Chapter 186 What is the relationship between General Shen and Vanguard Hu?

It's that easy! Not only would Shen Lanxi not believe it, but anyone with a brain wouldn't believe it either!

“How could there be no conditions at all? Is there anywhere we can attract the Northwest King to form an alliance with us?” Liu Yan murmured.

Wei Dongzhu: "I spoke with the King of the Northwest. He meant that he admired the general for turning the tide as a woman and for her great sense of righteousness. That's all!"

Just because of admiration?

"Did the King of the Northwest say when we'll meet?" Shen Lanxi asked.

Wei Dongzhu: "Once he arrives, do it as soon as possible!"

After a moment of silence, Shen Lanxi said, "You will follow up on this matter!"

She was waiting for news from the capital.

The two kings declared themselves emperors and openly divided up the Great Zhou. What will Emperor Renxiao do next?

In the imperial court, Emperor Renxiao was furious. Nine officials who had connections with the two princes were killed, six were confiscated, and two others who pleaded for leniency were forced to be flogged in front of the main hall!

The emperor's wrath can cause the deaths of millions; this has truly become a vivid description!

No one dared to speak loudly. Even Wu Yanzhi, who had been jumping around non-stop because Shen Lanxi was appointed a general, bowed and remained silent, clearly not wanting to be affected by the emperor's wrath!

"Weren't you all so capable usually? Why are you all so quiet now?" Emperor Renxiao had just vented his anger, and his mind was gradually returning to calm.

He doesn't take the King of Dongliao seriously; his most important task now is to silence the people's gossip.

"King Cheng is spouting nonsense and acting perversely, attempting to use the former crown prince's affair to confuse the public and cover up his rebellion. It is easier to control the people's voices than to control a river. My beloved ministers, you must not be swayed by him!"

The court officials quickly pledged their loyalty.

"Your Majesty, we are loyal to the emperor. The traitorous Prince Cheng deliberately instigated this to profit from the situation, and his crimes are unforgivable!"

"Your Majesty, we must quickly silence the whispers and gossip throughout the land!"

"The traitor King Cheng has committed many unrighteous acts and will surely perish. The people of the world and the entire court have all seen how filial His Majesty is to the Empress Dowager. How can we allow him to spout such nonsense!"

Zhou Chengqian was somewhat satisfied as he looked at the ministers who were filled with righteous indignation and angrily cursing King Cheng in the palace.

However, these courtiers believed he was not yet ready and that the matter of King Cheng must be resolved as soon as possible.

This idea must have come from a disciple of Guiguzi on behalf of King Cheng; the disciple of Guiguzi must be killed.

Are the Shen family members any good or not? Why haven't we heard anything from them yet?

Wang Bao suddenly received an urgent report and immediately presented it to His Majesty.

Upon seeing the news of Zhao Chengkai's death, Zhou Chengqian's anger, which he had barely managed to suppress, surged once more.

What a scoundrel King Cheng! He actually dared to kill the court official he sent!

Zhao Chengkai is truly useless; he can't even keep his temper in check. Now that Prince Cheng has discovered this, Song Daoxi will only be more difficult to kill!

"My esteemed ministers, has any of you gone to Liucheng to deter the traitor?"

The Shen family is nothing to King Cheng. The best course of action now is to send a loyal minister there, which may be able to severely damage King Cheng.

However, Zhou Chengqian waited for the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, but no one spoke up!

Who would dare to go at this point? The imperial court had no more troops to send as reinforcements.

What can Shen Lanxi's five thousand soldiers do?

It should be noted that the combined forces of King Cheng and the King of Dongliao numbered in the hundreds of thousands.

Emperor Renxiao was furious once again.

"You all keep belittling Shen Lanxi, clinging to her identity as a woman. She dared to go to Liuzhou, and you men didn't utter a single word!"

The entire court felt their faces burning with embarrassment.

How could Your Majesty compare a woman to them? It is an utter disgrace!

"Peng Rong, you go." Emperor Renxiao appointed him.

Peng Rong was the top military scholar in the tenth year of Emperor Renxiao's reign. He currently commands the capital's guards and is the Grand Commander of the Five City Garrison. Apart from the Imperial Guards, he commands the most troops in the capital and enjoys the deep trust of Emperor Renxiao.

Peng Rong's expression changed. Although he was very unwilling, not accepting the order now would be tantamount to disobeying the imperial decree. He could only curse his bad luck in his heart and then pretend to be righteous and accept it.

"Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty!"

Emperor Renxiao: "After the court session, Peng Rong shall remain!"

Peng Rong stayed in the main hall for an hour, and then led his men to rush to Liucheng that same day!

Under Wei Dongzhu's arrangement, Shen Lanxi met with the Northwest King in the birch forest, which is located 20 miles southwest of Liucheng.

She had imagined the Northwest King to be a rugged and fierce general, but meeting him in person completely shattered her previous expectations.

The Northwest King was about thirty years old, with a mustache and a very refined appearance, like a scholar-general!

"I have long heard of Shen Lanxi's great name. It is my great honor to meet you today!" said Liang Shao, the King of the Northwest, flatteringly.

Shen Lanxi returned the compliment: "I admire the Northwest King for rising up for the people!"

The two smiled at each other, and their initial impressions were both very good.

"I heard from Brother Hu that you are strict in governing your troops, have reduced taxes, and that the people in your jurisdiction live in peace and stability, with no one starving. I, Liang, consider myself a man, but I cannot do as well as General Shen. I am ashamed!"

Shen Lanxi: "The main reason I chose you as my ally is that you don't exploit the people like others do!"

Although neither of them mentioned negotiations, their conversation already touched on many things.

Intelligent people, even when things fall apart, can still maintain a cheerful and relaxed demeanor on the surface.

Moreover, Shen Lanxi could sense Liang Shao's sincerity.

She didn't believe that with only 5,000 soldiers under her command, she could earn Liang Shao's special treatment.

He must have ulterior motives!

“King Cheng and King Dongliao have already formed a secret alliance. Once their foundations are solid, they will surely expand outwards. I would like to hear your opinion, Brother Liang.” After speaking frankly, Shen Lanxi went straight to the point.

Liang Shao had been secretly observing Shen Lanxi. She was indeed exceptionally intelligent and not an ordinary woman!

"We are all doing this for the sake of the people, isn't that right?" Liang Shao asked Shen Lanxi in return.

She nodded, giving an initial affirmation.

Seeing that she agreed, Liang Shao continued, "I think the current situation is very good. If either the Prince of Cheng or the Prince of Dongliao were to lose, the court would take the opportunity to exterminate them all. At that time, there would definitely be a long period of killing, and the world would be in chaos, with the people suffering."

Shen Lanxi sighed, "The most innocent are those unarmed civilians. If we wage war year after year, we will conscript soldiers every year. In the end, no matter which side wins, not one in ten of the civilians will survive!"

Liang Shao nodded: "So the best outcome is to maintain the current balance!"

Shen Lanxi: "That's right, but what about our alliance?" She looked at Liang Shao.

The latter immediately replied, "I will absolutely not reveal a single word to anyone!"

Shen Lanxi: "The King of the Northwest is indeed a man of great righteousness and unparalleled wisdom!"

Liang Shao chuckled: "I still prefer to hear you call me Brother Liang!"

Shen Lanxi raised the corners of her mouth: "Brother Liang, I have already had wine and dishes prepared. Why don't we eat and chat?"

Liang Shao smiled and said, "Perfect timing! I've also prepared some food and wine. Let's have our meal here in the birch forest and discuss our next steps!"

"good!"

The female guards from Peach Blossom Valley served wine and dishes one after another, while Liang Shao's side also had maids bring out tables, chairs, wine, and dishes.

After three cups of wine, Liang Shao, emboldened by the alcohol, mentioned Wei Dongzhu to Shen Lanxi.

"What is the relationship between General Shen and Vanguard Hu?"