Private Feelings (1)

At Azure Hall in the East Palace, Xiao Yu stood by the window, listening to Xu Rong talk about recent actions of the martial courtiers.

“… Because of what happened in Youzhou, everyone feared that they would be prosecuted and replaced, so they all kept a low profile,” Xu Rong said worriedly, but he couldn’t help feeling impressed.

In the past decade or so, everyone grew accustomed to the Emperor’s disinterest in the matters of the state. Now, the new Emperor’s swift actions were stunning.

However, no matter what, Xu Rong would always remember that he was the attendant of the East Palace. Therefore, he would always prioritize the Crown Prince’s interest and would not be swayed.

“Your Highness, I believe he dares to act so daringly so soon after ascending the throne because he is backed by the powerful Ganzhou army.

Xiao Yu knew that Xu Rong had something to say, so he took a seat on the chaise and said, “Continue.”

Upon receiving permission to speak, Xu Rong bowed and explained in a low tone all that he had learned in the recent days.

“Since the founding of Great Liang, the Emperors grew to neglect military matters during peacetime. No matter if it was Your Highness, the Empress Dowager, or the ministers, all rarely paid attention to military matters. Everyone was absorbed in the fight for the throne. Furthermore, the Empress Dowager thought that she could protect the palace by controlling the Imperial Guards. No one expected the Ganzhou army to break in.

“Consider this, Your Highness. If you have control over the Ganzhou army, how would the situation turn out?”

“Never forget that every mountain and river in the Great Liang were conquered by the founding Emperor through swords, arrows, and horses. Your Highness is surrounded by scholarly courtiers. While they can make eloquent statements on your behalf in the royal court, they are nothing against a soldier’s blade!”

His words were sincere and critical, forcing Xiao Yu to consider them seriously.

In the past, he would have dismissed such remarks. He never had the patience to listen to courtiers discussing military matters of far flung places.

During the reign of Emperor Taizong, to prevent military officials from staging rebellions, the army general in every area would be controlled by officials in charge of public funds. The military officials’ powers were chipped away gradually until they had no power to pose a threat.

Only a few garrisons, for the purpose of the kingdom’s defense, continued to maintain a large number of soldiers and powers. Ganzhou army was one of those garrisons.

No matter how unwilling Xiao Yu was, he could not deny that what Xu Rong said was right.

He sighed and nodded solemnly, “Your words made me realize that I was indeed careless in the past. But what do you propose that I do to amend my past mistake?”

Xu Rong was relieved to hear that Xiao Yu heeded his words. He said quickly, “I believe that the Emperor sending you to Huazhou to manage the dredging work for the river channel is a rare good opportunity. Your Highness should make use of the time to try to form alliances with generals in Huazhou. Perhaps it would be of some help.”

If he had the support of the military and the courtiers, he could have gotten the throne or had a good fighting chance.

Xiao Yu thought deeply for a moment. Then, he remembered the officials Xiao Kezhi assigned to him for his trip to Huazhou. Therefore, he said, “Fine, as long as you can avoid being seen. In these few days, you are to observe the situation of the garrison near Huazhou and prepare a list. I’ll think of a way to explore those areas.”

After that, the two of them discussed the matter for another half an hour before deciding on a plan.

It was now evening. When Xu Rong saw that Chu Ning had returned, he decided not to linger and retreated out of the hall.

Xiao Yu rubbed his forehead and went to the outer part of Azure Hall to wait for Chu Ning to enter. He did not give her the chance to greet him and immediately pulled her into his arms.

“Your Highness, I haven’t changed my clothes.” Chu Ning pushed him slightly.

He ignored her protest and caressed her back with one hand. His other hand reached up to pull off her hairpin and threw it aside.

Her long, thick, and smooth hair fell over her shoulders, framing her beautiful face alluringly.

Xiao Yu seemed enthralled as he watched her change from a demure lady into an alluring woman.