The Imperial City before dawn was the busiest time of day.
In the dim light of early morning, court officials arrived from all directions across the city. With some time still remaining before the palace gates opened, everyone gathered outside to chat idly.
"Did the Grand Tutor hold discussions late last night?"
"Indeed, he kept quite a few people in the palace for detailed talks throughout the night."
"The Six Ministries weren't idle either—those on night duty were summoned several times."
"What major matters are being discussed?"
"Currently the most urgent is the significant affair with Western Liang. After two years of fighting, it cannot continue indefinitely."
"But such matters cannot be resolved by mere words alone. In warfare, human calculations often yield to heavenly will."
"Minister Zhu, if the Grand Tutor heard your words, he would be displeased."
"Minister Xie would be equally displeased. His brother, as the valiant Army Envoy of the Border Army, was paraded through the streets, with commoners spontaneously paving the road with flowers. Yet you claim such valor is inferior to heavenly will."
Minister Zhu, who had spoken earlier, was singled out, and the officials in front of the hall exchanged sarcastic remarks.
A friendly official pulled Minister Zhu aside, quietly admonishing him to speak less. "In the current court situation, it's either the east wind or the west wind. Even if you disapprove, you must sway with the prevailing trend."
Minister Zhu, pale-faced, retorted, "Whatever winds blow, the Emperor still sits above all."
"But the Emperor is still young," his friend said helplessly.
Minister Zhu replied, "There is also the Empress."
This time, his friend did not refute him. After a moment of silence, he reflected that although the girl was also young, judging by her actions over the past three years, she could not be treated as a child.
"The Empress relies on the Grand Tutor and Minister Xie," his friend whispered.
Minister Zhu snorted, "There will come a time when she no longer relies on them."
Such words were even more inappropriate. His friend glared at him and was about to speak when several drumbeats sounded. The palace gates slowly opened, and the chatting officials hurriedly ceased their banter, filing into the palace in order.
Deng Yi had also finished his breakfast and, assisted by several minor officials, donned his court robes and stepped out.
Officials who had long been waiting outside the hall followed him.
"Grand Tutor, Minister Xie has taken leave again today."
Deng Yi responded, "What is the reason this time?"
"He claimed there was a family matter last night," one official said.
Another official laughed, "I know about this—it truly was an incident. That Xie Yanlai returned home from the palace and quarreled with his brothers, showing disrespect to the elders. It's said they even came to blows, as intense as those brawls in the Capital Garrison."
Yet another official chuckled, "That Captain Xie must be undefeated even at home."
The officials laughed, though some shook their heads, murmuring, "What a disgrace."
Deng Yi said calmly, "Though the family's younger generation is unruly, Minister Xie himself maintains propriety."
That was true. No matter how arrogant and domineering the Xie family's younger members were, Xie Yanfang remained reputable and unsullied, never implicated by their actions.
The officials felt both helpless and resentful.
One official whispered, "But this time, it really is an excuse."
Everyone looked at him, and Deng Yi also glanced back slightly.
The official hurriedly stepped forward. "Minister Xie is using family matters to avoid court because the Ministry of War has drafted a petition to confer a title on Xie Yanlai. It is to be discussed today."
A title for Xie Yanlai? The officials exchanged glances. In principle, Xie Yanlai had military achievements worthy of reward.
"What title are they requesting?" Deng Yi asked.
The official shook his head. "Those on that side are keeping it tightly concealed. I couldn't find out."
Other officials scoffed, "What are they hiding?" "If they have the nerve, they shouldn't bring it up for discussion or let anyone know—just decide it themselves."Deng Yi smiled and said, "Good, then we shall wait with attentive ears."
As they spoke, they arrived at the outer hall where court officials had already lined up according to rank. Seeing the Grand Tutor, they bowed and offered greetings. Deng Yi nodded slightly and took his position at the front, awaiting the Emperor and Empress's arrival accompanied by ceremonial music.
The Empress and Emperor had risen rather late today. Last night's small banquet had been too enjoyable—though they initially planned to drink just one cup of sweet beverage, Chu Zhao ended up having four before Xiao Yu finally coaxed her into relinquishing the cup.
"It was my fault for delaying Your Majesty's morning court session," Chu Zhao said. "Next time I oversleep, Your Majesty should proceed to court first. I can slip in unnoticed when no one's watching."
Xiao Yu shook his head firmly. "I will always go with elder sister. We shall not be separated."
Chu Zhao felt that though Xiao Yu had grown taller over the past year, his courage hadn't quite kept pace. But there was no hurry—in another two years, at eleven or twelve, he would be a proper grown-up.
Two more years, and he could assume personal rule.
Time actually passed quite quickly.
In that previous life, she never had children of her own. Had she borne a child, and had Xiao Xun truly cherished her, perhaps her child could have become emperor too?
Was this heaven taking pity on her, granting her this life to raise an emperor?
Chu Zhao reached out to pat Xiao Yu's shoulder, amusing herself with the thought.
As they approached the court hall, Qi Gonggong signaled to the attending eunuchs, and melodious music began to play. Chu Zhao wiped the smile from her face, assumed a solemn expression, and led Xiao Yu into the main hall by hand.
Amidst the courtiers' kowtows and cries of "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Empress!", Xiao Yu raised his hand to indicate "Rise, esteemed ministers." Chu Zhao took her seat behind the curtain, first picking up the tea from the small table for a sip, then sampling the latest pastry from the Imperial Kitchen.
Behind this curtain was her private domain.
These movements didn't disrupt her dignified seated posture. The courtiers beyond the curtain wouldn't notice—perhaps they didn't even glance this way. Even the Emperor was merely a figurehead now; everyone directed their remarks to the Grand Tutor.
Court affairs could be simple or complex. After her tea and pastry, Chu Zhao listened to the gradually intensifying court discussions, taking up brush and paper to note down important or confusing points to ponder later with Xiao Yu.
Today, however, nothing particularly crucial emerged—mostly matters discussed days prior. Officials had finally sorted out the pros and cons, and Deng Yi's approving responses sounded repeatedly.
It appeared today's court session would conclude quickly.
Chu Zhao set down her writing materials and reached for her tea again. Just as she lifted the cup, she heard a Ministry of War official step forward to report on Border Commandery affairs.
The report was detailed and earnest, tracing developments from beginning to present. Minor officials brought forth maps illustrating several critical battles, aiming to demonstrate that despite the stalemate, the Great Xia would inevitably prevail.
Court officials interjected with questions, particularly Deng Yi, creating quite a lively atmosphere.
Chu Zhao forgot her tea, listening intently with mixed delight and a slight pout. Yesterday when Xie Yanlai attended court, they hadn't been this enthusiastic. So it wasn't lack of concern—they just didn't want Xie Yanlai to steal the spotlight.
Fortunately, Xie Yanlai had won renown among the common people. Regardless of his name or lineage, everyone recognized this brave and capable warrior.
"—Therefore, the conflict has reached a critical juncture. The urgent task now is to finalize personnel appointments."
"The Border Army has achievements to reward and deficiencies to address. Here is our ministry's proposed roster for honors and promotions."
"Three individuals deserve promotion to Garrison General. Xie Yanlai—"Hearing the first name announced, Chu Zhao behind the curtain tightened her grip on the teacup, her eyes sparkling with delight. Garrison General—yes, Uncle Zhong had mentioned that Xie Yanlai had essentially been acting as the Garrison General over the past year.
Luocheng had been entrusted to him.
Uncle Zhong had said reluctantly that he had performed exceptionally well.
It was time to grant him the official recognition he deserved.
That was precisely why they had specifically summoned him to the capital this time.
Chu Zhao listened with a smile as the official read out the remaining two names, then Deng Yi’s voice rang out.
“The other two are acceptable, but Xie Yanlai is not.”
Chu Zhao’s smile froze instantly. She nearly reached out to lift the curtain but managed to restrain herself. The Grand Tutor—must he be so fixated on status?
……
……
The recommended officials also looked displeased, voicing exactly what Chu Zhao had been thinking.
“Is it because of Captain Xie’s background?”
“Does the Grand Tutor believe we are showing favoritism or currying favor?”
“Grand Tutor, please look at Captain Xie’s achievements over the past two years—he has risked life and limb, endured countless injuries, and slain thousands of Western Liang bandits.”
“When recommending the worthy, one should not avoid kinship; when recommending kin, one should not avoid suspicion. Must Captain Xie be denied rewards for his merits simply because he is a member of the Xie family?”
As some officials questioned, others rebutted.
“Who exactly is showing favoritism here?” “What is Xie Yanlai’s character? His personal conduct is flawed!” “Merits? Are his actions solely meritorious?”
“Are the officials in the Ministry of War blind?” “How many times has Xie Yanlai disobeyed orders and acted recklessly over the past two years?” “He tyrannizes the army, steals credit from others, and even led troops to attack his own comrades!”
The court descended into chaos. Chu Zhao, seated behind the curtain, sighed. She would have to speak with the Grand Tutor later—no one in this world was perfect.
In fact, she had intended to discuss this with him last night.
Deng Yi’s voice cut through the court. “Silence!”
At the Grand Tutor’s command, the Imperial Censors echoed his order, and the hall quieted down.
“You are overthinking this,” Deng Yi said, addressing the opposing officials. “Captain Xie’s merits certainly deserve rewards, but this appointment is excessive. Garrison General—”
He shook his head.
“He is not yet qualified.”
Behind the curtain, Chu Zhao pursed her lips. If he wasn’t qualified, then who was? His military achievements were clearly listed.
An official outside the curtain echoed her thoughts—a military officer, straightforward and blunt, who shouted, “Grand Tutor! I know you people deliberate meticulously, scrutinizing every detail about a person. But in warfare, we don’t operate that way. If he is brave and skilled in battle, he is qualified for the position. I judge people not by their background. I, Old Dong, swear here that if I have any ulterior motives, may I be struck by lightning!”
Some officials’ faces darkened at this. The crude man—did he imply that anyone who opposed him had ulterior motives and deserved to be struck by lightning?
“Outrageous!”
“What’s outrageous? Is Minister Dong wrong? It’s easy for you to wag your tongues—do you have any idea how difficult it is to fight on the front lines?”
“If Xie Yanlai isn’t qualified, then who is?”
The court erupted into arguments again, and Deng Yi raised his voice once more.
“Since you put it that way, this Grand Tutor does believe there is someone more qualified.” He remained unruffled, looking at the indignant military officer. “However, this person may be overlooked due to his background and thus underutilized.”
Minister Dong frowned. “Who?”
Deng Yi replied, “Left Wing Army Commander, Liang Qiang.”
Liang Qiang? The name seemed familiar to Minister Dong. He was about to speak, but a voice cut in before he could.
“No!”It was a woman's voice, not as loud as the officials', yet it echoed through the court in that moment.
The officials instinctively looked toward the front—behind the Dragon Throne.
The hanging curtain was lifted aside, and a girl in Empress ceremonial robes stepped out.
The entire court fell silent, seemingly stunned.
Chu Zhao stood beside the Dragon Throne, not looking down at the assembled officials, but only at Deng Yi, who stood closest to her.
"No," she said again.
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