Prince Zhongshan actually wanted Xiao Xun to marry her, and then have her become empress in the future.
She would be Xiao Xun’s empress?
She truly hadn’t expected to hear such words in this lifetime.
Chu Zhao was momentarily stunned, but then smiled. It wasn’t so strange—in that previous life when Xiao Xun married her, it must have also been Prince Zhongshan’s scheme.
The father and son had always wanted her power.
Only the methods were different.
In the previous life, they only needed sweet words and honeyed promises to deceive her. In this life, Prince Zhongshan openly discussed benefits with her.
This was because the power dynamics had changed.
Seeing Chu Zhao smile, Prince Zhongshan also smiled.
“Is Miss Chu thinking that she’s already an empress and doesn’t need this prince to grant it?” he said. “Then this prince will make another promise—what you have now, you will still have. Beyond that, military authority over the border armies will be controlled by Miss Chu, independent of the court’s tiger tally.”
Military authority, military power independent of the court. Chu Zhao looked at Prince Zhongshan.
So being Xiao Xun’s empress could be exchanged for such power.
How foolish she had been in that lifetime.
She hadn’t reflected on that past life for a long time. After all, her wishes for this life had been fulfilled—but at this moment, being reminded of it, she couldn’t help feeling regret.
How well things could have gone for her. Perhaps she could have been the one slapping Xiao Xun.
“Miss Chu, what do you think?” Prince Zhongshan asked. “This prince is not joking.”
Chu Zhao came back to herself, her expression wistful: “I know the Prince is sincere, but unfortunately…”
She would never be Xiao Xun’s empress again.
Prince Zhongshan’s eyes also showed regret: “Are this prince’s promises insufficient? Whatever else Miss Chu wants, please speak freely.”
“Your Highness.” Chu Zhao smiled. “My only request is that the Prince cease hostilities.”
Prince Zhongshan’s smile faded: “Miss Chu, this prince can persuade you, but you don’t yet have the qualification to persuade this prince.”
Chu Zhao smiled slightly: “I’m not here to persuade the Prince either, but to threaten him.”
Threaten?
Prince Zhongshan laughed: “How will Empress Chu threaten this prince?”
Chu Zhao took the leather pouch from A’Le, lifted it to drink some milk tea, then looked at Prince Zhongshan. Her bright black eyes held a smile as she said: “Xiao Xun.”
Prince Zhongshan froze slightly, the smile fading from his face.
……
……
When the last trace of twilight disappeared from the earth, the killing at the city also ended.
The corpses of the defending soldiers were carried away, and Prince Zhongshan’s royal banner flew above the city gates.
“The local prominent families have three days to come pay their respects.” Xiao Xun walked slowly into the government office.
The office hadn’t been cleaned yet. The corpses of clerks and officials were scattered on the ground, the smell of blood overwhelming. Xiao Xun paid no mind, stepping over corpses and blood to enter the hall.
“I will promise them that I’ll hand control of this city to their sons and nephews,” Xiao Xun said.
The attendants around him nodded.
“Of course.” Xiao Xun smiled again, his dimples deep. “Those who refuse to obey needn’t be kept.”
The attendants nodded again, and a general laughed coldly: “Rest assured, Crown Prince. Master Ning has provided a list of all the prominent families along the route. We guarantee not a single one will escape.”
Xiao Xun reached out to pull up a chair that had fallen to the ground, casually brushed it off, and sat down.
“How many troops are ahead?” he asked.
Several soldiers spread out a map. A general stepped forward and pointed: “About ten thousand fled earlier. However, the prefectural city ahead has nearly twenty thousand garrison troops, and the capital’s battalion is also rushing to reinforce. But even with fifty thousand troops, they’re nothing to fear. Once we defeat them in battle, we can drive straight to the capital.”
Xiao Xun smiled: “Then we can send word to Father now to prepare to enter the capital.”
The generals all laughed heartily.
“No rush—when the time comes, let that little child personally invite the Prince.”
“That little child is probably already so frightened he’s gone into hiding.”
……
……
In the dead of night, cavalry galloped through the capital. The dense sound of hoofbeats pounded on the hearts of men, women, and children in every household behind closed doors and windows.
Inside the imperial palace, lights blazed and people came and went. The great hall buzzed with noise as countless new reports arrived before Deng Yi. Deng Yi discussed with the military officials and sent out countless orders.
“The next battle is crucial.”
“Communications with the border commandery have been restored. After General Chu’s departure, military morale is stable—even more vigorous. They’ve achieved three consecutive major victories, and even nearly surrounded where the King of Xi Liang is stationed.”
“Empress Chu led two forces to besiege Zhongshan Commandery, also sweeping all before her.”