The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 396 Ambition Burns to the Bone, A Worthy Death
After the memorial ceremony, Li Xiao returned to the Xiao Prince's Mansion.

The Wuwei Army led the way, their iron cavalry roaring, and golden sun and moon battle flags were planted all over Yinshan City.

The moment he stepped through the gates of the mansion, he couldn't help but recall the scene when he first came here to pay his respects to Xiao Simo with Xiao Yanyan.

The old locust tree in the courtyard is still lush and leafy, the blue brick pavement is polished to a shine by the years, and even the stone lions in front of the main hall are still the same as before, with almost no changes.

But things have changed. The once spirited Xiao Simo is now only a memorial tablet for people to worship, which makes me feel a little sentimental.

Xiao Xuance was already waiting at the gate of the mansion. When he saw Li Xiao return, he immediately ran over excitedly and grabbed his sleeve: "Uncle, you look so impressive today! All the people are shouting 'Long live the Emperor!'"

Li Xiao bent down and picked him up, a gentle smile on his face: "Xuan Ce was very brave today. He did a very proper job when he paid homage to King Xiao."

"That's what my mother taught me."

Xiao Xuance proudly puffed out his little chest, "My mother said that Father is a great hero, and we should be respectful when we worship him."

Li Xiao chuckled, carried him into the main hall, chatted with Shu Lu Wujin about today's ceremony, and offered incense to Xiao Simo's memorial tablet in the mansion.

Since there was no adult male head of the Xiao Prince's Mansion, only his widowed sister-in-law Shulu Wujin, it was naturally inconvenient for Li Xiao to stay overnight.

After chatting for about an hour, he stood up and said, "Sister-in-law, take Xuan Ce with me back to the camp outside the city. Tomorrow, I will personally teach Xuan Ce horse archery and military tactics."

Li Xiao wanted to make up for the lack of fatherly love he had given Xiao Xuance.

A hint of emotion flashed in Shulu Wujin's eyes, and he nodded gently: "Thank you for your trouble, Your Majesty."

Afterwards, she packed a few simple belongings, took Xiao Xuance's hand, and followed Li Xiao out of the Xiao Prince's Mansion, heading towards the army camp outside the city.

Late at night, intermittent, high-pitched sounds rang out again from the golden tent.

Meanwhile, Xiao Cigu returned to his mansion south of Yinshan City after the ceremony.

This mansion was given to her by Shulu Wujin back then. Although it was not simple, it was far from the grandeur of the Xiao Prince's mansion.

As soon as he stepped into the study, he threw his outer robe to the ground, his face so gloomy it could drip water.

The study was silent except for his heavy breathing.

The scene in front of Xiao Wang Temple today replayed in his mind again and again. Li Xiao, wearing a dark gold cloak, stood on the high platform, receiving cheers from the crowd. His glorious appearance filled him with resentment.

"Originally... originally all of this should have been mine."

He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms: "My father is the ruler of the Northern Frontier, and I am his eldest son. It should be me who inherits everything from him and receives the worship of all people."

But he also knew that Li Xiao's achievements were too brilliant. Defeating Liao and Xia, conquering the Western Regions, such illustrious military exploits were something he could never achieve in his lifetime.

Compared to Li Xiao, he was like a speck of dust, not even worthy of jealousy.

What truly enraged him was Xiao Xuance.

"That brat Xiao Xuance."

Xiao Cigu gritted his teeth, his voice so low it was almost inaudible: "He's just a five-year-old child, still breastfeeding, doesn't understand anything, what right does he have to worship my father in my place?"

At today's memorial ceremony, as Xiao Simo's eldest living son, he should have been the central figure in the worship.

But to his utter surprise, it was Xiao Xuance who would be the one to perform the chief sacrificial ceremony.

That little brat, dressed in the robes of the eldest son, pretended to burn incense and kneel in worship, while he, the "eldest son," could only kneel behind Xiao Xuance with his two younger brothers, like a mere accessory.

“This clearly confirms Xiao Xuance’s legitimate status in front of the people.” Xiao Cigu’s eyes were filled with resentment.

"He's nothing but a bastard child that poisonous woman Shulu Wujin picked up from who-knows-where. What right does he have to inherit everything from his father?"

“My mother was killed by Shulu Wujin back then, and now she wants this bastard to seize the Xiao family’s business. I cannot tolerate this.”

He roared in a low voice, not daring to vent his anger loudly, for fear that there might be spies from Shulu Wujin hiding in the mansion.

Over the years, he has lived cautiously, with very few people around him he can trust.

Just then, the study door was gently pushed open, and an old man with gray hair and a hunched back walked in.

He was a Turk named Agula. His family had all died in war years ago, leaving only his young grandson to depend on him.

When his grandson was starving, Xiao Cigu gave them a bite to eat. From then on, Agula became loyal to him and became his most trusted person. Xiao Cigu would entrust her with many secret matters.

“Young Master!” Agula asked, bowing deeply, his voice hoarse.

Xiao Cigu took a deep breath, suppressing his anger, and said in a deep voice, "Agula, what happened last time you let that woman from the Shaowa clan do it?"

When the Shaowa clan was mentioned, Agula's face showed a hint of difficulty: "Young master, the Shaowa clan... failed to succeed."

“The guards at the Prince’s Palace were too vigilant. Before the people she sent could even make a move, they were discovered. Fortunately, she decisively killed the middleman, and the investigation did not trace back to her.”

"Hmph, at least they're not completely stupid," Xiao Cigu muttered under his breath.

"But they're not exactly smart either."

He paced back and forth, a ruthless glint in his eyes: "I originally thought that by using her to get rid of Xiao Xuance, I could leave no trace and also get rid of them, mother and son. I didn't expect her to be so useless."

"What about Lady Hun? What are her thoughts?"

Hun was another concubine of Xiao Simo, and she also bore him a son born out of wedlock.

Since the goal is to take action against Xiao Xuance, multiple targets must be considered, and the Hun family is also a suitable candidate to take the blame.

Agula shook his head slightly and said, "Young master, the Hun family mother and son are timid and afraid of trouble. They only want to live a peaceful life. This old servant sent people to secretly test them several times and found that they dare not participate in this matter at all."

Xiao Cigu's face grew increasingly gloomy: "It seems that we can only rely on the Shaowa clan now."

"If Xiao Xuance doesn't die, I'll never have a chance to rise in the world."

Only if Xiao Xuance dies can he, as Xiao Simo's eldest living son, rightfully inherit the Xiao family's assets and political power.

Then, I can go and please Shulu Wujin, recognize her as my mother, and obtain the status of the legitimate son. Then everything will be settled.

He looked at Agula and said in a serious tone, "Go and contact the people around Showa again, and have them persuade Showa that since the poisoning failed last time, this time they should just send someone to assassinate her."

"No matter what method we use, we must kill Xiao Xuance. This matter must be done secretly, and we must not leave any evidence. If we fail again, she will not have an easy time either."

Agula lowered his head, a barely perceptible sly smile flashing in his eyes: "Yes, young master, I'll take care of it right away."

Watching Agula's departing figure, Xiao Cigu walked to the window, gazing in the direction of the Xiao Wang Mansion, his eyes filled with insane jealousy and murderous intent.

He knew this was his only chance; as long as Xiao Xuance died, he could reclaim everything that was rightfully his.

Not long after, the study door was suddenly pushed open again, and Agula rushed in, panting, his face panicked: "Young...Young Master, the...the King has sent someone, they are waiting in the front hall."

"Li Xiao has sent someone?"

Xiao Cigu felt a tightness in his heart, instantly suppressing the killing intent in his eyes, his heart pounding.

Could it be that something went wrong on the Shaowa side and Li Xiao noticed it?
Although he secretly harbors ambitions and his greatest aspiration is to replace Li Xiao, he is also terrified of Li Xiao.

Suppressing his unease, he straightened his clothes and said in a deep voice, "What's the panic? Take me there."

He strode toward the front hall and saw a soldier wearing yellow armor with red trim standing in the hall.

The soldier was about twenty years old, with a tall and straight figure, a curved sword at his waist, and a capable look between his brows.

Judging from their attire, they are Li Xiao's personal guards.

Xiao Cigu dared not be negligent and quickly stepped forward to greet him. After exchanging pleasantries, he learned that this personal guard was a Khitan and a member of the Six Departments, which brought them even closer.

The two sat down as host and guest, and a maid served tea before leaving.

The guard took a sip of tea and got straight to the point: "His Majesty has ordered that the young master is the son of King Xiao, and the blood of the Xiao family flows in his veins. He should not be buried in the mansion, but should go to the battlefield to make meritorious achievements. Therefore, the young master is hereby summoned to join the army."

"Join the army?"

Xiao Cigu suddenly raised his head, his eyes filled with unbelievable surprise, and he almost dropped the teacup in his hand.

His status has always been very awkward. As the son of Xiao Simo, the previous ruler of the Northern Frontier, his father never liked him.

Now that the new ruler Li Xiao has taken the throne, although he has not cleansed the bloodline of the old king like other nomadic tribes, he knows that in Li Xiao's eyes, he will always be an "eyesore".

Over the years, he has kept a low profile and remained cautious even when going out, for fear of arousing Li Xiao's suspicion.

But in his heart, was he ever truly content?

His great-grandfather, Xiao Wulila, followed Emperor Dezong in his campaigns in the Western Regions, traversing thousands of miles to establish the Western Liao Dynasty.

His father, Xiao Simo, controlled the northern frontier and led westward expeditions to expand the territory.

As a descendant of the Xiao family, how could he be willing to remain unknown for the rest of his life?

His greatest wish was to reclaim the power that belonged to the Xiao family and become the new king of the Northern Frontier.

All of this is inseparable from military power.

The previous plot to eliminate Xiao Xuance was merely to clear obstacles and pave the way for seizing military power in the future.

But to his utter surprise, Li Xiao would actually give him the opportunity to join the army.

"Could it be... could it be that my years of lying low and obeying have finally made Li Xiao lower his guard?"

Xiao Cigu was overjoyed, his fingertips trembling slightly. He suppressed his excitement and asked with feigned confusion, "Why would Your Majesty suddenly make this arrangement? I am truly flattered." The guard put down his teacup and said frankly, "Young master, there is no need to ask further. I was merely following orders to deliver a message. As for Your Majesty's considerations, I have no idea."

"However, I can tell you, young master, that not only you, but also your two younger brothers have been summoned to the army."

"His Majesty said that you are all of Xiao Wang’s bloodline. He has high expectations for you and hopes that you can make a name for yourselves in the army and not disgrace the name of the Xiao family."

Upon hearing that his two other half-brothers had also joined the army, Xiao Cigu's last trace of doubt vanished.

If Li Xiao had any suspicions about him alone, he would never have put all three of Xiao's sons into the army at the same time.

It seems that Li Xiao genuinely wanted to cultivate them, or rather, he wanted to use military positions to appease the hearts of Xiao's former subordinates.

He immediately stood up and solemnly saluted his personal guards: "Please report to Your Majesty that I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's expectations. After joining the army, I will fight bravely against the enemy, serve the Great Qin, and bring glory to the Xiao family."

Seeing this, the guard nodded in satisfaction: "Since you have made this decision, young master, I will certainly convey it to the king truthfully."

"Young master, please go back and prepare well. In three days, you will depart with the army to report to the Second Town in Guanzhong, which is the front line against the Jin Kingdom."

"The second town in Guanzhong? And the front line with the Jin Dynasty?"

Xiao Cigu's eyes lit up, and his heart started pounding again.

Now that the western expedition has been a great success, the next strategy of the Qin Dynasty will inevitably be to launch an eastern expedition to recover the lost territories in the Central Plains. It is only a matter of time before war breaks out with the Jin Dynasty.

Although the front line is dangerous, it is also the place where it is easiest to make meritorious contributions. Li Xiao's arrangement of him there is clearly giving him an excellent opportunity.

Seeing his excited expression, the guard added, "His Majesty cares very much about the young master and has specially arranged a place for you."

"However, the battlefield is ruthless, and swords have no eyes. I urge you, young master, to diligently practice your martial arts once you are in the army, and to learn from the veteran soldiers. You must not only strive for merit, but also protect yourself. Do not disappoint the King's expectations."

"Thank you for the reminder, and thank you for your guidance, Your Majesty." Xiao Cigu nodded emphatically, his tone full of gratitude.

At this moment, he had already buried his previous dissatisfaction with Li Xiao even deeper, and his mind was full of his upcoming military career.

After seeing off his personal guards, Xiao Cigu hurried back to his study, slammed his fist on the desk, and his eyes were filled with excitement.

"An opportunity, the opportunity has finally arrived."

He paced back and forth in his study, unable to contain his excitement: "The expedition against the Jin Kingdom is the perfect opportunity for a fine man to make a name for himself."

"As long as I can make meritorious contributions on the battlefield, I can climb up the ranks step by step, from a centurion to a thousand-household commander, then to a ten-thousand-household commander, and finally to a commander-in-chief..."

“One day, I will be able to control the military. At that time, the king of the Northern Frontier will be me, Xiao Cigudu.”

He recalled his previous scheme to get rid of Xiao Xuance and couldn't help but find it laughable.

Compared to directly gaining military power, that little scheme was far too petty.

Once you have military power and military achievements, what do those little brats like Xiao Xuance and those poisonous women like Shu Lu Wujin matter?
At that time, the entire Xiao family's foundation and the entire Northern Frontier will belong to him.

"Li Xiao, Li Xiao, you probably never expected that you would personally give me the opportunity to rise to power, did you?"

Xiao Cigu's lips curled into a smug smile, his eyes gleaming with ambition.

"Don't worry, I will make good contributions and serve the Qin Dynasty well until I have the ability to take back everything that belongs to me."

He immediately summoned Agula and told him to pack his bags and take all the valuables from the mansion with him.

After joining the army, these things can be used to win over the soldiers.

After arranging everything, he looked out the window and seemed to see himself fighting bravely on the battlefield, making great achievements, and finally taking control of the military and becoming the ruler of the northern frontier.

He took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination. This time, he would never miss this opportunity to soar to new heights.

Meanwhile, inside the central command tent of the army outside the city, a fierce boxing match had just ended.

Shu Lu Wu Jin lay in Li Xiao's arms, her eyes rolled back, and it took her a long time to come to her senses.

She said weakly, "You really don't know how to hold back at all."

Li Xiao laughed heartily, completely unconcerned, and began to talk about the matter involving Xiao Cigu and the other two.

“I have ordered them to march into the Second Garrison in Guanzhong in three days, which is the front line where we are confronting the Jin Dynasty.”

Shu Lu Wu Jin paused in his embrace, the languor in her eyes fading, replaced by a hint of surprise: "Why would you suddenly let them join the army? Their plot to harm Xuan Ce isn't over yet."

She still remembers the news from the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the methods those people secretly plotted. The thought of the danger Xiao Xuance might encounter makes her heart tighten.

"I know."

Li Xiao gently stroked Shu Lu Wujin's shoulder with his fingers, his voice deep and resolute.

"The reason they weren't dealt with before was because of the captive presentation ceremony at Xiaowang Temple, which was an important occasion concerning the hearts and minds of the people in the northern frontier. As the only three surviving sons of the elder brother, they had to attend."

"If they are not there, there will inevitably be rumors that I have harmed the bloodline of Prince Xiao, that I cannot tolerate the Xiao family, and that I am preparing to eliminate them completely."

Their plot to assassinate Xuan Ce was merely a plan; it was never actually carried out successfully, and there is no concrete evidence.

There are too many people from the Six Departments in Yinshan. If Li Xiao were to deal with them for this reason, it would be easy for people to misunderstand that he cannot tolerate Xiao Simo's bloodline and is trying to eliminate them completely.

To fabricate other charges, such as colluding with an enemy country to plot a rebellion?
Not appropriate either.

Li Xiao had just paid homage to Xiao Simo at the Xiao Wang Temple, personally affirming his achievements and contributions to the Qin Dynasty, when he immediately accused his son of treason.

This not only makes people think that Li Xiao had a dirty secret with the descendants of the Xiao family, but also that Li Xiao's rule over the northern frontier failed to win the support of Xiao Simo's descendants.

It will also damage Xiao Simo's reputation.

Having a descendant who colluded with the enemy was also a blow to his reputation.

To secretly kill them, or to stage an accident?
Even less feasible. They are Xiao Simo's sons, under the watchful eyes of countless Khitans. One accident could be explained, but if all three were to die, who would believe it?

This will only confirm Li Xiao's guilt of eliminating all traces of his enemies.

Shu Lu Wu Jin listened quietly to Li Xiao's analysis, her body gradually relaxing as she leaned against him, a hint of realization flashing in her eyes: "You're trying to... kill me with praise?"

"Yes."

A sharp glint flashed in Li Xiao's eyes, but it was quickly replaced by gentleness: "Conscript them into the army and send them to the most dangerous front lines."

“They are of the Xiao family bloodline, and they died on the battlefield. This will not only silence the public’s opinion that I gave them the opportunity to make a name for themselves, but also eliminate this hidden danger through the battlefield.”

Even if they joined the army, Li Xiao would not give them the opportunity to command troops, but instead let them train and learn, participating in the war as auxiliary troops.

The kind of scenario depicted in novels, where a chosen one seizes military power amidst adversity and rises to power, is practically unheard of in reality.

Even if someone makes a contribution, Li Xiao can still bring them back to their original state.

The Qin army had strict military regulations and clear rewards and punishments. Li Xiao would naturally not break the rules, but he could always be promoted in name only and demoted in reality. There were plenty of ways to do that.

Never believe that gold will always shine. Even if it's covered by a tattered rag, it will never shine.

Moreover, many soldiers died of illness due to acclimatization issues during the march.

Even Xiao Cigu's death could become a pretext for Qin to launch a war. His status was significant enough that he could be considered to have died a worthy death.

Li Xiao looked down at Shu Lu Wujin and said in a gloomy tone, "I never thought of harming my elder brother's bloodline. If they behave themselves and keep to their place, I will definitely protect them for life."

“But Xiao Cigu and Xiao Jilie, the son of Shaowa, are both ambitious. Keeping them around will only cause trouble. Sending them to the front line is a fitting way to die.”

As for the youngest, Xiao Cimeng, he and his mother, Hun Shi, were always honest and law-abiding, only wanting to live a peaceful life.

Once the war begins, Li Xiao will transfer him to the Governor's Office or the Ten Thousand Household Office to do some clerical work, accumulate some merit, and eventually return to civilian life as a minor official, which can also be considered as leaving a bloodline for Simo.

Shu Lu Wujin remained silent for a moment, then nodded gently, her fingertips gripping Li Xiao's collar: "You've thought this through thoroughly."

"What about Shao Wa? She's one of the masterminds; we can't keep her around forever. What if she plots against Xuan Ce again in secret..."

“Shaowashi…”

A cold glint flashed in Li Xiao's eyes, but he quickly concealed it when he looked at Shu Lu Wujin: "Once the army leaves Yinshan, find an opportunity to make her 'accidentally' die so she can join your elder brother."

Without the slightest hesitation in her eyes, Shu Lu Wu Jin slowly nodded: "Okay, I know what to do."

She was able to maintain her position as Princess Xiao because she was no weak, innocent woman. She had many subtle and effective methods to deal with a helpless concubine.

"Only in this way can Xuan Ce's hidden danger be completely resolved."

Li Xiao tightened his arms around her, holding her close, and said firmly, "From now on, no one will dare to touch Xuan Ce in Yinshan City."

Shulu Wujin felt a warmth in her heart, buried her face in his neck, feeling his breath, and whispered, "With Your Majesty here, Xuan Ce and I are at ease."

Silence returned to the golden tent, with only the occasional sound of patrolling soldiers outside.

Li Xiao gazed at the night outside the tent, gently combing Shu Lu Wu Jin's long hair with his fingers, already beginning to plan his eastern expedition against the Jin Kingdom.

The troop deployment, food and fodder allocation, and border situation with the Jin Dynasty on the eastern front all need to be analyzed one by one.

The next day, in the wilderness outside the east gate of Yinshan City, a weary procession was slowly making its way forward.

Leading the group was an elderly man with white hair and a youthful face, dressed in a Taoist robe. He was Qiu Chuji, who had come from Guanzhong at Li Xiao's invitation.

He was followed by more than 300 disciples. Some died of disease along the way, but the vast majority arrived safely.

(End of this chapter)