Chapter 269 - 70: Invincible 3

Chapter 269: Chapter 70: Invincible 3

"But the Xie family isn’t just Xie Yanfang. His brother, Xie Yanlai, for instance, has all the arrogance and swagger of the Yang and Zhao families."

"And that Xie Yanlai can even bewitch the Emperor."

’Xie Yanlai?’ Deng Yi thought. ’It’s not the Emperor he’s bewitched, it’s the Empress. Others might not know or care, but he knew perfectly well. He’d known the girl back before she rose to power, and she’d known Xie Yanlai even longer.’

He was certain that Chu Zhao didn’t trust Xie Yanfang, but he was equally certain that she treated Xie Yanlai with special favor.

’Why? Is she trying to prop up a new Imperial Uncle? To create internal strife within the Xie family—’

As he pondered, the sound of firecrackers suddenly rang out, piercing the quiet of the street.

The two officials jumped in surprise. Deng Yi opened his eyes.

Soldiers had already gone to investigate the sound and quickly returned.

"My lord, it’s just a few children in the alley playing with firecrackers," they reported.

The officials fumed, "Firecrackers can injure people! How can security be so lax—"

Deng Yi smiled. "I’m not so despised by the people that I need to ban firecrackers. Besides—" He raised a hand, counting on his fingers. "It’s almost the New Year."

Right, the New Year was almost here. The officials paused, then shook their heads with chagrined smiles. "We’ve been so busy we’ve lost track of the days."

"Great Xia has suffered many misfortunes this year. The days have been a blur," Deng Yi said.

The two officials sighed. "When His Majesty performs the New Year rites to heaven and prays for blessings, all this misfortune will surely pass."

Deng Yi gazed up at the cold, clear night sky. ’Will it?’ he wondered. ’Perhaps. But for now, there’s another crisis to overcome.’

"How are things on General Chu’s end?" he asked, turning his head.

The two officials’ expressions darkened, and they shook their heads. "Not good."

...

...

Night enveloped the land, and the Prince Zhongshan Mansion was plunged into darkness. The King of Zhongshan’s bedchamber, however, was brightly lit.

The King of Zhongshan always slept with the lights on; the room was so bright not even an insect’s shadow could hide.

Hurried footsteps echoed, and shadows danced erratically across the floor.

"Chu Ling is on his deathbed?" the King of Zhongshan asked, sitting up in bed.

Xiao Xun and Ning Kun nodded.

"According to the latest reports, Chu Ling has been in a coma for several days," said Ning Kun.

Xiao Xun added softly, "He isn’t going to wake up again."

The King of Zhongshan looked wistful. "A pity. A hero of his caliber, his life half wasted, and in the end, I could not make use of him." He then looked at Ning Kun. "Has word been sent to the Western Liang people?"

Ning Kun affirmed, "The King of Western Liang is already on the move."

Western Liang and Great Xia had been at war for some time, but the conflict had been tepid. Great Xia frequently reported victories, leading many to believe Western Liang was merely posturing. But that wasn’t the case. The true Royal Army of Western Liang was waiting—waiting for an opportunity to strike a fatal blow.

That opportunity was the death of Chu Ling.

Xiao Xun said, "Father, let me lead our forces to Yunzhong County."

It was time for them to turn the tide of the war.

The King of Zhongshan smiled and shook his head. "No. I believe that even in death, General Chu Ling can fight one last battle with the King of Western Liang. What you must do is—"

He rose to his feet, pointing his cane out the door into the inky blackness of the night.

"Lead our forces to the Capital City and ’protect’ the Emperor."

...

...

「Just before dawn」

Chu Zhao sat up on her daybed. Hearing the movement, Ah Le entered from the outer room with a basin of water.

Without a word, the two began the familiar task of washing Chu Ling.

"Father’s beard needs a trim," Chu Zhao said, studying his sleeping face.

Ah Le nodded. "The General does look better without a beard. I’ll go get Uncle Zhong."

After washing him, it was time to feed him with the crane-beaked pot—which meant ginseng soup.

But he was swallowing less and less. Chu Zhao looked at the half-empty bowl in her hand and sighed softly. Just then, hurried footsteps sounded outside.

"Uncle Zhong, you’re here," Chu Zhao said, turning. "I’ll just wipe Father’s face, and then you can—"

"Ah Zhao," Zhong Changrong interrupted, his expression grave. "The King of Western Liang’s Royal Army is here."

Chu Zhao made a small sound of understanding and smiled. "It seems the King of Western Liang is well aware of Father’s condition. He knows the time is right."

"The General’s condition has been a closely guarded secret. I don’t know how—" Zhong Changrong said bitterly.

Chu Zhao shook her head. "There are no secrets that can be kept forever."

There was no point in hunting for a spy now.

Chu Zhao stood up.

"If the Royal Army is led by the King of Western Liang himself, then I will take my father’s place and lead our forces to meet him in battle."

The absence of the main general on the eve of a great battle would inevitably shake the army’s morale. A daughter taking her father’s place was not quite the same. However, she was no longer just the daughter of Chu Ling. She was the Empress.

The Empress of Great Xia.

The King of Western Liang leads his army to invade in person; the Empress of Great Xia will lead hers to meet him in person.

"Ah Le," Chu Zhao commanded, "bring me my Empress’s court dress."

Ah Le answered with a resounding "Yes!"

When they had left the Imperial City, Chu Zhao had instructed her to bring the court dress. But throughout their journey, whether they faced bandits or met with officials, Chu Zhao had never once worn it. Now, to face a foreign enemy, the time had come.

"Zhong Changrong," Chu Zhao called out.

It was the first time she had ever called him by his full name. In that instant, the person before him was no longer the little girl he knew. Though not yet clad in the Empress’s court dress, she already radiated an imposing authority.

"Prepare the Empress’s ceremonial escort. We march to war."

Zhong Changrong dropped to one knee, clasped his fist, and declared loudly, "Your servant obeys the command!"