The Rebirth of the Malicious Empress of Military Lineage Chapter 231: Return Of An Old Friend (Part 9)

Fortunately, Shen Miao managed the situation adeptly. Her handling of new affairs was deemed satisfactory. Although Steward Deng GongGong lacked understanding of courtly matters, he excelled at discerning expressions and sentiments. Officials initially hesitant or suspicious began to show warmth, indicating Shen Miao's successful performance; otherwise, these fault-finders would undoubtedly have discovered some issue by now.

Deng GongGong felt a measure of gratification. If Shen Miao possessed such capabilities, she could indeed be compared to Empress Xian De, and perhaps the Great Liang empire would endure for tens of thousands of years, as Empress Dowager Jing Xian had hoped.

“This is utterly exhausting,” Luo Tan declared, adding, “But I overheard them discussing after court, saying you were fortunate and made a few decisions that yielded satisfactory outcomes.” Luo Tan then scoffed, “How could it possibly be luck? It's clearly genuine ability. Youngest Biao Sister, how do you know everything? You can even decipher these messy memorandums; what is there you cannot do?”

Shen Miao rolled her eyes, “There is much that I do not know.”

“For instance…” Luo Tan leaned in with keen interest.

“For instance, unlike you, I am not curious about everything.”

Luo Tan pouted slightly before continuing, “Regardless… the hardship is nearing its end, and your delivery date is close. MeiFu is on the verge of victory in the war. By then, GuFu and my Father will also return, and our family will be reunited. Thinking about it, all these difficulties seem insignificant.”

Shen Miao offered a gentle smile, “Yes.”

The present hardships were indeed worth enduring.

*****

Xie Jing Xing's updates arrived continuously. Ming Qi had been annihilated, and the Qin country, seeing peace was unattainable, watched their Emperor flee north. Now, Great Liang's forces were swiftly advancing to occupy Qin territory. Upon securing the city, Xie Jing Xing would be able to return to Great Liang.

In a way, the war had concluded, and now everyone awaited the hero's triumphant return.

This was the most welcome news recently received.

It was just… Shen Miao sighed. Xie Jing Xing likely already knew the truth about Emperor Yong Le and Empress Xian De. After his return to Great Liang and his visit to the Imperial Tombs, who knew how he would feel. In this world, the last person who shared his bloodline was gone. From that moment, he would be truly alone.

However… he would not be entirely alone, for there was still Shen Miao and their child.

Grandmother Tao smiled, “WangFei's due date is estimated to be the first day of next month. There are still ten more days, so everyone must remain extra vigilant.”

Luo Tan rubbed her hands together, “I am so delighted. I wonder if it will be a little niece or a nephew. It truly makes one desperately curious. I suspect it will be a little niece, as she is so well-behaved and rarely causes a fuss.”

“That may not necessarily be the case,” Grandmother Tao remarked. “WangFei's abdomen is quite pointed, suggesting it could be a little heir.”

Shen Miao listened to their speculations with a smile, a profound sense of calm settling within her heart, a feeling she had never known before.

After she gave birth and Xie Jing Xing returned, perhaps the hardships of the past year and the turmoil of war would finally cease. The future promised a welcome era of prosperity.

Yet, in this world, such perfect outcomes were rare. Even with a favorable conclusion, eighteen turns of events and continuous dangers would emerge, with troubles compounding the chaos. It seemed only then could the preceding difficulties be justified, and true happiness be hard-won.

And for Shen Miao, just as she approached what she believed would be fortune and happiness, a grave crisis loomed.

*****

In autumn, the skies were clear, and a gentle breeze blew. It was a rare spell of excellent weather.

Shen Miao sat by the courtyard, having, on this rare occasion, finished reviewing all the official documents early. Luo Tan, having procured a kite from an unknown source, her youthful spirit undiminished, was joyfully engaged in play with the female officials. Shen Miao, touched by her laughter, couldn't help but smile.

Suddenly, Steward Deng GongGong approached with an uncharacteristic seriousness. Upon seeing Shen Miao, he gestured for her to enter the main hall.

Noticing his urgent demeanor, Shen Miao allowed Jing Zhe to support her into the inner hall. Once inside, Deng GongGong declared, “WangFei, this is dire news. The remaining forces of the Lu family are attacking the city!”

“The remaining forces of the Lu family?” Shen Miao frowned. “Weren't all members of the Lu family eradicated in Fu Yang?”

“Within the Lu family, the second Lu Young Lady possesses a husband who is a military officer. He had amassed a private army, who at that time were not within Long Ye but operating disguised as ordinary folk outside the city. These individuals maintained contact with the Ye family. When the Ye family faced trouble, Ye Mao Cai bestowed a considerable fortune upon them. Currently, these soldiers have prepared their resources and are poised to attack the city, engaging in clashes with the city guards.” Eunuch Deng reported.

Shen Miao’s eyes narrowed, and after a moment of cold contemplation, she stated, “A centipede dies but never falls. The Lu and Ye families have truly exhausted every strategy against the Imperial family.” She then looked directly at Eunuch Deng, “They have come for me.”

Eunuch Deng nervously wiped the sweat from his brow, “WangFei…”

Even with the combined remnants of the Lu and Ye families’ power, they stood no chance against Xie Jing Xing’s formidable army. The reason for their choice to attack the city at this precise moment was solely to fulfill the dying wishes of Ye Mao Cai and Lu Zheng Xuan – to ensure a pyrrhic victory where either the fish perished or the net was torn asunder. Now, with only Shen Miao possessing the authority within the Palace and carrying Xie Jing Xing’s child, they likely envisioned that upon her death and the loss of the unborn heir, Xie Jing Xing would be consumed by such profound grief that he would lose the will to live.

For Xie Jing Xing, this represented the ultimate form of revenge.

Was this the final gambit of Ye Mao Cai and Lu Zheng Xuan? Even in death, they sought to inflict one last, agonizing torment.

“What is the total number of troops within the city, and how many guards are stationed at the Palace?” Shen Miao inquired.

“The Palace guards are sufficient to ensure WangFei’s safety. However, those attackers have already begun a massacre outside Long Ye. Should they breach the city, indiscriminate slaughter will ensue. These assailants are ruthless and have infiltrated the populace. To counter them effectively, a substantial number of personnel would be required. In such a scenario, the Palace guards would be insufficient, leaving the Palace vulnerable to exploitation.”

Shen Miao’s brow furrowed, “So, it is a choice between the safety of the Palace and the lives of the commoners?”

Eunuch Deng remained silent, unable to formulate a response to such a stark and direct question.

“I understand,” Shen Miao nodded her head with resolve. “Deploy the guards. Prioritize the protection of the people.”

“WangFei!” Eunuch Deng exclaimed in alarm. “You cannot disregard your own life and safety! Should you fall into danger, how am I to report to His Highness the Prince!”

“It is not that I am disregarding my own safety,” Shen Miao explained calmly. “Consider this: do you truly believe those attacking forces are solely positioned outside the city? It is highly probable that infiltrators are already within our walls. Their actions are designed to sow widespread fear among the populace. If, at this critical juncture, the guards confine themselves to the Palace, whispers and discontent will surely arise, easily swaying the commoners. When the people’s hearts are unsettled, this Imperial Palace becomes as fragile as a bowl of soup, easily shattered. This is especially crucial with His Highness poised to return; maintaining order is paramount.” Seeing Eunuch Deng’s continued apprehension, Shen Miao added, “Furthermore, I am not taking my life lightly. Before His Highness departed, he entrusted certain individuals to my care. They will ensure my protection.”

Those few soldiers from the Mo Yun army who had been left behind subsequently accompanied Shen Miao into the Palace. She understood with absolute clarity that no alternative existed in this moment. Lu Zheng Xuan’s and Ye Mao Cai’s final maneuver was a deliberate attempt to incur widespread condemnation. Should Shen Miao prioritize her own safety above the lives of the common people, even if Xie Jing Xing eventually ascended to the throne, her reign would be marked by a reputation for coldness and selfishness. During the nascent stages of an Emperor’s rule, securing the people’s unwavering support is of utmost importance. To lose the hearts of the people is to build one’s foundation upon unstable ground from the very beginning.

For Xie Jing Xing’s sake, she could not allow the guards to focus solely on the Palace’s defense.

Upon witnessing Shen Miao’s unwavering decision, Eunuch Deng ceased his objections and proceeded to make the necessary arrangements according to her instructions.

Despite her outward composure, Shen Miao’s brow remained tightly furrowed. In ordinary circumstances, this situation would not pose a significant threat. However, at this particular juncture, she was nearing the time of childbirth. It was plausible that these remaining hostile forces had deliberately chosen this opportune moment to strike.

Regardless of the circumstances, her primary imperative was to safeguard the child within her womb.

Luo Tan, upon hearing the news, rushed to Shen Miao’s side, her face etched with worry. She implored, “Youngest Biao Sister, it would be best to find a secure hiding place. Let us conceal ourselves until the child is safely born. The Palace is no longer secure, and as everyone knows you are within its walls, the rebels are surely aware as well. Once the Palace guards are diminished, they will undoubtedly launch their assault.”

Shen Miao firmly shook her head. “If I were to depart, I fear that by the next day, it would be said that I had already fled. This palace is akin to a battlefield; if I were to retreat prematurely, once the rebels advance, the Imperial family would lose its standing.”

“But…” Luo Tan still wished to argue her point.

“There are no ‘buts.’ We simply need to wait a few more days for Xie Jing Xing’s return,” Shen Miao stated. “The crucial part is surviving this period.”

Precisely as Shen Miao had anticipated, by the very next day, whispers began circulating through the streets, claiming Rui WangFei had absconded with her retinue, abandoning the populace to their fate. Currently, the Liang Dynasty’s court lacked any decisive leadership, and the rebels were already clashing with the city guards at the gates. It remained uncertain when they would breach the city, at which point a river of blood would surely flow.

The common folk, being inherently gentle and easily swayed, were often exploited by others. Regardless of whether a rumor held substance or was entirely fabricated, their only recourse was the protection offered by the Son of Heaven. However, upon hearing that the supposed decision-maker had fled, leaving them vulnerable like fish on a chopping block, their hearts ached.

For a time, they vehemently denounced the Imperial family for their ruthlessness, and unending curses were hurled at Shen Miao for her supposed heartlessness. Xie Jing Xing, too, was condemned for prioritizing his achievements above the lives of Great Liang’s citizens. Shen Miao, in particular, was vilified for her lack of virtue and compassion, accused of fleeing the city.

Shen Miao took her position by Jin Yu Hall, adorned in a lustrous purple robe with her hair styled in a palace fashion. Despite her youth, she carried herself with an imposing dignity. “Proceed to the highest point of the Palace City,” she commanded.

The officials exchanged glances. One stepped forward, inquiring, “WangFei of First Rank, is this course of action not excessively perilous?” This particular official had been among the most vocal opponents of Shen Miao’s initial assumption of oversight for the court. Yet, in recent days, his compliance had become notably more pronounced.

“One must take risks to convince the populace that they will not be abandoned in their hour of need.” She rose, and Jing Zhe and Gu Yu quickly moved to assist her. Being heavily pregnant, her movements were naturally encumbered.

Although termed the Palace City, it more closely resembled a Palace tower. As Shen Miao and the assembled officials ascended the tower, a gathering of commoners began to form below, their numbers swelling continuously. Mo Qing arrived with the Mo Yun army, and the Palace guards were also mobilized to thwart any potential assassinations.

A number of the commoners recognized Shen Miao, and immediately, one voice cried out, “It is the WangFei of First Rank!”

In short order, the expanse below the tower teemed with a crowd so dense that not even water could pass through. It was estimated that fully half of Long Ye’s populace had congregated. Shen Miao gazed down, her voice resonating slowly.

“To all the common folk, recently, numerous rumors have proliferated. The dregs of the Lu people and the Ye rebels conspire together, aiming to sow discord in the hearts of the people.”

Carried by the breeze, her voice was neither overly loud nor too soft, yet it possessed a quality that could both soothe and inspire conviction, conveying an undeniable decisiveness.

“Everyone, do not be so hasty to believe these falsehoods. I, Rui WangFei of First Rank, swear this: if the city stands, I stand; if the city falls, I fall. I shall endure with you and fight alongside you!”

A profound silence fell over the crowd below, a mixture of awe, doubt, and belief rippling through them.

“The forces of Great Liang are currently engaged in an expedition abroad, while I remain here in Long Ye, a member of the Xie family of Long Ye. The glory of the Xie lineage has not been extinguished, and I shall not flee. Belonging to a military family, we are devoid of cowards. We may be defeated, but we do not flee. To say nothing of these mere dregs, how could they possibly sow chaos within the court? What a jest!”

Her words, delivered with powerful clarity rather than flowery embellishment, resonated with everyone. All eyes turned upward to the figure of the woman in the resplendent golden-purple robe. Her chin was held high, and for a fleeting moment, she projected the image of the young Prince of First Rank, leading troops on an expedition – an aura of arrogance, yet undeniably justified.

“Therefore, do not believe, do not speak, do not fear, and do not waver.”

“I am here within this Imperial Palace; let me see who dares to approach.”

Her purple cloak billowed in the wind, mirroring the proud flutter of the banner behind her.

The commoners below remained silent for a beat before erupting in a unified cheer, their voices so potent they seemed to pierce the very clouds!

No one could resist the allure of victory. The populace needed reassurance, and they particularly craved a bold and unwavering promise. Though the Monarch was absent, this woman had demonstrated such courage and bravery in shouldering this immense responsibility, earning their admiration and a profound sense of security.

Her presence exuded an undeniable sense of protection.

The officials, both civil and military, who stood behind her were deeply touched by the unfolding scene.

This was the profound influence of words, the ability of this woman to stir emotions and ignite the passions of the crowd. She had skillfully tapped into their most fervent sentiments, causing their blood to surge. Consequently, the city gates of Long Ye were reinforced with unyielding resolve.

With a turn, Shen Miao departed.