Qiao Chu

Xie Yanlai stormed into the former court using a stolen token from Xie Yanfang, demanding a confrontation with Deng Yi.

Fortunately, the palace guards reacted swiftly and stopped him.

"Young master, if you cause trouble, you’ll be handing yourself over to the Grand Tutor," one guard whispered in persuasion. "Forget about rewards—you could end up locked up in prison for a year or more."

Though he hadn’t been in the Imperial City for over two years, the guards still remembered him and addressed him with familiarity.

"Am I not worthy of a reward?" Xie Yanlai raged, pointing toward the Grand Tutor Hall. "What is Deng Yi anyway? A gatekeeper! Just because he guarded the palace gates for the late emperor and seized an opportunity—if we’re really talking about guarding gates, I was the one stationed at the outermost and most crucial post. This position of Grand Tutor might have been bestowed upon me by the late emperor, but Deng Yi stole it!"

He was saying anything that came to mind. The guards wished they could cover his mouth, hurriedly ushering him out in a chaotic rush.

Yet some listened with gleaming eyes, recalling past events and muttering, "It might just be true."

The commander kicked the murmuring soldier away and said helplessly to Xie Yanlai, "Captain Xie, we all know your bravery."

But what could be done? Bravery was simple, but matters involving the court were complicated.

Lowering his voice, the commander pointed and advised, "Young master, go to the Ministry of War. It’s safer than here, and you can still make a scene to vent your anger."

…

…

As dusk deepened, Chu Zhao listened in the rear palace as Xiao Man recounted the scene of Xie Yanlai’s uproar at the Ministry of War.

Unlike her disputes with Deng Yi within the palace, the Ministry of War was located on the Imperial Street, bustling with people and eyes—news spread instantly.

"Now the streets are abuzz with discussion," Xiao Man said. "Everyone knows there’s a dispute in the court over the reward issue."

Chu Zhao asked, "What are the people saying?"

This time, it was not Xiao Man who answered, but Ding Dachui, who replied respectfully, "The people are saying it’s a power struggle between the Xie family and the Grand Tutor, with the Empress caught in the middle, pressured by the Xie family and torn between sides."

Chu Zhao sighed. "Xie Yanlai is doing this to extricate me."

In truth, he couldn’t care less about rewards. By causing this stir, he shifted the focus away from her. The people wouldn’t be shocked by the Empress meddling in politics, and the soldiers wouldn’t suspect her of suppressing the Liang family out of personal bias.

After her argument with Deng Yi, he had gathered officials for discussions. Chu Zhao hadn’t been idle either; she obtained the records of the Liang father and son and saw their military achievements—steady, solid, and impeccable. Compared to Xie Yanlai, both father and son had excellent reputations, praised by all.

If word got out that she had refused to reward Liang Qiang, public opinion would be the least of her worries—it would affect military morale. With someone fanning the flames, her reputation would be ruined.

The hall fell silent. Even Xiao Man, who usually cared about nothing, frowned slightly. Having stayed by Chu Zhao’s side, she was no longer the little bandit from the Border Commandery and could sense that this time, both the Empress and the Grand Tutor were different from before.

Ding Dachui, no longer a wilderness hunter, suddenly asked, "Your Majesty, is there anything you need us to do?"

After arriving in the capital, Ding Dachui had been assigned by Chu Zhao to the Dragon Guard Army. She had divided the Dragon Guard Army into two groups: one served as guards in the rear palace, while the other became a secret guard unit dispersed throughout the capital.

Ding Dachui belonged to the latter.

However, there had never been much for them to do—Xiao Man’s subordinates, like Xiao Tu, were more than enough.Chu Zhao glanced at the desk where Deng Yi had just sent the new decree of rewards. Both Xie Yanlai and Liang Qiang were appointed as Brigadier Generals, each commanding thirty thousand troops. Deng Yi had directly assigned them under different generals, deliberately avoiding Luocheng.

"The imperial seal has already been stamped," A Le couldn't help murmuring softly. "The Grand Tutor also said it would be announced tomorrow morning—he’s in quite a hurry."

What kind of discussion was this?

But this was already Deng Yi conceding a step. Chu Zhao said, "The Grand Tutor knows I would agree. Besides, the sooner it’s announced, the better. Only then can this matter be settled and greater rumors prevented, especially since we are still at war."

So the young lady agreed? A Le breathed a sigh of relief. This matter could be considered over now.

Chu Zhao turned to Ding Dachui and said, "You—"

Was this in response to his inquiry? Ding Dachui looked at Chu Zhao, somewhat puzzled. Why did she start speaking only to pause? It seemed difficult for her to say?

Chu Zhao lowered her gaze for a moment, then raised her eyes and continued, "—keep an eye on the Grand Tutor."

……

……

The excitement that had unfolded in the capital during the day could not be contained by the night, and even Liang Qiang, residing in the Capital Garrison, learned of it.

Deep into the night, visitors continued to stream into his quarters.

Even the kitchen sent over a late-night meal.

This was a far cry from the cold reception he had received upon his arrival.

Back then, when people heard his name and saw he carried no official credentials, the Capital Garrison had treated him indifferently, assigning him a place to stay and leaving him to pay for his own meals. They had then eagerly resumed discussing Xie Yanlai with their comrades.

"Quick, tell us more about the parade!"

"Did that many people really shout 'heroic and brave'?"

At that time, the entire Capital Garrison was talking about Xie Yanlai.

But now, the entire Capital Garrison was asking about Liang Qiang.

Who was Liang Qiang? What had he done? His past was dug up, his merits brought to light. Some were excited for him, others indignant on his behalf.

"You’re sure to be rewarded, Young Master Liang."

"You deserve it—your contributions are undeniable."

"Should he be discriminated against because of his past status as a convict?"

"I’m outraged for Young Master Liang! What right does Xie Yanlai have—"

"Now, that’s not entirely fair. Xie Yanlai has genuine achievements too—"

Arguments and debates lasted from the deep of night until dawn, and with the break of day, the confirmed news arrived.

"—Summon Liang Qiang to the palace for court—"

Though no details were given, being summoned to court meant a reward was imminent.

The Capital Garrison erupted in excitement once more, with countless people crowding around Liang Qiang to offer congratulations.

Liang Qiang calmly thanked everyone and, escorted by over a dozen guards, mounted his horse. His composure drew admiration from the soldiers around him: "Truly the demeanor of a noble scion—" "This is what they call unshaken by honor or disgrace."

By the time Liang Qiang rode to the city gate again, daylight had fully broken, and the streets were bustling. Passersby cast curious glances at the young general surrounded by guards.

"Is he from the Border Army?" a bystander called out loudly.

Liang Qiang glanced at him and nodded. "Yes."

This time, he did not mention his previous status as a civilian, nor did he remove his military uniform. Instead, he urged his horse forward into the city.

The streets were not as crowded as they had been that day, and no one was waiting specifically to see him. No flowers were tossed his way, but Liang Qiang was not returning in silence.

"Look, it’s Liang Qiang."

"Young Master Liang—you’ve finally returned—"

"Brother A Qiang, it’s me, your Elder Brother Huang—"

"Quick, beat the gongs and drums, all of them! Welcome Young Master A Qiang back—""It must be to welcome the return of the young hero Liang—"

Many of his old friends from back in the day emerged on the streets, standing by the roadside, in taverns and teahouses, greeting him with fervent excitement. Some even brought along their servants and attendants, beating gongs and drums.

They wept with joy at seeing him again.

"Ah Qiang, why didn't you tell us earlier—we brothers would have welcomed you from ten miles away—"

Liang Qiang, riding on horseback, couldn't help but smile wryly. Earlier? If it had been earlier, they probably would have pretended not to know him.

Although the clamor and drum-beating of these young masters couldn't compare to the beauty of that day's scene, it drew crowds of curious onlookers. Combined with yesterday's news, discussions buzzed fervently.

"Is this Liang Qiang?"

"The one Xie Yanlai caused a scene at the Ministry of War about yesterday, saying his rewards were stolen?"

"So it's him? Huh, he's quite handsome too—"

"Is he the one the Grand Tutor strongly recommended? The Xie family even pressured the Empress to intervene just to block his rewards."

"So impressive—"

"Hey, he's Liang Qiang, the son of Minister Liang. Have you forgotten Minister Liang's past?"

"Never mind what happened back then. If he's being rewarded, he must have done something meritorious."

"Hey, a true hero—take off your clothes and let's have a look—"

The morning streets gradually grew boisterous, crowding around the young general as he advanced slowly toward the Imperial City, bathed in the dawn light.