Chapter 254: Duke Dingguo

Chapter 254: Duke Dingguo

Yesterday, Tang Shuyi had someone reserve this spot at the teahouse, with a window overlooking the street, allowing for an unobstructed view of the procession, fulfilling Xiao Yuzhu’s wish to see her father in advance.

They hadn't been waiting long at the teahouse when the Emperor's procession to greet the triumphant soldiers arrived, stirring excitement on the streets. Xiao Yuzhu, leaning on the windowsill, couldn't help but wave her hands and call out to her father when she saw Xiao Huai nearby.

The crisp sound successfully caught the attention of many, naturally including Xiao Huai. Following the sound, he saw a girl with a radiant smile waving at him, calling out "Daddy!" as he waved back involuntarily.

Xiao Yuzhu, upon seeing this, became even happier. She turned to Tang Shuyi and said, "Mother, mother, Daddy saw me, Daddy saw me."

Seeing her so delighted, a smile also appeared on Tang Shuyi's face. Her gaze drifted towards the window below, locking eyes with a pair of profound orbs. She was momentarily startled, then nodded politely towards the other party.

Xiao Huai hadn't expected their eyes to meet. Caught off guard, he saw the other party nodding at him, so he quickly nodded back, and then they both averted their gazes as if nothing had happened.

But this was only on the surface. How complex their inner thoughts were, only they themselves knew.

"Your little girl has grown up so much," the Emperor remarked upon seeing Xiao Yuzhu. He sighed and said to Xiao Huai, "At the last palace banquet, the child suffered some grievances, which truly pained my heart to see. So, I granted her the title of County Princess and bestowed upon her a prosperous territory as her fief."

Hearing this, Xiao Huai sneered inwardly. He had already learned about the incident from his brothers, Xiao Yuming and Xiao Yuchen. The Emperor was as hypocritical as ever. The little girl had almost lost her life due to the strife in his harem, yet here he was, downplaying it as mere grievances.

Although that's what he thought, he still responded respectfully, "Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty."

The Emperor glanced at him, unable to fathom Xiao Huai's heart. Did he truly harbor no rebellious thoughts?

He couldn't believe it, especially after Xiao Huai had just shown him up. Recalling how he had panicked and fallen to the ground made him seethe with silent resentment.

As the Emperor and his subject made their way to the palace, each harbored their own thoughts. Upon reaching the imperial court, the Emperor sat high upon his throne, his heart swelling with pride as he looked down upon the civil and military officials.

Speaking with stirring enthusiasm, he said, "Xiao Huai has infiltrated enemy ranks for three years, spilling his heart and blood for our great nation, creating such achievements. He can be called the number one meritorious subject of our kingdom. Henceforth, Xiao Huai is conferred the title of Duke of the State, with the honorific name 'Ding.' Additionally, he is rewarded with ten thousand taels of gold and ten hectares of land..."

The Emperor's series of rewards once again demonstrated his favor towards Xiao Huai.

Xiao Huai knelt to express his gratitude. The Emperor rose from his seat, walked over to Xiao Huai, and bent down to help him up, saying, "Lord Xiao is a meritorious subject of our great nation. Your achievements will never be forgotten by our people."

"This servant is overwhelmed," Xiao Huai immediately responded.

"This is what you rightfully deserve."

………

The Emperor and his subject appeared harmonious, and smiles hung on the faces of the court officials. However, everyone knew the reality. Xiao Huai's command to "seize them" at the city gate was a blatant show of power.

After conferring rewards on Xiao Huai, the Emperor proceeded to bestow honors on other generals. Then it was time for the midday meal, and the Emperor laid out a grand banquet, hosting the soldiers from the northwest. At the banquet, toasts were made and congratulations offered to Xiao Huai, celebrating his elevation to the Duke of Ding.

Xiao Huai made toasts with the other dignitaries, but they all drank tea instead of wine. His reasoning was, "There are still matters to attend to later, and it’s not suitable to drink now."

As for what those matters were, the courtiers were all too aware – the Grand Tutor had already been detained. But no one had expected that he would have conspired with the enemy. What about the Crown Prince? Was he involved in the Grand Tutor’s schemes?

In truth, there was no need to speculate. The Crown Prince was involved since everything the Grand Tutor did was to secure his ascension to the throne. The question was whether the Crown Prince would admit to his role when the time came.

The banquet came to a congenial conclusion, and the Emperor was the first to stand, looking at Xiao Huai he said, "Lord Xiao, come with me to the Imperial Study."

The Emperor left the banquet hall, and Xiao Huai followed. The courtiers watched their departing figures, the phrase "a change in the wind" flashing through their minds.

In the Imperial Study, after sitting down, the Emperor asked Xiao Huai directly about the Grand Tutor’s treason.

Xiao Huai explained, "From the correspondence between Jiang Xiuming and the marshal of Roulige, Lu Xinghai, it's clear that Jiang Xiuming, having lost hope in the Crown Prince's succession, sought to use Roulige’s forces to stage a palace coup. Lu Xinghai’s demand in return was my assassination."

The Grand Tutor was named Jiang Xiuming.

Upon hearing Xiao Huai's account, the Emperor clenched his fist and slammed it onto the desk, exclaiming, "Traitorous scum!"

Xiao Huai glanced at him expressionlessly and continued, "Lu Xinghai sent two female spies that he had been cultivating for years to Cheng Yuquan under the guise of selling themselves to pay for their grandparents’ burial. Cheng Yuquan, under the pretense of a horse trade, sent the spies to me. I sensed something was amiss and kept the spies under watch in the backyard, allowing them access to steal false defense plans.

My intention was to deceive the enemy with the false plans, but before they could be sent out, Lu Xinghai launched an unexpected assault on our forces. I led our men against the attack, but was ambushed by Cheng Yuquan and fell into the river. That Cheng Yuquan is now in custody."

After hearing his words, the Emperor frowned and thought for a moment before saying, "I remember, not long after the news of your death in battle was received, two concubines were sent from the northwest."

Xiao Huai nodded, "Yes, those two were spies trained by Lu Xinghai. However, as Yuming told me, they have already died of illness."

"Died of illness?" The Emperor repeated, questioning.

Xiao Huai: "Yes."

The Emperor did not inquire further, but he guessed in his heart that the death of those two was probably not as simple as illness.

"The person who insisted on sending those two concubines to the capital was Su Bingcang," Xiao Huai added.

The Emperor frowned, and Xiao Huai explained to him, "This person is in charge of the granary and provisions. My investigation shows that he outwardly aligns with the Second Prince but is in fact working for the Eldest Prince."

The Emperor sat there in silence, his face clouded with gloom; it was clear that his eldest son was trying to frame his second son. Although fraternal strife was common in the royal family, it was disgraceful once exposed.

Seeing the Emperor's expression, Xiao Huai's lips curved up, forming a mocking arc.

"Bring Jiang Xiuming here," the Emperor said with anger laced with weariness. His son was not only foolish, but he was also plotting a coup. Was he in such a hurry to see his father dead?

…………