RWNEFE -Chapter 208 Shen Lanxi and Zhou Ruyuan Duel!

Qi Yingqun pretended to glance casually in Emperor Renxiao’s direction, then withdrew her gaze. Her eyes seemed fixed on the singing and dancing, but she hadn’t really watched a thing.

Hadn’t they agreed on this before coming? Why wasn’t it mentioned just now?

The welcome banquet had already begun, and if nothing unexpected happened, the best opportunity had already passed.

Could it be that His Majesty had changed his mind?

Emperor Renxiao was very satisfied with today’s situation. He had already received secret reports that Shen Lanxi had no supporters backing her. Her rise to this point was purely by luck.

She spoke elegantly of reclaiming most of Dongchuan, but in truth, she had fought very few real battles. As for the “major territories” she claimed to have recovered, they were all picked up as easy gains.

When real skill was required, she faltered. Otherwise, she wouldn’t have dared confront the two rebellious princes directly.

She simply didn’t have that capability. Her luck had run out.

A woman is a woman—narrow-minded, short-sighted, only seeing the immediate situation.

That worked in their favor. She valued the Shen family and its honor, which meant she had a weakness. A general with a weakness is like a kite soaring in the sky—seemingly magnificent, yet tethered by a single string.

The one holding the string can make her fly wherever they wish.

By this comparison, Shen Lanxi was more “useful” than men.

As for her marriage to the Third Prince, that could wait. A competent general was more valuable than a lady of the inner court.

Once the realm was pacified, if Shen Lanxi handled matters well and remained obedient as she was now, a marriage gift could be arranged later—though the Third Prince might be slightly inconvenienced.

Meanwhile, in Chaoyun Hall, where Concubine Shu resided:

“Your Highness, our people report that His Majesty did not mention the Third Prince’s marriage to Shen Lanxi!”

Startled, Concubine Shu set down her jade bracelet and urged: “Quickly tell me everything His Majesty said to Shen Lanxi after he arrived—every word!”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

The little eunuch recited everything without leaving out a word. Then he added: “When our people reported the news, they also said that the Censor-in-Chief proposed Shen Lanxi duel with the Third Prince, and His Majesty agreed!”

Concubine Shu thought: Could it be that the emperor wanted to test Shen Lanxi’s ability before granting the marriage?

The emperor’s heart was inscrutable. He had not followed through with the promised marriage, and what would happen next was unpredictable.

“Keep an eye on her. See if Shen Lanxi admits defeat early.” Her son was a naturally gifted and powerful warrior; Shen Lanxi was only a woman. To avoid embarrassment, surrendering early would be the most graceful and intelligent choice.

“Having my son duel with a woman… I don’t even know what His Majesty is thinking,” she said outwardly with displeasure, but inwardly felt proud.

Shen Lanxi had humiliated her son, even causing him to be demoted and sent to the wild northwest. The emperor should punish her severely so she could experience a taste of disgrace!

Concubine Shu waited happily for good news.

The Equestrian Field

The Censor-in-Chief was part of the imperial remonstrance office, notorious for gathering pedantic officials. Each one was like a stone in a privy, spouting rigid doctrine, endlessly citing ancient law, ready to die in protest at the slightest fault—a department that even Emperor Renxiao found troublesome.

The censors had long disapproved of Shen Lanxi’s entry into the court due to her being a woman. They had never found the opportunity to impeach her, fearing that the emperor might send them to supervise the army instead.

Now that Shen Lanxi had returned, they finally had a chance to voice their counsel.

“Your Majesty, Shen Lanxi is a woman. She cannot command the army. Please revoke this decree!”

Emperor Renxiao was annoyed. “Censor Wang, did you consider her gender when Shen Lanxi reclaimed Dongchuan?”

Wang Ming stepped forward: “Your Majesty, the camp is full of men. Allowing a woman to command them would cause disobedience and unrest. Please reconsider!”

Emperor Renxiao replied angrily: “And what if she’s a woman? If you had Shen Lanxi’s skill, you could be grand general yourself!”

Wu Yanzhi said: “Your Majesty, Censor Wang means no offense. He merely worries for General Shen’s safety. Historically, generals have always been capable men. Even if a woman is clever, she cannot surpass men, making it hard for the troops to respect her.”

Emperor Renxiao looked at all the officials. “Do you all share this view?”

Wu Yanzhi: “I have heard that General Shen is highly skilled. If she can surpass men seasoned on the battlefield, all officials will be convinced!”

Emperor Renxiao remained silent.

One after another, ministers stepped forward to submit memorials:

“Your Majesty, if General Shen earns recognition from our military god, all men will respect her!”

“Your servant concurs!”

“Your servant concurs as well!”

“Zhen’nan Wang is our military god. If General Shen can exchange moves with him and receive his guidance, she will surely gain the respect of all soldiers!”

“Your servant concurs!”

Shen Lanxi raised her lips, amused, watching the emperor and ministers harmonize so perfectly.

Today’s singing and dancing was trivial—the real drama was this courtly performance!

The Shen family looked on in confusion.

Zhou Ruyuan, lauded by everyone, furrowed his brow as if deep in thought.

Shen Lanxi was skilled in martial arts. When he had been defeated at the city gates, he had analyzed the reasons.

He hadn’t used full force then, and he had been unprepared.

He had trained in martial arts from childhood. How could a mere woman compare?

Now, he could seize this opportunity to redeem his past humiliation.

Emperor Renxiao looked at his son. “Third Prince, will you duel?”

Zhou Ruyuan rose: “Father, General Shen is soon departing for the northwest. The locals are fierce, and the troops are wild. I wish to instruct General Shen today. After this guidance, she and I will share half a teacher-student bond, which may command the troops!”

Emperor Renxiao nodded approvingly.

This was not the time to fuss over romance—duty to the realm came first.

“Lanxi, any objections?”

Shen Lanxi stood: “No objections. Whether mounted or on foot, I am ready!”

Emperor Renxiao glanced at his son: “Remember, stop before any real injury occurs!”

Zhou Ruyuan: “Your servant obeys!”

One was a royal prince, the other a favored junior of the emperor. After discussion, they decided not to use horses.

The duel would be on flat ground, with weapons padded in thick leather for safety.

Zhou Ruyuan glanced at the long spear, then chose the three-foot Qingfeng sword.

“Your servant chooses the three-foot Qingfeng!”

Shen Lanxi casually picked up a nearby long blade: “I choose this Hidden Blade!”

Emperor Renxiao: “Good! Remember, stop before causing injury. Today, win or lose, both of you shall be generously rewarded!”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

A gong sounded—the duel began!