RWNEFE -Chapter 286 The Red-Clad Rider on a Fiery Steed—Marquis of Zhenbei!

“Rumors—all of them rumors! These people just want to stir chaos in the world!” Xiao Fang slammed the table several times in anger.

The others were equally furious, wishing they could drag out whoever started the rumors and tear them apart alive.

“We’re risking our lives for the court, for the imperial family. Zhou Ruan must step forward and clear things up for the General!”

Everyone glanced at the seething Shen Yuanhao. The rumors had already spread all across the Northwest—could Zhou Ruan really not know about them? He knew, yet he did not explain. What did that imply?

Che Mingyuan pondered for a moment. “In my view, this was either done by Abu Khan—or by Zhou Ruan!”

Liu Yanhui said angrily, “I think the two of them did it together!”

Those words were spoken in anger. One was an outsider, the other a prince of Great Zhou—sworn enemies. How could they possibly cooperate? Zhou Ruan was a prince; colluding with the enemy and betraying the nation—no matter who did it, it shouldn’t be him.

Ban Sicao said, “Zhou Ruan isn’t stupid. Why would he help a foreign enemy?”

Qian Feng, however, held a different view. He had seen many princes—none of them were good people.

“So what if he’s a prince? As long as it benefits them, they’ll do any despicable thing!”

Che Mingyuan cautioned, “Mind your words!”

Shen Lanxi said calmly, “Even if we assume those two joined forces to scheme against me—so what?”

What, were they trying to force her into rebellion?

That would suit her perfectly!

Everyone looked at Shen Lanxi, who spoke as lightly as if it were nothing. At first, they thought she was being outrageously arrogant. On second thought, her words weren’t really boastful at all.

Even if the court heard the rumors—so what?

They didn’t really believe the court would punish her anyway.

…

Abu Khan and Zhou Ruan waited and waited, expecting an imperial edict of punishment—but instead, rewards arrived.

Fine wine, delicacies, entertainers, bolts of silk—everything streamed into the Northwest like flowing water. According to the soldiers escorting them, even more rewards were still on the way and would arrive in succession!

In addition, there was an imperial edict of commendation, specifically praising Shen Lanxi and her troops.

Shen Lanxi was further promoted in rank and title, personally granted by the Emperor’s own hand the title Marquis of Zhenbei!

Shen Yuanjing, Wei Dongzhu, and others were also rewarded in the edict. From the long list of names, it was clear the court was soothing military morale.

“To think the court not only didn’t punish us, but even conferred the title of Marquis of Zhenbei on our General!” Xiao Fang thought to himself. Zhou Ruyuan was Prince of Zhennan—now their General was Marquis of Zhenbei. If they pushed a little harder, could their General also become Prince of Zhenbei?

Though no one said it aloud, many privately speculated about this title.

One Zhenbei, one Zhennan—if there wasn’t some deeper meaning there, that would be strange indeed.

“The court even sent over the Marquis’s official robes,” Shen Lanxi said. “We can’t spoil the occasion.”

Che Mingyuan laughed. “Enfeoffment as a marquis is just the first step. Next comes hereditary succession, then dukedom, and after that, a non-imperial kingship. Congratulations, Marquis—congratulations!”

Once the strategist offered his congratulations, everyone else immediately followed suit.

Shen Lanxi’s gaze was sharp, her presence commanding.

“This Marquis has decided to reward the Zhenbei Army. Within all territory under my jurisdiction—celebrate for three days!”

“Yes!”

Shen Lanxi donned the official robes of the Marquis of Zhenbei and personally toured the military camp. Then, carrying the Companion Star Blade, she went to stand beneath the walls of the Turkic Three Tribes’ city for half the day.

That day, the Zhenbei Army’s momentum soared like a rainbow. Wherever Shen Lanxi went, her red robes shone brighter than the evening clouds, the Companion Star Blade in her hand gleaming coldly, its killing aura sharp and fierce.

That day was branded into the hearts of every Zhenbei soldier like a red-hot iron.

…

“How could this happen?!” Zhou Ruan swept all the teacups off the table in a rage. He was consumed by fury, his eyes bloodshot.

Song Daoxi stood to the side in silence, neither speaking nor persuading.

After Zhou Ruan vented his anger on the advisers around him, he hurriedly turned to Song Daoxi for help.

“Master Song, I was wrong. I shouldn’t have listened to their slander and cooperated with Abu Khan.”

Song Daoxi nodded expressionlessly, clearly prepared. “I already anticipated this outcome and made preparations long ago.”

Zhou Ruan’s eyes lit up. He quickly lowered his posture and asked, “Please instruct me, sir.”

Song Daoxi said, “Three days ago, the Second Prince was assassinated again—gravely wounded and now unconscious, still not awake.”

Zhou Ruan’s eyes gleamed. He immediately urged the adviser beside him, “Quick—spread the news that I am severely wounded, unconscious, and unable to manage affairs. Immediately draft a memorial to the court, saying that ever since arriving in the inner city, my health has been poor, that I have long since closed my doors to visitors and focused on recuperating.”

“Sir, should we explain the rumors in the memorial?”

Song Daoxi replied, “No need to state it explicitly—just offer a brief explanation. When His Majesty sees that you were already gravely wounded and then suffered another injury, he will only be concerned about your condition and won’t suspect you. Even if he does, he’ll help cover for you.”

Zhou Ruan fell silent for a moment, then slowly nodded.

He finally understood—although his father secretly wanted him to deal with Shen Lanxi, timing mattered. The Northwest still needed Shen Lanxi, so she couldn’t be touched yet.

He regretted making a deal with Abu Khan. If Abu Khan used this matter to threaten him later, wouldn’t that mean he had personally handed over a handle to be used against him?

The more Zhou Ruan thought about it, the more alarmed he became. The more he thought, the more he felt Song Daoxi was right. From now on, he would keep his doors closed and nurse his injuries until the Northwest was pacified—only then could his wounds truly heal.

…

The Imperial Study

“Your Majesty, should we truly not send someone to replace Shen Lanxi?” Wu Yanzhi advised anxiously.

Emperor Renxiao glanced at the Left Chancellor and said calmly, “Now is not the time. Lanxi will not betray me.” At least, not now.

She cared deeply for her family—and every member of the Shen family was in the capital. If she truly colluded with Abu Khan, she would have secretly sent her family out of the city first.

The area around the Shen residence was guarded by the Imperial Forest Guards. Even the slightest movement there would be reported to him.

Since Shen Lanxi went to the Northwest, there had been letters and gifts exchanged, but nothing excessive. In fact, everything sent from the Northwest always came in two portions—one for the Shen family, and one for him.

He understood Shen Lanxi’s temperament and every move she made.

“This matter is clearly a Turkic plot to shake military morale. Now that the court has sent large rewards, the Turkic Three Tribes’ scheme will collapse on its own. Just watch—the Northwest will sooner or later return to our Great Zhou!” Emperor Renxiao said with absolute confidence.

Wu Yanzhi had only been echoing concern for the court in line with the emperor’s thoughts. Seeing that Emperor Renxiao was clearly in high spirits, he took the opportunity to withdraw.

Judging by His Majesty’s attitude, he seemed to regard Shen Lanxi in a different light. Thinking of the title “Marquis of Zhenbei” granted today, Wu Yanzhi knew he would need to ponder His Majesty’s deeper intentions more carefully.

…

The imperial edict conferring Shen Lanxi as Marquis of Zhenbei was delivered to the Shen family residence at once, along with the corresponding rewards.

Among them was a Marquis of Zhenbei’s mansion, located just one street away from the Shen residence. It had formerly been a princely estate, several times larger than the Shen family home.

The Shen family received the edict as if in a dream, sent off the imperial envoys as if in a dream—and then stood in stunned silence for a long while, unable to say a word.