Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 62

Chapter 62

Xu Heng tightened her embrace around Xu Mao’s waist, nearly suffocating her. Xu Mao carefully twisted her body and heard Xu Heng insist stubbornly: No, I don’t want to be separated from Elder Sister. Wherever you are, I’ll be there.

Her voice was low but resolute, coupled with an inexplicable innate strength that made her powerful arms cling tightly to Xu Mao.

Xu Mao took a shallow breath, grabbed Xu Heng’s sleeve and gently pulled it outward to create some breathing space. After composing herself, she reconsidered Xu Heng’s reaction and decided she had to give her a satisfactory answer.

Alright, if you don’t want to go back then don’t. The world is unstable lately, the journey home is dangerous and prone to incidents. We’ll bring mother here after we’ve settled down properly. Unable to persuade Xu Heng, Xu Mao had to abandon her initial plan of sending Xu Heng away from Jin Province and agreed to let her stay.

Only then did Xu Heng become satisfied, nuzzling into Xu Mao’s embrace. That’s exactly right. There are refugees everywhere now, with wild beasts and bandits running rampant. It’s so dangerous. If Elder Sister isn’t by my side, I’d be scared. Moreover, I never want to see Elder Sister injured or imprisoned again with no one to help you. As long as I’m here, I won’t allow anyone to harm Elder Sister!

She spoke with grave seriousness, though her face and voice revealed she was still young – merely a school-aged child. Xu Mao didn’t take it seriously.

Considering Xu Heng had been somewhat upset earlier and wasn’t to be provoked, Xu Mao hid her smile and nodded earnestly along with her wishes, coaxing gently: This works well too. When sisters unite, their strength can break metal. With A-Heng assisting me, our great cause can be accomplished.

Xu Heng raised her head proudly, but as she slightly turned her face, her features vanished into the darkness. When Xu Mao couldn’t see her, a sudden glint flashed in her eyes, her voice barely audible: This world can only belong to Elder Sister. Whoever dares to stand in your way, I’ll eliminate them for you…

Under Xu Heng’s strong insistence, Xu Mao changed her original plans. While awaiting the capital’s response, she knew that when troops reached the city walls, it would be a moment of life and death separation.

In Song’an, the Du residence had received Xu Mao’s message early and came out to welcome her. Lin Shuniang and Tang Zhegui were also exceptionally delighted, rising before dawn to wash up and waiting at the city gates.

The weather was gradually cooling, with a thin layer of white frost covering the roadside corners. Xu Mao bent down to disembark from the carriage, facing Lin Shuniang and Tang Zhegui who hurried forward to support her.

No need, I can manage myself. Xu Mao waved her hand, declining their assistance and getting off the carriage on her own. She went straight to the point, inquiring about the situation: I’ve already seen He Suifen and Wang Xingzhu, they’ve settled down peacefully now. Only Song’an remains, being the farthest journey with unclear circumstances. I couldn’t rest easy, so I rushed here. From what you described in your letter, does Madam Du intend to teach in the Loyal Army?

Seeing Xu Mao’s deep concern, Lin Shuniang was moved but remembered important matters, replying: Exactly so. Since Madam Du returned home after her separation, she has suffered from gossip and slander, depressed all day with thoughts of death. I privately believe that Madam Du’s exceptional talent shouldn’t be buried, leading to such an outcome. That’s why I boldly reported this to the Marshal.

With Lin Shuniang helping to speak on their behalf, Xue Ling and Du Gongsong nearby breathed sighs of relief, feeling reassured. They stepped forward, cupped their hands in salute, and paid respects to Xu Mao. After exchanging brief pleasantries and inquiries about each other’s wellbeing, they half-turned to invite her into the Du residence for detailed discussions. As they walked, they explained their daughter’s situation to Xu Mao.

Xue Ling wiped her tears, suppressing sobs as she walked slightly behind Xu Mao’s right side. She earnestly pleaded, Marshal, we don’t ask for special treatment for our daughter. She only needs meals and some work to make a living. Please take her in and allow her to travel with the Loyal Army.

She sighed helplessly several times, her face full of sorrow. We parents ultimately wish for nothing more than our children’s safety. I believe that by interacting more with the righteous and courageous women in the Loyal Army, she can be influenced by the army’s excellent customs and broaden her horizons. This might help her open her heart and emerge from the quagmire of her past.

Though I am but a woman confined to the inner quarters, I deeply admire your righteous deeds in saving people from suffering, Marshal. Touched by your virtue, I wish to donate ten thousand volumes from my collection for the Loyal Army to read freely. Through reading, they may understand propriety and better benefit the common people! Xue Ling stopped and bowed deeply to Xu Mao.

In this era, books were precious possessions. Many families measured their wealth by their book collections. Noble families fleeing would rather abandon all their belongings than part with their books, pushing heavily laden carts of scrolls in their escape—books were life itself.

Xue Ling’s willingness to offer ten thousand volumes demonstrated her tremendous determination. She would risk everything to get her daughter into the Loyal Army.

Faced with such commitment, Xu Mao widened her eyes in astonishment. She quickly helped Xue Ling up, saying urgently, This won’t do, Madam Xue. Your gift is too generous. I cannot accept it.

Xu Mao pretended to be troubled, frowning as she said, It’s not that I don’t want to keep Madam Du in the army, but we have regulations. Anyone joining the Loyal Army must pass examinations. Whether guests, advisors, or ordinary soldiers—everyone must undergo testing and evaluation.

If Madam Du wishes to teach in the Loyal Army, she must first take the preliminary written exam, followed by an interview. This process is unavoidable. If she fails, it would be difficult to justify to others… But among the countless applicants for guest positions, only Wu Hongying has passed so far. Would Madam Du be able to accept this?

She clearly explained the prerequisites to Xue Ling, deliberately emphasizing certain points to intimidate her slightly.

Upon hearing this, Xue Ling immediately clasped her hands excitedly. That’s even better! Marshal, you may not know this, but my daughter tends to overthink. Before accomplishing anything, she often frightens herself. Yet she’s stubborn and cannot tolerate failure, especially in examinations. If she doesn’t pass, she’ll push herself to keep trying. This would shift her focus entirely to the exams, leaving no time to dwell on past troubles. This strategy is wonderful!

Xu Mao’s mouth twitched involuntarily. This Madam Du sounded like someone who would readily withdraw from challenges, yet when she actually attempted something and didn’t succeed, her inherent perfectionism would emerge. She wouldn’t allow herself to fail, persistently working until she met her own expectations.

If she merely immersed herself in education without involving major undertakings, it might actually be acceptable.

After considering Xue Ling’s opinion, Xu Mao pondered and said, Very well, I’ll make arrangements. I’ll invite Madam Du to take the examination. If she passes, I’ll assign her to teach in the army. If she doesn’t pass, she shouldn’t be discouraged but should return to study diligently and specialize further, then try again next year.

In any case, by creating a personality assessment form, she would have a clearer idea of Madam Du’s future placement.

Xue Ling understood that Xu Mao’s attitude had softened and was overjoyed. She insisted on donating books, refusing to be dissuaded by anyone, and went back and forth with Xu Mao in a lengthy debate.

In the end, Xu Mao was thoroughly defeated and surrendered, accepting Xue Ling’s goodwill and receiving ten thousand volumes of books.

Xu Mao and his personal guards temporarily rested at the Du residence, while the others were accommodated outside. After the evening meal, Xu Mao checked Lin Shuniang’s progress and found her following rules meticulously without any signs of overstepping. Xu Mao breathed a long sigh of relief.

Lin Shuniang was reliable and could be entrusted with important tasks.

With Jin Province and Jiang Province falling into Xu Mao’s hands, Zhou Feiren and his companions fled all the way, enduring hardships, drinking dew and eating wind, their clothes in tatters. Fearful that Xu Mao would catch up to them and silence them permanently, they were constantly anxious along the journey, unable to eat or sleep properly, struggling to reach the capital.

When they finally caught sight of the capital city gates, Zhou Feiren’s grimy face broke into a smile, and he chuckled aloud. The stone that had been weighing on his heart finally settled. Excitedly, he rushed forward, preparing to enter and report the matters concerning Xu Mao.

But just then, before he could even set half a foot past the city gate, he was stopped by the guards. Their sharp spears and halberds, gleaming coldly at the tips, were held horizontally against Zhou Feiren’s neck in a very unwelcoming manner.

What are you doing? This is the foot of the Son of Heaven, the capital Chang’an. Where did you refugees come from? Scram, scram! This is no place for you. Leave quickly! the guard coldly rebuked, brandishing weapons to drive away the disheveled and destitute Zhou Feiren.

Zhou Feiren, caught off guard, hurriedly clasped his hands and explained, I am Zhou Feiren, younger brother of the magistrate of Fengcheng County in Jin Province. This current situation is truly unavoidable and stems from dire circumstances.

That Enchantress Xu Mao employed evil arts to bewitch the people, inciting them to commit Treason. The city guards rebelled, and both Jin Province and Jiang Province were lost. Xu Mao launched a massacre in Jin Province, causing countless casualties among officials. My elder brother died in this turmoil. The situation in Jin and Jiang is critical. I’ve come to the capital to seek reinforcements. Zhou Feiren gnashed his teeth, looking at the guard, and urgently said, Quickly allow me to enter the city to report to the court officials and dispatch troops to quell the disaster brought by Xu Mao in Jin Province, or our Great Liang is in peril!

After listening, the guard remained expressionless, staring coldly at Zhou Feiren, and sternly said, No matter how many excuses you make, the capital is under strict martial law, and refugees are forbidden entry. You claim to be the brother of the Fengcheng County magistrate, but do you have proof? Entering the capital requires a travel pass and identity verification. Without these things, what are you babbling about here with empty words? Leave now! If you keep spouting nonsense and disturbing the peace, watch out for a beating!

Zhou Feiren, having focused solely on saving his life during his hasty escape, had no documents or items to prove his identity on him. Just when he thought he could enter the city to seek help, he found himself stopped at the gate. No matter how much he pleaded, the guards refused to believe him.

As the entanglement dragged on, the city guards grew increasingly impatient.

Faced with the guards’ obstinacy, Zhou Feiren was at his wit’s end and helpless. In a panic, he began shouting loudly about the fall of Jin Province and Jiang Province, trying to attract the attention of those around him.

This thoroughly enraged the guard, who immediately dragged Zhou Feiren away and gave him a severe beating. Fists and thick clubs rained down mercilessly upon his spine as the guard snarled with a vicious tone, His Majesty is diligently governing, and the world is now at peace, with calm seas and clear skies. The nation is prosperous and the people content, flourishing in every way—how dare you spout such nonsense here? You deliberately spread rumors to shake people’s hearts—your intentions are utterly despicable!

The blows landed with sharp cracks, sinking deep into his flesh. Zhou Feiren cried out in agony, unable to comprehend why the guard remained indifferent to such a major event as the fall of two provinces. Without even verifying the truth, they dismissed his words as wild talk—didn’t they fear that if it were true, it could lead to catastrophe?

Drenched in sweat, Zhou Feiren mustered his last ounce of strength to look up at the faces of the crowd. In his blurred vision, everyone appeared utterly numb.

His back, battered to a pulp, and the blood spreading across the ground lay before them, yet the onlookers remained completely unmoved.