This is Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang)'s first time walking into the imperial court where Situ Chuanqiong held audience. Although in all previous dynasties, the inner court was forbidden from interfering in state affairs, today, clad in her phoenix robes, she stepped onto the court step by step.
"Chu Yulan pays respects to His Majesty!" Xiao Wenqiang bowed towards Situ Chuanqiong seated at the head of the court. However, it was not the bow of a queen from the inner court, but that of a warrior.
"Empress, please rise." Situ Chuanqiong eagerly asked, "I just heard from Wang You that you intend to..."
Xiao Wenqiang solemnly nodded and replied, "This concubine is willing to don armor and take to the battlefield, to reclaim the lost territories for our Great Ding Dynasty and drive back the treacherous and untrustworthy barbarians of Pengxi Kingdom once more!"
"But the front lines are different, Empress. You are a woman, and I fear you may encounter danger if you go!" Situ Chuanqiong was already moved, but out of deference to his position, he had to utter some formalities.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your concern. However, Your Majesty also knows that this concubine is not an ordinary young lady from a prominent family. I have indeed fought on the battlefield and repelled enemy soldiers before."
Xiao Wenqiang then looked at the courtiers whispering around her and continued, "I know all your excellencies have your concerns. But at this moment, Pengxi Kingdom has gone too far. If our Great Ding Dynasty does not suppress them swiftly, I fear other smaller states may also harbor ambitions!"
Situ Chuanqiong knew she was right; this war could not be delayed any further. However, he had another concern, "But Lan'er, you haven't been on the battlefield for many years. Will you be able to adapt if you go now?"
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I know my own capabilities. Furthermore, I have studied military strategy and can assist General Zhang Jian in jointly repelling Pengxi Kingdom!" Xiao Wenqiang knew that Situ Chuanqiong was inwardly worried she might increase her prestige if she succeeded in defeating the enemy.
In the end, Situ Chuanqiong was persuaded and granted her permission to lead an additional twenty thousand troops and provisions to support the front lines.
"Imperial brother, why did you summon me in such haste?" Situ Zixian arrived at the imperial palace's secret chamber after being notified by a dark guard late at night.
Situ Chuanqiong said with some anxiety, "Zixian, do you know that today my Empress personally volunteered to go and defeat Pengxi Kingdom?"
"I heard about it before I came. I believe she is scheduled to depart tomorrow morning?" In reality, Situ Zixian had received news as soon as Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang) entered the imperial court.
"Yes! I cannot rest easy..." Situ Chuanqiong frowned.
"Is Your Majesty concerned about Imperial Sister-in-law's safety? Then perhaps I could accompany her and protect her secretly?" Situ Zixian had originally planned to go anyway.
"That would be ideal. It will be a hardship for you, Zixian." Situ Chuanqiong's brow unfurrowed.
"What hardship is there? Pengxi Kingdom is such a petty nation; I've long disliked them. It's a good opportunity to go and deal with them together!" Situ Zixian appeared indignant.
"You must also take care of your own safety and do not get injured!" Situ Chuanqiong cared deeply for his only full brother. "Zixian, if the Empress successfully repels Pengxi Kingdom this time, do you think it will be even more difficult for me to depose her?"
"Imperial brother plans to depose the Empress?" Situ Zixian asked in surprise.
"Yes, as I told you. I promised Xiang'er that once everything is stable, I would disband the inner court and make her my Empress. If I don't depose the Empress..." Situ Chuanqiong was internally conflicted.
"But Imperial Sister-in-law has done nothing wrong! She is already Empress and is willing to don armor for the country. How can you depose such an Empress? Can you bear to?" Situ Zixian's voice rose uncontrollably.
"The Empress has indeed done nothing wrong, it's just that she is not the one I love." Situ Chuanqiong sighed. "Let's not dwell on this for now. The Pengxi Kingdom matter is most important."
The next morning, Xiao Wenqiang led twenty thousand troops and departed. Situ Zixian also took a contingent of dark guards, disguised, and quietly followed behind.
This journey lasted for over half a year.
During this half-year, Xiao Wenqiang first rendezvoused with Zhang Jian. Then, she had a two-hour private discussion with him in his tent and finally convinced him.
Afterward, Xiao Wenqiang began to consolidate the army internally, while also deploying troops and strategizing to attack Pengxi Kingdom.
Many within the army were former subordinates of General Chu Qian, and upon seeing Chu Yulan (Xiao Wenqiang), they were greatly moved. Coupled with the fact that young General Chu was indeed strategic, everyone's cooperation and enthusiasm increased significantly.
"We should retreat! I never expected Chu Qian's daughter to be so formidable!" The generals of Pengxi Kingdom could not hold their ground and retreated to their own small territory.
And so, the war that lasted four months concluded. Xiao Wenqiang, who had been on the brink of defeat, turned the tide and ultimately secured victory in this war.
Pengxi Kingdom signed an unequal treaty, agreeing not only to non-aggression for ten years but also to pay tribute to the Great Ding Kingdom at fixed intervals each year.
"Yulan, why don't you leave with me now? I can arrange for someone to stage an attack on you and then abduct you!" Situ Zixian suggested during their return journey, having already made contact with her.
Internally, Xiao Wenqiang did not wish to leave. Her mission was not yet complete! She had not yet caused Situ Chuanqiong's death, nor had she made him experience the pain of being abandoned by the one he loved. How could she leave with Situ Zixian now!
"Zixian, if I leave now, wouldn't I be a deserter? My Chu family has never produced a deserter!" Xiao Wenqiang rejected his proposal, thinking that the pieces she had set in motion should now be effective!
Indeed, Xiao Wenqiang volunteering for the battlefield this time was not only to gain a good reputation for Chu Yulan and enhance her own prestige. It was also to seize the opportunity to contact her father's former subordinates, those who could be utilized by her.
If she had remained in the inner court, she would never have had the chance to connect with these generals.
The capital. Yun Ding Tower. Private room.
Leng Yuanxiang, disguised as a young gentleman, was engrossed in listening to the man before her play the zither.
The man had a face like jade, and his ten slender fingers danced on the strings. With light, gentle touches and rapid plucks, beautiful music flowed from his fingertips.
Accompanying the ethereal zither music was the man's pleasant singing voice. The music and the song harmonized, leaving Leng Yuanxiang entranced.
When the piece concluded, Leng Yuanxiang clapped her hands wildly, exclaiming, "Yan Yue, you are truly amazing! That was so beautiful!"
"Thank you, Xiangxiang, for your appreciation. But it's getting late. You should head back early, you're a young lady!" Yan Yue said with a doting smile on his handsome face.
"I don't want to go back so early~ Yan Yue, please play another song for me!" Leng Yuanxiang deliberately put on a pleading look.
"I really can't refuse you!" Yan Yue shook his head helplessly. "This will truly be the last song. I'll escort you back later."
"Mmm-hmm, okay!" Leng Yuanxiang was overjoyed that her objective was achieved. She knew that if it got too late, Yan Yue wouldn't let her travel back alone at night.