On the eve of the Mid-Autumn Festival.
Anqing Prefecture was in a state of peace and prosperity, and Zhen Wanwan took the children to visit the prefectural city.
On the lake, the newly formed girl group members, dressed in gorgeous dresses, danced on their own boats.
Boats of all sizes surrounded them, and Zhen Wanwan and her friends were on one of them.
The children played and frolicked in the open space, while Zhen Wanwan lay comfortably on a deck chair, surrounded by fine wine and delicacies, with A Yue guarding her closely behind.
"Hey Yue, why don't you lie down and watch? Aren't you tired of standing all the time?"
Ah Yue remained calm on the surface, but only those who had interacted with her knew that she was the kindest person next to Zhen Wanwan.
"My wife, this is against the rules!"
Ah Yue always kept her identity in mind. No matter how close her wife was to her, she would never forget her place.
"Hey, how come you..." Zhen Wanwan got up and looked at A Yue behind her. Seeing her determined look, she knew that A Yue was not going to lie down.
She lay back down, a slight smile playing on her lips, and said, "Fine, do as you please. But what have you thought about it? What about that thing I told you before?"
A-Yue frowned slightly. She was a little conflicted. Zhen Niangzi said that after the prince won the battle this time, they might go to the capital.
Will she accompany her into the palace, or will she seek an official position?
Yes, Zhen Wanwan had made plans for her people well in advance, and had even informed Zhu Yuan.
When Zhuyuan ascends the throne, he will establish a palace for women. Ayue has been by her side for so long, and she is exceptionally capable and has considerable martial arts skills.
If I let her stay by my side and enter the palace, it will only delay her progress.
Her intention was for A-Yue to pursue her own goals, eventually securing an official position so that she could gradually establish herself in the officialdom and make things easier for A-Yue in the future.
"My lady, isn't this... unreasonable? I've never heard of a woman holding an official position!"
Zhen Wanwan clicked her tongue, pulled A Yue in front of her, and said with a smile, "Then you're in luck, you'll be able to hear it soon!"
"Ah Yue, don't worry. I mean what I say. As long as you decide what kind of official you want to be, and then settle down, we can work together to create a new world for women, okay?"
A-Yue pursed her lips. It was hard for her to refuse. Over the years, she had been by her wife's side and perhaps influenced by her, she had come to deeply understand the hardships women faced in the world and wanted to do something for them.
But... is it really possible?
Regardless, A-Yue's eyes gradually hardened. Even if she had to go against the whole world, she would still wish her wife to fulfill her wish.
"Alright! This servant agrees!"
Zhen Wanwan revealed a sincere smile. Not only A Yue, but also Cui Jinyi and Zhang Congrong beside her would become her eyes and ears in the court.
They will create a different dynasty, leaving behind the impression that women can hold up half the sky, and setting a good example for women in the future.
I don't expect them to become officials in the court or serve as ministers to kings and prime ministers; I only ask that they have the ability to protect themselves and not have to live at the mercy of men.
Anqing Prefecture was bustling with activity, whereas in previous years, the capital city was always very lively around the Mid-Autumn Festival.
However, in the past two months, there have been few people on the streets of Kyoto. Those who can afford it have returned to their ancestral homes or the countryside to take refuge.
Those who lacked the means prepared food and hid it in cellars, ready to take refuge there as soon as the war began.
The palace was shrouded in a gloomy atmosphere...
Yuan Xujing flew into a rage, watching as the commander he had sent out was captured by Zhu Yuan, who chopped off his head and threw it at the palace gate to intimidate him.
Suddenly, a commotion broke out outside. He rubbed his forehead in annoyance and yelled, "What's making such a racket outside! Get it out of here right now!"
The head eunuch, Eunuch Quan, cautiously entered and stopped about ten feet away from him.
"Your Majesty, the person outside is Consort Xian, and she wishes to see you."
"Consort Xian?" Yuan Xujing was slightly taken aback, then said sarcastically, "She's quick to arrive! I'm afraid she's here to plead for her two brothers?"
"Hmph! I won't see her. Tell her to get back to her own room."
Yuan Xujing always suspected that Consort Xian's two brothers had betrayed him, otherwise why would he not fight back when Zhu Yuan beat him?
Most importantly, in every battle, while countless generals under Consort Xian's two brothers were killed or wounded, the two of them remained unscathed.
He would never believe it if there wasn't something going on.
But... if they really surrender to Zhuyuan, their troops might be a threat to him.
Yuan Xujing's eyes flickered slightly, revealing a hint of coldness. If that's the case, then don't blame him for being ruthless.
"Someone come here..."
At Prime Minister Chen's home, he received a letter from Eunuch Quan, and a slight smile appeared on his lips.
Alright! Yuan Xu and Jing have fallen for the trap!
Immediately, he contacted Zhen Fuyou late at night, and the two conspired to devise a plan.
Meanwhile, Zhu Yuan and his group, a hundred miles away, were preparing their troops and waiting for the signal to attack the city and capture the capital in one fell swoop.
Meanwhile, Yuan Xujing used the Mid-Autumn Festival banquet as a pretext to invite Consort Xian's father and brothers to the palace.
After drinking a cup of wine, the man died silently, while Yuan Xujing held the military tally and laughed wildly.
Now he can rest easy. If Zhuyuan attacks the city, he can help on his own. Even if he can't, he can lead these people to escape first, and then slowly build up his strength to make a comeback.
Suddenly, fireworks went off outside; these fireworks originated from Anqing Prefecture.
Yuan Xujing had long ago forbade it from being played in the capital, yet someone still dared to defy the imperial decree!
"Guards! Kill everyone who set off the fireworks! Leave no one alive!"
Grandpa Quan lowered his head and answered in a shrill voice, but instead of arresting anyone, he found a safe place to hide.
Because he knew that it wouldn't be long before Prince Jing's army would march into the capital.
After waiting for a while, Yuan Xujing still hadn't heard the fireworks stop. He called out to Eunuch Quan several times, but no one answered.
"You good-for-nothing, all you do is eat and do nothing. Just wait and see how I deal with you!"
Yuan Xujing completely lacked his usual aloof imperial demeanor, instead resembling a street vendor arguing with someone.
Suddenly, an even louder firework sound rang out, and Yuan Xujing trembled. How could this sound be even more terrifying than thunder?
He struggled to steady himself, and shakily stepped out of the palace, looking out towards the outside of the imperial city.
Then another huge sound came, and he witnessed the sea of fire in front of him.
"What the hell is this thing?"
He had only heard of cannons, but had never seen what they looked like.
At this moment, an imperial guard rushed over, knelt on one knee, and said, "Your Majesty, the rebels have attacked the city. Please order General Yang to accompany me to defend against the enemy so that Your Majesty can escape from the rear!"
The General Yang mentioned by the imperial guards was none other than the father of Consort Xian.
Yuan Xujing froze. General Yang's body was already cold. How could he possibly call out?
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com