Accidentally Having a Baby with the Future Emperor - Chapter 84

I would not be updating the novel here any longer. Please head to Mistmint Haven for continuous updates. See yall there~

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Inside the Hall of Splendor, Prince Xiao stood with his back to the assembled officers, hands clasped behind him, his gaze fixed on a map of the capital’s outskirts.

When Xiao Rong entered, the military officers all rose to salute the young man. He returned the gesture respectfully.

The Silver Dragon Cavalry was known for its strict discipline. During Prince Xiao’s councils, there were no reserved seats and anyone who came late simply took the last place. Thus, Xiao Rong went to the end of the hall and knelt formally. He had barely settled when a voice rang out.

“Xiao Rong, this is a military council, not a place for you to flaunt your arrogance. The martial arts tournament concerns matters of great importance. Who will preside over it should be decided by Fourth Uncle and the generals, not by you.”

Xiao Rong didn’t even need to look to know who it was. Without turning his gaze, he smoothed his sleeves, then lifted his eyes and said evenly, “Since I dared to volunteer, I naturally already have a thorough plan. Could it be that my words don’t count, but yours do? I was just now seeking Father’s opinion. Since when has the Silver Dragon Cavalry ever had a rule that someone other than the commander may speak in his place?”

The speaker was Xiao Yuke. He too now held a position in the army, although stationed at a camp far from the northern garrison, so he and Xiao Rong had not yet crossed paths in military affairs.

Xiao Yuke had always clashed with Xiao Rong, the heir apparent. Back when they studied together at Jade Dragon Terrace, he had despised Xiao Rong’s arrogance, how he relied on his title, looked down on others, flaunted his talent, and once even criticized his elder brother Xiao Yulin’s writing in public. Their arguments had been frequent and sharp.

After years of such exchanges, Xiao Yuke knew well that Xiao Rong had a sharp tongue. Hearing this now, he realized he’d been outmaneuvered once again; his face turned pale with anger. “Fourth Uncle, I—” Before so many eyes, Xiao Yuke had no choice but to rise and bow in apology to Prince Xiao. This Fourth Uncle of his ruled the army with severity. Although usually kind, he never hesitated when discipline was breached. Thus, Xiao Yuke feared and respected him in equal measure.

“Sit,” said Prince Xiao. “Continue.”

“Yes, Your Highness.” Xiao Yuke exhaled softly, sat back down, and finished his earlier report. When he was done, he glanced at Xiao Rong across the table and said, “Your Highness, regarding the martial arts tournament, this nephew also has some thoughts.”

“Speak,” said Prince Xiao, taking the teacup handed to him by his adjutant.

Xiao Yuke stood again. “First, I know my experience is limited. Since joining the Silver Dragon Cavalry, I’ve learned much under Your Highness’s and the generals’ guidance, yet I’ve accomplished little. I feel ashamed. Thus, I wish to volunteer for the tournament to temper myself. I promise to remain humble and to uphold the honor of Your Highness and the Silver Dragon Cavalry.

“Second, Prince Yan is vindictive and has long been at odds with Your Highness. His sudden decision to join the tournament likely hides ulterior motives. If it were an open and fair contest, we would have nothing to fear. But I’ve heard he’s now allied with the Cui clan and Cui Daohuan is a man of deep scheming and underhanded methods. Therefore, the venue and rules of the tournament must be chosen with extreme care. We must not give them a chance to tamper in secret.”

“Young Master Yuke speaks true,” said a general seated beside him immediately.

“Your Highness, in past years, the martial arts tournament has always been held at the Imperial Guard’s training ground. Should the Ministry of War select a different location this time?”

Mo Qing spoke up, “Young Master Yuke’s concerns aren’t unfounded. However, the Imperial Guard’s grounds lie within the palace walls. They’re fully equipped and convenient for His Majesty and the court to observe. If we were to change the venue, where would we move it?”

Xiao Yuke said, “The Silver Dragon Cavalry’s own grounds would be ideal, but as the general said, they’re far from the city and not so convenient. What if… we chose another location and built a new training ground altogether?”

The generals exchanged uncertain looks.

“Build a new one?” Xiao Rong, who had been silent all this time, finally raised his eyes again. “And where,” he asked coolly, “would the money come from?

“Building a new training ground suitable for the tournament would cost a great deal,” Xiao Rong said coolly. “If you, Xiao Yuke, or your third branch wish to pay for it out of your own pockets, I have no objection. But if the money comes from the Ministry of War, then wouldn’t the Xiao clan be accused of wasting the people’s hard-earned taxes?

“There’s only one month left until the tournament. Do you really think you can construct a new field that quickly? The martial arts tournament draws the eyes of the entire realm. If anything goes wrong with the new grounds, will you, Xiao Yuke, bear the responsibility?

“Of course,” Xiao Rong continued, “that’s not even the worst of it. You yourself said Cui Daohuan is cunning and deceitful. So tell me, won’t he seize this chance to spread the rumor that the Silver Dragon Cavalry avoided the Imperial Guard’s field because we fear the Northern Yan army?”

Zhang He spoke first. “The heir speaks rightly. Your Highness, if we suddenly change the venue this year, word will spread and those who don’t know the truth may really think the Silver Dragon Cavalry has lost its nerve.”

“Indeed, Your Highness,” another general said, “this subordinate agrees with the heir’s view.”

One after another, the officers voiced their support.

Xiao Yuke, of course, had considered these points. But his father, Xiao Jingcheng, now worked in the Ministry of Works. Before Xiao Yuke left for the meeting, upon learning that he would be attending a council regarding the upcoming tournament, Xiao Jingcheng had repeatedly urged him to raise the matter of building a new training ground.

In truth, Xiao Yuke himself thought it would be fine to use the Silver Dragon Cavalry’s field or another existing one instead of the Imperial Guard’s.

However, his father had played the pitiful card too well.

“Yuke,” his father had said, “you don’t understand how ruthless your Fourth Uncle is. He’s always despised me, your father, and has suppressed me for years. I’m his elder brother by blood, yet I’m still only a fifth-rank clerk in the Ministry of Works, not even a vice minister. That wretch Wang Yanshou, a nobody from a fallen house, has already been promoted to vice minister. I can hardly show my face these days. And that brat Xiao Rong will probably go straight into the Chancellery or the Central Secretariat in the future. When that happens, your father will have to bow and salute him! You know his temper; he’ll make sure our entire third branch is trampled underfoot. If I don’t carve out a bit of leverage for myself now, once he takes control of the Xiao clan, we’ll be finished.”

That final argument had convinced Xiao Yuke. He had been prepared for his proposal to be rejected but he hadn’t expected it to be Xiao Rong who shot it down. Coming from that mouth, any rejection was sure to be laced with barbs, mockery, and icy disdain.

Now, seeing that most of the generals sided with Xiao Rong, Xiao Yuke could only bite back his frustration. His face flushed red as he muttered, “It was thoughtless of me.”

“No harm done,” said Prince Xiao mildly, his expression unchanged. “It’s good to have initiative. As for the tournament, I was already planning to select more young officers this year. If you wish to take part, consider it an opportunity for experience.”

Xiao Yuke brightened immediately and bowed. “Thank you, Fourth Uncle, for your trust.”

The other generals then continued to present their reports and opinions on the tournament.

An hour passed before they knew it.

At last, Prince Xiao gave several final orders and said, “I’ve heard all your views. If there’s nothing else, we’ll adjourn for today.”

Xiao Rong rose and bowed. “Father,” he said, “I haven’t yet spoken of my own plans for the tournament.”

Prince Xiao glanced at him. “You don’t need to participate this time. If you have ideas, you can discuss them privately with whoever I appoint as commander.”

The hall fell silent. Everyone was taken aback by the remark.

Xiao Rong stood motionless for a moment. Then, without changing expression, he took a stack of notes from his sleeve, walked to the center of the hall, and knelt. “I have already drafted two detailed plans for the tournament next month,” he said. “I ask Father to review them and to give me a chance to prove myself.”

Prince Xiao’s voice was calm but cold. “Did you not hear what I just said?”

Still, Xiao Rong knelt, unmoving.

The chamber grew utterly silent.

After a pause, Prince Xiao set down his teacup and turned to Xiao Yulin, who had been silent the whole time. “Yulin,” he said, “until I formally appoint a commander, you will temporarily oversee preparations for the tournament.”

Mo Qing looked startled.

Xiao Yulin lifted his head, uncertain he’d heard correctly. Rising quickly, he said in alarm, “Fourth Uncle, in terms of military experience, I’m far beneath the heir. Please let the heir take charge instead.”

“This matter is settled,” Prince Xiao said firmly. “If there’s anything you don’t understand, ask Mo Qing.”

And with that, the decision was made. Thus, Xiao Yulin could no longer decline.

“Mo Qing, Zhang He, you two are to fully assist Xiao Yulin in preparing for the martial arts tournament.” Prince Xiao gave his next order.

Mo Qing and Zhang He exchanged a glance and rose to obey.

Soon, the vast council hall was empty save for Xiao Rong alone.

Zhang He was the last to leave. Seeing the young man still kneeling stubbornly in place, he couldn’t help walking over. “Young Prince,” he said, “I’ve handled the preparations for the martial arts tournament before. It’s tedious and troublesome, hardly as exciting as bandit-hunting. If you ask me, it’s not worth the effort. If we could truly wipe out the northern outlaws, the credit wouldn’t be less than that of hosting a tournament. And besides, life at the northern camp is far freer. Once you’re in charge of the tournament, you’ll be working right under the Prince’s watchful eye every day.”

Xiao Rong said, “I’m not doing this for credit.”

“Then what for?” Zhang He rubbed his chin, teasing. “Surely not just to get scolded?”

Xiao Rong didn’t answer. He bent to pick up two pages of his discarded drafts and said quietly, “In any case, I won’t give up so easily.”

When Zhang He left, Mo Dong entered and helped Xiao Rong to his feet. “Young Prince, can you still walk? Should I apply more medicine to your legs?” Seeing how pale Xiao Rong looked, Mo Dong spoke with concern.

“No need.” Xiao Rong silently massaged his knees and walked out on his own. As he descended from Jade Dragon Terrace, he saw Xiao Yuke and Xiao Yulin standing below, speaking with Mo Qing.

Xiao Yulin was clearly consulting Mo Qing on some matters, his manner very respectful.

Xiao Yuke stood beside him with folded arms and when he caught sight of Xiao Rong approaching, a smug, taunting smile crossed his face. “Xiao Rong, I told you that the army isn’t a place for you to do as you please. So, was I right?” Xiao Yuke deliberately raised his voice.

Xiao Rong hadn’t intended to answer, but at that, he gave him a disdainful glance. “No wonder the air suddenly reeks. Turns out there’s a fly buzzing here.”

“Xiao Rong!” Xiao Yuke’s face darkened. “Don’t think that just because you’re the heir, you can do whatever you want! I’ll have you know, my brother is now the one appointed by Fourth Uncle to oversee the martial arts tournament. You wanted to be involved, didn’t you? If you beg him nicely, maybe he’ll be generous enough to let you offer a few suggestions.”

“Suggestions?” Xiao Rong slowly drew out a thick stack of drafts from his sleeve, flipping through them. “I am quite satisfied with these two plans I drafted myself. But there are some people unworthy of seeing them. I’d rather feed them to the dogs than let my work go to waste.”

“You—!” Xiao Yuke was furious, about to retort, when Xiao Yulin stopped him.

“Do not be rude to the heir,” he scolded his brother and then bowed slightly toward Xiao Rong. “Yuke speaks too freely. I hope the Young Prince won’t take it to heart.”

Xiao Rong stared at him. “So you know he’s disrespectful and insolent toward his superior. What if I do take it to heart? All this empty courtesy is meaningless. If you’re truly apologetic, then do as the rules dictate and slap his mouth. And since he lacks discipline, as his elder brother, you should slap your own as well.”

“Xiao Rong! Don’t push me too far!” Xiao Yuke grabbed Xiao Yulin, ready to confront him.

Mo Dong stepped in front of Xiao Rong first. “Young Master Yuke, the Prince detests it most when the clan’s children brawl and vie for dominance. You’d best not violate his taboo.”

Mo Qing added in time, “Best heed his words.”

The Xiao clan’s house rules were harsh and despite his anger, Xiao Yuke didn’t dare go further. He could only grit his teeth and glare daggers at Xiao Rong.

Xiao Rong folded his arms and sneered. “Xiao Yuke, this is the Xiao Royal Residence, not your branch’s territory. If you want to throw a tantrum, pick another place. If I truly wished to punish you, do you think you’d walk out of here in one piece? The only reason I’m letting this go today isn’t for your sake, nor for your third branch’s. I just don’t want others laughing at the Xiao clan’s disgrace.” With that, Xiao Rong turned and strode off.

He left Xiao Yuke behind, teeth clenched, stomping in frustration.

Outside the main courtyard, Xiao Rong went straight to Xiao En. “I wish to see Father.”

Xiao En pointed inward, shaking his head. He said softly, “Young Prince, listen to this old servant. It’s best to go back for now.”

Xiao Rong didn’t move. “I’ll just wait here.”

Xiao En looked helpless. “Why make things so hard on yourself, Young Prince? The Prince is meeting with the Central Secretariat officials later. What would it look like if you stood here like this?”

“He can meet whom he pleases; I’ll just wait. I’m not interrupting his business.” Xiao Rong’s tone was calm. “I’ve already lost face worse than this. If I’m not afraid, why should you be?”

There was nothing Xiao En could say. As officials began to arrive, he had no choice but to retreat inside.

Xiao Rong waited from broad daylight until after the evening meal. The sky had gone completely dark, yet no one came to summon him. He knew then that he wouldn’t see Prince Xiao today. He understood better than anyone that this was his father’s way of making him pay for what he’d done two years ago.

Of course, even without that incident, he might not have been deemed fit to represent the Xiao clan in the martial arts tournament.

However, he was Xiao Rong; he would never give up easily.

Returning to his quarters, Xiao Rong ate a few bites of his supper, then knelt before his desk, spread out paper, and began grinding ink. He started writing another proposal: An Overview of Common Formations Used by the Northern Yan Army. He had spent six full months in the Northern Yan military camp, observing their formations day after day, rain or shine, participating in their drills.

No one understood the Northern Yan army’s combat approaches better than he did and no one saw more clearly their weaknesses and limitations. He refused to believe that, in terms of knowing one’s enemy, anyone among the Silver Dragon Cavalry was more qualified to face Northern Yan than he. He was certain that this proposal would convince his father.

Xiao Rong wrote with total concentration.

He was so absorbed that, midway through, a wave of sudden nausea struck him without warning. His brush froze mid-stroke.

If not for these occasional spells of discomfort, he might have almost forgotten that he was carrying another burden inside him. Yet he took no steps to ease the sickness. When it passed, he took a sip of a chilled drink and continued writing. If exhausting himself could make the thing within him fade naturally, so much the better.

Xiao Rong worked through the nights, writing by lamplight. After three days and three nights, he completed the new proposal. On the fourth morning, he took the finished manuscript to see Prince Xiao.

As usual, Prince Xiao was working in the Hall of Splendor.

It wasn’t Xiao En who greeted him this time, but Mo Chun, the Prince’s personal guard. “The Prince says the Young Prince may enter.”

To Xiao Rong’s surprise, his father had not shut him out today.

Entering the hall, he saw that beside Prince Xiao sat another man, an elderly gentleman, lean and sharp-featured, his beard and hair entirely white, wearing a grey scholar’s robe. It was Grand Chancellor Qi Ru.

After bowing to his father, Xiao Rong knelt again and gave a deep salute to the old man. “Your disciple pays respect to his teacher.”

“Rise,” Qi Ru said with a genial smile.

Xiao Rong asked, “Master, what brings you here?”

The last time they returned to the capital together, the old tutor had changed carriages halfway and gone back to Qizhou instead. In Xiao Rong’s eyes, his venerable teacher, although past sixty, was still keen of mind and sharp of vision, far from the state of retirement.

All these years, Grand Chancellor Qi had claimed illness and stayed out of public affairs, clearly choosing to avoid the factional strife at court. It was, after all, consistent with the Qi clan of Qizhou’s long-standing stance of political neutrality.

Qi Ru said, “I came today to discuss with your father the matter of your appointment to the Chancellery.”

Xiao Rong was taken aback. He instinctively turned to look at his father, disbelief flickering in his eyes.

Qi Ru smiled. “No need to look at your father. It’s true he originally intended for you to enter the Central Secretariat, but I believe the Chancellery offers broader opportunities for experience. Your father has already agreed to the change. If you have no objections, I will submit your nomination to the Chancellery and to His Majesty today.”

Xiao Rong said nothing for a long moment.

Qi Ru’s tone grew a little sharper. “What is it? You’re unwilling? Or do you think the Chancellery beneath you and that you should go directly into the Secretariat?”

“It’s not that.” Xiao Rong lifted his head and gave a faint smile. “I have no objection. I’ll follow my teacher’s arrangements.”

Qi Ru’s expression softened at that. “I’ve heard you’ve been training with the Silver Dragon Cavalry. That’s good. It’s worthwhile for a scholar to learn something of military affairs. But after all, you studied under me for many years and earned your degree through the imperial examinations. You can’t stay in the barracks forever. Your learning must eventually serve its proper purpose. Since you have no objection, I’ll go to the palace shortly to speak with His Majesty.”

Xiao Rong personally escorted Qi Ru out of the Xiao Royal Residence. When he returned to his quarters, he ordered Mo Dong to bring a brazier and then threw all his manuscripts into the flames.

Mo Dong stood by in silence, too afraid to speak.

He couldn’t understand it. The Young Prince had all but worked himself sleepless to complete those papers and when he finished, he looked satisfied for the first time in days. Yet now, in the span of a single morning, he was burning all his work to ash.

Xiao Rong sat kneeling on the woven mat, sleeves spread, watching expressionlessly as the flames devoured page after page of fine paper. Just then, a flash of red darted past. A crimson shadow leapt into the brazier, snatched a few sheets from the fire, and began playing with them on the floor.

It was Chi Nu, the red fox.

Mo Dong jumped in fright and was about to retrieve the papers, but Xiao Rong stopped him.

“Leave it.”

Xiao Rong then poured a cup of tea into the brazier, extinguishing the remaining flames. He gathered up the half-burnt pages, laid them out neatly on the floor, and began sorting them. “Later, go to the third branch and find Xiao Yulin,” he said without looking up. “Tell him to set a time. I have something to discuss with him.”

Mo Dong wondered if he’d misheard and forgot to respond.

Xiao Rong raised his eyes. “What’s wrong? Did I not make myself clear? Oh, and tell him this,” Xiao Rong added, his tone turning cold. “He’s not to bring that fool Xiao Yuke along. If he does, he needn’t blame me for turning hostile.”

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“Xiao Rong is entering the Chancellery?”

At the Cui residence, Cui Xie’s brows knitted together as his face darkened.

“Yes,” said Cui Jiu. “Word is that Grand Chancellor Qi himself delivered the recommendation to the palace today.”

“It’s odd he entered the Chancellery rather than the Central Secretariat, but with Grand Chancellor Qi’s personal backing, the matter is likely settled. That Xiao Rong truly has a way of ruining your plans, eldest young master. The Minister of State Affairs has been painstakingly courting Liu Bingyang and the Censorate to push for your appointment there and now Xiao Rong has beaten you to it. Also, there’s another matter.”

“What is it?” Cui Xie’s tone grew even colder.

“The Eastern Palace, it seems, intends to nominate a few of their own generals to participate in this year’s martial arts tournament,” said Cui Jiu.

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I would not be updating the novel here any longer. Please head to Mistmint Haven for continuous updates. See yall there~