Chapter 292 - 82: Making the First Move

Chapter 292: Chapter 82: Making the First Move

"The evil deeds of the King of Zhongshan and his son must be proclaimed to the world. Otherwise, we cannot comfort the dead nor inspire the living. But this will also damage Empress Chu’s reputation."

"To prevent harm to Empress Chu’s name, I ask you, Grand Tutor, to also announce your past association with the King of Zhongshan to the world. This will expose the viciousness of the King of Zhongshan and his son, and it will also prove Empress Chu’s bravery and decisiveness."

’If I don’t step forward, does that mean I’m the one damaging the Empress’s reputation?’

Deng Yi sneered, "Xie Yanfang, cut the crap. You’re the one threatening Chu Zhao’s reputation by digging up Chu Lan’s past. What does that have to do with me? If you want to bully that girl, go ahead, but I’m not so easily bullied."

"Bully, huh?" Xie Yanfang nodded and sighed softly. "Yes, doing this would be bullying her. To avoid causing her irreparable harm, I can only come and bully you."

Deng Yi looked at Xie Yanfang and found it laughable. "A man like you... should Miss Chu hate you or thank you?"

Xie Yanfang smiled faintly. "With a man like me around, Miss Chu will be very grateful to you, Grand Tutor."

With that, he turned and left.

Deng Yi leaned back in his chair, silent and lost in thought.

The Clerk who had been keeping to a corner stepped forward and asked in a low voice, "Grand Tutor, are we really going to press charges against the King of Zhongshan for treason?"

"This battle is now inevitable," Deng Yi said. "The sin of the people’s heavy casualties can only be borne by the King of Zhongshan and his son."

"Then let it be Chu Lan alone. He’s the one who did it, after all," the Clerk said. "Even if the Empress were here, she would have no choice but to uphold justice, even against her own family."

’If that girl were here right now, would she throw her own uncle under the bus?’ Deng Yi wondered. ’I think she would... then again, maybe not. That girl is hard to figure out.’

"Don’t listen to Xie Yanfang, you mustn’t get involved," the Clerk said anxiously. "If the Empress’s reputation is damaged, she’ll just be confined to the court and kept there. But if people latch onto your past involvement, they could bring it up in the future to ruin your career."

’The future... that meant when the Emperor came of age and could lead his own campaigns. The Grand Tutor would no longer be Regent, would no longer hold the Jade Seal. If the sovereign wants his subject to die, what can the subject do?’

"Xie Yanfang is truly shameless. He’s trying to kill two birds with one stone. From now on, only the Xie family will come out of this with a clean slate."

Of course Deng Yi understood this reasoning, but—

"Compared to anyone else, having Miss Chu as the Empress brings me a hundred benefits and no harm," Deng Yi said. "I must protect her. Even if we both have tarnished reputations, as long as we are both here and united, the Xie family can forget about having an easy time."

’If he abandoned Chu Zhao, that would be the real victory for the Xie family’s ’kill two birds with one stone’ gambit.’

’That girl said it before. She’s generous. She’s the kind of person who repays you with everything she has.’

’She was no longer the girl from before who could only treat him to a single meal. Though her father was gone, she herself had seized control of the Border Army, earned military honors, and her fame had spread throughout the world.’

He unsealed the letter he had taken out earlier.

Xiao Xun had indeed written to him as well. The letter was simple, just one sentence.

"Grand Tutor, will you open the gate?"

Deng Yi could barely recall what Xiao Xun looked like, but that single sentence was enough to conjure the image of a high-and-mighty imperial clansman.

These imperial clansmen seemed polite, gentle, and amiable, but in reality, they looked down on everyone.

With a flick of his hand, Deng Yi tossed the letter into the brazier, where it flared up and turned to ash.

"He wants me to open the gate," he said. "You weren’t worthy before, and you’re still not worthy now."

He looked at the Clerk.

"Make the arrangements. I’m going to see Chu Lan tonight."

The Clerk assented.

...

...

When night fell, Qi Leyun couldn’t sleep. Her father had been saying strange things all day, but when she asked, he wouldn’t explain. He only urged them to move out immediately. The family had been packing until midnight, and the CLANGING and BANGING made it impossible to sleep.

’What did he mean, "everyone will be fine, but the Empress will be in trouble"?’

’Was he saying that Chu Zhao would bring troops to relieve the Capital City, and that fighting is dangerous?’

’Chu Zhao won’t be in danger. She even dares to fight the Western Liang people.’

’But it must be so exhausting. She has to fight the Western Liang people, and she has to fight the King of Zhongshan, too. This must be the duty of an Empress.’ Qi Leyun felt a surge of sympathy. Her worries eased, however, and she was drifting off to sleep. Just as she closed her eyes, a commotion erupted outside. It sounded like many people were forcing their way in.

There were shouts, screams, and crying. Flames leaped in the darkness.

In that instant, Qi Leyun’s mind flashed back to the Prince’s rebellion.

’Could it be... again—’

’But there are no other Princes left.’

’Has the King of Zhongshan broken through?’

Qi Leyun scrambled out of bed. Before she could call for anyone, she heard her maids scream as a group of people with chaotic footsteps burst in.

It was a group of Black Armored Guards, weapons in hand.

Qi Leyun let out a terrified scream.