Ashes to Crown

Chapter 221: Chapter 46: Bewitchment

”This is undoubtedly Xie Yanlai’s work, misleading the Emperor,” Seventh Master said with conviction.

Xie Yanfang, who had just returned home from the imperial court, had changed into casual robes and was sitting relaxed by the window. He laughed when he heard this.

”Yu is genuinely worried about Miss Ah Zhao,” he said.

Seventh Master, of course, also knew about the Xiao Emperor’s feelings for Chu Zhao. The girl had saved Xiao Yu, and the child, having lost both parents, had latched onto her like a fledgling imprinting on the first thing it sees.

’Children are such a hassle,’ Seventh Master thought. ’They can’t tell who their real family is, nor do they understand their own status and position. A life-saving favor should be repaid with the generous treatment of a loyal subject, and that’s all. The ones he should truly be close to are the Xie family.’

’It’s not that he hasn’t gotten close to anyone; he’s gotten foolishly close to that illegitimate son. And illegitimate sons are no good. They’ll grab any chance they can to soar to the heavens.’

”Even if Yu wanted him to go, his duty was to talk him out of it.” Seventh Master slammed his hand on the table in frustration. ”If he couldn’t persuade him, he should have come to you! But no, he’s only good for fawning and currying favor, doing whatever the child says! Is being the most trusted person in the eyes of a child emperor something to be proud of? Ridiculous!”

Xie Yanfang looked at the table and said, ”It might not be about currying favor. He probably wants to go himself.”

Seventh Master froze for a moment, seemingly not understanding. ”Wants to go where?”

Xie Yanfang looked up. ”Yanlai is just as worried about Miss Ah Zhao as Yu is. After all, he’s known her even longer than Yu has.”

Seventh Master grunted, blinking. He seemed to understand, yet not quite. He slammed the table again. ”That’s even worse! Sucking up to the Emperor and sucking up to Chu Ling. Does he really think those two are reliable backers? Laughable.”

’The Xiao Emperor is still young. He has a long road ahead of him, and much can change. You might be able to win his favor now, but that might not be true in two or three years.’

’As for Chu Ling, his life ends this year.’

Xie Yanfang smiled. ”There are three of them. You forgot Miss Ah Zhao.”

’Chu Zhao? What is she without Chu Ling? This Chu Zhao, just like Xie Yanlai, and that Deng Yi—they’re all just villains who’ve gotten lucky.’ Just as Seventh Master was about to say more, Xie Yanfang waved his hand dismissively.

”It’s already been decided, Seventh Uncle, there’s no need to say more,” he said. ”What His Majesty has done is for the best. Miss Ah Zhao’s safety is paramount. Besides, Yanlai is the most suitable person for the job. Otherwise, who else could go?”

He looked at Seventh Master, a hint of a joke in his eyes.

”Me?”

It was indeed a funny thought. Seventh Master laughed heartily, his frustration vanishing. He stood up. ”Get back to your work. I’m just annoyed that these people are always acting on their own. The country is in turmoil; the last thing we need is more trouble.”

Xie Yanfang said, ”There’s no need to be annoyed. Ever since the Crown Prince passed away and the late Emperor died, these past few years were destined to be unstable for the country. We’ll face problems as they come. This, too, shall pass.”

Seventh Master nodded, took his leave, and departed.

Xie Yanfang, however, did not immediately return to his desk. He stared into space for a moment, then nodded again. ”He’s worried, so he’s going to see her. It’s really that simple.”

With that, he smiled again and looked down at the letter paper spread across his desk. Half of it was already filled with words of concern, and the next part was supposed to be words of persuasion—

Xie Yanfang picked up his brush, then set it down again. ”Du Qi,” he called.

Du Qi entered from outside.

Xie Yanfang stood up, stretched his arms, and pointed at the desk. ”It’s finished. Send the letter.”

Du Qi walked over to put the letter in an envelope. After glancing at the contents, he couldn’t help but ask, ”Young Master, are you finished writing?”

’This was what he had written before he left earlier. I saw it myself, and he said he would finish it when he got back.’

Xie Yanfang was already walking toward the inner chamber. Hearing the question, he simply grunted in affirmation.

’Fine,’ Du Qi thought. ’It’s not my place to question the Young Master’s methods. There must be a reason for sending a half-finished letter.’ Du Qi sealed the letter, but just as he was about to leave, Xie Yanfang turned back.

”Be quick,” he said. ”As quick as possible.”

...

...

The Emperor’s edict, military dispatches, and court gazettes spread throughout the Great Xia via posthouse soldiers, carrier pigeons, and official, commercial, and private channels.

Although Chen County was still far from the Border County, with no sign of war or conflict, a palpable tension spread throughout the area, especially within the military barracks.

In this moderately sized barracks, soldiers and horses galloped day and night.

As the faint light of dawn broke, Chu Zhao stood outside her tent. She saw a general passing by and, recognizing him as the one in charge of dispatches, quickly called out, ”Is there any new information?”

The general dismounted and, without concealing the news, said respectfully, ”King Western Liang has sent another ten thousand reinforcements.”

In other words, King Western Liang wasn’t just making a show of force—he was truly preparing for war. Chu Zhao thanked the general.

Seeing her frown and look toward the Border County, the general couldn’t help but add, ”Miss, it’s very dangerous over in Yunzhong County. Although the defenses are tight, many scattered soldiers from Western Liang have managed to infiltrate the area. They’re burning, killing, and looting everywhere. Yunzhong County has already implemented a scorched-earth policy. You really shouldn’t head in that direction.”