Chapter 34: The Grand Commandant’s Residence, Xiao Shengjie

The following day in Pingzhou, the city appeared outwardly unchanged, yet beneath the surface currents stirred. The General’s residence had lost two servants in a single day, both deaths intimately tied to the young master Chu. A fresh tale spread swiftly among the crowds.

“Have you heard? The little master at the General’s residence is a ruthless fiend—he’s only five years old, but he kills without blinking!”

“I heard the two servants who died were beaten to death on the orders of young master Chu!”

“No, that’s not right. I heard one of them was driven to suicide by him!”

…

Within the Grand Commandant’s mansion, an elderly man of about sixty, his hair bristling with fury, exclaimed, “So Chu Xiong pushes all blame onto his son! Clearly, our General has come well-prepared this time.”

“Don’t let this matter trouble your health, Imperial Tutor. What do they have to fear? If needed, we’ll simply say that the maidservant was sent by me, the Crown Prince. I’d like to see if he dares investigate the Commandant’s mansion,” a young boy boasted, standing nearby in splendid attire, his features refined.

Had Chu Junhan been present, he would have recognized this boy in an instant: Xiao Shengjie.

Xiao Shengjie, a mere eight years old, was born the Crown Prince and raised in luxury, already carrying an arrogant air at such a tender age. In his previous life, Chu Junhan admired this arrogance, but looking back now, he saw only a conceited, self-important youth.

Furthermore, the Grand Commandant was Xiao Shengjie’s maternal grandfather. Though his power could not rival Chu Xiong’s, he commanded the troops stationed around Pingzhou.

“Your Highness, do not speak so lightly. General Chu is sworn brother to His Majesty; technically, you ought to address him as ‘uncle’,” the Commandant said, gently patting the boy’s head, his tone earnest.

With a dismissive sniff, Xiao Shengjie retorted, “Grandfather, rest assured—your prince knows his limits.”

“Very well.” The Commandant clasped his hands behind his back, appearing the seasoned strategist as he gazed toward the sky, in the direction of the General’s mansion.

“The Longevity Festival…” he sighed softly. “It seems this banquet will be a dangerous affair.”

“Grandfather… are we not going to act during the Longevity Festival?” Xiao Shengjie asked, confused.

The Commandant approached and patted his shoulder. “Chu Xiong has brought troops in force this time—under no circumstances may we act rashly.”

“But only fifty thousand! We have over three hundred thousand soldiers—what’s there to fear?” Xiao Shengjie remained scornful.

A cold smile flickered across the Commandant’s lips. “The Chu family’s army is famed for its valor. Eight-tenths of Tianqing’s empire was won by them. Each soldier can fight a hundred men—you mustn’t underestimate those fifty thousand.”

“Then, what are you suggesting, Grandfather?”

“Since Chu Xiong knows the emperor’s birthday is a trap, he has surely chosen his finest troops. If we wish to seize his military authority during the festival, it will not be easy…”

Although only a minor informant had died in the Commandant’s mansion, the household was like a startled bird, fearing to make any move.

“I suppose Liu Shuming’s secret letter must have reached the General’s residence as well…” the old man muttered, worry etched on his face.

No sooner had he spoken than Chu Xiong sneezed.

“Master, Madam, Madam Liu is here to visit. Here is her card,” the servant announced respectfully.

Xifeng received the card, nodded to Chu Xiong, then led Yingdie out to greet the guest.

“Please, Madam Liu, this way,” Xifeng said, guiding her toward the same small garden as before.

Madam Liu, hand in hand with Liu Yan’er, followed with a gentle smile. “Madam Chu, there’s no need for such formality. We felt a kinship at first meeting—why not call ourselves sisters from now on? What do you think?”

Xifeng was taken aback, then offered an awkward smile. “Calling me Madam Chu—isn’t that too formal, sister?”