Chapter 1255: The Oath of the Luo River, A Flexible Moral Bottom Line [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
When Xiahou Yu brought in dinner, Shen Tang was resting against the rockery, with two round, plump wine jars lying at her feet. A faint scent of alcohol emanated from her. He brushed away the mosquitoes swarming around her, and Shen Tang asked, "Are they gone?"
"He's gone. Did the Lord's negotiations with him not go smoothly?" Thinking of Zhai Xiaofang's dark complexion before she left, and her friend who was too frightened to see her off, Xiahou Yu had a guess about the outcome of the negotiations.
Shen Tang sat up straight, took the bowl and chopsticks, and quickly ate a couple of bites.
"It's not going well. He's too ambitious and cunning."
Considering that asking for an exorbitant price and then settling for a lower one is the standard procedure in negotiations, Shen Tang wasn't in a hurry. She had plenty of patience to continue negotiating with Zhai Le. If things went wrong, she could just swallow her pride and ask Wei Cheng and his nephew for help, taking on two opponents at once under pressure.
It is difficult, but there is hope that we can get through it.
However, persuading Wei Cheng and his nephew was another problem; getting these two old men to agree was no easy feat. A thousand worries swirled in her mind, leaving her unable to sort them out. Only rice could ease her anxieties. As she ate, Shen Tang's mind became increasingly unsettled.
I couldn't help but complain: "Zhai Xiaofang used to be so easy to fool."
Xiahou Yu was quite surprised by this assessment.
It seems no one expected that this word could be used to describe Zhai Xiaofang.
Xiahou Yu recalled some friends' evaluations of the young ruler. Some were positive—praising his magnanimous and generous nature, as well as his bravery and decisiveness, noting that he had fought in numerous battles since his youth and was a skilled warrior. Others were negative—saying that Zhai Xiaofang was ruthless and cruel, even cruel to his own blood relatives, and that his ascension to the throne was questionable.
The only thing not mentioned was that he was easily fooled.
Xiahou Yu had known all along that his lord and Zhai Le had known each other since childhood, but he didn't know the specific details. Seeing Xiahou Yu's disbelief, Shen Tang tried his best to prove himself: "He was indeed loyal and righteous in the past, but he was not smart. His brain was on his brother Zhai Huan's head."
Even Zhai Le himself said that with his brother around, he didn't need to think about those scheming and backstabbing things; he only needed to obey his brother's orders, which required absolutely no brainpower. As long as it was his brother's order, even if Zhai Huan's command was for him to jump off a cliff, he would jump.
Shen Tang said smugly, "I fooled him before, but unfortunately—"
As her tone suddenly turned somber, her mood also became heavy. She shook her head and sighed, "It still comes true, as the saying goes—'I wanted to buy osmanthus flowers and share wine, but it's not like the carefree days of my youth.' But then again, it's good to use your brain. After all, he no longer has his brother's protection. He wants to protect the things Zhai Huan left him so that he won't be eaten alive by this world. He can't do that without a brain."
Zhai Le's rejection was within her expectations.
If Zhai Le agreed to a 50/50 split without hesitation, spouting some grand righteous talk about saving the world, she would have to doubt Zhai Le's brain.
Those in positions of authority should fulfill their responsibilities.
"He is now the ruler of a country."
That's what they said, but Xiahou Yu could clearly sense the disappointment in his lord's mood. This disappointment wasn't just a lament about things changing, but also a deeper and more complex emotion. Shen Tang didn't give Xiahou Yu a chance to delve into his speculations, and murmured to himself.
"But... this makes me seem stagnant, making no progress at all." She sighed deeply, occasionally feeling a strange loneliness. Zhai Le's changes and growth proved that his time was always moving forward. Regardless of whether the road ahead was bright or dark, he was always moving forward. In contrast, she seemed to have been left behind, forced to accept the fleeting nature of time, letting it slip through her fingers.
Xiahou Yu was bewildered, not understanding where his lord's sentiments came from, or why he envied Zhai Xiaofang: "How can this be called making no progress? Isn't it because your lord has always upheld his original intentions and remained unchanged over the years?"
Shen Tang scratched his head: "What you said makes sense."
They can say the right thing or the wrong thing.
The melancholy and sadness of spring and autumn come and go quickly.
Xiahou Yu: "..."
Shen Tang tidied up the leftover dishes and chopsticks: "Tomorrow, Zhai Xiaofang will probably come again. I hope we can reach an agreement this time."
She has plenty of time, but her own resources are stretched thin.
The cooperation should be implemented as soon as possible; otherwise, things may change.
Upon hearing this, Xiahou Yu hesitated.
"Does Zikuan have something to say?"
Xiahou Yu said, "I have concerns. The alliance between the two sides is not formal. Aren't you worried that Zhai Xiaofang will turn against me after the matter is settled?"
Zhai Le is no longer the Zhai Xiaofang she was as a child.
As the leader of a power, any action that benefits their own development and interests is permitted, and may even be praised and admired by future generations. A loosely made alliance can be torn up at any time! Even if this world has the constraints of verbal power, and generally won't go back on their word, don't forget about the [Oath of Luoshui].
Xiahou Yu continued, "Even if Zhai Xiaofang agrees to divide the central continent in sixty-four, will his civil and military officials also agree? If he dares to agree, and Qu Kingdom takes its rightful 60%, he will face Kang Kingdom, which controls the northwest, southwest, and 40% of the central continent. What are his chances of winning? But if he breaks the agreement, he might still have a chance of winning."
Possessing the entire central and southwestern regions, Qu State is well-positioned to divide the world in two, and its geographical advantages can also prevent Kang State from encroaching on the northeastern territory. Given enough time to establish itself, Qu State can gradually annex the northeastern region and stop Kang State's expansion.
Is a promise important?
Or is a life-or-death choice more important?
Xiahou Yu didn't understand Zhai Le, but he understood the thoughts of the civil and military officials under the monarch. Loyalty to the monarch and patriotism were empty words; only self-interest mattered. When a ruler chose to act against his own interests, even the sovereign could be cut down from his horse!
He said he was hoping the Lord would be more vigilant.
Shen Tang said, "...I know."
Of course, she wouldn't put a filter on Zhai Le just because of their childhood friendship, or unilaterally label him. Zhai Xiaofang is the ruler of Qu Kingdom, and as the person at the pinnacle of national power, the ruler's humanity is such that he can always give way to the interests of Qu Kingdom!
The next day, Xiahou Yu's friend hurriedly returned to work after his leave.
Zhai Le visited the site twice by climbing over the wall.
After a night of calm reflection, both he and Shen Tang were much calmer, and the negotiations had made significant progress compared to yesterday. The two tacitly ignored yesterday's unpleasantness, went boating together, and sat side-by-side on the gunwale, drinking heartily. Zhai Le said, "It still tastes familiar."
Shen Tang's wine was something he longed for. He added, "It's a pity that I can't find that state of mind I had back then. I only remember that I was really happy back then, with no burdens on my shoulders, and I felt like I was floating when I walked."
He tilted his head back, drank the last drop, and threw the wine jar into the river.
Zhai Le, seemingly remembering something interesting, pointed to the river and asked, "Youli, do you know what this river is called?"
A smile appeared on his face, just like the features of a young boy.
Shen Tang really hadn't done any research.
All she knew was that this river flowed through the capital of the Kingdom of Qu, and when the capital was completed, water was drawn from this river to build a moat. This moat was magnificent in scale, a sight rarely seen even in a country as obsessed with infrastructure as the Kingdom of Kang. She asked, "What's it called?"
“Your name is familiar to Yuli.”
"A name I'm familiar with?"
Zhai Le's next words almost made her choke on her saliva.
Yu Hai and Xiahou Yu, who were accompanying them, also had their own reactions.
Zhai Ledao said, "It's called Luoshui."
Shen Tang hurriedly interrupted him: "...Which Luo?"
Yu Hai and Xiahou Yu: "..."
Is Zhai Xiaofang creating something abstract for herself?
Shen Tang glanced at Xiahou Yu with a resentful look, but Xiahou Yu looked away. He heard Zhai Le's melodious laughter and made a rather dreadful suggestion that almost stumped Shen Tang. He said, "Why don't we follow the example of Emperor Guangwu and make an alliance by pointing to the Luo River?"
Shen Tang: "..."
This is not a good sign.
Emperor Guangwu's Luo River Alliance was indeed a beautiful story, and Zhai Le said there was nothing wrong with emulating his oath. But let's not forget that besides Emperor Guangwu's beautiful story, there was also that old fox Sima Yi. His Luo River Alliance Oath completely shattered morality—what a treacherous bastard!
Even the oath of the Luo River can be used to specifically break a promise.
Now, Shen Tang and Zhai Le have formed a secret alliance, and the latter has actually suggested swearing an oath by pointing to a river with the same name—this is somewhat of a hellish joke. Shen Tang tried to see if he was joking on his face, but unfortunately, Zhai Le was serious.
Shen Tang asked him earnestly, "Could you be Sima Yi?"
Zhai Le countered, "Is Shen Junyan Cao Zhaobo?"
Shen Tang replied firmly, "I am not."
Sima Yi and Cao Shuang, her and Zhai Le.
These are two completely unrelated situations.
Zhai Le readily agreed: "Then I won't be either."
Since both of them are certain they are not guilty, what's wrong with making a blood oath? As long as the oath is sealed with blood, there will be no unfinished business. Whoever hesitates is the one with something to hide.
Shen Tang has an open and honest heart, so naturally he has no guilty conscience.
If you swear by the Luo River, then you swear.
Anyway, with the farcical story of Sima Yi as a precedent, if she really makes a fool of herself, we can just consider it as her providing laughs for future generations of history.
The river is here, and we will never break our promise!
Zhai Le said, "Shen Jun, let's wait for good news."
At dusk, Zhai Le and his companion bid farewell to Shen Tang.
She took a few steps to see him off, watching him until he disappeared from sight. Turning around, she saw Xiahou Yu looking hesitant, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't.
It's clear the other person has been holding it in all afternoon.
He said, "Zhai Xiaofang has no sincerity whatsoever..."
After Sima Yi, who would be a decent person to swear an oath by pointing to a river? Not to mention that this river, to make matters worse, shares the same name as the Luo River.
It's obvious they're telling the other party to be prepared to break their promise.
Shen Tang disagreed: "How is it not sincere? In my opinion, Zhai Xiaofang is full of sincerity this time. We swear by the Luo River that whether she is following in the footsteps of Emperor Guangwu or Sima Yi, whether it is a good story or a joke, it all depends on her decision."
She knew that Zhai Le might break his promise.
Zhai Le also knew that Shen Tang could not be trusted.
But Zhai Le dared to bring it out into the open, which really takes guts!
Cooperation is cooperation, and falling out is falling out. He gave himself leeway, and he also gave Shen Tang leeway, which was very considerate.
Xiahou Yu: "..."
I don't quite understand the tacit understanding between the Lord and Zhai Le.
Shen Tang stared intently at the ceaseless waves on the river: "Openness is always better than suspicion. This cooperation is settled then."
They're definitely going to turn on us.
This was a tacit understanding between the two, and using the Luo River as a symbol of their vow was also fitting.
Xiahou Yu asked, "How is the situation in the southwest?"
Ever since he learned of Shen Tang's secret identity, he knew that the other party could communicate with the real person and know each other's situation immediately.
Our lord's time in the central region is too short, and his foundation is too weak to compete with the vast Qu Kingdom. To maintain the "40%" stipulated in the oath, the support of the Kang Kingdom's main force is indispensable. And to secure Kang Kingdom's support, the southwestern campaign becomes crucial. If the conflict drags on, how can we spare the resources to aid others?
Xiahou Yu was quite worried about this.
Shen Zixu Tang closed his eyes and pondered for a moment. After a while, he opened his eyes and shook his head regretfully: "The Southwest Allied Forces have been probing each other these past two days, but they only made brief contact and then left... They have no intention of escalating the conflict. Their main purpose is to disrupt our navy."
Naval training and integration also require time.
The Southwestern Allied Forces are now targeting her mentality.
If this happens too often, people will inevitably become restless.
The second option was a probing encirclement to see how long Shen Tang's supplies could last. If they could surround and kill him without bloodshed, the Southwestern Allied Army would have made a huge profit. Unfortunately, this approach was doomed to fail. The Southwestern Allied Army abandoned the plan after a few attempts.
Xiahou Yu: "It may not be interference, it could be a combination of feints and real attacks. Several feints to harass, then attacking when they are off guard... The tactics are old, but they are effective and have worked time and time again."
Shen Tang said that he knew what was going on.
actually--
"...I'd love for them to harass us a few more times."
The more times you harass them, the longer the time will be delayed.
The two sides' main forces will inevitably clash sooner or later, but before the battle, Shen Tang also hopes to give the Southwest Allied Forces a great gift!
Shen Tang put in a lot of effort to prepare this gift.
Wouldn't it be a pity if it couldn't be delivered?
Xiahou Yu's eyes revealed longing as he sighed, "I wonder when I will be able to truly meet the Lord."
Shen Tang said, "...Isn't there a portrait?"
This was also a little bit of Shen Tang's selfish motive.
As she gradually gained a foothold in the central region, she also began to appropriately reveal her background, reaching a tacit understanding with everyone. However, there was always a subtle difference between facing the avatar and facing the real person. Xiahou Yu and the others were also curious about Shen Tang's true appearance and personality.
There is no common knowledge that Shen Tang has the habit of airing out wigs.
I did hear quite a few interesting stories, some of which were embellished with artistic license.
Shen Tang then had Qi Shan paint her portrait overnight. The portrait circulated among the people and eventually reached the central branch of the company.
Xiahou Yu hesitated: "Painters cannot be trusted entirely."
These days, there are plenty of photoshopped images.
Shen Tang: "..."
You can doubt the artist's painting skills, but you can't doubt her face.
That's the face she looks at in the mirror every day, marveling that it's the perfect creation of Nuwa, a magnificent masterpiece, the ninth wonder of the world!
With a mere thought, he could communicate with both avatars. At this very moment, the original self, who was admiring his reflection in the water, thought: "..."
That makes sense, but praising her like that makes her shy.
Seeing her beaming face, Qin Li assumed she was pleased with the progress of the naval training: "Has something good happened to you, my lord?"
Shen Tang touched her face and sighed.
"Someone praised my face as a wonder of the world!"
Qin Li: "..."
"I think this evaluation is true and insightful! It's true that even the creator god couldn't create a second face of the same level."
Qin Li: "..."
Shen Tang stopped teasing and began to perform her special face-changing act.
Switching to serious mode in an instant.
"There is indeed some good news."
ヾ(▽)ノ
I've wanted to write about the Oath of the Luo River for a long time; how can it not be a kind of hellish joke?
(End of this chapter)
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