Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

When He Suifen’s letter reached Xu Mao, she opened it and carefully read its contents. The letter detailed the rise of a social-climbing man, but while angered by this account, Xu Mao noticed a crucial detail: Shang Fanzhi maintained close ties with followers of the Celestial God Sect.

The Celestial God Sect—her old rival.

Due to its unique nature, the sect had rapidly expanded its influence with formidable cohesion. Its leader was a troublesome figure who had gathered many talented individuals under his wing, including the famed official Song Jian, who would later defect to her scoundrel father and become the prime minister of the new dynasty.

Xu Mao hadn’t expected to encounter the Celestial God Sect here. A perfect opportunity for mischief had arrived. She narrowed her eyes, a sharp glint flashing within them.

Since the imperial court was dragging its feet, she might as well take the initiative. By provoking neighboring regions early, she could hasten her own demise and rebirth. Xu Mao immediately made her decision and declared loudly, Everyone, emergency assembly!

The urgent drumbeats suddenly erupted as if signaling a critical crisis. Everyone in the army was instantly alert, their bodies tense and hairs standing on end. They hastily set aside their tasks, straightened their uniforms and hairbands, and rushed to form ranks.

In less than half a quarter-hour, the formation was complete. Everyone stood tall with stern expressions.

Xu Mao ordered each class to take roll call to ensure all were present. She nodded slightly, feigning an authoritative demeanor, and announced gravely, We’ve just received news of an incident in Baoping. It’s reported that the Celestial God Sect is there deceiving people, swaggering about and acting recklessly. Now that Jin Province belongs to our Loyal Army, we cannot allow others to cause trouble in our territory.

Upon hearing this, the leading class captains raised their arms angrily and swore bitterly, Eradicate the Celestial God Sect! Restore peace to Baoping!

The others immediately scowled in agreement, joining in the thunderous shouts that pierced the clouds. The overwhelming force of their voices even startled Xu Mao, the instigator herself.

Xu Mao raised both hands, pressing downward in a calming gesture to signal for silence.

When the noise subsided, she continued, My plan is as follows: Classes One through Three, along with the Experimental Class, will remain to guard the city and continue training as scheduled. The rest will accompany me to Baoping, with the new recruits joining the expedition.

This arrangement left Jin Province undermanned and vulnerable. If any clever and bold officials in neighboring regions realized this quickly, they would recognize it as a prime opportunity to retake Jin Province and redeem their honor.

Moreover, by bringing the new recruits along—soldiers who had just settled in and were immediately thrust into battle—she risked breeding resentment and resistance. At the very least, their perception of her would sour, and trust would diminish significantly.

Additionally, these recruits hadn’t yet completed their integration period with the Loyal Army. Their coordination was poor, and they were prone to conflicts during operations.

In tense and dangerous environments, everyone’s nerves would be on edge, making them more sensitive and irritable—like firecrackers ready to ignite. Without adequate conditions for calm communication, internal stability would become a major issue.

Most importantly, these soldiers had defected once before. There was no guarantee they wouldn’t betray her a second time.

Based on her understanding of imperial troops and past experience, conventional armies typically become demoralized when casualties reach around forty percent. Soldiers grow anxious and restless, collapsing at the first strike during battle. When the situation turns dire, desertions surge dramatically.

The crowd erupted in delight, eyes sparkling with joy and faces radiant—except for the soldiers of Squads One through Three, who hung their heads in gloom. They understood garrisons were necessary and a full-scale deployment impossible, so each comforted themselves with thoughts of future opportunities.

After Xu Mao announced the orders and dismissed the assembly, the soldiers hurried back to pack supplies for the journey.

Xu Heng trailed behind her elder sister, tugging at her sleeve while pleading, Elder Sister, I want to go too. I don’t want to wait here for you. Please let me come along.

Xu Mao hadn’t originally planned to bring Xu Heng, but reconsidered: if local authorities launched a surprise attack during her absence, others might flee, and officials would likely show restraint toward civilians to avoid inciting public outrage. However, as her sister, Xu Heng held a unique status—falling into government hands would guarantee a grim fate.

After brief contemplation, Xu Mao agreed, Very well. Stay close to me and don’t wander off.

Xu Heng leaped with joy, springing three feet into the air.

Xu Mao made swift preparations, inventorying supplies before ordering their departure. A prolonged horn blast echoed as the massive, shadowy column marched toward Baoping in formidable formation.

The distance to Baoping wasn’t extreme—Xu Mao’s forces covered it in two days of rapid marching. The local officials had fled with their belongings when Jin Province fell, leaving minor clerks in charge. Surprisingly, the administration continued operating as these clerks maintained their separate duties.

Deep in the night, as the clerks slept soundly, urgent pounding reverberated at one door like a death knell. The panicked visitor roused a sleeping clerk from his dreams.

Irritated at the interruption, the clerk glanced out the window. Moonlight pooled like liquid mercury, casting cyan-blue hues across the scene. The arid cold confirmed the early hour, fueling his resentment.

He sat up angrily, threw on an outer robe, and lit a candle. Holding the candlestick, he shuffled toward the door while drawling, Stop rushing! I’m coming! What’s the matter?

The door creaked open to reveal a colleague from the yamen, whose face was ghastly pale with lips turned sinister indigo—a specter seemingly come to claim souls.

The clerk recoiled in terror, stumbling backward as his candle flew into the dust. Splattered molten wax seared his wrist. Hissing in pain, he clutched his trembling joint and stammered, Wh-who are you looking for?

The visitor appeared even more terrified, mouth gaping soundlessly before he finally managed fragmented, repeated phrases. After collecting himself, he quavered, D-disaster! The Loyal Army is in Baoping! They’re right in the county office—soldiers beyond counting!
At this hour? The clerk’s pupils dilated. Scrambling up frantically, he swallowed hard and paced like a headless fly, lips quivering. Let’s go! We must see her immediately!

As he stepped out on wobbling legs, he remembered his disheveled state and scurried back inside. Let me get dressed…

The messenger didn’t wait, already rushing to alert every remaining yamen staffer in their residences.

The same scene played out successively at the homes of various minor officials and bailiffs. Everyone rushed to the government office in a flurry to meet Xu Mao, kneeling in neat rows across the floor.

Xu Mao had no intention of making things difficult for them and cut straight to the point: Is there a man named Shang Fanzhi in this city? I’ve heard he seized his wife’s family fortune and is now living lavishly?

The minor official broke into a sweat, his mind racing as he wondered how Xu Mao knew about Shang Fanzhi. She seemed well-informed, and though no one had reported it to her, he doubted she would come specifically to inquire without cause. Her phrasing carried negative connotations—this matter was clearly serious.

Assessing the gravity of the situation, the official replied in a trembling voice, Marshal, there is indeed a Shang Fanzhi in Baoping. However, we know little about him seizing his wife’s property. We’ve only heard that Mo Gong held him in high regard, keeping him close whether conducting business or in daily life. Shang Fanzhi served him like a father, and when Mo Gong was on his deathbed, he fainted repeatedly from grief—proof of their deep bond.
In my humble opinion, the official shifted his tone abruptly, since Mo Gong had only one daughter, it’s not unusual for him to entrust the family estate to his son-in-law. Then he added, But after Shang Fanzhi inherited the Mo family’s wealth, he grew negligent, revealing his true nature. He squandered the family’s money recklessly, grew increasingly disdainful of Lady Mo, and spent nine out of ten nights in pleasure houses—utterly shameless and despicable.

Unable to discern Xu Mao’s true intentions, the official—equipped with eight hundred cunning schemes—opted for a diplomatic approach. He first praised Shang Fanzhi, then highlighted his moral decline, implying the man had feigned virtue to achieve his goals before showing his true colors. This way, he covered both angles and left room for maneuver.

Even if Xu Mao were testing him—first feigning condemnation of Shang Fanzhi, then suddenly switching to lavish praise—he had prepared responses for either scenario.

Xu Mao frowned, recognizing the official’s evasiveness, and decided to intimidate him: It seems you’re all well aware of these matters. Then why hasn’t anyone helped Lady Mo? How could you stand by while he carouses abroad?

Drenched in sweat and trembling inwardly, the official kowtowed twice, loudly proclaiming his innocence. Shifting blame in the magistrate’s absence, he pleaded, Marshal, please investigate! It’s not that I was unwilling to help, but the magistrate paid no heed. My hands were tied! Besides, having no relation to Lady Mo, if I’d pressed to assist her, it might have seemed overly eager. Rumors would have spread throughout Baoping, damaging her reputation.

His explanation was reasonable. Though somewhat dissatisfied, Xu Mao couldn’t press further and let it slide, turning to her main objective. She commanded, You and the county bailiffs are to arrest Shang Fanzhi. I want him brought before me by 7 a.m. If you fail, do not return until you have him.

Relieved, the official wiped his sweaty forehead with his sleeve, realizing Xu Mao’s target was Shang Fanzhi. He crawled forward, offered an ingratiating smile, and boldly bargained, cupping his hands: Marshal, rest assured—I will handle this promptly. He’s likely at his mistress’s residence now. We’ll deliver him to you shortly. However, may I borrow a few of your guards to ensure success?

Xu Mao gave a faint hum of approval, casually assigned a squad, and ordered them to return quickly.

The minor official, bailiffs, and the Loyal Army marched out with imposing dignity, their formation grand. The minor official walked at the front of the procession, his heart filled with boundless satisfaction.

Just as the minor official had anticipated, Shang Fanzhi was sleeping soundly beside his concubine, lost in sweet dreams and completely unaware. Suddenly, a loud clatter erupted outside the gatehouse, shattering the peace and harmony. The faint metallic clinks of armor and weapons in motion, along with chaotic footsteps, woke Shang Fanzhi.

Shang Fanzhi groggily opened his eyes and felt a cold sensation against his neck. When he focused his gaze, he saw a sharp blade pressed against his throat, causing his soul to flee in terror and all drowsiness to vanish instantly.
Who—who are you? What are you doing? Shang Fanzhi cried out in panic.