Night enveloped the earth. Prince Zhongshan’s manor was shrouded in darkness, but Prince Zhongshan’s bedchamber was brightly lit.
Prince Zhongshan slept at night with lamps lit. Not even an insect’s shadow could hide in the room.
At this moment, hurried footsteps made shadows dance chaotically on the ground.
“Chu Ling is failing?” Prince Zhongshan sat up from his bed.
Xiao Xun and Ning Kun nodded.
“The latest news—Chu Ling has been unconscious for many days,” Ning Kun said.
Xiao Xun said softly: “He won’t wake again.”
Prince Zhongshan’s expression was melancholy. “What a pity. Such a hero wasted half his life and ultimately couldn’t be used by me.” He looked at Ning Kun. “Has the news been sent to the Xi Liang people?”
Ning Kun responded affirmatively: “The Xi Liang King has already set out.”
Xi Liang and Da Xia had been at war for some time, but it had always been somewhat lukewarm. Da Xia’s victory reports came frequently, making people think Xi Liang was just bluffing, but actually that wasn’t the case. Xi Liang’s true royal army had been waiting all along—waiting for an opportunity for a fatal strike.
That opportunity was Chu Ling’s death.
Xiao Xun said: “Father King, let me lead troops to Yunzhong Commandery.”
It was time for them to turn the tide.
Prince Zhongshan smiled and shook his head: “No need. I believe even in death, General Chu Ling can still battle the Xi Liang King. What you should do is—”
He stood up, using his cane to point toward the thick night beyond the door.
“Lead troops to the capital to protect the Emperor.”
……
……
When dawn was breaking, Chu Zhao sat up from her bed. Hearing her movement, A’Le in the outer chamber also rose and entered carrying a water basin.
Without needing many words, master and servant began skillfully wiping down Chu Ling.
“Father’s beard should be trimmed,” Chu Zhao said, examining her sleeping father’s face.
A’Le nodded: “The General looks better without a beard. I’ll go call Uncle Zhong.”
After wiping him down, they would use a spouted pot to feed him—which was just ginseng soup.
However, less and less could be fed in. Chu Zhao looked at the half bowl remaining in her hand and sighed lightly. Urgent footsteps sounded outside the door.
“Uncle Zhong, you’re here,” Chu Zhao said, turning around. “I’ll wipe Father’s face, then you can—”
“Ah Zhao,” Zhong Changrong interrupted her, his expression grave. “The Xi Liang King’s royal army has come.”
Chu Zhao made a sound of acknowledgment and smiled: “It seems the Xi Liang King also understands Father’s condition and knows the opportunity has arrived.”
“The General’s condition has been kept secret all along. I don’t know how—” Zhong Changrong said bitterly.
Chu Zhao shook her head: “No wall is impenetrable.”
There was no point in hunting for traitors now.
Chu Zhao stood up.
“The royal army is personally led by the Xi Liang King. Then I’ll take Father’s place in leading the great army to meet them in battle.”
With the main general absent at this critical moment, it would inevitably shake military morale. As his daughter taking Father’s place to lead troops into battle, she was somewhat lacking. However, fortunately, she now wasn’t merely Chu Ling’s daughter—she was also the Empress.
Da Xia’s Empress.
The Xi Liang King personally led troops to invade, so Da Xia’s Empress would personally lead troops to meet them.
“A’Le,” Chu Zhao said. “Bring my Empress court robes.”
A’Le responded loudly in acknowledgment.
When she left the Imperial City, Chu Zhao had her bring the court robes, but throughout their journey, whether encountering bandits or officials, Chu Zhao had never worn them. Now, facing foreign enemies, she could wear them.
“Zhong Changrong,” Chu Zhao said.
This was the first time she’d called him by his full name. In an instant, the person before him was no longer the little girl Zhong Changrong was familiar with. Though not yet wearing Empress court robes, she already possessed imposing authority.
“Arrange the Empress’s ceremonial procession. We march to war.”
Zhong Changrong knelt on one knee, fist to chest, declaring loudly: “This subject receives your command!”