Ask the Nine Ministers

Chapter 277 Love and Hate
Xiao Qing'er's heart skipped a beat.

"The Empress Dowager is unwell, so I should stay here to serve her medicine."

Empress Dowager Chengqing waved her hand, coughed twice, and sounded tired.

“What are you serving? You children should all learn from the gecko: fight for what you should fight for, and don’t fight for what you shouldn’t fight for. Rather than sticking your neck out and being hated, it’s better to hide your claws and wait for the right opportunity.”

"The Empress Dowager means..." Xiao Qing'er's beautiful eyes widened, as if she had realized something.

"I didn't say anything," the Empress Dowager interrupted her, her gaze deep.

"Let the Guo family do their evil deeds. Doesn't the Crown Prince want to rectify the court? Let him fight it out... You are intelligent and beautiful, but like your aunt, you are a muddle-headed person."

"Please enlighten me, Your Majesty..."

"The most important thing for women in the harem is to win the emperor's heart. They should discuss state affairs less, meddle in the affairs of the previous dynasty less, and certainly not be like Ping Le, who did not know when to advance or retreat, and ended up getting burned."

Xiao Qing'er shuddered.

The Empress Dowager's meaning couldn't be clearer.

For the sake of the overall situation in the court, the emperor would not hesitate to sacrifice when necessary. The Guo family was the tail that was sacrificed. Even, when necessary, the Xiao family, and even Xiao Qing'er, her father, and grandfather, might become the next "tail" to be sacrificed.

She suddenly remembered asking her aunt, who had just been promoted to Imperial Concubine, a question when she visited the palace many years ago.

"While living in this palace, what is the most important thing?"

Consort Xiao was in front of a pot of blooming peonies, feeling quite pleased with herself.

"It's fate, of course. Without life, all this glory and wealth in the palace is nothing but a wedding dress for someone else..."

Who would have thought that my aunt, who cherished her life so much, would be the first to lose her life?

Like a gecko's tail...

At that moment, a tremendous chill and a sense of powerlessness surged into my heart.

Xiao Qing'er desperately hoped that the arrow shot at Xue Liu on the Imperial Street was the work of Ping Le.

I also miss the days when Ping Le was in power...

Back then, this group of people were always surrounded by admirers and enjoyed immense prestige wherever they went. Who would have thought they'd end up walking on thin ice, dependent on others for their lives...?

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty... I have remembered it." Xiao Qing'er's voice carried a hint of barely perceptible nervousness as she kowtowed deeply.

"Just remember it." Empress Dowager Chengqing waved her hand wearily, her aged voice sounding as if she had exhausted all her strength.

"Go. There's nothing much going on lately, so don't come here as often as possible. I'm... tired too."
-
Li Zhao returned to the Eastern Palace, bathed and changed his clothes to wash away the dust of his journey, and then went to the Zichen Hall to meet the Emperor.

Emperor Chongzhao had been waiting for him.

When Li Zhaozheng entered, knelt and bowed, his face was filled with a kind and gentle smile.

"My son, no need for formalities. Come forward and speak quickly."

After saying this, he called him up, offered him a seat, and intimately summoned him to the table.

On the emperor's desk lay an open map.

The map is marked with vermilion marks indicating the passes in western Xinjiang, the enemy's position, and several supply routes.

"Your Highness has endured a long and arduous western expedition; there is no need for such formalities." Emperor Chongzhao gestured for Wang Chengxi to serve tea, then picked up a paperweight, pressed it against the corner of the painting, and pointed to the location of Black Wind Pass.

"Have a cup of tea first, then tell me in detail how this desperate counterattack was won?"

Li Zhaoying then succinctly recounted the battle situation.
Emperor Chongzhao nodded repeatedly as he listened, his eyes full of approval.

"My son has managed to eliminate border troubles and expand our territory by thousands of miles at the tender age of twenty. I am very pleased."

Finally, the emperor stroked his beard and chuckled, then suddenly changed the subject.

"The Western Frontier is now pacified, and you are still injured. I intend to let you rest and recuperate for a few days. Put aside your affairs of the Ministry of War for the time being, and have you assist me in managing the affairs of the Imperial Clan, and put those troublesome members of the Imperial Clan in order to share my burdens."

He openly praised but secretly criticized, and stripped the soldiers of their military power.

Li Zhao smiled inwardly, but remained outwardly calm.

"Your Majesty's compassion is deeply appreciated. However, the Western Frontier has only recently been pacified, and the remnants of Ashina's forces have not yet been eliminated. Xiao Yan, the military governor of Longxi, holds considerable military power, yet he has repeatedly delayed his deployments, missing crucial opportunities. I suspect that he has ambiguous relations with the Ashina royal court, and I deeply fear that he is harboring bandits to enhance his own power. If the seal of the Ministry of War is transferred at this time, it may shake the morale of the army and give the enemy an opportunity to take advantage of the situation..."

"Xiao Yan?" Emperor Chongzhao chuckled lightly, his meaning ambiguous.

"The Xiao family has received favors for generations and is closely related to the royal family. They inevitably act arrogantly and without considering the consequences. It is appropriate for you to give them a warning, but you shouldn't go too far..."

The emperor's gaze was sharp as he stared directly at Li Zhao.
"Water that is too clear has no fish. The way to govern subordinates is to have a balance of firmness and leniency. Too much rigidity will break them. Your Highness, you are too sharp and need to be tempered."

Li Zhao bowed deeply and said, "Your Majesty's teachings are etched in my mind."

Emperor Chongzhao nodded in satisfaction.

"You should return to the East Palace and rest for a while. Tonight, I will summon all the imperial family members and officials to the Linde Hall to welcome you back. Take good care of yourself and get plenty of rest. I will handle the Guo family's affairs myself."

After saying this, he waved his sleeve to signal him to leave, but did not mention the suggestion again.

Li Zhao knew that this was a test to see if he was clinging to military power and if his ambitions were growing.

“Your Majesty is wise. Your son will certainly obey your decree and follow your lead.”

Emperor Chongzhao slowly nodded.

Li Zhao met the emperor's meaningful, admonitory gaze, his fingertips clenched in his sleeve, and he bowed in respect.

"My son, please retire!"

Outside the hall, the autumn wind carried a sycamore leaf that seemed to have flown in from nowhere.

It landed right in front of his black leather boots with cloud patterns.

It has a dark yellow color and clear veins.

He bent down and slowly picked it up, looking at the setting sun on the horizon, recalling the angry roars of the people on the Imperial Street, and the cold, aloof figure in the teahouse.

He curled the corners of his lips into a smile, but there was no hint of amusement in his eyes.
-
Linde Hall at night.

The banquet was in full swing.

The ram's horn-shaped palace lanterns hung from the beams, their red candlelight casting a shimmering glow over the main hall.

The dancers, their flowing sleeves billowing, performed a newly choreographed piece, "Breaking the Enemy's Formation," accompanied by the sounds of gongs and stringed instruments, creating a scene of triumphant celebration...

Emperor Chongzhao sat upright behind his desk, slightly raising the golden goblet in his hand, the wine shimmering in the sunlight.

"The great victory in the western frontier has relieved my worries. The Crown Prince deserves the greatest credit for this achievement."

He spoke loudly with a laugh, his slightly tipsy gaze slowly landing on Li Zhao, who sat at the head of the table below him.

"This cup of wine, I drink with you all—to enhance our national prestige and bring glory to the nation."

All the civil and military officials in the hall rose in unison, raised their wine cups, and shouted in unison.

"Long live my emperor! Long live!"

"Long live the Crown Prince!"

"May the prosperous Liang Dynasty enjoy lasting blessings!"

"May our might extend to the four seas, and may our nation prosper forever!"

The air was filled with the sounds of clinking glasses and boisterous conversation, with endless words of congratulations and well wishes.

"Your humble efforts are not worth mentioning, Father Emperor."

Li Zhao rose, raised his golden goblet high, and his dark cloak billowed with the movement, bringing with it a chilly breeze that clashed with the warmth of the hall.

He tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp, the movement swift and decisive. "This cup is to thank my father, the Emperor, for his divine grace and blessings, and for protecting the three armies."

The emperor smiled, then suddenly raised his hand to stop the singing and dancing.

The music inside the hall suddenly stopped, leaving only the soft crackling of the candlelight.

All the ministers' eyes were turned toward the throne.

The emperor slammed the golden goblet down on the table, the spilled wine landing on the bright yellow tablecloth.

Once all was quiet, he scanned the entire room again, and his voice suddenly turned deep.

"Today, I am not only hosting a banquet to welcome the Crown Prince, but there is also a matter concerning the laws and regulations of the state that I must clarify in court—"

The emperor's gaze swept over the assembled officials below the steps, finally settling on Li Zhao.

"Upon hearing your report, I learned that Guo Zhaohuai and his ilk have embezzled military supplies and are utterly devoid of conscience. Your Highness's decision to arrest these traitors in the street today to comfort the spirits of the fallen soldiers in the Western Frontier is exactly what I desire."

After a pause, the emperor's majestic voice broke the silence.

"The Duke of Zheng, Guo Pi, failed to properly educate his grandson and cannot escape blame, while the Crown Prince handled the situation appropriately."

"By imperial decree, the Ministry of Justice, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Censorate shall jointly investigate the case of Guo Zhaohuai, an assistant minister of the Ministry of War, who embezzled military supplies and resold grain. All officials involved, regardless of rank, shall be severely punished without exception once the facts are verified. There shall be no leniency whatsoever."

A thunderbolt struck down from the sky.

The once bustling Linde Hall was now so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

The smiles on the faces of the officials froze, and many of them stiffened slightly in the hand holding their wine glasses.

Some officials with a keen sense of smell have already subtly averted their gaze, keeping their eyes downcast, afraid of being caught up in the impending storm.

Li Zhao's eyebrows remained unchanged.

But my heart is perfectly clear—

The Emperor was using him to put pressure on the Xiao family and the old merits, and also to test his abilities after returning to the capital, and how he would act...

But they will never know...

In the heavy snow of Black Wind Pass, he charged through frozen corpses. When supplies ran out, he gnawed on bloodied horse bones and tree bark. He chewed on ice and snow to quench his thirst and dug into the burrows of dead rats. The iron will forged in despair had long since crushed his last shred of tenderness.

"Father, I request permission—"

Li Zhao's voice was not loud, but it carried immense power and clearly resounded throughout the hall.

"The soldiers of the Western Frontier built a fortress with their blood and flesh, and will not tolerate the desecration of traitors. I beg Your Majesty to allow the Crown Prince to assist in the investigation of this case. Your son will surely expose all the corrupt officials and uphold the law!"

The word "assistance in investigation" was emphasized very heavily.

He wants more than just to stand by; he wants the right to intervene.

Emperor Chongzhao gazed at him for a long time, then nodded slightly.

"allow."

A single word carries the weight of a thousand pounds.

At the foot of the steps, Li Huan suddenly tightened his grip on the wine cup.

His expertise in criminal law and his role in supervising the capital's administration were the very tasks he relied on to consolidate his power.

Li Zhao is back this time, and he really wants to fight for everything.

He looked at Li Zhao's tall figure, a smile that was hard to describe flashed across his eyes, and then he lowered his head and drank in silence.

Li Yan, Li Qian, and the others also had different expressions, some were frightened, some were deep in thought, and some were trying to remain calm...

As night deepened outside the palace, the autumn chill intensified.

Inside the Linde Hall, the golden goblets remain as before, and the singing and dancing resume.

However, the previous jubilation was gone, and the ministers all appeared cautious.

Everyone saw it clearly—this crown prince who returned from the Western Frontier was no longer the naive heir apparent with a touch of youthful spirit, but a cold blade tempered with iron-blooded killing intent, about to bring a bloody storm.

Just as one song ended and a new dance was about to begin, Guan Ya suddenly strode hurriedly into the side hall with a solemn expression...

He leaned close to Li Zhao and whispered in his ear.

No one knew what he said, but they saw Li Zhao's expression change slightly, and his hand on the table suddenly tighten.

"I know."

"Why did the Crown Prince stop drinking?" Emperor Chongzhao's voice came, his dragon eyes displaying a half-smile.

Li Zhao raised his cup and drank it all in one gulp, the liquor flowing down his throat, his face cold and stern.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply saddened when I think of the soldiers who died in battle on the western frontier."

He lowered his eyes, concealing the turbulent emotions surging within them.

"Please allow me to take my leave, Your Majesty!"
-
Youhuang Residence.

The quiet room in the living room.

The soft, continuous patter of rain washed over the banana and bamboo groves outside the window, and also washed away the last vestiges of patience in Xue Sui's heart...

Despite the ointment applied to her wound, she still felt a dull ache. The numbing sensation that had seeped deep into her bones not only failed to subside but instead crept along her veins like a lurking venomous snake, making her uneasy...

"Young lady, it's past midnight."

Jinshu's voice was very low, filled with barely concealed worry.

Xue Sui sat upright in the round-backed chair, his back straight, like a jade sculpture in deep meditation.

"You guys go and rest, I'll wait for him."

Jinshu and Xiaozhao stood behind her, exchanged a glance, and hesitated to speak.

"Go downstairs." Xue Sui breathed very lightly, and with the sudden cracking of the light bulb wick in the room, a tickling sensation suddenly arose in his throat.

She quickly covered her lips with a handkerchief, swallowing the cough back down her throat.

"Just trust me and listen to me."

Jinshu hesitated for a moment, then nodded and quietly led Xiao Zhao away.

The rain outside the window seemed endless.

wait.

Waiting for an inevitable outcome.

After an unknown amount of time—perhaps an hour, perhaps longer—there was finally movement outside the door…

It wasn't the sound of ordinary footsteps, but a heavy, suppressed tread in the drizzling rain, approaching from afar and brutally shattering the tranquility of the rainy night...

came back.

Xue Sui slowly opened his eyes.

The door was violently pushed open, bringing with it a biting night wind, thick rain and fog, and an aggressive smell of alcohol.

The candlelight flickered violently in the wind.

Amidst the flickering light and shadow, a tall figure blocked the doorway.

　Li Zhao: What am I doing blocking this way? I need to go in...

　　Xue Sui: You're asking for death!
　　(End of this chapter)