Chapter 277: Love and Hate Intertwined
Xiao Qing’er’s heart skipped a beat.
“The Empress Dowager is unwell, so I should be here to attend to her medicinal soup.”
Empress Dowager Cheng Qing waved her hand, coughing twice, her voice weary.
“Attend to what. You children should all learn from that gecko; fight for what you should, and don’t fight for what you shouldn’t. Instead of sticking your neck out and inviting hatred, it’s better to hide your claws and wait for your chance.”
“Does Your Highness mean…” Xiao Qing’er’s beautiful eyes widened, as if she understood.
“I said nothing.” The Empress Dowager interrupted her, her gaze deep.
“Let the Guo family commit their misdeeds; it’s their problem. Doesn’t the Crown Prince want to rectify the imperial court system? Let him fight… You, child, are intelligent and beautiful, but like your paternal aunt, you are a fool.”
“Please enlighten me, Your Ladyship…”
“For women in the inner palace, the most important thing is to capture the Emperor’s heart. Discuss state affairs less, meddle in front-court matters less, and don’t be like Ping Le, who doesn’t know when to advance or retreat, lest you end up burning yourself.”
Xiao Qing’er trembled.
The Empress Dowager’s meaning was crystal clear.
For the sake of the imperial court’s overall situation, the Emperor would discard them without hesitation when necessary. The Guo family was that discarded tail. Even, when necessary, the Xiao family, and even she, Xiao Qing’er, her father, and her grandfather, could become the next “tail” to be discarded.
She suddenly recalled playing in the palace many years ago and asking her paternal aunt, who had just been promoted to Consort Xiao, a question:
“Living in this palace, what is the most important thing?”
Consort Xiao was looking at a pot of blooming peonies at the time, full of pride and joy.
“Naturally, it’s life. Without life, all the glory and wealth in this palace are merely wedding dresses for others…”
Who would have thought that her paternal aunt, who valued her life so much, would be the first to lose it.
Just like the tail of a gecko…
At this moment, a great chill and sense of powerlessness washed over her.
Xiao Qing’er desperately wished that the arrow shot at Xue Liu on the Imperial Street was Ping Le’s doing.
She also deeply missed the time when Ping Le was in power…
Back then, wherever they went, they were followed by a throng of people, full of glory. Who would have thought they would be treading on thin ice and looking up to others like this today…
“Thank you for your guidance, Your Highness… I have noted it.” Xiao Qing’er’s voice held a trace of imperceptible nervousness as she kowtowed deeply.
“It’s good that you’ve noted it.” Empress Dowager Cheng Qing waved her hand wearily, her aged voice seeming to have exhausted all her strength.
“Go. There’s nothing much happening lately, so come to see me less. I… am also tired.”
–
Li Zhao returned to the Eastern Palace, bathed, and changed his clothes, washing away the dust of his journey, before going to Zichen Hall to see the Emperor.
Emperor Chong Zhao had been waiting for him.
By the time Li Zhao adjusted his cap and entered, kneeling and paying his respects, the Emperor’s face was already filled with a benevolent and gentle smile.
“My son, you are excused. Come closer and speak.”
After saying this, he beckoned him to rise, granted him a seat, and drew him close to his imperial desk.
On the imperial desk lay an unfurled map.
The map was marked with cinnabar, indicating the passes of the Western Frontier, the enemy and our positions, and several supply routes.
“Crown Prince, your campaign in the west was arduous. There’s no need for excessive ceremony.” Emperor Chong Zhao signaled Wang Chengxi to serve tea, then picked up a paperweight to hold down a corner of the map, pointing to the location of Black Wind Pass.
“First, have a cup of tea, then tell me in detail how this desperate counterattack was fought.”
Li Zhao complied, concisely recounting the battle.
Emperor Chong Zhao nodded frequently as he listened, his eyes full of praise.
“My son, at the age of twenty, you have pacified border troubles and expanded our territory by a thousand li. I am deeply pleased.”
Finally, the Emperor stroked his beard and chuckled, then suddenly changed the subject.
“The Western Frontier is now stable, and you are injured. I intend to let you rest and recuperate for a few days. Put aside the Ministry of War affairs for now and assist me in managing the affairs of the Imperial Clan, disciplining those troublesome imperial relatives, and sharing my burdens.”
An overt commendation with an underlying demotion, stripping him of military power.
Li Zhao inwardly sneered, his expression unchanged.
“Your Imperial Father’s consideration is deeply appreciated by your son. However, the Western Frontier has just been pacified, and the remnants of the Ashina have not been cleared. Military Governor Xiao Yan, who holds significant military power, has repeatedly delayed deployments and missed opportunities. I suspect he has ambiguous dealings with the Ashina Royal Court, and I fear he is harboring the enemy for his own benefit. If the Ministry of War seal is transferred now, it may shake the morale of the army and give the enemy an opportunity…”
“Xiao Yan?” Emperor Chong Zhao chuckled, his meaning unclear.
“These people of the Xiao family, who have received favor for generations and are close to the Imperial Family, are naturally prone to overstepping their bounds and not weighing their actions carefully. It is appropriate for you to admonish him, but it is not advisable to go too far…”
The Emperor’s gaze was sharp, directly at Li Zhao.
“Water that is too clear has no fish; the art of managing subordinates is to strike a balance. Being too rigid will lead to breaking. Crown Prince, your sharpness is too exposed; you still need to be tempered.”
Li Zhao bowed deeply, “Your Imperial Father’s teachings are deeply etched in my son’s heart.”
Emperor Chong Zhao nodded with satisfaction.
“You may return to the Eastern Palace to rest for a while. Tonight, at Lin De Hall, I have summoned the imperial clan and officials to a banquet in your honor. Ensure you are well-rested. Regarding the Guo family’s affairs, I have my own plans.”
With that, he waved his sleeve, signaling him to withdraw, but did not mention his previous proposal again.
Li Zhao knew this was a test to see if he was clinging to military power and harboring ambitions.
“Your Imperial Father is wise. Your son will strictly obey your imperial decree and follow your lead.”
Emperor Chong Zhao slowly nodded.
Li Zhao met the Emperor’s meaningful gaze, which contained a warning, and clenched his fingers within his sleeve, bowing.
“Your son takes his leave!”
Outside the hall, the autumn wind carried a plane tree leaf that had flown from somewhere.
It landed precisely in front of his black robe with cloud patterns.
Its color was a withered yellow, its veins clear.
He bent down and slowly picked it up, looking at the setting sun in the sky, recalling the angry roars of the people on the Imperial Street, and the solitary figure in the teahouse.
He curled his lips, but there was no trace of a smile in his eyes.
—
Lin De Hall at night.
The night banquet was in full swing.
Lanterns shaped like sheep horns hung from the beams, and candlelight flickered, illuminating the grand hall with a dazzling glow.
Dancers twirled their flowing water sleeves, performing the newly choreographed Purple Formation Music, with golden gongs mingling with silk and bamboo music, creating a scene of triumphant celebration…
Emperor Chong Zhao sat behind the imperial desk, raising his golden goblet slightly, the wine sloshing with a shimmering light.
“The great victory in the Western Frontier has relieved my heart’s worries. The Crown Prince’s actions deserve the first merit.”
He spoke with a loud, smiling voice, his slightly tipsy gaze slowly falling on Li Zhao, who was seated at the head of the table below.
“This cup of wine, I drink with all of you—to raise our nation’s prestige, a merit to the state.”
All the civil and military officials in the hall rose in unison, raising their wine cups high, and roared in unison.
“Long live His Majesty, long live, long live!”
“Long live the Crown Prince, long live, long live, long live!”
“The prosperous Daliang, with blessings that last forever!”
“May our might extend to the four seas, and our nation’s fortune be eternal!”
The clinking of cups and the sounds of congratulations and flattery were incessant.
“Your son’s meager achievements are not worth Your Imperial Father’s mention.”
Li Zhao stood up, raising his golden goblet high. His dark cloak billowed with the movement, bringing a gust of cold wind that was out of place in the warmth of the hall.
He tilted his head and drank it all in one gulp, his movements crisp and decisive.
“This cup is to thank Your Imperial Father for his heavenly grace and blessings, which protected the three armies.”
The Emperor smiled, then suddenly raised his hand, stopping the music and dance.
The music in the hall ceased abruptly, leaving only the crackling of the candlelight.
The gazes of all the officials turned towards the throne.
The Emperor heavily placed the golden goblet on the desk, splashing wine onto the bright yellow tablecloth.
When silence fell, he scanned the hall again, his voice suddenly deepening.
“Today, I am not only here to welcome the Crown Prince, but there is also a matter concerning the law and order of the nation that must be clearly stated in court—”
The Emperor’s gaze swept across the officials below the steps, finally settling back on Li Zhao.
“I have heard the report that Guo Zhaohuai and his ilk have embezzled military supplies and lost all conscience. The Crown Prince’s apprehension of the traitor on the street today is in line with my wishes, to comfort the spirits of the soldiers who died in the Western Frontier.”
He paused, and the Emperor’s majestic voice cut through the silence.
“Duke of Zheng Guo Pi’s failure to discipline his grandson is inexcusable, and the Crown Prince’s handling of it was also appropriate.”
“Issue my decree: the Ministry of Justice, the Supreme Court, and the Censorate shall jointly investigate the case of Guo Zhaohuai, Assistant Director of the Ministry of War, for embezzling military supplies and reselling grain and fodder. All officials involved, regardless of their rank, will be severely punished without leniency once the facts are established, and no quarter will be given.”
A thunderclap struck from the heavens.
The previously boisterous Lin De Hall fell silent, so quiet one could hear a needle drop.
The smiles on the faces of the officials froze, and many clutched their wine cups with stiff hands.
Even more astute officials had already subtly shifted their gaze, looking at their noses and thinking of their hearts, fearing being caught in the impending storm.
Li Zhao’s brows remained unfurrowed.
However, his heart was clear—
His Imperial Father was using his hand to admonish the Xiao clan and the old nobility, and also to test the sharpness of his return to the capital and how he would wield it…
However, they would not know…
In the heavy snow of Black Wind Pass, he charged over frozen corpses. When supplies ran out, he gnawed on bloody horse bones and tree bark. He chewed on ice and snow for thirst, and dug up frozen rat burrows. The iron heart forged in despair had long since crushed his last shred of gentleness.
“Your Imperial Father, your son requests your decree—”
Li Zhao’s voice was not loud, but it carried immense weight, clearly reaching throughout the hall.
“The soldiers of the Western Frontier built the city with their flesh and blood; it cannot be desecrated by national traitors. I request Your Imperial Father to allow the Eastern Palace to assist in this investigation. Your son will ensure that all vermin are expelled to uphold the national law!”
The word “assist” was heavily emphasized.
He wanted not just to observe, but the right to intervene.
Emperor Chong Zhao gazed at him from his high position for a long time, then nodded slightly.
“Granted.”
A single word, heavier than a thousand jin.
Below the imperial steps, Li Huan’s hand, holding a wine cup, tightened abruptly.
His expertise in criminal law and supervision of the capital had always been his means of consolidating power.
Since Li Zhao’s return, he was determined to contend for everything.
He looked at Li Zhao’s tall figure, a complex smile flashing in his eyes, then lowered his head and drank silently.
Li Yan, Li Jian, and others also had varied expressions, some fearful, some thoughtful, some feigning composure…
The night deepened outside the hall, and the autumn chill grew heavier.
Inside Lin De Hall, the golden goblets remained, and the music and dance resumed.
But the previous merriment was gone; all the officials seemed cautious.
Everyone could see clearly—this Crown Prince who had returned from the Western Frontier was no longer the green and youthful heir with a hint of youthful spirit from years ago, but a cold blade tempered with iron-blooded killing intent, about to bring about a bloody storm.
Just as one song ended and a new dance was about to begin, Guan Ya suddenly strode in from a side hall with a hurried pace and a grave expression…
He leaned close to Li Zhao and whispered.
No one knew what he said, only that Li Zhao’s expression changed slightly, and the hand resting on the desk suddenly tightened.
“I understand.”
“Why has the Crown Prince stopped drinking?” Emperor Chong Zhao’s voice came, his dragon eyes seemingly smiling.
Li Zhao raised his goblet and drank it down, the wine flowing down his throat, his face stern.
“Your son remembers the soldiers who died in the Western Frontier and is filled with grief.”
He lowered his eyelids, concealing the turbulent waves in his eyes.
“I request Your Imperial Father to allow me to take my leave first!”
—
You Huang Ju.
The quiet room in the guest hall.
The continuous rustling sound of the rain washed over the banana and bamboo forest outside the window, and also washed away the last vestiges of Xue Sui’s patience…
The wound was dressed with trauma ointment, but it still throbbed with a dull ache. The numbness that had penetrated to the bone had not only not subsided but was quietly climbing along her blood vessels, like a lurking viper, making her uneasy…
“Young Lady, it’s the third watch.”
Jinshu’s voice was very low, filled with unconcealed worry.
Xue Sui sat upright in the armchair, her back straight, like a meditating jade sculpture.
“You two go rest. I’ll wait for him.”
Jinshu and Xiao Zhao stood behind her, exchanged glances, and hesitated to speak.
“You may go.” Xue Sui’s breathing was light, accompanied by the sudden popping of the lamp wick in the room, and a tickle suddenly arose in her throat.
She quickly covered her mouth with a handkerchief, swallowing the cough back into her throat.
“Just trust me and be obedient.”
Jinshu nodded hesitantly, leading Xiao Zhao to quietly withdraw.
The rain outside the window was incessant.
Waiting.
Waiting for an inevitable outcome.
After an unknown amount of time, perhaps an hour, perhaps longer, there was finally movement outside the door…
It wasn’t ordinary footsteps, but a kind of suppressed, heavy tread that, accompanied by the drizzling rain, tore through the tranquility of the rainy night from afar, approaching crudely…
He’s back.
Xue Sui slowly opened her eyes.
The door was violently pushed open, bringing with it the biting night wind, heavy rain mist, and a highly aggressive smell of alcohol, rushing in.
The candlelight flickered violently in the wind.
In the shifting light and shadow, a tall figure blocked the doorway.
Li Zhao: What am I blocking here for? I want to go in…
Xue Sui: You’re courting death!
