Chapter 186: Chapter 186
As it turned out, Xiao Qi's premonition was correct.
In the following years, with their Chancellor occasionally falling ill for a few days, Great Qi entered a period of rapid development that made neighboring nations grind their teeth in frustration.
Emperor Zhao of Liang lived an unremarkable life, but his final fears came true.
As previously mentioned, having seen an oasis, who could continue enduring the desert? With just a border separating them, watching the increasingly prosperous lives of Great Qi's citizens—eating their fill daily, enjoying meat monthly, and buying new clothes for the whole family during festivals—was unbearable.
Even the commoners' new houses were built by specialized teams.
Spacious, beautiful, and with exceptionally clean and orderly neighborhoods, it lifted people's spirits just to see them.
Meanwhile, their own side faced harsh conditions, with constant extortion from local officials. Such a stark contrast was intolerable.
Though the commoners were powerless, news spread quickly.
Through merchants, peddlers, and word of mouth from relatives, more and more people attempted to illegally "migrate" with their entire families.
The situation was worst in Great Liang, their closest neighbor.
Especially since everyone knew the ruler of Great Qi was originally Emperor Zhao of Liang's son, a legitimate member of the royal family.
Whispers even claimed that Emperor Zhao had intended to pass the throne to the current ruler of Qi for Great Liang's future, but the present emperor had forged an edict out of ambition.
This was why Great Liang—and its people—couldn't enjoy the same prosperity as their neighbors.
Once this rumor spread, public outrage in Great Liang reached a boiling point.
The falsely accused Emperor of Liang: "..."
In just a few years, that seventh prince had become utterly cunning!
Xie Heng, who orchestrated it all from the shadows: "..."
As Xiao Qi had said, he didn't need to inherit a court entangled with factions and internal strife.
Nor did he need a court that wasn't entirely his.
In the seventh year of Jianyuan, after repeated "provocations" from Great Liang, Emperor Jianyuan angrily dispatched troops south.
Yet, to everyone's surprise, before the army could lay siege, someone quietly opened the city gates...
The Ministry of Works officials, ready to test their new siege ladders: "..."
The same pattern repeated in subsequent cities.
First, Xie Heng's agents quietly spread tales of Great Qi's prosperity, winning over the masses.
Then, Xiao Qi's army advanced, and on the first day of occupation, An Ning—a "celebrity"—personally stepped in.
She swiftly restored local livelihoods, showering the people with land, warm clothing, and food, ensuring they quickly felt Great Qi's "home-like" warmth...
By the end, citizens in remaining cities were counting the days until Qi's army arrived.
Even neighboring Great Zhou grew restless.
Over the years, An Ning's trade wars and Xie Heng's support for the defeated northern clans had left Great Zhou surrounded.
Seeing Great Qi's military strength only grow with each campaign, Emperor Zhou Xuan knew inaction meant certain destruction.
Finally, as Great Qi seized multiple cities, Emperor Zhou Xuan ordered his troops north once more.
This battle, facing tens of thousands of Zhou cavalry, cemented Great Qi's formidable reputation.
Instead of letting the fleeing Zhou troops go, Qi's army pursued them straight to Great Zhou's borders...
Until Zhou's city gates, too, were opened from within...
In the imperial city, the nearly fifty-year-old Emperor Zhou Xuan stood alone on the towering walls.
His black armor was soaked in blood, with warm crimson seeping from wounds on his left arm, right leg, and abdomen.
Facing the relentless Qi army and its armored ruler—now sharp as an unsheathed sword—the aged Zhou emperor didn't retreat.
Like a lion guarding his pride's last territory, he declared:
"Today's defeat is not due to my failure, but heaven's denial and timing's cruelty!"
"At the end, I wish to see one person!"
"Where is Chancellor Chu Zi'an of Qi?"
When the message reached her, An Ning was leaning over her desk reviewing reports.
With Great Qi's development attracting countless talents, many tasks no longer required her personal attention.
(Not that she'd ever been hands-on to begin with.)
Still, delegating was quite comfortable.
After praising the detailed report, she glanced encouragingly at young Yang, who was diligently presenting.
The sleep-deprived youth instantly perked up under her gaze.
Even after stumbling out of the tent, Yang remained dazed with excitement.
Hahaha! The Chancellor praised me!
Just as the seniors said—hard work earns her favor!
Since the camp was far from the capital, by the time An Ning arrived, sunlight was fading.
The setting sun cast its glow on the battered walls, blending blood and twilight into a strangely magnificent scene.
Like the stubborn Zhou emperor waiting there.
At over eight feet tall, his battle-hardened frame radiated killing intent that chilled observers from afar.
In contrast, An Ning's slender figure was barely concealed by her heavy cloak.
Surrounded by guards, she slowly ascended the city walls.
"Going alone"? That concept didn't exist in her dictionary—life was too precious to risk.
Only respect for the man before her had brought her here at all.
Surprisingly, after waiting so long, Emperor Zhou Xuan simply studied her and said:
"So you're Chu Zi'an."
"A pity. Had I known earlier, I'd have killed you at any cost."