In the early morning court session, the officials wore grave expressions.
Before the assembly, they had already heard the news.
Alas, the era name had changed, but the new year seemed to bring no new atmosphere.
The first news of the year was that Chu Ling had died.
The second piece of news was also expected.
Even with the Grand Tutor present, he could not stop the officials from whispering among themselves. The hall buzzed with murmurs until Xie Yanfang entered alongside the Emperor.
Xie Yanfang was not even wearing court attire, clearly having come directly from the inner palace.
Seeing Xie Yanfang like this, the officials were both surprised and unsurprised—Xie Yanfang rarely entered the inner palace, even less frequently than Grand Tutor Deng Yi, let alone staying overnight. However, given the current circumstances, as the Emperor's only relative, it was only natural for Xie Yanfang to enter the palace late at night to accompany the Emperor.
After the Emperor took his seat and the ministers paid their respects, Deng Yi spoke: "Prince Zhongshan's private army, numbering one hundred thousand, is advancing to defend the capital. They are currently eight hundred li away."
Not all officials had known this news in advance. Some were momentarily stunned, while others jolted awake from their drowsiness and blurted out, "One hundred thousand troops! This is truly excellent. The capital is secure."
As he finished speaking, he noticed the others staring at him with strange expressions.
What was wrong? He blinked, stiffened, and fully awakened.
Prince Zhongshan—where did he get one hundred thousand troops!
When imperial princes are enfeoffed, they are granted land and enjoy its revenues but hold no military, administrative, or financial authority. The number of guards in a prince's mansion is strictly regulated.
One hundred thousand private troops equaled the entire garrison of the capital.
What was Prince Zhongshan planning!
Deng Yi said calmly, "What he intends to do is clear to all of us. His reactions since the incident have made it evident."
No mourning, no court attendance, only silence—such behavior from a prince clearly indicated disloyalty.
"Now that Chu Ling is dead and the King of Xiliang poses an even greater threat at the Border Commandery, Prince Zhongshan finally has the opportunity to declare his intentions to the world."
The court officials fell silent. They had already guessed this earlier, but with the dynasty so unstable, they could not afford further turmoil. They had hoped Prince Zhongshan would remain silent indefinitely.
They had hoped to wait until the dynasty stabilized, until the young Emperor grew older—
But how could Prince Zhongshan wait?
Prince Zhongshan would only wait until Chu Ling died and the Border Commandery was too preoccupied to intervene. Then, unrestrained and unstoppable, he would march on the capital—
"This is rebellion!" an official stepped forward and declared sternly. "Your Majesty, please issue a proclamation at once."
The court officials also began to discuss fervently: "Suppress Prince Zhongshan!" "Prince Zhongshan has one hundred thousand private troops, but the capital also has one hundred thousand soldiers, plus forces from other provinces." "The troops from other provinces have remained inactive, not supporting the Border Commandery, precisely to guard the interior and prevent traitors like Prince Zhongshan from rising."
"Prince Zhongshan's troops are spreading rumors along their route that Chu Ling is dead and the King of Xiliang's army has crossed the border," Deng Yi said, looking at the officials. "These rumors have caused panic among the people, leading tens of thousands of civilians to follow them. These civilians are at the forefront of their procession."
With these words, the uproar in the court ceased abruptly.
Everyone understood what this meant.
To repel Prince Zhongshan's troops, they would have to kill these civilians first. How could the court slaughter its own people?
"Prince Zhongshan—how despicable and shameless!" the court officials gritted their teeth in fury.
What should they do now? Should they allow Prince Zhongshan's troops to advance step by step toward the capital, toward the Imperial City?"Grand Tutor, I shall issue an edict," the Little Emperor's voice rang out. "Order the Zhongshan Prince's Mansion troops to divide and garrison, joining the Capital Garrison in defending the capital. Would this be acceptable?"
The officials quickly turned their gaze to the Little Emperor. Indeed, this was a delaying tactic. Their eyes then shifted to Xie Yanfang – this must be Lord Xie's idea.
Deng Yi didn't care whose idea it was and nodded: "Since Prince Zhongshan claims to be protecting the capital in name, Your Majesty should let them protect the capital. Protecting the capital means obeying imperial commands. If they refuse—"
Then they would be treacherous rebels whom everyone has the right to punish.
When fighting breaks out, any civilian casualties would be Prince Zhongshan's crime.
"We have long been prepared for Prince Zhongshan's treacherous intentions. The reason various troops aren't reinforcing the Border Commandery is precisely to guard against this day," Xiao Yu continued. "When the state faces turmoil, many will inevitably try to take advantage. The King of Xiliang is like this, and Prince Zhongshan is no different. Having experienced life and death, having gone through upheavals, and still sitting here today, I believe Great Xia will surely overcome this crisis once more."
Hearing these words spoken in a child's immature voice with a calm expression from the Dragon Throne, the court officials felt their hearts stir. If even a child showed no fear, what did they have to fear? They all bowed deeply and declared loudly: "We will devote ourselves entirely until our dying days, standing with Your Majesty and with Great Xia."
......
......
The ministers dispersed to attend to their duties, leaving only Deng Yi, Xie Yanfang, and the Little Emperor in the court hall.
Some information could be shared, while some could only be known by them.
Although they had long prepared for this day, when it actually arrived, it still came as a surprise.
"Prince Zhongshan's private army isn't one hundred thousand," Xie Yanfang said, looking at Deng Yi. "It's two hundred thousand."
Deng Yi's expression remained calm: "Prince Zhongshan wages an unjust war. The imperial troops can fight one against ten."
Xie Yanfang said: "Two hundred thousand troops, only discovered eight hundred li away. This means the courier stations and checkpoints along the route have already been cut off. Empress Chu probably doesn't know the news yet and cannot provide support."
Hearing this, Xiao Yu on the Dragon Throne clenched his hands.
Deng Yi said: "The court didn't send reinforcements for the Border Commandery battles. Naturally, we don't need the Border Commandery to send troops for the court's battles either. There's no need for the Empress to know."
Xie Yanfang nodded and said: "It's good that the Grand Tutor has made decisions. I believe the court will surely win this war."
Deng Yi nodded without saying more, bowed to the Emperor, then turned and hurried away.
"Your Majesty," Xie Yanfang said to Xiao Yu, "you may return to rest now."
As he spoke, he reached out his hand.
"You've done everything you should."
Xiao Yu said: "Thank you for your hard work, Lord Xie." But he didn't place his hand in Xie's, instead walking down by himself.
Xie Yanfang said nothing, lowering his hand and following Xiao Yu and Qi Gonggong out of the main hall. Outside, imperial guards stood in dense formation, closely protecting Xiao Yu.
Xie Yanfang stopped and bowed: "I respectfully see Your Majesty off."
Xiao Yu never summoned him to the inner palace.
But this time, Xiao Yu stopped and turned back: "Lord Xie, given the urgent situation, you may come to see me at any time. There's no need to climb over walls anymore."
Xie Yanfang looked up to see Qi Gonggong approach, holding a command tally in both hands.
"Lord Xie," he said, "this is the inner palace guard command. After the Empress left, it was given to Young Master Yan Lai. After Young Master Yan Lai left, this old servant has been keeping it."
Xie Yanfang reached out to take it and smiled at Xiao Yu: "Good, I won't climb walls anymore."
......
......
The Grand Tutor Hall bustled with people coming and going, officials noisy and busy.Deng Yi sat behind his desk, while a minor official beside him softly read the contents of a document. As he listened, he stretched out his hands to warm them by the fire, appearing somewhat at ease.
"Grand Tutor," a eunuch approached and whispered, "His Majesty has handed over the imperial harem guards to Xie Yanfang."
The minor official stopped reading and raised an eyebrow. "That was rather quick."
Although the Grand Tutor held the imperial seal and the tiger tally, governing the Great Xia, there was one military force beyond his control—the Dragon Guard Army.
After the turmoil, the imperial city had been purged, and the Emperor's guards were entirely under the command of the Dragon Guard Army.
And the Dragon Guard Army was firmly held by Empress Chu.
After Empress Chu departed, she handed it over to Xie Yanlai—though by rights, it should have gone to Xie Yanfang.
Since Xie Yanlai was a military commander, giving it to him was more appropriate and could barely be justified.
When Xie Yanlai left, it was directly given to the Little Emperor—
Still, it was not given to Xie Yanfang.
The sharp-eyed officials in the palace and court immediately speculated about the implications. Who did not trust Xie Yanfang? Empress Chu or the Little Emperor?
For a time, private discussions buzzed incessantly.
Deng Yi, of course, knew who it was, as did those around him. They didn't need to discuss this; what they discussed was when Xie Yanfang would finally obtain it.
"Prince Zhongshan is essentially aiding him," the minor official remarked.
Deng Yi replied, "It was bound to happen sooner or later. Even without Prince Zhongshan, Lord Xie would have gotten his wish soon enough."
The Emperor had no one to rely on; how could he truly remain distant from his own maternal uncle? A child's face and heart were the most fickle in the world.
He had tried to dissuade her back then, but that girl insisted on choosing to go to the Border Commandery. In that case, she shouldn't blame others for taking the Emperor away.
Of course, whom the Emperor grew close to had nothing to do with him, and he didn't care. He became Grand Tutor regardless of the Little Emperor, and the Little Emperor couldn't do anything to him anyway.
"Once the edict is drafted, send it out immediately," Deng Yi said. "Select an envoy to proclaim the decree with great fanfare."
The official acknowledged the order.
……
……
Xiao Yu no longer concerned himself with how the officials busied themselves. He knew he had done all he could. Returning to his bedchamber in the inner palace, he obediently went to rest as expected.
He hadn't slept the previous night. Xie Yanfang had explained to him the movements of Prince Zhongshan's troops and taught him what to say and how to draft the edict.
Although it was daytime, he needed to sleep and had to keep the lamps lit.
Ever since Empress Chu left, Xiao Yu had required the lamps to be lit whenever he slept alone.
Qi Gonggong attended to Xiao Yu's washing, tucked him into bed, and said softly, "Your Majesty, rest assured. Nothing will go wrong. With Her Majesty in the Border Commandery, Western Liang cannot break through. And with the Grand Tutor and Lord Xie in the capital, Prince Zhongshan won't be able to attack either."
Xiao Yu nodded. "I know. I'm not afraid. They tried to kill me before—once didn't work, and a second time won't either."
Recalling that night, Qi Gonggong felt as if he were dreaming. He nodded and said, "Your Majesty is protected by heaven; evil cannot harm you."
Xiao Yu smiled, but the smile was brief, vanishing in an instant.
"Moreover, Lord Xie is guarding the side hall," Qi Gonggong whispered. "Prince Zhongshan has been plotting for a long time, and not everyone in the palace is reliable. Lord Xie will remain by Your Majesty's side."
Xiao Yu gave an "oh" but said nothing more.
Qi Gonggong added, "Your Majesty made an excellent decision by giving the command token to Lord Xie."
He knew that Xiao Yu's coldness toward Xie Yanfang stemmed from blaming him for failing to save his parents and himself.
He didn't think this was wrong—after all, the Emperor was entitled to throw tantrums at anyone. Even imperial relatives were still subjects.
But the Emperor also needed to know how to assess situations and manipulate people's hearts.
Fortunately, the Little Emperor had taken the initiative without needing his persuasion.Xiao Yu said, "He is my uncle. He cannot leave me. He will protect me with all his heart."
Qi Gonggong replied, "Your Majesty is wise."
After speaking, he lowered the bed curtains and was about to withdraw when Xiao Yu said from inside, "Extinguish all the lamps."
Qi Gonggong was both surprised and delighted. He acknowledged the order, instructed the eunuchs to put out all the lamps, and led them out.
Though it was daytime, with the curtains drawn, the room grew dim. Xiao Yu lay with his eyes open, staring at the canopy above.
What did it matter whether he handed over the command token or not? Even the Dragon Guard Army couldn't stop them. It was better to play the good guy.
He reached under his pillow, pulled out a bamboo tube, and held it tightly against his chest.
...
...
Qi Gonggong arrived at the side hall and saw Xie Yanfang leaning over a desk, writing.
"Sir, you should rest as well," he said softly.
Xie Yanfang smiled at him. "Gonggong, please go and rest. I'll be done after finishing this letter."
Qi Gonggong gestured toward the Emperor's bedchamber and said, "Ever since you arrived, even the lamps have been extinguished."
Xie Yanfang glanced in that direction and sighed softly. "Ah Yu has suffered."
Qi Gonggong also sighed. "As long as His Majesty can grow up safely, this suffering will not have been in vain."
"His Majesty will surely grow up safely," Xie Yanfang said.
Qi Gonggong said no more. As a palace eunuch, he did not grow close to anyone other than the Emperor. After reminding Xie Yanfang not to overwork himself, he withdrew.
Xie Yanfang did not detain him, nor did he rest. He continued writing until he had finished several letters. Du Qi entered from outside and asked, "How long can this delay them?"
Xiao Yanfang chuckled. "Not even a day. Since Heir Apparent Xiao has come this far, he won't care about saving face."
His advice to the Emperor was not meant to delay matters but to draw closer to the Emperor, to add fuel to the fire, and to ensure that the impending confrontation would become known throughout the land.
The clamor of gongs and drums and the fluttering of banners shattered the peace of the capital, leaving the people anxious and fearful.
"What's happening?"
"There is no need to panic," explained the government officials and city patrols to the citizens. "To ensure the safety of the capital's residents, His Majesty has summoned Prince Zhongshan, adding a hundred thousand troops. They can advance to support the Border Commandery or retreat to defend the capital."
So that was it. The people breathed a sigh of relief. It was fortunate. Even though Chu Ling was gone, the court still had a plan. Reinforcements had arrived, and the capital's defenses were strengthened.
To spread the good news to more people, the officials, who would normally have taken ten days, traveled for fifteen before meeting the troops of the Crown Prince of Zhongshan.
In addition to the crowds already gathered near Prince Zhongshan's forces, even more people had heard the news and followed, witnessing the Crown Prince of Zhongshan receive the imperial decree in the vast wilderness.
That night, countless bonfires lit up the wilderness. The officials had brought wine and meat bestowed by the Emperor to reward the soldiers, and the atmosphere was lively.
Yet, inside the tent of the Crown Prince of Zhongshan, it was quiet.
Xiao Xun looked at the imperial decree before him, then lifted his hand and tossed it into the brazier.
"I despise imperial decrees the most," he said.
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