Due to the great upheaval in the imperial court**, the late emperor, the Crown Prince, and others were quickly buried, and the enthronement ceremony for the Imperial Grandson was held.
Along with it, the ceremony to install the Empress.
The ceremonies for the Imperial Grandson and the Empress were held together. Logically, this should not have been the case, but Deng Yi and Xie Yanfang insisted on it. The court officials’ objections were futile—in the current court, Deng Yi, entrusted by the late emperor with the regency, held the imperial seal and the tiger tally, while Xie Yanfang was the Imperial Grandson’s only remaining relative. The Yang Family had been nearly wiped out by the Third Prince’s massacre, and the Zhao Family had been exterminated to the ninth degree, their roots torn out. More than half of the court officials flocked to the Xie family of Dongyang for favor.
One of the two men was resolute and unyielding, the other smiled without speaking, and half the court fell silent.
Before dawn, Chu Zhao began her preparations.
Compared to the Imperial Grandson, Qi Gonggong was more concerned about Chu Zhao’s side. The Imperial Grandson had grown up in the imperial family, with etiquette and rules ingrained in his bones, so Qi Gonggong made time to come and check on her.
The hall was brightly lit, with palace maids and eunuchs standing in rows. As Qi Gonggong entered, his eyes immediately fell on the girl seated in the center. She was in the midst of her toilette, still wearing simple Palace Attire, but she sat with a dignified posture and a composed expression.
She gazed into the mirror, her eyes strangely distant, as if lost in thought, yet focused and commanding without a hint of anger.
In that moment, Qi Gonggong inexplicably felt that she was already the Empress.
The girl, sharp and perceptive, lifted her gaze. Recognizing Qi Gonggong, the slight gloom in her eyes instantly dissipated, replaced by a smile.
“Is A’Yu well?” she asked.
Qi Gonggong hurriedly bowed. “All is well, all is well. Little Highness is worried about you and urged this old servant to come check. If I hadn’t come, he would have run over here himself.”
Chu Zhao smiled, her eyes sweeping over the table. She picked up a plate of plum blossom cakes and handed it to Qi Gonggong. “I’ve tried these and found them just right—not too sweet or dry. Let him have a few bites, but don’t let him eat too many others.”
Qi Gonggong acknowledged the order and received the plate with both hands.
Just then, palace maids approached, carrying an array of hairpins and the phoenix crown.
Chu Zhao raised her hand to stop them. “Let’s change clothes first. If we dress the hair and then change, it’ll easily get messy, and it’ll be uncomfortable to sit or lie down.”
The palace maids acknowledged her command, and the matrons nearby did not utter a single extra word.
Qi Gonggong couldn’t help but glance at Chu Zhao again. Her words were peculiar, almost as if she had done this before. But then again, it might just be a girl’s experience with dressing up.
Still, it was rare for someone to remember such details at a time like this and care about their own comfort.
This girl truly was—Qi Gonggong felt deep admiration for her. He couldn’t help but recall that night when she had drawn a blade and killed without hesitation, and then thought of her father, Chu Ling. When Chu Ling first entered the palace, hadn’t he been as steady as a mountain? There was nothing strange about it.
Qi Gonggong averted his gaze, took the plum blossom cakes, and excused himself. There was no need to worry about Miss Chu here; he should focus on taking care of the Imperial Grandson.
Chu Zhao noticed Qi Gonggong’s glance but paid it no mind. She scanned the hall once more. Having entered this place again, she had no desire to pretend to be a stranger.
She glanced again at the palace maids and matrons standing around with downcast eyes, obedient and docile.
In her previous life, when she was installed as Empress, she had suffered no end of torment.
Those palace maids, matrons, and eunuchs had not been so well-behaved then. They looked down on her, a nobody from the Border Commandery, and constantly cited “rules” to constrain her. And she, trembling with fear, had been desperate not to embarrass Xiao Xun.
At this thought, she stood up and looked at her reflection in the mirror, now clad in the Empress’s ceremonial robes.
Rules—rules were set by the master.
And this time, she was the master here.
…
…A Le took a deep breath, listening to the music playing all around, and couldn't help but glance at Xiao Man on the other side.
"Xiao Man," she whispered, "don't be nervous."
Xiao Man, dressed in palace maid attire, looked at her.
Even for the Empress's investiture ceremony, Xiao Man had stayed by Chu Zhao's side, joining A Le in holding the ceremonial cape. Logically, this task should have been handled by senior palace matrons, as it was an occasion where not the slightest mistake could be tolerated.
Some palace matrons had raised objections, but Xiao Man firmly insisted it wouldn't do.
"The more important the occasion, the more dangerous it is," she said. "We're the ones who often handle critical situations."
The matrons were taken aback. Dangerous? Did she mean dangers like taking a wrong step, moving too slowly, or accidentally tearing something? And what exactly did she do at important occasions?
Chu Zhao smiled: "It's fine, let her accompany us."
Hearing this, A Le immediately insisted on joining too.
What could the palace matrons say? This unknown Miss Chu had been personally appointed by the late Emperor in the Imperial City, was constantly clung to by the Little Emperor, treated with respect by Qi Gonggong, could sit facing Grand Tutor Deng Yi as an equal, and held detailed conversations with imperial relative Young Master Xie the Third. When she walked through the Imperial City, the guards bowed in salute—
Even if this young lady made a mistake during the investiture ceremony, who would dare say anything?
A Le still felt somewhat nervous—her anxiety stemmed from fear of not performing well. She had never been nervous before. Previously, when she followed her mistress through dark nights fighting their way into the Imperial City, while Xiao Man accompanied their lady in and out, she had guarded the palace where her mistress resided. Everything had been under her control, and she never felt particularly concerned. But now, facing the majestic hall, the densely packed court officials, and listening to the solemn palace music—
This wasn't a dream. Their young lady was truly about to become Empress.
The Empress—
"Xiao Man," she murmured, "do you know what being Empress means?"
The Emperor's wife, the most noble woman in the land.
When they left the Border Commandery for the capital with their young lady, she thought the General wanted their mistress to find a suitable marriage in the capital. She agreed—those men in the Border Commandery weren't worthy of their young lady—but she never imagined her mistress would marry the Emperor and become Empress.
Their young lady would soon be Empress!
Xiao Man glanced at her: "I know what being Empress means. But no matter what Empress represents, isn't she still just Chu Zhao?" Then she added, "Your hands are shaking. Can you handle this? I can manage alone if needed."
A Le blinked. That's right, she thought, looking at the young woman standing ahead.
The girl was wearing ceremonial robes—dignified vermilion garments with layers of ornate cloud-patterned hems. Her floral crown glittered brilliantly atop her head. Her posture was both dignified and naturally at ease.
The Empress—their young lady was the Empress, and the Empress was their young lady. A Le took a deep breath, straightened her back, and found her composure.
Everything proceeded smoothly. No officials came forward crying or making disturbances, no one took wrong steps or stood in incorrect positions—until it was time for the Emperor to ascend the steps, enter the court hall, and take his seat on the Dragon Throne.
The Emperor refused to move.
The child in Dragon Robes stood under the sunlight, turning to look back.
...
...
"What does he want?"
The court officials standing a few steps away urgently asked Qi Gonggong, who had rushed over.
Sweat poured down Qi Gonggong's face.
"He wants—Chu, the Empress," he stammered, almost saying "Miss Chu" before correcting himself just in time. "To walk with him."
Hearing this, a white-haired court official could no longer contain his anger: "Preposterous!" "He's not a six-month-old infant!"History has indeed recorded child emperors who were carried to complete their enthronement ceremonies, but Xiao Yu, though young, was already six years old—what was this nonsense about!
"Don’t be too hasty," another official said gently. "His Majesty is still young. The successive events have been overwhelming even for us adults, let alone a six-year-old child. Let’s talk to him properly and persuade him."
At these words, the officials behind stirred and began calling a name in unison.
"Lord Xie!" "Lord Xie, come quickly!"
As the calls echoed, the crowd parted, and Xie Yanfang, clad in official robes, hurried forward. He looked at Qi Gonggong and asked, "What’s the matter?"
Qi Gonggong observed Xie Yanfang’s official robes and youthful face, then bowed and said, "Please go and persuade His Majesty. He’s afraid to walk alone."
"No problem, no problem," Xie Yanfang replied. "I’ll go talk to him."
With that, he strode forward. The officials watched as Xie Yanfang approached Xiao Yu, knelt on one knee, and spoke softly to the child. The boy, who had initially worn a tense expression and shook his head, gradually relaxed, his face shifting to hesitation—
It seemed he was being persuaded.
The officials looked relieved. "He just needs coaxing after all," some remarked. Others sighed, "He’s just a child." A few felt sorrowful, adding, "Fortunately, Young Master Xie the Third is here as family."
Deng Yi, standing at the very front, had remained silent throughout. But when he saw Xie Yanfang take Xiao Yu’s hand and the boy lower his head, about to turn—
"Summon the Empress," he suddenly said.
The officials were startled. What?
"Grand Tutor, what do you mean?" the white-haired official from earlier asked. "Are you asking the Empress to persuade His Majesty as well?"
Without waiting for a reply, he shook his head.
"Unnecessary. His Majesty has already been convinced by Lord Xie. Bringing the Empress now would be redundant. We must not delay the auspicious hour."
Other officials nodded in agreement.
But Deng Yi wasn’t speaking to them, nor was he consulting them—he was giving an order to the imperial guards beside him.
The guard paid no heed to the officials’ words and immediately departed. Soon, the crowd of officials parted once more, and Chu Zhao hurried over, guided by the guard.
"What’s wrong?" she asked.
The chattering officials fell silent instantly, averting their gazes.
Deng Yi offered no explanation and simply said, "His Majesty is asking for you. Go and see."
Chu Zhao asked no further questions and nodded. "Alright."
As she moved past the crowd, Deng Yi called out again, "Empress."
Chu Zhao turned to look at him.
Deng Yi gazed at her, his eyes profound, and said, "Do not miss the hour."
Chu Zhao paused for a moment, then bowed her head. "This consort understands." With that, she turned and walked forward.
Just as Xiao Yu was about to turn, he caught sight of the approaching girl. He withdrew his hand from Xie Yanfang’s grasp and stretched it out toward Chu Zhao.
"Sister," he called.
Xie Yanfang looked over and saw the girl approaching with a smile, bending down to take Xiao Yu’s hand.
"What’s the matter?" she asked softly. "Hadn’t we agreed? You even told me not to be afraid. Why are you scared now?"
Xiao Yu looked at her. "I don’t want to walk alone, Sister. Come with me."
Chu Zhao looked at him and smiled. "Alright."
A bright smile spread across Xiao Yu’s face.
Only then did Chu Zhao turn to Xie Yanfang and say quietly, "Young Master Xie, the hour is almost upon us. The ceremony must not face further disruptions."
Xie Yanfang, still kneeling on one knee, met the girl’s clear gaze and nodded. "Very well."
He stood up and stepped aside.
Chu Zhao looked back at Xiao Yu. The child was still beaming at her happily. She smiled in return, then composed her expression and gave a light cough. Xiao Yu immediately wiped the smile from his face, mirroring her solemn demeanor.Chu Zhao held Xiao Yu's hand as they ascended the steps.
Xie Yanfang remained standing in place, watching them depart before withdrawing his gaze and turning back. As he passed by Deng Yi, he suddenly looked at him and smiled.
Deng Yi paid no mind to his smile, his expression wooden as he gave a slight nod. "You've worked hard, Lord Xie."
Xie Yanfang smiled in return. "You're too kind, Grand Tutor." With that, he said no more and walked past him to rejoin the ranks of officials.
"Kneel!"
The master of ceremonies sang out, drums and music swelled in unison, and the officials knelt in unison.
Only two figures remained on the high steps.
Chu Zhao held Xiao Yu's hand, ascending step by step. She did not look back, knowing full well that walking alongside the Emperor was improper—but so what?
In this life, since she had become Empress once more, she would not repeat the mistakes of her past life.
This time, she had chosen to become Empress herself, and how she would fulfill that role was hers alone to decide.
...
Not everyone had knelt. The imperial guards stood solemnly with weapons in hand, forming a protective cordon for the new Emperor.
Xie Yanlai stood at the forefront, watching the figures on the steps grow higher and higher with each step.
Though elevated, her silhouette remained that of a young girl.
Who would have thought that A Fu from the courier station would become Empress today?
Quite amusing.
He tugged at the corner of his mouth and smiled faintly.
Then again, it wasn't entirely unimaginable—he himself had never expected to be standing here today.
Xie Yanlai withdrew his gaze, his expression impassive as he stood at solemn attention.
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