Chapter 94 Memorial

A centipede is still alive even after death.

It is impossible for a small country like Xiqi to destroy a behemoth like the Dayong Dynasty.

There must be internal chaos before this can happen.

Thinking of this, Chi Yan smiled coldly and looked at Wu Wenxiu, "You read it."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Wu Wenxiu responded and glanced at Chi Lu's face very quickly.

Even though he had been with the Empress Dowager for almost three years, Wu Wenxiu still couldn't quite figure out her thoughts.

Until now, she still hasn't figured out why Queen Mother Chi sent Princess Fuguang to Xiqi for marriage.

Is it because of resentment or because of indifference?

So, how could she get Queen Mother Chi to agree to Princess Fuguang's request for a title?

Before receiving this memorial, Wu Wenxiu had already received gifts and a letter from her sister Xue Qi, in which Xue Qi asked her to facilitate this matter.

Wu Wenxiu did not have many choices. If she did not want a male emperor to take the throne in the future, then she could only help Princess Fuguang.

Thinking of Wu Zening and what Xue Qi said before he left, Wu Wenxiu secretly made up his mind that no matter what, he would make Princess Fuguang the lord of Yuzhou.

This is a matter of great benefit to her and no harm at all.

Wu Wenxiu's hands, gripping the memorial, were damp with sweat because she was so concerned. She slowly read, "Your son, Zhao Mingyue, pays respect..."

The memorial states that Yuzhou Governor Zhao Zhuo colluded with Xi Qi and privately mobilized troops, plotting a rebellion. Fortunately, Zhao Mingyue saw through Zhao Zhuo's scheme in time, quelled the rebellion, and apprehended and imprisoned the remaining rebels. This is all thanks to Your Majesty's wisdom and bravery, and the shared virtue of heaven and earth.

Therefore, I request Your Majesty to withdraw the decree for Princess Fuguang to marry Xiqi, and appoint the princess as the Governor of Yuzhou, stationed in the north to resist Xiqi.

There is also Zhao Yuzhang, the general of the Jinwu Guard of Princess Zhaoqing, who assisted Princess Fuguang in suppressing the rebels. Please grant him the title of mighty general and let him stay in Yuzhou.

Mei Junrong, the commander-in-chief of the Jinwu Guard, led by example and fought bravely. Please appoint him as the Lieutenant General of the Jinwu Guard.

All the officers and soldiers of the Jinwu Guard have made great contributions. Please reward them with silver and promote them one level.

There are also Zhu Feng, Liu Lanhua and others from Zhufengzhai, who are loyal and righteous and fight against the criminals. Although they have committed crimes, their crimes are excusable and their merits can offset their sins. Please set up the Zhufeng Army, reward them with official positions, and station them in Yuzhou.

King Motuo of Xiqi reached a peace agreement with Darong, but secretly colluded with Zhao Zhuo and intended to divide Darong's territory. He has no credibility at all and is definitely not someone who can negotiate an alliance. Please revoke your decision.

"...Although I am in Yuzhou, my heart is with Your Majesty. I wish Your Majesty well. Fu Guang kowtows once more."

After Wu Wenxiu finished reading, the hall was silent. He quietly raised his head to look at Chi Lan, but saw that she had closed her eyes, as if she was sleepy from listening.

She felt a little uneasy and called out softly, "Your Majesty."

Chi Li opened her eyes, her eyes clear. She raised her hand to support her chin, looked at Wu Wenxiu, and asked, "My dear, what do you think of what the princess said?"

Wu Wenxiu thought for only a moment before answering loudly, "I believe that Princess Fuguang has done a great service in killing the enemy, and she deserves a reward."

Chi Li's eyes darkened. "So, it seems you agree to withdraw the decree for the princess' marriage and let her stay in Yuzhou. But I personally issued the imperial decree for the marriage. If I go back on my word, wouldn't that be a breach of trust with the world? I'm afraid the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel won't agree."

When Wu Wenxiu heard this, she couldn't help feeling disappointed. As expected, she knew that Empress Dowager Chi would not agree easily.

She immediately advised, "Your Majesty, it was Xiqi who tore up the agreement first. How can you say that Your Majesty is going back on your word?"

Chi Li narrowed her eyes and suddenly called Wu Wenxiu's name, "Wu Wenxiu."

Wu Wenxiu immediately responded, "I'm here."

Chi Li asked, "Why are you speaking so favorably to the princess? Have you been bribed by the princess?"

Wu Wenxiu's heart skipped a beat, but he managed to maintain his composure. "I have absolutely no second thoughts about Your Majesty! I simply feel that the princess is so filial to Your Majesty and has made such great contributions, so she deserves a reward."

Chi Yan listened to her voice, which seemed to contain a hint of grievance. Just as she was about to speak, a cup of tea was gently handed to her, "Master, have a sip of tea to moisten your throat."

She was actually a little thirsty, so she picked up the tea and took a sip. A cool and refreshing fragrance bloomed on the tip of her tongue, with a subtle taste.

This wasn't her usual white tea.

Turning her head, Danying smiled at her with a sincere expression, "This is the purple bamboo shoot that the princess specially sent from Yuzhou. It's said to be very rare and costs three taels of silver per pound. It shows that the princess still cares about Your Majesty."

Chi Li looked at the tea in the cup and said meaningfully, "So, this child is really filial."

Dan Ying replied, "Yes, the princess has always admired and loved the master. Even if the master asked the princess to marry, the princess would have no complaints."

She paused, her tone hesitant. "However, although Yuzhou has good tea, it is remote and not a good place. I think the princess wants to stay in Yuzhou not out of selfish motives, but to share the worries of His Majesty."

"Sharing my worries?" Chi Li took a sip of tea, savoring its delicate fragrance. Her tone softened, a hint of teasing in her voice. "How did you know? I think she's the one causing me trouble. She's asking for too much."

Danying smiled innocently, "Master, you know I don't know much about the affairs of the court. I just heard that when the princess arrived in Yuzhou, that damned Zhao Zhuo forced her to write a proclamation against the master. The princess refused and instead wrote a proclamation against all men in the world, cursing Zhao Zhuo to death."

"Right now, rumors of the master's flawed morals are rife in every province, yet those princes and provincial governors are turning a blind eye. Once this manifesto is released, I'm afraid those corrupt scholars will be silenced. I believe only the princess is truly loyal to His Majesty. Having her guard the area will help relieve His Majesty's worries, won't she?"

After hearing what she said, Chi Qi finished the tea in her hand.

She put down her teacup and glanced at Dan Ying. This man said he didn't understand state affairs, but when he analyzed the affairs, he made perfect sense and it was clear that he knew a lot.

Very good, Zhao Mingyue is really good. She has bribed the two most important people around her!

The so-called filial piety and loyalty, after Danying put it this way, sounded really like that.

However, Zhao Mingyue was sent to Xiqi by her own order, so could she really not have a trace of hatred in her heart? She didn't believe it.

Human nature is subtle and unpredictable and cannot withstand exploration.

However, she had to admit that her good daughter had indeed become smarter.

It's really comforting.

As Danying waited anxiously, Chi Lun chuckled softly, "So Mingyue still has this kind heart. It's truly precious. If I don't give Yuzhou to her, it won't work."

Wu Wenxiu's extremely nervous heart immediately relaxed, and he continued, "What's even more remarkable is that the princess, with only a thousand Golden Crow Guards, was able to defeat Zhao Zhuo's ten thousand strong soldiers. She is simply a master of military strategy!"

Chi Li smiled and said, "Everything the princess requested has been approved. I will have the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of War implement it."

Wu Wenxiu smiled and responded excitedly, "Yes."

"Also," Chi Lan stopped Wu Wenxiu as she turned to leave, "make a few copies of the manifesto written by Zhao Mingyue and send them to the officials of the six ministries."

Wu Wenxiu was stunned for a moment, then he understood and left.

Dan Ying put away the empty teacup in front of Chi Li and retreated. As soon as she turned around, a smile appeared on the corner of her mouth.

Princess Fuguang is really generous this time. She can buy another house in the capital!

————

Yuzhou Governor's Office.

All the women in the mansion were summoned by Princess Gu Yunmei to her courtyard. Everyone was silent, with nervous and fearful looks on each other's faces.

The occasional sobs made the atmosphere in the yard even more depressing.

After all, rebellion is a serious crime punishable by the death of nine generations of the family. Now the governor has been executed and his head is even hanging at the city gate. They are not confident that they can escape this disaster.

Among them, only Liu Ruqian looked calm and even had the energy to talk to others. "Have you read Princess Fuguang's manifesto?"

It is said that Princess Fuguang printed many copies of these manifestos and distributed them throughout the city, ordering all women who could read to read them.

The woman Liu Ruqian questioned replied, "I'm about to die, who has the mood to watch that?"

Liu Ruqian felt sorry for her. "You really should have read it. If you could have memorized this manifesto, you might not have to die."

"Really?" The woman's eyes lit up. "Then show it to me."

Liu Ruqian took out the copy she had made and gave it to her.

She had memorized it by heart, so there was no need to read it.

From this manifesto, she realized two things. First, although Princess Fuguang was married to Xiqi by the Queen Mother, she was a staunch supporter of the Queen Mother. Second, Princess Fuguang wanted to vindicate women, and she needed female allies.

This is why Princess Fuguang printed out this manifesto and distributed it everywhere.

She is recruiting talented and ambitious women to join her.

This will be a unprecedented change, and even if it fails, it will leave a significant mark in history.

But not all women can understand this.

Liu Ruqian lowered her eyes and raised the corners of her mouth. She would not miss this great opportunity.

"What does this mean? Princess Fuguang actually scolded the emperor of the Dayong Dynasty. Is she going to rebel too?" The woman turned around and asked nervously.

Liu Ruqian was about to answer when Gu Yunmei, who was sitting at the head of the table, spoke up, "What are you two talking about?"

"Princess, my sister and I are discussing the manifesto written by Princess Fuguang." Liu Ruqian replied respectfully.

Gu Yun frowned and said sternly, "Let's see what this treasonous thing does!"

Even though the palace is in danger, she still wants to act like a princess.

Liu Ruqian was indignant, but a hint of fear flashed in her eyes. She replied softly, "I, I just thought that if she saw this, maybe the princess would let us go."

"Nonsense!" Gu Yunmei's expression became even more severe. "I tell you, the prince did not rebel. The prince is loyal to the Darong Dynasty. Princess Fuguang is just confusing right and wrong and calling a horse a zebra!"

She stood up and swept her eyes across the crowd in the courtyard. "You are all people bought into the palace by the prince. You have all received the prince's favor. In life, you belong to the palace. In death, you belong to the palace. No one can escape!"

Just then, there was a sound of footsteps outside the door, and the courtyard door was kicked open with a bang, and everyone in the yard screamed in fright.

The Jinwu guards, armed with swords and guns, surrounded Mei Junrong and strode into the courtyard.

"Madam Gu, the princess invites you to dinner, please."

Gu Yunmei raised her head and asked, "Who are you inviting?"

"Please, everyone."