The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 10)

In the days that followed, the clamor in Long Ye subsided. Even when agitators attempted to sow discord, the common folk quickly silenced them. After all, the day Shen Miao herself ascended the Palace tower, speaking words of inspiration amidst peril, had resonated deeply. With the populace at ease, true loyalty could be discerned.

Meanwhile, the Lu and Ye forces amassed outside the city intensified their assaults, exhibiting a frantic ferocity.

While Shen Miao meticulously reviewed official reports, she also directed guards to bolster the city's defenses, keeping herself thoroughly occupied. Her pregnancy, however, left her feeling somewhat less capable than she desired.

One morning, shortly after waking, she saw Luo Tan rushing in. "Youngest Biao Sister," Luo Tan announced, "Someone has come to see you."

Shen Miao's brow furrowed. "Who?" she inquired. Situated within the Palace, other than official court sessions, it was uncommon for visitors to seek her out specifically. She had few acquaintances in Long Ye, and those she felt closest to were already within the Palace walls.

"I'll accompany you to see," Luo Tan offered.

Luo Tan supported Shen Miao as they proceeded to the main hall. There, seated at a table while Jing Zhe poured tea, was a figure clad in a simple green robe – as pure and unyielding as Shen Miao remembered.

Shen Miao called out, "Gentleman Pei?"

Pei Lang turned his head.

The past year had brought an overwhelming cascade of events. Pei Lang's departure initially seemed like the most prudent course of action. After all, the lingering memories of a past life presented an unspoken complexity when facing one another.

Upon seeing Shen Miao, he offered a gentle smile. "I heard Long Ye faced difficulties and the Palace was in a precarious state. Though I possess no extraordinary skills, I can at least help alleviate some of the burden."

Shen Miao's brow remained knit as she considered his words.

Pei Lang continued with a smile, "There's no need for excessive contemplation. I hail from Ming Qi, and in Great Liang, we are countrymen. Furthermore, our former teacher-student association creates a connection. Consider this simply aiding a friend from my homeland."

His gentle smile suggested that all prior events were in the distant past. Shen Miao observed him closely, noting his tranquil demeanor, which implied he had moved beyond the past. Her heart felt a sense of ease.

For Shen Miao, the past felt infinitely distant. Her focus lay firmly on the future, and Pei Lang's presence could undoubtedly relieve her of numerous burdens.

She expressed, "I find myself indebted to you once more." She recalled how Pei Lang had once taken a knife for her.

Pei Lang softly inquired, "Indebted?" He then smiled again. "It is acceptable to view it thusly." Raising his gaze to meet Shen Miao's, he added, "There is no time to spare. Let us first address the most urgent matters in Long Ye."

*****

What constituted Long Ye's most pressing concern at that moment? It was, naturally, eradicating the rebels and securing the populace. The ongoing conflict and numerous administrative duties resulted in an overwhelming volume of official documents, all falling to a pregnant Shen Miao to resolve. This was further compounded by her imminent delivery, precluding any strenuous endeavors.

With Pei Lang's arrival, the weight on Shen Miao's shoulders lessened considerably.

As Fu Xiu Yi's former aide, Pei Lang possessed an innate understanding of governmental affairs. Moreover, his exceptional talent in this domain allowed him to navigate Great Liang's court with adeptness, despite it being his first time serving there.

However, a significant challenge persisted: Long Ye's limited manpower. While the city's inhabitants could be protected, diverting resources to quell the rebels would leave other areas vulnerable. No one dared to undertake such a risk, and the current stalemate was unsustainable.

"Delay it for one month," Shen Miao advised Pei Lang. "When Xie Jing Xing returns, these rebels will be dealt with. We simply need to persevere until then."

Pei Lang assisted with the official documents. Discussions of past lifetimes remained unspoken, as if an implicit pact existed between them. Dredging up the past offered no benefit, and sometimes, intentional ignorance was the most effective path to harmony.

Pei Lang was also momentarily taken aback by the appearance of the foolish Ye Hong Guang. It was likely due to Ye Hong Guang's striking resemblance to Fu Ming. Consequently, he treated Ye Hong Guang with a peculiar warmth, and Ye Hong Guang, in turn, found pleasure in Pei Lang's company.

“Even so,” Pei Lang voiced his concern, “the Lu family rebels are privy to this strategy. Our city guards reported that the Lu family rebels have remained completely inactive until now. An unusual stillness often precedes a significant move; it feels as though they are meticulously planning something.”

“Regardless of their preparations, our present circumstances will remain unchanged,” Shen Miao stated with a sigh. “Initially, I underestimated the strength of Great Liang’s borders. I believed Long Ye’s throne was secure and any unrest would stem from courtly suspicions. Who would have foreseen that the Lu family harbored such a hidden gambit?”

“The Lu family harbors an intense hatred for the Imperial family. Knowing their chances of victory were slim, they strategically withheld this devastating move until such a critical juncture.”

“Merely dying is insufficient retribution for that old scoundrel,” Shen Miao remarked, her gaze drifting out the window, a memorandum resting in her hands. “Long Ye cannot be lost. We cannot concede even an inch of ground.”

Luo Tan approached, carrying a food basket, and offered a warm smile. “You two have been poring over these documents for so long; you must eat. Especially you, Youngest Biao Sister. You are carrying a child, no longer just yourself. If you go hungry, my unborn niece or nephew will suffer. What kind of mother would allow that?” She unpacked the snacks and soup, adding, “Esteemed Gentleman Pei, please partake as well. I personally oversaw the kitchen’s preparations; rest assured, everything is entirely safe!”

Luo Tan had been spending her days within the palace, seemingly with little to occupy her. While Shen Miao and Pei Lang delved into state affairs, Luo Tan devoted all her attention and effort to Shen Miao’s unborn child. The palace teemed with people, and more hands often meant more complications, especially where meals were concerned; numerous children had been lost due to negligence with food. Daily, Luo Tan would bring a small utensil to the Imperial Kitchens, ensuring that even trusted attendants like Tao GuGu, Jing Zhe, and Gu Yu did not handle the food, closely supervising all preparations herself.

Shen Miao offered a gentle smile. “Thank you for your trouble.”

Pei Lang’s eyes briefly landed on Shen Miao’s subtly protruding abdomen before he hesitated and inquired, “It is estimated… that it will be within these few days?”

“It’s difficult to predict precisely,” Shen Miao replied. “However, I sense it will be soon.” She gently caressed her lower abdomen, a soft tenderness flickering in her eyes. “To be born into such tumultuous times, it will be a hardship for him.”

“What chaos?” Luo Tan interjected playfully. “Youngest Biao Sister, your words are amiss. You must understand that the world is far from peaceful now, but once this turmoil subsides and stability is restored, it will usher in an era of great prosperity. When MeiFu returns, this little one will have a triumphant father, and all under Heaven will celebrate his arrival. Such auspicious fortune is a rarity! Why do you paint such a wonderful event as a negative?”

Shen Miao chuckled. “You possess such a silver tongue; why not become a storyteller?”

Luo Tan declared with evident pride, “If I were a storyteller, I would undoubtedly be the finest in the world.”

Observing their animated exchange, Pei Lang simply shook his head with a smile. “It will be a relief once these trying days pass. One can only hope the rebels do not cause any further disruptions at this critical juncture.”

Alas, the heavens do not always align with human desires. Pei Lang’s hopeful words were, unfortunately, prophetic, coming to pass just two days later.

The more precarious the situation became, the less room there was for error. Once these crucial days were navigated and Xie Jing Xing returned to quell the threats looming over Long Ye, any rebels or brigands would vanish without a trace from the Great Liang Empire. From that moment onward, there would be no more Ming Qi or Qin country. Only one Great Liang would stand supreme, and all its territories would fall under Xie Jing Xing’s dominion.

Even if one managed to flee to the farthest reaches of the heavens or the remotest corners of the seas, these individuals would be reduced to mere insects, like the dogs of a departed family, never to find peace.

From the outset, their intention was never to survive; otherwise, they would not have dared to assault Long Ye. However, if they could manage to kill Shen Miao or the child within her womb, this suicidal assault would be deemed a worthwhile endeavor. Now, witnessing each passing day without successfully inciting the common populace and with the Imperial family remaining stable, the rebels grew increasingly desperate. They were driven by an urgent need to plunge all of Long Ye into chaos, ensuring that upon Xie Jing Xing’s return, he would be confronted not only with pandemonium but also with the tragic demise of his wife and child.

Consequently, they unleashed a frenzied onslaught on Long Ye two days hence.

Just as Pei Lang had foreseen, situations deviating from expectations indicated abnormality. A plan, initially devised by Lu Mao Cai to pressure the Imperial family, was unexpectedly turned against the Imperial city itself.

However, echoing Shen Miao's earlier assertion, the shift in circumstances would not alter their fundamental position.

Lu Mao Cai's strategy involved his own family's troops engaging the Imperial guards. These troops, however, lacked the ferocity of the Lu family's forces, and the Imperial guards were fewer in number compared to Emperor Yongle's era, resulting in a stalemate.

With guards reassigned to protect the populace, the Imperial Palace was significantly less manned, placing Shen Miao in a precarious situation.

“Wangfei, perhaps we should recall some guards back to the Palace?” Deng Gonggong suggested, his voice tinged with concern. “I fear the Palace is where the greater danger lies.”

“A few more individuals here wouldn't make a difference, and sending more would mean fewer outside. Let it be,” Shen Miao replied calmly. “We'll maintain this arrangement. It will be alright after tonight. Those rebels will also need to rest. If their assault on the city fails tonight, their morale will plummet by half. This is the most critical juncture; afterwards, things will undoubtedly ease.”

Tao GuGu, visibly uneasy, voiced her apprehension, “It's difficult not to worry upon hearing all this. Wangfei, is the child within you truly well?”

Shen Miao instinctively placed a hand on her abdomen. Perhaps due to the mother-child connection, she had been keenly aware of the child's movements recently. Yet, tonight, there was an unusual stillness. She offered a gentle smile, “It's likely asleep and understands the need for quietude at this moment. It's being very well-behaved.”

Pei Lang then stated, “Since you've made your decision, we shall stand guard here. However, we must be prepared. Should anything go awry, I will have the Mo Yun Army descend to ensure your safety and escort you to a secure location. While the Imperial Palace requires defense, your life remains paramount. Even if the commoners learn of your retreat, they will understand it was a last resort, and they won't condemn you, for you carry the Imperial family's lineage.”

Shen Miao nodded in agreement, “That is precisely what I had in mind.”

“Then, everyone, brace yourselves!” Luo Tan declared with conviction. “This is the most crucial night. We are united within the Imperial Palace, and at such a time, unity is essential. There is nothing we cannot overcome. This year is nearly over, and these are merely insignificant, nameless pests. Should we truly fear such beings?”

Having been raised within the Luo family, Luo Tan possessed an innate pride and courage. The greater the danger, the more resolute she became. Her words ignited a surge of bravery among those present. Even the eunuchs and palace maids of Wei Yang Palace knelt, pledging their lives to defend the Imperial Palace.

The situation had not yet reached a point of absolute desperation.

Shen Miao took her seat in the center of the grand hall, its vastness lending an almost desolate air. Pei Lang sat nearby, engrossed in reviewing numerous official documents. Shen Miao, meanwhile, attended to the documents presented by officials around noon. As for Luo Tan, her whereabouts were unknown, though she was found engrossed in a nine-ring puzzle. Tao GuGu and Deng Gonggong remained close by, diligently refilling teacups with warm tea. Everyone appeared occupied with their respective tasks, creating an illusion of busy activity.

This subtle sense of normalcy managed to alleviate the palpable tension, albeit only slightly.

The reason for the lingering tension was the intermittent reports from the guards detailing the city's dire situation. The rebels were indeed ruthless, indiscriminately slaughtering commoners. Consequently, anyone aligned with the Imperial family was prone to panic. Fortunately, Shen Miao had strategically redeployed a significant portion of the guards and city garrison to engage the Lu family forces in a relentless struggle, leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.

These insurgents proved remarkably cunning. One faction sowed discord among the populace, while another lay in wait, poised for a secret assault on the Imperial Palace. The sounds of distant skirmishes, punctuated by occasional shouts, echoed from outside, preventing anyone from truly finding peace.

It felt as though a bowstring had been drawn taut, where any minuscule movement could send tremors through one's heart, disrupting any sense of calm.

This particular night stretched on interminably. The incense smoke curling from the burner seemed to ascend with a glacial slowness, its faint fragrance permeating the air, perceptible to all.

As dawn began to break, the clamor outside gradually subsided.

Expressions of profound relief washed over Deng Gonggong and Tao GuGu.

The captain of the guards entered, reporting to Shen Miao, “Reporting to WangFei, the Lu family's rebels have retreated to the city's outskirts and the lingering threats within the city have been eliminated. The city garrison is currently pacifying the citizens.”

This signaled the end of the immediate danger.

Luo Tan stretched her limbs. The nine-ringed puzzle she had been fiddling with all night remained unsolved. It wasn't due to a lack of intelligence, but rather an inability to focus her mind on the puzzle the entire night; solving it would have been the real surprise. She let out a yawn, her excitement unable to completely mask her exhaustion. “Youngest Biao Sister, since the crisis is over and I've stayed with you all night, surely that counts for some merit, right?”

Shen Miao looked up. She was in a better state than Luo Tan. Though appearing somewhat weary, she wasn't overcome with sleepiness. She replied with a smile, “Everyone has endured hardships. When His Highness returns, those who rendered meritorious service will be rewarded.”

The head guard chimed in with a smile, “WangFei has also endured.”

Her ability to remain composed during such a critical juncture and stay within the palace walls all night was, in many respects, comparable to fighting on the front lines. For a woman to achieve this was truly admirable. Furthermore, everyone had clearly witnessed Shen Miao's transformation in recent days. Without her guidance, it was feared that Long Ye would still be in disarray.

Pei Lang glanced up from his documents, offering Shen Miao a gentle smile accompanied by an expression of relief.

Tao GuGu, ever concerned for Shen Miao’s well-being, advised, “Since everything is settled, it would be best for WangFei to rest first. Even a healthy individual would struggle after a sleepless night, let alone someone who is pregnant.” She moved to support Shen Miao.

As Shen Miao, bolstered by Tao GuGu, took a step forward, she felt a peculiar sensation in her abdomen and abruptly halted.

Observing this, Luo Tan remarked, “Perhaps your body has stiffened from sitting too long? Let me give you a massage. It's hard to take a proper step when your legs go numb.”

“It’s not that,” Shen Miao managed to say, forcing herself to move again before instructing, “Go and summon a midwife immediately.”

Tao GuGu and Luo Tan were taken aback. Tao GuGu, however, reacted instantly, her excitement and shock mingling as she exclaimed, “Quick! Fetch the two midwives from the palace at once!”