“The evil deeds of the Zhongshan Prince and his son must be announced to the world. Otherwise, it will be difficult to comfort the deceased and inspire the living. But this action will also harm Empress Chu’s reputation.”

“To protect the Empress from damage, please, Grand Tutor, announce to the world your past association with the Zhongshan Prince. Expose the cruelty of the Prince and his son, and also prove Empress Chu’s brave determination.”

If he didn’t step forward, would he be responsible for damaging the Empress’s reputation?

Deng Yi sneered coldly: “Xie Yanfang, stop this nonsense. If you want to dig up Chu Lan’s past, it’s you who’s threatening Chu Zhao’s reputation. Why drag me into this? You can bully that girl if you wish, but I’m not so easily bullied.”

Bullying? Xie Yanfang nodded and sighed lightly: “Yes, doing this would be me bullying her. To avoid causing her irreparable harm, I can only come to bully you instead.”

Deng Yi looked at Xie Yanfang, finding it amusing: “A person like you—should Lady Chu hate you or thank you?”

Xie Yanfang smiled slightly and said: “With someone like me around, Lady Chu would be very grateful to have you as Grand Tutor.”

With that, he turned and left.

Deng Yi leaned back in his chair, silent and thoughtful.

A clerk who had been hiding in the corner came forward and whispered: “Grand Tutor, are we going to testify against the Zhongshan Prince’s crime of rebellion?”

“This battle is unavoidable now,” Deng Yi said. “The guilt of heavy civilian casualties can only be borne by the Zhongshan Prince and his son.”

“Then let Chu Lan bear it alone—he’s the one who did it,” the clerk said. “Even if the Empress were here, she would have to sacrifice her family for the greater good at this moment.”

If that girl were here now, would she offer up her uncle? Deng Yi thought about it, feeling she might, but also might not. This girl was difficult to predict.

“Don’t listen to Xie Yanfang. You can’t step forward,” the clerk urged. “If the Empress’s reputation is damaged, she’ll just be kept in the palace. But if this old matter is held against you, it could ruin your prospects.”

The future—referring to when the Emperor grows up and rules personally. The Grand Tutor would no longer serve as regent, without the imperial seal. If the ruler wants an official dead, what can the official do?

“Xie Yanfang is truly shameless. He’s killing two birds with one stone. After this, only the Xie family will remain untainted.”

Of course, Deng Yi understood this logic, but—

“Compared to others, having Lady Chu as Empress brings me all benefit and no harm,” Deng Yi said. “I must protect her. Even if both of us are tainted, as long as we both remain and work together, the Xie family won’t have it easy.”

If he abandoned Chu Zhao, then he would truly be killed by Xie’s stone.

That girl had said before that she was generous and would fully repay those who helped her.

Now, she was no longer the girl who could only offer a meal in return. Though her father was gone, she had taken control of the border army, earned military merit, and her reputation had spread throughout the land.

He opened the letter he had taken out earlier.

Indeed, Xiao Xun had also written to him. The message was simple, just one sentence:

“Grand Tutor, will you open the gates?”

Deng Yi could barely remember what Xiao Xun looked like, but this one sentence was enough to conjure the image of an arrogant imperial clansman.

These imperial relatives appeared courteous, gentle, and amiable, but in reality, they looked down on everyone else.

Deng Yi flicked his hand, tossing the letter into the fire basin where it quickly turned to ashes.

“You want me to open the gates,” he said. “Before, you weren’t worthy, and you still aren’t worthy now.”

He looked toward the clerk.

“Make arrangements. Tonight, I’ll go see Chu Lan.”

The clerk acknowledged the order.

…

…

As night fell, Qi Leyun couldn’t sleep. Her father had said such strange things today but refused to explain when asked, only urging them to move immediately. The family had been packing until midnight, the clanging and banging making it impossible to sleep.

What did he mean that everyone would be fine but the Empress wouldn’t?

Was he saying Chu Zhao would bring troops to aid the capital and face danger in battle?

Chu Zhao wouldn’t be in danger—she even dared to fight the Western Liang people.

Still, it was truly difficult—fighting Western Liang, fighting the Zhongshan Prince—this must be the duty of an Empress. Qi Leyun felt sympathetic, but her worry eased. She was drifting off to sleep when, just as her eyes closed, noise erupted outside. It seemed many people had burst in.

People were shouting, screaming, and crying, and torches flickered.

For a moment, Qi Leyun thought of the previous imperial princes’ rebellion.

Could it be happening again?

But there were no other princes now.

Had the Zhongshan Prince broken in?

Qi Leyun hurriedly got up. Before she could call anyone, she heard her maids scream as a group of people rushed in with chaotic footsteps.

They were black-armored guards holding weapons.

Qi Leyun screamed in fright.

These black-armored guards didn’t kill anyone after entering but scattered to search, emptying chests and cabinets. They ignored the scattered money and jewels, and soon returned to the official standing at the door, shaking their heads: “Nothing here.”

Qi’s mother held Qi Leyun close while her father repeatedly explained to the official: “There’s nothing. Although we live here, we’ve never had contact with them. We truly don’t know anything.”

What were they looking for? Qi Leyun was both frightened and confused.

“You saw Chu Tang today?” The official looked at Qi Leyun and asked. “Did she mention where she was going?”

Chu Tang? They were looking for Chu Tang? Qi Leyun was dumbfounded. Her mother urgently prompted: “Speak quickly, don’t hide anything. Something serious has happened.”

“Yes, I saw her. We went out together, then came back together. She went home after that. I even watched her enter the door,” Qi Leyun said, then couldn’t help asking, “What happened to her?”

The official didn’t answer. Knowing he wouldn’t get more information, he turned and left. The black-armored guards also withdrew in a rush.

Qi Leyun looked at the mess and her terrified family, urgently asking: “What exactly happened? Has the capital fallen?”

Were these people coming to arrest the Empress’s family?

Her father’s expression was complex as he said: “The capital hasn’t fallen yet. Chu Tang’s entire family has disappeared.”

Disappeared? Qi Leyun was surprised and confused: “What do you mean, disappeared?”

Her mother pinched her arm: “Foolish child, it means the entire family has fled!”

…

…

“The neighbors noticed nothing. Chu Lan and his wife never leave home, always claiming illness. Chu Tang even went out with the girls today,” the official reported to Deng Yi.

There were no signs at all.

Deng Yi stood in the great hall as night was fading, the light and shadows dim. Suddenly, he laughed.

“Don’t say the master left early—others left even earlier,” he said. “We’ve just had the thought, but the Chu family has already fled.”

The official was somewhat angry: “Sir, they must be hiding with some noble family. They wouldn’t run outside at a time like this.”

With war about to break out, as the Empress’s family, fleeing the city would be suicide.

Deng Yi nodded and said, “Go search every household. Don’t conceal anything. Tell everyone that the Chu family fled with guilty consciences, fearing punishment. Whoever harbors them will be considered accomplices.”

People may flee, but guilt remains.

The official acknowledged and strode away.

Deng Yi stood silently in the hall. How did the Chu family escape so timely? Since Chu Zhao’s departure, the Chu family had been isolated from the palace. Where did they get their information?

Were they really that good at reading the situation? The Chu family didn’t have such people.

Could it be that Chu Zhao had informed them?

The thought occurred to Deng Yi.

But with the Zhongshan Prince cutting off communications and the court deliberately concealing information, how would she know? And how could she send a message in?

Regardless, Third Young Master Xie’s plans were instantly disrupted. Deng Yi suddenly smiled and called someone.

“Go, share this good news with Third Young Master Xie.”

…

…

Xie Yanfang already knew without Deng Yi telling him.

“How did they escape?” Du Qi was surprised and angry. “Guilty conscience?”

Xie Yanfang showed neither surprise nor anger, smiling: “Chu Lan’s family has indeed always had a guilty conscience.”

He wasn’t surprised they had fled.

“What’s strange is that someone was willing to help them escape and hide them.”

Cai Bo entered with a paper and said: “Yesterday, five families left the city. Some said they were going to ancestral homes in the countryside, others claimed to be sightseeing. They had carriages and horses. Here’s the list.”

Xie Yanfang took it and looked, saying: “These are all prestigious families. Normally, they wouldn’t even glance at Chu Lan’s family.”

“Because Chu Zhao is the Empress,” Du Qi said.

Xie Yanfang shook his head: “Not just because of her position as Empress.”

There have been many Empresses throughout history, and their families have each had their moments of glory. But for great noble families, they don’t necessarily need to flatter or fear them.

Especially since the Chu family was so humble.

The fact that they were willing to help was because of Chu Zhao herself.

This girl, who had previously seized the position of Empress, had now also won people’s hearts.

Xie Yanfang lowered his eyes.

“Find out which family it is. I’ll visit personally.”

…

…

The carriage swayed back and forth, with light gradually showing through the cracks in the wooden boards. After what seemed like an eternity of swaying, it finally stopped.

The wooden boards were removed one by one, revealing a girl’s face.

She knocked on the carriage door, looking at the family of three lying inside.

“A-Tang, come out.”

Chu Tang was the first to rise and crawl out. It was a large cargo carriage, with the furniture and goods from the hidden compartment already unloaded.

“A-Jiang, thank you,” Chu Tang bowed.

Zhou Jiang said: “Don’t mention it. Don’t thank me—if my grandfather hadn’t agreed, I couldn’t have helped you.”

Chu Tang helped Chu Lan and Madam Jiang out. Chu Lan seemed uncomfortable with the sunlight and people after so long, covering his face with his sleeve.

As they spoke, several more carriages drove in. Old and young people emerged from the carriages, standing lively behind Chu Tang’s family.

Seeing these people, Zhou Jiang was somewhat helpless.

“A-Tang, I didn’t realize you were so loyal,” she said. “Even while fleeing yourself, you didn’t forget to bring along all your household servants.”

And there were so many—a full twenty people, from elderly servants to young attendants as young as ten.

Chu Tang sighed lightly: “How could I leave them behind to bear punishment in my place?”

Zhou Jiang thought that leaving the servants wouldn’t mean they’d be punished—at most, they’d be arrested and held until sold off—just changing masters.

But she never questioned others’ actions too much.

“Go rest now. I’ll tell you if there’s any news. This is my grandmother’s private property—few in my family even know about it.”

Chu Tang thanked her again, and, with Madam Jiang, helped support Chu Lan as they went to the back, surrounded by their servants.

“A-Tang, it’s thanks to your friendship with these young ladies that they’re helping us,” Madam Jiang said, wiping tears, still shaken. She still didn’t fully understand her daughter’s explanations, but she roughly grasped that they would no longer enjoy the Empress’s power and would instead face trouble.

“I always knew we’d suffer because of your second uncle’s family.”

Listening to her mother, Chu Tang thought about how, indeed, it wasn’t just Zhou Jiang’s family helping. To confuse onlookers, several families had sent carriages out of the city that day.

But being able to persuade these families to help wasn’t just because of her friendship with the young ladies of these families—though of course, she, Chu Tang, deserved some credit.

At least she had been prepared, with the family’s luggage packed early, so they could leave as soon as they received the message.

Although she was prepared, when Little Rabbit woke her in the middle of the night and handed her a note with Chu Zhao’s message—”Zhongshan Prince attacking, court will dig up old crimes and evidence, danger”—she was almost frightened unconscious.

Chu Tang pressed her hand against her chest.

Her heart was still pounding wildly.

The danger had come too quickly.

What should they do?

Fortunately, Chu Zhao’s letter listed several noble families’ names, telling her to seek their help immediately and hide. The note was signed with Chu Zhao’s name and sealed with the Empress’s phoenix seal.

That night, Chu Tang had Little Rabbit help her sneak out. Following Chu Zhao’s instructions, she had Little Rabbit break into these families’ homes and wake the heads of households from their sleep.

Though these household heads were not young, they didn’t faint from fright. Upon seeing the note, they didn’t even ask what the “old crimes and evidence” were, but after a moment’s thought, agreed.

Chu Tang pressed her chest again. That night, sitting in the bedrooms of those old masters and madams, she had been more nervous than those who had been awakened.

Although she had visited these families before with other girls, apart from meeting at the Empress’s banquet once, they had no other interactions.

She knew that at that moment, sitting before these old masters and madams, it wasn’t her but Chu Zhao.

Though Chu Zhao wasn’t physically present, she could still stand before these noble families.

And she could still request their help.

Chu Tang took a deep breath and exhaled, comforting her parents: “Let’s not talk too much now. We need to hide securely first.”

After settling her parents in their room and having the servants watch over them, Chu Tang went out and called for Little Rabbit.

Little Rabbit was crouching on the wall, looking into the distance. Hearing the call, she jumped down.

“Did you send her the message that we’ve hidden safely?” Chu Tang asked in a low voice. “Has she written back? Is there any new information?”

Little Rabbit said: “We sent it when we left the city.” Then added, “No new information from Sister Xiao Man, but there is other news.”

Chu Tang asked: “What is it?”

Little Rabbit excitedly said, “Fighting has broken out. That Zhongshan Prince’s heir has cut off the heads of three court officials.”

…

…

At the same time, Xie Yanfang also received this news while playing chess with Old Master Zhou.

After Du Qi whispered to him and stepped back, Xie Yanfang immediately informed Old Master Zhou.

“This is what we call revealing the dagger when the map is fully laid out,” Old Master Zhou said, placing a chess piece.

Xie Yanfang shook his head: “His intention has been clear to everyone for a long time. Now this is… checkmate.”

As he spoke, he placed his piece.

Old Master Zhou hurriedly looked at the board, annoyed: “You young man, you can’t beat me at Go, but you’ve been hiding your skill at chess.”

Xie Yanfang smiled: “Actually, my Go is quite good too. If I tried my hardest, I could beat you, Old Master. But now, with concerns weighing on me, I dare not take risks anymore. All my effort now is for what my sister left behind—a child who witnessed his parents’ brutal deaths and transformed overnight from a playful boy into Great Xia’s emperor, growing steadily, safe from evil influences.”

Having said this, he raised his hand in a respectful gesture.

“The Zhongshan Prince and his son once placed a blade on Xiao Yu’s neck. Chu Lan was a witness. Please, Old Master, help His Majesty reveal the truth to the world.”

Old Master Zhou looked at him and rose to return the gesture.

“Master Xie,” he said, “Like you, I firmly believe His Majesty survived great danger and is protected from evil. The wolfish ambitions of the Zhongshan Prince and his son have long been clear to the world.”

Before Xie Yanfang could speak again, he stepped forward and slammed the chessboard hard.

“As for the traitor Chu Lan, once the Zhongshan Prince and his son are captured, he cannot escape the death penalty.”

So, before capturing the Zhongshan Prince and his son, he wouldn’t hand over the “traitor” Chu Lan. Xie Yanfang looked at Old Master Zhou as chaotic footsteps approached outside the flower hall, with groups of black-armored guards gathering.

The lead soldier reported: “We’ve searched everywhere. They’re not here.”

Xie Yanfang said to Old Master Zhou: “My apologies. Then we’ll search other parts of your household.”

Old Master Zhou smiled amiably: “Master Xie, please proceed as you wish.”