Xiao Zheng poured himself a cup of tea and drank under the moonlight.
She had no idea of the turmoil in Xiao Huan’s heart, but she was genuinely happy for him. Having a caring young woman by his side would at least ease his loneliness. Besides, the two were well-matched in status and made a perfect pair. If his aunt were still here, she would have been overjoyed.
Recalling the Emperor’s expression during the palace visit earlier that day, Xiao Zheng frowned again. Her fingers tapped rhythmically against the table as she sank into deep thought.
"General, the official robe for tomorrow’s morning court has been delivered by the Imperial Household Department."
Xi’er, holding a deep purple robe, bowed slightly. She was a young maid Xiao Zheng had brought back from Shuozhou. Originally a servant in a wealthy household, Xi’er had been captured by the Tatar army for her striking beauty and presented to the Fourth Prince. On the day Xiao Zheng offered poison, the girl had fearlessly raised her head and smeared it on herself without hesitation. After Xiao Zheng reclaimed Shuozhou, several maids, including Xi’er, refused to return home and insisted on staying by her side.
"Good, just leave it there. You may rest now."
Xiao Zheng glanced at the robe and official hat, finished her tea, and murmured to herself.
"The chess player..."
The night passed without dreams.
The next morning, the abrupt sound of the night watchman’s clapper shattered the silence.
"Thud—thud—thud."
At dawn, Xiao Zheng strode into the Golden Hall clad in her deep purple official robe, her posture upright and dignified. A group of officials who had suffered her rebuke the previous night huddled in a corner, frowning and sneering under their breath.
"Hmph, neither man nor woman."
Their disdain was aimed solely at Xiao Zheng, but the thick-headed military men couldn’t grasp it. Instead, they had been swayed by her cunning words, turning them into critics of the court’s own generals. Outrageous! Absolutely outrageous!
Once the Emperor arrived, they would surely impeach her!
As the bell tolled, the officials swiftly took their positions. The murmurs in the Golden Hall instantly died down, replaced by a piercing voice.
"His Majesty arrives!"
The officials quickly knelt, their robes sweeping the floor.
"Long live His Majesty! May His Majesty live ten thousand years!"
The Emperor raised his hand slightly, his gaze settling on Xiao Zheng at the front of the hall.
"Rise, my lords."
The court eunuch stepped forward, flicking his horsetail whisk, and announced in a shrill voice,
"Those with matters to present, speak now. If none, court is dismissed."
An elderly minister cleared his throat, raised his ceremonial tablet, and began lamenting.
"Your Majesty, this humble servant risks death to remonstrate. Ancient wisdom warns, 'A hen does not herald the dawn; if a hen heralds the dawn, it brings ruin to the household.' This truth concerns the rise and fall of our nation. Since the era of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors, governance has been the domain of men. Our ancestors’ laws have stood unbroken through generations, with no precedent for women holding office. To suddenly break this tradition would shake the foundations of the state and sow unrest among the people. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider. Do not let a fleeting thought disrupt the court’s order. Uphold righteousness and safeguard our dynasty’s eternal prosperity and the people’s peace."
"I second this!"
"I second this!"
Several trembling old officials stepped forward, their faces streaked with tears as if their families had been ruined. Xiao Youcheng nearly laughed in exasperation.
The Emperor glanced irritably at Xiao Zheng, then suppressed his anger, recalling Prince Kang’s words from the night before.
"Hah! Xiao Zheng donned armor and wielded weapons to protect the people. How many of you here can claim the same? When I lay gravely ill, and you all signed that peace treaty, where were your death-defying remonstrations?"
"Your servant trembles in fear!"
Seeing the Emperor’s rising fury, the old ministers dropped to their knees again, shaking.
"My decision is final. No further debate is needed!"
The Emperor’s stern gaze swept the hall before settling on Xiao Zheng.
"General Xiao, I have long heard of your military prowess and strategic brilliance. Today, I entrust to you the command of the Imperial Central Army’s fifty thousand elite soldiers. Train them well. In one year’s time, I expect to see a force capable of expanding our borders. I place great hope in you. Do not disappoint me, or the law will show no mercy—you know the consequences."
"Your servant pledges to give my life in service, never betraying Your Majesty’s trust! Should I fail, I will present my head to you!"
Xiao Zheng knelt and kowtowed. Behind her, the officials exchanged stunned glances. None had expected the Emperor to place such faith in a woman. Many began scheming.
Shortly after court adjourned, news of Xiao Zheng’s appointment spread throughout the capital.
The Northwest Marquis’s estate was soon packed with Xiao Army officers.
"General, is the imperial decree real?"
"General! Does this mean you’re not returning to Shuozhou?"
Xiao Zheng smiled and cupped her hands toward the palace.
"As a subject of the throne, serving the court is my duty, no matter where I am. His Majesty has shown me great favor. I’ve even sworn a military pledge—how could it be false?"
The officers wore bitter expressions, struggling to accept the news. But with the decree issued, what could they do?
"I’ve heard the Imperial Army is full of spoiled young nobles, just there for prestige! They’re unruly and hard to discipline! General, you must be careful!"
Jiang Da’s face flushed red with concern.
"General! You saved my life! If you ever need me, just say the word! I’d march through fire or climb mountains of blades without hesitation! I’ll follow you forever!"
Other veterans of the Xiao Army echoed his sentiment. "As long as the spirit and blood of the Xiao Army remain, we’ll stand behind you, General! Even with blades at our throats, we won’t budge! Point us where to strike, and we’ll charge without question!"
Xiao Zheng brushed off the goosebumps rising on her arms.
"Enough, enough! Stop acting like this is a farewell! Your own promotions will come soon—it’s all good news."
Suddenly, she spotted Xiao Huan in the distance and waved him over.
"Ah-Huan! Come here!"
"Greetings to Young Master Ah-Huan!"
The officers, reminded of the late General Xiao Yi who had died in battle, felt their eyes grow hot as they saluted.
Xiao Huan quickly sidestepped, unwilling to accept the gesture.
"Greetings to my uncles and elders."
"Good lad! Just like your father!"
Mention of his father made Xiao Huan’s nose sting, tears nearly spilling.
One officer, once under Xiao Yi’s command, patted Xiao Huan’s shoulder in silent comfort, mourning the passage of time.
After some conversation, the group dispersed.
Suddenly, Uncle Man rushed in, panting as he addressed Xiao Zheng and Xiao Huan.
"Gen...General! The palace—someone from the palace is here! His Majesty—His Majesty wishes to see the young master!"
