However, time was needed.

And now, what Gu Chaobei found most difficult to endure was also time.

The transformation of an empire was not the work of a day or night—everything had to be endured slowly. By the time Shen Guiyan finished her month of postpartum confinement, the weather in the capital had already turned cold.

National Uncle Wen established a regime in the capital, self-proclaiming himself Prince Protector of the Realm. In the name of the young sovereign, he gathered nearby prefectures and counties, then using the capital as a base, after reorganizing, continued toward Lizhou.

“This realm was won with your help.” Wen Shoushan smiled as he looked at the group of trusted subordinates before him. “Now it’s time for me to fulfill my promises.”

Ennobling them as marquises and ministers, bestowing gold, silver, and jewels—Prince Protector of the Realm understood how to comfort people’s hearts and how to make these people continue risking their lives for him.

However, when looking at Shen Guiwu, he coughed twice. “You come speak with me alone.”

Shen Guiwu followed him to a deserted palace corridor and heard Wen Shoushan sigh. “Guiwu, this prince has seen your loyalty. That traitor Yuwen fled, yet you still remained by this prince’s side. Naturally this prince cannot treat you poorly.”

“It’s all what this general should do.” Shen Guiwu bowed with clasped hands.

Wen Shoushan smiled somewhat guiltily as he looked at him. “Originally I promised that if we captured the capital, I would have the entire Shen family executed to settle the hatred in your heart. Right?”

“Precisely.” Shen Guiwu lowered his eyes. “The Shen family wronged my mother and me, and even caused my birth mother’s death. This general wishes nothing more than to cut them down with one stroke!”

Sensing Shen Guiwu’s anger, Wen Shoushan patted his shoulder. “You’re someone who does great things, and this prince values you. But the Shen family… Noble Consort Yan is also part of the Shen family now, and the Shen family has some influence in the capital. Our foundation isn’t yet stable, and we especially cannot hurt Noble Consort Yan’s heart. This…”

Shen Shiqing had switched sides far too quickly. Plus, he was on good terms with many in the court, and had once been Marquis Zhongjun enfeoffed by the Emperor. If he could submit to him, naturally he was reluctant to kill him directly—keeping him alive was so useful.

Shen Guiwu also understood. Right now Wen Shoushan didn’t want to move against the Shen family, because of Yan’er and because of the Shen family’s influence.

Only now did he finally understand why Gu Chaobei had been so insistent on cultivating the Shen family.

“Since that’s the case, this general cannot disrupt Your Highness’s overall plan.” Shen Guiwu said through gritted teeth. “This subordinate can endure it.”

“You understand the bigger picture, so this prince can rest easy.” Wen Shoushan patted Shen Guiwu’s shoulder and walked away with a smile.

Shen Guiwu remained in place. Only after Wen Shoushan had walked away and disappeared from sight did he let out a breath of relief.

Quite a few officials remained in the capital. Only the Emperor, Yuwen Changqing, and some military generals had fled. The civil officials were weak and quickly accepted Wen Shoushan’s rule. The capital used these two months to return to its original state.

Shen Guiyan also used these two months to contact many people.

Wen Shoushan was a usurper—the common people knew this deeply but dared not speak. Shen Guiyan often left the palace. Wen Shoushan didn’t control her because she only went to soup kitchens or the graveyard outside the city—she wouldn’t do anything else.

At first he was wary of this woman, but as time passed, Wen Shoushan felt that a woman with no support couldn’t stir up any great waves. Eager to organize his troops and head to Lizhou, he only had Shen Guiwu send people to watch Shen Guiyan a bit.

Shen Guiwu personally watched her, accompanying her to the mass grave in the outskirts.

One great battle, countless dead and wounded—it wasn’t appropriate to erect monuments. They were all buried together in one place, creating a mound of earth.

Shen Guiyan stood before the mound, her appearance somewhat haggard, though her clothing was still neat. She had arranged to meet someone.

Gu Chaodong came in great haste. He had remained in the capital and been recruited by Wen Shoushan, demoted to Principal Administrator of the Ministry of War. Receiving Shen Guiyan’s letter, he came in a panic.

“Yan’er!”

She had given birth to an imperial prince yet was abandoned by the Emperor in the capital. Just hearing the news made Gu Chaodong’s heart ache. He had been unable to see her until finally having this opportunity today.

Shen Guiyan raised her head. Her beautiful face had thinned until there was hardly any flesh left, yet her eyes still held spirit. “Minister Gu.”

Gu Chaodong stood before her, wanting very much to reach out and touch her. However, Shen Guiwu came up beside them and blocked him.

“This humble official was impolite. What orders does Your Ladyship have?” Gu Chaodong asked with clasped hands.

“This palace is just a woman of the inner chambers and cannot accomplish great things. I only ask that Minister harbors loyalty to the former dynasty in his heart.” Shen Guiyan said softly.

Gu Chaodong understood. So today wasn’t specifically to meet him—she had probably already seen many people in the court. When Prime Minister Gu left, he had also said to feign surrender and remain in the capital.

Was Shen Guiyan the same?

“This subject understands.” Gu Chaodong bowed, but still couldn’t help raising his head to look at her. “With Your Ladyship alone in the deep palace with the imperial prince, won’t there be some danger?”

“No.” This time it was Shen Guiwu who answered him. “No need to worry overmuch. This one will protect Her Ladyship well.”

After all, she was his most beloved younger sister.

Gu Chaodong wanted to say more, but Shen Guiyan had already nodded. “This palace should return to the city. Minister may read this letter when you return. I take my leave here.”

An unsigned letter was passed into his hand. Gu Chaodong reached out to receive it, watching helplessly as Shen Guiyan boarded the carriage and once again disappeared from sight.

The capital stabilized, and Wen Shoushan was about to set out for Lizhou. Someone advised him there was no need to personally lead the campaign. The old man in his fifties snorted with laughter. “Have this old master sit in the imperial palace waiting for news of your battles? That won’t set my mind at ease. I’ll go personally—guaranteed to win from the start!”

“Then what about the court here?” Scholar Fu frowned and asked.

Wen Shoushan looked at Shen Guiwu. “Have him guard it. This young fellow fought all the way here with me. I trust him!”

All this effort had been just to earn this one statement of trust. Shen Guiwu knelt to receive the command, agreeing to guard the capital in the rear for Wen Shoushan.

The Emperor showed no intention of returning to the capital, so the great army would have to go invite him back.

Wen Shoushan led his forces toward Lizhou. The capital was temporarily managed by Shen Guiwu. But somehow, the memorials submitted by the officials gradually all went to Shen Guiyan for review. At first some had objections, but whether decisions or suggestions, everything that was approved was extremely reasonable.

Many civil officials in the court supported Noble Consort Yan temporarily administering government affairs in place of the young sovereign. Shen Guiwu also turned a blind eye. When Wen Shoushan sent letters to inquire, he answered that all was well in the capital.

Shen Guiyan wore the robes of a Noble Consort yet sat on the dragon throne, holding her son with one hand while reviewing memorials with the other.

Gu Chaodong and others were promoted by her all the way up, becoming her right and left arms. Scholar Zhou and others finished persuading the princes and all returned to her side.

When Scholar Fu saw the situation in the court and felt things were increasingly wrong, he attempted to write a letter to inform the campaigning Wen Shoushan.

Before the letter could be sent out, it arrived in Shen Guiyan’s hands.

Scholar Fu died in his own bed at home. It was said he hired prostitutes at home and died from excessive indulgence.

“No wonder he didn’t like women and kept saying Noble Consort Yan shouldn’t be involved in government affairs.” Court officials laughed. “You couldn’t tell from looking at him—at such an advanced age…”

Shen Guiyan was skillful with words. Everyone only felt this woman had some ambition, but didn’t think that in front of Wen Shoushan’s iron cavalry, she could accomplish anything.