TRBDM -Chapter 235 Civil and Military Brothers

Amid his hectic schedule, Jiang Yuelin carved out some time to speak a few words with Xie Wanrou in the pavilion at Moyun Courtyard.

Their eyes met in the air, and the gaze between them, like threads of silk, had long spanned mountains and rivers, now tightly entwining in this moment, silently conveying their mutual longing.

“Wanrou, it’s been a long time. How have you been these days?”

Under the moonlight, Xie Wanrou’s eyes sparkled, reflecting the joy of surviving past calamities.

She nodded gently, her eyes moist, hiding both shyness and courage. “I’m well… but you’ve lost weight.”

To topple Zhao Jingyan and Gao Yong, Jiang Yuelin and Zhao Jingheng had simulated the situation using Go. They categorized the forces sent by the Third Prince and, based on the Gao family’s habitual methods, predicted how each of them would act.

They put themselves in Gao Yong’s shoes—if they were Gao Yong, what would they do?

Every move affected the whole, and every choice could trigger countless consequences.

Know your enemy and yourself, and you can win every battle.

They spent days and nights running simulations, almost predicting all of Gao Yong’s tactics.

Based on these predictions, they formulated precise countermeasures.

Originally, the Eldest Princess planned to publicly support Zhao Jingheng’s ascension to the throne and confront Gao Yong head-on.

Zhao Jingheng vetoed this plan.

“Your Highness, I hold no power or influence within the palace. If you were to hastily nominate me, it could backfire, turning wavering officials to Zhao Jingyan’s side.”

Jiang Yuelin agreed. “Moreover, nominating the Tenth Prince now would only reveal him prematurely and put his life in danger.”

Zhao Jingyan had finally toppled the Crown Prince and was now determined to seize the throne.

At this point, any prince who rose to challenge him would be intolerable in his eyes.

He had coveted the throne for so many years; anyone who dared touch it would be killed.

Zhao Jingheng was not one to fear death, but their enemy was Gao Yong—they had to be cautious. “The Gao family’s influence is vast. Relying solely on the Eldest Princess’s support won’t give us a high chance of success. We must have a legitimate reason to disqualify Zhao Jingyan from ascending the throne.”

Zhao Lingchen found his reasoning sound. “The Tenth Prince speaks reasonably.”

But she had no clue how to execute it. “Then what do you suggest we do?” she asked.

“Your Highness, allow Master Jiang and me to think it over further.”

The two resumed their simulations.

After a while, Jiang Yuelin said, “The Tenth Prince and I agree on using a diversion tactic—choose another prince to draw Gao Yong’s attention elsewhere.”

As for whom to choose, they both turned to Zhao Lingchen.

“Your Highness, please decide.”

Zhao Lingchen curved her lips, approving their strategy.

After a moment of thought, she said, “Then we shall choose—Zhao Jingtian.”

Zhao Lingchen had her reasons for selecting Zhao Jingtian.

Ordinarily, Zhao Jingtian was Zhao Jingyan’s lackey, and his mother, Consort Yu, was close with the Imperial Noble Consort. Therefore, his betrayal would enrage Zhao Jingyan.

Another reason: Zhao Jingtian was simple-minded. If Zhao Lingchen publicly nominated him for succession, he would comply without hesitation.

Other, more clever princes feared Zhao Jingyan’s power and lacked the courage to confront him.

Thus, Zhao Jingtian was the best choice.

Once the candidate was confirmed, the three shared a knowing smile.

That night, Zhao Jingheng and Jiang Yuelin began formulating a detailed plan based on this foundation.

The General of Nanyang had been secretly tracking Zhao Jingtian, which allowed him to rescue Zhao Jingtian from the Gao family’s icehouse immediately, saving his life.

Meanwhile, Zhao Lingchen had arranged a three-day appointment with Gao Yong at the Council Hall, effectively buying three days to deploy personnel within the palace.

Zhao Jingheng predicted that once Gao Yong was cornered, his final move would be a coup to seize the palace.

Two days before Gao Yong could act, Zhao Lingchen had already laid preparations at all palace gates and halls.

Hence, Zhao Lingchen never fought unprepared battles.

When she, Zhao Jingheng, and Jiang Yuelin stepped into the Council Hall, their success was all but certain.

Everything happened suddenly and swiftly—they won.

But a brief victory did not guarantee peace of mind for the future.

After Zhao Jingheng ascended the throne, he slept less than two hours each night, contending with factional checks, officials’ questions, objections, and obstacles.

The first thing he did was appoint Jiang Yuelin as Minister of Justice, granting him full authority to handle Zhao Jingyan and Gao Yong’s rebellion.

Jiang Yuelin worked day and night, scarcely leaving the Ministry of Justice’s prison.

The Gao family’s retaliation was expected, though they hadn’t anticipated the speed. Mingde Marquis Mansion was among the first targets for revenge.

In this battle, the mansion suffered heavy casualties—fifteen of the twenty-two guards died, and the rest were injured.

The only relief was that the masters of the household, except for Xie Chuan, emerged unscathed.

Xie Chuan was no longer in mortal danger, but he would need a long time to rest and recover.

Had it not been for Wei Zhaorong’s foresight in stationing guards at the Marquis’s residence in advance, the outcome could have been far worse.

“Yuelin, focus on your affairs. I’ll take good care of myself,” Xie Wanrou said, reassuring Jiang Yuelin that she was well and there was no need for concern.

Jiang Yuelin understood her meaning—the larger situation came first.

They lingered in the pavilion for a while longer, exchanging a few more words, and then Jiang Yuelin departed.

There were no promises exchanged, only the lingering affection of two lovers parting reluctantly.

After seeing Jiang Yuelin off, Xie Wanrou hurried back to Ruixiang Courtyard to help Dou Shuyao care for Xie Chuan.

Xie Chuan was still unconscious, occasionally groaning.

Dou Shuyao’s face was clouded with worry as she remained at his side without leaving for even a moment.

“Shuyao, let me take over for a while. You should get some rest,” Xie Wanrou urged, concerned for Dou Shuyao’s health.

Dou Shuyao didn’t want to leave, but thinking of the child in her womb, she had no choice.

Xie Chuan had been eagerly awaiting the child’s birth, and she had to stay healthy for that.

“Big sister, I’ll trouble you tonight. I’ll sleep for a bit and come back to accompany my husband when I wake up.”

“Mm, go ahead.”

In Lan Courtyard, Xie Lan and Xie Yu were in the study.

Xie Lan looked at Xie Yu with a complex expression. “Fourth brother, when did you learn to shoot arrows?”

“Mother arranged an archery teacher for me. For the past two months, I’ve been practicing with the teacher every day,” Xie Yu replied.

His life in the Princess’s residence was now being gradually revealed to Xie Lan for the first time.

Xie Lan found it both strange and new. “You also learned horseback riding, weapons, and military skills?”

“Yes,” Xie Yu said, smiling happily, his almond-shaped eyes narrowing into a crescent.

Back in the familiar Lan Courtyard, in front of his most trusted third brother, he could once again be the simple, kind fourth brother of the Xie family.

“Third brother, if I ever meet someone like Zhang Lin again, I can take care of him with just one hand.”

A name long unspoken suddenly appeared, bringing memories of their days studying at the Shen family private school.

Back then, Xie Lan had just moved from the servants’ rear courtyard to Lan Courtyard and hadn’t yet adjusted to being Third Master of the Xie family. At the private school, Zhang Lin constantly bullied them.

Later, Wei Zhaorong personally came to the Shen family private school, forcing Zhang Lin to leave and righting the injustice for them.

Looking back now, it seemed like ages ago.

Xie Lan knew that Xie Yu’s path differed from his own—he hadn’t expected him to pursue martial training.

Civil and military brothers—it wasn’t such a bad combination.

Today, Xie Yu was clearly very happy; he chatted with Xie Lan for a long time.

However, he never told Xie Lan that in the near future, he and Zhao Lingchen would go to the frontier to avenge Fu Wei.

Once that mission began, it would likely be years before they met again.

Thinking of this, a hint of bitterness crept into Xie Yu’s smile.

Xie Lan keenly noticed his change in expression and was about to ask, but Xie Yu had already composed himself.

Assuming he had misread him, Xie Lan didn’t press further.

That evening, Xie Yu stayed at Anhe Courtyard for dinner.

The familiar taste nearly brought tears to his eyes. It had been so long since he’d eaten a meal at the Marquis’s residence.

Wei Zhaorong served him his favorite sweet-and-sour fish with affection: “Yu’er, eat more.”

Everyone in the Marquis’s household remembered Xie Yu’s tastes.

Had Xie Wanrou not been busy caring for Xie Chuan at Ruixiang Courtyard, she would have personally made a pastry for him.

After dinner, Xie Yu prepared to return to the Princess’s residence.

Everyone at the Marquis’s residence accompanied him to the gate. “Yu’er, come back often when you have time. The Marquis’s residence is also your home.”

Xie Yu nodded.

Xie Lan hesitated for a moment and said, “Fourth brother, can you write to me? As brothers, we shouldn’t lose contact.”

After enduring two months of hardship, Xie Yu could hardly resist. Now that Xie Lan had initiated, he naturally agreed.

“All right, Third Brother. I’ll write to you.”

Only then did Xie Lan feel at ease. He waved to him: “Go ahead, and be careful on the road.”