Xie Yanfang strolled leisurely into the court hall, first glancing at Deng Yi standing at the front before surveying the rear.
Officials were arranging themselves in order, whispering among themselves, creating a slight commotion within the hall.
"Vice Censor-in-Chief Xie," an official nearby murmured, hands tucked in sleeves, "Haven’t you noticed fewer people attending court these past few days?"
Xie Yanfang replied, "Indeed, a few are missing." Then he added with a light laugh, "But a few new ones have joined us."
As they spoke, two more officials entered—one in civil official robes, the other in military attire. One appeared frail, the other a burly brute. Though they seemed unremarkable, the chatter in the hall instantly died down. The officials wore indifferent expressions, some even disdainful, yet all eyes were fixed on these two.
One was Commander Ding Chui of the Garrison Guard, the other Zhu Yong, formerly a Hanlin Academy compiler and now the Associate Administrator of the Garrison Guard.
"How absurd that they’re qualified to attend court."
"What kind of Garrison Guard is this? Just a nominal title and they get to come to court?"
The surrounding whispers and stares were sharp, but Ding Dachui remained ignorant, fearless, and unbothered. Zhu Yong, steadfast in resolve, even smiled and greeted the officials beside him.
Seeing his friendly gesture, those nearby refrained from open insults—after all, one doesn’t strike a smiling face.
Some turned away, while others couldn’t help but let their eyes linger on Zhu Yong’s python-patterned belt. Regardless of opinions, this Garrison Guard and Zhu Yong were now the Empress’s right-hand men. Even the Grand Tutor couldn’t interfere—they arrested whomever they pleased, declared guilt, and saw households confiscated.
Better not offend them, lest they seek revenge.
A few officials forced strained smiles at Zhu Yong.
This scene didn’t escape others’ notice. An official at the front chuckled softly to Xie Yanfang, "Commander Ding rarely attends court, usually busy plundering from his Garrison Guard base. His presence today suggests more officials are about to face misfortune."
He glanced toward Deng Yi’s location.
"The Grand Tutor must be worried again—his numbers are dwindling."
Deng Yi controlled the Ministry of Revenue, filling it with his own people. Xie Yanfang’s faction delighted in watching the spectacle.
"You’re right, Vice Censor-in-Chief. Let’s wait and see. Those who jump too eagerly now will be struck hardest by the Empress."
Though discontent simmered over the Empress’s involvement in governance—a longstanding taboo in the dynasty—Xie Yanfang had argued it was beneficial for now.
"Compared to us, the Empress is best positioned to curb the Grand Tutor’s monopoly."
And indeed, it seemed to be working.
Once the Empress dealt with the Grand Tutor’s authoritarian grip, the Emperor would lead campaigns in a few years. Then they could address the Empress, restoring clarity to the realm.
If not for the Emperor’s court music signaling the assembly’s start, these officials might have applauded and cheered.
The Emperor and Empress entered hand in hand. Officials shelved their thoughts, bowing and proclaiming, "Your Majesty, may you live ten thousand years!"
As expected, at the very start of the court session—before the Grand Tutor could speak—Ding Dachui stepped forward: "Your subject has a memorial."
He addressed the Empress directly, ignoring the Grand Tutor entirely.
Chu Zhao said, "Proceed."
"The Ministry of Revenue’s investigation into the summer floods in Huzhou is nearly complete," Ding Dachui reported. The clues have been sorted. I request permission to inspect Huzhou and make arrests."
Sure enough, many were about to face ruin. Officials exchanged glances—some gleeful, others furious. How could they declare the case resolved so arbitrarily? Since when did their word become law?"It's good that the clues have been clarified." The Empress's voice came from above. "The matter in Huzhou is of great importance. Besides investigating and punishing the corrupt, we must also improve the dikes and canals. Therefore, Grand Tutor, please arrange for officials to cooperate with the Garrison Guard in handling this case."
The officials in the hall were stunned. Had they misheard?
Had the Empress spoken more than usual today?
Wasn't a simple "approved" enough? Why mention the Grand Tutor? And even request his cooperation?
The officials couldn't help but glance at Deng Yi.
No matter how much the Empress spoke, it was useless—the Grand Tutor wouldn't respond.
Deng Yi's expression remained wooden as he said, "Assign the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Justice to assist."
The hall fell into silence, as unresponsive as when the Empress had spoken.
After a moment of stillness, officials from the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Justice snapped back to attention and hurriedly stepped forward. "Your servant obeys the command."
The Empress added, "Minister Zhu, I must trouble you to return to Huzhou with the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Personnel."
Zhu Yong quickly stepped out of the ranks. "Your servant obeys the command."
The Empress said no more, and the officials returned to their positions.
Deng Yi's voice then rang out again. "Ministry of Rites, has the gift list for the King Who Pacifies the Country been prepared?"
The officials from the Ministry of Rites hesitated for a moment before stepping forward to affirm.
"Read it aloud so we may all deliberate together," Deng Yi said.
The Ministry of Rites officials fumbled slightly before retrieving the pre-prepared gift list and reading it aloud in court.
The resonant voice of the Vice Minister of Rites rose and fell rhythmically in the hall. The officials seemed to hear it, yet not hear it, their minds still lingering on the earlier exchange between the Empress and the Grand Tutor.
Compared to the Vice Minister of Rites' lengthy recitation, the words exchanged between the Empress and the Grand Tutor were negligible in length.
But their significance was immense.
The Empress had taken the initiative to involve the Garrison Guard and the Grand Tutor in cooperation, no longer acting autocratically.
And the Grand Tutor had actually responded to the Empress's words. Did this not mean that the Grand Tutor was accepting the Empress's involvement in governance?
This was a major shift!
...
...
After the court session ended, discussions erupted everywhere. Countless officials flocked to visit the Grand Tutor, and even the newly established Garrison Guard, which had always been sparsely visited despite its proximity to the Ministry of Justice, saw many officials tentatively stepping inside—
The Censorate was also bustling with visitors.
However, everyone was met with disappointment. Xie Yanfang had returned home immediately after court.
"Third Young Master doesn't seem concerned. It seems he already knew."
"Since Third Young Master is aware, this matter is nothing to worry about. Everyone need not be overly anxious."
Though they hadn't met him, the crowd breathed a sigh of relief and dispersed.
...
...
"What exactly is going on?"
Xie Yanfang could avoid the officials upon returning home, but he couldn't avoid Seventh Master Xie.
Seventh Master Xie had taken leave and hadn't attended court. Upon hearing the news, he rushed out and ran into Xie Yanfang, who had just returned.
"About this matter," Xie Yanfang said, pausing as he stepped inside, "I don't know either."
Seventh Master Xie's expression grew even more solemn. "You don't know either?"
Xie Yanfang replied, "Seventh Uncle, I'm not a deity. How could I possibly know everything?" He took a towel from a maid to wipe his hands and allowed them to remove his official robe.
"But you said the Empress is just like you," Seventh Master Xie frowned, somewhat complaining. "How could you not know what she's thinking?"
Somehow, these words sounded inexplicably pleasing to Xie Yanfang, and he immediately laughed. "Alright, then I'll give it some proper thought."
With that, he sat directly on the cushion by the window without putting on his outer robe, assuming a posture of deep contemplation.
Seventh Master Xie, having watched him grow up and endured enough of his teasing over the years, was not fooled this time. He sighed helplessly. "Third Young Master, stop joking around. This is no trivial matter."This is indeed no small matter. Xie Yanfang gazed at the chessboard on the desk.
"Last night, the Empress went to see Deng Yi," Cai Bo entered to pour tea and said to Seventh Master Xie. "It seems the two have reached an agreement, deciding to each take a step back."
Seventh Master Xie was furious: "If they each take a step back, that means they're advancing together, leaving us with no way out." He then asked, "What exactly did they discuss? They were clearly at each other's throats—how did they suddenly reconcile?"
Cai Bo shook his head: "That, I don't know. You're aware, Seventh Master, although we can observe movements in the palace, the Grand Tutor controls the outer city guards, and the Empress herself holds the Dragon Guard Army to protect the inner palace. We still can't get close to their inner circles."
When those two speak behind closed doors, outsiders have absolutely no way of finding out.
"Yanfang shouldn't have returned the Inner Palace Guard token to A Zhao," Seventh Master Xie said angrily.
Xie Yanfang, who had been studying the chessboard, snapped back to attention at the mention of his name and said, "What shouldn't be taken must not be taken. Taking it would only bring trouble. As for what the Empress and the Grand Tutor discussed, it doesn't matter if we don't know."
Seventh Master Xie retorted, "How can that not matter?"
Instead of humoring him as usual, Xie Yanfang shook his head then nodded: "It does matter." He sighed and added, "Miss Azhao is still too kind-hearted."
With that, he brushed his sleeve with one hand and picked up a brush with the other.
"A kind heart is a good quality, but to be a good Empress, one must conquer mountains and cross seas—how can one not be ruthless?"
"Then let me help you excise this kindness once more."
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