Qiao Chu

"She has grand ambitions!"

Cai Bo said in a low, grave voice.

Xie Yanfang wore a faint smile as he perused the victory bulletin. He had even brought the silk banner and laid it out on the table for examination. "Actually, all of this is factual, with no exaggeration whatsoever," he remarked. "It is indeed she who led the troops to eliminate the Western Liang stragglers and rescue the local city and its people. Such a great merit deserves a flying victory bulletin. This will also help soothe the populace and stabilize the dynasty."

Cai Bo countered, "If it were a man, such actions would naturally be correct. If it were a military officer—even if it were Chu Ling—there would be no issue. But she, Chu Zhao—"

She, Chu Zhao, is a woman.

She, Chu Zhao, is already the Empress.

Is it not enough to sit peacefully in the Imperial City, embodying virtue, grace, and maternal dignity for the realm?

Must she also lead campaigns, slay enemies, and claim great achievements?

What does she truly want?

"She ascended the throne alongside the Emperor, she sits with him in court, constantly presenting herself before the officials. Now she seeks to stand before the entire world. She is utterly discontent with remaining in the inner palace—this is nothing but an attempt to overshadow the true master," Cai Bo fumed. "Third Young Master, by acting this way, she takes advantage of our A'Yu's youth. If he were an adult—no, even if he were merely her age—how could she dare behave so arrogantly?"

Xie Yanfang listened quietly, then sighed softly. "Cai Bo, in this world, there are no 'what ifs.'"

He lifted his gaze to meet Cai Bo's.

"The reality is as it is, so there's no use in indignation."

Cai Bo studied him and heaved a long sigh. "Young Master, you never seem anxious or angered by anything."

Xie Yanfang smiled. "Of course, I feel urgency and frustration too. But since things have already come to this, agitation and anger are futile. Better to conserve our energy for other matters."

"But Chu Zhao isn't stopping at just this one incident," Cai Bo persisted, unable to let it go. "Earlier, when we tried to block the flying victory bulletin, suggesting that only the great victory be reported and the Empress's involvement be disclosed after court deliberation, what was the result? The courier stations couldn't even hold it back. How did Chu Zhao manage—"

Xie Yanfang cut him off. "However she managed it, she undoubtedly has her own capabilities. Besides, in this matter, we haven't suffered any losses."

That much was true. Cai Bo fell silent, but—this woman's actions are driven by grand designs. Even if her current deeds don't concern us, what if they do in the future?

Xie Yanfang chuckled. "We'll deal with it if and when it becomes relevant."

Cai Bo scrutinized Xie Yanfang. "Young Master, you seem to be in high spirits?"

Because of this matter?

Xie Yanfang raised his head, his eyes brimming with laughter. "Today, A'Yu glanced at me."

Cai Bo was taken aback. A'Yu—the Little Emperor? A glance? Don't the Third Young Master and the Little Emperor see each other every day? What's so joyful about a mere glance?

"Before, his eyes held no place for me," Xie Yanfang said softly. "He wouldn't even look directly at me—the moment he saw me, he'd avert his gaze."

Because the child resented him, blamed him, kept his distance.

"But I wasn't worried. I continued to love him, protect him. I would make him see my sincerity, my devotion solely to him."

"Today, I made him see, and so he finally granted me a glance."

This time, it was one glance; in the future, there will be many more, until he steps into the child's eyes, into his heart.

When that happens, everything will return to the right path.

As for Miss Chu's actions, they are entirely unworthy of concern.

Miss Chu's conduct can only be described as a guest making noise. No matter how clamorous the guest, they remain a guest. The true master of this Great Xia is Xiao Yu.

What Xie Yanfang seeks is to win over the master himself.This is very good as it is now, with guests outside, and these guests can even serve as a bridge for him to grow closer to Xiao Yu.

Xie Yanfang looked at Cai Bo with a smile.

"This is the happiest moment for me since the incident with the Crown Prince and Crown Princess."

……

……

By the time news of the Empress's great victory spread throughout the capital, it had long been common knowledge in places even closer to Yunzhong County than the capital.

The tense atmosphere that had arisen due to the sudden appearance of Xiliang soldiers had completely dissipated. No longer were crowds surging at the city gates, and the teahouses and taverns inside the city were filled with people listening to storytellers recount the tales of Empress Chu.

"What is there to say about a battle involving less than a hundred people?" Tie Ying said coldly, standing on the second floor and looking down at the hall, watching the storyteller gesture animatedly as the idle listeners focused intently.

Xiao Xun leaned against the railing, smiling as he observed the scene. "It's not the battle that's worth telling, but Empress Chu. It's not uncommon for women to fight enemies, but for an Empress to lead troops to the border, kill enemies, and rescue the people—that is extremely rare and certainly worth talking about extensively."

"She didn't lead the troops," Tie Ying said. "It was the Xie family. She was only able to go to the border because the Xie family allowed her to leave."

At this point, he furrowed his brow and stared at the storyteller.

"In such a short time, so many people in our county have emerged to spread the news of Empress Chu's great victory—this must be Xie Yanfang's doing."

"Regardless of whose doing it is," Xiao Xun straightened up and slapped the railing, "if Miss Chu were unwilling or afraid, even Xie Yanfang wouldn't be able to influence her."

Moreover, although his attendant refused to believe it, he was convinced that this was something the girl herself had taken the lead in.

Of course, these rumors might be due to Xie Yanfang, but it wasn't Xie Yanfang manipulating her—it was Xie Yanfang trying to please her.

What about Young Master Xie the Third? Wanting to play the hero and save the beauty couldn't—

At this thought, Xiao Xun couldn't help but laugh.

"—Having such an Empress is a blessing for our Great Xia—" the storyteller in the hall concluded with a snap of his paper fan.

The surrounding audience echoed in agreement.

Setting aside Great Xia, just think of oneself.

Who wouldn't want an Empress who, upon hearing of the people's suffering, would rush out from the Imperial City to rescue them? This time, it was the people of that city; next time, it might be themselves.

Life is hard, and no one can guarantee they will never face danger in their lifetime. Having such a brave and compassionate Empress is indeed a blessing for everyone.

"Speaking of Empress Chu, she truly lives up to the saying, 'A fierce father does not have a timid daughter.' Back in the day, General Chu Ling—"

After a brief pause, the idle listeners in the teahouse did not disperse, and the storyteller did not step down. Instead, he continued speaking.

Since the topic was Empress Chu, naturally, there was more than just one story to tell—Empress Chu herself, Empress Chu's family—

Xiao Xun smiled, pulled the hood of his cloak over his head and face, and headed downstairs to leave.

Tie Ying followed with a grim expression.

The master and servant passed through the hall, but the crowd, engrossed in the heroic deeds of Garrison General Chu Ling, paid them no attention.

"General Chu's troubles are just brushed aside like that," Tie Ying said.

Even if no issues had been uncovered, and even if problems were truly found—with a daughter like this, who relied not on her status as Empress but on her actual combat skills, killing enemies and redeeming her father's merits for the country and the people—who in the world could still hold him accountable?

Xiao Xun glanced back at the tavern. With a daughter like this, what worries could a father have?

……

……

A fierce wind howled across the wilderness, blowing sand and dust into the faces of the soldiers crouching in the withered grass.Liang Qiang couldn't help but cough.

"That kid—" someone nearby hissed in a low voice, while a sword sheath came flying at him, "Are you trying to get us all killed?"

Liang Qiang suppressed his cough, remaining motionless even as the sheath struck his back.

Just as he quieted down, others began to relax. Someone lying in the grass chatted idly, "Did you hear? Empress Chu personally killed those Xiliang bandits in the rear."

Empress Chu! Liang Qiang clenched his hands—had she come?

"But we have no reinforcements. Even with this happening, the troops outside Yunzhong County still can't be mobilized."

"Right, I heard Empress Chu led troops from the Imperial City herself to fight here."

"Incredible. Who would have thought the Empress could lead troops into battle?"

"Hey, why is that surprising? Empress Chu isn't an ordinary empress—she's General Chu's daughter."

"Ah, that's right. Miss Chu grew up in the military camps, inheriting General Chu's exceptional skills and tactical brilliance."

The fragmented chatter about Miss Chu filled Liang Qiang's ears, yet he seemed to hear nothing at all—

"Enough!" someone shouted, cutting through the noise and snapping Liang Qiang out of his daze.

A soldier covered in dried grass stood up.

"Today's mission is complete. Return to camp."

Soldiers scattered among the withered grass rose one by one, relaxed and carefree. "Back to camp, back to camp!" "What's good to eat today?" They chatted and laughed while forming ranks.

Liang Qiang stood woodenly at the rear of the formation, clad in tattered military robes, holding a worn-out bow and carrying a broken blade on his back.

The girl who once praised his bravery had now become renowned throughout the land for her own courage.

Meanwhile, he had thrown himself into the front lines only to find himself not even engaging the Xiliang soldiers—he hadn't even seen one. Day after day, he lay on the ground as a lookout—

A stationary sentry, not even a scout.

After losing his status, he no longer had the qualification or opportunity to demonstrate bravery.

The camp bustled with galloping horses and soldiers, their bodies reeking of thick blood—both their own and their enemies'.

Walking among them, Liang Qiang couldn't help but take a deep breath.

He longed to be drenched in that scent of blood rather than the smell of earth.

"A-Qiang." A voice called out.

Liang Qiang looked up to see a troop of cavalry galloping toward him. His father was among them, and he hurried forward.

This was a unit of officers, each radiating formidable authority. His father, a scholar clad in general's robes, appeared no less imposing.

After exchanging a few words with the officers beside him, Second Master Liang gestured toward his son. The officers glanced over, nodding with smiles. "Like father, like son on the battlefield."

Liang Qiang bowed in greeting. As the officers departed, Second Master Liang dismounted to speak with him.

Since leaving the labor camp that night, father and son had been assigned to different posts. This was their first reunion since parting.

"How are you holding up?" Second Master Liang studied his son with a smile. "Getting used to it?"

Liang Qiang returned the appraisal, grinning. "I often rode horses and roamed around in my youth, so I'm adapting fine. But you, Father—after all these years holding brushes in your study—are you accustomed to this?"

"Truthfully, I'm still holding brushes in a study," his father replied.

"The recent ambush battles were all great victories. The soldiers say it's due to excellent command and unexpected tactics," Liang Qiang remarked.

Second Master Liang nodded. "Indeed. As officers, every word and action determines the lives of countless soldiers. Being here has made me realize the weight of the brush in my hand—it feels heavier than a thousand pounds. I dare not speak carelessly anymore."Once truly on the battlefield, he realized how difficult it was to achieve glory and build a career. To be honest, there were many nights when he woke up in the middle of the night filled with regret, thinking it would have been better to remain a laborer in the garrison—but as a father, he could not say such things to his son.

"Ah Qiang, be careful out there. War is no child’s play. Surviving is an achievement in itself."

Liang Qiang nodded. Father and son were about to say more when a soldier called out, "Lord Liang!"

The second Liang lord said no more. He glanced at his son one last time, unsure when they would meet again—or whether he would see a living man or a corpse. But there was no other choice. He turned and hurried away, not daring to keep the other officers waiting.

Though he held a military rank, he was the lowest among the thousands of troops. His old friend, surnamed Cai, had limited influence and could only secure him this humble position.

"Second Lord Liang, from now on, you’ll have to earn your merits on your own," Friend Cai had said.

But earning merits was far from easy. Not only was he merely a strategist on paper, but even if he did have a brilliant plan, his low rank meant his superiors might not even listen.

His thoughts in turmoil, Second Lord Liang stepped into the command tent. The officers were seated around the sand table and battle maps according to their ranks. Liang exchanged nods with the others and quietly took the last seat, removing his hat and handing it to his attendant.

The commander did not spare him a second glance and continued his earlier discussion, pointing at the sand table as he spoke.

"This battle is crucial to our northwestern front. It could cut off the King of Xiliang’s supply lines," the commander said, looking around. "General Chu has entrusted us with this heavy responsibility. Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts."

The tent erupted into a clamor as officers proposed various strategies and boasts of valor.

Liang, seated at the very end, studied the sand table. No one cared whether he spoke, and he had nothing to say anyway. He had examined the sand table, studied the maps, and read all the battle reports. But warfare was nothing like the classics he had memorized. Even if he understood the situation, he felt hesitant and constrained—every move seemed wrong.

"Sir," his attendant whispered suddenly, handing him a scroll. "I’ve brought the battle plan you’ve been working on these past few days."

Startled out of his thoughts, Liang blinked. "What?"

As he spoke, the noise in the tent died down, and the commander’s gaze turned toward him.

"Liang Yao," the commander asked, "do you have something to say?"

The looks directed at him were openly disdainful. One officer even laughed and said, "Are our strategies too crude for your refined tastes, Lord Liang? Pardon our lack of elegance."

Liang was not surprised by the mockery. Civil officials and military officers had always looked down on each other, and as a convicted laborer, he had even less standing. The army might not care much about family background, but it valued capability—and relying on a friend’s influence to sit among them was not considered capability.

Liang unrolled the scroll that had been thrust into his hands. Seeing its contents, he froze for a moment.

Noticing him staring at the document, the commander frowned. "Liang Yao, this is no time for reading."

Before Liang could respond, his attendant spoke up anxiously, "Sir is not reading—he has written a plan for this battle."

At this, more eyes turned toward him. The commander looked surprised, though not overly so—he had seen plenty of impractical theories from scholars who only knew warfare from books.

"Is that so?" the commander said. "Since you’ve written something, Liang Yao, why not present it for everyone to see?"Second Master Liang still held the scroll without speaking, his expression somewhat hesitant.

"Could it be that Second Master Liang thinks we can't understand it?" one officer said with a mocking smile.

Another officer, with a cold and impatient face, remarked, "What's all this writing and characters? We can look at it later. Don't delay military affairs—success or failure hangs in the balance. This is no time for writing games."

Laughter echoed through the tent.

Hearing these words and the laughter, Second Master Liang, who had been hesitant, raised his head and said, "This is my humble opinion, not yet fully considered, so I dared not present it to you, sir."

The commander smiled and was about to speak when Second Master Liang raised the document.

"But just now, after hearing your words, I suddenly gained courage and boldly offer it to you, sir. If there is anything inappropriate, I beg for your guidance," he said.