Just as he was about to find an excuse to dismiss Zhang Huiji, the Regent suddenly stepped forward, blocking his view. His expression was stern as he said, “We will discuss important matters of our country later. Qian Shicheng, please escort Prince Zhang out!”

Qian Shicheng, a shrewd man, discerned the Regent’s aversion to Zhang Huiji and promptly took Zhang Huiji by the arm, leading him out without any courtesy. “For the sake of national security, Prince Zhang, please bear with us.”

Zhang Huiji, unable to contain his anger, struck the white jade railing. Although the Empress Dowager had previously treated him with great respect, Xiao Heng had driven him out. It made sense! It seemed he would have to contact the Empress Dowager again.

As the morning court was drawing to a close, Chu Zhaoyou seized the opportunity to assert, “Everyone knows that border stability depends on national strength and negotiations, not superficial marital alliances. The prosperity of the nation and the well-being of its people are the responsibility of both the ruler and his subjects. Today, I am setting a precedent for future generations. Apart from mutual affection, Great Chu will no longer engage in marital alliances. Any further proposals will be considered as defying the decree.”

Regardless of its effectiveness, Chu Zhaoyou issued the decree on his own, without considering the Regent’s reaction, and spoke his mind.

The ministers did not take his words to heart.

It wasn’t until the Regent asked sternly, “Do you understand?” that the ministers were startled and collectively knelt, chanting, “Long live His Majesty’s wisdom.”

Chu Zhaoyou scratched his cheek, feeling that something was off. He seemed like a little kid who needed a parent to speak for him in order to have a say.

Had the Regent taken the wrong medicine today? Why was he so easy to talk to?

He took a deep breath and reminded himself that Xiao Heng’s eyes held no “person,” only the correctness of the matter. As long as he approved, he wouldn’t deliberately create obstacles based on the identity of the proposer.

After the morning court, Lu Huai set off to return to the military camp, not knowing when he would step out of the camp again.

Chu Zhaoyou made a slight bow, “General Lu, until we meet again.”

Lu Huai helped the Emperor up, “I, however, feel that it’s better not to meet again.”

The mention of the Imperial Dragon Army indicated that the capital was unstable, and the young Emperor should remain safe and secure. Lu Huaishan glanced at the Regent, implying a warning, “Make your moves wisely, Prince Xiao.”

Was this a reminder for the Regent to be cautious about seizing the throne?

Perhaps only General Lu had the authority to say such things under the heavens.

Xiao Heng stood with his hands behind his back, his head slightly nodding. “Take care of yourself, General. If there is a need in the army, you can always communicate it to the Ministry of War.”

The autumn wind rustled, and the Imperial Dragon Army’s flag fluttered as Lu Huai departed from the Shenwu Gate with a troop of elite soldiers, carrying the letters entrusted to him by Chu Zhaoyou.

After traveling ten miles, Lu Huai pulled the reins and retrieved a letter from the food box given to him by the Emperor. It seemed to be a thin piece of paper.

He called his trusted aide, “Lu Bo, hasten to Liangzhou Prefecture and meet with Lady Zhao.”

“Understood!”

The horse’s hooves kicked up yellow dust, resounding ceaselessly. After watching for a while, Lu Huai led the team in another direction.

Did the young Emperor really think that passing a food box would go unnoticed?

The Regent Prince clearly saw through the food box’s deception but refrained from inspecting it. Was he trying to lure the tiger out of the mountain?

He was getting old and couldn’t understand the machinations of the younger generation.

…

With his external support gone and feeling intimidated, Chu Zhaoyou reverted to a state of helplessness. He had been feigning illness for the past few days, avoiding the task of paying respects to the Empress Dowager. He had disrupted many of her plans and was afraid she might take advantage of the situation.

Chu Zhaoyou didn’t feel like he was really feigning illness. He had overexerted himself physically and mentally and could easily stay in bed for ten days without leaving the house.

Eunuch Xue hurried in, “Your Majesty, General Xie has arrived at the north gate. It’s time for you to set out to meet the army.”

Chu Zhaoyou leaped out of bed, “Let’s go.”

Xie Chaoyun returned victorious, full of spirit. He was of the same age as the Regent, and he rode back to the capital, captivating the hearts of countless young maidens. It was said that the Empress Dowager had caused some trouble, prompting Xie Chaoyun to rush back, arriving two days earlier than planned. The Regent personally went ten miles outside the city to welcome him, a treatment that was unparalleled and unmatched.

Chu Zhaoyou stood at the city gate like a bright yellow auspicious creature, finally catching sight of two large horses entering his line of sight.

As he read this, he became more certain that Xie Chaoyun was the general mentioned by the couple. Initially, many young girl had wanted to kowtow to both the Regent and the general. Chu Zhaoyou raised his eyes and took a look. It wasn’t unreasonable to think of Xie Chaoyun as the most outstanding figure in Great Chu.

Xie Chaoyun dismounted and said, “I, Xie Chaoyun, pay my respects to Your Majesty.”

Xiao Heng’s gaze lingered on Chu Zhaoyou for a moment, then coldly handed the reins to his subordinate, showing no intention of paying his respects.

“General, please rise!” Chu Zhaoyou joyfully extended a hand to help Xie Chaoyun up. “General, you’ve been through a lot. Please take care of yourself. Both I and my nation rely on you!”

Chu Zhaoyou’s eyes were filled with affection. Xie Chaoyun was supposed to be poisoned at the 200,000-word mark, but he was still alive and well. This meant that the plot point where the Regent would be entombed at the 400,000-word mark was still far off.

‘I can still roam through 200,000 words! Both I and my nation rely on Xie Chaoyun…?’

Xiao Heng chewed on these dozen words, his lips growing colder. Rely on whom?

Say it again?

Xie Chaoyun hesitated for a moment. What did the young Emperor mean? Was he trying to sow discord between him and the Regent as soon as they met? Was he trying to kill two birds with one stone?

Chu Zhaoyou felt a chill down his back. Why did these good brothers seem so strange?