After resolving the issue with the Xiongnu, Shen Zhao immediately went back to meet with Song Yanran to discuss the next course of action.
As soon as I entered the place where I was staying, I sensed that something was off.
Song Yanran sat blankly at the table, her eyes dim, staring expressionlessly out the window, lost in thought.
The Vermilion Bird and the Azure Dragon remained silent, standing guard at the gate like two statues.
Di Feijing huddled in a corner, drawing circles and trembling.
"What's going on? It's like a banquet has started. What happened?"
Song Yanran then came to her senses, glanced at Shen Zhao, and smiled slightly: "You're back. Did you get things done?"
"Yes, it's done."
And then nothing happened.
Song Yanran never doubted Shen Zhao's ability to control the Xiongnu. After all, she had heard of Shen Zhao's reputation as a military genius in her previous life, and she thought that the Xiongnu would be no match for him.
Normally, if she had the confidence to turn the situation around, she would definitely be very happy, but now...
"What exactly happened? Why do you all look so upset? The sky hasn't fallen yet."
Seeing that the atmosphere was too oppressive, Shen Zhao raised his voice.
"Let me explain."
In the end, Di Feijing decided to take responsibility for everything himself.
"Do you remember the slanderous rumors about His Majesty that circulated in the capital a few days ago? The situation is now even more serious than it was a few days ago."
Numerous rumors and gossip have circulated among the people, all of them unfavorable to His Majesty.
He paused for a moment, then continued.
"Now the people of the capital are all cursing the Empress as a harlot and executioner."
She claims she needs more than a dozen men to satisfy her in one night, and if she's not satisfied with sex, she'll kill all those men.
It is also said that the Empress's constant warfare caused countless people to be displaced and their families to be destroyed.
This even led to the publication of pamphlets circulating in the streets, which was truly immoral and incomprehensible.
Shen Zhao then understood why the atmosphere was so oppressive. As an emperor, it was impossible for Song Yanran to say that she didn't care about her reputation.
On the contrary, what emperors value most deep down is their reputation. Their so-called indifference is merely a manifestation of their pride.
Shen Zhao scoffed at this: "Why do you care about the tricks of a clown?"
Song Yanran: "It takes a long time for a person to establish a positive image."
But to destroy him, all it takes is a ridiculously low-grade rumor.
Shen Zhao wholeheartedly agreed: "You're right, public opinion is the easiest thing for those with ulterior motives to manipulate."
Without concrete evidence, any rumor can easily shatter their previously held beliefs.
Song Yanran gave a bitter smile: "So, do you think I still have a chance to turn things around?"
Even if he regains the throne, his reputation as a butcher, a tyrant, a debauched ruler, and a harlot will ultimately circulate among the people.
Even if we rely on military force to suppress dissent, how can we silence the voices of millions?
It's said that spreading rumors is easy, but debunking them is exhausting.
This is Song Yanran's current awkward situation.
It would be incredibly difficult for anyone else to break this deadlock.
But the person standing in front of Song Yanran at this moment was not someone who acted according to common sense.
"It's not difficult to restore your public image."
Upon hearing this, Qinglong immediately retorted, "Now that things have come to this, what other options do you have?"
Although I know you are very capable, rumors can't be quelled with just a few words.
Shen Zhao smiled and shook his head: "Let me ask you, how would you put out a fire that breaks out on a dry grassland?"
"Of course, we should use water to put out the fire," Qinglong blurted out without hesitation.
"I already said it's a dry grassland, where are you going to get water to put out the fire?"
"this……"
"The best way is to start another fire in the headwind of this fire; that is the correct way to extinguish it."
"oh……"
Zhuque and Qinglong were completely confused, not understanding what Shen Zhao meant.
Even Song Yanran frowned, looking thoughtfully at Shen Zhao, hoping he could offer a solution.
"Since they are using public opinion to tarnish the Empress's reputation, then they should use public opinion in return to restore her dignity."
And I dare say, using my methods, the Empress's reputation will not only be restored, but will be even more renowned than before.
"In what way?" Qinglong pressed.
Shen Zhao, however, pretended to be mysterious and went outside to look into the distance.
"The time is not right."
"What do you mean the time isn't right yet? Just tell me."
"Don't rush, wait a little longer."
"Wait for what?"
Shen Zhao took a deep breath, stepped outside, and glanced at the sunlight.
"Wait for the best opportunity to turn public opinion around."
As soon as he finished speaking, a streak of light suddenly appeared in mid-air, rapidly approaching Shen Zhao.
Shen Zhao smiled slightly: "It seems the time has come; it's time to launch a counterattack."
...
Inside Yanhuang City, in various neighborhoods.
"Last time, we talked about Empress Song Yanran, who simply couldn't bear the torment of the long night."
So he ordered his henchmen to search among the common people for handsome men to serve him in the palace.
From that moment on, only the moans of the Empress and the man during their lovemaking echoed within the Weiyang Palace, sending shivers down the spines of all who heard them…
Inside the restaurant, a storyteller recounted the secret history of the Empress's private quarters with great skill and emotion.
This steamy scene alone has attracted countless fans.
"In the past, the Empress fought fiercely against the Xiongnu, sparing no effort to send the entire nation to conquer the northern deserts. Although she won this battle, it greatly weakened the vitality of our Han Dynasty."
The number of registered residents in the Central Region has been halved, and starvation is rampant across the land; it is truly a heartbreaking sight.
This chapter is not finished, please click the next page to continue reading!
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
