RWNEFE -Chapter 198 No One Dared to Take It!

Emperor Renxiao’s eyes flickered with annoyance when he heard the reply. Ever since his third son disgraced himself by consorting with that lowly maid, nothing had gone according to his satisfaction.

Previously, some ministers had petitioned to recall Zhou Ruyuan to suppress the rebellion, but in recent months, no one mentioned him.

Now, in the entire capital, who remembered the war god Zhou Ruyuan? Everyone was talking about Shen Lanxi instead.

The scandal that had already died down was revived due to the rise of the Shen family.

“Wang Bao, have Shen Congwen and Princess Minrou arrived in the capital?” the Emperor suddenly asked.

Wang Bao replied, “Your Majesty, they returned some time ago. At the time, Your Majesty saw that their whole family was exhausted from the journey and graciously allowed them to return home to rest.”

Really?

Emperor Renxiao had already forgotten. Even if he hadn’t, those below would have anticipated his wishes and ensured he didn’t lose face.

Rain and thunder are both gifts of the emperor. If the emperor remembers you, it’s a blessing for your entire family. If not, it’s because your ancestors didn’t accumulate merit for the descendants.

“I believe the Empress’s birthday is coming soon?” the Emperor asked.

Wang Bao said, “Your Majesty, you attend to state affairs every day yet still remember the Empress’s birthday. This old servant does nothing every day, and can’t even recall what he ate yesterday.”

Emperor Renxiao chuckled at the analogy.

“Ensure the Empress doesn’t forget to send an invitation to the Shen family!”

“This old servant will remember!”

Empress’s Palace

When the Empress learned that Wang Bao’s apprentice had delivered the message, she rewarded the young eunuch, and sent a generous gift back to Wang Bao as thanks.

After the young eunuch left, the Empress immediately ordered invitations prepared for Zhou Xinrou, accompanied by rare medicinal herbs and precious tonics.

Soon after, Emperor Renxiao received a letter from Wu Tong.

He had already been considering how to break the deadlock, and after seeing the letter, that thought became irresistible.

The next day at court, Left Chancellor Wu Yanzhi immediately submitted a petition.

“Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!”

“Speak, loyal minister,” Emperor Renxiao said.

Wu Yanzhi: “The Pacification Army has been stalled in the Ganzhou region, consuming vast amounts of supplies. I suggest sending a fierce and capable general to break the stalemate!”

His followers immediately chimed in.

“General Shen is, after all, a woman. She excels at maintaining order, but lacks the aggression needed. If this continues, the court will be dragged down!”

“I propose swapping the war god with General Shen. The war god excels in battle; General Shen can focus on negotiating with foreign powers.”

“Impossible! The foreign forces have not advanced because the war god suppresses them. If the war god leaves, the northwest border may be in danger!”

For a moment, the ministers all voiced their opinions.

Emperor Renxiao listened, then asked: “Is there anyone to temporarily take command of the Pacification Army?”

The court fell silent.

Swapping the two generals seemed simple enough—why was a temporary commander even needed?

Shen Lanxi held 20,000 troops against three enemy armies numbering hundreds of thousands. It was like walking a tightrope on a cliff, dancing on a blade—one misstep would mean total annihilation. Who would dare take such a responsibility?

Seeing the silence in the court, a shadow passed over the Emperor’s heart again.

“Xie Lin, you will go. Until the two commanders are officially swapped, you will temporarily lead the Pacification Army.”

Xie Lin immediately knelt in terror.

“Your Majesty, I am old and infirm, deaf and near-sighted. I cannot shoulder such a responsibility. Please choose someone else!” His voice grew quieter and weaker with each word.

The Emperor’s face darkened.

“You are the ones requesting the swap. If the two commanders leave, do you intend for both armies to be left leaderless?”

Recalling the colleagues he had seen killed at the Meridian Gate, Xie Lin dared not wipe his cold sweat. He quickly knelt and said: “Your Majesty, I am willing to temporarily take command in the Northwest for the negotiations. It’s not that I refuse to go to the Ganzhou region—it’s that the Northwest is the frontline against foreign invaders. That is more important!”

Emperor Renxiao was furious: “Just now you said you were old, deaf, and blind. Now you claim to go to the Northwest. Do you think I am a child easily fooled?”

Xie Lin nearly fainted.

In his panic, he had forgotten his own words.

“Your Majesty, I am guilty, my mind confused by age… I beg Your Majesty to consider my—”

Before he could finish, Emperor Renxiao pronounced judgment: “If you are already old, then retire!”

Xie Lin was stunned. After decades of cautious service, one refusal, one wrong word, and all his years of effort were wasted!

The imperial guards dragged the slumping Xie Lin out of the hall.

Wu Yanzhi interceded: “Your Majesty, please calm your anger and hear this old minister out.”

The Emperor scowled: “Speak.”

“The war god surely has many capable generals. Why not let them temporarily take command?”

Emperor Renxiao nodded. “Draft the edict. Everything is for the great Zhou!”

“Your Majesty is wise!”

When Shen Lanxi received the news, she sat in silence for a moment, then immediately summoned her subordinates for discussion.

“The edict will arrive soon. Anyone with ideas, speak freely.”

Xiao Fang couldn’t hold back his anger: “The court is just here to reap the benefits of our efforts!”

Everyone remained silent.

Wei Dongzhu: “Agreed.”

Liu Yanhui: “Agreed!”

“Agreed.”

“Agreed!”

Everyone agreed with Xiao Fang’s statement.

Shen Lanxi said: “A new emperor brings new ministers. You will all follow me to the Northwest!” She looked at Wei Dongzhu.

She had always wanted to scout the Northwest—she hadn’t expected the opportunity to be handed to her!

Wei Dongzhu glanced at Che Mingyuan. He still didn’t fully trust him.

“Do we take the entire army?”

Shen Lanxi: “If I’m correct, we take half first. After the handover, we swap the other half.”

Wei Dongzhu understood.

After the discussion, Wei Dongzhu approached Shen Lanxi privately.

“I want to take troops ahead of schedule.”

Shen Lanxi glanced at the sweet soup he brought: “Take two thousand troops first to scout.”

Wei Dongzhu: “Can I remove my mask?”

Shen Lanxi put aside the documents she had been reading.

“After we reach the Northwest.”

Wei Dongzhu’s eyes dimmed. Hesitating, he pulled a wooden box from his sleeve.

“I have something I want you to keep. Once everything settles, I’ll retrieve it from you.”

Shen Lanxi looked up at him jokingly: “Aren’t you afraid I won’t return it?”

Wei Dongzhu smiled: “If not, it’s yours. It doesn’t serve me much purpose anyway.”

“Fine!”

After Wei Dongzhu left, Shen Lanxi glanced at the box, flicked it open, and inside were the Wei Family Army’s military tally tokens!

She had noticed Wei Dongzhu’s intentions long ago, but in her two lifetimes, she had already abandoned attachment and desire.

Closing the box, she returned to her work.

Ten days later, Wei Dongzhu quietly led his troops away. The camp carried on as usual, and even when the imperial edict arrived, Wu Tong didn’t realize that a key general had already left!