Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 124

Xi Rong personally went to arrange the carriage.

Song Yang stood under the eaves with his head lowered. When he saw Xi Rong exit, he immediately spread his robe and knelt. “Your subordinate is guilty.”

Xi Rong did not slow his steps. He only left a low sentence behind. “If there is a next time, sir, you may leave of your own accord.”

Song Yang bowed even lower, cold sweat beading on his forehead.

When he finally stood up, he saw that Xiao Rong had also come out of the hall at some point, standing beneath the eaves with his folding fan in hand. His black eyes were clear as jade, clearly lost in thought.

Song Yang couldn’t help showing guilt. “It was I who offended the Young Prince today.”

Xiao Rong, with his keen insight, naturally guessed that Jiang Cheng had deliberately chosen the moment he was dining with Xi Rong to report. It was far from a coincidence. He smiled. “A strategist’s foremost duty is planning for his lord. Sir, you did nothing wrong. Besides, Qi Qiuyu was someone I brought in. It’s most appropriate that I be the one to resolve it.”

Song Yang gave a solemn, full bow. “This subordinate thanks the Young Prince for laboring so painstakingly for His Highness.”

Xiao Rong raised a hand. “There’s no need for such a grand gesture. As for these so-called ‘painstaking labors,’ your prince didn’t appreciate a single bit of it. He even disliked me for meddling.”

Xiao Rong only meant it as a jest, but Song Yang hurriedly shook his head. “The Young Prince must not misunderstand His Highness. He acted so only because he feared dragging the Young Prince down. His Highness’ regard for you is as precious and unshakable as gold and jade.”

Xiao Rong lifted his eyes slightly.

Song Yang continued, “There is something you may not know, Young Prince. The reason His Highness lingered in Songzhou previously was not actually to recuperate, but to search for a rumored treasury of the former dynasty. If he could obtain it, His Highness would no longer have to worry about military funds for a long while.”

This was indeed the first time Xiao Rong had heard of it. He asked, “Did he find it?”

“He did.”

Now that they had seized a large sum of money from Songzhou Prefecture’s noble families, Xi Rong no longer needed the treasury to relieve urgent needs. Song Yang felt there was no need to hide it anymore. Following His Highness for so many years, he understood Xi Rong’s heart best and could hardly bear watching his lord suffer day after day in silent longing.

He said, “After the Young Prince left without a word, we found the approximate location of the treasury. But the place was somewhat special. His Highness could not bear to destroy it, so he ultimately abandoned the priceless treasury that could have solved all his immediate problems.”

Xiao Rong’s hand on his fan stilled for a moment. “Where was it?”

Song Yang sighed. “Directly beneath the wooden hut where the Young Prince lived in the mountains of Songzhou.”

***

The atmosphere at the martial arts arena today was utterly different from the day before.

News that Prince Yan had intended to deploy the fearsome Fish-Scale Formation had spread through all regional troops. The tension in the arena was almost visible.

Only Minister Cui Daohuan wore a spring-breeze smile, chatting and laughing with Prince Yan.

Prince Yan merely responded lazily with a few words, drinking the wine respectfully handed to him by an officer from the Ministry of Revenue.

Zhang Ran, with a bright red whip mark across his face, sat at the head of the Northern Yan generals with Gongsun Yu.

Feeling the many suspicious and speculative looks cast their way from all directions, Zhang Ran couldn’t help touching his face. He murmured to Gongsun Yu, “His Highness made us sit here; aren’t we making a spectacle of ourselves? You at least have a mask. I’m just here, everything on full display. It’s embarrassing enough to show my face to my ancestors.”

Gongsun Yu, eyes straight ahead, replied, “Endure it.”

Zhang Ran: “With this thing on my face, when we go up against the Silver Dragon Cavalry later, our morale will be half gone. Tell me, what kind of situation is this?”

“Oh dear, General Zhang, what happened to your face?”

Zhang Fu, who had been ordered by the Emperor to deliver imperial wine to the competing generals, gasped at the sight of the bloody whip mark.

“I accidentally tripped and fell. I’ve made the eunuch laugh,” Zhang Ran said with a stiff smile.

The exchange immediately drew new waves of stares from the seated officials.

Before, the court had only heard that last night, Prince Xiao had barged into Prince Yan’s command tent and the two almost came to blows. Zhang Ran’s injury now clearly confirmed the rumors were real.

After all, Zhang Ran was one of the Five Tiger Generals of Northern Yan, one of Prince Yan’s most trusted generals. Who would dare leave a mark on his face, unless something truly happened?

“No wonder Prince Yan wants to deploy the Fish-Scale Formation today…” a garrison general whispered to his general.

“General, Prince Yan is aggressive today. The situation looks dire. I’ve heard that three of the four Jiangnan garrisons have already withdrawn from the tournament in fear.”

“Yes…” The general nodded in full agreement. “The Fish-Scale Formation… Once you enter, it takes nine deaths for every ten lives. Go tell the Ministry of War that I am unwell. The Jiannan garrison’s troops will also withdraw from the tournament.”

Soon after, three more garrisons withdrew.

The atmosphere in the arena grew even heavier.

“General, will the Imperial Guards still participate?” The acting general of the Imperial Guards, Wang Hao, asked Cui Cheng.

Cui Cheng shot him a contemptuous look. “The Imperial Guards represent His Majesty’s dignity. If they withdraw, where does that leave His Majesty’s face?”

Wang Hao lowered his head. “Your subordinate was foolish. I only feared that the Fish-Scale Formation was too lethal. If the Imperial Guards cannot withstand it, they may suffer devastating losses.”

Cui Cheng snorted. “Useless thing. And my uncle always says you are thorough. I see nothing but a cowardly fool who fears death. How can trash like you command an army?”

Some generals who fawned over Cui Cheng immediately burst into laughter.

Others who were friendly with Wang Hao showed open displeasure. Cui Cheng was only a demoted deputy general, yet he publicly humiliated Wang Hao like this. It was far too much.

However, Wang Hao remained calm and shook his head slightly, quietly signaling his supporters not to cause trouble.

“Matriarch, garrisons all across the realm fear Prince Yan’s might. Many have withdrawn. As of now, only the Southwest garrison and the Imperial Guards have yet to announce withdrawal.”

The Wang residence’s servants immediately reported the situation to Matriarch Wang.

Hearing it, Matriarch Wang let out a cold laugh. “The Imperial Guards are one thing but the Eastern Palace truly has no sense of life and death.”

Wang Yanshou, standing beside her, said, “Mother, the Fish-Scale Formation is infamous as a meat grinder. It’s extremely dangerous. Even if Prince Yan doesn’t go all out as on a real battlefield, once you enter the formation, injuries are inevitable. Should we perhaps not let the Prince of Jin participate today?”

Matriarch Wang had naturally been weighing this matter.

The confrontation between two armies was always the highlight of the martial arts tournament. First, it showcased a military unit’s overall strength. Second, it was more entertaining to watch.

Originally, in the plan, the Prince of Jin would lead a squadron of his personal guards and take part in the formation drill.

However, the fact that Prince Yan dared to use the terrifying Fish-Scale Formation was entirely beyond Matriarch Wang’s expectations.

The Prince of Jin was not a true military general and his martial ability was ordinary. Should anything go wrong in such a confrontation, the loss would outweigh the gain. Yet this was such a good chance to perform in front of the Emperor and Prince Xiao. Letting it slip by made Matriarch Wang very unwilling.

After a moment of thought, her gaze landed on Xiao Jingcheng, who was cheerfully drinking and chatting at a nearby seat.

She asked, “Why don’t I see Young Master Yulin?”

Xiao Jingcheng had recently grown accustomed to everyone’s flattery. He said with a grin, “For today’s confrontation, Yulin is responsible for drafting the overall plan and selecting the participating officers. There are countless matters to oversee and every one must be handled personally. He’s so busy that even I barely see him. Why does Matriarch Wang ask? Do you need something from him?”

Matriarch Wang showed just the right amount of difficulty. “There is indeed a small matter. But as Third Master Xiao said, Young Master Yulin is extremely busy. For such a trifling thing, I’d feel embarrassed to trouble him.”

This phrasing pleased him.

Xiao Jingcheng couldn’t resist putting on the air of the future heir’s biological father. “Anyone else is one thing, but for Matriarch Wang, even the smallest matter is important. If Yulin dares to neglect you, I would be the first to object. Why not tell me instead?”

Matriarch Wang cast a glance toward where Prince Yan sat. Fear and resentment stirred together inside her. The unhealed whip-mark on her cheek throbbed silently.

Lowering her voice, she explained the situation, “Originally, I thought that since the Prince of Jin has achieved little military merit since joining the Silver Dragon Cavalry, this martial arts tournament would be a good opportunity to help His Highness share the burden with Prince Xiao and to boost morale. However, that Yan Ju is ruthless. With the Prince of Jin’s abilities, serving on such an important flank position may be beyond his strength and he might even hinder the formation.

“But military affairs follow their own laws. The formation positions were decided long ago. If I were to raise this with Young Master Yulin now, wouldn’t that make things difficult for him?”

Xiao Jingcheng waved his hand dismissively. “Matriarch Wang is overthinking. If you ask me, your concern is entirely correct. The Prince of Jin is of noble status. How can he be placed on the flank as a target for Prince Yan? Yulin didn’t consider this thoroughly enough. He’s still young and inexperienced. He only thought of accommodating the Prince but didn’t consider the consequences. Leave this to me! I’ll talk to him!”

Matriarch Wang was delighted. “If Third Master Xiao is willing to help, that couldn’t be better. It’s only that if Young Master Yulin learns the idea came from me, he might think I’m meddling in military affairs…”

Xiao Jingcheng said, “Don’t worry, I won’t mention the Matriarch. I’m also a member of the Xiao clan and his father, no less. I’ve eaten more salt than he’s walked. Could I stand by and watch him make a mistake without saying anything?”

Just then, Xiao Yulin stepped out of Prince Xiao’s temporary command tent with Mo Qing and several generals. He saw Xiao Jingcheng standing outside.

“Father, is something the matter?” Xiao Yulin came forward.

Xiao Jingcheng dragged him to a quiet corner and said bluntly, “I hear you placed the Prince of Jin on the flank?”

Xiao Yulin frowned. “How did Father know?”

“You fool!” Xiao Jingcheng grew anxious. “Do you know what kind of situation happens today? Prince Yan clearly intends to clash head-on with the Silver Dragon Cavalry! You put the Prince of Jin in such a dangerous position; are you deliberately putting him in harm’s way? If something happens to him, can you take responsibility? Does your Fourth Uncle know about this?”

Xiao Yulin replied calmly, “The Prince of Jin’s participation was personally approved by Fourth Uncle. Fourth Uncle told me to respect the Prince’s wishes and arrange accordingly; I need not report every detail. His Highness personally requested the flank position and insisted on it. The military formation affects the entire structure and all arrangements were jointly drafted by the generals. A sudden change might disrupt the plan.”

Xiao Jingcheng stared at him like he was hopeless. “Do you think I know nothing about military affairs? Changing one small flank unit is nothing! Let me tell you the truth, the Prince himself wants to change position. He felt embarrassed to tell you, so he asked me. Think, the Prince of Jin is your Fourth Uncle’s chosen heir to the throne. If something happens to him, how will you answer your dear Fourth Uncle?”

Xiao Yulin’s brows knit.

So His Highness was retreating because of the Fish-Scale Formation?

“Is Father certain?”

“Why would I lie? If the Prince of Jin hadn’t agreed, would I come talk to you for no reason?”

Placing the Prince of Jin on the flank was never the perfect plan. Xiao Yulin had ultimately agreed because the Prince of Jin repeatedly begged for it and he brought only a small guard unit, so even placing him on a crucial flank wouldn’t harm the overall structure.

And as Xiao Jingcheng said, temporary adjustments to a formation were normal. If the Prince of Jin truly had second thoughts, it wasn’t difficult to accommodate.

Hearing this, Xiao Yulin said, “This is not something I can decide alone. I must discuss it with General Mo Qing.”

“What’s there to discuss? If the Prince of Jin wants a different position, would Mo Qing dare to refuse? Your Fourth Uncle put you in charge because he expects you to make decisive choices at critical moments! That Cui Daohuan is just waiting for the Xiao clan to make mistakes. If the Prince of Jin suffers any mishap during the tournament, it’s not just you, but even Xiao Jingming will be implicated! You, child, everything about you is good except that you’re far too straightforward!

“Even if we take ten thousand steps back, no matter how useless your father is, could I ever harm you?”

Today, Qi Ru, who had not appeared for a long while, also came to the viewing stands.

After Xiao Rong arrived at the martial arts arena, he sat beside Qi Ru with the officials of the Chancellery.

For the past two days, rumors that Xiao Rong had kidnapped Jing Xi and was taken into custody by Prince Yan had spread like wildfire. The moment Xiao Rong showed himself, he naturally drew countless gazes. But with the match about to begin, most officials were still focused on the field. At most, they wondered why Jing Xi, the Thirteenth Protector always favored by Prince Yan, was nowhere to be seen.

It was the Emperor who, upon arrival, immediately asked whether Xiao Rong was injured. His tone was full of concern, his gaze overflowing with fatherly affection. He once again insisted that Xiao Rong sit by his side.

In Xiao Rong’s memory, this Emperor had always loved and doted on him since childhood.

Xiao Rong had been mischievous and troublesome from a young age, always causing trouble. Yet whenever the Emperor visited the Xiao Royal Residence, no matter what wrong Xiao Rong had done, he would plead on Xiao Rong’s behalf before Prince Xiao and bring all kinds of exquisite trinkets as gifts.

Even now, when everyone else wished to grind Xiao Rong into the mud, this Emperor still held him up and shielded him; his kindness and tolerance were almost outrageous.

Xiao Rong rose, answering every question one by one, but used the excuse of serving his mentor to refuse the conspicuous seat the Emperor bestowed. He insisted on sitting among the civil officials.

The Emperor could only smile helplessly. “Your mentor truly has good fortune.” He then instructed Zhang Fu to bring many of the fine wines and dishes from his own table to Xiao Rong.

Next, the officials from the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Rites announced the order of matches.

The Imperial Guards versus the Southwestern garrison.

Northern Yan Iron Cavalry versus the Silver Dragon Cavalry.

It was universally understood that neither the Imperial Guards nor the Southwestern garrison could possibly match the Northern Yan Iron Cavalry or the Silver Dragon Cavalry. With only four competing units, the Ministry of War’s arrangement clearly intended to give the two weaker armies a chance to perform.

“No wonder the Imperial Guards joined the competition against their usual practice. The real target is the Eastern Palace,” an official whispered.

Another added, “I’ve heard Cui Cheng held a grudge against the Crown Prince from years ago. He once lost a public wager to His Highness and the Cui clan has always looked down on the Crown Prince. They openly abandoned him for the Prince of Wei back then. Cui Cheng is famously petty; today, he must be here to settle that old score.”

With three strikes of the drum, the match officially began.

The Imperial Guards were led by Deputy General Cui Cheng, unsurprising to most. What was unexpected was that the Southwestern garrison was commanded personally by the Crown Prince Xi Rong.

Sitting in the stands, Xiao Rong listened to the murmuring around him, but his gaze remained fixed on Xi Rong’s waist.

Today, Xi Rong looked naturally valiant. Yet the sword he wore was not Shan’a, but the prize Xiao Rong had won and which was bestowed by the Emperor; the trophy from yesterday’s archery spectacle.

Both the Imperial Guards and the Southwestern garrison formed common battlefield square formations.

However, the Imperial Guards used an assault formation, while the Southwestern garrison adopted a defensive formation. As soon as the match began, Cui Cheng led a mounted vanguard forward like a blade through silk, smashing the iron-shield front line of the Southwestern garrison to pieces.

Cui Cheng possessed natural brute strength and extraordinary arm power. Wielding two heavy hammers, he knocked two Southwestern officers off their horses in the opening clashes, plunging the Southwestern formation into chaos.

The spectators collectively tensed.

Cui Cheng looked toward Xi Rong from afar and sneered. Then he plunged back into the heart of the Southwestern formation like a steel knife.

The officials inhaled sharply, thinking the Eastern Palace was doomed. Yet after only a few exchanges, the previously scattered Southwestern troops suddenly shifted positions with crisp precision. In a blink, they severed Cui Cheng’s vanguard in half.

Cui Cheng turned and spotted Jiang Cheng, holding the signal flag and directing the attack. His eyes bulged with fury as he wheeled his horse to attack Jiang Cheng. Jiang Cheng did not linger, retreating as he fought, drawing Cui Cheng deeper, until he once again fell into a fresh encirclement. Meanwhile, the Imperial Guards who had charged in from three sides were also cut apart and surrounded.

Cui Cheng grew increasingly agitated, attempting to break out in several directions, all in vain. Then he spotted an opening splitting before him. Delighted, he immediately charged through, only to run straight into Xi Rong waiting calmly ahead.

Xi Rong finally drew the sword at his waist.

Cui Cheng roared and spurred his horse, clashing directly with Xi Rong.

After only a few exchanges, he was struck down from his horse by a single clean strike.

Prince Yan had been watching with narrowed eyes. Seeing this, he snorted lightly. “Why did it take him so much effort to deal with just one man? Showing off, like a peacock spreading its tail.”

Hearing Prince Yan’s words, Gongsun Yu and Zhang Ran exchanged glances, wearing strange expressions.

To them, although this match wasn’t truly spectacular, the Crown Prince had waited for the perfect moment and executed the counter beautifully. Yet His Highness Prince Yan showed not the slightest appreciation.

The officials shifted uneasily, while Matriarch Wang’s face was particularly sour.

Xiao Rong only smiled as he refilled a bowl of tea for his teacher, Qi Ru.

Cui Cheng was carried off in disgrace. A few officers tried to support him, but he angrily shoved them away.

“I told you, Cousin, you should never underestimate the enemy,” Cui Xie said coldly.

Cui Cheng glared at him, eyes red, and stalked off.

Xi Rong remained composed, neither proud nor shaken. After leaving the field, he went to thank the Emperor for his favor, accepted his reward, then sat back down and carefully wiped the blood from his blade.

The match between the Imperial Guards and the Southwestern garrison was not particularly fierce, but the already tense atmosphere reached a peak after this ‘appetizer.’

As the vast, black-armored Northern Yan Iron Cavalry lined up on the drill field, like ten thousand dark scales glinting with killing intent under the sun, the second battle that all under heaven awaited was finally about to begin.