Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 630: A Tangled Court

“Where are the yellow robes?” Zhao Changhe remarked. “Today’s so-called draping in yellow robes was done without an actual imperial robe. Strictly speaking, that violates every modicum of the proper rites those pedants harp on. Amazing how they all pretended not to notice.”

After the imperial court adjourned, Xia Chichi slumped against the side hall’s chair, exhausted, sipping tea lazily. Tang Wanzhuang sat beside her, also drinking tea, completely unconcerned with ceremony. The minister had not waited for a formal invitation to sit, and Her Majesty could not be bothered to care.

They looked less like empress and ministers and more like members of a family gathering after a long day.

Vermillion Bird had stormed off the moment the session ended, fuming, her destination unknown.

Zhao Changhe had a vague sense of where she had gone and whom she was making way for. The topic he had brought up just now seemed like subtle preparation for the person about to arrive. Was he instinctively covering for her?

Xia Chichi, too drained to overthink things, replied absentmindedly, “I ordered the eunuchs and palace maids to rush a robe using the existing dragon robe fabric. They’re experienced, and the materials were ready. The Fire Serpent of Yi spent years as an imperial noble consort, so she controls the inner palace well enough. Taking over this mess has been surprisingly smooth, thanks to the groundwork the venerable laid...”

Tang Wanzhuang sipped her tea, eyeing her thoughtfully.

Indeed, the eunuchs and maids were ready to serve, loyal to their faction. Everything had been set in place for this transition.

But Xia Chichi still had not realized that the Fire Serpent of Yi and the venerable were the same person. Not long ago, Tang Wanzhuang had considered her a worthy rival. Now, that illusion shattered; Xia Chichi had dropped a tier to the level of Baoqin.

If it were not for my recognition of Zhao Changhe, I could have turned this coup into a bloody farce.

Sensing the condescension in Tang Wanzhuang’s eyes, Xia Chichi glared back. “I swear, Tang Wanzhuang, with that disrespectful attitude, do you even qualify as a loyal minister?”

Tang Wanzhuang’s voice was slow and deliberate. “The sovereign I serve is Changhe. I play this role out of loyalty to him. Don’t fool yourself into thinking I’m loyal to you. If you weren’t his woman, today’s ceremony would have been a battle.”

Xia Chichi shot back, “Well, the ceremony’s over. Your support is done. Now, in the eyes of the world, you’re my subject. You can’t rebel now, can you?”

Tang Wanzhuang smirked. “So what?”

“Then kneel for me, will you, dear subject?”

Tang Wanzhuang calmly blew the foam from her tea, replying flatly, “You can try dismissing me or throwing me in prison if you like. It’s fine by me.”

Xia Chichi glared at her, and Tang Wanzhuang continued drinking her tea.

Even without Zhao Changhe, politically speaking, Tang Wanzhuang was more of a partner than a subordinate. She was not someone who could be easily displaced. Whether they would part ways in the future was a question for another time. Now, in a world riddled with internal and external threats, Tang Wanzhuang had no need to bow to Xia Chichi or the Four Idols Cult.

To see someone regarded as the most reliable minister reduced to such irreverence was enough to make anyone sigh.

Tang Wanzhuang set down her teacup with a weary sigh. “I haven’t fully recovered from my injuries. Holding myself together through this morning’s proceedings has left me drained. I’d like to return and rest. I certainly have no desire to wait around for Huangfu Qing to show up and argue with me. The only reason I stayed was to speak with you privately...”

She then turned to Zhao Changhe, her expression solemn. “I originally thought it would be you ascending the throne... But now that things have unfolded this way, there are advantages. It’s just that some plans must change.” She took a breath and continued, “I’ll compile a list of figures connected to the previous dynasty for Chichi—ah, for Her Majesty—to discreetly cultivate and support. This will give her a base of personal supporters outside the Four Idols Cult. Relying solely on the cult is not the way of a true ruler, even if you are their leader. That’s the first point.”

No wonder she waited until Vermillion Bird was gone to say this.

“Second, while it may seem the late emperor left no political legacy, that’s not entirely true. By severing the roots of the aristocratic families at the end, he gained favor among the common folk. If Your Majesty can expand pathways for commoners to rise in status, you can harness the will of the people. On the other hand, figures like Lu Jianzhang will need to be replaced. This will be a long-term game.

“My fear is that once you feel secure—say, when Huangfu Shaozong’s army returns—you’ll start a purge. That’s unnecessary. Stability is paramount right now. Proceed slowly. In fact, Your Majesty should even reward a few key officials in the capital to recognize their support.

“Third, regarding Hebei... Our focus should not be on the Wang Clan but the Cui Clan. Even if Your Majesty plans to suppress the nobility and elevate the commoners, you cannot be too overt. The basic strategy of siding with some and suppressing others must still be followed. The Cui Clan is the most suitable ally at the moment. However, the Cui Clan is far from foolish. They know our alliance is temporary—a bridge to be crossed. How they perceive this remains uncertain.

“If you had ascended the throne, Changhe, simply marrying Yuanyang would have sealed the alliance. But now... you’ll need to visit them. If you don’t, things could go awry. Likewise, while placating Lu Jianzhang and his cohort, vigilance is necessary. They may smile, but they still have teeth. The Four Idols Cult’s covert surveillance needs to be in full effect, particularly monitoring their connections to regions like Guanzhong. These insights will guide future actions... Cough, cough... That said, I don’t advise maintaining a long-term espionage bureau... Cough, cough...”

As she spoke, her breath faltered, and she began to cough. Her injuries were far from healed. She was only standing now because Zhao Changhe had pulled her back from death’s door.

Yet here she was, draining herself on the very first morning, laboring for the good of the throne. She herself came from an aristocratic family, yet not a single thought she voiced stemmed from that allegiance.

Xia Chichi watched her in stunned silence. Finally, she began to understand why her father, a man who had dismissed the entire world as beneath him, respected Tang Wanzhuang alone.

Zhao Changhe rushed forward and wrapped Tang Wanzhuang in his arms, his hand gently patting her back. His voice was low and tender as he said, “Enough, you have to rest. Nothing needs immediate action. We’ll wait for Shaozong’s army to return before I go anywhere. Take your time. For now, you need to rest.”

Tang Wanzhuang took a few shallow breaths. It was the first time she had let him hold her in front of others. A flicker of embarrassment flashed through her heart, tinged with a thrill she could not deny.

After boldly competing for him in court, did such a display even matter anymore?

Her eyes glimmered as she shot a furtive glance at Xia Chichi, seated high upon the throne. In a whisper, she asked, “Do you still have anything important left to do here?”

Zhao Changhe hesitated. In truth, he did not. It just felt wrong to leave immediately after such a crucial ceremony. He wanted to ensure everything was truly stable before walking away. But now that the enthronement was complete, the immediate crisis was past. The most pressing concern was tending to Tang Wanzhuang’s injuries.

“No, let’s go,” he said softly.

And as for the treatment... He had made it clear last night—it required dual cultivation.

Tang Wanzhuang bit her lower lip. Continuing the conversation felt dangerously close to inviting him to bed outright.

She hesitated, then glanced at Xia Chichi out of the corner of her eye. Gritting her teeth, she rose on the tip of her toes and whispered in Zhao Changhe’s ear, “Last night... I washed and prepared myself...”

Zhao Changhe: 凸!

Xia Chichi’s face remained expressionless.

Loyal minister? More like a full-blown traitor!

Still, when it came to someone like Tang Wanzhuang... It was impossible to truly hate her. Xia Chichi sighed, part jealousy, part genuine concern. “Since you are unwell, First Seat, there’s no need to rush back and forth. The palace has hot springs and pools. You might as well rest here.”

Tang Wanzhuang blinked in surprise, then bowed her head slightly, offering no objection.

Stay in the palace...? But serving Zhao Changhe was, in her mind, serving the sovereign. I guess, doing so in the palace actually seems... appropriate.

Zhao Changhe sighed and shook his head at Xia Chichi. “Wanzhuang really does need treatment. We’ll be going for now.”

Suddenly, Tang Wanzhuang found herself weightless as Zhao Changhe lifted her into his arms.

She gasped, clutching at his arm. “Wait, wait...”

Zhao Changhe strode forward with determination. “I don’t care what intricate schemes you’re all weaving. I want the world to know that First Seat Tang is my woman. Should they know or not?”

Tang Wanzhuang’s face flushed red, the blush spreading to her neck. She buried her head in his chest and, after a long pause, whispered in a voice as faint as a mosquito’s buzz, “Yes... let them know.”

A palace attendant outside smiled and stepped forward to guide them. “Your Highness, this way, please...”

Not long after, Huangfu Qing burst into the side hall, holding a freshly sewn dragon robe. Her face lit up with excitement. “Finally—Your Majesty! The dragon robe is ready! Come try it on, see if it fits! Uh... where’s that wretched woman? Call her out here so I can put her in her pla... hey... what are you doing?”

Xia Chichi, looking pitiful, curled up on a large chair, hugging her knees. “She claims she’s a loyal minister, but why do I feel like she’s a villain smirking as she’s carried away by the emperor while right in front of the empress...”

Huangfu Qing stood frozen, dumbfounded.

Xia Chichi lifted her head to give her a weary glance, then muttered, “And someday, that emperor will drag away my Empress Mother, too...”