Chapter 4: Fury

Qin Xiao watched in silence, his cold eyes taking in the spectacle as everyone played their parts. Truly remarkable—two-thirds of the civil and military officials were recommending Tang Shanhui; it was as if the entire court existed solely for the Tang family. Not a single blind general dared to step forward. The Tang family's oppressive power was absolute.

The valiant Grand General, the Minister of Revenue controlling the state’s finances, the favored Imperial Consort in the harem—the Tang family's influence stretched throughout the court and beyond. Qin Xiao was no bookworm, nor a naive youth; throughout history, dynasties had always fallen at the hands of powerful families.

“What is this? Are you telling me that in this vast Great Qian dynasty, only General Tang Shanhui is capable of easing my burdens? Is there no other general willing to go forth?” Though his voice rang out loud and clear, he knew all too well that none would dare. Still, he refused to cave so easily; he wanted to see what would happen.

“Your Majesty, since all the officials have recommended General Tang Shanhui, in my humble opinion, why not appoint him as Grand Marshal for the campaign against the bandits today? That way, he can command the entire army and restore peace to the Tea-Horse Road for Your Majesty’s sake!”

A long-bearded elder strode out, invigorated and smug as he spoke.

When Qin Xiao saw who it was, his lungs nearly burst with rage. Li Changshu, Chancellor of the Great Qian, was clearly in league with Tang Sicheng! This was turning into a farce—a country without a tiger allows the monkeys to rule. It was utter rebellion.

At that moment, Tang Shanhui, dressed in martial garb, stepped to the center.

“Your Majesty, I will fearlessly forge ahead, clear a path through blood and thorns, and return the Tea-Horse Road to order and peace.”

“Five days! I need only five days to wipe out all the bandits along the Tea-Horse Road!”

“He is truly accomplished at such a young age—worthy of the Tang name. I once more beseech Your Majesty to appoint General Tang as Grand Marshal!”

“We too implore Your Majesty to grant this request!”

“Please, Your Majesty, grant this request!”

A chorus of voices rose and fell, pressing in relentless waves—a scene that could only be described as a forced abdication.

A blaze of fury ignited in Qin Xiao’s heart. Are you all trying to corner me?

To appoint a Grand Marshal simply to suppress a band of bandits—was the title now so worthless that it could be handed out at a whim?

Qin Xiao was bitterly disappointed. Not a single dissenting voice among the entire court, both civil and military!

This situation was the result of his predecessor’s misrule—debauched, incapable, and blindly favoring the Beautiful Consort, allowing the Tang family to grow unchecked.

Suddenly, Qin Xiao’s gaze sharpened, settling on a general just past thirty.

That was Hua Yuntian, elder brother of the Noble Consort Hua, serving as Commander-in-Chief of the capital’s guards—a man whose loyalty was beyond question.

Yet his circumstances were dire. He could not abide the Tang family's dominance and was ostracized by the entire court. Time and again, he had stood up for his sister, spoken disrespectfully of the Beautiful Consort, and been beaten by Qin Xiao’s predecessor, marginalized by the Tang family’s power.

He had survived countless persecutions—his very survival thus far was a miracle.

As the officials pressed in on him, Qin Xiao felt a blaze of determination. He would change this situation, starting with Hua Yuntian.

With resolve, he called out loudly, “General Hua Yuntian, do you have confidence in the campaign along the Tea-Horse Road?”

His words sent shockwaves through the hall.

Hua Yuntian stood stunned for a moment—was the foolish emperor truly considering him?

“Your servant—” Hua Yuntian had barely spoken before Tang Sicheng stepped out to interrupt. He could remain silent no longer; the position of Grand Marshal was rightfully the Tang family’s!

“Your Majesty, as Commander of the capital’s guard, Hua Yuntian cannot be spared from the capital’s defense. I do not think—”

Qin Xiao cut him off before he could finish, his tone unwavering. “Minister Tang, I was speaking to Hua Yuntian. Are you Hua Yuntian?”

Silence. Absolute, deathly silence.

Everyone was dumbfounded. Something was wrong—far too wrong. Qin Xiao’s behavior was utterly out of character; even a day ago, he would have waved his hand and named Tang Shanhui Grand Marshal without hesitation.

But today was different.

He had delayed again and again, and now he was outright denying Tang Sicheng any face at all.

“Enough. I have made my decision. Court is dismissed!”

As Qin Xiao strode from the hall, exuding an imperial air, a flash of cruelty flickered in Tang Sicheng’s eyes.

He approached Hua Yuntian and snorted coldly.

The emperor intended to favor Hua Yuntian? Clearly, the Noble Consort Hua had been at work behind the scenes!

Ha! Those who oppose me have long since had weeds growing over their graves. The former chancellor’s entire family accompanied him to the afterlife for daring to cross me. And now a mere plaything from the emperor’s bed dares to stir up trouble? Just wait—Great Qian will always belong to the Tang family.

After leaving the court, Qin Xiao quietly sent for Hua Yuntian and Bu Qingyi.

One was a steadfast brother-in-law, the other a commoner with the kingdom’s well-being at heart—both were worthy of great responsibility.

Beside the Hua Clear Pool, at the Palace of Hua, the residence of the Noble Consort Hua.

The morning frost glistened; the soft, muddy path through the shaded woods filled Qin Xiao with longing. The allure of unexplored wonders captivated him; he could not bear to delay for even a moment.

He hurried inside, drawn by the commotion within.

“You little vixen! His Majesty was injured in your palace last night—you deserve death!”

“Lady Beautiful Consort has ordered you to remain in seclusion for six months, praying for His Majesty’s health!”

“Vixen, this time Her Ladyship only slapped you three times. If anything like this happens again, it’ll be chili water for you! Hmph, you’d better behave.”

The three women were the Beautiful Consort’s lackeys—though all possessed stunning beauty, they had no family background. As mere Concubines, they could only survive under the Beautiful Consort’s shadow.

Now, emboldened, they watched the Noble Consort Hua cowering on the ground with cold, mocking eyes.

Though Concubine outranked them, they dared to insult and berate the Noble Consort Hua, relying entirely on the Beautiful Consort’s favor.

The dignified Noble Consort had been slapped by a few Concubines, and even her maids and eunuchs had been punished.

At this moment, Noble Consort Hua’s heart yearned desperately for Qin Xiao to descend from the heavens.

He promised last night to protect me—where is he now?

Tears streaming down her face, she was overcome with boundless sorrow.

Just as despair threatened to swallow her, a bold and heroic figure appeared in her beautiful eyes, framed by lifted willow brows.

“It’s him—my emperor has come!”

“But… will he really offend the Beautiful Consort for my sake?”

Suddenly, the sharp crack of slaps broke Hua’s thoughts.

Silence. Deathly silence.

The Palace of Hua fell utterly still—every gaze turned toward the source of the sound.

Heavens! The emperor had gone mad—he had slapped all three Concubines.

And they were the Beautiful Consort’s people—unprecedented!

On their delicate faces, brilliant red handprints stood out starkly.

“Damn you! She is my woman—how dare you lay a hand on her? Are you seeking death?” Qin Xiao roared, his voice ringing out with unyielding strength.

Though it had been but a single night, there was no doubt at all in Qin Xiao’s mind that the Noble Consort Hua was his woman.

As for these three, they were simply repulsive.

“Your Majesty—” Concubine Wang’s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice choked with sobs, shock written all over her face—shocked that His Majesty would hit her for the sake of that vixen.

“Your Majesty, it was Noble Consort Hua’s fault that you fainted—we only acted out of concern for you. Who could have guessed she would show no remorse? That’s why we—” Concubine Li wailed her innocence, clutching her cheek as though suffering the greatest injustice.

But Qin Xiao cut her off before she could finish.

“Shut up, wench!”

“When did my beloved consort ever need your interference?”

He turned and gently lifted the trembling Noble Consort Hua from the ground. The vivid handprints on her face fueled his mounting fury.