RWNEFE -Chapter 253 The Emperor’s Art of Rule—Balance and Restraint

When Zhou Yunyue was taken away, she cried until her voice was hoarse and her heart seemed torn apart.

No one pitied her. Everyone felt she had brought this upon herself.

Even though Ban Sicao prepared an antidote, Princess Kang Zhu of the Wala showed no real improvement. It was said that to completely purge the residual poison would take at least a year or two.

After Emperor Renxiao received the secret report, he was furious.

“Zhou Yunyue has outrageous audacity—she actually dared to sabotage the marriage alliance!”

Wang Bao said, “Your Majesty, please calm your anger. There may be hidden circumstances behind this.”

Emperor Renxiao’s gaze turned icy, filled with the ruthlessness unique to emperors. After pondering for a long while, he said, “From now on, Great Zhou shall have no Zhou Yunyue—only Lady Zhou. For the sake of the last shred of blood ties, let her be sent into Shen Yuanjing’s chambers.”

Wang Bao replied, “This old servant will have the decree conveyed at once!”

Emperor Renxiao frowned and called him back.

“Wait. Great Zhou owes the Wei Family Army. Confer upon Wei Dongzhu the title of General Who Crushes the Barbarians, and have him jointly manage the Zhenbei Army with Lanxi.”

“Yes!”

The contents of the imperial decree soon reached Shen Lanxi.

Wei Dongzhu immediately pledged his loyalty. “This subordinate will forever be loyal to the General, and follow your lead alone!”

Those who understood the ways of power knew well that Emperor Renxiao’s move—seemingly encouragement—was in fact an attempt to divide Shen Lanxi’s authority by empowering Wei Dongzhu.

Such was the emperor’s art of rule. Even when Great Zhou stood on the brink of collapse, he still thought first of balance and restraint.

Shen Lanxi smiled faintly. “I understand, and so do all the officers and soldiers. We’ve come this far by standing united. If anyone turns their elbow outward, harbors divided loyalties, we wouldn’t even have made it out of Dongchuan.”

This was both a warning and a reminder.

Che Mingyuan continued his report on the peace talks.

“The General’s judgment was spot-on. The three Turkic tribes really did fall out with each other over a single city!”

Shen Lanxi nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Carry on the talks.”

“Yes!”

Afterward, Shen Lanxi kept Shen Yuanjing behind alone.

“Yuanjing, how do you plan to deal with Lady Zhou?”

Shen Yuanjing said angrily, “Eldest Sister, what does His Majesty really mean? Just because Zhou Yunyue is his daughter, of imperial blood—after committing such a grave crime, she still won’t be executed?”

Shen Lanxi warned calmly, “This is His Majesty’s decision. He only said Lady Zhou is to be sent into your chambers—he did not specify in what capacity. Think it over carefully.”

Shen Yuanjing slowly calmed down.

“Since His Majesty no longer acknowledges her imperial status, I’ll have her move out of the Shen residence and find separate lodging outside.”

Shen Lanxi nodded and handed him the imperial decree.

“Go make the arrangements.”

…

Later, Wei Dongzhu sought out Shen Lanxi.

“I will never be incited by others to stand against you,” he said solemnly, each word spoken as if making a vow.

Shen Lanxi glanced at the plate of white jade layered cakes on the table. She gently raised her hand and pushed it toward Wei Dongzhu.

“The northern winds are harsh. Have some pastries and hot tea.”

A smile slowly rippled through Wei Dongzhu’s eyes. Sitting down somewhat stiffly, he clenched his palm once before reaching for a pastry.

“It’s delicious!”

Shen Lanxi also picked one up. After taking a bite, she quickly followed it with a few sips of hot tea.

It was cloyingly sweet—she had no idea whose handiwork it was.

The northwest wind howled, prying open the cracks of the ventilated window. Like knives, the gusts stripped away all the warmth in the room within moments.

Wei Dongzhu stood up to close it. Snowflakes carried by the wind struck his hand. Looking outside, he saw the ground already blanketed in silver white.

“It’s snowing again.”

Shen Lanxi said, “I didn’t expect the Northwest to be this cold.” The last snowfall hadn’t been as heavy as Dongchuan’s, but the ground had frozen solid. With days of severe cold, even Qinglong Lake had frozen over.

Wei Dongzhu replied, “The Northwest has four distinct seasons. It’ll be better once spring arrives.”

Shen Lanxi finished her pastry, and Wei Dongzhu prepared to take his leave.

“It’s late—rest early,” he said gently.

Shen Lanxi nodded. “You too.”

When Shen Yuanhao went on night duty, he happened to see Wei Dongzhu leaving his elder sister’s courtyard.

So late—had they still not finished discussing official business?

…

Before spring arrived, the three Turkic tribes finalized their decision to have Turkic Princess marry into Great Zhou.

This time, only Abu Khan came to negotiate with Che Mingyuan.

“Our Great Turkic Sixth Prince is born heroic and exceptionally intelligent—perfectly matched for marriage with your Great Zhou princess!”

Che Mingyuan smiled lightly. “May I ask whether the Turkic Sixth Prince has arrived here? Would the two distinguished parties like to meet in advance?”

Abu Khan’s eyes swept with disdain. Meet whom? That useless Sixth Prince?

“The Sixth Prince is busy with official duties. He will only make time on the day of the wedding.”

Che Mingyuan said, “Great Zhou is willing to offer Huangtu City as the dowry. May I ask whether the Turkic side has prepared the bride-price?”

A surge of anger rose in Abu Khan’s heart. With a flicker in his eyes, he replied, “Of course. The bride-price is two thousand dan of grain—this was already agreed upon with your previous marriage envoys.”

Che Mingyuan’s faint smile never faded as he nodded slowly.

“Since it’s already been discussed, then let it be so.”

Seeing Che Mingyuan concede so easily, Abu Khan’s anger dissipated at once. His contempt for Che Mingyuan—and for Great Zhou—only deepened.

“Then hurry and vacate Huangtu City.”

Che Mingyuan replied, “Give us two months.”

So long?

Abu Khan scowled. “At most one month.”

Che Mingyuan bargained, “Huangtu City is full of elderly and children. At the very least, fifty days are needed.”

Abu Khan said, “Forty days—no more than forty.”

Che Mingyuan hesitated before saying, “General, that is a whole city. Your Turkic forces would obtain Great Zhou’s territory and city without losing a single soldier. I still need to persuade our military commanders and the city’s civilians. You know, not everyone is a pro-peace advocate like me, nor as flexible in handling matters.”

The phrase “without losing a single soldier” struck Abu Khan deeply.

“Fifty days—fifty at most. One day more, and don’t blame Great Turkic for marching troops to your city gates!”

Che Mingyuan replied, “Naturally. After all, the one we’re marrying off is His Majesty’s most favored daughter. Just preparing the princess’s dowry will take some time.”

Hearing this, Abu Khan was thoroughly delighted. The more good things the princess brought, the better for Great Turkic!

…

“General, are we really giving up Huangtu City?” Xiao Fang asked, unable to understand.

Shen Lanxi glanced at him. “There are only a few residents in the city—what’s there to defend?”

Xiao Fang raised his voice. “But that’s Great Zhou’s territory!”

Qian Feng said, “Great Zhou has plenty of territory!” Though in truth, he also opposed the concession.

If they retreated, wouldn’t the Turkic side think they were afraid?

What would their soldiers think? What would the Northwest’s people think?

Wei Dongzhu also opposed yielding the city. Since childhood, his teachings aligned with Qian Feng’s.

Better to die fighting at the city gates than let foreign tribes step one foot onto Great Zhou soil.

Cheng Zheng wrote: “Listen to the General!” The General’s decisions had never been wrong—there must be deeper intent!

Wei Dongzhu felt a twinge of regret. He had actually questioned her decision just now. He should have trusted her.

“Does the General have a strategy in mind?”