Chapter 47: Disbandment

“Yet if you insist that the Zhao family must no longer oversee this army, then I must ask—if no one supports these soldiers, will they not starve to death?”

Emperor Jing’s eyes darkened with increasing chill as he spoke in a low tone, “Are you saying that if the Zhao family does not maintain them, the court cannot afford to?”

Upon hearing this, Zhao Ang abruptly raised his hands in surrender and waved them repeatedly. “I dare not say such things. I am but a prodigal son, ignorant of these grand principles.”

He shrugged and smiled lightly, “Of course, Your Majesty, if you truly want to take over, I have no objections. Just disband the Black Tiger Army outright—that would settle everything once and for all, and spare the Zhao family further worry.”

The phrase “just disband the Black Tiger Army” slipped from his lips with casual ease, yet it struck like an invisible dagger, piercing the very majesty of Emperor Jing. The air in the great hall froze instantly, suffocating in its oppressive weight.

Emperor Jing’s gaze fixed coldly on Zhao Ang, his eyes sharp as blades, as if to see right through him.

He enunciated each word slowly, “Zhao Ang, are you threatening me?”

Surprised, Zhao Ang’s expression flickered briefly before he feigned realization, shrugging carelessly. “Your Majesty, you misunderstand. How could I dare threaten you? I am but a wastrel, best at avoiding trouble, clueless about such intricate threats. If you truly dislike the Black Tiger Army being under the Zhao family’s command, I have no objection—let them all disband, and we can all go our separate ways in peace.”

He added with a teasing air, “After all, maintaining troops is an expensive affair, and the Zhao family is no endless treasury. If the court can afford it, that’s best of all—then I can save myself a few worries.”

Though his tone was casual and disorderly, the sharp edge beneath his words pricked at Emperor Jing’s heart. On the surface, it seemed a humble retreat, but a closer listen revealed an outright declaration: the Black Tiger Army is funded and raised by the Zhao family; if the court wishes to take them, it must be prepared to shoulder the responsibility.

Standing nearby, Zhao Rong’s face turned ashen, trembling with suppressed fury. He knew Zhao Ang’s words were deliberately spoken to Emperor Jing, yet such arrogant defiance made his heart clench with cold sweat.

Though inwardly furious, he had to admit that Zhao Ang’s rakish guise was the final gambit by the Zhao family to probe the emperor’s resolve.

“Your Majesty! This youth is reckless and disrespectful; I am willing to accept punishment on his behalf!” Zhao Rong stepped forward abruptly, bowing low to quell the emperor’s wrath.

But Emperor Jing paid no heed to Zhao Rong. His eyes remained fixed on Zhao Ang, the chill swirling deep within them, as if weighing and restraining himself.

Silence engulfed the hall, broken only by the faint flicker of candlelight—each breath felt like an unseen blade between the two.

Slowly, Emperor Jing’s fingers tapped twice on the desk, the cold in his eyes gradually receding.

He gave a cold smile, his tone softening slightly, “Zhao Ang, you certainly have a sharp tongue.”

Zhao Ang blinked in mild surprise, then bowed with a smile, “Thank you, Your Majesty’s praise humbles me.”

The emperor’s eyes narrowed slightly, a smile playing on his lips with a hint of meaning.

“You say the Black Tiger Army is supported by the Zhao family. Then tell me, should the border ever come under threat, would the Zhao family be willing to dispatch the entire Black Tiger Army under the court’s command?”

Zhao Ang seemed to ponder seriously for a moment, then donned his usual carefree expression.

“Naturally. The Black Tiger Army guards the frontier. If the border is in peril, why would we keep them sipping tea at home? At Your Majesty’s command, the Black Tiger Army would face fire and sword without hesitation!”

His words were flawless, tinged with flattery. Yet beneath the surface lay another meaning—

You may use them when needed, but if the court tries to seize them outright, do not blame me for standing firm.

Emperor Jing’s expression remained unreadable as he gazed deeply at Zhao Ang.

After a long pause, he smiled faintly, a trace of weariness coloring his voice, “It seems the Zhao family’s loyalty runs deep. I have been overly concerned today.”

Zhao Rong hurried forward, hands clasped respectfully, “Your Majesty, the Zhao family has served the nation for generations with unwavering loyalty.”

The emperor waved him off, “Minister Zhao, I know your loyalty well. But the heir’s words have chilled me. I will not press this matter further today. Return and instruct your grandson well—do not let him make such foolish mistakes again.”

Zhao Rong bowed deeply, “I will not fail Your Majesty’s trust!”

Within the Golden Throne Hall, the atmosphere eased somewhat, though the undercurrent of tension lingered.

Zhao Rong bowed his head and stepped back; Zhao Ang followed suit with a courteous farewell.

The emperor watched them depart, his face still shadowed with gloom.

His fingers lightly drummed the table as turbulent thoughts churned within.

He desired control of the Black Tiger Army, ostensibly to restore imperial authority, but in truth to strangle the Zhao family’s lifeblood.

Yet Zhao Ang’s performance had deftly defused the relentless pressure, pushing all contradictions aside with a careless air.

“Heh, the Zhao family… truly a lineage of the loyal and extraordinary,” Emperor Jing murmured softly, a trace of helplessness in his voice.

Had he insisted today on reclaiming the Black Tiger Army’s command, the Zhao family—grandfather and grandson—would never have yielded quietly.

Though imperial dignity might be preserved outwardly, the balance of power at court, and even the morale of the border forces, could collapse entirely over this.

With this in mind, Emperor Jing waved his hand to dismiss the matter: “Issue an edict—this matter ends here and shall not be discussed further.”

Outside the Golden Throne Hall, Zhao Rong halted abruptly and spun to glare at Zhao Ang, his anger finally breaking free.

“Foolishness! Do you realize how close you came to causing a disaster today?!”

Zhao Ang stretched lazily, his prodigal smile unwavering.

“Grandfather, don’t be mad. Didn’t I hold firm? The emperor couldn’t get control of the Black Tiger Army and had to put on a magnanimous front. Not a bad trade, right?”

Zhao Rong scoffed, lowering his voice, “Hold firm? Your blatant defiance of imperial authority—if the emperor were not still wary, the Zhao family would be doomed today!”

But Zhao Ang’s smile only deepened, a sharp gleam in his eyes.

“Grandfather, the emperor does not want to move against the Zhao family; he simply dares not. If he wants the Black Tiger Army, he must first ask the three hundred thousand iron cavalry at the border. If he dares to seize them by force, we will overturn everything!”

Zhao Rong was silent for a long while, then sighed deeply.

“May your resolve be strong enough to sustain the Zhao family’s legacy.”

Standing before the gates of the Zhao residence, Zhao Ang watched the bustling crowds in the street, a faint smile curving his lips.

He had just emerged from the Golden Throne Hall, the emperor’s iron-faced scowl still vivid in his mind.

Though inwardly boiling with murderous intent, the emperor had to suppress his rage and feign generosity—that image nearly made Zhao Ang laugh aloud.

“Grandfather was right—the emperor does not want to move against the Zhao family, he simply dares not.”