Chapter 196: Father And Son
“Royal Court spies are holding Father hostage, charge in and kill!”
“Rescue Father, and everyone will be rewarded.”
Xiao Daru’s furious roar shattered the tranquility of the Royal Mansion.
The soldiers behind him raised crude wooden shields, charging toward the Royal Mansion like a black tide, followed closely by soldiers wielding bow and arrow and spear, pressing forward step by step.
The Royal Mansion guards didn’t have time to counterattack before they were turned into pincushions by a hail of arrows.
In any era, soldiers are not only the pillars defending home and country, but also tools for those in power in their power struggles.
They don’t have many information channels to understand what’s happening at the top, and can’t distinguish who is good and who is bad.
They can only blindly follow the orders of their immediate superiors.
Even if a few soldiers sense something is wrong, under the momentum of the masses, they can only go with the flow.
After all, the smarter the soldier, the faster he dies.
So, in this situation, Xiao Daru quickly led his army to break through the Royal Mansion.
“Boom——”
With a loud crash, the courtyard gate where Xiao Simo was located was violently smashed open.
Xiao Daru, clad in bloodstained iron armor and holding a spear, strode in confidently.
Before this, his confidants had already fanned out in formation, occupying this small courtyard.
At this moment, Xiao Simo was sitting on a wooden chair, wrapped in a thick fox fur cloak, with a half-cooled bowl of herbal medicine still on the stone table beside him.
In front of him, seven guards formed a circular formation, spears like a forest pointing at Xiao Daru and the others.
“Great Prince, stop.”
Facing the increasingly approaching Xiao Daru, one guard gripped his spear tightly, his ferocious face shouting loudly.
No one had expected that Xiao Daru would launch a rebellion at this time; almost the entire Royal Mansion had already fallen to him.
Was the next step to make a move on the Great King?
At this moment, Xiao Daru stood still, his entire body emanating a fierce aura.
His tower-like body slowly crouched down, kneeling on one knee and placing a hand on his chest, saying: “Abe Tou arrived late to rescue you; Father, you must have been frightened.”
Meanwhile, Xiao Simo’s face showed no fluctuation from beginning to end; he merely half-narrowed his eyes, watching him.
After a long while, he said to the guards beside him: “All of you, leave. I want to talk alone with Abe Tou.”
“Great King?”
The guards looked shocked; they knew clearly that this was Xiao Daru rebelling.
“Out.” Xiao Simo’s firm voice commanded.
Afterward, the guards had no choice but to leave the courtyard.
Xiao Daru also ordered his men to wait outside the courtyard.
At this moment, the empty courtyard held only the father and son.
Xiao Daru knelt on the ground like this, looking up at Xiao Simo, only to notice that new white hairs had appeared at his temples.
His face was haggard, coughing up blood more severely; unwittingly, Xiao Simo had aged even more.
Compared to the him in his memories, he was much shorter and much thinner, as if the years had drained his spine.
At this moment, Xiao Daru inexplicably felt a pang of heartache.
He even felt that he was so unfilial.
But the next second, his gaze hardened again.
“I did nothing wrong; everything he did was for the Xiao Family.”
“Father is old; only I can lead the Xiao Family back to strength,” Xiao Daru said firmly in his heart.
“Cough cough cough cough~”
In this silence, Xiao Simo began coughing violently again.
His face was pale, bloodless, eyes swollen, as if he were about to cough up his lungs.
Xiao Daru hurriedly stepped forward, picked up the herbal medicine from the nearby stone table, and fed it to Xiao Simo.
He gently patted Xiao Simo’s back until he coughed up several dark blood clots, and only then did it slowly improve.
Xiao Daru gently helped him lie back on the wooden chair, then knelt down again.
“Huff huff huff~”
Amid heavy breathing, Xiao Simo slowly spoke: “Abe Tou, I’m not surprised you’ve come this far.”
“Your temper and personality follow your grandmother, but in your body flows the blood of the Xiao Family.”
“If it were me, I probably would have made the same choice as you.”
“In that sense, we father and son are quite alike.”
Xiao Simo suddenly smiled, so bitterly.
At this moment, he couldn’t help recalling the scene when Xiao Daru was just born.
As his first child, though born to an attendant concubine, Xiao Simo was still very happy.
He even gave him the nickname ‘Abe Tou,’ which itself acknowledged and valued his status.
At that time, Xiao Daru was chubby all over, sturdier than children his age; one look and you knew he was born for fighting.
Xiao Simo even wanted to groom him as his heir, teaching him fighting skills.
Unfortunately, things didn’t go as planned; busy with political struggles, he neglected disciplining Xiao Daru, allowing that woman to ruin him.
Reckless personality, irritable temper, unpopular.
And then came the legitimate son, so Xiao Simo gradually shifted his focus to Xiao Helun.
Deepening the rift between father and son.
Reaching this point was actually inevitable.
Even without the defeat at Yili, Xiao Daru probably would have gone all-in like this anyway.
Listening to Xiao Simo talk about his childhood, Xiao Daru felt his chest grow tighter, eyes reddening, tears flowing unbidden.
His head thudded heavily on the ground as he sobbed: “Father~”
“Cough cough cough~”
Xiao Simo coughed lightly, reached out, gently stroked Xiao Daru’s head, and said in a weak voice: “Don’t cry, get up.”
“Father has never blamed you; he even understands what you’ve done.”
Xiao Daru straightened up, kneeling tear-streaked before Xiao Simo, looking aggrieved, murmuring: “Father, this time son has pierced the heavens; do with me as you will, kill or execute.”
“But you must wait until I deal with the Royal Court Army before you act.”
He wiped the tears from his eyes, clenched his fist, and growled: “Even if you kill me, I can’t swallow this anger.”
“That brat Nair, how is he better than me?”
“Just because he crawled out of the main wife’s belly, he gets to enjoy everything rightfully?”
“Just because he’s the legitimate son, does that make me, born to an attendant concubine, an outsider’s child?”
“Why?”
He tore open his armor, revealing the ferocious knife scar on his chest: “From age ten, I’ve followed you on campaigns; how many scars I have, you probably can’t even remember.”
“I’ve never flinched on the battlefield; for what?”
“To prove to you, Father, that I am your finest son.”
“Xiao Helun is not as good as me.”
“But so what?”
“I’ve done so much, yet you see none of it; he’s still the heir apparent, and I’m not even a chiliarch.”
“I’m unconvinced.”
Xiao Daru cried loudly, face streaked with tears.
In his childhood memories, Xiao Simo had always doted on him greatly.
Until Xiao Helun was born, everything changed; Xiao Simo’s attention dwindled, and even when he sought him out, he was dismissed as busy with official duties, with mother called to take him away.
So, in his stubborn mind, it was Xiao Helun’s arrival that cost him his father’s love.
He did so much: being a good soldier on the battlefield, bravely killing enemies, covered in scars.
Being a good son in the Royal Mansion, dutifully filial to Father and Mother.
All to prove to Xiao Simo that he was better than Xiao Helun.
But Xiao Simo deliberately neglected him to secure Xiao Helun’s position.
Despite all his military merit, it was ignored; to this day, not even a chiliarch.
Wasn’t it just fear that he’d wield military power and threaten Xiao Helun later?
The original Xiao Daru might not have thought that way, but after feeling suppressed by Xiao Simo, he did.
He was unconvinced; he had to show Xiao Simo he was wrong, that he was the finest son.
“Today, son lays it down: even without that legitimate son’s golden skin, son can still twist off Yelü Zhilugu’s head and kick it like a ball.”
Xiao Daru choked from his throat, sobbing.
At this moment, he didn’t seem like a son launching a Xuanwu Gate Incident, but rather a rebellious youth vying for parental favor over household trivialities.
Looking at the grief-stricken Xiao Daru, Xiao Simo sighed deeply, a flicker of softness in his eyes.
With a light sigh, in a weak voice: “Abe Tou, you are my son, Xiao Simo’s eldest son.”
“How could Father ignore you?”
“Father knows your competitive spirit, always wanting to prove yourself.”
“Father knows how many scars you have, and which year, which battle each one came from.”
“All this—Father knows.”
At this point, Xiao Simo’s eyes moistened slightly; lightly stroking the scar on Xiao Daru’s chest, he choked:
“Nine knife scars, three arrow wounds, and one spear wound on the shoulder.”
“For every one, Father…”
“…paid the doctors who treated you~”
“Every one, promoted them, rewarded them heavily.”
“Just fearing they wouldn’t treat your wounds properly~”
As he spoke, tears welled in Xiao Simo’s eyes.
A tiger doesn’t eat its cubs, especially his eldest son.
How could Xiao Simo not care, not love him?
Unfortunately, he was the Xiao Family patriarch, the Sixth Courtyard Department Great King.
Many times, he had to bury all emotions in his heart; nothing could be done emotionally—everything had to prioritize the Xiao Family and Northern Frontier interests.
Looking back now, he realized he had made mistakes too.
Mainly because his expectations for Xiao Daru were too high back then; but when he saw Xiao Daru had gone astray, unable to be a qualified heir, he immediately abandoned him.
The Xiao Family wasn’t in great shape back then; Xiao Simo lacked time and energy to correct Xiao Daru, so he started over.
This was an era where the strong prevailed; raising sons was like raising venomous insects—only the strongest got full nurturing.
From the patriarch’s perspective, Xiao Simo’s actions were flawless.
But from a father’s view, the harm to his child was irreparable.
Perhaps nearing death’s end, knowing his days were numbered, Xiao Simo lost his former stubbornness; looking at Xiao Daru, his face held more tenderness.
Hearing Xiao Simo’s words, Xiao Daru’s face was full of shock; he stared blankly at Xiao Simo, then slowly smiled.
But as he smiled, tears flowed uncontrollably again.
“Father~”
“Father, you~”
“Son deserves ten thousand deaths!”
Xiao Daru broke down in loud sobs, collapsing into Xiao Simo’s arms like a child, shoulders shaking, heart aching terribly.
Father was already so gravely ill, yet he still caused him trouble.
He truly deserved to die!
“Wah wah wah wah~”
“Don’t cry, don’t cry~”
“Such a big man, crying over what? Cough cough cough~” Xiao Simo chided lightly, but his emotions surged, triggering another cough.
This time, Xiao Simo’s condition was worse, to the point of vomiting blood.
Xiao Daru paled in panic, fumbling to stand, crying: “Father, how are you?”
“I’ll call a doctor for you.”
“No need~” Xiao Simo’s weak voice came; after coughing up blood, his condition stabilized somewhat.
Weakly reclining on the wooden chair, he stopped Xiao Daru; he knew his time was short and didn’t want more fuss.
Seeing him weakly raise his hand, Xiao Daru understood, knelt beside him, and placed that withered hand on his cheek.
“Father, you’ll be fine.”
“You’ll definitely recover.”
“I still need to prove to you that I can fight to the Royal Court!”
Xiao Daru said urgently, tears streaming.
But Xiao Simo smiled; he knew he wouldn’t see that day.
Still, better than seeing the Eastern Capital breached.
Lightly stroking his face, in a wistful voice: “Unwittingly, you’ve reached marriageable age.”
“Father probably won’t see that day.”
It was just a pity that this child resembled his mother too much.
“If only you were like me!” Xiao Simo lamented.
Not in looks, but in personality, ability, and inner qualities—he hadn’t inherited those.
If Xiao Daru met his expectations, none of this would have happened; Xiao Simo could have handed power to him with peace of mind.
But now, he didn’t believe Xiao Daru had the ability to turn the tide.
He knew Xiao Daru, and knew that Wugulun even better.
Those mother and son lacked this capability.
“Forget it; words are useless now.”
“You’ve done what you wanted; don’t regret it—continue firmly,” Xiao Simo sighed lightly.
Then, he took out a gold-forged token from beneath him, tremblingly extended his arm, and handed it to Xiao Daru.
In a deep voice: “This is the Great King token of the Sixth Courtyard Department; with it, you can command all troops of the Sixth Courtyard Department.”
“Take it!”
“Don’t fail it!”
“Call Yalixin and the others back; hasn’t Father already appointed you Yin Mountains Governor?”
“A single written order won’t convince people.”
“Father will announce it personally to them, making your role as Yin Mountains Governor legitimate.”
Xiao Daru held the golden token in both hands;
Unbidden tears flowed again, his forehead thudding heavily on the ground once more.
“Father~”
Xiao Simo gently waved his hand, saying softly: “Go.”
“Take it and prove yourself.”
“The Eastern Capital is up to you.”
……
Between Yili and the Eastern Capital lay a natural barrier.
Named Alatao Mountains, a branch of the Tianshan Mountains.
At this time, the Royal Court’s twenty thousand army trudged over mountains and rivers, crossing over.
“Your Highness, three hundred li further, and we’ll see Eastern Capital City.”
“We can’t keep going; if we encounter the Eastern Capital Army, we’ll be in trouble.”
Xiao Hetu rode on horseback, pointing northeast with his horsewhip.
At this moment, the twenty thousand army had just crossed the Alatao Mountains and was preparing to camp and rest at the foot of the mountain, waiting for straggling soldiers to regroup.
Yelü Zhixin and Xiao Hetu led over a hundred cavalry, advancing another few dozen li to scout terrain and confirm the march route.
So few men—if they met the Eastern Capital Army, it would indeed be dangerous.
Blazing sun, howling winds.
Yelü Zhixin rode to a high slope, gazing afar, sighing.
“Back then, my great-grandfather used the Eastern Capital as foundation, leading Khitan warriors to carve out the vast Great Liao State in the Western Regions.”
“Now, the Eastern Capital should return to my imperial clan.”
Saying this, Yelü Zhixin turned: “Imperial Secretary Xiao, any news from the Eastern Capital?”
“How is Xiao Simo’s condition?”
Xiao Hetu and his son had both been granted official positions.
Xiao Hetu was the Royal Court’s Chancellery attendant official.
The Chancellery’s number two—sounds like a big Royal Court official.
But really just the emperor’s private secretary.
All power came from the emperor, so this post was irrelevant to Xiao Hetu.
He and his son had bigger schemes.
“Your Highness, Xiao Simo’s condition is very poor.”
“Struck by the Yili battle defeat, I hear he vomited a lot of blood,” Xiao Hetu said.
Getting such intelligence showed his Eastern Capital channels were no simple matter.
More reliable than Royal Court intel.
“Is that so? Hahaha!” Yelü Zhixin laughed heartily.
“This prince hopes Cousin can live a bit longer.”
“Best if he sees the Eastern Capital breached by this prince himself, hahaha!”
“He might even vomit blood again from anger.”
In his view, the Royal Court was bound to win.
Eastern Capital had only three thousand soldiers left, while he commanded twenty thousand.
Plus the Geluolu Tribe from Yili, over twenty thousand total.
And the army was nearly at Eastern Capital’s doorstep, while reinforcements from other Northern Frontier areas were still en route.
So, what could Xiao Simo use to stop his army?
“After all, he’s this prince’s cousin and a Great Liao heavy minister.”
“Pass the order: after breaching Eastern Capital City, no one is to disrespect Great King Xiao Simo,” Yelü Zhixin said with a smile.
He wanted to present him to Father Emperor.
Yelü Zhilugu would delight in seeing Xiao Simo disheveled, kneeling before him.
“As ordered!” Xiao Hetu nodded lightly.
Afterward, the group didn’t press on but turned back to the main camp.
Upon returning to the large tent, Yelü Zhixin immediately asked: “Has that little brat woken?”
A subordinate general placed hand on chest: “Reporting to Your Highness, the rebel’s son Xiao Helun hasn’t woken.”
“The doctor says his old illness hadn’t fully healed.”
“With this severe wound, I’m afraid…”
Xiao Helun ultimately couldn’t escape; shot in the back by Royal Court soldiers, he fell from his horse.
His body wasn’t fully recovered to begin with, and now with heavy injury and infected wound, he had a high fever.
He was dazed, unconscious.
Though an enemy, he was still kin.
Yelü Zhixin ordered full treatment.
But Royal Court doctors didn’t know allicin production; at current medical levels, Xiao Helun’s injuries were very troublesome.
“Do our best, leave the rest to fate.”
“Treat him as best you can,” Yelü Zhixin waved dismissively.
If not for adding merit to his record, he wouldn’t bother.
Deep down, a distant cousin several generations removed, and an enemy—no real concern.
After inquiring about Xiao Helun, Yelü Zhixin gathered all generals for a meeting.
To discuss taking the Eastern Capital.
Just then, Xiao Hetu entered, chuckling: “Your Highness, I come to congratulate you.”
“Oh? Congratulate on what?” Yelü Zhixin looked puzzled.
Xiao Hetu pulled a cloth strip from his bosom, explaining: “Just received word from Eastern Capital.”
“Xiao Simo’s eldest son Xiao Daru launched a mutiny, self-appointed as Yin Mountains Governor, and imprisoned Xiao Simo.”
“Isn’t this great news?”
Hearing this, Yelü Zhixin exclaimed joyfully: “Really?”
“Absolutely true!”
“Excellent, hahaha.” Yelü Zhixin stood excitedly, laughing loudly.
“Never thought Xiao Simo would see this day!”
“Rebelled against by his own son—must be utterly despairing, hahaha.”
The other generals also showed delight.
Xiao Simo, with years of campaigns, held high prestige in Great Liao.
Facing him personally—even with troop superiority—left them uneasy deep down.
Now, perfect: Eastern Capital had crippled itself.
Xiao Simo imprisoned by his own son.
Just a brat—they didn’t care.
“Your Highness, this general requests to lead the vanguard and take Eastern Capital.”
