vrcanaries Chapter 170 She is back
Chapter 170 She is back
Chu Yanxi returned at this time.
From the outside perspective, it appears that the retired emperor witnessed the Ye Dynasty mired in such a major disaster and resolutely ended his travels to return in haste.
However, to those who knew the inside story, it was as if the late emperor had appeared without warning, causing everyone to panic.
At that time, Chen Xiao was presiding over the court affairs when a sudden invasion from a neighboring country plunged the Night Dynasty into crisis.
Despite prior preparations, the losses suffered were still extremely heavy, with countless casualties.
This crisis was strange; it differed from ordinary wars between nations. Its duration was quite short, lasting only three months before the fighting abruptly ended.
Its outbreak and its end were both too abrupt and bizarre, leaving many officials with no time to attend to Chen Xiao's affairs in the harem.
At that moment, everyone was having a heated discussion in the court about how to repair the border defenses. Just as Chen Xiao was about to speak, a familiar voice came leisurely from outside the hall: "I have a plan, may I ask you all?"
The familiar voice was like a thunderclap, startling the officials who turned to look in disbelief.
Chu Yanxi strode into the court with steady and powerful steps. After confirming Chu Yanxi's identity, the officials had different thoughts in an instant.
The officials, unaware of the situation, were somewhat pleasantly surprised. At such a critical moment, the retired emperor had actually abruptly ended his travels and returned? Truly, he was a wise and benevolent ruler!
However, the officials who knew the inside story were terrified.
The intelligence they possessed indicated that there was a "tomb of the retired emperor" in He Village, which borders the capital and Guangling. Chen Xiao and Xu Qian had personally gone there to investigate and confirmed that the retired emperor had indeed passed away.
But now, how could the deceased Emperor Emeritus suddenly reappear?!
Is this even reasonable?!
Chen Xiao looked in the direction of the sound and saw Chu Yanxi wearing a black robe embroidered with gold. The fabric of the robe seemed to flow with the depth and mystery of the dark night. The hem of the robe swayed gently with her steps, as if accompanied by wind and clouds, and faintly exuded an aura of control over the universe.
That aura is just too powerful!
Chen Xiao was startled by Chu Yanxi's aura and unconsciously continued to look down. He noticed that she had a delicate jade belt around her waist. The ornaments on the belt made a crisp sound as she walked, like the majestic rhythm of heavenly music, which further accentuated the heroic spirit contained in her graceful figure.
Even the jade belt looks so luxurious? Chen Xiao clicked his tongue in amazement.
As Chu Yanxi slowly approached, Chen Xiao's attention also fell on Chu Yanxi's face.
Chu Yanxi is forty-five years old in this world, but she now has a head of jet-black hair.
The hair, without a single white strand, was neatly bound inside a golden crown, which was carved with dragons and phoenixes. It shimmered brilliantly in the interplay of light and shadow in the court, as if telling of its former supreme glory.
"That's so imposing!" Chen Xiao was somewhat stunned.
At this moment, Chu Yanxi had already walked to the very front of the main hall, next to Xu Qian, the head of all officials.
Chen Xiao was even more shocked when she finally saw her face clearly! How come Chu Yanxi looked younger and younger after only half a year?!
Xu Qian also snapped out of his daze and awkwardly turned his gaze to Chu Yanxi's face.
Chu Yanxi's face was as white as snow, exuding a kind of perseverance that had seen the world. Her eyebrows were like distant mountains, slanting upwards into her temples. Her eyes were like cold stars in a cold night. With just a slight glance, one could feel the fierce and imposing light contained within them. Her gaze was so real that wherever it fell, the officials would unconsciously lower their heads.
Her nose was delicate and straight, and her lips were naturally red without any lipstick.
The marks of time have quietly passed over her, but they have not diminished her unparalleled beauty in the slightest. On the contrary, in every gesture she makes, she displays the awe-inspiring dignity and majesty of the emperors of the past.
She stood proudly in the court, like a god descending to earth, enveloping the entire court in her majestic aura. The officials dared not even breathe loudly, and could only wait quietly for her to continue.
Chu Yanxi slightly raised her eyes and scanned the court. All the officials felt that her gaze was like a cold blade, making them dare not meet her eyes.
She parted her lips slightly, her voice steady yet cold: "Now that Xiao'er is in power, I should not interfere in court affairs any further. However, in this time of national crisis, how can I sit idly by?"
Having said that, she strode forward, each step seeming to tread on the hearts of the assembled officials.
"The neighboring country's attack was fierce but its retreat was hasty, there must be some hidden story behind it. During my travels, I heard many rumors, it seems that foreign forces are secretly manipulating things behind the scenes, trying to disrupt the foundation of my Night Dynasty and then reap the benefits."
Chu Yanxi's resounding words echoed in the court, and all the officials held their breath in concentration.
Chen Xiao, having regained his senses, quickly replied, "Your Majesty, I also find this matter extremely strange, but lacking evidence, I cannot make a decision."
Chu Yanxi nodded slightly, looked at Chen Xiao, and a subtle look flashed in her eyes: "Since Your Majesty has noticed this, you should make plans as soon as possible. Although the border is temporarily at peace, it is like the calm before the storm, and we must not be complacent for a moment."
Then, she turned to her ministers and said, “My ministers, the rise and fall of the nation depends on you. I believe that the most urgent task is to strengthen the border defenses and send more spies to infiltrate neighboring and surrounding countries to investigate the truth. Furthermore, we must train the army, boost morale, and stockpile food and supplies for any eventuality.”
After saying that, she looked at Xu Qian with a calm expression and said, "You bear an important responsibility, so you will take the lead in this matter and work with the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue and other relevant departments to formulate a detailed strategy. There must be no mistakes."
Xu Qian composed himself, quickly stepped forward, and respectfully replied, "As you command, I will do my utmost."
Chu Yanxi looked around the court again: "In addition, the court must also appease the people, reduce taxes, build water conservancy projects, and promote the well-being of the people. Only when everyone is of one mind can we overcome this difficulty. If there are any slack or derelict officials, I will not let them off lightly."
Seeing Chu Yanxi's swift and decisive arrangements, all the officials knelt down and shouted in unison, "We respectfully obey the Emperor Emeritus's decree!"
Chen Xiao was so overwhelmed by Chu Yanxi's aura that he almost knelt down along with the other officials before realizing that she was now the emperor.
She quickly steadied her slightly slumped body and pretended to get up to greet Chu Yanxi.
Chu Yanxi took in Chen Xiao's subtle movements, a fleeting smile playing on her lips, before instantly regaining her composure.
She said slowly, "Xiao'er, come with me to the side hall. I have a secret to discuss with you."
After saying that, he walked straight towards the side hall.
Chen Xiao was filled with doubt. Hadn't Chu Yanxi already completed the task and returned to the original interface?
I had previously heard Xi Xi mention that Chu Yanxi was pursuing a combined bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree. How could she have reappeared here?
Could it be that those who complete the task can freely travel between the two interfaces?
A host of questions flooded Chen Xiao's mind.
Just as she was pondering this, she heard Chu Yanxi summon her, and she hurriedly followed.
Upon entering the side hall, Chu Yanxi dismissed the servants on either side. For a moment, the room was extremely quiet, with only the sound of the two of them breathing.
Chu Yanxi turned around, her gaze fixed directly on Chen Xiao.
Seeing that Chen Xiao was still confused, she sighed softly after a long while: "Xiao'er, you should know that my return this time is not accidental."
Chen Xiao was puzzled, but facing the respected and beloved Chu Yanxi, he still respectfully responded according to the rules of the Night Dynasty: "Your subject is foolish and asks Your Majesty for clarification."
Chu Yanxi frowned slightly when she heard Chen Xiao address her in this way, and thought to herself: Could it be that Xiao'er does not know that I am a mission taker?
He hesitated for a moment, as if carefully choosing his words, and only spoke slowly when Chen Xiao's clear gaze fell upon him: "During my travels, I encountered a strange person who told me that the Night Dynasty would face a great calamity, and the conspiracy hidden behind this calamity was far more complex than it appears now."
Chen Xiao looked astonished.
What?! Chu Yanxi didn't return to the original interface?
Seeing that Chu Yanxi seemed unwilling to talk more, Chen Xiao had no choice but to say, "Your subject has also suspected that there is a mastermind behind this, but I don't know what the conspiracy is."
Chu Yanxi walked slowly to the window, gazed at the palace scenery outside, and said softly, "That strange man hinted that there might be spies in the court, colluding with other countries to try to overthrow the Night Dynasty."
Ah!? There's a spy?!?
Since ascending the throne, Chen Xiao has dealt with two groups of treacherous officials, but who would have thought that there are still spies hiding here?
She couldn't help but gasp: "If that's really the case, wouldn't it be fraught with danger? Your subject will definitely do everything in his power to investigate thoroughly."
Upon hearing Chen Xiao's answer, Chu Yanxi was certain that Chen Xiao had not yet regained her memories and was unaware of the existence of the other mission participants, which made her feel a little cold.
He then shook his head and said, "We must not alert them; we must keep a close watch. My appearance here is also intended to deter those with ulterior motives."
After speaking, she looked at Chen Xiao again, her gaze filled with even more affection: "Although you are an emperor, you still need to deal with such a complex situation calmly. I will assist you from behind, and when the truth comes out, I will retire again."
Chen Xiao felt a mix of emotions. It seemed that Chu Yanxi had decided not to mention the Yuan Realm and the Original Realm to her. Was there some unspeakable reason behind it? Her heart sank for a moment.
However, Chu Yanxi's actions must have had a deeper meaning, so Chen Xiao did not ask further. He simply nodded and resolutely said, "Your subject will certainly live up to the Emperor Emeritus's expectations and vow to protect the Night Dynasty thoroughly."
Chu Yanxi said nothing more, only nodded in satisfaction: "Go, deal with the affairs of the court first, and don't let the ministers find out."
After bowing, Chen Xiao left the side hall and returned to the imperial court.
Chu Yanxi stood by the window, lost in thought.
She was filled with mixed emotions, knowing full well that this crisis in the Night Dynasty was no ordinary one; at this moment, it was merely the beginning of the crisis.
With Chu Yanxi's appearance, the officials became much more obedient, and she gradually gained firm control of the court.
Upon seeing Chen Xiao return, but not Chu Yanxi, the officials breathed a sigh of relief, and the tense yet orderly atmosphere gradually eased.
Chen Xiao didn't care about all that. After making some arrangements, he announced the end of the court session and went back to work at the Qin Zheng Hall.
A scheme that will determine the fate of the Night Dynasty is slowly unfolding.
Back in the Hall of Diligent Governance, Chen Xiao sat at his desk, but could not concentrate on reviewing the memorials for a long time.
Chu Yanxi's sudden return, and the hidden story behind the crisis of Yechao that she revealed, weighed heavily on Chen Xiao's heart like a boulder.
She knew all too well that this crisis was not just an ordinary invasion by a neighboring country, but a meticulously planned and massive conspiracy involving multiple forces.
Chen Xiao decided to conduct a private investigation, and she first summoned Chao Yuan, whom she trusted most.
After entering the hall, Chao Yuan saw Chen Xiao's solemn expression and quickly bowed, asking, "Your Majesty, is there something urgent?"
Chen Xiao briefly recounted what Chu Yanxi had said about the spies. Upon hearing this, Chao Yuan's expression hardened: "Your Majesty, if there really are spies, they have probably been lurking in the court for a long time, with deep roots, making them difficult to detect."
Chen Xiao nodded slightly: "I know this matter is difficult, but the Night Dynasty is now in imminent danger and we have no choice but to investigate. You should secretly keep an eye on the movements of the ministers in the court, especially those who have close ties with neighboring countries. If there is anything suspicious, report to me immediately."
Chao Yuan accepted the order and left.
A few days later, Chao Yuan came to report that during the investigation, he found that Wang Qian, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, had been behaving rather strangely recently.
He frequently met with unidentified individuals in remote locations, and his home appeared to contain a large amount of unexplained wealth.
Chen Xiao's heart stirred, but he did not immediately order the arrest of Wang Qianyi. Instead, he decided to send people to monitor him first, trying to follow the clues and find out more accomplices behind him.
At the same time, Chu Yanxi was also acting in secret.
Relying on her past prestige and connections, she quietly contacted some of her former trusted officials. Although these officials were shocked to learn of the Emperor Emeritus's return, they still expressed their willingness to serve him without hesitation.
Chu Yanxi instructed them to start with intelligence networks in various places to investigate the truth behind the neighboring country's sudden invasion and inexplicable retreat, as well as whether there were other forces in the court colluding with spies.
As the investigation deepened, some clues gradually surfaced.
It turns out that the neighboring country's actions were orchestrated by a mysterious organization that attempted to create chaos in the Night Dynasty, then install its own puppet ruler to seize control of the Night Dynasty's government.
The spies in the court were their pawns planted within the Night Dynasty, secretly transmitting intelligence and acting as internal collaborators for the neighboring country's invasion.
After learning about these circumstances, Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi decided to play along.
On the one hand, they deliberately spread false information in the imperial court to mislead the spies and the forces behind them;
On the other hand, they intensified their troop deployment and set up numerous ambushes along the border, waiting for the enemy to attack again.
Finally, on a night when it was neither dark nor windy, the neighboring country's army, with the help of spies, crossed the border again and headed into the heart of the night.
However, they never expected that what awaited them was a trap carefully prepared by Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi, the "mother and daughter".
The Night Dynasty army and the Li family army descended like divine soldiers, catching the enemy off guard and causing heavy casualties.
Wang Qianyi and his henchmen were also caught and brought to justice in this battle.
After this battle, Ye Chao successfully resolved the crisis, and peace was finally restored to the border.
But Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi both knew that this crisis was definitely not over yet, after all, the real cancer in the court had not yet been found.
That's right, Wang Qianyi was just a scapegoat. Although he had engaged in embezzlement and bribery, he did not treason. The charge was just something to put on him.
Chen Xiao and Chu Yanxi did not reveal this matter simply because they did not want that old cancer to find out easily.
This old cancer, holding a high position and wielding great power, has been eroding the Night Dynasty for many years. He is certainly not easy to find, nor will he be easy to deal with. Therefore, they can only secretly conserve their strength and wait for the next opportunity to arrive.