RWNEFE -Chapter 186 What Is the Relationship Between General Shen and Vanguard Hu?

It was too easy. Not only did Shen Lanxi find it hard to believe, anyone with even half a brain wouldn’t believe it!

“How could there really be no conditions at all? Is there anything about us that could possibly attract the Northwest King to ally with us?” Liu Yanhui muttered.

Wei Dongzhu: “I spoke with the Northwest King. His reason is simply that he admires General Shen for, as a woman, turning the tide of events and acting with a sense of justice—nothing more than that!”

Just because he admired her?

“Did the Northwest King say when he’d like to meet?” Shen Lanxi asked.

Wei Dongzhu: “As soon as he arrives, as quickly as possible.”

Shen Lanxi was silent for a moment before saying, “You will follow up on this matter.”

She wanted to wait for news from the capital.

With the two kings claiming the throne, openly dividing the Zhou Dynasty, what would the Renxiao Emperor do next?

At court, the Renxiao Emperor was furious. Officials connected to the two kings—nine were executed, six households were confiscated, and two people who had pleaded on their behalf were publicly beaten in front of the hall with the central court rod!

The emperor’s wrath left corpses by the millions—a true reflection of the saying!

No one dared speak loudly, not even Wu Yanzhi, who had previously been hopping around excitedly when Shen Lanxi was appointed Grand General. He bowed silently, clearly not wanting to draw the emperor’s anger!

“You all usually boast of your abilities, yet now not a word?” The Renxiao Emperor, having vented his fury, gradually regained his composure.

He still didn’t care about Eastern Liao King—what mattered most now was to silence the gossiping people.

“Prince Cheng speaks nonsense, acting against the law, attempting to confuse the people with the matter of the former crown prince and cover up his rebellion. Officials, remember: preventing the people’s words is more important than guarding rivers—do not be stirred by him!”

The ministers quickly expressed loyalty.

“We are loyal to Your Majesty. Prince Cheng deliberately incites the people to profit from chaos. Such crimes are unforgivable!”

“Your Majesty, we must quickly silence the rumors spreading throughout the realm!”

“Prince Cheng will bring ruin upon himself. Your Majesty’s filial devotion to the Empress Dowager is witnessed by all, from the people to the entire court. How dare he slander you!”

Zhou Chengqian, watching the ministers furiously denouncing Prince Cheng in the hall, felt somewhat satisfied.

Yet these ministers still didn’t trust him fully—they had to deal with Prince Cheng quickly.

This idea surely came from the Ghost Valley heir helping Prince Cheng—it was imperative to eliminate the Ghost Valley heir.

What use were the Shen family, and why had there been no news until now?

Suddenly, Wang Bao received an urgent report and presented it to His Majesty.

Upon seeing that Zhao Chengkai had died, Zhou Chengqian’s carefully restrained anger surged once more.

So Prince Cheng dared to slaughter an imperial official he had sent!

Zhao Chengkai had truly been useless, unable to control his temper. Now, with Prince Cheng aware, killing Song Daoxi would become even harder!

“Ministers, do any of you have someone to send to Liuzhou to intimidate the rebel?”

A single Shen family could not make an impression on Prince Cheng. The only option now was to send a loyalist, who might inflict serious damage on Prince Cheng.

Yet Zhou Chengqian waited an entire tea break, and no one spoke!

At this moment, who would dare go? The court no longer had troops to reinforce the expedition.

What could Shen Lanxi’s five thousand soldiers do?

Remember, Prince Cheng and Eastern Liao King together had hundreds of thousands of troops.

The Renxiao Emperor was furious again.

“You all spent your time belittling Shen Lanxi, clinging to her being a woman. She dares go to Liuzhou, yet you men—how come not one of you speaks a word?”

The entire court of civil and military officials felt their faces flush with shame.

How could the emperor compare them to a woman? It was an utter humiliation!

“Peng Rong, you go.” The Renxiao Emperor personally appointed him.

Peng Rong had been the top military scholar for ten years under the Renxiao Emperor, currently commanding the capital guards, and was the Chief General of the Five Cities’ armies—the highest-ranking officer besides the imperial army in the capital—deeply trusted by the emperor.

Peng Rong’s face changed. Though reluctant, refusing would be tantamount to defying the emperor. He could only curse his luck inwardly and adopt a stern, righteous appearance as he accepted.

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

Renxiao Emperor: “After the court session, Peng Rong, stay behind!”

Peng Rong waited in the hall for an hour and then rushed to Liuzhou with his troops that same day.

Shen Lanxi, through Wei Dongzhu’s coordination, met the Northwest King in a birch forest twenty miles southwest of Liuzhou.

In her mind, the Northwest King had been a rough and fierce general—but meeting him in person overturned her expectations.

The Northwest King was around thirty, with a neatly groomed “eight-character” mustache. He had a refined, scholarly appearance, like a cultured military strategist!

“I have long heard of Shen Lanxi of the Shen family. To meet you today is a rare honor!” the Northwest King Liang Shao flattered.

Shen Lanxi returned the compliment: “I admire the Northwest King as well, for rising against injustice for the sake of the people.”

They smiled at each other—first impressions were favorable.

“I heard from Brother Hu that you are strict with your troops, reduce taxes, and ensure no one in your jurisdiction goes hungry. Even as a man, I cannot match General Shen’s achievements. I am ashamed!”

Shen Lanxi: “The main reason I chose to ally with you is because you, unlike others, do not exploit the people.”

Though they had not explicitly mentioned negotiations, their words already implied much.

Smart people, even when facing conflict, could still converse pleasantly.

Moreover, Shen Lanxi could feel Liang Shao’s sincerity.

She did not believe that merely with her five thousand troops she could make Liang Shao reconsider her.

He must have another motive.

“Prince Cheng and Eastern Liao King have secretly allied. Once their foundation is stable, they will expand outward. I want to hear your opinion, Brother Liang.” After establishing trust, Shen Lanxi went straight to the point.

Liang Shao had been quietly observing Shen Lanxi—she was exceptionally intelligent, not an ordinary woman.

“We both aim to serve the people of the realm, correct?” Liang Shao asked her.

She nodded in preliminary agreement.

Seeing her acknowledgment, Liang Shao continued: “I think the current situation is fine. If either Prince Cheng or Eastern Liao King falls, the court will seize the opportunity to exterminate them. There would be long-lasting slaughter, widespread chaos, and the people would suffer immensely.”

Shen Lanxi sighed: “The most innocent are the defenseless citizens. With constant conscription, each year would bring new drafts. No matter who wins, ten out of every hundred civilians would perish.”

Liang Shao nodded: “Thus, the best outcome is to maintain balance for now.”

Shen Lanxi: “Indeed. But what about our alliance?” she looked at Liang Shao.

He immediately replied: “Not a word of this leaves here.”

Shen Lanxi: “The Northwest King is truly wise and virtuous, unparalleled in intelligence!”

Liang Shao chuckled: “I still prefer it when you call me Brother Liang.”

Shen Lanxi raised the corner of her mouth: “Brother Liang, I’ve had food and wine prepared. Why not dine and discuss our next plan?”

Liang Shao also smiled: “Perfect timing—I brought food and wine as well. Let’s eat here in the birch forest and discuss the next steps!”

“Good!”

Female guards from Peach Blossom Valley served the wine and food, and Liang Shao’s side also brought tables, chairs, and dishes.

After three cups of murky wine, Liang Shao, emboldened by alcohol, asked Shen Lanxi about Wei Dongzhu.

“I wonder, General Shen, what is your relationship with Vanguard Hu?”