RWNEFE -Chapter 568 A Remote Duel Between the Thatched Cottage and Ghost Valley!

Just as he had expected, Zhou Ruyuan quickly learned the news from his subordinates.

“Your Majesty, do we rescue them or not?”

No one could make that decision for Zhou Ruyuan—not even Yuan Lang.

Yuan Lang knew he had encountered a true opponent.

He had never expected that his first exchange with the successor of Ghost Valley would take this form.

“Your Majesty, I believe this matter can be turned to our advantage.”

Zhou Ruyuan looked at Yuan Lang.

Soon, Zhou Ruyuan’s counterattack was issued in an express bulletin: Shen Lanxi had used the family of Emperor Zhou Yuan to threaten him, forcing him to retreat step by step until he had no choice but to withdraw to Jinmen.

It was a stunning reversal. The people across the realm were left wondering—which side was telling the truth?

The court officials already had a response prepared.

“That rebel is talking nonsense. Her Majesty has never harmed the women of his inner household. They are provided with fine food and lodging daily, and no punishment has been imposed. It was only after Zhou Ruyuan repeatedly provoked the court that Her Majesty was compelled to strip him of his imperial title.”

“Zhou Ruyuan is trying to use this matter to smear Her Majesty. We must not let him succeed.”

Unexpectedly, Shen Yuantang stepped forward at this moment, openly denouncing Zhou Ruyuan and expressing gratitude toward the emperor.

“Zhou Ruyuan is lying! Why did he retreat to Jinmen? Because he listened to that wretch Bai Qingling. Back in the southwest, he allowed her to collude with foreign tribes, and only then was he forced to flee to Jinmen.”

“Zhou Ruyuan is in this state entirely because of Bai Qingling—he was toyed with by a woman!”

Shen Lanxi immediately discarded the statement she had prepared.

The dark episode of Bai Qingling “calling for water three times in one night” was once again dug up by the common people.

They might not know whether Emperor Chongwu had used family members to threaten Zhou Yuan—but the story about calling for water three times in one night was absolutely true.

Undeniably true.

When Zhou Ruyuan heard of the reversal, he nearly coughed up blood in rage.

So much time had passed—why did so many people still remember?

This was the stain of his lifetime, a wound he never wanted mentioned again.

“Your Majesty, the bulletins are no longer effective.”

The people were gradually developing resistance to such reports. Their plan to injure Shen Lanxi with rumors would not work.

“Military Advisor, do you have a strategy?”

Yuan Lang’s face was grave. After a long silence, he asked again:

“Your Majesty—those people. Do we rescue them, or not?”

Zhou Ruyuan remained silent for nearly an hour before replying.

“My weakness cannot be held in anyone’s hands.”

Yuan Lang understood.

Just as he began preparing an assassination plan, Che Mingyuan released new information.

“Zhou Ruyuan has the heart of a wolf and tiger—he killed his wife and children!”

The report listed which woman had died, how many were injured, how many assassins there were, and that the attack had from the outset aimed to exterminate Zhou Ruyuan’s family.

The final line read: Zhou Ruyuan, unwilling to be manipulated through them, hardened his heart and raised his blade against his own kin.

Yuan Lang once again felt the force of the Ghost Valley successor.

At the same time, Shen Lanxi made a high-profile announcement: she was sending the Ghost Valley successor to Dongchuan.

When Yuan Lang heard this, part of him burned with the desire for a direct contest; another part weighed the future carefully.

The most rational choice would be to ensure the Ghost Valley successor never reached Dongchuan.

Yet he longed to measure himself against such an opponent. His heart was torn.

Only then did the officials and people of the capital realize that, without their knowing, the Ghost Valley successor and the Thatched Cottage successor had already exchanged several rounds.

And judging by the outcome, Ghost Valley had prevailed.

The capital was instantly invigorated; the streets were more festive than during the New Year.

Meanwhile, Zhou Ruyuan also received the news.

Compared to the Ghost Valley successor coming to Dongchuan, he cared more about one thing: who had sent the assassins?

“National Preceptor, you are a minister I rely upon.”

Yuan Lang had anticipated the question. Before Zhou Ruyuan could ask, he answered truthfully.

“It was Her Majesty the Empress who sent them. I only learned of it afterward.”

Zhou Ruyuan flew into a rage, hatred written across his face.

When he gave an order, that was one thing. When others did, it was another.

Women were merely tools to bear children—he did not care about them.

But those children carried his blood. Only he could give such an order. No one else!

Yuan Lang immediately pleaded guilty.

“Your Majesty, we must rely on Jinmen’s strength. We absolutely cannot fall out with the Third Princess.”

“I considered it carefully. Had I informed Your Majesty at once and discord arisen between Emperor and Empress, the entire plan would have been affected. I am guilty.”

If Yuan Lang had tried to excuse himself—or Zhou Qiwou and Wang Xiangyi—Zhou Ruyuan could have vented his fury and punished him.

But Yuan Lang repeatedly emphasized the greater good, and indeed it was for the greater good. Zhou Ruyuan found himself unable to continue his anger.

“The National Preceptor has considered thoroughly. It is I who failed to think far enough.”

Yuan Lang replied, “On the contrary, it shows that Your Majesty is a benevolent ruler.”

Zhou Ruyuan gave a bitter smile. “Benevolent? I was too sentimental and hesitant before—that is how I fell to this state.”

If only he had listened to Mister Jiang from the beginning…

A flicker of light crossed Zhou Ruyuan’s eyes. Turning his back to Yuan Lang, he pretended to wipe away tears.

“I am aware of this matter. I will not pursue it with the Empress. But she must never act privately again.”

“If the Empress conceals anything in the future, I will inform Your Majesty immediately.”

Yuan Lang had one more question.

“Your Majesty, I dare to ask—how do you intend to deal with Jiang Wuya?”

Zhou Ruyuan’s gaze sharpened. “This man dared deceive me. I will not spare him lightly. The National Preceptor need not concern himself with him—focus instead on devising countermeasures.”

This was the second time Yuan Lang had requested Jiang Wuya. The first had been when Che Mingyuan proposed exchanging hostages.

Clearly, in Zhou Ruyuan’s heart, one Jiang Wuya was more important than all the children of his inner household combined.

And it made Yuan Lang understand that Zhou Ruyuan did not truly trust him.

A swift reply soon came from Jinmen claiming the court’s statements were false.

But unfortunately, neither officials nor commoners cared much anymore.

Both sides’ bulletins had been worn out by these two masterminds. What everyone really wanted to know was: when would these two “immortals” finally face each other in person?

…

Shen Yuantang once again stepped forward to denounce Zhou Ruyuan, leaving a deep impression on both the capital’s citizens and many officials.

Because the Shen family had not publicized her title of County Lady, the people all called her Princess.

This move not only earned her a reputation for placing righteousness above family ties, but also changed many people’s opinions of her.

When she went out again, people no longer addressed her as belonging to the Prince of Zhennan’s residence—they called her Princess Yuantang.

In the blink of an eye, the day of Shen Yuanxin’s wedding arrived.

No matter how unwilling Zhou Xinrou felt, she still prepared ten li of red bridal trousseau.

On the wedding day, Wei Rulan received the principal wife’s grace and was allowed to step into the main hall to send her daughter off.

Beyond the customary additions to the dowry, Shen Lanxi presented a piece of calligraphy reading “A Match Made in Heaven” as part of the bridal gifts.

An imperial inscription was far more precious than gold or silver.

Afterward, only a small group laughed heartily.

Among them were those who knew the inside story—such as Liu Yanhui from the Ministry of Revenue.

“Ever since Her Majesty ascended the throne, she’s not the same as before.”

Ban Sicao asked, “What business?”

Liu Yanhui sighed. “Her Majesty has learned thrift.”

Ban Sicao snorted. “Just say she’s become stingy. Why dress it up in fancy words?”