RWNEFE -Chapter 476 Negotiation!

Shen Lanxi’s gaze was cold and indifferent. “Lord Liu, be careful with your words. This is only a temporary measure. Besides, I alone cannot command all the ministers and generals of the court. We must wait for you three to arrive, discuss with you, and then make any decisions.”

Indeed, if Shen Lanxi truly intended to submit to the Sixteenth Prince, she would not have waited for the regent ministers’ arrival to discuss things politely.

By delaying her submission, she could maintain the current standoff and negotiate for greater advantage.

Mei Nanhua said coldly, “With a great enemy at hand, no matter what past grievances exist, they must be set aside. We must unite to fight the invader!”

Shen Lanxi: “Your insight is wise, Old Tutor.”

Although Wu Yanzhi and Liu Mingxin were reluctant to bow their heads, they said nothing, which also signaled agreement.

“This plan is feasible, but that false edict—we cannot take it seriously,” Mei Nanhua added.

Shen Lanxi: “Of course.”

Liu Mingxin and Wu Yanzhi: “Of course.”

No sooner had they spoken than—bang!—another prince was thrown to the ground.

The old tutor’s legs went weak, and Liu and Wu hurried to support him.

Shen Lanxi took a few steps toward the palace, raising her voice: “We agree to the Sixteenth Prince ascending the throne. Stop the killings immediately!”

A general on the city wall shouted back: “Where is the Prince of Zhennan?”

Shen Lanxi: “The Prince of Zhennan is pacifying the rebellion of the Eighth Prince. Even if we wanted to kill him, we cannot find him. Better to fulfill the promise after he returns to the capital.”

The general thought for a moment, muttered, “We’ll see,” and turned to relay the message.

Before long, the general returned.

“It’s acceptable, but the Sixteenth Prince must ascend immediately.”

Shen Lanxi shouted: “Very well. When shall it be?”

The general: “Announce it to the world now. The Hanlin Academy will draft the official titles. Ascension will be in two days!”

Shen Lanxi: “Agreed. But no one else is to be killed!”

The general: “Understood!”

Shen Lanxi was about to begin discussing matters with the regent ministers when a voice rang out from the city walls again:

“The Sixteenth Prince summons all ministers and officials to the palace for a meeting.”

The three regent ministers exchanged uneasy glances.

“We cannot go. Entering would be like lambs into the tiger’s den.”

“If we go, won’t we be giving him more leverage?”

“No, absolutely not. If we go, our lives may not be safe.”

Shen Lanxi’s gaze was icy as she looked at the city walls: “They want us to honor our promise while simultaneously breaking it.”

Mei Nanhua gritted his teeth: “Very likely. Even if we go, they will not spare us.”

Shen Lanxi: “These people treat lives as worthless, cruel and brutal. There’s definitely guidance from a skilled hand behind this—it’s not something an eleven-year-old could do alone.”

Wu Yanzhi scowled angrily: “The Wang family’s ambitions were underestimated before. How did we not notice?”

Voices from the wall pressed again.

“Regent King, gather the ministers quickly. When ready, I will open the gates and let you in to discuss matters.”

The three regent ministers were at a loss.

“A kingdom cannot be without a ruler even for a day. The emperor is now in the hands of rebels—we must act!” Mei Nanhua fretted, his brow furrowed.

“What should we do? What should we do now?”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes darkened as she thought for a moment, then she commanded: “Gather all ministers here for discussion.”

Liu Mingxin immediately protested: “No! If we enter, Great Zhou is finished. We lose any leverage over the Sixteenth Prince.”

Shen Lanxi: “This is no good, that is no good—if we hesitate, the city wall will throw down more people. Do you want to watch them die before our eyes?”

The three regent ministers remained silent.

Shen Lanxi: “Since no one has a solution, listen to me. First, gather the ministers at the palace gates. We proceed step by step. Let the Sixteenth Prince’s men see that we are obedient before taking action. If they see us standing still, you know what will happen!”

Mei Nanhua sighed deeply, swishing his sleeve as he turned aside.

Wu Yanzhi only shook his head.

Liu Mingxin thought carefully, realizing there was no better plan—watching the royal family die was not an option.

“Fine, we’ll follow the Regent King’s orders!”

Shen Lanxi issued instructions, then shouted toward the city wall: “We’ve sent for the ministers. Please wait a moment!”

The wall fell silent. They did not call again, apparently waiting, heeding Shen Lanxi’s words.

“If the ministers arrive and the Sixteenth Prince’s men summon us in, what then?” Wu Yanzhi asked, worried.

Shen Lanxi adopted a daring stance: “Then we go in. The emperor and royal children are in their hands. If we refuse, it’s as if we disregard the royal family’s lives—and we will be criticized just the same!”

Wu Yanzhi groaned helplessly: “Great Zhou… how has it come to this?”

Mei Nanhua: “We must find a solution quickly; we cannot stand idly by while rebels seize the throne.”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes flickered. “I think entering the palace may actually be the way to break the deadlock.”

Mei Nanhua: “How so?”

Shen Lanxi: “We are the backbone of the court. The Sixteenth Prince still expects us to oversee his coronation. He would not dare act against us now.”

Liu Mingxin considered it carefully, then nodded: “Makes sense.”

Wu Yanzhi pouted—though they might not be killed, humiliation and threats were inevitable. They were senior ministers; how could they face people afterward?

Shen Lanxi’s gaze was sharp as a blade: “The Old Tutor is respected, the Left Chancellor leads the ministers, and Lord Liu is a model civil official. Once inside, we may contact the Imperial Guards loyal to us.”

“With the three of us together, surely we can persuade the troops following orders to switch sides?”

Mei Nanhua’s eyes brightened: “That’s an option!”

Wu Yanzhi shook his head: “If they can rebel, they’ve planned carefully. The troops are loyal. It will be very hard to turn them.”

Liu Mingxin: “At this point… is there any other way?”

This question silenced Wu Yanzhi. At this point, there was no other option.

“To protect the emperor and the palace people, we must act step by step.”

Mei Nanhua nodded, showing approval of Shen Lanxi.

Liu Mingxin also greatly revised his opinion of her.

Only Wu Yanzhi reluctantly nodded.

The ministers gathered one by one. Once nearly everyone had arrived, Shen Lanxi shouted to the city wall:

“All ministers are assembled!”

The people on the wall: “Open the gates and let the ministers in.”

Some ministers were fearful, some angry, some uneasy.

Suddenly, a voice called again from the wall:

“Shen Lanxi stays outside!”

The ministers all turned to look at Shen Lanxi.

They were going in—why was she not allowed?

One official, unable to contain himself, approached Mei Nanhua:

“Old Tutor, why are we allowed in but Shen Lanxi isn’t? Is there some collusion?”