"You previously fled the capital, and though you ran into me and had the misfortune of being stopped, after returning to the capital and going through so much, you ultimately embarked on this journey once again."
"And this time, you even got me to escort you."
"This proves that you, Chu Zhao, are favored by heaven."
"Think about it again—in the capital, you were disliked by everyone and even dogs avoided you, yet no one could do anything about it, and you even became the Empress."
Hearing this, Chu Zhao couldn't help but glare: "Nonsense! What do you mean 'disliked by everyone and even dogs avoid you'!"
She looked up at the young general, who was staring straight ahead, only his chin visible.
"You're the one disliked by everyone and dogs!" Chu Zhao retorted.
Xie Yanlai scoffed: "I'm an illegitimate son, disliked by everyone and dogs. You're the Empress—" He lowered his head to look at the girl in front of him, raising an eyebrow, "and you're also disliked by everyone and dogs."
Chu Zhao laughed, understanding his meaning. Ascending to the position of Empress, many people despised her. Court officials resented her presence in the court. Even Deng Yi had no choice but to select her. As for Xie Yanfang, he might have preferred to choose an Empress he could control.
In that previous life, when she became Empress, she satisfied many people, but only she suffered misfortune.
In this life, becoming Empress made many people unhappy—so perhaps this time, misfortune wouldn't befall her again.
This distraction eased her tension slightly. Chu Zhao raised an eyebrow and smiled: "Actually, being disliked by everyone and dogs isn't so bad."
Xie Yanlai snorted: "See? This is exactly how you are. Who wouldn't dislike you?"
"My father doesn't dislike me," Chu Zhao said. "If my mother were alive, she wouldn't either." She looked at Xie Yanlai again, "You—"
Xie Yanlai freed a hand to pull her hood over her head, cutting off her next words. The girl's voice turned into muffled protests as she waved her hands, like a kitten.
Xie Yanlai smirked, then focused ahead before suddenly pulling her hood down again: "I told you—even those disliked by everyone and dogs can have good fortune. Chu Zhao, look forward."
Chu Zhao looked ahead, her vision still blurry. She hurriedly rubbed her eyes as the scout's shout reached her ears.
"General Chu—General Chu is here—"
Actually, even without the scout's call, Chu Zhao had already glimpsed the figures ahead through her fingers. On the vast, snow-covered ground stood a group of riders, motionless for who knows how long, their heavy cloaks turned white with snow.
The man at the forefront sat tall on his horse like a mountain, his figure jade-like against the white snow.
......
......
When she saw him through her fingers, Chu Zhao wished she could blink and be right before her father.
But when the horse galloped closer, and the man's features—eyebrows, nose, and eyes—became clearly visible, Chu Zhao instead froze.
"A Zhao!" Zhong Changrong called out, his voice tinged with worry and unconcealed sorrow.
Xie Yanlai said, "She's fine." He wrapped an arm around the girl and helped her dismount.
Chu Zhao suddenly felt the world spin around her. With a gasp, she snapped back to reality.
"We scared our A Zhao," Chu Ling said calmly from his saddle, smiling.
Xie Yanlai looked at him, sensing something amiss, and frowned. But Chu Zhao had already rushed forward.
Chu Ling dismounted, and Zhong Changrong quickly reached out to support him, saying, "Be careful—General, you're not well."
Chu Zhao, who was about to throw herself into her father's embrace, abruptly stopped. Slowly, she reached out and gently touched Chu Ling's arm—"Are you trying to verify if I'm real?" Chu Ling laughed, spreading his arms. "Come, although A Zhao has grown up, your old father can still lift you onto his shoulders."
Chu Zhao burst out laughing, tears flying from her eyes. Without further hesitation, she threw herself into her father's embrace.
"Father," she choked out, "It's been so long—"
"So very long since you've seen me, right?" Chu Ling finished her sentence with a gentle smile, patting her head softly. "I know, I know everything."
Yes, it had been so very long. Only after experiencing death had she been able to see her father again. Chu Zhao felt her father's not-so-warm embrace—who knew how long he had been waiting here? His robes were bitterly cold, even his hands were icy.
She had finally seen her father again.
The scene of father and daughter reuniting was enough to move anyone to tears. Zhong Changrong himself felt like crying, but someone kept moving around in front of him—
This brat! Zhong Changrong glared at Xie Yanlai. Why was it him again!
Xie Yanlai looked back at him, tilting his head toward Chu Ling's direction and pointing to his own eyes.
This damn brat, nothing could escape his notice. Even the young lady hadn't detected it. Zhong Changrong shot Xie Yanlai a warning glare, silently telling him to "shut up."
Xie Yanlai snorted with laughter and turned away.
The wilderness was truly too cold. Though the reunion was emotional, Chu Zhao hadn't forgotten about her father's health. Even though her father had come personally to fetch her, Uncle Zhong had unusually urged her to come quickly—it must be very serious.
Her father had come to fetch her because he was afraid she would be frightened, wasn't he?
After just a few words, the group immediately headed back to the city. Since they weren't far from the city walls, no extra horses had been brought.
Zhong Changrong was about to have several soldiers dismount to walk when Chu Zhao grabbed Xie Yanlai's arm and waved her hand. "No need, no need. I can ride with A Jiu."
Xie Yanlai frowned and shook her off, but didn't say anything.
Chu Ling, who was being helped onto his horse by Zhong Changrong, looked over—
Xie Yanlai met his gaze.
Even though he knew Chu Ling couldn't see anymore, he still felt somewhat uncomfortable.
Chu Ling said with a smile, "Thank you, Commandant Xie. We'll have to trouble you for a while longer."
What trouble could this brat possibly be going through? Zhong Changrong glared at Xie Yanlai. The damned brat rolled his eyes at him—see how annoying he was!
Xie Yanlai watched as Chu Zhao mounted her horse, then swung onto his own steed, flicking his whip to urge the horse forward.
"Father!" Chu Zhao called out anxiously, leaning forward.
Chu Ling smiled and gently patted his horse's head. Without needing direction, the horse quickened its pace and clip-clopped after them.
Zhong Changrong issued orders from behind as the standing soldiers' horses trod through the snow.
...
...
Following Chu Ling to the city, the officers had long been waiting. However, they didn't bother with excessive formalities. After paying their respects, they took their leave, allowing father and daughter to speak freely.
"Has it been nearly two years since Miss Azhao left the Border Commandery?"
"Yes, it's really been a long time. It's truly a long-awaited reunion for father and daughter."
The officers commented and sighed as they departed.
Xie Yanlai didn't stay either, going to welcome Xiao Man and A Le instead. Calculating the distance, they should be arriving soon.
"Take your time talking peacefully," Zhong Changrong said in a low voice. "I'll keep watch outside."
The door closed, leaving only the father and daughter in the room. As they removed their cloaks, the warm charcoal fire made their cold robes grow soft.
Chu Zhao looked at her father sitting in the chair—
"What are you looking at?" Chu Ling asked with a smile. "Are you afraid this is a dream and can't believe it?"
Chu Zhao sniffled and nodded.
Chu Ling beckoned to her. Chu Zhao approached and half-knelt before his knees."A Zhao, whether it's a dream or reality, what matters is that you live with clarity," said Chu Ling, then added, "Actually, my eyes have already gone blind."
Chu Zhao was startled, gazing at her father's eyes—they still appeared warm and spirited—
"This time," Chu Ling's warm eyes rested on her, "I must leave you again."
……
……
The Border Commandery was gripped by heavy snow and bitter cold, while the capital also welcomed its coldest season.
Yet, as victory bulletins continuously circulated through the streets, the harsh winter grew increasingly pleasant.
Several officials, each carrying stacks of documents, walked through the Imperial City, chatting and laughing as they went. Suddenly, one of them halted.
"Gentlemen, please proceed to see the Grand Tutor first," he said with a smile. "I've just remembered something I must attend to."
The other officials chuckled and told him to go ahead, watching as he headed in another direction.
"Attending to something else, my foot," one muttered under his breath. "He's just taking the military dispatch from the northwest to show Young Master Xie the Third."
"Military affairs are all under the Grand Tutor's authority," another official said with a dark expression.
A third shook his head and smiled wryly: "If Young Master Xie the Third wishes to take charge, how could the Grand Tutor stop him?"
That was true enough. The three exchanged glances, the grim-faced official frowning helplessly as he watched the departing figure. "This is just too blatant now. Before, it was done privately—now he parades it openly."
……
……
Xie Yanfang looked at the documents presented by the official but did not take them. "Military reports from the Border Commandery should be sent directly to the Grand Tutor. There's no need to bring them to me first."
The official replied, "This humble official remembers, but this one is somewhat... special."
Special?
Xie Yanfang reached out to take and open it: "—Military merits? These require even less of my attention. With the Border Commandery being prioritized now, whatever General Chu requests should be granted."
The official flipped a couple pages and pointed to a line, whispering, "Military merits naturally ought to be rewarded, but these two individuals—"
Xie Yanfang's gaze settled on the spot, reading two names.
He remarked, "To lay down the pen and take up the sword at such a time—Second Master Liang and his son are truly men of valor."
The official said, "Who knows what connections Second Master Liang and his son used to seize this opportunity? Not only did they gain military merit, but their crimes were immediately pardoned, restoring their official status."
Xie Yanfang commented, "Such is the chaos that breeds heroes."
The official chuckled dryly: "Third Young Master, spare us the philosophical musings. Shall we destroy this document?"
Xie Yanfang looked up at him, smiling. "Why?"
"The Liang family's conviction was because of the Xie family," the official reminded him. Surely the Third Young Master hadn't forgotten? Impossible—the Third Young Master never forgot anything.
If the Liang family received honors and regained official status, this withered tree would essentially revive—no enemy would wish to see that.
The Liang family bore grudges and hatred, posing a threat to the Xie family.
Xie Yanfang laughed heartily and tossed the victory bulletin back onto the desk. "When the Liang family was at its peak, they were no threat to my Xie family. Why would they be now?"
"But, Third Young Master," the official said with a pained smile, "now there is the Grand Tutor."
The Grand Tutor would be all too willing to support those who held grudges against the Xie family. Though the Liang father and son only achieved minor military merits this time, if the Grand Tutor intended to promote them, they could soar rapidly, becoming his lackeys and causing endless trouble for the Xie family.
In matters like this, it was best to nip the problem in the bud—cut off the Liang family's lifeline directly. Let them dare not hope for military rewards.Xie Yanfang looked at the official and nodded. "I understand your intentions, but pursuing this matter would be penny-wise and pound-foolish. With the war at a critical juncture, suppressing military merits would give others leverage. The Grand Tutor could charge us with undermining military morale, and our Xie family would offend the entire Border Commandery army—"
He picked up the document, paused briefly, and smiled.
"It's better to let the Grand Tutor make the decision himself. Then it has nothing to do with me."
The official seemed puzzled. Xie Yanfang gestured for him to come closer, whispering a few words. The official's face lit up with a smile.
"This humble official understands," the official said with a laugh, accepting the military report before bowing and taking his leave.
The Grand Tutor's office was the busiest place in the Imperial City. Before one official could finish his petition, another would jostle forward. Finally, when all had spoken, the Grand Tutor's attendants raised their hands to stop the rest.
"Enough! Take turns—take turns eating. The Grand Tutor hasn't even eaten yet," they barked sternly.
These attendants around the Grand Tutor were not to be underestimated. Though they held minor, unofficial posts, they were all Deng Yi's own people—those who had bribed him.
The bribes were substantial, sums ordinary families couldn't afford. Only powerful and noble families could pay, and in return, Deng Yi secured positions for them, making them his allies.
The noble families gained opportunities, while Deng Yi gained supporters and assistance—a mutually beneficial arrangement that pleased everyone.
These attendants came from influential backgrounds, so officials dared not look down on them. To see Deng Yi, officials had to curry favor with his attendants.
Hearing the attendants' words, the officials had no choice but to withdraw.
"Remember to call me first when the Grand Tutor finishes eating," one official whispered to an attendant, discreetly slipping a jade pendant into the attendant's sleeve under the guise of adjusting his robes.
The attendant accepted it with practiced calm.
Many witnessed this scene. Some shook their heads helplessly. "How is this any different from when the Crown Prince was in charge?"
Back then, the late Emperor neglected state affairs, the Crown Prince was obsessed with hunting and archery, the Yang Family was tyrannical, and hunting officials ran rampant, extorting money just like this—
They had hoped for a new atmosphere with the new Emperor and new Grand Tutor.
But now it seemed they were too optimistic. The late Emperor's absurdity in appointing a low-born attendant as Regent Grand Tutor meant the Great Xia court would only become more chaotic.
"Not necessarily," another official murmured. "Regardless, the Grand Tutor hasn't delayed state affairs. His handling of matters is swift, precise, steady, and effective—"
A third official nodded. "Let him take bribes and wield power. As long as he gets things done, we just need to survive these next few years."
Great Xia had indeed suffered one disaster after another.
Look at the situation now: a child Emperor, an unruly Empress, a Grand Tutor focused solely on profit and power... Well, at least there was still Young Master Xie the Third.
The officials retreated to the corridor outside the hall, each lost in their own thoughts. But one newly arrived official refused to leave and tried to force his way in.
"Grand Tutor! This is an urgent dispatch from the Border Commandery! General Chu insists that military merits must be rewarded immediately—no delays!" he shouted, waving the document in his hand.
Deng Yi, who had just sat down at his meal table while two attendants wiped his hands, glanced up slightly.
"What nonsense," he said. "Does General Chu think he can rule the court as well as fight battles?"
Hearing this, the attendants at the door hesitated no longer. They reached out and shoved the official who was trying to charge inward.
"Get out!" they yelled.
The frail official stumbled backward, still clutching the document.
The hall doors slammed shut with a bang.
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