The Child Emperor - Chapter 133: Sleepless Night

One person to have a sleepless night was Grand Tutor Cui Hong.

For Prince Donghai, the two most powerful forces in the world were the Empress Dowager and Grand Tutor Cui. The reason his uncle had yet to achieve victory was solely due to his timidness and indecision, causing him to miss several golden opportunities.

However, for Cui Hong, things were not so simple. Having maneuvered through the political arena for many years, he knew well that nobody was entirely trustworthy. Those who swore blood oaths with you today might betray you tomorrow. Those who fought alongside you against the Northern Army today might oppose you when confronting the Chancellor. Those who vocally voice opposition to the Empress Dowager may all turn into cowards when it came to action.

Cui Hong sighed deeply. He blamed his own wife for not giving birth to good sons, as none of their sons were worth anything, leaving him with no one to rely on in the most critical moments.

The Southern Army camp had been established for many years, and the buildings were no different from the manors within the city. Cui Hong sat alone in a study, drinking heavily, repeatedly calculating in his mind whom he could trust, to what extent, whom he couldn’t trust, and who might betray him at critical moments.

His head ached from thinking, unable to organize his thoughts.

Lin Kunshan quietly entered the room without announcement, walked to the table, and extinguished a candle, further dimming the already sparse light in the room.

Cui Hong looked up at the newcomer, thinking to himself that the least trustworthy people were the fate seers, yet he had been fooled by them multiple times. Did they have some kind of magic? He gripped the scabbard at his waist, contemplating resolving the problem in the simplest way.

Lin Kunshan’s greatest skill lay in observing words and expressions. From Cui Hong’s expression, he sensed danger. Instead of avoiding it, he leaned forward slightly, smiling, and said, “Congratulations, Grand Tutor.”

Cui Hong was taken aback, slowly releasing his grip on the scabbard, and asked coldly, “What’s there to congratulate?”

“The Southern Army’s duty is to guard the Capital. For decades, they have not left the vicinity of the Capital. Now, they have been sent to the northern border by the court. The entire army is discontented. With a little soothing from you, their morale will be regained. This is one reason to celebrate.”

Cui Hong sneered inwardly, but both his hands rested on the table. “And the second reason?”

“The nephew of the Grand Tutor, Prince Donghai, has long been the subject of the Empress Dowager’s suspicion. After last night’s attack on the village, the life of Prince Donghai is safe. This adds a layer of insurance for the Cui clan, which is a second reason to rejoice.”

Cui Hong was furious, his fists clenched on the table. “That was not what you said yesterday when you advised me to take up your plans.”

Lin Kunshan’s smile remained unchanged. “Times change, and so do circumstances. If Prince Donghai could not evade the attack from the Chai family, he would have been merely a fledgling under the Grand Tutor’s protection, offering no benefit to the Cui family. But since he successfully evaded it, with his intelligence and wit, he will surely gain something from this ordeal. Such a person would be a valuable ally to the Grand Tutor.”

“I fear he may hate me now,” Cui Hong sighed deeply, wondering how he could have listened to the advice of a fate seer before, even considering killing his own nephew who was the only worthy talent among the close relatives of the Cui clan.

“The Grand Tutor need not worry. Prince Donghai is clever enough. With a few words from me, he will put aside any grievances and become family with you again.”

Cui Hong stared at Lin Kunshan. These fate seers might not have other skills, but they were certainly masters at manipulating people. If anyone could persuade Prince Donghai, it would be this person.

“But is there still a third reason to rejoice?” Cui Hong relaxed his fist, lightly tapping his fingers on the table.

“There is,” Lin Kunshan slowly straightened his posture, his expression solemn, indicating that this was the greatest reason for celebration. “The Weary Marquis has shown initial signs of success. Though he has not reached the pinnacle, his achievements are extraordinary. He will surely achieve greatness in the future.”

Cui Hong was once again taken aback. “What does this have to do with the Cui clan?”

“Does the Grand Tutor forget that the Weary Marquis is himself your son-in-law, equivalent to being half a son to you? The harmony between the Weary Marquis and his wife is a third reason for the Cui clan to rejoice.”

“One mountain cannot accommodate two tigers. In the end, only one will remain between Prince Donghai and the Weary Marquis.”

Lin Kunshan smiled but remained silent.

Cui Hong finally understood. He was forced to admire the fate seer once again. With just a few words, he had been persuaded. The bleak future suddenly became bright. “That’s right, the Southern Army is the Cui clan’s current protector, Prince Donghai is its future protector, and the Weary Marquis is the insurance. As long as my daughter is still… but the Weary Marquis’s power is too weak now, he might be eliminated at any moment.”

“Why not extend a helping hand, Grand Tutor?”

“No, doing so would anger Prince Donghai… ah, and my daughter.” Cui Hong raised both hands from the table, saying coldly, “I hope you will think more carefully when giving advice in the future and avoid making mistakes.”

“Mistakes?” Lin Kunshan’s expression also turned cold. Merely flattering would not gain the trust of the powerful. Sometimes, those in high positions also needed a lesson. “Aside from discarding Prince Donghai, without the last night’s actions, would you have been able to ascertain the true intentions of the Champion Marquis so quickly? Now that you know, the Northern Army is not a threat, and the Champion Marquis is not a match for the Cui clan. You can focus on dealing with the most important enemies.”

Cui Hong still wanted to kill this guy, but not now, he thought. The fate seer was still useful. “Then please assist the Weary Marquis and Prince Donghai. We cannot let them enter the city, at least not at the same time.”

Lin Kunshan slightly bowed, smiling as he exited the study. For him, the more people he could “assist,” the stronger his influence would become. Those in the court would never understand this truth.

On the other side of the Capital city, in a room in the Northern Army camp, the Champion Marquis sat at the table, trembling. He picked up a wine glass but couldn’t bring it to his lips. Angrily, he slammed it onto the table, spilling half the contents.

He was another person who was having a sleepless night.

“Get out!” the Champion Marquis shouted sternly.

Two soldiers serving the Grand Marshal immediately exited the room and met Northern Army Adjutant Yang Feng at the door.

Yang Feng, dusty and holding a horse whip, watched the soldiers leave, entered the room, and closed the door behind him. He stood in front of the Champion Marquis without a word or bow.

“You have returned,” the Champion Marquis squeezed out a smile.

“Hmm,” Yang Feng replied coldly, without moving.

The Champion Marquis was eighteen years old, but he looked even more mature. In fact, he already had a son. Yet at this moment, he seemed as awkward as a teenager. He lowered his head slightly, rubbing his hands on his legs nervously. “I made a mistake… But Adjutant Yang, you weren’t in the camp at the time, and I couldn’t find anyone to consult…”

“Who was the person who came?”

“He called himself Yuan Zisheng. He had a letter from Cui Hong. After meeting, he… he said many things, and I was momentarily misled…”

“I know what he said,” Yang Feng walked closer, placing the horse whip on the table. “These fate seers don’t even bother to come up with thoughtful names anymore. What are your plans?”

“As soon as I realized something was amiss, I rushed to the court before Cui Hong and begged for forgiveness from the Empress Dowager. She pardoned me and allowed me to redeem myself in the northern frontier. I believe I can do it.” The Champion Marquis looked at Yang Feng expectantly, gripping his clothes tightly, hoping for affirmation.

Calmness in times of crisis was an extremely rare quality. Some people needed extensive training to possess it, while others were naturally fearless. Even those ten times smarter than Yang Feng couldn’t manage it.

“The Empress Dowager forgave the Champion Marquis solely because both the Northern and Southern armies remain intact. She doesn’t want to risk everything falling apart.”

“If I defeat the Xiongnu, I can lead the army back, right?”

Yang Feng shook his head. “As soon as the Northern and Southern armies leave, the Empress Dowager will immediately find someone to fill the void.”

“Who? Isn’t the Empress Dowager’s brother, Shang-guan Xu, also going to serve in the northern frontier?”

“Shang-guan Xu is just bait.” Yang Feng’s tone became more severe, as if he were lecturing an underperforming student. “Being ousted by Cui Hong proves he is unfit for significant responsibilities. The Empress Dowager had abandoned him early last year, appointing him as Captain of the Guard merely to confuse the court, making everyone think he is essential. In reality, he has completely lost power. Even if he leaves the Capital, the Empress Dowager won’t suffer any losses. She has other plans for the Shang-guan family…”

“You should have told me all this earlier.” The Champion Marquis clenched his fists on his lap, finally finding the crux of the problem.

After a moment of silence, Yang Feng took a step back, bowing. “Being unable to assist you was my fault. I beg for forgiveness.”

The Champion Marquis smiled generously, feeling relieved after Yang Feng apologized. “Let bygones be bygones. What should we do next? Do you have a plan?”

“In this round, the Empress Dowager has won a complete victory. We cannot confront her directly. You should quickly head to the northern frontier, accomplish meritorious service, and expand your influence while observing the changes in the Capital. In her efforts to expel the Northern and Southern armies, the Empress Dowager has made many concessions to the ministers. It won’t be long before the ministers themselves will have to make concessions. There will be resentment on both sides, and perhaps you will still have an opportunity.”

The Champion Marquis felt even more at ease, reaching for a half-filled cup of wine and bringing it steadily to his lips, drinking it all in one go. Then, he asked solemnly, “You are definitely on my side, right?”

“Of course.” Yang Feng bowed again. “You are the legitimate heir of a Crown Prince, with a hundred thousand Northern soldiers under your command. You truly have the qualifications to be emperor. This place is a good place for me to render service.”

“What about… the Weary Marquis?”

“The Weary Marquis’s fate is sealed. The title of the deposed emperor still holds some value, but he can’t be assisted. I only hope that you can make the best use of him and not let him be snatched away by the enemy.”

The Champion Marquis stood up, not caring about the Weary Marquis at all, only concerned about his own future. “Good, let’s make a trip to the northern frontier and deal with the Xiongnu!”

The more excited the Champion Marquis became, the more calm Yang Feng was. Lying was as simple as breathing for him.

In the midst of the tension between the Northern and Southern armies, there were also several others who were having sleepless nights in the Capital.

In Marquis Hengyang’s manor, the Chai family was still mourning the tragic death of their young master. The elderly princess sat on the bed, sobbing loudly, intermittently questioning her descendants, “A bunch of useless people! You’re all useless! The murderers who killed my grandson aren’t just Marquis Guiyi; they also include his daughter and sons, and that deposed emperor. Whoever avenges my grandson’s death, I will let them inherit the position of Marquis Hengyang!”

The actual Marquis Hengyang remained silent with bowed head. Most people couldn’t just decide who would inherit a noble title, but his wife was not like most people.

In the palace, after listening to Han Xing’s report, the Empress Dowager dismissed him with a light laugh. Turning to Maiden Wang beside her, she said, “Your son isn’t very obedient, is he? Very well then, let him go to the northern frontier. I want to see how long he can survive among wolves and tigers.”

Pausing for a moment, the Empress Dowager asked again, “The battle in the northern frontier is not to be taken lightly. Both the Northern and Southern armies are unreliable. Who do you think is suitable to command the entire army?”

Maiden Wang lowered her eyes deferentially. “The Empress Dowager has already decided. I dare not speak lightly.”

“Heh, have you not spoken plenty these past days? It shall be Han Xing, then. He is of royal blood and is also the Chief Commander of the military. No one is more suitable than him.”

“He may not be able to control both the Northern and Southern armies,” Lady Wang cautiously reminded.

The Empress Dowager merely nodded, unconcerned.

In the Weary Marquis’s manor, Cui Xiaojun couldn’t sleep either. She sat by the dim lamp, her thoughts in turmoil. This separation, she didn’t know when she would see her husband again.

She adjusted the lamp wick and whispered softly to herself, “I must ensure that you survive.”

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