Chapter 51 Killing the Chicken to Warn the Monkey
The Northern Kingdom's chief envoy, Wuzhu, acted swiftly. Leveraging his diplomatic skills and the status of the Northern Kingdom's delegation, he quickly made private contact with several influential ministers in the court who harbored some reservations about the emperor's exclusive favor towards Consort Chen.
In the elegant tea rooms and at banquets, in seemingly casual conversations, Wuzhu always managed to steer the conversation toward the diplomatic relations between the two countries, and then on to discuss marriage alliances.
"Lord Wang, you are a pillar of our dynasty, with profound wisdom and foresight." Wuzhu raised his cup, his tone sincere. "Now, our Northern Kingdom is full of sincerity, willing to offer our legitimate princess in a marriage alliance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stabilize our borders. If our two countries form a marriage alliance, cease hostilities, exchange goods, and allow our border people to live in peace and prosperity, wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?"
He then turned to another official, Lord Li, who was in charge of some of the finances: "Lord Li, you are in charge of the budget and should know that hundreds of thousands of troops are stationed on the border year-round, and the cost of food and supplies is enormous. If we can turn hostility into friendship with the northern country, the military expenses saved each year can be used for people's livelihood and water conservancy, benefiting the people. This would be a great deed that will benefit generations to come."
He even privately hinted to an official with some indirect connection to the deceased Shen family: "Lord Zhao, I've heard that His Majesty has deep affection for Consort Chen, but the harem is ultimately related to the foundation of the nation. The princess of the Northern Kingdom is of noble status. If she were to enter the inner palace, it would not only appease the Northern Kingdom but also balance the harem and avoid... the suspicion of one family becoming too powerful. This would be a prudent approach for both the country and the emperor."
These words, like water dripping on stone, subtly influenced the thoughts of some ministers.
After returning to his residence, Vice Minister Wang of the Ministry of Rites pondered with his staff: "What the envoy from the Northern Kingdom said is not without reason. Although His Majesty's favoritism towards the Imperial Concubine shows deep affection, it is ultimately not in accordance with the rules of etiquette and the foundation of the country... If the princess from the Northern Kingdom were to be accepted, it would not only secure the northern border but also share the Imperial Concubine's favor, thus maintaining balance in the harem. It would indeed be a win-win situation."
Minister Li of the Ministry of Revenue was also considering that if this could reduce border military spending and replenish the national treasury, it would indeed be a good thing for the country and the people.
The official surnamed Zhao, on the other hand, had an additional motive: to use the situation to suppress Guanju Palace in order to gain an advantage in the future power structure.
For a time, the ministers who had been persuaded, though not explicitly stating their stance, were already wavering. They felt that accepting the Northern Kingdom princess's marriage seemed to be the most beneficial option for the country at present. As for His Majesty's personal feelings... in their view, compared to the fate of the nation, the emperor's personal emotions should give way.
A subtle undercurrent supporting the marriage alliance began to quietly gather among some court officials. They prepared to advise His Majesty at the appropriate time, outlining the advantages and disadvantages.
The news was quickly delivered to Yuwen Che's desk through the eyes and ears of the Shadow Pavilion.
Inside Guanju Palace, Yuwen Che had just coaxed Su Luoxue into swallowing a small bowl of almost tasteless bird's nest porridge and was wiping her mouth when Li Dehai quietly entered and placed a secret memorial beside him.
Yuwen Che glanced at it, his gaze instantly turning icy cold, a chilling smile curving his lips.
"Heh... It seems I've been too lenient lately, making them forget the fate of the Shen family."
He casually tossed the secret document aside, as if it were just an unimportant piece of waste paper, and when his gaze returned to Su Luoxue, it had softened again.
"Xue'er, it's alright." He gently stroked her hair, his tone calm and even. "It's just a few flies buzzing around. I can swat them dead with a flick of my wrist."
Su Luoxue leaned weakly against him, not hearing his whispers with Li Dehai, but simply nuzzling against his chest in a dependent manner.
Yuwen Che held her close, but his gaze, peering through the window, was fixed on the distance, a turbulent thunder raging deep within his eyes. Someone wanted to use the so-called righteousness of the nation to blackmail him? Then let them see what a ruler's Achilles' heel truly was!
The next day at court, the atmosphere began with a subtle mix of anticipation and tension.
Sure enough, after discussing a few routine government affairs, the Vice Minister of Rites, Wang, who had been privately spoken to by the envoy from the Northern Kingdom the day before, stepped forward, holding his jade tablet, bowed, and spoke earnestly:
"Your Majesty, I have something to say that I cannot keep quiet. The Imperial Concubine Chen is now pregnant with the Emperor's child, which is a great joy for the country. However, the Imperial Concubine is unwell and needs to rest and recuperate, so it is inconvenient for her to serve Your Majesty. Moreover, the position of Empress has been vacant for a long time, which is not in accordance with the rules and is not a blessing for the country."
He paused, stealing a glance at the expression on the throne. Seeing that Yuwen Che remained expressionless, he continued, "Princess Helian Mingzhu of the Northern Kingdom is of noble birth and in the prime of her life. Moreover, the Northern Kingdom has sent a princess here with great sincerity. If Your Majesty were to take the princess into the palace, it would not only preserve the diplomatic relations between the two countries and stabilize the northern border, but also allow her to manage the six palaces and maintain order in the harem. It would truly be a win-win situation. I hope Your Majesty will consider it carefully."
As soon as he finished speaking, two other ministers, who were also persuaded, stepped forward to echo his sentiments:
"Minister Wang is absolutely right, Your Majesty. The affairs of state must be of utmost importance!"
“The princess of the Northern Kingdom is indeed a suitable candidate. Your Majesty, please consider her.”
Some neutral or loyal ministers looked displeased, but did not dare to speak out in rebuttal for the time being.
On the throne, Yuwen Che finally stirred. He leaned forward slightly, his gaze falling on Minister Wang, a half-smile playing on his lips. His voice, though soft, carried clearly throughout the hall:
"Minister Wang... you are so devoted to the country, even considering the affairs of my harem so thoroughly. It is truly rare."
Wang Shilang felt a tightness in his chest, vaguely sensing that His Majesty's tone was off.
Yuwen Che ignored him, his gaze sweeping over the other two ministers who had seconded the motion, and finally he said slowly, "However, what you said, my dear minister, I think... makes a lot of sense. The princess of the Northern Kingdom is ultimately not of our kind, and her heart is bound to be different. The position of Empress is related to the foundation of the country, and it must indeed be a noblewoman of our Great Zhou, someone whose background is known, and who possesses both talent and virtue, so that she can sit securely."
The courtiers were stunned. Had His Majesty... relented? Yet he wasn't choosing the princess from the Northern Kingdom?
Yuwen Che's gaze settled on Minister Wang again, a playful scrutiny in his eyes: "I find Minister Wang to be commendably loyal, and I imagine his family upbringing is also excellent. I've heard that you have a legitimate daughter, sixteen years old, who is renowned for her talent?"
Wang Shilang's heart skipped a beat, a surge of overwhelming joy and disbelief instantly clouding his mind! His Majesty… His Majesty… has taken a liking to his daughter? Could it be that because of his frank remonstrance today, His Majesty intends to choose his daughter to be the Empress?!
His voice trembled with excitement as he hurriedly replied, "Your Majesty, my daughter... my daughter is of humble appearance and has some knowledge of literature. I dare not accept Your Majesty's undeserved praise."
"You are too modest, my dear minister." Yuwen Che's tone remained calm. "Summon the daughter of Minister Wang to the palace."
The imperial decree caused an uproar throughout the court! Was this... a formal selection process to be conducted on the spot? Did His Majesty truly intend to make a woman from the royal family his empress?
Soon, a young woman dressed in gorgeous clothes and meticulously made up was led into the hall. She had obviously received the news at home. At this moment, her face was flushed with spring, and her eyes were sparkling. She secretly glanced at Yuwen Che on the throne. With just one glance, she was captivated by the emperor's handsome and unparalleled demeanor and her heart fluttered like a deer. She quickly lowered her head shyly and bowed gracefully: "Your subject Wang Wan greets Your Majesty. Long live the Emperor!"
Her voice was soft and sweet, and her posture was captivating.
Yuwen Che glanced at her a few times, nodded, and said in a tone that revealed neither joy nor anger, "Raise your head."
Wang Wan looked up as instructed, her face flushing even more.
"Hmm, she is indeed beautiful, and seems to be exceptionally intelligent as well," Yuwen Che commented casually.
Wang, the Vice Minister, was overjoyed and almost knelt to express his gratitude. The other ministers exchanged bewildered glances; did His Majesty really intend to appoint an empress so casually?
Just then, Yuwen Che's tone abruptly changed, his voice instantly turning icy cold, filled with boundless authority and mockery:
"Such a beautiful woman is a pity to be paired with an ordinary nobleman. I think... there is a hunter named Zhang Tiezhu in the Imperial Estate in the Western Hills outside the capital. He is honest, kind, brave and strong. Your daughter, Wang Aiqing, is intelligent and beautiful. She and Zhang Tiezhu are a match made in heaven!"
His gaze, sharp as a sword, pierced the dumbfounded Minister Wang: "I hereby bestow a marriage upon your daughter today! The marriage shall take place immediately, without fail! Minister Wang, are you satisfied?"
What? !
A marriage arranged for… a hunter?! Zhang Tiezhu?!
Minister Wang was struck dumb, frozen on the spot, his face turning deathly pale! His daughter, Wang Wan, also fainted, her vision went black.
The entire Taiji Hall was deathly silent! You could hear a pin drop!
All the ministers, including those who had originally supported the marriage or remained neutral, were terrified and broke out in a cold sweat!
Yuwen Che slowly stood up, his black dragon robe fluttering without wind, a chilling killing intent filling the entire hall, his voice sounding as if it came from the deepest hell:
"Who else thinks that my harem should be headed by whom? Who else wants to... arrange women for me?!"
No one dared to answer, no one dared to move.
At this moment, everyone clearly remembered that the young emperor before them was the ruthless monarch who had slaughtered the entire Shen family and turned the deposed empress into a human pig! He had only recently toned it down because Consort Chen was pregnant. And now he dared to negotiate with him? Force him to take a concubine? He was practically courting death!
Yuwen Che's icy gaze swept over every silent minister below. The unconscious Wang family girl had already been quickly carried away by the eunuchs, leaving only Minister Wang kneeling on the spot, his face ashen, trembling like a leaf.
"Li Dehai." Yuwen Che's voice broke the silence, devoid of any emotion.
"Your servant is here." Li Dehai bowed hurriedly, his heart pounding.
"Draft the decree." Yuwen Che spoke each word clearly and distinctly, "Wang Wan, daughter of Wang Mingyuan, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, is virtuous and intelligent, which greatly pleases me. I hereby bestow upon her the title of wife of Zhang Tiezhu, a hunter from the Imperial Estate in the Western Hills outside the capital. The marriage shall take place immediately without delay."
He paused, and under the despairing gaze of Vice Minister Wang, continued, "Furthermore, considering Zhang Tiezhu's loyalty and diligence, I will bestow upon him three more women from respectable families as concubines, who will enter the household on the same day as his principal wife, Lady Wang."
They entered together! The principal wife and three concubines married into a hunter's family on the same day!
This is more than just humiliation; it's trampling the Wang family's reputation and Wang Wan's entire life into the mud, only to have it crushed repeatedly! One can only imagine how lively yet humiliating the wedding day will be!
Wang Shilang could no longer hold on. With a thud, his forehead slammed heavily against the gold brick. He wept uncontrollably, but dared not utter a single word of begging for mercy.
Yuwen Che didn't even glance at him. His gaze slowly swept over the entire court, calm yet more oppressive than any roar.
"My ministers," his voice was not loud, but it struck each of them like a heavy hammer, "is there anyone else who feels that my harem is empty and needs to be filled? Is there anyone else who wants to share the burden of the country and arrange for me to... establish an empress and take concubines?"
Inside the hall, there was absolute silence. Those ministers who had spoken up earlier wished they could disappear into the ground. The rest of the officials hung their heads low, not daring to even breathe.
The Northern Kingdom's princess? A marriage alliance? Who would dare utter a single word at this moment? His Majesty wasn't refusing; he was clearly declaring in the most brutal way that anyone who dared to extend their reach into his harem should be prepared to be utterly disgraced and have their family shamed!
"Since no one has any further objections," Yuwen Che said indifferently, as if the earth-shattering marriage decree he had just made was a trivial matter, "then let the court adjourn."
He turned around with a flick of his sleeve, his black dragon robe cutting a cold, hard arc as he disappeared behind the screen behind the throne.
Only when the oppressive imperial aura completely dissipated did the officials in the hall seem to regain their breath, yet still no one dared to move or speak. A heavy fear permeated the air.
Wang, the Vice Minister, was helped out of the Taiji Hall by his colleagues, looking utterly dejected. His eldest daughter, who could have risen to prominence, was now destined to become the laughingstock of the entire capital. The imperial decree bestowing the marriage upon her was like an invisible shackle and a warning bell, tightly handcuffed around the necks of all those who harbored ulterior motives.
The news spread like wildfire, quickly reaching both inside and outside the palace.
Princess Helian Mingzhu of the Northern Kingdom heard this news in the guest house. The jade comb in her hand fell to the ground with a "crack" and shattered into pieces. Her face turned deathly pale. For the first time, she truly felt the coldness and ruthlessness of the Great Zhou Emperor. He would rather give a subject's daughter to a hunter and humiliate her than allow anyone to interfere with his harem or challenge his exclusive favor to Consort Chen.
This is no longer indifference, but a declaration of war.
Looking at her stunning reflection in the mirror, a chill ran through her. This man was more terrifying, more...unshakeable than she had imagined.
Inside Guanju Palace, Yuwen Che had changed out of his court robes and, as if nothing had happened, sat by the bed, patiently coaxing the newly awakened Su Luoxue, trying to get her to drink another sip of warm milk. All the turmoil outside was irrelevant to him; his world at this moment consisted only of her and their unborn child.
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