“Tell your master,” he said, “that I, Liang Qiang, keeping my arm doesn’t affect our transaction, does it? Or does your master only dare to deal with one-armed heroes?”
These words seemed disconnected and cryptic, but the physician, looking at him, showed neither panic nor confusion. He lowered his eyes and said: “Commander, please wait. Let me request instructions.”
With that, he turned and left.
This time Liang Qiang didn’t call him back. Watching the physician’s retreating figure, his feelings were complicated. He had known—he couldn’t escape this net.
Once the net was cast, how could a bird fly out?
This earthly world was one great net. Then he would be the bird that flew highest within it.
…
…
After New Year’s passed and cold winds blew for several days, green buds suddenly sprouted on the willow trees by the roadside, and flocks of birds gathered on the branches, chirping and clamoring that spring had come.
But just as everyone had forgotten the New Year festivities, no one noticed the signs of spring either.
On the seemingly bustling and lively streets, people no longer walked leisurely but hurried along. Those sitting in teahouses and taverns no longer focused on savoring fine wine and delicacies, but whispered to one another.
“What do you plan to do?”
“Leaving isn’t an option—we have so many family members.”
“Can’t leave anyway, we’re surrounded on all sides. The capital is actually the safest place.”
“That’s true. I’ve seen many families bringing their relatives from the countryside into the city.”
“Who would have thought it would really come to this? Will they really fight?”
“How could we not have expected it? We’ve been expecting it since the Late Emperor’s incident, waiting until today.”
With a snap, Qi Leyun closed the flower window, blocking out the whispered conversations from the side.
“My father says we’ve been waiting until today. Taking advantage of Xi Liang’s military action and border instability to force the palace—Prince Zhongshan is truly shameless.” She said.
The young ladies sat together in the small flower hall, but this time there was no poetry discussion, only furrowed brows.
Although the court’s decree claimed to be summoning Prince Zhongshan to protect the capital, after everyone’s initial confusion and delayed reaction, by now they’d all come to their senses—when a prince maintains private troops and marches on the capital, whether it’s protecting the capital or forcing the palace is written clearly in the history books.
“A-Tang, what does the court plan to do about this?” Qi Leyun asked again.
Chu Tang seemed lost in thought. Only when her name was called did she look over and say helplessly: “I don’t know either. With the Empress absent, I can’t even enter the Imperial City, and no one consults me on court matters.”
That made sense. The young ladies nodded.
“But don’t worry, there’s one thing I do know.” Chu Tang added. “Since the war with Xi Liang began, my uncle has refused any reinforcements. He specifically said to guard against anyone taking advantage of the chaos. When Xi Liang soldiers infiltrated Shangjun, A-Zhao went to provide aid herself precisely to avoid mobilizing any troops from outside the border commanderies. So the court has long had sufficient forces prepared for battle. Everyone can rest assured—the capital will be fine.”
The young ladies’ expressions showed admiration.
“With General Chu and Empress Chu so resolute, the capital will certainly be safe.” Qi Leyun said.
With the tense situation, the young ladies briefly gathered to exchange news before dispersing.
Qi Leyun and Chu Tang rode back together in a carriage. Chu Tang entered the Chu residence while she entered Chu Garden.
Seeing her family packing belongings, Qi Leyun said irritably: “What are you afraid of? We’ll be fine. Just stay here—this is the Empress’s family home, the safest place.”
Master Qi said: “We indeed won’t have anything to worry about. Even if the capital falls, we’ll be fine.” He looked at his daughter with a complex expression. “But living in the Empress’s family home—that’s when we’ll have problems.”
What did that mean? Qi Leyun was stunned and confused.
…
…
“This letter—”
In the Grand Tutor’s hall, Xie Yanfang placed a letter down.
Deng Yi saw Prince Zhongshan’s seal on the envelope, along with Xiao Xun’s name.
“This is a letter the Prince Zhongshan’s heir wrote to the powerful aristocratic families.” Xie Yanfang said with a smile.
Deng Yi didn’t pick up the letter to read it, only asking: “Is he trying to persuade everyone to help him force the palace?”
Xie Yanfang opened the letter and shook his head: “Not exactly. Young Master Xiao is just being candid about his intention to force the palace.”
He looked at the letter’s contents.
“The young master says this is his own matter, and he alone will bear the evil deeds and infamy. But he will guarantee the safety of the aristocratic families. Once weapons clash, he won’t vent his anger on the aristocratic families and powerful clans.”
Deng Yi smiled: “So he can vent his anger on common people? Does he know how many cities and civilians will perish in the flames of war? And he still feels aggrieved, saying he’ll bear the infamy and evil deeds alone.”
“He certainly knows.” Xie Yanfang said. “That’s why he’ll make the court share the burden.”
“They’ve already reached the Capital Garrison’s defense line.” Deng Yi said gravely. “Advancing further constitutes unauthorized military action with treasonous intent—punishable by death without mercy.”
“He captured the three imperial envoys and claims they’re his commanding officers.” Xie Yanfang said. “Unsurprisingly, he’ll soon execute the three envoys, claiming they were tyrannical and disrupted the army. Then he’ll come to the capital to apologize and personally see His Majesty—”
He looked at Deng Yi.
“At that point, who’s right and who’s wrong—the common people won’t be able to tell.”
Deng Yi said mildly: “The common people aren’t that stupid. Do you think they truly don’t understand what’s happening? They’re just—”
“Just deceiving themselves, escaping reality, comforting themselves, whitewashing the peace.” Xie Yanfang finished his sentence. “But to avoid danger, the common people can twist right and wrong. And these aristocratic families—”