Qiao Chu

Outside the capital, military checkpoints were heavily set up, but scattered Proclamations still appeared within the city.

However, compared to other places, the authorities confiscated them quickly, almost vanishing in the blink of an eye.

Several young men entered and saw Old Master Zhou not playing chess but leaning back in his chair, holding a piece of paper and chuckling as he read.

"Grandfather, what are you looking at?" they asked.

Old Master Zhou waved them over. "You've come just in time. Take a look at Empress Chu's Proclamation of denunciation."

The young men were startled. One hurriedly closed the door, while another cautiously glanced around.

"Grandfather!" they whispered. "Where did you get this?" They grew tense. "Could it be that our household has been infiltrated too?"

Although Empress Chu had fled, it was said she still had many agents hidden in the capital.

Surely their prestigious Zhou family hadn't been infiltrated!

It was true that A Jiang had been on good terms with Empress Chu, but A Jiang was already married—

They should quickly investigate the maids and matrons who had served A Jiang!

"Enough, enough! What do you take this household for?" Old Master Zhou scolded his panicked juniors irritably. "I acquired this at a high price."

Acquired? At a high price? The juniors were even more shocked.

Had the court's suppression of the Proclamation's circulation made it a rare and valuable commodity?

"Grandfather, why did you buy it?" they said. "What if the authorities investigate—"

"Let them investigate! I didn't write this Proclamation. What's wrong with reading it?" Old Master Zhou replied, setting down one sheet and picking up another. "Earlier, when the Xie family accused Empress Chu of treason and posted notices summoning the world, we all read them. Now that Empress Chu is posting notices, why can't we read them?"

Then he pointed at the group.

"You young people, why are you so timid? Even though you're young, you've experienced plenty—the princes' chaos, the Western Liang invasion, Prince Zhongshan's rebellion. These past few years have been like riding waves on a boat, constantly rising and falling. What's so major about Empress Chu issuing a Proclamation to denounce the Xie family now?"

The young men thought it over and realized he was right. They had indeed weathered great storms.

"Grandfather, you're correct," they said one after another, reaching for the papers on the chessboard. "Let's see what it says too."

Old Master Zhou shot them a disdainful glare. "You're not even as brave as A Jiang, a young woman. Always hesitating and looking back and forth—don't bother learning chess from me in the future."

This thought made him angry again.

"Just because A Jiang is married, does that mean she can't come home? Why hasn't she visited once in a month?"

"We should have found her a live-in husband back then. Why did we have to marry her off!"

"I've decided—if Empress Chu wins and returns to court this time, I'll have A Jiang become a female official—"

Hearing this, the young men who had weathered great storms panicked again. "Grandfather, you mustn't say that—" "Grandfather, it's not that we're timid, but it's just not the right time to say such things—"

The turmoil within the Zhou family's deep compound was mirrored in many mansions across the capital, all contained behind tightly shut doors.

The Xie family, at this very moment, was also filled with clamor.

"She insisted on staying with the Border Army to lead troops back then, all to gain control over them."

"That's why I've long said the Border Army can't be trusted. We should have stormed in back then."

"Now look—they've all gone over to Empress Chu."

"Is the news confirmed? Have all four great generals surrendered?""Liang Ji has surrendered as well. Look at this proclamation—it clearly states that Empress Chu is accompanied by General So-and-so, and So-and-so, with Liang Ji among them."

"Liang Ji must have been forced. His daughter is now the Empress—why would he surrender? He should resist unto death. Perhaps he's already been killed."

In the main hall of the Xie residence, over a dozen people—some seated, some standing, dressed in official robes or casual attire, of varying ages—were buzzing with discussion.

Seventh Master Xie, occupying the host's seat, set down the various reports in his hand and gestured for silence.

"Everyone, remain calm," he said. "The traitorous guards who defected have already been captured along the route."

The expressions in the hall did not relax.

"But Empress Chu's momentum is fierce," one official said gravely.

Previously silent and unnoticed, she now seemed to be everywhere at once. This wasn't something a single troop from Yunzhong Commandery could achieve—how many forces had Empress Chu secretly amassed? No wonder Xie Yanfang had earlier ordered the suppression of bandits. That order should never have been revoked.

In truth, Seventh Master Xie had also opposed revoking the bandit-suppression order, all because of Xie Yanlai—as this thought flashed through his mind, a figure appeared at the doorway, casting a large shadow.

"What are you all doing?" a hoarse male voice asked.

Seeing the mask on the newcomer's face, everyone in the hall stood up, calling out, "Young Master."

Seventh Master Xie remained seated, unmoving, his expression hostile as he stared at him.

"Nothing is amiss," he said indifferently. "All is well. Go to the palace. At a time like this, Your Majesty cannot be without you."

The others quickly added, "Young Master, rest assured, all is well." "Please comfort His Majesty." "Young Master, be at ease. With us handling matters, we will spare no effort to stabilize the situation."

Xie Yanlai ignored them, his gaze fixed on Seventh Master Xie, who sat in his chair staring back.

Sensing the strange atmosphere, the people in the hall fell silent.

This young master of the Xie family was quite peculiar. Chosen by Xie Yanfang as his successor, he was certainly no ordinary man. But when interacting with the Xie family, he seemed less like kin and more like an adversary.

Just as everyone felt suffocated by the tension, Xie Yanlai turned and left.

The crowd breathed a sigh of relief, and Seventh Master Xie's shoulders relaxed as well, a cold sneer flashing in his eyes. You treacherous wretch, what can you do? Even if you're willing to let that vile woman destroy the Xie family, others will not.

Condemning the Xie family isn't just about our clan—it concerns everyone connected to us. You may be willing, but others are not.

Do you truly think that because you've been put in charge, you're omnipotent? The key to being in charge lies in the word 'put.' If we allow it, you can; if we don't, you are nothing.

Seventh Master Xie felt both satisfaction and resentment. Once A Yu comes of age, once Empress Chu is thoroughly eradicated, even if Yanfang is only lucid for half an hour a day, we won't need to keep this scoundrel Xie Yanlai around.

"What does it matter if Empress Chu's momentum is fierce?" he interrupted the room's chatter, returning to the earlier topic. "Has her military might been fierce?"

Hearing this, everyone was taken aback, then suddenly understood.

"Her troops have not yet left Yunzhong Commandery," one person declared loudly."Although the Border Army's hundred thousand troops are a significant number, and Yunzhong Commandery is sizable, our Great Xia possesses several such armies and multiple commanderies of comparable scale," Seventh Master Xie said coldly. "What does a proclamation amount to? Does she truly believe that by battling Western Liang and quelling rebellions, she has become unmatched in both civil and military affairs? Her achievements were made possible by the support of our Xie family and the entire Great Xia serving as her shield. Now that she seeks rebellion, let her first step beyond Yunzhong Commandery before boasting of her momentum."

...

...

"She precisely wants this overwhelming momentum," Xie Yanfang remarked upon waking from a stupor, after listening to Cai Bo's hurried report of the latest news.

"What she aims to do is declare our Xie family's crimes to the world, branding this notion into the hearts of all."

"As for fighting, she's not in such a hurry."

"Indeed, the troops in Yunzhong Commandery have not moved thus far," Cai Bo said, feeding Xie Yanfang the last mouthful of medicine. "It seems she intends to consolidate her foundation, contending with the court step by step—one city, one commandery, one citizen at a time."

Xie Yanfang smiled faintly without responding, gesturing to lie down.

Cai Bo hurriedly helped him recline, asking with concern, "Is the young master unwell?"

Though he was already in poor condition, how could he not even last half an hour?

"I'm fine," Xie Yanfang whispered, resting on the pillow, a slight smile curling his lips. "I need more rest to recuperate, waiting—"

Waiting to see her return to the position of Empress, drenched in blood and treading on bones, desperate and with no way out.

As it was said, she could never escape.

...

...

In the Imperial City, Xiao Yu was not diligently reviewing memorials in the study as usual. Upon hearing that Xie Yanlai had arrived, he rushed to find him.

"Sister Chu is really coming back," he said tremulously.

Xie Yanlai glanced at him. "Is this something for you to rejoice over? The one returning is not your Sister Chu, but Chu Zhao."

Xiao Yu understood his meaning—Chu Zhao was no longer his Sister Chu. But—having the chance to see Sister Chu again was enough for him.

"Uncle," he whispered, ignoring Xie Yanlai's sarcasm, "how can we help her? Should we secretly issue orders for everyone to surrender?"

Xie Yanlai snorted with laughter.

"I know, I don't have the capability," Xiao Yu said urgently, grabbing Xie Yanlai's hand with hopeful eyes. "But you must have a way, right, Uncle?"

Xie Yanlai shook off his hand.

"I have no way," he said lazily.

He looked out the window, refraining from voicing one thought—but she would surely find a way.

Yet, what did it matter if she had a way?

Wouldn't she still be entering this cage?

Why forsake a peaceful life and exhaust all means to return?

He clenched his hand so tightly it nearly crushed his own bones.

Why come back!

...

...

With the swift response of the court's official troops, couriers no longer appeared at the post stations to deliver proclamations, and the streets were no longer littered with scattered proclamations.

Yet the atmosphere had changed.

In Pingyang Prefecture of Hedong Commandery, the streets were bustling with lively taverns and teahouses. Officers and soldiers frequently visited these establishments, holding portrait albums to inspect patrons and summoning proprietors for questioning.

"Have there been any suspicious individuals?"

In a shop named Ximo Pavilion, a woman responded to the inquiry, repeatedly saying, "No, no, this is just a store selling the four treasures of the study."

The leading officer glanced around. A shop for the four treasures of the study? Wasn't this a tavern or teahouse?The hall was furnished with counters displaying a dazzling array of the four treasures of the study, but there were also several tables set up. At that moment, four people sat gathered around them, each holding wine cups with small dishes laid out before them.

Then came the sound of someone clattering down from the second floor.

"Madam Chun—a distinguished guest has solved the chess puzzle—" a shop assistant shouted loudly, "the Cold Plum Fragrance wine can be served now—"

He spotted the standing officers and soldiers, and his voice abruptly cut off.

Madam Chun hurriedly offered an awkward smile to the officer: "Sir, our establishment also casually allows guests to play chess, read, and practice calligraphy, while providing some tea and wine."

Before she could finish speaking, the officer waved his hand: "Search the place."

The guards immediately scattered and headed upstairs.

"Sirs—" Madam Chun grew somewhat anxious and quickly added, "the upper floor is reserved for female guests—please don't frighten them—"

But the officers had already charged up to the second floor. The spacious hall upstairs was arranged with zithers, chessboards, and writing desks, where seven or eight women sat scattered about. Suddenly seeing a group of officers storm in, they immediately let out startled screams.

Yet it wasn't just fear—the women soon grew indignant.

"How dare you! Who are you people?"

"Who am I? My father is the Prefect of Pingyang—"

"Cease this rudeness—"

"Which garrison do you belong to? Do you have deployment orders?"

The elegant Ink Cherishing Pavilion descended into chaos. Across the street, on the second floor of a tavern, a window gently closed, blocking out the commotion from this side.

Chu Tang looked at the woman sitting opposite her.

"You really gave me a fright," she said. "How did you suddenly arrive in Pingyang? Weren't you supposed to be in Yunzhong Commandery?"

The woman opposite had a sallow complexion, her head wrapped in a scarf, carrying a basket filled with fresh plums—just like any common peddler woman one might see on the streets.

Hearing the question, she smiled. That smile made her eyes sparkle, instantly animating her plain features and revealing the familiar essence Chu Tang recognized.

"It is I who declared to the world the crusade against wickedness," Chu Zhao said. "Naturally, I would charge at the forefront."