The Xi family and the Liang family were closely tied, with Liang Guangyi single-handedly elevating Xi Weifang to the position of Minister of War. Naturally, Liang Guangyi knew better than most where the Xi family’s vulnerabilities lay.
Moreover, sending a message to Liang Guangyi would indirectly convey that Xiao Yan’s sole aim was to clear the He family’s name, not to ruthlessly exterminate the major clans.
This would both ease Liang Guangyi’s concerns, facilitating the clans’ subsequent “compensation” to the court, and lower their guard.
Xiao Yan glanced at Canglang. “Send someone to the Liang residence and deliver Xi Weifang’s confession to Liang Guangyi.”
Canglang stuffed a pastry into his mouth, nodding briskly. “Yes, sir.”
Xiao Yan continued, “Have people keep an eye on the Ministry of Justice and the Court of Judicial Review. Push for a swift trial.”
Canglang hesitated. “And what about Emperor An…?”
“Prince Tai and Feng Lai will ‘look after’ Emperor An. He won’t wake so soon. For now, Liu Tong’en is guarding him closely. If we make another move, it might provoke a desperate reaction from him. There’s no need to bother with the Imperial Dragon Platform for the time being.”
When Emperor An was unconscious, there were the imperial physicians like Doctor Wang. Even if, by some miracle, he awoke, there was still Feng Lai, the “loyal and devoted” attendant by his side.
Liu Tong’en, fearing an assassination attempt on the emperor, never left his side, which conveniently allowed Xiao Yan to handle other matters.
After a moment’s thought, Xiao Yan added, “Tomorrow, have someone proclaim the edict of self-condemnation written by Prince Tai to the realm. Order it copied in large quantities and distributed to every prefecture and county…”
Tangning, sitting nearby, interjected, “There are many scholars in the capital, but few would dare to transcribe something like this. Given it concerns the imperial family and the prince, why not send a copy to Dean Shi and the academy? Let the students there help produce enough edicts to distribute across the regions. This will prevent the feudal lords from stirring trouble under the pretext of being unaware of the capital’s situation.”
Xiao Yan nodded. “That’s a sound idea. First thing tomorrow, have it sent to the academy.”
The three continued their discussion, addressing the state of the capital and planning their next steps.
The pigeon soup on the table had cooled to a lukewarm temperature. Xiao Yan tested the bowl’s edge before sliding it toward Tangning, placing the spoon in front of her.
When Tangning looked up at him, Xiao Yan acted as if it were a casual gesture, his expression calm as he continued instructing Canglang.
“The capital’s in chaos these days. Have our people stay vigilant. Also, station men to watch all routes out of the city, carrier pigeons, messengers, merchant caravans, spies, let none slip through. Additionally, tell Di Tao to quickly consolidate the four camps’ forces. If the opportunity arises, have him make an appearance before Prince Tai.”
“Prince Tai?” Canglang asked, puzzled.
Xiao Yan said coolly, “Prince Tai is cut from the same cloth as Emperor An, lacking ability yet arrogant and suspicious. With the tiger tally in my hands and power slipping from his grasp, his position as crown prince isn’t entirely legitimate.”
“For now, he relies on me, which is fine. But once the crisis passes and he feels secure in his position, he’ll grow resentful.”
“Di Tao’s young and has a face that’s easy to trust. Let him go reassure the prince, so he doesn’t stir up trouble out of boredom.”
Once the He family was exonerated and Xiao Yan’s status was “confirmed,” he could legitimately take control. Then, he would need to swiftly purge certain court officials, hold early examinations to bring fresh blood into the administration, place new ministers, and negotiate with the clans to bolster the treasury. After that, he’d have to suppress the feudal lords, capture Lu Jiu’an, and prepare for war…
Every task was urgent, and with so much to do, he had little time to deal with the prince.
In Xiao Yan’s eyes, the prince was a temporary “mascot” to balance the court. Di Tao’s youthful, “innocent” face, backed by the Di family’s 180,000-strong Zhenan Army, was perfect for keeping the prince at ease.
Canglang grinned, chuckling. So, the Overseer meant Di Tao looked gullible, huh? Send him to cozy up to the prince, let the prince think he could win over the Di family for some confidence, and keep him from bothering the Overseer.
Canglang munched on a pastry, delighted. “Got it. I’ll find Young General Di later.”
Most of the pastries on the table were gone, and faint light was beginning to seep through from outside.
Xiao Yan asked, “Any leads on Emperor An’s private army?”
Canglang shook his head. “None. Liu Tong’en hasn’t left the capital recently. The people he brought into the city tonight, aside from the imperial shadow guards, are all guards previously stationed at the imperial mausoleum. Since he grew suspicious of you, Overseer, he’s been extremely cautious, rarely communicating with the outside.”
Xiao Yan frowned. “Keep watching. Whether it’s the Liu family or Liu Tong’en’s confidants, thoroughly investigate anyone coming or going from the Liu residence or near Liu Tong’en.”
His voice grew stern. “No matter what they do, delivering vegetables, cooking, or even cleaning nightsoil, let no one slip through.”
That private army was a lurking threat. Until its location was uncovered, Xiao Yan couldn’t rest easy.
Emperor An wouldn’t give up so easily. They had to find that army soon, or if it surfaced during a northern war, they’d be caught in a pincer attack.
Canglang, understanding the gravity, nodded solemnly. “Rest assured, Overseer. Not even a fly will get past us around Liu Tong’en.”
…
By the time Canglang left Helü Hall, it was early morning. During the night, Jinyun, Tianqing, and others had come to report, followed by Di Tao, Marquis Wenxin, and even Longting Guard’s deputy commander, Fu Yue, who made a visit to the Xiao residence.
Xiao Yan didn’t avoid Tangning during these discussions. Though the others were surprised to see her there, they said nothing.
Tangning rarely spoke afterward, sitting quietly to the side, occasionally refilling tea for the visitors. She listened as Xiao Yan and the others discussed military and court affairs, addressing the ministers, post-crisis responses, and various arrangements.
Bit by bit, she committed to memory things she hadn’t fully understood before, noting the details of Xiao Yan’s conversations with them.
By dawn, she couldn’t suppress a yawn.
When Xiao Yan returned after seeing off Fu Yue and the others, he found Tangning asleep, leaning on the small couch.
The girl’s cloak had slipped halfway off, her sleeve resting on the table, smudged with ink. Her head tilted against her arm, her breathing soft and shallow.
As Xiao Yan approached, Tangning’s lashes fluttered, and she opened her eyes groggily.
“Brother…”
Her voice was sleepy, her eyes misty. “Has General Fu left?”
“He’s gone.”
Xiao Yan lifted her into his arms and carried her to a side room. As they lay on the bed, still clothed, Tangning curled into a small ball against him.
He removed her twin-lotus hairpin, letting her dark hair spill free. Her pale cheek rested against his chest, and Xiao Yan’s arm encircled her, his large hand nearly covering half her waist.
Patting her back gently, he murmured, “Sleep.”
Tangning mumbled, “Brother, stay with me.”
Xiao Yan’s lips curved as she clutched his sleeve. “Alright, I’ll stay.”
Sensing his reassuring presence, Tangning’s grip on his sleeve loosened, and she fell asleep within moments.
Xiao Yan kissed the corner of her eye, adjusting his position to make her more comfortable. He glanced at the empty window.
“If anything happens outside, call me immediately.”
A shadow responded, “Yes, Overseer.”
A soft breeze drifted in, and Xiao Yan flicked his finger, closing the window lattice. He tucked the blanket around Tangning, then, holding her close, closed his eyes and drifted off to sleep.
…==================
You can read ahead to chapterr 770 (100+ extra chapters) here
Comments
Post a Comment