The number of galloping troops in the capital had noticeably increased, instantly putting the sensitive populace on edge.
What new turmoil had arisen?
Were they still hunting down remnants of the Third Prince’s Zhao Family? Surely they wouldn’t mobilize so many troops for this so long after the fact? Were there really that many remnants left?
Or perhaps it was Prince Zhongshan—
Though the court had never explicitly stated it, the people had noticed Prince Zhongshan’s unusual behavior. Whether it was the late Emperor’s burial or the new Emperor’s ascension, Prince Zhongshan had vanished as if into thin air—neither appearing in person nor sending envoys or gifts.
Prince Zhongshan had indeed been absent from the capital for a long time, but his continued disappearance at such a critical moment inevitably drew public attention.
Was Prince Zhongshan harboring some grievance?
Or did the court have some grievance against Prince Zhongshan?
Could it be that, having just weathered the upheavals of the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, the court was now facing a rebellion with a prince? Prince Zhongshan was no ordinary prince without a fief—he had territory, children, and wealth. If war truly broke out, half of Great Xia would be thrown into chaos.
Rumors instantly swept through the capital like wildfire. Just as the people were preparing to flee the city with their families, the court announced that the King of Xiliang had invaded, and the Emperor had issued an edict to engage the enemy.
A war between two nations was far more significant than internal conflicts between the court and a prince—it concerned the entirety of Great Xia. Yet, the people’s hearts grew calmer. For one, the border commandery was distant, and secondly, they had fought the King of Xiliang before—a defeated foe. Moreover, an external invasion was not the same as brothers fighting behind closed doors. This sentiment was especially reinforced when they read the Little Emperor’s edict—
The Little Emperor wrote that he had suddenly faced great upheaval, with the imperial family turning against itself. In a single night, he had lost his parents and closest relatives. Kinship had ceased to be kinship, and his grandfather, overwhelmed by grief, had passed away.
The King of Xiliang, taking advantage of his family’s misfortune to attack, was devoid of conscience, worse than a beast.
Though only six years old, he feared not to fight.
He would protect the people of Great Xia and safeguard its lands, just as the late Emperor and their ancestors had done.
This edict, written in a child’s tone with many phrases revealing immaturity, drew no mockery or criticism for its informal style. Instead, it stirred emotions, bringing both excitement and tears to people’s eyes.
Yes, this was sheer bullying—unbearable! Though the Emperor was young, Great Xia was vast and mighty—how could it be humiliated by the petty Xiliang?
Instantly, the capital’s atmosphere shifted from anxiety to righteous indignation and soaring morale. The lingering fear from the Crown Prince and Third Prince’s turmoil completely dissipated.
"Such is the nature of timing," Deng Yi said. "The King of Xiliang believes this is his moment, but in truth, it is also His Majesty’s moment."
Through this battle, the Little Emperor’s prestige among the people would surely soar. The populace would cherish him as if he were their own child and revere him as the supreme sovereign.
He glanced at Xie Yanfang seated across from him and smiled faintly.
"Third Young Master’s edict was excellently written."
The edict lacked any literary elegance, but its childlike sincerity and simplicity were profoundly effective. Deng Yi’s praise was genuine.
His admiration for Xie Yanfang was sincere—the young master’s scholarship and conduct were beyond reproach.
Yet, it remained merely admiration.
Xie Yanfang smiled in return. "The Grand Tutor’s decisiveness was equally commendable."
Earlier, there had been disputes in the court over whether to announce the border commandery’s conflict. Most officials opposed it, arguing that successive incidents had unsettled the people and could easily lead to chaos. But Deng Yi had made the final decision, allowing no rebuttal, insisting on proclaiming it to the world and deploying troops."Deng Yi!" an old official angrily shouted Deng Yi's name in the court. "Whose court is this? Do your words carry absolute authority?"
Deng Yi looked at the old official and smiled, nodding. "This official was entrusted by the late Emperor to oversee state affairs. At this moment, this is indeed my court. Bearing the late Emperor's final decree, I dare say my words do carry absolute authority."
Even if one thought this in their heart, to say it outright was truly shocking. Was this the arrogance of a petty man who had gained power? The old official fainted from anger. Without even summoning a physician, Deng Yi unceremoniously had the imperial guards drag him out—
No one raised further objections.
Xie Yanfang didn't either. In fact, right after Deng Yi finished speaking, he presented the proclamation he had drafted on the Emperor's behalf to be issued throughout the land.
On this matter, Xie Yanfang and Deng Yi were in agreement.
"All for the sake of Great Xia," Deng Yi said with a smile.
Xie Yanfang nodded and smiled. "For His Majesty's sake, even if it's perilous, it is still good."
Though they expressed the same sentiment, their tones seemed different.
Neither said more. At this moment, Great Xia and the Emperor were equally important. As for which might take precedence in the future—
That could be decided later.
However, they disagreed on another matter.
Chu Zhao.
Deng Yi wanted Chu Zhao to return.
"The assassination attempt on the road is proof enough that she has been targeted," he said. "Now that war has broken out in the Border Commandery, the risks on the journey are even greater."
Though in court they had to turn risks into morale, Deng Yi was well aware of the severity of the situation—more so than the common people knew. The greatest danger didn't even come from the Border Commandery, but from Prince Zhongshan.
"With Chu Ling there, the King of Xiliang cannot easily break through. But Prince Zhongshan is different."
"The successive upheavals in Great Xia are a perfect opportunity for the King of Xiliang. And the King of Xiliang's invasion is an even better opportunity for Prince Zhongshan."
"I don't want the next news to be the King of Xiliang standing outside the capital gates with the Empress as his hostage."
Hearing this, Xie Yanfang couldn't help but laugh.
Deng Yi didn't smile. He looked at Xie Yanfang with a grave expression. "If it truly comes to that, I would advise the Empress to take her own life, for the sake of Great Xia and her own dignity."
Xie Yanfang smiled and nodded. "Good, that would be excellent. Prince Zhongshan's infamy would then be irrevocable." Before Deng Yi could respond, he continued, "She experienced the assassination attempt firsthand. She understands the life-and-death dangers better than we do. Therefore, I believe Miss Chu will know how to proceed with caution."
Deng Yi chuckled. "If she truly had caution, she wouldn't have chosen to leave the Imperial City at such a time. Filial piety is understandable, but besides being a child to her parents, she is also the Empress of a nation. If she does not wish to be Empress, this official would not mind replacing her."
With that, he flicked his sleeve and left.
Seeing Deng Yi depart, Cai Bo, who had been standing guard outside, entered.
"The Grand Tutor certainly has a temper," he said quietly.
Xie Yanfang smiled. "It can't be helped. As Grand Tutor overseeing state affairs, if he had no temper, that would be worse."
Half of Deng Yi's temper was innate, the other half feigned.
Just a few months ago, Deng Yi had been someone who constantly offered gifts and flattery to curry favor.
Previously, people wondered how Deng Yi would secure his position. Now it seemed he relied on temper and ruthlessness.
He no longer needed to flatter anyone. Instead, others would have to flatter him, offer gifts, and seek his favor."With the court still in turmoil, the Grand Tutor's new residence receives gifts day and night without pause." Cai Bo remarked with a faint, ambiguous smile. "He doesn't even bother to conceal it."
"Playing the villain is the best strategy for Deng Yi, who rose from humble origins without power or influence," Xie Yanfang said, then smiled slightly. "And it's also beneficial for our A Yu."
Cai Bo's expression sharpened immediately. Indeed, with Deng Yi monopolizing court discussions, acting arrogantly, and grasping power so greedily, once the Emperor assumes personal rule, he would be the first to be eliminated. No emperor could tolerate such a Grand Tutor.
Moreover, removing such a Grand Tutor would be met with universal approval from the court, all hailing Your Majesty's wisdom.
"This Deng Yi, since he keeps proclaiming he acts for the Great Xia," Cai Bo sneered, "let us hope he sets an example to warn future generations."
These were still matters for the future, and Xie Yanfang didn't dwell on them excessively, as too many variables lay ahead. The most critical issue was the present.
"The one who attacked Miss Azhao was likely Prince Zhongshan's men," Xie Yanfang sighed softly, pressing his fingers to his temples. "It seems the King of Xiliang's sudden aggression must also owe something to Prince Zhongshan's efforts."
Cai Bo's brow furrowed deeply.
"Young master, recall Miss Chu," he urged. "She is truly not alone."
She still has the Dragon Guard Army and Chu Ling's forces from the Border Commandery.
If she falls into Prince Zhongshan's hands, it means the Dragon Guard Army and Chu Ling would also fall under his control.
"Deng Yi said if Prince Zhongshan uses Miss Chu as a hostage to force open the gates, he would kill her, but I doubt Chu Ling would ever bring himself to kill his own daughter."
Not only would he not, but he might even kill—Xiao Yu—for his daughter's sake.
Chu Ling is a man nearing death, and one who could befriend a mad emperor, then cut ties and show neither respect nor deference for over a decade—such a man is also a madman.
Xie Yanfang lowered his hand, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.
"Let me write her a letter," he said.
He knew that someone like her would be hard to persuade.
He would test whether this girl, who had not yet fully become like him, could be controlled by him.
…
…
In contrast to the court's tension, the public's outrage, and the soldiers' soaring morale, Xie Yanlai appeared much more at ease.
He didn't involve himself in court debates or military affairs, sitting instead in the Emperor's bedchamber, watching the young child across from him.
The child no longer showed any previous intimacy, his small face expressionless as he stared back.
"I want to discuss something with you," Xie Yanlai said, more relaxed than before, leaning his arm on the table, his phoenix eyes lifting slightly.
Xiao Yu looked at him. "Speak."
He no longer addressed him as uncle or Lord Xie, as if facing a stranger.
Xie Yanlai paid no mind, his phoenix eyes slightly raised as he gazed at the child. "You've used me several times already. Now it's your turn to let me use you."
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