Volume One, Chapter Three: Dismissal

“Your Majesty, His Highness has finally come to his senses!” Cao Shiqi rejoiced for Lin Xu, even changing the way he addressed him.

Lin Xu felt deeply gratified, his spirits noticeably lifted.

Yet, he found it puzzling.

“Che’er gave up everything for Xiao Aoyu, even breaking ties with me. But today, he acts so strangely... Cao, go and investigate what has happened to Che’er recently.”

In the past, Lin Che had refused the throne even unto death, but today he earnestly sought to inherit it—something was clearly amiss.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Cao Shiqi nodded.

Though the Lin family’s power had waned, gathering information was still within reach.

Soon, Cao Shiqi returned, his expression darkening.

“We’ve found out. Your Highness was abandoned by General Xiao Aoyu today...” Cao Shiqi detailed the events at the Xiao residence.

Upon hearing this, Lin Xu’s eyes instantly grew cold and hard.

Prince Liang!

He knew the prince had returned to the capital today.

But he hadn’t expected that, in the northern border, the prince would engage in such shameless acts with his own son’s wife!

With the court’s treacherous ministers backing Prince Liang, Lin Xu harbored deep loathing for the man. To think he would deliberately provoke his own son!

And the Xiao family!

Lin Xu knew them all too well.

The Xiaos were once humble merchants, obscure and insignificant.

Xiao Aoyu possessed some talent, but hardly enough to command an army.

Lin Che had risked everything for them, even defying his father, kneeling for three days and nights to secure Xiao Aoyu’s deployment opportunity.

Lin Xu had relented out of leniency.

Without Lin Che’s efforts, how could that woman have achieved her current status?

Now, having just tasted success, she abandoned Lin Che to side with Prince Liang?

Such shamelessness!

Lin Xu’s gaze was sharp and resolute. “Inform the Ministry of Household: halve all Xiao Aoyu’s rewards, revoke her military command, and suspend Xiao Boqing from his post as Prefect of Jingzhao.”

Xiao Boqing’s tenure as prefect had been mediocre at best, even marked by abuse of power and corruption.

Lin Xu had turned a blind eye for Lin Che’s sake, but now that Lin Che was gone, there was no reason to tolerate them any longer.

“Yes, Your Majesty!” Cao Shiqi prepared to leave.

“Wait,” Lin Xu called him back suddenly.

Cao Shiqi turned around. Lin Xu pondered briefly and said, “Send the daughter of the Minister of Personnel to accompany Che’er. Don’t let him do anything foolish—after all, they are betrothed.”

“Yes.” Cao Shiqi departed.

Lin Xu coughed again once he was alone...

...

Lin Che left the palace and returned to the Xiao estate.

He no longer felt much attachment to this place.

In his chamber, he instructed his servants to pack his belongings, preparing to depart.

“Son-in-law, are you really leaving? Maybe if you speak to the general, she might soften...” His personal maid, Xiao Jiu, was reluctant to see him go.

Having served Lin Che for years, she knew him well.

He was never harsh, rarely scolded them, and often shared his food.

Lin Che nodded, his eyes filled with unyielding resolve.

He had made up his mind—to live henceforth solely for himself and for the Great Zhou.

His belongings were few, mostly Xiao family possessions, save for a small bundle.

Bidding a tearful farewell to Xiao Jiu, Lin Che departed.

Jiu’er watched him leave with a heavy heart, until suddenly a cold voice called out.

“Wait.”

Xiao Aoyu strode over with measured steps. Though dressed plainly, her imposing aura remained undiminished.

Lin Che was momentarily stunned upon seeing her.

That delicate profile, the dark hair caressing her cheek like spring water, the serene phoenix-shaped eyes...

Once, he had dreamed countless times of spending his life with her; those dreams had been sweet.

But now, they were shattered.

His gaze grew firm. “Is there something you want?”

“Lin Che, you have nowhere to go now. Take this silver,” Xiao Aoyu handed him a silver ingot. “Consider it compensation from me. Don’t come back—you and I are strangers passing by.”

Lin Che did not take it, sensing pity in her eyes.

Was she afraid he would cling to her? Or did she feel guilty and unable to face him?

He sneered inwardly, seeing only insincerity.

“Heh, General Xiao, I don’t need your compensation, nor could you ever repay me.”

The aura around Lin Che flared, so intense it unsettled Xiao Aoyu.

She was shocked.

How was this man different from before?

It must be a façade.

Was he throwing a tantrum now?

“Fine, suit yourself,” Xiao Aoyu said, no longer trying to persuade him.

Lin Che turned and left.

Xiao Aoyu shook her head, thinking him childish.

Did he believe this would make her look upon him more favorably?

She was confident he would soon abandon his pride and come begging.

When that happened, she would not be so easily swayed.

Xiao Aoyu returned to the study. About half an hour later, a chorus of curses erupted in the courtyard.

“Damn it! Damn it all!!”

It was her father, Xiao Boqing.

Xiao Aoyu put down her book and hurried outside.

Xiao Boqing stood in the courtyard, more furious than ever.

The servants gathered anxiously around him.

“Father, what happened?” asked Xiao Aoyu’s elder brother, Xiao Chen.

“Father, weren’t you at the Prefect’s office in Jingzhao?” Xiao Aoyu wondered why he had returned early.

Panting, Xiao Boqing kicked aside a pile of firewood. “The Prefect’s office?! The emperor has dismissed me!”

What?!

Everyone trembled with shock.

The servants widened their eyes in disbelief.

How could this happen so suddenly?

Xiao Boqing had held the prefect position for three years; how could he be dismissed just like that?

Was something amiss?

Fuming, Xiao Boqing led them inside, poured himself a cup of tea, and drank it in one gulp.

“I don’t know the exact reason. I haven’t offended anyone!”

He was utterly perplexed.

Xiao Aoyu’s expression hardened. She slammed the table and stood. “I’m going to the palace to find out what’s going on.”

“Sister!” Xiao Chen and Xiao Boqing were startled.

That was a royal audience!

Xiao Aoyu said coldly, “No matter what, I am a distinguished general of the court, a blazing spear for the nation. I’ve won three cities. Even the emperor owes me an explanation!”

Hearing this, Xiao Chen and Xiao Boqing realized the truth.

Indeed, Xiao Aoyu was a great contributor now, a dazzling general!

The emperor must show her respect.

Normally, they would never dare entertain such thoughts.

But Lin Che had always given them illusions.

Including now: after Xiao Aoyu’s victory, the court had granted her the most generous rewards in Great Zhou’s history.

Even General Zhao Kai had never received such riches!

Moreover, whenever she met the emperor, she was treated with utmost favor.

She was sure to resolve this.

“Yes, yes, Yu’er, you must meet the emperor—it will surely help!” Xiao Boqing said happily.

“Exactly, sister, your status and unparalleled ability are vital to Great Zhou. If you become disheartened, the nation will suffer greatly!” Xiao Chen added.

Xiao Aoyu listened, her pride swelling.

If an insider were here, they’d scoff.

What was Xiao Aoyu really?

Would Great Zhou fall without her?

At the end of the day, she was just a general propped up by abundant resources.

Anyone given such backing would achieve great things.

Did she truly believe the court valued her talent?