Ashes to Crown

Chapter 219: Chapter 44: War

The number of troops galloping through the Capital City had clearly increased. The more perceptive citizens instantly grew tense.

’What’s gone wrong now?’

’Are they hunting down the remnants of the Third Prince’s Zhao Family?’ ’Surely they wouldn’t still need so many soldiers after all this time. Are there that many of them left?’

’Or maybe it’s the King of Zhongshan—’

Although the court had never made any official statements, the people had noticed the King of Zhongshan’s unusual behavior. From the late Emperor’s funeral to the new emperor’s ascension, the King of Zhongshan had vanished. He hadn’t appeared, nor had he sent any envoys or gifts.

The King of Zhongshan had indeed been absent from the Capital City for a long time, but for him to remain missing at a time like this, the people couldn’t help but think of him.

’Is the King of Zhongshan dissatisfied with something?’

’Is the court dissatisfied with the King of Zhongshan?’

’After just surviving the turmoil caused by the Crown Prince and the Third Prince, are we now going to have a conflict between the court and a Prince?’ ’The King of Zhongshan isn’t some landless Prince. He has a fiefdom, children, and wealth. If a real fight broke out, half of Great Xia would be thrown into chaos.’

All sorts of rumors flew through the Capital City in an instant. Just as the people were preparing to flee the city with their families, the court announced that the King of Western Liang had invaded and that the Emperor had issued an imperial decree to meet them in battle.

A war between two nations was a far greater matter than a conflict between the court and a Prince; it concerned all of Great Xia. Yet, the people’s hearts surprisingly settled. Firstly, the war in the Border County was far away. Secondly, it wasn’t as if they hadn’t fought before—the King of Western Liang was a defeated foe. And thirdly, this was an invasion by a foreign enemy, not an internal squabble among brothers behind closed doors. This was especially true after they read the imperial decree written by the Xiao Emperor—

The Xiao Emperor said that he had suddenly faced a great upheaval. The imperial clan had turned on itself, and overnight, he had lost his parents and closest relatives. Kin were no longer kin, and his Grandfather had also passed away from excessive grief.

The King of Western Liang was taking advantage of his family’s misfortune to attack, making him a conscienceless beast, worse than an animal.

Though he was only six years old, he was not afraid to fight.

He would protect the people of Great Xia and defend its lands, just as the late Emperor and all his ancestors had done.

This imperial decree was written in the tone of a child, with many phrases even revealing a certain naivete. Yet, no one mocked it or criticized it for not conforming to the formal style of a decree. Instead, reading it stirred their emotions and brought tears to their eyes.

’That’s right, this is bullying!’ ’How is this tolerable?’ ’The Emperor may be young, but Great Xia is vast and mighty. How can we let some brat from Western Liang humiliate us?’

In an instant, the unease in the Capital City was swept away, replaced by righteous indignation and soaring morale. The lingering terror from the turmoil caused by the Crown Prince and the Third Prince completely dissipated.

”Timing is everything,” Deng Yi said. ”The King of Western Liang believes this is his opportunity, but in truth, it is also His Majesty’s opportunity.”

After this war, the Xiao Emperor’s prestige among the people would surely soar. The populace would cherish him as if he were their own child, and they would also respect him as their supreme Emperor.

He looked at Xie Yanfang, who was sitting opposite him, and smiled faintly.

”The Third Young Master’s decree was well-written.”

The decree possessed no literary merit whatsoever, but its childlike sincerity and simple, easy-to-understand nature were brilliant. This praise from Deng Yi was completely sincere.

He truly admired Xie Yanfang. Young Master Xie Yanfang’s talent, character, and conduct were all impeccable.

But it was only admiration.

Xie Yanfang smiled. ”The Grand Tutor’s decisiveness was also good.”

There had been some dispute in the court earlier about whether to announce the war in the Border County. Most officials disagreed, arguing that with one incident after another, the people were uneasy, and it could easily lead to chaos. But Deng Yi made the final decision, allowing no one to object. He ordered that it be announced to the world and that troops be dispatched.

”Deng Yi!” an old official shouted in the court, so angry he used Deng Yi’s name directly. ”Whose court is this? Do you think your word is law?”

Deng Yi looked at the old official, smiled, and nodded. ”I was entrusted by the late Emperor to act as Regent. At this very moment, this is indeed my court. I carry out the late Emperor’s final command, so I do dare say that my word is law.”

Even if he thought that way, to say it aloud was truly shocking. ’Is this the arrogance of a villain who’s gotten his way?’ The old official was so furious he fainted. Deng Yi, without any courtesy, didn’t even summon an Imperial Physician and simply had the Imperial Guard drag the man out—

No one had any further objections.

Neither did Xie Yanfang. In fact, as soon as Deng Yi finished speaking, he presented the draft of the public announcement he had prepared on the Emperor’s behalf.

On this matter, Xie Yanfang and Deng Yi were in agreement.

”It is all for Great Xia,” Deng Yi said with a smile.

Xie Yanfang nodded and smiled. ”For His Majesty, even if it is perilous, it is good.”

Though they seemed to be saying the same thing, there was a subtle difference.

Neither of them said anything more. At this moment, Great Xia and His Majesty were equally important. As for a future time when one might have to be weighed against the other—

That was a matter for the future.

However, on another matter, the two did not see eye to eye.

Chu Zhao.

Deng Yi wanted Chu Zhao to return.

”The fact that she was ambushed on the road is proof enough that someone is targeting her,” he said. ”Now that war has broken out in the Border County, the journey is even more dangerous.”

Although in court he had to turn risk into morale, Deng Yi was not unaware of how grim the situation was—far grimmer than the common people knew. The greatest danger didn’t even come from the Border County; it came from the King of Zhongshan.

”With Chu Ling there, the King of Western Liang won’t be able to break through easily. But the King of Zhongshan is a different matter.”

”Great Xia has suffered one calamity after another, which is a good opportunity for the King of Western Liang. And the King of Western Liang’s invasion is an even better opportunity for the King of Zhongshan.”

”I have no desire for the next piece of news to be the King of Zhongshan standing outside the Capital City with the Empress as his hostage, demanding we open the gates.”

Hearing this, Xie Yanfang couldn’t help but laugh.

Deng Yi did not laugh. He looked at Xie Yanfang, his expression grave. ”If that truly happens, I will advise the Empress to take her own life—for the sake of Great Xia, and for the sake of her own dignity as Empress.”

Xie Yanfang smiled and nodded. ”Good. That would be very good. The King of Zhongshan’s evil reputation would be sealed forever.” Before Deng Yi could speak again, he added, ”She experienced the ambush firsthand. She knows the life-and-death danger better than we do. Therefore, as for what to do next, I believe Miss Chu can decide for herself.”

Deng Yi chuckled. ”If she could truly decide for herself, she wouldn’t have insisted on leaving the Imperial City at a time like this. Her filial piety is understandable, but besides being a daughter, she is also the Empress of the nation. If she doesn’t want to be this Empress, I don’t mind replacing her.”

With that, he flung his sleeve and left.

Seeing Deng Yi leave, Uncle Cai, who had been waiting outside the door, came in.

”Lord Grand Tutor has quite the temper,” he said in a low voice.

Xie Yanfang smiled. ”It can’t be helped. As the Grand Tutor and Regent, if he didn’t have a temper, he’d be in trouble.”

More than half of Deng Yi’s temper was his true nature, while the other half was an act.

Just a few months ago, Deng Yi was a man who gave gifts, flattered, and curried favor with everyone at every opportunity.

’I was wondering how Deng Yi would secure his position. It seems he’s relying on his temper and his ruthlessness.’

He no longer needed to flatter anyone. Now, it was time for others to flatter, give gifts, and curry favor with him.

”Now that the country’s turmoil has yet to settle, the gift-giving at the Grand Tutor’s new residence continues day and night,” Uncle Cai said with a wry smile. ”He makes no secret of it.”

”Playing the villain is the best possible method for someone like Deng Yi, who comes from a humble background with no power or influence,” Xie Yanfang said, then smiled faintly. ”And for our Yu, it is also a good thing.”

Uncle Cai’s eyes immediately sharpened. ’That’s right. With Deng Yi acting like a dictator in court—arrogant, domineering, and power-hungry—once the Emperor comes of age to rule personally, he will be the first one to be eliminated. No Emperor could tolerate the existence of such a Grand Tutor.’

Moreover, when such a Grand Tutor is eliminated, the entire court will cheer and proclaim His Majesty’s sagacity.

”This Deng Yi, since he’s constantly talking about doing things for Great Xia,” Uncle Cai said with a cold laugh, ”then let’s hope he serves as a warning to future generations by his own example.”

This was all still a matter for the future. Xie Yanfang didn’t dwell on it, because the future held too many uncertainties. The most important thing now was the present.

”The ones who attacked Miss Ah Zhao were likely the King of Zhongshan’s men.” Xie Yanfang sighed softly and pressed his fingers to his brow. ”In that case, it seems the King of Zhongshan deserves some of the credit for the King of Western Liang’s sudden attack.”

Uncle Cai’s brow furrowed.

”Young Master, let’s call Miss Chu back,” he said. ”She truly isn’t just an individual.”

She has the Dragon Power Army behind her, as well as Chu Ling’s great army in the Border County.

If she falls into the King of Zhongshan’s hands, it means the Dragon Power Army and Chu Ling will also fall into his hands.

”Deng Yi said if the King of Zhongshan holds Miss Chu hostage at the gates, he would have her killed. But I don’t believe for a second that Chu Ling would be willing to kill his own daughter.”

Not only would he not, but he might even kill—Xiao Yu—for his daughter’s sake.

Chu Ling is a dying man. And a person who could befriend a mad emperor, then cut off all ties and show disrespect for over a decade, is a madman himself.

Xie Yanfang lowered his hand. He neither agreed nor disagreed.

”I’ll write her a letter,” he said.

’I know my kind of person is hard to persuade.’

’Let me try and see,’ he thought. ’This girl, who hasn’t yet completely become a person like me... can she be controlled by me?’

...

...

In contrast to the tension in the court, the indignation of the people, and the soaring morale of the soldiers, Xie Yanlai appeared far more at ease.

He didn’t need to concern himself with matters of the court, nor did he inquire about military affairs. He sat in the Emperor’s bedchamber, looking at the small child opposite him.

The child no longer showed any of his previous intimacy, his little face wooden as he watched him.

”I want to discuss something with you.” Xie Yanlai, for his part, seemed more at ease than before. He propped his arms on the table, his phoenix eyes lifting in a slight arch.

Xiao Yu looked at him. ”Go ahead.”

He no longer called him ”Uncle,” nor did he call him ”Mr. Xie.” It was as if he were facing a stranger.

Xie Yanlai didn’t seem to care in the slightest. Looking at the child, his phoenix eyes tilted up. ”You’ve used me several times now. This time, it’s my turn to use you.”