Chapter 185: Chapter 185

"If any accident befalls me during this journey, I entrust Great Qi entirely to the Chancellor..."

"The Emperor's person is of utmost importance to the nation, you must not take such risks..."

At the morning court session, an elder minister was the first to oppose, followed by waves of agreement. Since news arrived in June that Emperor Zhao of Liang was gravely ill with little time left, the court had already debated this matter endlessly.

Yet none of this deterred Xiao Qi's determination to travel south. Pushing his six-year-old eldest son forward, he also presented the military tally capable of mobilizing over half of Great Qi's forces.

"Xuan is too young to handle affairs. Henceforth, I entrust all matters of Great Qi to Zi'an!"

Holding the slightly cool tiger tally in her hand, An Ning observed the young ruler before her - barely past thirty yet already radiating formidable authority. Even she couldn't help feeling astonished upon receiving this symbol of military power.

Logically speaking, for Great Qi's stability, keeping the tally in her hands was indeed the best choice. To put it bluntly, should any misfortune befall Xiao Qi during this trip, six-year-old Xiao Xuan would certainly be unable to control the situation. Considering both popular sentiment and reputation, concentrating power in her hands was undoubtedly the optimal solution to prevent internal chaos in the fledgling Great Qi.

Yet while the reasoning was sound, how many rulers throughout history had actually dared to do this? Power was undoubtedly the most addictive poison in the world.

Meeting the young emperor's smiling gaze, An Ning's expression turned unusually solemn. Rising to bow formally, she said gravely:

"Your Majesty, this humble official shall await in Great Qi the day to return this token to its rightful owner."

Observing his usually reserved Chancellor's rare display of emotion, Xiao Qi couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.

"Your Majesty, this...though Chancellor's loyalty is unquestionable, aren't you worried..."

Only after the indigo-robed figure had departed did the chief eunuch Liang Dajia hesitantly voice his concerns. It wasn't that he meant ill, but this journey was perilous enough - what if someone seeking absolute power were to scheme further?

Moreover, who in this world didn't crave power? Some things were easily given but hard to take back. In his view, entrusting these matters to the Empress, who came from a military family, would be the safest arrangement for the Crown Prince. Who would protect the child more fiercely than his own mother?

But his master's response showed no hesitation: "Since you acknowledge his loyalty, why indulge in such speculations?"

This was completely different! Better safe than sorry!

"Dajia, no more words."

Xiao Qi raised his hand, stopping the eunuch's unspoken sigh.

"As the saying goes, don't suspect those you employ, and don't employ those you suspect. How could I expect someone as clear-hearted as Zi'an to pledge allegiance if I cannot show equal trust?"

As sunset painted the once-clear sky crimson, Xiao Qi stood with one hand behind his back, gazing at the endless vermilion palace paths outside the window, his handsome features appearing exceptionally profound in the fading light.

Soon, the quiet hall echoed with his low, slightly hoarse voice:

"Dajia, in strategy I cannot match Zi Gu, in military leadership I fall short of General Ye, in governance I'm far inferior to Zi'an. If I lack even this modicum of courage, how could I possibly deserve this exalted position?"

How could I dare aspire to rule this land?

Witnessing this scene, Liang Dajia felt his eyes grow hot. Without realizing it, the young prince who had once struggled desperately to secure a foothold in the palace had grown into an ambitious monarch!

"Your Majesty, this old servant spoke out of turn!"

He wiped his face roughly. Since His Majesty was striding forward boldly, Chief Eunuch Liang absolutely couldn't hold him back.

Watching this scene through the system, An Ning: "..."

Heaven spares none indeed!

So even she could fall for such tactics one day!

Thinking of the more-than-doubled workload awaiting after their departure, An Ning lay on her soft couch, covering her face in dismay. Retirement seemed further away than ever.

Fueled by this resentment, when the day came to see off the massive procession, An Ning didn't need to say much - the reluctance normally hidden behind her cool demeanor was now plainly visible. She repeatedly urged Chancellor Xie to ensure their safety and speedy return.

The moved ministers exclaimed: "Even facing such great power, Chancellor remains steadfast in loyalty! A truly righteous man!"

"A model for us all!"

Xie Heng, who vaguely guessed the truth: "..."

Despite thorough preparations - besides the tens of thousands of guards accompanying Xiao Qi's party to the capital, An Ning had deployed Great Qi's forces along the Qi-Liang border - it was practically broadcasting that any harm to their ruler would trigger immediate southern invasion.

Yet Xiao Qi's journey remained fraught with difficulties. Three long months passed, during which Chancellor Chu worked triple shifts, his resentment nearly overflowing, before the party finally returned.

The reason for such delays?

Unexpectedly, the true obstacle wasn't the ambitious Liang princes or scheming Great Zhou, but Emperor Zhao of Liang himself...

"Who would have thought that in his final moments, my father wished to pass the Liang throne directly to me."

As he spoke, Emperor Jianyuan's face showed a trace of melancholy. What man hadn't idolized his father in youth, striving desperately for paternal approval? Especially when that father held supreme power.

Yet absurdly, what he'd once craved so desperately came precisely when he no longer desired it.

In the past, Xiao Qi knew he would have gladly accepted despite inevitable obstacles. But now...

Remembering the scenes witnessed during their journey - desolate streets, numb crowds, refugees reduced to begging or robbery due to famine - even the capital had lost its former bustle.

No, hadn't Liang always been ? Xiao Qi realized it wasn't Liang that had changed, but himself. Having seen an oasis, who could tolerate the desert again?

"Meeting Zi'an has been the greatest fortune of my life."

Accepting the returned tiger tally with a smile, Xiao Qi sighed at the sight of his Chancellor's visible relief.

Yet the next morning, barely warmed his dragon throne when Emperor Jianyuan received news of his Chancellor being "suddenly taken ill with cold" and confined to bed.

Emperor Jianyuan: "..."

For some reason...he suddenly had a very bad premonition.