Chapter 140 The Beginning: "You are carrying your master's posthumous child."...
Chapter 140
The gunshot sent the birds roosting in the jungle flying. After the shot, Feng Tan had no strength left, and the pistol fell off the cliff.
She rolled over and lay on her back on the jagged rocks, whereupon Menghenabur, who strode over, pulled her into his arms and, without a word, popped a pill into her mouth.
Menghenabul looked at Feng Tan, his rough face unable to hide his heartache, and said, "You've lost weight, so much."
Upon seeing Meng Henabul's face, Feng Tan's eyes reddened, and then large tears streamed down her face. As her strength slowly returned, she threw herself into Meng Henabul's arms, choking out, "Uncle Meng!"
Meng Henabul gently patted her back, each pat filled with tender strength, offering Feng Tan the greatest comfort. "Uncle Meng, I'm here."
Since Feng Tan was sent out of the palace, she has been raised by Menghe Nabuer. She has never been away from Menghe Nabuer for such a long time.
When a child is wronged, they will unconsciously shed tears when they see an elder they rely on. For Feng Tan, Meng He Nabuer was the person she trusted the most. She wiped her eyes, lifted her head from Meng He Nabuer's arms, and said, "I missed you so much."
Meng Henabul missed Feng Tan just as much, but his reserved nature made him ashamed to express it. He only said, "It's alright, Uncle Meng, I've come to pick you up."
Yu Ruxi also ran to Feng Tan's side, looking her over to make sure she wasn't injured. After letting out a long sigh, she said, "Yongle..."
"I'm fine." Feng Tan suppressed her emotions, stood up from Meng Henabuer's embrace, and sincerely said to Yu Ruxi, "General Yu, thank you."
"Hey... why are you telling me this..." Yu Ruxi blushed, and Feng Tan hugged her tightly and rubbed her hair, just like when they first met when she was five years old.
They were each other's salvation, cherished each other, and their friendship, forged through hardship, was all the more precious.
Yu Ruxi loves Feng Tan completely and sincerely, and this friendship makes her life more fulfilling.
Feng Tan released her, turned around to look at Feng Bingzhu on the tall horse and Shan Qi behind her, and smiled, "Commander Feng, thank you."
As soon as she finished speaking, the sound of horses' hooves came galloping from behind. Zhu Qi, dressed in military uniform, was surrounded by a Luosha army.
The Imperial Dragon Camp soldiers raised their guns and aimed. Zhu Qi reined in his horse, his reddened eyes fixed on Feng Tan. He put away all his usual playful smile and said solemnly, "Feng Tan, I am here on my master's orders to have a talk with you."
Feng Tan's gaze fell on Zhu Qi. Clearly, his expression didn't change much after seeing Xiao Yinshi's death. She was certain that Zhu Qi knew what was going to happen today.
Everyone looked at Feng Tan, waiting for her answer.
Meng Henabul clearly loathed anyone associated with Xiao Yinshi. Upon seeing Zhu Qi, he instinctively reached for the long sword at his waist. Feng Tan said softly, "Uncle Meng, it's alright."
Feng Tan turned around and gestured for Zhu Qi to follow.
The joyous atmosphere still lingered in the pavilion, with red silk ribbons scattered carelessly on the ground and wine cups lying overturned on the stone table, seemingly reflecting the fact that the wedding had ended without a trace.
The hanging curtains concealed the two figures, preventing anyone from seeing what they were discussing inside. Feng Tan sat down on the stone bench, raised her eyelashes to look at Zhu Qi, and asked, "What do you want to say?"
Even though Zhu Qi concealed his resentment, Feng Tan could tell he was indignant, so he said, "Zhu Qi, are you here to fulfill my dying wish, or to kill me?"
Zhu Qi said, "I didn't mean to kill you."
Feng Tan leaned closer to him and stated, "But your expression clearly shows that you want to kill me."
"..." Zhu Qilian straightened his expression, suppressing his resentment. "Master said..."
Feng Tan picked up the wine cup from the ground and asked, "What did you say?"
Zhu Qi placed the long sword in his hand on the stone table, took out the letter from the Princess of Chu from his bosom, and handed it to Feng Tan to read.
After reading it, Feng Tan's expression turned serious, and he asked, "How did he persuade the Princess of Chu?"
The King of Chu was defeated, and although his soldiers were like a heap of loose sand, they were still a force to be reckoned with for Dahuang. The morale of the King of Chu's soldiers collapsed, and even if they wanted to surrender and return to Dahuang, they dared not return because of the strict military orders and the death penalty for rebels.
Even if Dahuang relents and doesn't punish him, he will still be despised by others.
However, the Queen Consort of Chu, though a woman, wields considerable military power, but this does not necessarily mean she can win the hearts and minds of her soldiers. Given time, she will surely be replaced.
Xiao Yinshi may have grasped this point and made some kind of deal with the Princess of Chu.
Zhu Qi said, "I don't know the specifics... Although the Princess Consort of Chu is loyal to the King of Chu, she also has to find a way to survive and join the Imperial Dragon Camp so that she can protect the army."
Feng Tan nodded, put down the letter, and looked intently at his face before asking, "You've come for more than just this one thing."
Zhu Qi said, "My master said that Lord Feng's plan was as he predicted. He took advantage of the fact that the Chu King's rebel army and the Dahuang army were both exhausted to achieve a surprise victory. This move is risky and the chances of winning are not high."
Seeing Feng Tan's face gradually turn cold, Zhu Qi continued expressionlessly, "Master also said that since it is known that all matters cannot be resolved through public power, violence must be used. If we want to use violence to sweep everything away, the weapons of the Imperial Dragon Camp are far from enough. You need a larger army. So... after his death, the Rakshasa Army can be used by you for a period of time before returning to the country."
Feng Tan unconsciously clenched her fists, her fingertips digging deep into her palms. They had all misunderstood Xiao Yinshi's intentions. From beginning to end, the promise of 200,000 troops to share the spoils was just a ruse; what he truly wanted was to use the army for his own purposes.
Feng Tan was inwardly shocked. After narrowing his eyes, he stated the facts: "The Rakshasa Army will not be used by me."
She was not Xiao Yinshi, and did not possess the bloodline of the Great Hua Emperor. How could the demonic soldiers of the Rakshasa Army obey her commands?
Zhu Qi's gaze fell on Feng Tan's lower abdomen, and he said, "You are carrying the master's posthumous child."
Feng Tan raised his eyebrows slightly, and then heard Zhu Qi continue, "Of course, as long as I say it, no one will disbelieve me. Then the Imperial Dragon Camp, the Chu King's rebel army, and the Luo Sha Army will all be at Lord Feng's disposal. When the situation turns around, no one will be able to silence Lord Feng in the court again."
Those with troops and power can do whatever they want.
When the case was heard in the Golden Palace, Feng Tan suffered a truly crushing defeat.
She suddenly remembered what Xiao Yin had once said:
The game isn't about forceful conquest, yet forceful conquest is indispensable; the game lies in winning hearts and minds, in gaining respect. In times of chaos, only the one who breaks the deadlock can be relied upon and trusted. When a new force emerges, it can easily establish itself within the old. A true game-changer doesn't merely ignite chaos; they must establish a foothold while crushing the competition, thus becoming the one in control. Of all the strategies, this one is the simplest.
Returning to her senses, Feng Tan heard Zhu Qi address her as "Master" repeatedly. Perhaps it had been a long time since she had heard anyone call her that, so she felt a little uncomfortable. She glanced at him and said, "One last question: what exactly is your master plotting?"
It may seem that Feng Tan killed him, but in reality, it was Xiao Yinshi who chose to die.
In this life, he still chose suicide.
Xiao Yinshi always made the most of things before killing them, so Feng Tan simply couldn't believe he would commit suicide. But the truth was, he did indeed die right in front of her.
Nine generations of Buddhist monks, yet the sins of killing are hard to erase.
He spent ten lifetimes as a fugitive to glimpse the ways of Heaven.
What did he glimpse?
Zhu Qi thought to himself: Master said he was just 'changing the game'.
After all, a true master of political maneuvering can even orchestrate their own death as part of a larger scheme.
Zhu Qi shook his head to indicate that he did not know, and slowly bent his knees towards Feng Tan, saying, "From this day forward, Zhu Qi is willing to submit to Lord Feng and serve you as your subject."
***
The situation took a sudden turn, and Yu Fangyi's expression was truly fascinating when he received the news.
The old general's hands were rough and strong, covered with thick calluses and scars, but the letter he held trembled slightly involuntarily. After a long while, he threw down the letter, smashed the teacup, and shouted, "Princess Yongle, this is simply... simply outrageous!"
"Father, please calm down." Yu Zhenyu picked up the letter that had fallen to the ground, his brows furrowing more and more as he read it. "Is Princess Yongle trying to intimidate us?"
Yu Fangyi took two deep breaths, his voice still too loud to control, and retorted, "Intimidation?"
"Look, she even went out of her way to send over a gun. Isn't that a veiled way of saying you definitely can't replicate it?! A gun with such immense power, and she commands three armies. Tell me, how are you going to fight this war?!"
No one could have imagined that the final rebel leader would turn out to be Princess Yongle, the emperor's own daughter!
After speaking, Yu Fangyi touched the sword at his waist. The patterns on the scabbard had been worn away and were no longer clear, but the blade was still as sharp as ever. This sword had accompanied him throughout his life of battles, witnessing his glory and triumph.
He drew his gleaming sword and said, "Even with this imperial sword, I dare not kill the princess without His Majesty's order... His Majesty did not give birth to a princess; he is clearly an ambitious man..."
He didn't know how to express himself, so he simply sat back down in his general's seat, sighed deeply, and said, "Zhenyu, given the current situation, we need to quickly send scouts to deliver the message to His Majesty. This is a decision that neither my son nor I can make."
Yu Zhenyu remained noncommittal, looking at his father's furious face, hesitating whether to mention Yu Ruxi.
Yu Fangyi noticed his hesitation and asked, "What do you want to say?"
Yu Zhenyu said calmly, "My sister said she wants to stay by the princess's side and escort her back to the capital."
Yu Fangyi's blood boiled, and with a swift swing of his sword, everything on the table collapsed to the ground. "She's really gone too far!!!"
......
If a letter from a border general was a regular memorial, it would generally have to pass through the Office of Transmission, the Imperial Archives, and the Directorate of Ceremonial before finally reaching the emperor. The procedure was quite complicated. Confidential memorials from the capital passed through the Office of Transmission, the Imperial Archives, and the Directorate of Ceremonial before reaching the emperor; confidential memorials from other regions had to pass through post stations, and then again through the Office of Transmission, the Imperial Archives, and the Directorate of Ceremonial before reaching the emperor.
However, this method was prone to leaks. For example, secret memorials submitted by officials from other regions might be intercepted or opened during transmission. Those who opened the memorials could reseal them and continue to submit them, eventually reaching the emperor. But intercepted memorials, once intercepted, could never reach the emperor again.
However, urgent military reports delivered by express courier over 800 li did not need to go through such a lengthy process. Dahuang had a well-established postal system, with the shortest distance between post stations being ten li and the longest being thirty to sixty li.
Once an official document is marked with "immediate delivery" or similar urgent wording, and the situation reaches the level of "800-li express urgency," the messenger will carry the document on horseback at breakneck speed, changing horses at each relay station. In theory, documents reaching the "800-li express urgency" level are extremely important matters, requiring non-stop delivery throughout the entire journey, even at night with firelight to avoid delays.
Feng Tan gave them only ten days to discuss the matter, and the messenger sent a team of elite soldiers to escort them.
Dusk, as dark as ink, pressed heavily upon the eaves and brackets of the imperial capital. Inside and outside the palace walls, a time that should have been tranquil and solemn was abruptly shattered by the rapid, rain-like sound of horses' hooves.
A swift horse charged toward the palace gates like a whirlwind. The messenger on horseback was disheveled, his hair plastered to his sweat-soaked forehead, his clothes filthy with sweat and dust. He gripped the reins tightly with both hands, clutching an urgent report from the border to his chest, his eyes filled with fear and urgency.
"Urgent! Urgent!" the messenger cried out hoarsely, his voice echoing across the palace road. The imperial guards at the gate, seeing this, were startled and dared not delay, hastily opening the palace gates. The messenger spurred his horse, which neighed loudly and charged into the palace like an arrow, galloping wildly towards the Inner Cabinet.
Sparks flew as the horse's hooves thundered across the palace's stone path. The messenger sped along, and wherever he went, palace maids and eunuchs scattered in fear, their eyes filled with doubt and unease. They had no idea what earth-shattering secret this urgent report could contain that could throw the court into such a panic.
The messenger knew the way to the cabinet. He rushed to the cabinet gate, yanked the reins, and the horse reared up with a long, mournful neigh. The messenger stumbled and fell from the horse, but ignoring the pain, he scrambled to the cabinet gate, his hands trembling as he held the urgent report high.
"Urgent! To the Grand Secretary immediately!" The messenger's voice was choked with sobs, as if he had exhausted all his strength. The guards of the cabinet turned deathly pale upon seeing this; they had never witnessed such a frantic, urgent report. Without the slightest hesitation, the guards quickly took the report and rushed into the cabinet.
Inside the cabinet, several senior officials sat around a table, discussing important matters concerning the border. Their expressions were relatively calm, occasionally exchanging a few words in low, soothing voices. Suddenly, a series of hurried footsteps broke the silence of the room, and a guard rushed in, holding an urgent report, looking flustered.
"Your Excellency, an urgent dispatch from 800 li away!" The guard knelt on one knee, presenting the urgent report with both hands, his voice trembling slightly with tension. Upon hearing this, Zheng Guanhe frowned slightly, a sense of foreboding rising in his heart. He slowly rose, took the urgent report, gently traced the red lacquered seal with his fingers, and slowly untied it, taking out the letter inside.
His brow furrowed even deeper as his gaze swept over the words on the letter. Seeing this, the other elders gathered around, their eyes filled with fear and confusion.
"Princess...Princess intends to rebel?!" Minister of Rites Gong Yibin exclaimed in surprise, his voice seemingly squeezed out from between his teeth.
"What's going on?"
"Princess Yongle? Why would Princess Yongle command such a large army?"
"Where is the King of Chu? Isn't it the King of Chu who's plotting the rebellion?!"
"How did the fighting suddenly turn into His Majesty's... own princess plotting a rebellion?!"
"Good heavens, is Yu Fangyi's report accurate or not?!"
The elders were filled with doubt, their eyes wide with disbelief.
The messenger was panting heavily, his words broken and fragmented, "Absolutely...absolutely...Princess Yongle is to guard the gates of Dahuang Kingdom and demand a definite answer from the court within ten days...otherwise, she will lead her army to kill, kill her way back!"
The newly appointed Minister of Revenue, He Yue, exclaimed, "This is simply... outrageous!"
Grand Secretary Zheng Guanhe said, "Old He, be careful with your words!"
Zheng Guanhe was always cautious in his words and deeds; otherwise, he would not have been able to remain in the position of Grand Secretary for so many years. After a moment's thought, he said, "All members of the cabinet shall now go and pay homage to His Majesty to report important matters."
......
Inside the Golden Palace, the flickering candlelight illuminated the gilded beams and pillars, creating a dazzling glow while also adding an air of oppression and mystery. Emperor Chongming sat upright on a high throne adorned with carved dragons and gilded ornaments. His bright yellow dragon robe shone brilliantly in the candlelight, the five-clawed golden dragons on it baring their fangs as if about to leap out of the sky, demonstrating the supreme authority of the emperor.
Sheng Honghai was dressed in a dark purple eunuch's robe, with delicate cloud patterns embroidered on the cuffs and collar, and a black silk sash tied around his waist, giving him a clean and neat appearance. He was slightly hunched over, his hands folded in front of him, his eyes constantly watching Emperor Chongming's every move. Seeing that Emperor Chongming seemed tired, he quickly and quietly instructed a nearby eunuch to prepare a refreshing tea, his movements practiced and natural.
A series of steady footsteps broke the silence inside the hall. Several cabinet members entered the hall slowly with neat and solemn steps.
Zheng Guanhe spoke in a loud and clear voice: "Your Majesty, we have important matters to report."
Emperor Chongming slightly raised his hand, his voice deep and magnetic, yet exuding an undeniable majesty, "Rise, what is it that is so important? Speak freely."
Zheng Guanhe's face was cold and his brows were furrowed. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Your Majesty, Princess Yongle... intends to rebel."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Chongming's body jolted violently, a look of disbelief flashing in his eyes. He abruptly rose from his dragon throne, gripping the armrests tightly until his knuckles turned white. "Yongle? Feng Tan... how could she... rebel! Zheng Guanhe, tell me in detail!"
Zheng Guanhe recounted the whole story, and Emperor Chongming slowly stepped down from his high seat. His face, which had been filled with shock, gradually calmed down. "You mean, Yongle has three armies at his disposal, whose strength is comparable to the 300,000-strong army of Dahuang?"
"Your Majesty, that is indeed the case." Zheng Guanhe looked at the emperor's face, which was gradually losing its initial shock, and said, "In short, Princess Yongle is demanding reforms, otherwise she will definitely resort to arms. She also said that if she cannot resort to public power, she will resort to violence."
"Heh," Emperor Chongming resumed his usual inscrutable imperial demeanor, a slight smile playing on his lips as he thought of Feng Tan's stubborn appearance. He made a plan in his mind and then asked his advisors, "What do you think?"
Minister of Works Tu Dechang, secretly pondering the emperor's thoughts, spoke up: "If Princess Yongle's words are truly fulfilled, allowing women from all over the land to take the imperial examinations and enter the court, it will certainly go against the moral principles of our Celestial Empire. At that time..."
"If all women in the world were to harbor delusions and be restless and not content with their lot, wouldn't the world be in chaos?" Yang Yichuan, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, who had not spoken until now, was dressed in a scarlet official robe and wore a black gauze hat. His face was serious and his eyes revealed an undeniable stubbornness. He slowly finished the words that Tu Dechang, the Minister of Works, had not finished saying.
Minister of Rites Gong Yibin also said, “Your Majesty, I also believe that this move is absolutely unacceptable. Since ancient times, women have been expected to follow the Three Obediences and Four Virtues, to be good wives and mothers, and to stay at home. The imperial examinations are a major event for the court to select pillars of society. How can women be allowed to participate in them? This violates ancestral rites and laws, disrupts the established order and ethics, and women are physically weak and unfit for important tasks. Moreover, battlefield combat and court affairs both require the courage and decisiveness of men. If women enter the court as officials, how can they cope with the ever-changing situation? Wouldn't this make the world laugh at our Great Huang for having no one capable and having to rely on women to support the court?”
Emperor Chongming returned to the throne, his voice authoritative, and questioned, "If all of you ministers think this is inappropriate, what can you do about her troops?"
Author's note: Thank you all for your continued support! Here's a bag to express my gratitude!
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