The restless hearts within the Imperial City and the drunken revelries of the capital were all left behind by Xie Yanlai.
He was like a fish leaping from an exquisite pond into the vast ocean—ahead lay boundless, undulating waters, yet he felt exhilarated and utterly free.
After half a month of nonstop travel, the fish breached the surface.
Standing atop a hill, a gust of wind blew scorching sand into his face and hair. Xie Yanlai spat out a mouthful of grit, then took a deep breath. He was home.
The thought crossed his mind, and he laughed at himself mockingly.
He actually considered this place home—
"We're home!"
The dozen or so guards behind him caught up, exhausted from chasing after Xie Yanlai, but upon seeing the faint outline of the garrison ahead, they erupted into shouts and cheers. Some even leaped from their horses and rolled on the ground.
Ahead, dust clouds billowed as men and horses surged forward, their thunderous cheers echoing.
"He's back—"
"Young Master is back—"
Xie Yanlai’s lips curved into a smile. He spurred his horse toward the crowd, his followers galloping behind him, churning up clouds of dust on the hillside.
The two dust clouds collided swiftly, horses stumbling and men tumbling to the ground amid a cacophony of shouts, curses, and laughter.
Xie Yanlai didn’t know how many men he had knocked down, nor who had finally brought him down. He lay on the ground without getting up—unlike in the Capital Garrison, where he would stubbornly rise no matter how many times he fell. These were his brothers; he could afford to let them have this one.
Lying there, the grass and earth beneath him were far from soft, yet he felt incredibly at ease.
This wasn’t an affectation. In the past, it might have been out of pride or defiance, but now it was the truth. He lay here because he was in control—of himself, his blade, his men. This brought him more peace than fine silks and delicacies, or the flattery and adulation of crowds.
With his hands pillowed behind his neck, he gazed at the azure sky and felt a twinge of pity for that girl.
No matter how cunning she was, living in such a place couldn’t possibly bring her peace.
He had once teased her casually, but after seeing her this time, he felt even more—
"What’s wrong with A Zhao?"
Zhong Changrong’s booming voice nearly shattered Xie Yanlai’s eardrums.
After another day’s ride to the main camp, Xie Yanlai was dragged to see Zhong Changrong without a moment’s rest. Seated in a chair, his mind began to wander, and when Zhong Changrong asked about Chu Zhao, he inadvertently spoke his thoughts aloud.
Xie Yanlai pointed to the desk. "She wrote you a letter. Read it yourself."
Zhong Changrong ignored it. "She’d never let me worry. I don’t trust what’s written on paper. I sent you to see how she really is."
"She’s fierce," Xie Yanlai said, stroking his chin. Her true self? Just like before. "She dared to stand up in court and refute the Grand Tutor. I—"
He pulled out a new Waist Token and waved it.
"This Brigadier General rank was fought for me by the Empress."
Though Xie Yanlai couldn’t be bothered to recount the events in the capital, others had already told the story over a dozen times since their arrival: how he defeated every challenger in the Capital Garrison, how he paraded naked through the streets, how the capital’s citizens turned out in droves to welcome him, with countless women throwing flowers in admiration—he was nearly snatched off the street to become a son-in-law. Of course, there were also grievances—
"Young Master Xie was robbed of his credit."
"Well, you can’t exactly call it robbery. Liang Qiang just climbed his way up by clinging to the Grand Tutor."The guards didn't understand the intricacies of court affairs, but they knew Xie Yanlai had caused a scene at the Ministry of War, been imprisoned, and ultimately, the Empress intervened impartially, granting both men the rank of Brigadier General.
This trip to the capital had provided enough excitement to last a lifetime, with stories to pass down to sons and grandsons.
Zhong Changrong, of course, wasn't just listening for amusement. Frowning at Xie Yanlai, he couldn't help muttering, "You didn't need her to fight for a Brigadier General position. It's your family's greed—demanding the Garrison General title—that angered the Grand Tutor."
Indeed, the conflict originated from the Ministry of War's petition to confer a title upon Xie Yanlai.
Such a petition wasn't unusual given his military achievements, status, and family background, but it should have been modest. The request was overly ambitious.
Deng Yi had long been at odds with the Xie family and couldn't let it slide.
Xie Yanlai showed no remorse, sneering, "What's so grand about Garrison General? I've always been doing a Garrison General's duties. With the ongoing war and relaxed regulations, plus my distinguished lineage, my appointment is hardly surprising. What's strange is what irresistible benefit Liang Qiang offered the Grand Tutor to oppose my promotion so vehemently."
This dispute over titles was far from simple. Even without witnessing it firsthand, Zhong Changrong could guess it involved the Xie family, the Grand Tutor, even the Empress, and all the messy court intrigues. He wanted to say more but only cursed, "Even wartime doesn't stop you people from scheming."
Xie Yanlai said indifferently, "It never stops. In fact, it increases during war because the stakes are higher."
Zhong Changrong knew this well and fell into helpless silence.
"The court will surely readjust the Border Army's deployment next," Xie Yanlai continued, raising an eyebrow with a smirk. "And you can bet it'll be tangled with various factions' interests."
Zhong Changrong's expression darkened as he swore, "I hope they remember the greatest interest lies in defeating Western Liang."
Xie Yanlai replied, "They know that—because victory brings them even greater benefits." He stood up. "Commander Zhong, I leave Luocheng to you now—"
As a newly appointed Brigadier General, Xie Yanlai could command thirty thousand troops independently. Combined with the earlier disputes in the capital over Luocheng, he certainly wouldn't be allowed to stay.
For three years, this young man had followed him. Zhong Changrong felt a pang of reluctance—
"From now on, you're on your own," Xie Yanlai went on. "Without me to help you, you'd better watch your step."
This brat! Who helped whom? Zhong Changrong's reluctance vanished as he glared. "You watch your step! If you don't curb your recklessness and cause major trouble, even the Xie name won't save you."
Xie Yanlai scoffed, ignored him, took a few steps, then paused.
"Also, remember everyone comes with their own agenda," he said, looking at Zhong Changrong. "Keep your own men safe and guarded. Remember, besides defeating Western Liang, fighting for the Empress is in your interest too. Don't trust everyone or wear your heart on your sleeve for anyone."
He paused here.
"Including me."
With that, he strode out.
Zhong Changrong spat behind him, "Who does this brat think he's lecturing?" After a moment, his expression shifted, finally settling into grim resolve. From Xie Yanlai's words, he understood that besides external threats, he must now guard against internal ones.He sat down and opened Chu Zhao's letter.
A personal guard entered and asked in a low voice: "Mu Mianhong has sent word that ten thousand troops are now available for deployment. General, shall we incorporate them into our army?"
Of the hundred thousand troops previously confiscated from Prince Zhongshan, fifty thousand had been assigned to Mu Mianhong for training. After over a year, the first batch was now ready for deployment.
Zhong Changrong looked at the letter in his hand and suddenly shook his head: "Not needed."
The guard was taken aback: "Not needed? Then when should we expect them? Recently, the senior generals have been inquiring about troop reinforcements. If we don't distribute them, might they misunderstand—"
"Misunderstand what?" Zhong Changrong snapped sternly. "I am the commander-in-chief. All troops follow my orders."
The guard, familiar with him, wasn't intimidated but instead laughed: "General Zhong, why so irritable? Has Young Master Xie been annoying you again?"
With that, he darted away before Zhong Changrong could kick him.
......
The rolling mountains of Yunzhong Commandery were shrouded in night, with occasional flickering lights in the valleys like stars—seemingly close yet untraceable upon approach.
Seated by a campfire, Mu Mianhong tossed a branch into the flames. The flickering light illuminated her slightly surprised face beneath the veil.
"Not needed?" she asked. "Zhong Changrong said that?"
The messenger nodded: "That's what he said. He told us to keep them for now."
Someone squatting on a nearby tree branch snorted: "If they don't want them now, we might not give them later."
Another person calculated on their fingers: "Could it be they don't want to provide supplies?"
The messenger hurriedly clarified: "Supplies were delivered—not a single item withheld. I brought them back this time."
Then what was Zhong Changrong doing? Even after Miss Azhao had given the order, he remained reluctant, as if fearing these troops would turn into bandits. Everyone exchanged glances.
Mu Mianhong said softly: "Probably there's some movement in the capital."
"What movement?" others asked. "We haven't heard any news from Xiao Man. Everything has been fine all along."
Sitting deep within the lofty Imperial City, how could a young girl like A Zhao have it "fine" all the time? Even if things were fine, that "fine" certainly didn't come easily. Mu Mianhong fell silent, gazing through the deep night toward the capital.
......
Deep within the night-shrouded Imperial City, lanterns burned brightly.
Chu Zhao, surrounded by palace maids and eunuchs, arrived at the front hall. She presented memorials to Deng Yi and also brought him late-night refreshments.
"I've reviewed them all," she said with a smile. "Thank you for your hard work, Grand Tutor. The Border Army's promotions and transfers are settled here."
Deng Yi looked at the memorials placed before him. After two weeks of back-and-forth, they had finally been approved.
"Your Majesty has worked hard too," he said meaningfully.
Chu Zhao replied: "The war with Western Liang concerns not only the Great Xia dynasty but also fulfills my late father's final wish. I hope you understand, Grand Tutor, that I cannot stand by indifferently."
Deng Yi nodded: "I understand."
Chu Zhao smiled and sat down to pour tea for him personally.
"Then, will Her Majesty the Empress continue to govern without the screen tomorrow?" Deng Yi asked.
For the past two weeks, Chu Zhao had been governing without the screen because the Border Army transfers required her frequent input, and no one had objected.
But what about going forward?
Chu Zhao's hand holding the teapot paused. She looked up with a smile: "Probably not. The weather is getting hotter."
Deng Yi looked at her without speaking.
Chu Zhao set down the tea and met Deng Yi's gaze.
"Grand Tutor," she said. "A screen cannot prevent me from speaking. Therefore, there's no need for one."
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