Qiao Chu

When Liang Qiang received the news at the infirmary and rushed over, he didn't even catch a glimpse of Chu Zhao's retreating figure.

He stood dazed outside the military camp.

"Commandant Liang," passing soldiers greeted him.

As the sole survivor of the left-wing vanguard camp who had refused to surrender at the brink of death—nearly losing his left arm in the process—Liang Qiang's story had spread throughout the camp. The army held the bravest in high esteem, and now nearly everyone knew of Liang Qiang.

"Commandant Liang, is something the matter?" some officers proactively asked. "Do you need assistance?"

Liang Qiang snapped out of his trance, shaking his head with a smile. "I'm just restless from recuperating and keep thinking of returning to the ranks."

The soldiers' gazes grew even more respectful.

"Commandant, focus on recovering properly. You can return when you're fully healed." "No need to rush. The moment you reappear, the Xiliang soldiers will flee at the mere sight of you."

Everyone chimed in with encouraging banter.

After sharing a moment of laughter with them, Liang Qiang bid farewell. The smile vanished from his face as he turned away, mounting his horse and heading back to the infirmary.

"Commandant Liang," the guard called out. "Your father is here to see you."

Father! A smile broke through Liang Qiang's gloomy expression as he quickened his pace inward. Since the incident, his father hadn't visited—after all, the entire vanguard camp had been wiped out, and the left wing was under investigation for dereliction of duty.

Liang Ji sat inside the tent, studying the sand table. He looked up at the sound of movement, rising to his feet as his son rushed in. His eyes immediately fell on Liang Qiang's arm.

"Father, I'm fine," Liang Qiang said with a smile.

Liang Ji approached, carefully grasping his son's arm. "I heard the wound was deep, almost severing it."

"But it didn't. A few more months of recovery, and it'll be as good as new," Liang Qiang replied cheerfully, even attempting to swing his arm. "See, I can already—"

Liang Ji hurriedly restrained him, scolding, "Don't push yourself. That's not how one becomes a hero."

A hero... Liang Qiang knew all too well how his "heroism" had come about. His expression darkened, and he clenched his fist. Perhaps he ought to tell his father the truth—

Noticing the shift in his son's demeanor and taking in his youthful face—now darker, thinner, and more haggard than during his labor service, a far cry from the refined noble son of the capital he once was—Liang Ji's memory of that past image grew faint.

A hero. If one could live in peace and prosperity, who would choose to be a hero?

"Ah Qiang," Liang Ji gently patted his son's shoulder. "No cross, no crown. Better days await you in the future. Your father is proud of you, and the Liang clan is proud of you."

His father was proud of him. Liang Qiang swallowed the words he had been about to utter. How could he disappoint his father? It wasn't just disappointment—it would likely cause him worry and fear. He nodded, then shook his head. "Father, my actions are insignificant. A single person's strength may make a hero, but it is you who creates heroes. With proper command, one man can foster countless heroes."

What proper command? None of it had been his own doing, Liang Ji thought to himself. Initially, he had only one personal aide. After earning merits and promotions, he was assigned staff officers. The more advisors he had, the more "proper" his command appeared, leading to higher ranks—and subsequently, even more staff and assistants, whose strategies grew increasingly brilliant. In short, his own involvement in these successes diminished over time. Liang Ji's eyes dimmed slightly. Perhaps he should confide in his son—

"Father, the Liang clan isn't proud of me—they're proud of you," Liang Qiang said solemnly, gripping his father's arm. "Moreover, it is precisely because you are here that I feel more secure in the army."Indeed, warfare is perilous, life and death unpredictable, with both merits and faults. For instance, in this recent campaign, only my son survived from the left vanguard, while the others who died still faced punishment. Reporting Liang Qiang’s achievements this time was extremely difficult, met with doubts and obstructions. It was only through the efforts of his—advisors around him—who pulled strings that he received the rewards.

If Liang Qiang were to learn that he isn’t truly outstanding in wisdom or command, and is even constrained by others, he would surely live in constant fear. Forget about bravery; he’d be distracted on the battlefield, which is far too dangerous.

Then both father and son would be utterly finished.

"Let’s not speak of this anymore," Liang Ji swallowed his unspoken words. "Let us, father and son, work together with one heart and strive even harder. Besides, the current situation is dire."

He dropped the subject and, glancing around, lowered his voice to say, "Prince Zhongshan’s troops have surrounded the capital. The court and Prince Zhongshan are already at war."

"So that’s it," Liang Qiang blurted out. "No wonder she left—"

Liang Ji was taken aback. "Who?"

"I meant there have been troop movements in the army," Liang Qiang said vaguely.

Liang Ji replied, "The Border Army won’t deploy too many forces. The King of Xiliang hasn’t been dealt with yet."

That’s precisely why Prince Zhongshan seized this opportunity.

The Great Xia truly faces internal strife and external threats now.

Seeing his father frown, Liang Qiang smiled. "Father, don’t worry. Win or lose, it has little to do with us. We fight enemies to protect Great Xia. No matter who becomes emperor, they will respect us and cannot do without us."

Therefore, he must become a hero, rise above others, grasp power firmly, and never end up discarded like his uncle, cast aside like worn-out shoes.

Liang Ji had come to the commander’s camp on official business to check on Liang Qiang. With duties pressing, he couldn’t stay long and left after a few words.

Liang Qiang stood outside, watching his father until his figure disappeared, remaining motionless for a long time until a voice called from behind.

"Commandant Liang."

Liang Qiang turned to see a soldier approaching with medicine.

"Time for your medicine," the man said.

It was the army physician assigned to care for him. Liang Qiang stared at him without speaking or accepting the bowl.

The physician grew puzzled under his gaze. "Commandant, what’s wrong?" He added hurriedly, "This is specially prepared for you—to nourish your vitality and speed recovery. If you doubt it, I’ll take a sip to show you."

As he raised the bowl to drink, Liang Qiang laughed and stopped him. "I trust you—all of you," he said, taking the bowl and draining it in one go.

The physician nodded. "Commandant, rest well." He turned to leave.

Liang Qiang called him back.

The physician turned and waited for instructions. Liang Qiang slowly approached.

"Tell your master," he said, "that I, Liang Qiang, keeping my arm doesn’t affect our deal, does it? Does your master only want a one-armed hero to feel secure?"

The words seemed abrupt, but the physician showed no alarm or confusion, lowering his eyes to reply, "Commandant, please wait a moment. I’ll seek instructions."

With that, he turned and left.

This time, Liang Qiang didn’t call him back. Watching the physician’s retreating figure, he felt a complex mix of emotions. He knew it—he could never escape this web.

Once the net is cast, how can any bird fly free?

If this mortal world is a vast net, then he would be the bird soaring highest within it.

...

...

After the New Year festivities, bitter winds blew for several days. Then, green buds suddenly sprouted on the willow trees by the road, and flocks of birds gathered on the branches, chirping noisily to announce spring’s arrival.But just as the New Year festivities were forgotten by all, the arrival of spring also went unnoticed.

On the seemingly bustling and lively streets, people no longer strolled leisurely but hurried along. Those seated in teahouses and taverns were no longer savoring fine wine and delicacies but instead whispering among themselves.

"What are you planning to do?"

"We can’t leave—there are too many people in our household."

"Even if we wanted to, we can’t. The surroundings are surrounded. If we’re talking about safety, the capital is still the safest place."

"That’s true. I’ve seen many families bringing their relatives from the countryside into the city."

"I never expected it to come to this. Are we really going to have a war?"

"How could you not have expected it? We’ve known since the late emperor’s incident, and we’ve been waiting for this day."

With a sharp snap, Qi Leyun closed the latticed window, cutting off the murmurs from outside.

"My father said that Prince Zhongshan has been waiting until today, taking advantage of the unrest at the border with Western Liang’s military movements to force his way into the palace. He is utterly shameless," she said.

In the small parlor, the girls sat together in a circle, but this time, there was no discussion of poetry or philosophy—only furrowed brows.

Although the court had issued an edict stating that Prince Zhongshan was coming to protect the capital, aside from the initial confusion and lack of reaction, everyone had now come to their senses. A prince raising a private army and marching toward the capital—whether his intention was to protect the capital or to seize the throne—was clearly recorded in the history books.

"A Tang, what exactly is the court planning to do about this?" Qi Leyun asked again.

Chu Tang seemed lost in thought and only looked over when her name was called. She sighed helplessly, "I don’t know either. With the Empress absent, I can’t even enter the Imperial City, and state affairs aren’t discussed with me."

That was true, the girls nodded in agreement.

"But don’t worry, there is one thing I do know," Chu Tang added. "Ever since the war with Western Liang began, my uncle has refused any reinforcements. He said it was to prevent anyone from taking advantage of the chaos. When the Xiliang soldiers infiltrated Shangjun, A Zhao went to assist personally, all to avoid deploying any troops from outside the Border Commandery. So, the court has long had sufficient forces prepared for battle. Rest assured, the capital will be safe."

The girls’ expressions turned to admiration.

"With General Chu and Empress Chu standing so firm, the capital will surely be safe," Qi Leyun said.

Given the tense situation, the girls exchanged information briefly before dispersing.

Qi Leyun and Chu Tang rode back together in a carriage. Chu Tang entered the Chu residence, while Qi Leyun went into the Chu garden.

Watching her family packing their belongings, Qi Leyun said angrily, "What is there to fear? We’ll be fine. Let’s stay here—this is the Empress’s home, the safest place."

Master Qi replied, "We certainly won’t be in danger. Even if the capital falls, we’ll be safe." He looked at his daughter with a complicated expression. "But staying in the Empress’s home will bring us trouble."

What did that mean? Qi Leyun stared in confusion.

...

...

"This letter—"

In the Grand Tutor Hall, Xie Yanfang set down a letter.

Deng Yi saw the seal of Prince Zhongshan on the envelope, along with Xiao Xun’s name.

"This is a letter from the Crown Prince of Zhongshan to the noble families," Xie Yanfang said with a smile.

Deng Yi did not pick up the letter to read it but asked, "Is he trying to persuade everyone to help him seize the throne?"

Xie Yanfang opened the letter and shook his head. "Not exactly. Heir Apparent Xiao is simply stating frankly that he intends to seize the throne."

He looked at the contents of the letter."The Heir Apparent said this is his own affair, and he alone will bear the evil deeds and infamy, but he will ensure the safety of the noble families. Once armed conflict erupts, he will not vent his anger upon the aristocratic elites."

Deng Yi laughed coldly. "So, does that mean he can vent his anger on the common people instead? Does he even know how many cities and civilians will perish in the flames of war? Claiming to bear the evil deeds and infamy alone sounds like he's playing the victim."

"Of course he knows," Xie Yanfang replied. "That's why he'll make the court share the burden."

"They've already reached the Capital Garrison's defensive line," Deng Yi said gravely. "Advancing further would constitute unauthorized troop movement with intent to rebel—punishable by death without mercy."

"He has captured three imperial envoys and declared them the commanding generals," Xie Yanfang explained. "If nothing unexpected happens, he'll soon execute these three officials, accusing them of recklessly disrupting military discipline. Then he'll come to the capital to confess his crimes and demand an audience with His Majesty—"

He looked steadily at Deng Yi.

"By then, the common people won't be able to distinguish right from wrong."

Deng Yi said indifferently, "The common people aren't that foolish. Do you really think they don't understand what's happening? They simply—"

"Simply deceive themselves, evade reality, seek comfort in illusions, and whitewash the truth," Xie Yanfang finished his sentence. "But to escape danger, the masses can invert black and white. And these noble families—"

Xie Yanfang placed the letter on the table, tapping it with his finger.

"This letter appears not to persuade them. Xiao Xun isn't asking them to do anything, but at this moment, if the aristocratic families remain passive, they're effectively siding with Prince Zhongshan!"

Deng Yi lowered his gaze to the letter on the table. "Does Lord Xie mean to confirm Prince Zhongshan's rebellion?"

"Only by doing so can we make the world understand there's no room for retreat or avoidance," Xie Yanfang stated. "No more self-deception. As for these noble families, their inaction—receiving Xiao Xun's letter without reporting, denouncing, or expressing outrage—makes them equally guilty. Only then, when this battle commences, will it be righteous, free from future concerns, and command the submission of all under heaven. A Yu's imperial throne will never face doubt again."

Deng Yi raised his head. "Then how do we confirm Prince Zhongshan's rebellion?"

Xie Yanfang looked at him. "What did Xiao Xun write in his letter to the Grand Tutor?"

......

......

"After all this talk, Lord Xie actually wants me to confirm Prince Zhongshan's rebellion." Deng Yi chuckled, leaning back in his chair as he regarded Xie Yanfang. He reached into his sleeve and produced a letter. "I suppose what Lord Xie truly wants to ask isn't about the letter Xiao Xun sent me now, but rather the one from during the capital coup, isn't it? Or perhaps even earlier—such as letters proving how I colluded with Prince Zhongshan?"

Deng Yi was no fool. Of course, the crucial question now was who would expose the treacherous ambitions of Prince Zhongshan and his son.

Should Deng Yi be the one to reveal it?

If Prince Zhongshan and his son had long conspired with Deng Yi, and Prince Zhongshan harbored disloyal intentions, then what did that make Deng Yi?

"Third Young Master, whether an army is righteous and has just cause for war matters to the Emperor, but not to me," Deng Yi said. "I might not even care whether this battle is won or lost."

Such words were truly disgraceful. As the Grand Tutor of the court, he actually claimed not to care about the outcome of the court's battle.

"Exactly. I, Deng Yi, am precisely such a petty man," Deng Yi said coldly. "I care nothing for propriety, righteousness, integrity, or shame. Since I've attained this position, don't think you can bind or scheme against me with reputation."

He looked at Xie Yanfang and smiled again."Third Young Master, your motive isn't truly about giving the court a justifiable cause for military action. You're merely using this opportunity to coerce me."

"If you genuinely sought a legitimate pretext for war, you should have approached your nephew's wife."

"You're aware of my past connection with Prince Zhongshan, but do you know why Empress Chu left the Chu family with the Little Highness?"

Back when Chu Zhao protected Xiao Yu and fought their way into the Imperial City to see the Emperor, after which the late Emperor designated Xiao Yu as Crown Prince before ascending the throne, everyone knew Xiao Yu was entrusted to the Chu family because Chu Ling enjoyed the Emperor's deep trust and commanded a private army. No one delved deeper into other matters.

For instance, if the Chu family with their private army were so reliable, why did Chu Zhao leave the Chu family with Xiao Yu?

And they had to fight their way out.

Why did Chu Lan become bedridden with illness afterwards? Why, as the Empress's clan, did only a young girl like Chu Tang represent the family publicly?

That girl never spoke of it to him, and he never pressed for answers, but that didn't mean he was unaware.

Xie Yanfang certainly knew.

With a gentle expression, Xie Yanfang said: "Because to prevent the Chu family's affairs from implicating the Empress, we had to drag you, Grand Tutor, into this as well."