In the morning court hall, the officials wore solemn expressions.

Before the court session began, they had already heard the news.

Alas, the era name had been changed, a new year had begun, but it seemed there would be no new atmosphere.

The first news of the year was that Chu Wei had died.

The second piece of news was also expected.

Even with the Imperial Tutor present, officials couldn’t help but discuss in low voices. The hall buzzed with murmurs until Xie Yanfang entered, accompanying the Emperor.

Xie Yanfang wasn’t even wearing court robes, clearly having come directly from the inner palace.

Seeing Xie Yanfang like this, the officials were both surprised and not surprised—Xie Yanfang rarely entered the inner palace, even less frequently than Imperial Tutor Deng Yi, let alone stayed overnight. But given the current situation, as the Emperor’s only relative, it was natural for Xie Yanfang to enter the palace at night to accompany the Emperor.

The Emperor took his seat. After the officials performed their ritual prostrations, Deng Yi spoke: “The Prince of Zhongshan’s household troops, one hundred thousand strong, are coming to safeguard the capital. Currently, they are eight hundred li away from the city.”

Not all officials had been informed beforehand. Some were momentarily stunned, while others woke from their drowsiness, blurting out: “One hundred thousand troops—that’s wonderful! The capital is now secure.”

After speaking, the official noticed everyone looking at him with strange expressions.

What was wrong? He blinked, his body stiffening as he fully awoke.

The Prince of Zhongshan—where did he get troops, one hundred thousand of them!

When imperial sons were enfeoffed as princes and given territories, they only received rent and taxes for sustenance, without military, administrative, or financial authority. Even the guards for a prince’s household were strictly limited in number.

One hundred thousand household troops were equivalent to the entire garrison of the capital.

The Prince of Zhongshan—what was he planning to do?

Deng Yi spoke calmly: “What he intends to do, we all understand clearly. His reaction since the incident has already made it plain.”

Not attending the mourning, not paying respects at the court—silent and unresponsive. A prince behaving this way indicated disloyalty.

“Now that Chu Wei is dead and the Western Liang King poses an even greater threat at the border, he finally sees his opportunity to reveal his intentions to the world.”

The court officials remained silent. They had already guessed this but had hoped that with the dynasty so unstable, there would be no further upheaval—that the Prince of Zhongshan would continue his silence.

Wait until the dynasty stabilized, wait until the young Emperor grew older—

But how could the Prince of Zhongshan wait?

The Prince of Zhongshan had only been waiting for Chu Wei’s death, for the border regions to be preoccupied, so he could march unstoppably toward the capital without concern—

“This is rebellion!” an official stepped forward and declared vehemently. “Your Majesty, please issue an imperial edict immediately.”

The court officials all began discussing: “Punish the Prince of Zhongshan!” “The Prince of Zhongshan has one hundred thousand household troops, but our capital also has one hundred thousand soldiers, plus troops from other regions.” “The troops from other regions have not been mobilized to support the border precisely to guard our territories and prevent traitors like the Prince of Zhongshan!”

“The Prince of Zhongshan’s troops have been spreading rumors along their route that Chu Wei is dead and the Western Liang King’s forces have entered our territory. The people are panicking, and tens of thousands are following his army,” Deng Yi said, looking at the officials. “These civilians are at the very front of their formation.”

With these words, the uproar in court instantly subsided.

Everyone understood what this meant.

To repel the Prince of Zhongshan’s troops, they would first have to kill these common people. How could the court massacre its citizens?

“The Prince of Zhongshan—how utterly despicable!” the court officials gnashed their teeth.

What could be done? Should they just allow the Prince of Zhongshan’s troops to approach the capital step by step, closing in on the imperial palace?

“Imperial Tutor, I will issue an edict,” the young Emperor’s voice rang out. “I will order the Prince of Zhongshan’s troops to divide and station themselves alongside the capital’s forces to jointly defend the city. Would that be suitable?”

The officials quickly looked toward the young Emperor. Indeed, this was a delaying tactic. Their gazes then shifted to Xie Yanfang—this must surely be Lord Xie’s idea.

Deng Yi didn’t care whose idea it was and nodded: “Since the Prince of Zhongshan claims to be protecting the capital, Your Majesty should let them do so. To protect the capital, they must follow the court’s deployment. If they refuse—”

Then they would be traitors, to be executed by anyone.

If fighting broke out, then, with civilian casualties, it would be the Prince of Zhongshan’s crime.

“We have long been prepared for the Prince of Zhongshan’s treacherous intentions. The various armies that didn’t reinforce the border were kept precisely in anticipation of this day,” Xiao Yu continued. “With the dynasty in turmoil, many will surely stir up trouble—the Western Liang King has done so, and so has the Prince of Zhongshan. I have experienced life and death, I have witnessed calamity, and I still sit here today. I believe that Great Xia will surely overcome this crisis once more.”

The child on the dragon throne spoke with a childish voice and an impassive face, yet his words stirred the court officials’ hearts. If a child showed no fear, what did they have to fear? They all bowed deeply and exclaimed loudly: “We shall devote ourselves completely until our dying breath, standing with Your Majesty and Great Xia!”

……

……

The court officials dispersed to their duties, leaving only Deng Yi, Xie Yanfang, and the young Emperor in the hall.

Some information could be shared; some could only be known by them.

Although they had long prepared for this day, its actual arrival was still unexpected.

“The Prince of Zhongshan’s private army isn’t one hundred thousand,” Xie Yanfang looked at Deng Yi and said. “It’s two hundred thousand.”

Deng Yi’s expression remained calm: “The Prince of Zhongshan fights an unjust war. The court’s troops can defeat ten of his with one of ours.”

Xie Yanfang said: “Two hundred thousand troops, only discovered when they were eight hundred li away—this means the postal stations, dispatch routes, and checkpoints along the way have already been cut off. The Empress Chu likely doesn’t know the news yet and can’t provide support.”

Upon hearing these words, Xiao Yu, sitting on the dragon throne, clenched his hands.

Deng Yi said: “The court didn’t send reinforcements for the border conflict, and naturally, the border doesn’t need to send troops for the court’s battles. There’s no need for the Empress to know.”

Xie Yanfang nodded: “As long as the Imperial Tutor has made his decision, that’s good. I believe the court will surely triumph in this battle.”

Deng Yi nodded without further comment, bowed to the Emperor, and strode away quickly.

“Your Majesty,” Xie Yanfang said to Xiao Yu, “you can return to rest now.”

He extended his hand.

“You’ve done everything you needed to do.”

Xiao Yu replied: “Thank you for your hard work, Lord Xie.” But he didn’t take his hand, choosing instead to walk down by himself.

Xie Yanfang said nothing, lowering his hand and following Xiao Yu and Eunuch Qi out of the great hall. Outside, imperial guards stood densely packed, closely protecting Xiao Yu.

Xie Yanfang stopped and bowed: “Your servant bids Your Majesty farewell.”

Xiao Yu never invited him into the inner palace.

But this time, Xiao Yu stopped and turned back: “Lord Xie, given the urgent situation, you may come to see me at any time. No need to climb over walls anymore.”

Xie Yanfang raised his head to see Eunuch Qi approach, presenting a command token with both hands.

“Lord Xie,” he said, “this is the token for the inner palace guards. After the Empress left, it was given to Young Master Yanlai. After Young Master Yanlai left, this old servant has been holding it.”

Xie Yanfang reached out to accept it and smiled at Xiao Yu: “Very well, I won’t climb walls anymore.”

……

……

In the Imperial Tutor’s hall, officials came and went in chaotic activity.

Deng Yi sat behind his desk, while a minor official beside him softly read the contents of documents. He listened while warming his hands by the fire, appearing somewhat leisurely.

“Imperial Tutor,” an attendant approached and said softly, “His Majesty has given the inner palace guards to Xie Yanfang.”

The minor official stopped reading and raised an eyebrow: “That was quite fast.”

Although the Imperial Tutor held the imperial seal and tiger tally, controlling Great Xia, there was one force not under his control—the Dragon Might Army.

After the upheaval, the palace was purged, and all the Emperor’s guards were placed under the Dragon Might Army’s command.

And the Dragon Might Army was firmly in Empress Chu’s grasp.

After Empress Chu left, she had handed it over to Xie Yanlai—logically, it should have gone to Xie Yanfang.

Since Xie Yanlai led troops, giving it to him was more appropriate and somewhat justifiable.

After Xie Yanlai left, it was given directly to the young Emperor—

Still not to Xie Yanfang.

The sharp-eyed people in the palace and court immediately began to speculate: who distrusted Xie Yanfang? Was it Empress Chu or the little Emperor?

For a time, private discussions flourished.

Deng Yi certainly knew who it was, as did those around him. They didn’t need to discuss this; what they discussed was when Xie Yanfang would get it.

“The Prince of Zhongshan has helped him in this,” the minor official said.

Deng Yi replied: “It was only a matter of time. Even without the Prince of Zhongshan, Lord Xie would soon have gotten his wish.”

With the Emperor having no one to rely on, how could he remain distant from his uncle? A child’s face, a child’s heart—nothing in the world changed more easily.

He had tried to stop her before, but that girl had insisted on going to the border region. So now she shouldn’t worry about others taking the Emperor from her.

Of course, who the Emperor was close to didn’t matter to him; he didn’t care. His role as Imperial Tutor had nothing to do with the young Emperor, and the young Emperor couldn’t do anything to him either.

“Once the edict is drafted, issue it immediately,” Deng Yi said. “Select heralds and make a grand display.”

The official acknowledged.

……

……

Xiao Yu no longer concerned himself with how busy the officials were. He knew he had done all he could. Returning to his sleeping quarters in the inner palace, he dutifully went to rest.

Last night, he hadn’t slept as Xie Yanfang told him about the Prince of Zhongshan’s troop movements and instructed him on what to say and how to draft the edict.

Though it was daytime, he needed lights to sleep.

Ever since Empress Chu left, Xiao Yu required lights when sleeping alone.

Eunuch Qi attended to Xiao Yu’s washing and tucked him in, saying softly: “Your Majesty, rest easy. Nothing bad will happen. At the border, the Empress is there, and Western Liang cannot break through. In the capital, the Imperial Tutor and Lord Xie are here, and the Prince of Zhongshan cannot break through either.”

Xiao Yu nodded: “I know, and I’m not afraid. They tried to kill me before—once unsuccessful, twice unsuccessful as well.”

Remembering that night, Eunuch Qi felt as though in a dream. He nodded: “Your Majesty is blessed by heaven; evil cannot harm you.”

Xiao Yu smiled, but only briefly, quickly suppressing it.

“Also, Lord Xie is in the side hall watching over you,” Eunuch Qi said softly. “The Prince of Zhongshan has been plotting for a long time, and not everyone in the palace can be trusted. Lord Xie will remain by Your Majesty’s side.”

Xiao Yu responded with an “Oh” but said nothing more.

Eunuch Qi continued: “Your Majesty giving the command token to Lord Xie was a very good decision.”

He knew that Xiao Yu was distant toward Xie Yanfang, blaming him for failing to save his parents and himself.

He didn’t think this was wrong—the Emperor could certainly be temperamental with anyone. What did it matter if they were imperial relatives? They were all subjects.

But the Emperor also needed to assess situations and manage people’s hearts.

Fortunately, the little Emperor had done this on his own without needing persuasion.

Xiao Yu said: “He is my uncle. He cannot leave me; he will protect me wholeheartedly.”

Eunuch Qi said: “Your Majesty is wise.”

After speaking, he lowered the bed curtains and was about to withdraw when Xiao Yu said from inside, “Put out all the lights.”

Eunuch Qi was surprised and pleased. He acknowledged and instructed the eunuchs to extinguish all the lights before leaving with them.

Although it was daylight, with the curtains drawn, the view was dim. Xiao Yu lay with eyes open, staring at the canopy.

What difference did it make whether he gave the token or not? The Dragon Might Army couldn’t stop anything anyway, so he might as well be kind.

He reached under his pillow and took out a bamboo cylinder, clutching it tightly to his chest.

……

……

Eunuch Qi arrived at the side hall to find Xie Yanfang sitting and writing.

“My lord, please rest a while,” he said softly.

Xie Yanfang smiled at him: “The eunuch may go rest. I’ll be fine after I finish this letter.”

Eunuch Qi pointed toward the Emperor’s chambers and said: “Since you arrived, all the lights have been extinguished.”

Xie Yanfang looked in that direction and sighed lightly: “A-Yu has suffered much.”

Eunuch Qi also sighed: “As long as His Majesty can grow up safely, this suffering will not have been in vain.”

“His Majesty will certainly grow up safely,” Xie Yanfang said.

Eunuch Qi said no more. As a palace servant, he didn’t get close to anyone except the Emperor. After reminding Xie Yanfang not to exhaust himself, he withdrew.

Xie Yanfang didn’t detain him, nor did he rest. He continued writing several letters before setting down his brush. Du Qi entered from outside and asked: “How long can this delay things?”

Xie Yanfang smiled slightly: “Not even a day. With the Xiao heir apparent here, why would he still care about appearances?”

Having the Emperor do this wasn’t really about delay. It was to get closer to the Emperor, to add fuel to the fire, and to make the coming confrontation known to all under heaven.

With drums beating and banners waving, the peace of the capital was broken, and the people grew anxious.

“What’s happening?”

“Don’t panic,” officials from the government and city patrol guards explained to the people. “To ensure the safety of the capital’s residents, His Majesty has summoned the Prince of Zhongshan to bring one hundred thousand additional troops. They can advance to support the border or retreat to defend the capital.”

So that was it. The people breathed sighs of relief. That was good, that was good. Even without Chu Wei, the court still had countermeasures. Adding troops was good; strengthening the capital’s defenses was good.

To let more people know this good news, the officials took fifteen days for what should have been a ten-day journey before meeting the Prince of Zhongshan’s heir and his troops.

Besides the civilians already gathered near the Prince of Zhongshan’s troops, even more people came after hearing the news, witnessing the Prince of Zhongshan’s heir receiving the imperial edict in the vast wilderness.

That night, countless bonfires blazed across the wild plain. The officials had brought wine and meat bestowed by the Emperor to reward the soldiers, creating a lively atmosphere.

But inside the Prince of Zhongshan’s heir’s tent, all was quiet.

Xiao Xun looked at the imperial edict before him, raised his hand, and threw it into the fire basin.

“I hate imperial edicts the most,” he said.