emperor’s posthumous decree.

Originally, Xiao Xun thought this arrangement quite good—with Deng Yi in front, all the infamy would be borne by him. But beyond capturing cities and territories, proclaiming before prefecture officials, noble families, and common people that treacherous ministers had usurped the state, he could also be quite ruthless with officials and noble families.

Giving and receiving gifts was acceptable—after all, everyone knew Deng Yi had this habit, and once gifts were given, everyone felt at ease.

But receiving gifts didn’t prevent Deng Yi from turning on them.

A noble family in the commandery capital was held accountable by Deng Yi for raising grain prices. Naturally, that family refused to submit obediently and mobilized clan members, neighbors, and guards to resist the officers. Upon learning of this, Deng Yi directly used the tiger tally to deploy troops, surrounded the family estate, and beheaded ten people on the spot, shocking the commandery capital.

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

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

“I’m not saying the Grand Tutor acted incorrectly,” he said. “I know the Lin clan acted excessively—they sold grain and fodder on the black market, seized land, kept slaves… but…”

He sighed softly, looking at the star-like flag markings on the map hanging nearby.

“Right now is wartime. These noble families occupy regions, with extensive networks and formidable power. They’re our support for uniting hearts and stabilizing cities.”

“If we’re too harsh with them now, it will alienate them, and if they defect to the court, that would be disastrous.”

Deng Yi smiled slightly. “Don’t worry, they won’t defect to the court. The Prince accumulated power for decades—these noble families were long ago brought under his control.” He pointed to the map. “Otherwise, when the Heir raised his arm in a call to action, how could so many cities have responded, sweeping all before you with followers like clouds?”

Was he saying the current occupation of these places was all his father’s achievement? Displeasure flashed in Xiao Xun’s eyes again.

“Moreover,” Deng Yi seemed not to notice his displeasure and smiled, “rest assured, Heir—even if these noble families defect to the court, the Empress won’t accept them.”

Hearing the word “Empress,” Xiao Xun couldn’t help but laugh. Chu Zhao—she maintained private guards at court, spied on and monitored officials, readily confiscating estates and prosecuting crimes. This girl had transformed from crude and domineering to ruthless and severe.

“The Empress has been suffering repeated defeats recently,” he said, looking at the map again with curved lips. “Tell me, should I write her a letter inviting her to become my Empress? What she wants is to be Empress, isn’t it? Fighting for that child makes her Empress; coming to my side, she can also be Empress.”

She’s not doing it to be Empress, much less fighting for that child—Deng Yi instinctively wanted to say, but swallowed the words at his lips. How Chu Zhao acted had nothing to do with him.

“Although the court’s forces have suffered repeated defeats, we shouldn’t pursue victory too aggressively,” he said coolly, looking at Xiao Xun. “These victories didn’t come because we’re so powerful.”

Xiao Xun’s smile paused. He understood what Deng Yi meant.

The current warfare differed from the Xi Liang conflict—these were all Da Xia’s military and civilians. The cities being attacked and defended were also Da Xia cities. The soldiers in combat might even be relatives.

This battle was fought with hands and feet bound—

Bound were the Empress’s hands and feet.

“So the Heir shouldn’t rush to crush the Empress and attack the capital,” Deng Yi continued, pointing to the map. “First consolidate half the realm. With the foundation your father accumulated, plus the Late Emperor’s sacred edict and posthumous decree, let everyone see you can be a good Emperor. Let everyone accept having you as Emperor. Then deploy troops for a fierce strike—unstoppable as splitting bamboo.”

Xiao Xun listened carefully and nodded. “The Grand Tutor is right. I cannot underestimate the enemy due to temporary victories.” With that, he stood. “Grand Tutor, please carry on. Regarding the Lin clan matter, I’ll go explain to everyone, clarify the current situation, and simultaneously warn them not to think they can do as they please just because there’s a war.”

Deng Yi bowed to him and watched Xiao Xun walk out. As Xiao Xun departed, clamor rose from outside.

It seemed many people had been waiting outside for Xiao Xun.

“Heir—what did he say?”

“What gives him the right to act first and report later! Does he have any regard for Your Highness!”

“What exactly does he want!”

“What kind of upright official and sage is he pretending to be! Does he think people don’t know how he served as Grand Tutor in the capital?”

“He confiscates others’ estates? The Empress—no, that Chu woman nearly confiscated his estate!”

Amid the clamor, Xiao Xun’s voice interjected: “Everyone, please remain calm.” “Please hear me out.” “The Grand Tutor has deeper intentions.”

Moments later, the clamor dispersed as those people all left with Xiao Xun.

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

Deng Yi pursed his lips and smiled faintly. It didn’t matter—he’d never reached this position by being likable.

As long as he remained useful—even if merely to serve Xiao Xun’s interest of using him as a foil for himself—he wouldn’t be abandoned.

As long as he wasn’t abandoned, he could naturally do whatever he wished—

All people in this world ultimately unite through mutual benefit.

When the Late Emperor first made him Grand Tutor, it was for the benefit of his solitary, private, petty nature—such a petty person would be more useful in chaos and supporting a new emperor.

Xiao Xun befriended him for the benefit of using him as a banner.

Officials and noble families flattered and courted him to borrow the benefit of his position.

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

Chu Zhao befriended him because he held the advantage of first opportunity…

Initially, he had gone to investigate her as an official, then…

“Why would Lord Deng send gifts?”

“Lord Deng is so impressive!”

“In that case, this time I’ll treat you to a meal, my lord.”

The girl’s clear voice rang in his ears, and before his eyes rippled the girl’s delighted, smiling face in that capital tavern.

This voice, this smile interrupted his thoughts.

Deng Yi raised his hand and waved, dispelling the illusion.

……

……

Prince Zhongshan’s manor remained as before, except the person sitting in the white tiger-skin chair had changed to Xiao Xun.

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

Ning Kun personally brought hot tea for Xiao Xun.

“Deng Yi is truly arrogant. No wonder he and that Chu woman reached such a state,” he said. “Now, clearly a fugitive who’s fled to us, yet he still shows no remorse.”

Xiao Xun smiled slightly. “This is precisely why the Late Emperor made him Regent Grand Tutor—because this kind of person makes everyone’s life difficult. Whether that child becomes Emperor or we seize the throne, none can avoid being constrained by this petty person.”

With that, he waved his hand dismissively.

“Don’t mind him. This behavior is his lifeline.”

Ning Kun frowned. “Then do we really follow his advice—turn from offense to defense and confront Chu Zhao’s forces in a standoff? Although the court has sent substantial reinforcements, our cities everywhere have united military and civilians—quite solid. Our situation is excellent. We should at least drive the court’s forces back south of the Yellow River.”

Xiao Xun didn’t speak, fingers gently stroking the tiger skin. Suddenly he smiled. “Why not write a letter to Chu Zhao after all?”

Ning Kun paused, feeling somewhat helpless. For the Heir, that Chu woman was truly an obsession.

“Doesn’t she just want to be Empress? And an Empress who wields power?” Xiao Xun said. “I’ll promise her that when I ascend to court, I can also hang a curtain behind me for her.”

Ning Kun hesitated slightly. “This… she might actually be tempted.”

Xiao Xun immediately showed more interest and was about to have someone fetch brush and ink. Before the words left his mouth, Tie Ying rushed in urgently from outside.

“Heir,” he said urgently, “local noble families in Han Commandery have rebelled, killed the garrison commander, opened the city gates, and surrendered to the Empress.”

……

……