RWNEFE -Chapter 239 Twin Moons with a Companion Star Shake Ten Li!

On the day of the negotiations, the weather was clear, but the north wind was exceptionally biting. It howled through the air, carrying sand and dust that turned half the sky a dim yellow.

Shen Lanxi appeared ten li away, dressed in her official court attire. On either side of her were guards with swords slung across their backs, radiating an imposing, commanding aura.

Sun Zhong, Nie Shuanghai, Zheng Qiao, and the others followed, all stunned by the sight of such a heroic woman, whose striking beauty was impossible to conceal.

“What is that?” Sun Zhong asked in confusion.

In addition to the guards, four strongmen carrying weapons followed behind Shen Lanxi.

“How heavy must that weapon be for four strongmen to carry it?” Nie Shuanghai murmured.

As Shen Lanxi drew closer, they finally saw the weapon clearly.

It was a massive blade similar to the Green Dragon Crescent Moon Blade. Unlike the standard version, the center of this blade had two fist-sized spheres, with two Qingbei daggers attached on either side. It resembled a double-sided axe with long blades, each about half a meter in length, glinting coldly in the sunlight. When the fierce wind passed over it, the blade emitted a resonant humming sound.

Just seeing and hearing it sent chills down their spines—it radiated pure killing intent.

Even these seasoned warriors, who had faced countless lives under their blades, dared not stare for more than a few moments.

Shen Lanxi smiled slightly. “I acquired this blade a couple of days ago. Because it resembles a crescent moon with a cold star, I’ve specially named it the Twin Moons with Companion Star Blade.”

The generals present exchanged cautious glances, inwardly thinking it would be better named the Horse-Slashing Blade.

This blade could easily decapitate a horse.

Sigh… and it’s a woman naming it—turning a magnificent, fearsome weapon into something that sounds like a decorative item in a boudoir!

Sun Zhong inwardly regretted the name but proceeded to report:

“Abu Khan’s people haven’t arrived yet!”

Shen Lanxi frowned. “Is he always this unreliable?”

Sun Zhong silently nodded.

Seeing no sign of anyone, Shen Lanxi immediately ordered: “Return to the city!”

Sun Zhong and the others were taken aback. Weren’t they supposed to negotiate? Why head back now?

“General, maybe we should wait a little longer!”

“Yes, General, we’ve come all this way. Our Great Zhou is in a weak position—let’s tolerate this small matter for now.”

Shen Lanxi glanced at Wei Dongzhu. “Is it the agreed time yet?”

Wei Dongzhu replied, calm and composed: “It is.”

“Since the time has arrived and they haven’t shown, they must have been delayed by something. We’ll schedule another time.”

Shen Lanxi’s expression remained calm. No one could read her thoughts, and no one could tell if she was speaking truth or sarcasm.

Only when they saw her actually getting into the carriage to leave did Sun Zhong and the others hurriedly try to stop her.

“General, wait a bit longer! What if we anger the three Turkic tribes by leaving now?”

Shen Lanxi looked at Qian Feng, who immediately said, “The three Turkic tribes failed to arrive on time. They clearly have no intention of negotiating. Our Great Zhou is a vast nation—how can a few small tribes hold us hostage?”

Wei Dongzhu said in a deep voice: “The three Turkic tribes have no sincere intention to negotiate. If they are unwilling, then we have no choice but to fight!”

Sun Zhong and the others felt a chill in their hearts, all staring at Wei Dongzhu, suddenly realizing his intention.

Wei Dongzhu’s plan was to provoke a war!

Indeed, when the Wei Family Army was present, there was no negotiation. Back then, the three Turkic tribes were obedient as children.

But now…

The Wei Family Army was gone. Wei Dongzhu had only a few thousand men. How could they possibly confront the combined armies of the three tribes?

“General Wei, don’t be impulsive. The court’s orders are clear—negotiate!” Sun Zhong urged. In plain terms, the order was to delay the Turkic tribes until the Zhen Nan Wang quelled the internal rebellion, and then deal with the foreign invaders.

Shen Lanxi’s eyes blazed with fury, her voice resonant and powerful:

“The three Turkic tribes so blatantly disregard the authority of our Great Zhou, massacring our people, acting arrogantly, and insulting our envoys—it is simply intolerable!”

Xiao Fang said, “General, please don’t be angry. We know your heart is kind and merciful. You cannot bear to see innocent lives destroyed. Perhaps we should give the Turkic tribes one more chance.”

Wei Dongzhu, Qian Feng, and the others echoed in unison: “General, give the Turkic tribes another chance!”

Shen Lanxi sighed deeply. “You remain here to guard the city. I will return to handle some matters. When Abu Khan arrives, inform me immediately.”

“Yes!”

Amid all the pleas of mercy and kindness, Shen Lanxi returned to Huangtu City.

Sun Zhong and the others stared in shock, forgetting how to counsel her.

Meanwhile, the court’s edicts urging the negotiation process and troop exchanges arrived.

Cheng Zheng immediately drafted the petitions. Once Shen Lanxi reviewed them, they were sent to the capital without delay.

At that moment, whether in the Northwest or Eastern Chuan, supplies were nearly exhausted. Everyone was barely holding on.

Liu Yanhui returned constantly to Zhou Ruyuan’s camp, pressing for updates, only to receive replies to “wait a little longer.”

This time, Zhou Ruyuan, utterly fed up, simply replied to reduce unnecessary troops.

All female guards were cut without exception.

Liu Yanhui did not argue and immediately presented the account books.

“Many female guards received no settlement silver when they joined the army. General Shen promised them that once their service ended, they would receive the full amount. If Your Highness wishes to release them, the owed money must be paid!”

At this moment, Bai Qingling had arrived inside the camp.

Hearing Liu Yanhui say this, she immediately suspected that Shen Lanxi deliberately left this mess for them, as a form of revenge.

“Your Highness, we can’t pay. Who knows if this is a trap set by Shen Lanxi?” Bai Qingling said with a face full of hatred.

A glint of cold light flashed in Liu Yanhui’s eyes, his mouth turning down.

“Your Highness, not only them, but many male soldiers have also not received their money. At that time, Eastern Chuan was in crisis; the court’s supplies were delayed, and snow disasters struck. The army simply could not pay their settlement fees, only issuing IOUs. Even now, the army has no means to repay!”

Bai Qingling was nearly furious. Shen Lanxi had left them a complete mess. If they had known, they should have brought the entire Northern Expedition Army with them.

“These debts were incurred by Shen Lanxi. They have nothing to do with our Northern Expedition Army. Go to her for repayment!” Bai Qingling’s chest ached with anger, and she felt an unusual discomfort below, her hatred surging.

Since her miscarriage, lochia had been persistent. Any movement or anger made it worse. She had to change multiple times a day to avoid embarrassment.

Shen Lanxi had harmed her body, harmed the prince, and now Bai Qingling vowed to make that woman pay in the worst way.

Liu Yanhui calmly placed the account books in front of Zhou Ruyuan.

“Your Highness, she is just a woman of the inner residence. How dare she comment on military matters? Do you know her military rank, or her official position?”

Bai Qingling’s face darkened. She raised her hand to slap Liu Yanhui.

The guards next to Liu Yanhui immediately drew their swords: “How dare you harm an imperial official? Tell me, are you a spy sent by the rebel prince?”