RWNEFE -Chapter 409 Recommending Zhao Zheng

A flicker of a smile passed across Shen Lanxi’s eyes, then she said, “The Capital Guard numbers two thousand, the Imperial Guards three thousand, and the City Defense Army fifty thousand. Altogether, all the personnel do not exceed sixty thousand.”

Zhao Zheng: “We need to dispatch scouts as soon as possible to gauge how many troops the Fifth Prince has brought, ideally intercepting him before he reaches the palace.”

Shen Lanxi: “I think what the Marquis of Yong’an says is reasonable. What do you all think, esteemed lords?”

With the urgency of the situation, who would dare to object?

“I think it’s feasible.”

“I agree as well!”

“Seconded!”

Shen Lanxi: “I believe that since the Fifth Prince dares to come, he surely did not bring only fifty thousand troops. We must gather our forces as early as possible.”

Wu Yanzhi frowned. “That sounds fine in words, but where does the court even have spare troops now? After years of war, the Great Zhou has not yet fully recovered.”

Shen Lanxi considered and asked, “Honored lords, what are your thoughts?”

“I think we can first pull together the troops from the various prefectures—the household soldiers, guards, and attendants—to form a cohesive force. Even if we don’t end up using them, it’s better to be prepared. If we do, it will be a brave effort by each prefecture to defend the country.”

Shen Lanxi: “Reasonable. Esteemed lords, what say you?”

When personal interests were involved, the officials fell silent.

“I am willing to mobilize my household guards.”

“I will also dispatch my personal attendants.”

“The investigators and clerks in the offices can also be mobilized.”

“There are many able-bodied men in the capital that can be conscripted.”

Shen Lanxi praised heartily, “Lords, you truly serve the nation and its people. As for myself, I will also send forth my household guards and female attendants. All for the Great Zhou, all for the people!”

The stiff-faced officials, seeing so many stirred by her words, could not back down and reluctantly echoed her sentiment.

Shen Lanxi: “To avoid any appearance of bias, I propose that the task of raising troops be assigned to the Marquis of Yong’an.”

The civil and military officials immediately weighed the pros and cons in their minds.

The Marquis of Yong’an held only a titular rank with no real power. And everyone in the capital knew he was not on friendly terms with Shen Lanxi.

Moreover, he was not aligned with any faction. Shen Lanxi’s choice of Zhao Zheng (the Marquis of Yong’an) was purely to avoid suspicion, with no other motive.

As long as neither Shen Lanxi nor any other party gained an advantage, it didn’t matter.

After all, this task had a prestigious name but in reality, it was a thankless and risky mission.

“I believe the Marquis of Yong’an can handle this important task.”

“Seconded by me.”

“The Marquis is the foremost of the generals; his leadership is unquestionable.”

Shen Lanxi nodded with satisfaction. She would focus on the security of the capital and not interfere with other state affairs. This move left those who were prepared to resist her completely flustered.

A woman with limited understanding of governance—matters of state were ultimately handled by these well-read men.

Amidst her busy schedule, Shen Lanxi returned briefly to her residence to personally oversee the replacement of the Duke Protector plaque, then proceeded to the Shen family residence.

“Grandmother, you were frightened!” Shen Lanxi presented restorative herbs.

The elderly Madame Shen was utterly exhausted, unable to summon much energy even at the sight of valuable items.

“Lanxi, you go about your work. Grandmother is tired,” she said wearily.

Shen Lanxi: “Once things settle in the palace in a few days, I will send someone to have the Imperial Physician treat Grandmother.”

Since there had been an attempted palace coup, something serious must have occurred. Old Madame Shen did not wish to hear such alarming details and waved Shen Lanxi off.

The Shen residence was silent. Maids and servants walked on tiptoe, not daring to make a sound.

“Mother was frightened too!” That day, Zhou Xinrou had also been brought to the palace by Zhou Yunshang’s men.

Zhou Xinrou watched her quietly, without speaking.

“Mother, what’s wrong?”

Zhou Xinrou frowned, exhausted: “Just a bit shaken and tired. Your duties outside are busy, so take care of yourself too.”

Shen Lanxi: “Thank you for your concern. The capital has been unstable recently, so mother should stay home as much as possible.”

Zhou Xinrou said nothing.

“Is Yuan Tang not here? Should I call Yuan Xin and the others to serve mother?”

Zhou Xinrou: “No need. With your grandmother here, they are not needed. They are busy preparing for marriages.”

Shen Lanxi: “I will station some guards discreetly at home to protect you. What happened that day will never happen to you again.”

Zhou Xinrou’s eyes flickered. She asked, “Did something happen in the palace?”

“If it’s inconvenient to say, don’t say it.”

Shen Lanxi: “There is nothing you shouldn’t know. His Majesty was attacked and injured.”

Zhou Xinrou immediately asked, “Is it serious?”

Shen Lanxi observed and shook her head.

“Not very serious, only requiring rest and recuperation.”

“Really? Seems the palace defenses have slackened compared to before,” Zhou Xinrou said lightly.

Shen Lanxi furrowed her brows: “My uncle handed the Grand Princess over to others for interrogation. I do not know the details. I suspect it is related to the Grand Princess.”

Zhou Xinrou snorted and turned away.

“Go about your work, I am tired.”

Shen Lanxi: “Mother, rest well.”

Soon after, someone from the main house quietly entered the palace.

Afterward, Shen Lanxi received the Emperor’s decree, assigning her the task of inspecting and searching the Grand Princess’ residence.

“What are you thinking?” Wei Dongzhu asked. It was already dark, and she had not lit a lamp, so he entered from outside.

Shen Lanxi: “Nothing. These past days were busy, and I hadn’t rested well. I dozed off just now.”

Wei Dongzhu: “I thought it was regarding the sudden change in His Majesty’s decision?”

Shen Lanxi smiled: “Hearts are unpredictable. Whether His Majesty changed his mind suddenly or not, I will calmly follow through.”

Wei Dongzhu spoke softly: “If you are too tired, take a break.”

No need to push herself too hard.

Where she could not see, Wei Dongzhu’s face was full of concern.

“The chessboard is set. If I pause, I’ll be consumed.” It’s not that she didn’t want to stop—it was that events were driving her forward.

Wei Dongzhu: “Are we raiding the mansion tomorrow? Most of the valuable items might have been taken in advance.”

Shen Lanxi considered: “Perhaps it’s a form of concession.”

“A concession? What do you mean?” he didn’t understand.

Shen Lanxi suddenly smiled: “I just said it casually. You believe it?”

Wei Dongzhu: “Yes.”

Shen Lanxi raised an eyebrow and said seriously: “I advise you not to believe everything.”

Wei Dongzhu was momentarily stunned, eyes flickering: “Would you lie to me?”

How was she supposed to answer that?

“What do you think?”

Wei Dongzhu thought for a moment and said earnestly: “Even if you lie to me, it must be for a reason, for a good purpose, and the outcome will be good.”

Shen Lanxi quietly looked at him, and after a long pause, she smiled and patted his shoulder.

“Tomorrow, come with me to raid the mansion.”

Wei Dongzhu lingered for a while longer. As he left, he remembered something he wanted to say:

“Ban Sicao has returned.”

Shen Lanxi: “…”

“Take him along to the mansion tomorrow!”

Wei Dongzhu blinked: “I truly forgot just now.”

Shen Lanxi: “I trust you.”

This last statement, he was not entirely convinced of.

She had thought Ban Sicao merely brought his father—but unexpectedly, he had brought the entire Wandu Sect as well.