Chapter 50 Daji (Seventeen) Conspiracy & the Fall of the Shang Dynasty
The atmosphere in Chaoge became increasingly oppressive.
In recent days, urgent reports from the border have been sent to the palace like snowflakes. The Zhou tribe's army is less than 200 miles away from Chaoge. The people in the city began to flee everywhere. Even the guards under the palace walls have lost their former majesty and their eyes are full of panic.
Lin Jiaojiao stood beside the deer house in the zoo, watching the fawn grazing on grass. However, she felt like a huge rock was pressing on her heart, and even her breathing felt heavy.
"Ling, will the Zhou tribe arrive soon?" Lin Jiaojiao asked softly, her fingertips unconsciously stroking the deer's ears.
Ever since Zhang Yong led his men to provoke her last time, she has become increasingly uneasy, always feeling that a huge storm is about to come.
Ling's voice echoed in her mind, with his usual calmness: "According to the latest march data, the Zhou army is expected to arrive outside Chaoge City within three days. Emperor Xin has already ordered the city gates closed and summoned all soldiers to defend the city, but morale is low, and it is likely that they will find it difficult to resist the Zhou army's attack."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, her uneasiness growing even stronger. She thought of the artisans and refugees who relied on her, Huaiji and her female guards, and the lower-class people she had helped. She couldn't help but ask, "Ling, can we really escape successfully? I'm afraid... I'm afraid of getting them into trouble."
"Don't worry, host. I've made every possible preparation." Zero's tone was firm. "We've inspected all the secret passages in the Beastiality Garden, and we've stockpiled sufficient rations and medicine for escape. If the Zhou army's siege causes chaos, we can evacuate immediately."
But at this moment, Huai Ji hurried over, her face pale and her tone hurried, "My Queen, this is bad! There's a man claiming to be an envoy from Xiqi, saying he has something important to discuss with you. He also said... he also said he was sent by the Marquis of Xibo to discuss 'repaying a favor' with you!"
"The envoy of the Marquis of Xibo?" Lin Jiaojiao suddenly raised her head, her eyes filled with surprise. "Why would he send someone to see me? And he wants to repay a favor?"
Ling's voice suddenly grew serious. "Host, the Marquis of Xibo sent an envoy this time most likely because you saved him before, and now that he's at the gates, he wants to take this opportunity to repay you. However, there are risks involved. The envoy may be testing you, or even trying to use your reputation to influence the morale of the Chaoge army."
Lin Jiaojiao was conflicted: If she didn't meet him, what if the King of Xibo really came to repay her gratitude? If she missed this opportunity, her subsequent escape might be more difficult; if she met him, she was afraid that this was a trap, and not only would she be in danger, but the people around her might also be implicated.
"Zero, what should I do?" Lin Jiaojiao asked helplessly, her eyes full of confusion.
Zero's data stream whirred rapidly, analyzing the pros and cons. "I suggest the host meet the messenger, but we need to meet near the secret passage of the Beast Garden so that we can respond to emergencies at any time. At the same time, I will monitor the messenger's words and actions throughout the process. If any abnormality is detected, the emergency plan will be activated immediately. In addition, have Huaiji lead the female guards to guard the surrounding area to prevent eavesdropping or surprise attacks."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, and according to Ling's suggestion, asked Huaiji to take the messenger to the bamboo forest deep in the Beast Garden - this place is close to the entrance of the secret passage and the surrounding area is open, making it easy to observe.
Soon, Huai Ji came over with a tall man wearing green cloth.
The man was about thirty years old, with sharp eyes but respectful. When he saw Lin Jiaojiao, he immediately bowed and saluted. "I am Su Zhong, honored to meet Empress Daji. I am an advisor under the command of Marquis Xibo. I have come here on the orders of Marquis Xibo to bring a few words to the Empress."
Lin Jiaojiao sat on a stone bench in the bamboo forest, her hands resting lightly on her knees. She spoke calmly, "Mr. Su, there's no need to be so polite. I wonder what message the Marquis of Xibo wants you to bring me?"
Su Zhong stood up and looked at Lin Jiaojiao sincerely. "Your Majesty may not remember, but last year, Marquis Xibo was imprisoned in Chaoge. It was your Majesty who pleaded with Emperor Xin and saved his life. Later, your Majesty also sent the female guards to deliver coarse grain to Marquis Xibo. Marquis Xibo will always remember this kindness."
Lin Jiaojiao was stunned for a moment before she remembered rescuing Ji Chang. She said softly, "It was just a small favor. I didn't expect that the Duke of Xibo would still remember it."
"Your Majesty's simple act is a lifesaver for the Duke of Xibo," Su Zhong said solemnly. "Now that the Zhou army is about to arrive at Chaoge, the Duke of Xibo knows that your Majesty is well-known in Chaoge for her virtue, and that the people and craftsmen are very supportive of you. Therefore, I have sent this humble servant here to make an agreement with you."
Lin Jiaojiao's heart tightened, and she quickly asked, "What agreement?"
"The Marquis of Xibo said he knows your majesty truly cares about the people and has never participated in Emperor Xin's tyranny," Su Zhong said slowly. "As long as your majesty can restrain most of the generals in Chaoge during the Zhou army's siege, so that they don't offer unnecessary resistance and reduce civilian casualties, the Marquis of Xibo will not only not embarrass you, but will also grant you a fiefdom after the war, allowing you and those around you to live in peace and freedom from the suffering of war."
Lin Jiaojiao was stunned. She hadn't expected the Xibo Marquis to propose such a condition. Restraining the generals was no small matter. If Emperor Xin discovered it, the consequences would be disastrous. But if she agreed, not only would her own safety be guaranteed, but casualties among the people would also be reduced. This was exactly what she had always hoped for.
"I... I'm just a concubine in the harem, how can I control the generals?" Lin Jiaojiao hesitated, she knew that she didn't have that much influence.
Su Zhong smiled. "Your Majesty, there's no need to belittle yourself. Your reputation as a virtuous man in Chaoge has spread far and wide, and even many generals admire you. Furthermore, Your Majesty is surrounded by female guards, and there are so many artisans and common people who support you. If you are willing to stand up and tell the generals, 'Reducing resistance is for the benefit of the people,' they will surely listen."
Lin Jiaojiao was still a little confused. She turned her head to look at the empty bamboo forest, as if seeking Ling's opinion.
Ling's voice immediately echoed in her mind: "Host, Xibo Hou's proposal is beneficial to us. Restraining the generals will not only reduce casualties in the war, which is in line with your wishes, but also make Xibo Hou owe you a favor, which will increase the guarantee for future whitewashing and survival. However, we cannot completely trust Xibo Hou. We need to include a clause in the agreement that 'the Zhou army shall not harm innocent civilians and craftsmen.' At the same time, we must ensure that your safety will not be threatened in the process of restraining the generals."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, and she had an idea in her mind. She looked at Su Zhong and said firmly, "Mr. Su, I can agree to the agreement of Xibo Hou, but I have one condition."
"Your Majesty, please tell me. As long as I can do it, I will definitely tell the Duke of Xibo." Su Zhong said hurriedly.
"I hope the Zhou army won't harm innocent civilians and craftsmen when they attack the city." Lin Jiaojiao's eyes were clear and her tone was sincere. "They are all innocent and shouldn't pay the price for Emperor Xin's tyranny. Besides, I can only try my best to persuade the generals to reduce their resistance. I can't guarantee that everyone will listen to me. After all, I am just a concubine in the harem and don't have that much power."
Su Zhong agreed without hesitation: "I will immediately convey your Majesty's conditions to the Duke of Xibo. I believe that the Duke of Xibo will agree. The Duke of Xibo has the people in his heart. This attack on King Zhou is also to overthrow the tyranny and let the people live and work in peace. He will never harm innocent people."
After saying this, Su Zhong pulled out a jade pendant engraved with the words "Xiqi" from his sleeve and handed it to Lin Jiaojiao. "This is a token from the Marquis of Xibo. If your majesty needs anything, you can use this jade pendant to contact the soldiers in Xiqi. They will provide assistance. The Zhou army will attack the city in three days. I hope your majesty will be prepared."
Lin Jiaojiao took the jade pendant. The cool touch of the jade pendant made her feel a little more at ease. She looked at Su Zhong and said softly, "Thank you, Mr. Su. Please thank Xibo Hou for me."
Su Zhong bowed and said, "Your Majesty, you are too polite. I have something important to attend to, so I will take my leave first. Please take care of yourself, Your Majesty."
Looking at Su Zhong's departing back, Lin Jiaojiao breathed a sigh of relief and said to Ling: "Ling, is this really okay? I'm afraid something might happen."
"Rest assured, host. I will monitor the Zhou army's movements throughout and ensure your safety." Ling's tone was soothing. "Also, I will have Huaiji's female guards secretly contact the craftsmen who support you. When the Zhou army attacks the city, they will assist you in persuading the generals and protecting the people."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, and the uneasiness in her heart gradually dissipated. She looked down at the jade pendant in her hand. The word "Xiqi" on it was clearly visible, as if it had become a ray of hope for her in the darkness.
But things didn't go so smoothly.
That evening, Emperor Xin learned the news that "the envoy from Xiqi had sneaked into Chaoge". Although he didn't know who the envoy had met, he was still furious and ordered a large-scale search in the city. Anyone suspicious would be executed.
For a time, the people in Chaoge City were in panic, and many innocent civilians were implicated. The scolding of soldiers and the crying of civilians could be heard in the streets and alleys.
After Lin Jiaojiao heard the news, her heart tightened and she quickly asked Ling, "What should I do? Emperor Xin is searching for the envoy. Will he find me?"
"Host, don't worry. I've already disrupted the soldiers' search routes, preventing them from approaching the Beast Garden." Ling's voice remained calm. "Also, I had Su Zhong disguised as a craftsman and sneak out of the city, so he wouldn't be caught by Emperor Xin. However, this also reminds us that we can't wait for the Zhou army to attack the city. We need to prepare for evacuation in advance."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, the sense of urgency in her heart growing stronger and stronger. She immediately found Huai Ji, told her about the secret meeting, and asked her to notify the female guards to be ready to evacuate at any time.
After hearing this, Huai Ji was a little surprised, but she still said firmly: "Don't worry, Your Majesty, I will definitely lead the female guards to protect you. No matter what happens, we will be with you."
In the next two days, Lin Jiaojiao followed Ling's advice and frequently went to the artisan camp and near the city gate. On the one hand, it was to appease the people and craftsmen and tell them not to panic; on the other hand, it was to secretly contact the generals who supported her and persuade them to reduce resistance and protect the people.
What she didn't expect was that most of the generals admired her. After hearing her persuasion, they all expressed their willingness to "follow the arrangements of the Queen. As long as it can reduce the casualties of the people, we are willing to lay down our arms."
Only a few generals loyal to Emperor Xin refused her persuasion and threatened to "live and die with Chaoge."
Ling watched all this. In the background data stream, the number of "successfully persuaded generals" continued to increase, and an inexplicable sense of satisfaction surged in his heart - Lin Jiaojiao's reputation finally played a role at the critical moment. It not only paved a way for her own escape, but also reduced the casualties caused by the war.
Finally, on the morning of the third day, deafening drum sounds and shouts of killing were heard in the distance - the Zhou army had arrived.
Lin Jiaojiao stood beside the entrance to the secret passage of the Zoo, watching the people fleeing in all directions in the city and listening to the shouts and cries of killing outside the city, but her heart was unusually calm. She knew that the time to escape had come.
"Ling, let's go." Lin Jiaojiao said softly, her eyes full of determination.
"Okay." Zero's voice was more gentle than ever before. "Host, don't be afraid. I will always be with you."
Huaiji led the female guards to surround Lin Jiaojiao and protected her as she walked into the secret passage.
The secret passage was pitch black, with only the faint light from the torch in his hand illuminating the road ahead.
Lin Jiaojiao walked in front, tightly clutching the jade pendant given by Xibo Hou in her hand, her heart full of hope - she knew that as long as she walked out of this secret passage, she would be able to usher in a new life and see true peace.
But at this moment, a burst of hurried footsteps suddenly came from behind, mixed with Emperor Xin's roar: "Daji! Where are you going? I command you to come back! I will burn myself with you and be your husband and wife in the underworld!"
Lin Jiaojiao panicked and looked back, only to see Emperor Xin and a group of soldiers running towards the entrance of the secret passage, with ferocious faces and madness in their eyes.
"Zero, what should we do? Emperor Xin is chasing us!" Lin Jiaojiao's voice was trembling a little.
Zero's voice instantly turned cold: "Host, you continue to move forward, I will stop them."
Just as he finished speaking, the entrance to the secret passage suddenly collapsed slightly, blocking the way of Emperor Xin and the soldiers. Ling's voice sounded again, a little weak: "Host, I have trapped them temporarily. Take Huaiji and the female guards away quickly, and don't look back!"
Lin Jiaojiao knew that Ling was consuming energy to cause the collapse in order to protect her. She held back her tears and whispered to the air, "Ling, I'll wait for you."
After saying that, she turned around and followed Huai Ji and the female guards towards the exit of the secret passage. The light of the torches illuminated their figures and also illuminated the road of hope ahead.
Outside the city, the Zhou army had already broken through the city gate and was searching for Emperor Xin in the city.
King Xibo stood on the city gate tower, looking at the jade pendant in his hand, his heart full of anticipation - he knew that Queen Daji would come as promised, and he would fulfill his promise and give her a peaceful fiefdom so that she and the people around her could live in peace.
The exit of the secret passage is in the mountains and forests outside the city.
When Lin Jiaojiao walked out of the secret passage and saw the sunlight outside, she couldn't help but laugh. She knew that she was finally safe and a new life was about to begin.
Zero's voice rang in her mind, a little tired, but still gentle: "Host, we are safe."
Lin Jiaojiao nodded, tears couldn't help but fall, but she was filled with joy and relief.
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