Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 633: The Empress and Her Lover Do Away With Robes

“Why are you so late? The daylilies have gone cold now.”

In a secluded corner of the imperial palace, Lady Three lounged lazily against a pavilion column, drinking wine. Huangfu Qing grabbed Lady Three by the collar in frustration. “When we needed military strength the most to stabilize the imperial court, you, the Venerable Black Tortoise, were nowhere to be found. What use are you?”

“I was far away, in Yangzhou, remember?”

“Everyone came from Yangzhou, Zhao Changhe and Chichi arrived first thing in the morning. Are you a tortoise?”

“Yeah, I am. Didn’t you know that?” Lady Three responded lazily.

Huangfu Qing: “...”

Shamelessness is invincibility.

Lady Three casually brushed off her grip. “Changhe... Zhao Changhe arrived quickly because his horse can fly. Yes, literally. As for Xia Chichi, I suggest you look into what it means to merge with the stars and become a flying dragon in the sky. Her speed is probably as close to human limits as possible. I couldn’t match her speed even if I tried. She’s your disciple. When it comes to understanding the essence of the Azure Dragon, she’s already surpassed us by a tier, and you haven’t even realized it.”

Huangfu Qing froze, momentarily lost in thought. If that was true, Xia Chichi’s grasp of the Azure Dragon’s power had reached a level akin to Profound Control. The trials she faced in the seas had truly been her crucible. Lady Three had received the Soul of Water and become its master. Her inheritance had been powerful enough to help Xia Chichi quell Wang Daoning’s turbulent path. It seemed that now, of the three of them, she was the one most lacking.

Is there a place awaiting my arrival? Where might it be?

Lady Three’s voice broke through her reverie, “As for me, Wan Tianxiong was barely clinging on to life. I needed to secure Jianghuai. Otherwise, Wan Dongliu could not have managed on his own. That region is the foundation of our power. It’s no less important than controlling the capital. Have you been so dazzled by how easily we took the capital that you’ve forgotten Jianghuai’s worth? Without Jianghuai, all we’d have is an isolated imperial city. Hardly a vast empire.”

Huangfu Qing exhaled, irritation fading into resolve. “Of course I know that. How are things now?”

“It’s going well. Wan Dongliu isn’t a pushover. With my backing, he brought the various factions of the Cao Gang to heel in half a day. Now that Xia Chichi has ascended the throne, when do you plan to issue the imperial edict to the realm? We’ll need it to coordinate with Wan Dongliu’s efforts.”

“The edict was drafted during the ceremony. It’s already being prepared for distribution, though it’s more for show. No one truly acknowledges the legitimacy of the Great Xia’s line—not even us. We’ve established a new dynasty under the doctrine of the Azure Dragon. Xia Chichi’s claim to the throne is, for now, a declaration of our own making. The advantage lies in how swiftly we took the capital. The officials, though reluctant, have no choice but to acknowledge our control. It puts us ahead of the other factions.”

“Hm...” Lady Three pondered. “If that’s the case, once the message spreads, within ten days the entire realm will know. We may have the advantage now, but the current calm is only a veneer.”

“Indeed,” Huangfu Qing agreed. “The situation is delicate. During the ceremony, I didn’t dare stir the pot by emphasizing the cult’s role. Xia Chichi merely declared the Four Idols Cult as the state religion. I watched the officials closely, and they weren’t pleased. Even Tang Wanzhuang’s expression was cold. Of course, they didn’t openly object, but that’s because they know where the power lies. Their silence isn’t exactly acceptance. We still have a long road ahead of us.”

Huangfu Qing, burdened by her thoughts, snatched Lady Three’s wine gourd and took a long swig. @@novelbin@@

Lady Three stretched her hand out pitifully, then sighed and let it drop. “The cult’s affairs need to adapt gradually to the current situation. We have no shortage of capable people. You shouldn’t overthink everything on your own. In fact, the greatest talent we have is Chichi. Do you really think she spends her days groveling and accepting your punishments because she’s a fool? That girl knows when to yield and when to strike. Beneath that act, she’s brimming with cunning and ruthlessness. If she becomes the cult leader, she’ll manage things smoothly on her own.”

“That’s exactly what worries me!” Huangfu Qing slapped the pavilion column in frustration. “That little rascal already holds a bellyful of resentment against me. If she becomes the cult leader—becoming my superior—how am I supposed to survive? Here I am plotting how to raise her to that position, and it feels like I’m tying my own noose.”

Lady Three grinned, barely holding back a laugh.

And the funniest part? You don’t even realize I’ve already turned the tables on you. And yet you’re still consulting with me.

Those who deceive shall, in turn, be deceived!

If she were to offer genuine advice, the best course would be to come clean now, especially to Zhao Changhe. As long as he backed her, no disgrace would be too severe. Even if Xia Chichi threw a fit, it would not be catastrophic. The longer the truth was hidden, the worse the fallout would be. If Xia Chichi discovered the truth on her own, no one would be able to save Huangfu Qing from the humiliation. She would be doomed to endless punishment, forced to copy texts until her hands gave out.

Yet, despite everything, Vermillion Bird was the one most devoted to the Four Idols Cult’s cause. She knew that helping Xia Chichi ascend as the cult leader would bring her personal misery, yet she remained determined to do it. She was like Tang Wanzhuang to the Great Xia—someone whose loyalty laid the groundwork for success. A faction with such a person at the helm had the foundation to thrive.

Lady Three chuckled, her eyes glinting. “Let me offer you one piece of advice: stop interfering with Xia Chichi and Zhao Changhe. In this matter, you’re the perfect villain. Zhao Changhe is already holding a grudge against you. Don’t you realize that?”

Huangfu Qing’s eyes flared. “What does he want? Let him try killing me if he dares!”

“Pfft... Don’t bluff. You can’t tell me you’re not afraid of him genuinely resenting you,” Lady Three teased, pointing to the surrounding palace chambers. “The loneliness of the cold palace wouldn’t suit you...”

“Ridiculous. Are we, the esteemed venerables of the Four Idols Cult, supposed to beg for affection?” Huangfu Qing scoffed, flicking her sleeve. “It’s not like I need a man to survive.”

“Heh...”

“Enough of that,” Huangfu Qing snapped. “So, you’re in favor of making Chichi the cult leader too? I thought you’d oppose the idea. That’s why I wanted to align our positions. Since we’re agreed on this, let’s move forward with it. There’s no time to waste. Summon the Twenty-Eight Mansions and all the protector elders back to the headquarters. We need to convene the most significant cult leader ceremony in our history.”

“What about you?”

“...I’m the empress dowager. I can’t just leave.”

“Heh... Well, Empress Dowager, would you like to check on what the Empress is up to right now?”

Huangfu Qing: “...”

She couldn’t have seriously already gone to pour wine for Zhao Changhe, right? Right? She’s not Baoqin!

* * *

The first light of dawn crept over the horizon.

Xia Chichi and Zhao Changhe lay tangled together, their bodies trembling with satisfaction. Her dragon robe was still half-draped around her shoulders, opened just enough to reveal the bare skin beneath, transforming the symbol of imperial authority into an intimate accessory.

The result? Zhao Changhe, who had been utterly drained and roused from sleep, felt a surge of renewed vigor as though he had consumed a mountain of aphrodisiacs. Since their dual cultivation was a true round of cultivation advancement rather than mere indulgence, this round had only revitalized him further.

Breathless, Xia Chichi nestled her face against his shoulder, arms wrapped snugly around his waist. “How do I compare to your precious First Seat Tang? Does she also play these games with you?”

She wouldn’t. Tang Wanzhuang would probably die of embarrassment at the thought of roleplaying. However, she does offer a different allure, following my lead no matter how bold my suggestion is. But that’s best left unsaid. Zhao Changhe chuckled, sliding his hand beneath her dragon robe to caress her skin. “I just feel like I’ve outdone Dong Zhuo...”

Xia Chichi shot him a glare. “You should feel like you’ve outdone an emperor. After all, the empress is serving you... though this title doesn’t quite live up to its name just yet.”

Zhao Changhe said, “What do you mean it doesn’t? What we’re about to do is make sure it lives up to everything it promises!”

She did not respond, merely resting her head on his shoulder.

Sensing her unease, Zhao Changhe asked softly, “Are you... still uncomfortable with this role?”

“For years, everything I’ve done has felt contradictory. On one hand, I wanted to hunt him down and settle the score. On the other, I never truly considered what I’d do if he were gone. I rejected my identity as his daughter, yet instinctively, I studied politics and systems of power. Now, circumstances have pushed me to this point. I’ve finally realized that no matter how much I deny it, my bloodline remains. Even if I don’t acknowledge it, others will. Whether it’s an inheritance or a burden, it inevitably falls into my hands.”

She smiled faintly. “It’s nothing, really. I just need time to adjust... When you go off to flirt with someone else, I feel a little empty. But when you’re here, I’m at peace. Stay with me for a few more days until I get used to this. Don’t leave yet.”

Zhao Changhe tightened his embrace, his voice gentle. “Don’t worry. I’ll stay until everything is secure. And when I do leave, it’ll be to conquer the world for you.”

Xia Chichi bit her lip. “I’m ready again. Do you want to...”

Before she could finish, a knock came at the door, followed by Huangfu Qing’s exasperated voice. “The sun is up, and the officials are gathered at the palace gates. Does Your Majesty plan to make skipping court her first act as empress?”