Chapter 0054: Unscrupulous

Chapter 0054: Unscrupulous

If no one had called for him, Xiao Rong could have slept until dawn the next day.

However, before dusk, someone from the palace arrived. This time, it was a genuine eunuch with a high-ranking position.

The term "eunuch" wouldn't appear until much later. If they were called that now, they might not even understand what it meant. After all, the Office of Palace Attendants hadn't been established yet, let alone the general term "eunuch."

So people at this time referred to them as officials or eunuchs behind their backs. In front of them, they respectfully addressed them by their official titles.

The eunuch sent to summon Xiao Rong was from Empress Dowager Sun's palace, holding the title of Chief of Changle Palace. With the emperor being sidelined and the empress nowhere in sight, Empress Dowager Sun held supreme power in the imperial harem. Thus, this Chief was essentially the head eunuch of the palace.

However... eunuchs could either control the entire world when they were doing well or be nothing more than high-ranking servants when they weren't. Under Sun Renluan's control, even Empress Dowager Sun couldn't interfere in politics, let alone these eunuchs who had to keep a low profile.

Therefore, Xiao Rong didn't need to be overly polite to them. It wouldn't make a difference anyway. Despite his high rank, he had no real status, so there was no point in wasting energy on him.

But the fact that the imperial harem sent a eunuch from the Empress Dowager's side was intriguing. Was it because the emperor had no reliable people around him, or did Sun Renluan consider Xiao Rong insignificant and thus dispatched someone casually?

Or perhaps Sun Renluan was worried that Xiao Rong would try to gather information from the eunuchs close to the emperor, so he preemptively blocked that path by sending someone from his sister's side, who was beautiful but lacked intelligence. As the saying goes, a foolish general leads a foolish army; Empress Dowager Sun was a beauty but also a fool, and the eunuchs serving her had no chance of learning anything useful.

Xiao Rong curled his lips, carefully inspecting himself to ensure there was nothing amiss, then left with renewed vigor.

As the only one with an official position, Zhang Biezhi naturally accompanied him. Seeing Xiao Rong fully revived after just an hour of sleep, Zhang Biezhi was astonished.

Were scholars always so energetic? Xiao Rong's brother seemed to be the same, always engrossed in books, writing articles, and handling emergencies. Even the old lady in their family, whom Zhang Biezhi found unbearable within minutes, could be easily appeased by Xiao Yi with a few words. Despite recurring issues, Xiao Yi remained patient and composed.

Zhang Biezhi: I see.

The difference between him and the Xiao brothers lay in the fact that he didn't have such a troublesome old lady at home. Both Xiao Rong's resilience and Xiao Yi's patience must have been forged by the old lady's constant torment.

Excellent, he no longer needed to doubt himself. His upbringing had been too smooth, without anyone tormenting him during his childhood. He couldn't help it.

Xiao Rong didn't know what Zhang Biezhi was thinking, nor did he delve into it. After all, one can never truly understand the mind of a monkey. But Zhang Biezhi's mood visibly improved, and he began to act like his old self again, looking down his nose at everyone and occasionally sneering, seemingly disapproving of everything.

Yet Jinling was far more prosperous than Chenliu. Many houses in Chenliu still stood empty, not due to a lack of people but because living in the city was inconvenient and expensive. Some preferred living outside the city walls. In contrast, Jinling's streets were bustling with people, vendors calling out continuously, and every few seconds, someone would pass by leading a cart loaded with goods or carrying a wealthy person adorned in gold and silver.

What surprised Xiao Rong most was seeing many foreigners. These foreigners usually gathered together, merchants carrying bags and exuding wealth, while mercenaries appeared more alert, rarely interacting with each other and always armed. The locals gave them a wide berth but seemed accustomed to sharing the city with them.

These were the legendary foreign mercenaries...

Xiao Rong couldn't tell which country they came from, but he watched them intently. Their presence near the palace suggested they were likely a small group, probably just a few dozen mercenaries. At this level, they were more like hired guards than true mercenaries.

Xiao Rong wanted them too.

In this era, money wasn't the primary concern for leaders of various factions. Even the poorest leader could attract funds by simply leading their troops. While they couldn't guarantee food for everyone, the leader would certainly become wealthy. For example, Qu Yunmie never worried about the Northern Pacification Army's supplies. If not for Xiao Rong's insistence on moving the capital to Chenliu and developing it extensively, their treasury would have lasted for years.

But manpower was another matter entirely.

Every battlefield was a meat grinder. Without modern weapons or long-range attacks, every war was fought with lives. Famous battles might have fewer casualties, but those were exceptions. Most battles were brutal clashes of strength and numbers.

Currently, the Northern Pacification Army seemed numerous, but once dispersed, they could still be defeated. The Xianbei posed a challenge, but eventually, they would move beyond this point, facing new issues like ruling the northern regions of the Huai River, purging corrupt officials, and balancing relations between north and south.

Thus, they needed more people—scholars, warriors, even starving refugees. Xiao Rong wanted to bring them back to his territory, where they could be useful.

But he could only think about it. People were naturally drawn to safety and prosperity. Jinling, despite its arrogant aristocrats, was genuinely wealthy and secure. Its thick walls provided a sense of safety. Chenliu, on the other hand, was still rebuilding, and the Northern Pacification King was preparing to face the Xianbei. Unless the Xianbei threat was resolved and the king promised stability, outsiders would remain hesitant.

Except for the fanatical followers of the Buddha's Son, who cared little about where Qu Yunmie went, they just wanted to live closer to him.

Xiao Rong's gaze lingered on the people of Jinling, filled with a hint of desire. When the Chief of Changle Palace looked at him, he lowered his eyes and coughed lightly, feigning weakness.

Chief of Changle Palace: "..."

He couldn't help but look at Xiao Rong more closely, his eyes revealing something.

During Xiao Rong's nap, the palace had thoroughly investigated him, or so they thought.

Xiao Rong, male, one year away from adulthood, unknown teacher, unknown place of study. He seemed to be from the Linchuan Xiao clan but had never publicly claimed this lineage, leaving it uncertain.

The Linchuan Xiao clan had members in the government, one as a Censor and another as a Secretary, both holding mid-level positions neither too prominent nor too obscure among second-tier noble families.

The Xiao and Sun clans had similar histories, both rising centuries ago. However, their current situations were vastly different. Compared to other noble families, the Xiao clan still had considerable prestige, but compared to the Sun clan, they were mere underlings.

When summoned by the Grand Marshal to inquire about this obscure clan member, the two officials racked their brains and recalled some details.

"During the Yanping era, a clan member committed a crime. I should call him my seventh uncle. His father was my grandfather's brother. According to clan rules, the patriarch expelled him and his family from the clan lands. They settled nearby but had little contact. A few years ago, I heard that their descendants dwindled, with only one grandson growing up and sent to study outside. That grandson seems to be named Xiao Rong."

Sun Renluan: "..."

The Yanping era was over forty years ago.

But blood ties mattered deeply. Even if it were four or five hundred years ago, as long as both sides acknowledged it, they could still be considered close relatives. While pondering, the two officials gauged his thoughts and cautiously asked if he wanted them to recognize Xiao Rong.

Their expressions suggested reluctance. After all, the Xiao family had expelled him long ago, and now he served the Northern Pacification King, known for his association with refugees and foreigners. Serving such a person was seen as self-degradation.

Sun Renluan: "......"

He often felt out of place due to his colleagues' narrow-mindedness.

Regardless of the Northern Pacification King's humble origins, he had become a king. Xiao Rong had endured hardships and lost almost his entire family. If he were resentful, he might long to return to his clan. But if he had any ambition, he might despise the clan that expelled him and wish to surpass them.

These two officials weren't stupid, but they couldn't fathom this possibility. They were too confident in their clan's status and too dismissive of Qu Yunmie and Xiao Rong. They saw them as uncultured barbarians fundamentally different from themselves. Despite their current success, they still viewed them as beneath them.

Sun Renluan had seen countless talented commoners buried and noble families destroyed by angry refugees. In a chaotic era, respect for all was the true way to survive.

He understood this clearly but chose not to remind them. When they asked if he wanted to extend an olive branch to Xiao Rong, Sun Renluan agreed, reasoning that the Xiao clan wasn't his family's vassal and could do as they pleased. *

Xiao Rong had no idea that his "kinsman" was about to come find him. After being announced, he walked into the hall with a composed demeanor and stood in an appropriate spot, bowing to the young emperor seated at the top.

Qu Yunmie had once instructed him not to perform grand salutes to anyone else, but since Qu Yunmie wasn't there now, who cared?

He performed the salute properly. There were no rules against looking directly at the emperor's face, so Xiao Rong quickly lifted his head. He had prepared a smile for the young emperor, and after a brief second of eye contact, he smiled appropriately—neither too sudden nor too much to invite rebuke from those around him.

The young emperor, He Fu, looked at him curiously. It was because of this person's arrival that he was pulled out of his study, where he was supposed to practice calligraphy all day. His uncle had sent someone to interrupt him and dress him in the ceremonial robes usually worn during court sessions, making him come out to meet this person.

Sun Renluan controlled the young emperor strictly. He only allowed the emperor to appear during the regular court sessions every five days; otherwise, he kept him confined in the inner palace. The only one who could visit him anytime was his empress mother, but she was often busy and rarely came to see him.

He Fu sensed that this person was not ordinary; otherwise, his uncle wouldn't have gone through such trouble.

Seeing Xiao Rong's smile, He Fu's immature scrutiny disappeared. After all, he was still a child, and children liked fun things and pretty faces.

He Fu couldn't help kicking his legs, a sign of his joy. Sun Renluan sat beside the emperor, a position that should have been occupied by the empress dowager for ruling behind a curtain. However, the regent himself took the seat.

No one dared say anything, as Sun Renluan had previously sat in the emperor's position when He Fu was too young to even sit steadily. Although the concept of a dragon throne didn't exist yet, Sun Renluan's actions were already a significant overreach.

Despite these near-rebellious acts, Sun Renluan never showed any intention of ascending the throne. No one knew if it was because he truly didn't want to or if he was just too hesitant to do so.

Sun Renluan looked at the young emperor's movements and then cast a disapproving glance at Xiao Rong, suspecting that Xiao Rong was doing this on purpose.

However, the next moment, Xiao Rong shifted his gaze and began speaking eloquently, praising the emperor's wisdom, the Grand Marshal's valor, and the Northern Pacification King's busyness, explaining why he had to come instead of the king himself.

While other aspects were debatable, Sun Renluan was certain of one thing: Xiao Rong was quite skilled at flattery.

Xiao Rong's appearance was advantageous. Initially dismissive officials became more willing to listen to him after seeing his looks. Since his words praised them, they enjoyed hearing him speak even more.

Some, however, were disappointed upon realizing that Xiao Rong's words were nothing but flattery and lowered their heads in dismay.

As Xiao Rong spoke, he subtly observed the crowd, noticing a few people lowering their heads. He paused briefly but continued, gradually steering the conversation towards Qu Yunmie, describing how difficult it had been for him recently. First, the Xiongnu attacked again, causing bloodshed in Dunhuang and Zhangye. Then, there was unrest in Yizhou, forcing Qu Yunmie to send troops to suppress the rebels, leading to another bloodbath. More critically, there were traitors among the Han people, even within the ranks of the Northern Pacification Army, who colluded with the Xianbei, almost trapping the army.

Yang Zangyi, the old man, had been closing his eyes and stroking his beard, but upon hearing this, he slowly opened his eyes. Was this a plea for sympathy?

But what good would it do for the Northern Pacification King to plead poverty? Everyone could see that he had already established his own faction, independent of the Yong Dynasty.

Hmm... Southern Yong was the name outsiders used for them, but the people of Southern Yong still called themselves citizens of the Yong Dynasty, refusing to acknowledge its division. So, one had to be cautious with words to avoid offending others.

Gradually, others also understood Xiao Rong's intentions, but like Yang Zangyi, they didn't know what he was trying to achieve. Not until Xiao Rong had laid enough groundwork did he bow to the young emperor and the Grand Marshal.

"As long as the Xianbei threat remains, the people cannot rest easy. Unfortunately, the Northern Pacification Army is now short of both weapons and food. With our current strength, we cannot defeat the Xianbei alone. Therefore, the King has sent letters far and wide, inviting all loyal and valiant individuals to join us in attacking the Xianbei. This battle is to avenge the fallen and reassure the living, ensuring that Your Majesty no longer worries about the Xianbei invading the south. The passing of the late emperor was a great sorrow! We must not repeat past tragedies. As a son and a ruler, I humbly request Your Majesty to assist the Northern Pacification King in this endeavor, to cut off the head of the Xianbei emperor and bring peace to the spirit of the late emperor!"

The officials present were speechless.

You sure can spin a tale!

Why should we care about fighting the Xianbei? If they invade, they'll attack you first. Besides, what do we know about the late emperor? Many secretly celebrated his death. You're not blushing saying this?

Clearly, Xiao Rong wasn't blushing. He even produced a letter written by Qu Yunmie, which someone passed to Sun Renluan. The young emperor looked confused, staring at everyone. The late emperor?

Wasn't he the one many said wasn't his real father?

Although He Fu was a puppet, he was eight years old and could understand adult conversations. He felt their mockery, pity, and disdain. He vaguely knew his situation was precarious and wanted to change it. This was a child's logic—instinctively seeking survival. At this age, children instinctively seek food to grow, but He Fu didn't lack food. His danger came from something he couldn't fully comprehend. He wanted to live and stay on the throne, so he needed to shed the stigma of being illegitimate.

He didn't fully understand what sending troops meant, but he was intrigued. He looked hopefully at Sun Renluan, hoping he would agree to send troops in his name to avenge the late emperor.

No one anticipated Xiao Rong's true intentions. Before his departure, Qu Yunmie had only invited Huang Yanjiong, sending the other invitations two days before Xiao Rong left. Thus, Sun Renluan had no idea that Qu Yunmie decided to form an alliance to fight the Xianbei together.

The reaction in court was intense and one-sided. Why should they engage in a futile battle? Defeating the Xianbei would only benefit Qu Yunmie. They'd be fools to undertake such a thankless task.

Xiao Rong was prepared for this. He smiled lightly and began mocking them, saying he had never heard of lacking benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and faith. Oh, was this called lacking virtue?

Everyone was silent.

Xiao Rong successfully ignited their anger, and they immediately started attacking him. At first, he responded smoothly, but soon found himself struggling, falling behind.

Resplendent chairs and beds were available outside, but the court format remained traditional. Everyone sat on mats facing each other, making the person in the middle an easy target.

Zhang Biezhi had a dazed look throughout Xiao Rong's speech, as he mostly didn't understand. When the conversation turned into a heated argument, his expression cleared.

Seeing Xiao Rong struggling, Zhang Biezhi grew angry but lacked the eloquence to help. In a fit of rage, he wanted to punch someone.

Before he could act, Xiao Rong, using his robe to hide it, stepped hard on Zhang Biezhi's foot.

Zhang Biezhi: "Ouch!" It hurt!

His face contorted, but Xiao Rong turned to look at him as if seeking help.

On the surface, Xiao Rong seemed to be asking for help, but Zhang Biezhi knew his toes were nearly crushed. Xiao Rong slowly ground his foot, and his pitiful expression turned sharp.

Finally, the rehearsal paid off. Zhang Biezhi's expression instantly normalized, and he raised one corner of his mouth in a sarcastic and cold smile. He then withdrew his foot and stepped aside, seemingly choosing to watch from the sidelines.

Seeing his reaction, Xiao Rong's face darkened, but he had no choice but to continue arguing. In the end, he won, but not without significant effort.

At this point, Sun Renluan, who had been silent, spoke up, declaring that the matter would be discussed later. Xiao Rong wanted to argue further but had to comply with Sun Renluan's order.

Soon, everyone left. As Xiao Rong and Zhang Biezhi walked out, they kept a considerable distance, making it seem like they weren't allies.

Sun Renluan glanced at them before leaving, unaware that He Fu was also watching them closely.