The Imperial City was ablaze with lights in the night, with people coming and going around the Emperor's bedchamber.
When Chu Zhao entered the bath, she was taken aback to see seven or eight palace maids standing in attendance.
It had been a long time since she had been served by so many people.
"Your Majesty, is this a wound on your arm?" one of the maids asked cautiously as she held Chu Zhao's arm.
Chu Zhao turned to look and saw a long but shallow cut on her forearm. After a moment's thought, she said, "It's a knife mark."
The maids held her arm with sorrowful expressions.
Chu Zhao laughed. "It was just a graze, not a direct strike. Otherwise, it would have been much worse."
Another maid carefully examined her face and exclaimed, "Your Majesty, you've been injured on your cheek as well!"
Immediately, all the maids gathered around.
Chu Zhao waved her hand with a smile. "After all, I was going to battle, not on a picnic. It's fortunate that only my skin and flesh were wounded."
"We naturally understand that blades have no eyes and life hangs by a thread," a senior palace maid said softly. "We just admire Your Majesty's bravery and regret that we couldn't assist you."
Chu Zhao stood up with a laugh. "I am the Empress, but I am also a general's daughter. And I believe that if any of you were in such a situation, you would be just as brave as I was."
The maids all laughed.
"Your Majesty flatters us too much."
"I think I wouldn't be afraid at all."
"If I can't fight them, I'll just hold onto them and let Your Majesty finish them off."
"I could scratch them—my nails are long."
The bath chamber filled with lively chatter and laughter. While it was common for palace maids to joke with their mistresses, the content about fighting and killing was unprecedented. The senior palace maid smiled nearby without intervening.
Now that the palace had a new mistress, everything would naturally follow her preferences.
A Le peeked in from outside. "Your Majesty, the midnight snack has arrived. Please come and eat."
It was now possible for a maid to urge the Empress. The senior palace maid continued to smile silently as she watched the summoned Empress call out, "Coming, coming," before joining the other maids in wrapping, drying, and dressing Chu Zhao.
When Chu Zhao emerged, she saw the table in the bedchamber laden with an array of dishes, with Xiao Yu staring at them intently.
"Sister!" Xiao Yu hurried over upon seeing her and took her hand.
Chu Zhao asked, "Are you hungry, A Yu? It's been such a busy day today."
They had gone straight to court upon returning to the palace, which lasted until dusk. After the main court session, there was a smaller council meeting, and it was only when night fell that they finally returned to the inner palace to rest.
Xiao Yu shook her head. "I'm not hungry." Then she nodded. "But if I eat with sister, I can have two bowls of rice."
Chu Zhao laughed. "That won't do. I won't let you eat two bowls of rice so late at night."
Xiao Yu sat with her at the table, where Qi Gonggong personally attended to them.
"The Imperial Kitchen seems to have sent all of Your Majesty's favorite dishes," he said with a smile. "There's such a variety of nourishing soups and porridges, but you can't replenish everything in one night."
Chu Zhao smiled. "They meant well."
Qi Gonggong studied Chu Zhao's complexion. "Your Majesty does need a period of proper nourishment." He added, "The Imperial Medical Bureau also wanted to come and check Your Majesty's pulse earlier, but this old servant asked them to come tomorrow. Letting Your Majesty have a peaceful and sound sleep tonight is the best tonic."
Chu Zhao nodded with a smile. "Qi Gonggong is right. What I need most is sleep." She reached out and patted Xiao Yu's shoulder. "I really haven't slept soundly these past days."
Xiao Yu leaned her head against Chu Zhao's arm and murmured, "Me neither."Xiao Yu straightened up to look at Chu Zhao. "A'Yu has already endured the pain of losing his parents. There is no suffering left in this world that can frighten me."
These were not words a child should have been able to speak. Qi Gonggong felt a pang of sorrow—after losing one's parents, a child could no longer remain a child.
Chu Zhao gazed at the young boy and suddenly said, "I have a secret—"
She broke off mid-sentence and smiled at Qi Gonggong.
"Qi Gonggong, I wish to share a secret with His Majesty. Please withdraw with the attendants."
Qi Gonggong smiled and assented, immediately leading the others out of the bedchamber, leaving only the two of them inside.
"Sister," Xiao Yu's eyes sparkled as he lowered his voice, "What secret?"
Chu Zhao leaned close to his ear and whispered, "My mother is still alive."
Xiao Yu's eyes widened instantly, and he sprang to his feet. "Really!"
Chu Zhao quickly hushed him.
Xiao Yu covered his mouth, glancing around warily, his eyes lively under the glow of the palace lanterns.
Outside the hall, Qi Gonggong observed the scene and couldn't help but chuckle. He nudged aside a young eunuch who was also peering in. "Step aside. Do not disturb His Majesty and Her Ladyship."
The young eunuch grinned and moved a few steps away, gazing at the palace shrouded in night as he sighed. "Since Her Ladyship returned, His Majesty seems different—less like an emperor and more like a child."
Qi Gonggong also looked toward the palace. "His Majesty is, after all, still a child."
As the Empress had said, a child forced to endure suffering.
Fortunately, there were still those who allowed him to be a child, who cherished him as one.
...
...
"This is truly wonderful."
Xiao Yu sat back down, looking at Chu Zhao with excitement and envy.
"Sister still has a mother."
Chu Zhao sighed softly. "She comes from a humble background and was separated from my father due to circumstances. Moreover, I cannot call her 'Mother,' nor can I tell the world that I still have a mother."
Adult matters were often difficult for a child to grasp, but one thing was simple to Xiao Yu. "But you still have a mother. That is enough."
His expression then turned somber.
"Truthfully, I also wish my father and mother were still alive."
"Just being alive would be enough, even if Father still didn’t play with me, even if Mother always lectured me."
Chu Zhao reached out and embraced him, patting his back gently. "A'Yu, since I have a mother, my mother is your mother too."
Xiao Yu leaned against Chu Zhao’s shoulder and nodded firmly.
He knew that once someone was gone, they would never return.
He no longer dwelled on it much these days.
He still had Sister Chu.
As long as Sister Chu remained by his side, that was enough.
...
...
The night was deep. Deng Yi, busy all day, continued to work until interrupted by a voice outside his door.
"Grand Tutor, the Imperial Kitchen has sent a late-night meal."
Deng Yi acknowledged with a hum. This had become routine—whenever he stayed in the palace, the Imperial Kitchen would specially deliver a late-night meal.
The door opened, and footsteps shuffled in.
"Grand Tutor, though state affairs are complex, you must still take care to rest," a clear female voice remarked.
Deng Yi glanced at the young woman who had entered but did not rise to greet her formally. Instead, he lowered his head and continued reviewing the scroll in his hands. "This official merely sits and moves a brush. It cannot compare to the hardships Your Ladyship endured on campaign. You should rest early. Now that you are in the palace, delaying the morning court session would invite criticism."Chu Zhao sat down opposite him, letting out a long sigh as if completely relaxing. "I'm not afraid," she said. "Since I managed to return here alive, I fear no criticism."
She then smiled.
"No criticism can touch me."
Deng Yi looked up at the girl and smiled. "The Empress has become even more formidable after this journey."
Previously, she had been placed on the throne by the late emperor, but now she had achieved merits on her own, making her position as Empress even more secure.
Chu Zhao poured tea, raised her cup, and said, "I owe my return today to the Grand Tutor's assistance. I offer this tea in place of wine to thank Lord Deng."
Deng Yi looked at her and picked up his own teacup.
"I've had tea three times along the way," Chu Zhao said, holding up two fingers to Deng Yi.
Deng Yi gave an acknowledging hum and accepted a small bowl of silverfish noodles served by the attendant.
The attendant respectfully asked, "Your Majesty, would you like to try this silverfish noodle?"
The eunuch who had delivered the late-night snack had already withdrawn. Not just anyone could serve closely. The Empress had brought a palace maid with her, but the maid stood to the side, not even attempting to serve. If anyone glanced at her, they would be met with a fierce glare.
The attendant was aware of Chu Zhao's background. Chu Lan's family was ordinary and unremarkable, and what Chu Ling had provided was certainly not the kind of maid groomed in noble households of the capital.
It was no surprise that the Empress's most capable maid could kill, but serving others might truly be beyond her.
He had to step in himself.
Of course, it was also his honor.
Watching Deng Yi eat the noodles from the bowl, Chu Zhao asked curiously, "Is this delicious?"
The attendant smiled. "The Grand Tutor likes this the most. The Imperial Cuisine kitchen always keeps it prepared."
Chu Zhao smiled. "Then I'll try it too. The Grand Tutor knows Imperial Cuisine better than I do."
Although she was the Empress, she had not been in the palace as long as the Grand Tutor.
Deng Yi finished the noodles in a few bites, set down the bowl and chopsticks, and said, "The tea Lord Xie offered wasn't very pleasant, was it? You've ruined Lord Xie's grand plans."
Chu Zhao laughed. "Lord Xie won't be angry with me because the Crown Prince of Zhongshan confessed his crimes. Lord Xie simply thinks I acted too recklessly by taking matters into my own hands."
The word "privately" in her sentence was telling. It seemed the girl had already placated Xie Yanfang. Deng Yi took the plum soup handed to him by the attendant and nodded. "This subject agrees. Your Majesty should inform this official in advance next time you act. Acting silently like this not only catches others off guard but also creates distance."
Chu Zhao held the bowl and ate the noodles, smiling at his words. "Well, if I tell you, will you listen, Grand Tutor?"
Deng Yi frowned at her.
"No," Chu Zhao answered for him, straightening her face. "You might even stop me. I think that would also create distance between us."
Deng Yi gave a hum. "Your Majesty is right. A rift between ruler and subject is indeed this subject's fault and has nothing to do with the ruler."
Unfazed by his sarcasm, Chu Zhao smiled again. "Lord Deng, why speak so distantly?" She turned to the bowing attendant and said, "I'd like to try this plum soup as well."
The attendant acknowledged the order.
"It's not that I don't trust you," Chu Zhao continued, addressing Deng Yi. "It's not that I don't trust Lord Xie either. It's just that in some matters, disagreements are inevitable between individuals. We come from different backgrounds, have different experiences, and naturally, our perspectives and desires differ."
Deng Yi laughed. "Aren't you going to add that we're of different ages?"Chu Zhao laughed heartily, accepting the sour plum soup handed by the clerk. With a half-serious, half-mocking smile, she said, "Don’t underestimate me. Having faced life and death, it’s as if I’ve lived an extra lifetime."
As she spoke, she took a sip of the plum soup and grimaced.
"Lord Deng, what kind of taste is this? It’s way too sour!"
The clerk hurriedly offered her tea.
Deng Yi downed his plum soup in one gulp and remarked, "The tastes of the young differ from those of us adults. Having experienced all flavors of the world, our palates grow bland."
Chu Zhao laughed. "You can even make heavy tastes sound poetic."
Deng Yi ignored her and picked up a piece of pastry to eat.
"Do you know what my biggest realization has been since returning?" Chu Zhao asked.
Deng Yi replied, "That life is but a dream?"
Chu Zhao laughed again. "Lord Deng, must you always joke?"
"What joke? Didn’t you say it yourself?" Deng Yi retorted. "Having faced death, wouldn’t you naturally reflect on life’s fleeting nature?"
Chu Zhao nodded with a smile. "True enough." Then she lightly tapped the table in mock annoyance. "Lord Deng, stop interrupting and let me speak."
Deng Yi pressed his lips together and fell silent, gesturing for her to continue.
Chu Zhao straightened her posture and declared, "I want to become Empress."
Deng Yi burst out laughing. "I say life is a dream, and Miss Azhao accuses me of joking. Aren’t you already Empress in your dreams? Wake up already!"
Chu Zhao couldn’t help laughing too. "When I asked the late Emperor for the position of Empress, it was actually for my father’s sake and my own safety. I didn’t think much beyond that."
To make up for regrets, to prevent Xiao Xun from becoming Emperor—everything was to avoid reliving the fate of that lifetime.
She had even considered leaving the Imperial City after bidding farewell to her father, making up for her regrets, and ensuring the stability of the dynasty, to live freely in the Border Commandery.
"But after this brush with death, I’ve come to understand that to live freely, one must have power."
She looked at Deng Yi, her eyes gleaming under the palace lanterns.
"It is the position of Empress that has given me the strength to do what I must, what I should, and what I wish to do."
Deng Yi said with a faint smile, "And Her Majesty has also tasted the sweet satisfaction of success."
Chu Zhao looked at him and nodded. "Yes."
Though she had no attachments, so many people were concerned about her.
Whether it was Xie Yanfang’s inquiries over tea, Zhang Gu’s respectful offerings, or the congratulatory toasts from her female companions.
Whether people hated her, resented her, guarded against her, revered her, or flattered her.
In this life, she, Chu Zhao, was seen by all, remembered by all—no one could ignore her.
Deng Yi observed the girl before him, truly looking at her for the first time since her return.
During grand court assemblies or small council meetings, the Empress and Emperor had only been observing governance. He had no need or reason to pay her extra attention.
He also knew that many others were eager to catch a glimpse of her—Xie Yanfang certainly wouldn’t miss the chance on the road, and the noblewomen of the capital, or rather, the powerful families behind them, all wanted to see her.
Now, he understood why. She was indeed different from before.
Having faced death, she carried an aura of lethality.
This girl had always been fierce—he’d known that from their first meeting—but her fierceness had been defensive.
Lethality was different.
Killing was an active strike.Deng Yi smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, don't overthink it. Whether you become Empress or not hasn't been your decision since that moment." He poured another cup of tea, "Of course, it would be better if you're willing."
"Willingness actually comes from experiencing for the first time how joyful it is to possess what one never had before," Chu Zhao added with a smile.
Deng Yi remained silent, pushing a cup of tea toward her as the girl continued asking.
"Lord Deng, what drives your unwavering ambition for high office?"
Deng Yi replied, "What else could it be? The same as Your Majesty - to experience the joy of possessing what I never had before."
Chu Zhao chuckled, taking the tea he offered and clinking her cup with his.
"Then let's not concern ourselves with who obeys whom or who trusts whom. Lord Deng, we are kindred spirits pursuing the same goals. Let us work together in harmony."
Deng Yi smiled, raising his teacup and draining it in one gulp.
......
......
Beyond expressing their alliance, Chu Zhao turned back to mention one more thing before departing.
"When I previously left the palace to see my father, you considered it a futile endeavor," she said. "Though I ultimately couldn't save my father's life, being able to accompany him in his final moments has left me not adrift in confusion after losing him, but rather with unprecedented determination and solidity."
Deng Yi uttered an indifferent "Oh," his expression wooden: "As long as Your Majesty is content."
Chu Zhao smiled at him: "Even meaningless things can bring happiness."
......
......
The night deepened, the lights in the former court growing dimmer. As the night watch drum sounded, the Imperial City gates prepared to close.
After seeing Chu Zhao out, Deng Yi didn't return to the Grand Tutor Hall but stood beneath the corridor gazing at the night.
"The Empress recognizes the Grand Tutor's assistance and came to express gratitude," a minor official remarked cheerfully.
Had Deng Yi not issued the imperial decree, Empress Chu would never have reached an agreement with Prince Zhongshan. She would have perished in Zhongshan Prince's Mansion by now, with the city draped in white mourning silks instead of welcoming her with floral showers.
Deng Yi remained silent.
"The Empress sees the importance of the Grand Tutor's support," the official continued. "She comes to form an alliance."
Though Deng Yi alone wielded sufficient power, having another ally was always beneficial - especially when that ally was the Empress.
And indeed, this Empress currently commanded considerable influence.
Deng Yi still didn't speak, suddenly striding forward.
The startled official hurried after him: "My Lord, where are you going?"
"I'm returning home for a while," Deng Yi said.
The official momentarily forgot Deng Yi even had a home - he visited perhaps once or twice monthly. The Grand Tutor's residence essentially served as a warehouse for storing gifts.
The official quickly followed, summoning imperial guards to prepare horses and clear the streets.
Deng Yi's unexpected return threw the slumbering Grand Tutor's residence into commotion, punctuated by exclamations.
"Second Master! Why have you returned? Have you been dismissed? Lost your power? Is the residence to be confiscated?"
Through the chaos, a woman's urgent voice emerged.
"A Er, there have been several rainfalls. Your father and brother's graves need repairs."
"Mother, I'll personally oversee the repairs when I'm less busy these coming days."
......
......
After bathing and changing, Chu Zhao quietly entered the bedchamber where deep silence reigned under dim night lamps.
She dismissed A Le and Xiao Man to rest, heading toward the side chamber's sleeping couch.
Previously, Xiao Yu always needed her company at night when frightened, but upon her return, Qi Gonggong had informed her that Xiao Yu could now sleep alone.But she had returned in haste and hadn't yet decided which palace to move into, so she temporarily remained here.
After taking only a few steps, light footsteps echoed from the inner chamber, and a figure moved about. Xiao Yu peeked out and called softly, "Sister."
Chu Zhao was startled. "Did I wake you?"
Xiao Yu hugged a bamboo tube and shook his head. "Sister, are you done with your work? I haven't slept yet—I was waiting for you."
She had gone to see Deng Yi after having supper and coaxing Xiao Yu to sleep, never expecting the child hadn't slept at all.
"You've actually learned to lie," Chu Zhao said, walking over and poking his forehead.
Xiao Yu giggled.
Chu Zhao quickly covered his mouth and shushed him. "Even the Emperor will be scolded if he doesn't sleep at night."
Xiao Yu immediately fell silent, nodding with one hand still covering his smiling mouth.
Chu Zhao's gaze fell on the bamboo tube he was holding—so his claim of being able to sleep alone was just a lie he told Qi Gonggong and the others.
She sighed inwardly and turned Xiao Yu by the shoulder toward the inner chamber.
"Come on, let's go to sleep quickly. Otherwise, if we can't get up for the morning court tomorrow, we'll be laughed at by all the civil and military officials," she whispered. "And the Grand Tutor will seize the chance to scold us."
Xiao Yu nodded, still covering his mouth with a smile.
Lying on the vast, soft Dragon Bed, Chu Zhao let out a long sigh.
"It's been so long since I've slept on such a soft bed," she said, turning to look at Xiao Yu. "Ah Yu, from now on, we can both sleep soundly."
Was it because the bed was soft? Xiao Yu didn't think a soft bed alone could guarantee sound sleep, but with Sister Chu back, he knew he could sleep peacefully.
He nodded and closed his eyes.
(End of Volume)
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