The Zhongshan Prince wanted Xiao Xun to marry her, and then have her become Empress in the future.
Her, becoming Xiao Xun’s Empress?
Truly unexpected that in this lifetime, she would hear such words again.
Chu Zhao was stunned for a moment, but then smiled. It wasn’t so strange—in that lifetime, when Xiao Xun married her, it must have been the Zhongshan Prince’s plan as well.
Father and son had always wanted her power.
Only the method was different now.
In the previous life, they only needed to coax her with sweet words. In this life, the Zhongshan Prince frankly discussed benefits with her.
This was also because the power had changed.
Seeing Chu Zhao smile, the Zhongshan Prince also smiled.
“Miss Chu might be thinking that she’s already an Empress, and doesn’t need this prince to bestow it,” he said. “Then I shall promise more: what you currently have, you will continue to have. In addition, the military authority of the border army will be under Miss Chu’s control, independent of the court’s tiger tally.”
Military authority, military power independent from the court—Chu Zhao looked at the Zhongshan Prince.
So becoming Xiao Xun’s Empress could be exchanged for such power.
How foolish she had been in that lifetime.
She hadn’t recalled that life for a long time, since her wishes in this life had been fulfilled—but now, being reminded of it, she couldn’t help but feel regret.
She could have lived so well, and perhaps she would have been the one slapping Xiao Xun’s face.
“Miss Chu, what do you think?” the Zhongshan Prince asked. “I am not joking.”
Chu Zhao pulled back her thoughts, her expression emotional: “I know, Your Highness is sincere, but unfortunately…”
She would never be Xiao Xun’s Empress again.
The Zhongshan Prince’s eyes also showed regret: “Are my promises insufficient? If Miss Chu has any other desires, please feel free to state them.”
“Your Highness,” Chu Zhao smiled. “My request is simply for Your Highness to cease hostilities.”
The Zhongshan Prince’s smile faded: “Miss Chu, I can persuade you, but you do not have the qualification to persuade me.”
Chu Zhao smiled: “I didn’t come to persuade Your Highness, but to threaten Your Highness.”
Threaten?
The Zhongshan Prince found it amusing: “How does Empress Chu threaten this prince?”
Chu Zhao took the flask from A-Le, raised it to drink some milk tea, then looked at the Zhongshan Prince. Her bright black eyes contained a smile as she said: “Xiao Xun.”
The Zhongshan Prince was slightly startled, the smile vanishing from his face.
……
……
As the last trace of twilight disappeared from the earth, the fighting on this side of the city also ended.
The bodies of the soldiers defending the city were carried away, and the Zhongshan Prince’s banner flew atop the city gate.
“The local noble families have a three-day deadline to pay their respects,” Xiao Xun said, walking slowly into the government office.
The office had not yet been cleaned. The bodies of runners and officials lay scattered on the ground, the stench of blood assaulting the nose. Xiao Xun paid no attention, stepping over bodies and blood as he entered the hall.
“I will promise them that their sons and nephews will control this city,” Xiao Xun said.
His attendants nodded.
“Of course,” Xiao Xun smiled again, his dimples deep. “Those who refuse to obey, we needn’t keep.”
The attendants nodded again, and a military official laughed coldly: “Young Master, rest assured. Mr. Ning has provided a list of the noble families along the way. We guarantee none of them will escape.”
Xiao Xun reached out to pull up a chair that had fallen to the ground, casually brushed it off, and sat down.
“How many troops are ahead?” he asked.
Several soldiers spread out a map, and the official stepped forward, pointing as he spoke: “About ten thousand fled earlier, but there are nearly twenty thousand garrison troops in the prefecture city ahead. The capital’s army is also rushing to provide reinforcement. But even if there are fifty thousand troops, there’s nothing to fear. Once we defeat them in battle, we can march on the capital.”
Xiao Xun smiled: “Then we can send a message to Father now, telling him to prepare to enter the capital.”
The officials all laughed heartily.
“No rush. When the time comes, we’ll have that child personally invite the Prince.”
“That child is probably hiding in fear by now.”
……
……
In the deep night of the capital, troops galloped through the streets, the dense sound of hooves beating upon the hearts of men and women, young and old, in every household behind tightly closed doors and windows.
The Imperial City was brightly lit, with people coming and going. In the great hall, there was constant clamor as countless new reports reached Deng Yi, who discussed with the military commanders and sent out countless orders in return.
“The next battle is crucial.”
“Communication with the border garrison has been reestablished. After General Chu’s departure, the army’s morale is stable, even more vigorous. They have already won three major victories in succession, and almost surrounded the Western Liang Prince’s location.”
“Empress Chu leading two armies to attack Zhongshan Commandery is also sweeping all before her.”
But no one showed any sign of relaxation; their expressions grew even graver.
The good news from the border and Western Liang could not appease the people’s anxiety, and Empress Chu’s attack on Zhongshan Commandery had no impact on Xiao Xun. Instead, it meant two fewer relief forces for the capital.
After engaging with the Zhongshan Prince’s privately trained troops, the court had gained some understanding—they were even more elite than anticipated.
It even triggered memories among some of the old ministers. The Zhongshan Prince, even as a child, had been extremely intelligent. He would sit on the then-Emperor’s knee and understand battlefield formations. He often played war games with the eunuchs and palace maids around him, which made the Empress Dowager dislike him, saying this child loved violence and was not virtuous. Later—alas, the crippled prince no longer played.
But who would have thought that this crippled prince would once again arrange troops in formation decades later, with an overwhelming and unstoppable force.
Soon, however, these old ministers were imprisoned by Deng Yi on charges of cowardice and disturbing public morale, and the Zhongshan Prince’s past was buried with them.
But facts could not be ignored.
The next battle was critical.
If the Zhongshan Prince’s army advanced further, they would reach the capital. Once it came to that point, people’s hearts would scatter, and the court would be in danger.
The hall was filled with buzzing discussions. Deng Yi took the tea handed to him by a minor official, and after taking a sip, he scanned the room and noticed someone was missing.
“Where is Minister Xie?” he asked.
An official who knew answered hurriedly: “Minister Xie went to see His Majesty.”
The entire court was busy, and court sessions had no fixed time, continuing day and night without interruption. The young Emperor could not help much, nor was he required to make decisions. Originally, the Imperial Tutor said he didn’t need to attend court anymore, but the little Emperor not only insisted on attending court but also watched the progress of the war throughout, even if he didn’t understand. While they stayed up discussing, the little Emperor stayed up watching.
However, the little Emperor was very quiet. Even if he didn’t understand, he didn’t ask questions, nor did he ever question any decisions. The Imperial Tutor no longer stopped him and let him do as he pleased.
Xie Yanfang was willing to explain things to the little Emperor. Had he gone to discuss war on paper with the little Emperor now, to amuse the child?
“Imperial Tutor, Imperial Tutor,” a palace servant came running urgently, “Minister Xie is taking His Majesty away.”
Taking His Majesty away?
The civil and military officials in the hall were stunned, then greatly alarmed. Did he know the current situation was dire and wanted to flee with the little Emperor?
Deng Yi said: “Absurd.” He then rose and walked out, with officials hurriedly following.
They hadn’t reached the inner palace when they saw Xie Yanfang leading Xiao Yu out.
Xiao Yu was wearing casual robes, obviously having been awakened from sleep.
“Minister Xie, His Majesty should remain in the Imperial City,” an official shouted first. “Where are you taking His Majesty?”
Xie Yanfang said: “I was just about to tell everyone.” He looked at Deng Yi. “I request His Majesty to personally lead the army.”
Personal command of the army?!
This was even more frightening than taking the Emperor away from the capital to seek refuge.
The group was even more shocked. Leaving the capital to hide would tarnish their reputation, while personally leading the army sounded better, but it was too dangerous.
“This must never happen.”
“Minister Xie, don’t be absurd!”
“He’s learning this from Empress Chu.”
Hearing the clamor, Deng Yi raised his hand to stop them: “Minister Xie, you know how dangerous the current situation is?”
Xie Yanfang smiled: “I know, but it is precisely because of the danger that His Majesty should personally lead the army.” He looked at the child standing beside him. “The night the Crown Prince was killed, it must have been the Zhongshan Prince’s doing. The Zhongshan Prince’s heir also came to hunt down A-Yu. Father and son are A-Yu’s mortal enemies. Previously, A-Yu was helpless and powerless to resist, but now it’s different. He is the Emperor; before him are thousands of soldiers, and behind him are all of you, important ministers and renowned scholars. He should go personally to defeat his enemies. This is what an emperor should do for his subjects, and what a son should do for his father.”
He looked at Deng Yi again.
“Imperial Tutor, please be assured, I will personally lead His Majesty to the front. He is my sovereign, and also my nephew. I, Xie Yanfang, will never let him be in mortal danger.”
He called out to Du Qi.
Du Qi stepped out from among the guards, holding a long sword with both hands.
Xie Yanfang reached out to take it, then looked at Xiao Yu.
“A-Yu, are you willing to follow me to the front lines to kill the enemy? I promise to let you slay your enemies.”
As his words fell, Xiao Yu’s eyes burned like fire in the night, and he said loudly: “Uncle, I am willing.”
Xie Yanfang laughed heartily, holding the sword in one hand and taking Xiao Yu’s hand with the other: “Good, let us go kill the enemy together.”