“If it were me, I wouldn’t have been so slow.”
Chu Zhao was both exasperated and sighed, interrupting him. “How are things in the capital?”
Xie Yanlai said, “Don’t worry. However sudden Prince Zhongshan’s moves, hasn’t the court long been on guard?”
One could say that from the moment Xi Liang began its war, while the border faced Xi Liang, the court prepared to face Prince Zhongshan.
Though Prince Zhongshan’s actions and methods were even more formidable than anticipated—breaking through the military encirclement, cutting off communications, advancing on the capital—the court wasn’t entirely caught off guard.
Zhong Changrong looked at the tactical map. “No need to worry. The capital garrison has one hundred thousand. The fastest provincial garrison troops that can rush there number two hundred thousand. It won’t be easy for Prince Zhongshan to break into the capital.”
Chu Zhao remained silent.
Xie Yanlai curled his lip. “Don’t worry about the little Emperor. If you can’t trust others, can’t you trust Xie Yanfang? With him in the capital, who can breach it?” At this point, he chuckled. “He’s probably been anticipating this battle all along.”
During the last capital upheaval, Xie Yanfang had suffered such great losses—the renowned young master ending up empty-handed. This time, the young master was determined to recover his reputation.
Chu Zhao said, “I’m not worried.”
Back then, Xiao Xun had favorable timing, terrain, and popular support. Even with Xie Yanfang rebelling, he could still fight Xiao Xun into repeated retreats. Now, with Xie Yanfang defending the capital and possessing favorable timing, terrain, and popular support, it would be even more impossible for Xiao Xun to defeat him.
It was just—
This was warfare.
Fighting Xi Liang was at least on the border, where population was sparse.
When Prince Zhongshan and the court fought, it would be in the central heartland, amid prosperous civilization—
Besieging cities, seizing territory, iron hooves and blades—how tragic would the scenes be?
Moreover, there was another danger—
Chu Zhao suddenly raised her voice, shouting, “Xiao Man!”
No one outside responded. Chu Zhao didn’t call again. Before long, Xiao Man reluctantly entered.
“What?” she asked ungraciously, her head turned away.
“Communications between the capital and here have been cut off,” Chu Zhao said.
Xiao Man scoffed. “Your official troops are so useless.”
Zhong Changrong glared at her furiously. Xie Yanlai actually agreed. “Indeed quite useless.”
Chu Zhao paid no attention to these remarks. “I want to ask you all to establish contact with the capital.”
Xiao Man turned her head away, remaining silent.
Zhong Changrong said coldly, “No need for others. We’ll break through again ourselves. It’s not like we lack people.”
Chu Zhao said to Zhong Changrong, “Our people will naturally also take action. However, for some matters, Xiao Man and her people are more capable.” As she spoke, she bowed her head in thought for a moment, then picked up a brush to write a brief message. She also took out the phoenix seal to stamp it, sealed it properly, and handed it to Xiao Man. “Never mind other matters for now. Deliver this message to Chu Tang.”
Though Xiao Man kept her head turned and said nothing, she reached out to snatch the letter, turned, and left.
Zhong Changrong didn’t bother with the young girl and asked Chu Zhao, “Are you worried the Elder Master’s family is in danger?”
Impossible, right? Chu Lan’s entire family was in the capital. If the capital was secure, what could happen to them?
Xie Yanlai nearby made sounds of understanding.
“An army of righteousness,” he said, looking at Chu Zhao with raised eyebrows and a smile. “You’re in trouble.”