Can I Become Emperor by Being This Lazy? - Chapter 65

Chapter 65

Xu Heng said, The capital is in chaos, the emperor is too preoccupied with his own troubles to deal with Elder Sister. Instead, he wants to borrow her strength to quell Yang Mu’s rebellion. Since he needs her help, it’s not strange that he would grant her a royal title and summon her to rescue him.

Just then, a system notification sounded, congratulating her on entering a new phase. Xu Mao muted the system, sat down, and forced herself to calm down to analyze the situation.

The emperor granting her a royal title had two aspects to consider. On one hand, the emperor was experiencing turmoil and had suddenly panicked, becoming disoriented and desperate. In his haste, he would seek help from anyone capable of eliminating threats, regardless of the consequences.

On the other hand, from the emperor’s perspective, once Yang Mu’s rebellion was suppressed, he would surely consider her merely a woman and not a threat. He would casually arrange a marriage for her as a reward, marrying her into a noble family.

As a new bride, it would be inappropriate for her to appear in public, naturally confining her to the inner chambers. The royal title would then be nothing more than an empty honor, a mere vanity for her.

With this arrangement, the emperor was gambling. If she truly quelled Yang Mu’s rebellion, he would profit. If she failed, others would step in. Either way, he stood to lose nothing.

After sorting out the reasons, Xu Mao snorted coldly, That dog emperor thinks quite highly of himself. His schemes are so blatant, yet he feels no shame. He wants to use me to suppress the rebellion but has no intention of honoring his promises afterward. He thinks he can simply dismiss me with a marriage arrangement.

Elder Sister, should we go to the capital to rescue him?

After hearing Xu Mao’s words, Xu Heng realized that this edict granting a royal title might be ill-intentioned. Going to the capital to quell the rebellion would be a thankless task. She hesitated for a moment, her brows furrowing, and asked aloud.

Xu Mao pondered for a while, then said thoughtfully, Go, of course we’ll go. This is a great opportunity not to be missed. Since that dog emperor has given me a royal title, he shouldn’t expect things to go his way. Once I enter the capital, not only will I keep the title, but he will also have to obediently surrender his throne to me.

Her goal was clear, and she made no attempt to hide her ambition from the world. This trip to the capital was meant to boldly announce to everyone that she had her eyes on the throne, and she would stop at nothing, refusing to be bound by any moral constraints.

Once the emperor leaves the capital, there will be no need for him to return.

Xu Mao resolutely stood up, hands behind her back, her eyes shining brightly. Her words were treasonous, fully revealing her boundless ambition.

Xu Heng nodded, Elder Sister is right. This is the perfect opportunity for us to enter the capital and seize the throne. I support you.

Hearing this, Xu Mao nearly broke character as the ambitious leader. She wanted to shake Xu Heng’s shoulders and urge her to wake up a little, not to blindly trust.

Their achievements in Jin Province and Jiang Province were insignificant in the grand scheme of things. With Yang Mu’s rebellion and the Celestial God Sect causing chaos, their forces numbered less than ten thousand soldiers, and their influence was limited to Jin Province and Jiang Province. To boast about entering the capital to contend for the throne sounded like a fantasy, as if they were drunk on fake wine and dreaming. Who would follow her orders?

Taking too big a step would only lead to futile efforts in the end.

Xu Mao did not voice these thoughts. She gazed at Xu Heng with a trace of melancholy, feeling somewhat reluctant.

She was prepared to die on this journey to Chang’an.

If the tree falls, the monkeys scatter. All the soldiers of the Loyal Army would turn into refugees, fleeing back to their hometowns, waiting for the establishment of a new dynasty to resume peaceful and happy lives.

Xu Mao couldn’t help but sigh, ordering everyone to immediately pack their belongings, take stock of supplies, and hold a banquet to worship the road deity before departure, thus commencing their journey.

When Xue Ling received news of Xu Mao’s enfeoffment as a prince and the Loyal Army’s plan to enter the capital to rescue the emperor, she was so startled that her brush halted abruptly. Ink bled across the paper, ruining a fine piece of calligraphy. She set down her Purple Writing Brush and muttered in confusion, How could the Loyal Army possibly resolve the capital’s troubles?

With imperial clansmen watching and various heroes observing, no matter what, it shouldn’t be the Loyal Army’s turn. Wouldn’t it be better to stay peacefully in Jiangzhou and make gradual plans? Why choose this moment to rush into the capital’s muddy waters!

Xue Ling couldn’t comprehend Xu Mao’s thinking. Could it be that Xu Mao was truly blinded by the imperial decree enfeoffing him as a prince, momentarily carried away by passion, and sincerely intended to rescue the emperor?

Considering Xu Mao’s actions in Jin Province and Jiangzhou, he didn’t seem like an honest man and likely lacked blind loyalty.

After racking her brains left and right, Xue Ling still couldn’t decipher Xu Mao’s intentions. Her daughter had just joined the Loyal Army, and with this sudden development of Xu Mao obstinately heading to the capital, she suddenly grew concerned about her daughter’s future.

Unable to restrain herself, Xue Ling hurried to request an audience with Xu Mao.

Wu Hongying had just emerged from Xu Mao’s tent and happened to encounter Xue Ling rushing over. She raised her hand to boldly stop Xue Ling, placing her hopes on her and pleading, Madam Xue, you’ve come at the perfect time. Given your extensive experience, perhaps you can persuade the Marshal not to go to the capital.

Xue Ling expressed surprise, What? Has Marshal Xu firmly decided to enter the capital to rescue the emperor?

Wu Hongying nodded helplessly, The Marshal says that since His Majesty issued the imperial decree commanding him to rescue the emperor, this entry into the capital is fully justified and a rare opportunity. He’s determined to set out toward Chang’an.

No matter how she tried to persuade him, Xu Mao remained steadfast in his decision. Wu Hongying had no choice but to shake her head and give up.

If even Xu Mao’s own subordinates couldn’t sway him, she held even less influence and would likely return empty-handed. Xue Ling glanced toward the distant tent, then changed direction to visit her daughter Du Caiwen.

Mother, what brings you here? Du Caiwen was preparing articles for her upcoming class. Wanting to make a good impression during her first teaching session and avoid embarrassment, she was startled to turn and see Xue Ling.

Xue Ling glanced around – no one was in sight. She quickly grabbed her daughter’s wrist and stealthily pulled her aside, lowering her voice to ask, Do you know about Marshal Xu being enfeoffed as Prince of Jinyang and planning to enter the capital to rescue the emperor?

Du Caiwen replied blankly, I’m aware, Mother. Is there any problem with the Marshal’s decision?

Frustrated by her daughter’s lack of understanding, Xue Ling said urgently, How foolish! Marshal Xu’s reputation hasn’t yet spread throughout the land. How can she compete with others? This journey likely bodes ill!

Then it’s just as well. I’ve already walked through the halls of the underworld once before. Any additional months of life are already enough for me. Du Caiwen was indifferent, having lived long enough to find everything deeply uninteresting, merely going through the motions day by day.

Du Caiwen placed her hands on her mother’s shoulders instead, Actually, Mother, you needn’t worry. If everyone can see things clearly, how could the Marshal not have considered them? She must have her reasons for acting this way.

The Marshal possesses both wisdom and courage, thinks deeply and plans carefully, excels at achieving victory through unexpected means, and plans three steps ahead with every move. Perhaps the Marshal has laid out a chess game, and we who are within it simply haven’t yet grasped the crucial connections.

Du Caiwen continued her analysis, convinced that Xu Mao was not an impulsive or reckless person. This had to be deliberately arranged by Xu Mao—either to confuse the enemy or because entering the capital involved some other scheme. In any case, it was far more complex than it appeared on the surface.

Xue Ling found her reasoning quite plausible but, constrained by the circumstances, advised Du Caiwen to prioritize her safety and return home.

On the day of the road deity sacrifice, aware of the soldiers’ widespread doubts, Xu Mao seized the moment. With a face flushed from excitement, she stood beneath the banner, took a deep breath, and steadied herself.

I know there has been much discussion lately about marching to the capital to rescue the emperor, Xu Mao declared loudly. Many fear that instead of quelling Yang Mu’s rebellion, we will only sacrifice ourselves.

She paused, sweeping her gaze over the assembled crowd. But the capital is in crisis, the emperor is in peril, and Yang Mu is slaughtering people in the city. The lives of Chang’an’s citizens hang in the balance, urgently awaiting rescue. At such a critical moment, how can we stand by and do nothing?

No! We cannot stand idly by while Yang Mu sets Chang’an ablaze and massacres its people! Xu Mao’s words rang out with righteous determination, firm and resounding.

After this theatrical performance, Xu Mao softened her tone, adopting a more compassionate approach. Considering that many of you have elderly parents, siblings longing for your return day and night, and some with young sons or daughters waiting at home—and knowing this journey is fraught with peril where death could come easily—I will not force anyone. Those unwilling to risk going to Chang’an may step forward now, receive this month’s pay, and return home.

The soldiers’ expressions shifted abruptly. They glanced around covertly, only to find everyone equally astonished and bewildered.

Silence fell over the scene; no one spoke.

After waiting a moment, just as Xu Mao prepared to provoke them further, a woman’s voice suddenly rose from the crowd: Marshal, I am willing to go to Chang’an. Even if I die, I will not betray the name of loyalty. In this life, to take such a stand is worth it.

If not for the Marshal, I would have starved to death. My life belongs to the Marshal. Honored by your trust, I offer this humble life to you.

Scattered voices joined in, one after another, growing increasingly firm, fervent, and impassioned. Isolated phrases merged into a unified cry that echoed to the heavens and shook the earth: The Marshal commands, and none dare disobey!

Not a single person chose to abandon the mission and return home. All were prepared to face death.

Xu Mao stood stunned, rooted to the spot, unable to process the scene.

She had made it perfectly clear—going to Chang’an meant almost certain death, with little to gain for them. Why had no one left?

Xu Heng stood nearby, a faint smile playing on her lips, her eyes profound. She said softly, Elder Sister, everyone trusts you. They are willing to take risks for you. This is a good thing.

Hearing this, for some reason, Xu Mao felt no joy.

A sudden weight pressed on her chest, as if a heavy stone rested there. She dared not lift her head to meet the crowd’s gaze, her palms growing damp with sweat.

Then… after the ceremony concludes, let everyone eat and drink well. We depart as planned. Xu Mao hurried away as if fleeing.

Fine wine and meat were served, eliciting cheers of delight from the soldiers. For a time, they forgot the dangers ahead, immersing themselves in the feast.

Xu Mao found no flavor in the food. After forcing down a few bites, she set aside her chopsticks, rose, and walked to the dried-up riverbank, emptying her mind of thought.

Marshal, Lady He has urgently prepared a batch of clothing made from white cotton, which provides excellent warmth. They happened to arrive today – just one day later and we would have already left Song’an. Tang Zhegui reported joyfully, her face completely free of worry.

Xu Mao waved weakly and said, Distribute these cotton garments directly to the oldest and youngest soldiers in the army. Ensure they stay warm – you handle the allocation.

Cotton clothes? What a fitting name!

Tang Zhegui repeated the term twice, happily lifting her head, only to see Xu Mao’s melancholy profile. She couldn’t help but sigh inwardly: The Marshal truly bears heavy burdens. He must be planning how to safely enter the capital to achieve victory and rescue the people of Chang’an. How could any of us dare to shrink back or slack off!

Clenching her fists, she went down to distribute the cotton garments, sharing with everyone both Xu Mao’s somber demeanor and his concern for them all.

Tang Zhegui said with deep emotion: The Marshal is so formidable in his strategic planning. His mission to Chang’an must involve grand designs, yet he remains so considerate of us – he doesn’t even keep the cotton clothes for himself, distributing them to us first. Even if I were to die in Chang’an, I would do so willingly.

The soldiers held the soft, comfortable cotton garments, reluctant to put them down once they picked them up. Tears glistened in their eyes as they said, When we joined the Loyal Army, we were prepared to die at any moment. This time is no exception – we’d rather die than have regrets. We will definitely help the Marshal accomplish his mission!