Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Time was of the essence, leaving no room for second thoughts. The emperor hastily penned an imperial decree, bestowing upon Xu Mao the Royal Title of Prince of Jin and commanding her to swiftly journey to the capital to rescue the throne and resolve the crisis in the capital.

After stamping the decree with the imperial seal, the emperor carefully reviewed it before drafting an additional plea for reinforcements to other generals, mobilizing troops near Chang’an. Satisfied with both documents, he handed them to Prime Minister Feng with the instruction: Dispatch this immediately to Jin Province, ensuring it reaches Xu Mao’s hands. Order her to hasten to the capital to quell Yang Mu’s rebellion. Simultaneously, find a way to deliver the troop mobilization decree—commanders near Chang’an must return upon receipt to eradicate the traitor Yang Mu.

Prime Minister Feng received both decrees with both hands, but upon hearing the emperor summon Xu Mao to the capital, he started in alarm. His eyes scanned the decree’s contents, and when he saw the bestowal of the Royal Title upon Xu Mao, he leaped three feet in the air.

Your Majesty, this Enchantress is of unknown origin, skilled in bewitching hearts with dark arts! She lacks ancestral merits or military achievements, and has committed atrocities—burning, killing, and plundering in Jin Province and Jiang Province. How can such a woman be granted a Royal Title? This will surely provoke public outrage! I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!

Prime Minister Feng found it unacceptable and utterly baffling. Rewarding a notorious troublemaker with a Royal Title in hopes of her rescuing the throne was absurd! What would the court think? Were there no capable officials in the entire court, no brave warriors in the empire who could come to the rescue?

The emperor sighed deeply, helping Prime Minister Feng to his feet and grasping his hand. I am well aware, but circumstances demand it. Did you not just say this woman excels in sorcery? Yang Mu is right outside the palace walls, poised to storm in at any moment. How long can we hold out? Can nearby troops arrive in time? Even an Enchantress, if utilized properly, can resolve our crisis!

For the greater good, what harm is there in granting her an empty title? Once Yang Mu’s rebellion is suppressed, I can simply take her into the harem. It changes nothing—do not worry. The emperor dismissed concerns. In such critical times, he would use whoever proved useful. Once their purpose was served, he would cast them aside without a second glance.

Prime Minister Feng fell silent. The older the emperor grew, the more he clung to life—consuming elixirs for longevity, seeking Daoist immortals. Now, faced with peril, he refused to relinquish even the slimmest chance of survival.

Relying on his aura as the true Son of Heaven, he gathered masters of various mystical arts, setting his sights on the Enchantress to ensure his throne remained secure.

But would events unfold as smoothly as he envisioned?

Prime Minister Feng couldn’t help but doubt.

This Xu Mao was no ordinary woman—she openly demanded a Royal Title, her ambitions clear. Once the Chang’an uprising was quelled, would she truly submit to entering the harem and attending the emperor?

Contempt flickered in Feng’s heart. If not for the emperor’s supreme authority, who would willingly serve him? If Xu Mao agreed to join the harem, it would only mean her ambitions were far greater—and far more dangerous.

The emperor, stubborn and self-assured, would not heed such warnings now. Prime Minister Feng’s thoughts churned, but he bit back his words, outwardly complying while inwardly plotting an escape route.

Yang Mu’s rebellion had served as a wake-up call: while he wielded immense power, everyone watched him closely. The emperor delegated authority only to use him as a pawn—his end would not be favorable. He had to plan ahead.

In the capital, everyone harbored their own thoughts. With the emperor issuing two edicts, the palace city could not hold out much longer. Prime Minister Feng hastily gathered his belongings and, together with trusted generals of the Imperial Guard, escorted the emperor to flee for safety.

However, Prime Minister Feng never expected that midway through their journey, the Imperial Guard generals would suddenly rebel, demanding the emperor deal with the Feng family to give an account to the soldiers and the people.

Fuming, Prime Minister Feng confronted the Imperial Guard general Hao Sheng, gritting his teeth as he saw him: Have you forgotten who saved you and recommended you for the Imperial Guard? Is this how you repay me?

Hao Sheng wore a pained expression, hesitating as he said, Your Excellency, this matter is beyond my control. The soldiers have been influenced by Yang Mu’s heresies and refuse to be labeled as colluding with treacherous officials… Ahem. Your Excellency has shown me kindness, so I cannot deceive you. The main reason is that they have offended you and are anxious, fearing Your Excellency’s retaliation. That’s why they chose this moment to rebel.

Prime Minister Feng was indignant, his eyes wide with rage. Do I have the mind to dwell on such matters?

Unable to contain his anger, he flicked his sleeves and paced back and forth. He knew that to show he would not seek revenge, he must demonstrate his stance. Moreover, the Imperial Guard also wanted a righteous pretext.

Hao Sheng lowered his head and raised a hand to catch Prime Minister Feng’s attention. He swallowed nervously, as if struggling to speak.

What are you thinking? Prime Minister Feng asked, watching him.

Hao Sheng took a shallow breath, his expression strained as if the words were difficult to utter. After a long pause, he finally spoke: There is a way to pacify the soldiers, but… Your Excellency must harden your heart and sacrifice someone.

Prime Minister Feng’s eyelids snapped open, a cold glare shooting toward Hao Sheng. Almost as soon as the words were spoken, he understood whom Hao Sheng was referring to.

His sister, the emperor’s favored consort, Consort Feng.

If Consort Feng were to die, there would be no one to whisper in the emperor’s ear. His relationship with the emperor would deteriorate, and at the very least, without this connection, both sides would harbor reservations, no longer intimate and trusting. This would achieve their goal.

Moreover, if the emperor ordered the death of the seductive and manipulative Consort Feng, it would demonstrate his resolve to eliminate evil and repent. By explaining that his previous misguided actions were due to Consort Feng’s deception, killing her would restore his image as a wise and mighty emperor.

Prime Minister Feng stood stunned, the color draining from his face. He clenched his robes tightly, his fingers stiff and joints turning white, his neck and legs moving rigidly.

I understand… Prime Minister Feng said faintly, turning his back to Hao Sheng so no one could see his expression.

Hao Sheng remained silent, bowed, and withdrew.

By evening, Prime Minister Feng went to see the emperor. When he emerged, his eyes were red, and he walked away despondently. Soon after, palace maids and eunuchs knelt before Consort Feng, presenting a white silk cord and offering poisoned wine.

At first, Consort Feng refused to believe it, thinking Hao Sheng and the other generals had acted on their own. She overturned the table, spilling the poisoned wine, and demanded to see the emperor and Prime Minister Feng. But when her cries went unanswered, she grew frantic. Sitting on the floor, she laughed hysterically, her demeanor a far cry from her usual grace as a consort.

She knew she had been sacrificed as a scapegoat—with the emperor’s silent consent and Prime Minister Feng’s acquiescence. This was meant to be her duty.

Yet, she refused to accept it.

Why should I be the one to die? Consort Feng struggled wildly, her robes torn and hair disheveled. Yang Mu eliminated treacherous officials and demanded the death of Prime Minister Feng in court! Why am I the one who must die? Her beautiful features twisted grotesquely as she screamed, spittle flying from her lips.

The white silk tightened around Consort Feng’s neck, cutting off her furious shouts. Her words fragmented into broken phrases as tears streamed down her face. Her arms flailed wildly in the air as if grasping for something.

Consort Feng’s plaintive cries continued: Fifth Brother, I know you can hear me! You cannot be so cruel! Fifth Brother, Your Majesty, save me! Elder Brother! Mother—

She called out to many people, but none came to save her—especially not the Emperor and Prime Minister Feng, who stood just outside the tent, so close yet so far.

Outside, all was quiet. Winter had arrived, silencing all sounds except the faint moaning of wind that seemed to mourn for Consort Feng. Her voice carried clearly to everyone present, yet their faces remained expressionless.

A bewitching consort who deluded the sovereign deserved such fate.

Consort Feng’s voice gradually faded. Snowflakes began drifting from the sky, burying a great beauty and concealing the sins beneath their white mantle.

The Emperor covered his face and wept, collapsing to the ground in agony. Suppressing his grief, he ordered Consort Feng’s body to be prepared for burial on the spot. Then everyone continued their journey.

*

Xu Mao had prepared an examination for Madam Du, Du Caiwen, and personally supervised it while secretly observing her. During their first meeting, Du Caiwen appeared melancholic with dark circles under her eyes and a gloomy complexion—likely from poor rest, leaving her listless and dispirited.

Combined with her personality test results, Xu Mao was delighted. Du Caiwen was a pessimist who viewed everything from negative perspectives, always anticipating the worst outcomes.

Negative emotions were highly contagious and could easily undermine confidence and motivation—perfect for influencing others to adopt a resigned attitude.

Xu Mao immediately made his decision: he would agree to Xue Ling’s request and recruit Du Caiwen as a teacher.

A maid joyfully rushed to Du Caiwen with the good news. Du Caiwen straightened in surprise, clutching her handkerchief tightly. Are you certain you heard correctly? My mother-in-law and husband always complain I’m lifeless and unpleasant to look at. I couldn’t answer many questions on that exam, and I heard very few passed. How could I have succeeded?

Du Caiwen frowned. Could it be that my mother intervened, pleading with the Marshal until he grew weary and reluctantly agreed…

No, no! Marshal Xu stated clearly earlier that you must pass the exam to join the Loyal Army—no exceptions for personal connections! I even heard Lady Lin say the Marshal was praising your exam paper repeatedly! the maid exclaimed excitedly.

Du Caiwen remained perplexed. Was I truly that good? You must be deceiving me—how could this be possible!

The maid replied, If you truly don’t believe me, Madam, you could always ask the Marshal and Lady Lin yourself.

Never mind, let it be, Du Caiwen immediately retreated, waving her hand in refusal. She would continue her passive existence, accepting whatever came her way.

After settling Du Caiwen’s arrangements, Xu Mao left the Du residence and returned to his camp. Each day he traveled to surrounding areas, beating gongs and drums to expose the Celestial God Sect’s deceptive tricks while awaiting responses from both the imperial court and the sect.

One day at dawn, as snowflakes danced through the air and the world lay blanketed in silver, the silence was broken by approaching hoofbeats. An armored soldier holding an imperial decree reined in his horse before Xu Mao’s camp and shouted: Where is Grand Marshal of Loyalty Xu Mao? The Emperor’s urgent decree!

Xu Mao was groggily shaken awake. Xu Heng said, Elder sister, the imperial court has sent someone.

What? Has the court dispatched troops to attack us? Xu Mao steadied her head to clear her thoughts, then excitedly leaped off the bed.

Elder sister, put on your shoes. Xu Heng tugged at her sleeve, bent down to hand her a shoe, and said, They’re not here to attack us. The emperor’s imperial decree appoints you as Prince of Jin, summoning you to the capital to quell the rebellion of Pacifying North Regional Commander Yang Mu.

Xu Mao’s mind suddenly went blank. Her mouth fell open in stunned disbelief. She reached out and pinched her own arm, hissing in pain. I’m not dreaming… What kind of arrangement is this? Me, a rebel leader, being enfeoffed as a prince and summoned to the capital to suppress a rebellion?

The emperor must have overdosed on elixirs and lost his mind. He’s got the wrong person!