The young emperor remained silent.

How could Shu Shenhui not see that he was still unconvinced? He smiled. “Still not satisfied? Whatever you want to say, go ahead and say it.”

“You’re the one telling me to say it!” Shu Jian muttered quietly. “I just don’t believe it—could it be that in all of Great Wei, only Jiang Zuzhang can fight wars, so Third Imperial Uncle, you need to court his favor like this…”

“Yes, Great Wei was founded through military might, and those who could lead troops in battle were originally as numerous as stars. I remember when your Imperial Grandfather, the Sacred Martial Emperor, made his final round of enfeoffments, he created no fewer than ten first-rank dukes alone. However, in just ten short years, most of those former meritorious officials have either become indulgent in pleasure with deteriorated martial skills, or grown arrogant from their achievements and become difficult to employ.”

“Jian’er, during these past decades, the Beidi have produced a heroic king who not only established his state and proclaimed himself emperor in imitation of the Central Plains, but also leveraged his early conquest of the northern provinces to supposedly control a million cavalry. Even if this is somewhat exaggerated, their national military strength is unprecedented. Not only that, several princes in their country are no mediocrities either. Among them, one prince named Chi Shu is exceptional, attracting Han Chinese to serve under him. After the Battle of Qingmu Plains, this man was stationed in the Yanshuo region with the title of Southern King. To reclaim Great Wei’s northern gateway, the final decisive battle to come will be a national war whose difficulty may surpass even your Imperial Grandfather’s campaigns. It won’t be enough to have fierce generals unafraid of death charging ahead. The commander must possess the ability to strategize from headquarters and handle great responsibilities with ease. Looking at the current court, the person most suitable to serve as Grand Marshal of all forces under heaven in the future is Jiang Zuzhang.”

The young emperor initially looked unconvinced, but gradually focused intently on him without blinking.

Shu Shenhui paused briefly in contemplation and continued, “There’s another matter I haven’t had time to tell you yet, which I was planning to inform you about in the coming days. When Jiang Zuzhang first entered military service in his early years, he was under the High King’s command and received his promotion. The High King has always wanted to recruit him for his use. This is also why my marriage proposal made him so unable to contain himself. That would be one thing, but just a few months ago, the King of Cheng secretly sent envoys to meet with Jiang Zuzhang…”

In a distant corner, a spider that had fallen was crawling on the vast, sea-like shelves, trying to return to the web it had painstakingly spun with its silk. But it was aimless, anxiously circling in place for a moment before randomly crawling onto a nearby latticed window.

The young emperor was shocked. “What? Did such a thing happen? Could it be that Jiang Zuzhang is also in league with them?”

Shu Shenhui shook his head. “Jiang Zuzhang is conservative and cautious in his actions. These past few years, he has probably also noticed the High King’s growing arrogance and should fear getting into trouble. As far as I know, there has been no active contact. What exactly the King of Cheng’s envoy said to him this time is unknown. But based on my speculation, it must have been to advise him to guard against achieving merit that overshadows his master, intending to win him over. Jiang Zuzhang should not have agreed, but he also never reported this matter to the court. With his experience, by now he cannot possibly fail to see the intentions of the High King and King of Cheng.”

The young emperor was furious. “So he, too, like those people, attempts to sit on the fence and wait to see which way the wind blows?”

Shu Shenhui’s expression grew grave. “It’s possible he didn’t report it out of old loyalty. However, we cannot be unguarded.”

“As you just said, at such a time, we must certainly show the court’s favor and trust toward him. Since ancient times, marriage alliances have been the shortcut for close friendship between two families. When the imperial house wishes to show favor and trust to a minister, it generally follows this pattern. Whatever the future may bring can be discussed later—at least today, I am using this to convey my attitude to him. As long as he wholeheartedly supports the court, the court and Your Majesty place great hopes in him with absolutely no ill will. To show solemnity, the one representing me in this marriage proposal is your Imperial Great-Uncle. In my early years of border inspection, I spent several days with Jiang Zuzhang. Though the time was short, I could tell he was a man of insight. I expect he can comprehend the deeper meaning of my action and make the response he should make. That is also what I anticipate.”

“But people’s hearts are separated by their bellies. What if he, too, harbors duplicitous intentions like those others, intending to sit on the fence…” The young emperor stopped.

Shu Shenhui smiled faintly. “This is exactly why the High King had to die. Beat the grass to startle the snake—let those who have long been wavering understand that there’s still time to correct their errors.”

“Why give those wavering people a chance? Why not take the opportunity to kill them all and eliminate future troubles!” the young emperor said hatefully.

“Jian’er, remember this: the most difficult thing to control in this world is the human heart.”

“Human nature has myriad aspects, with rules permeating everything. Guide them forward with benevolence and righteousness, restrain them with punishments and penalties. Thus, unite all within the seas and bring order to the myriad people.’ You’ve read this, haven’t you?” He looked toward the young emperor.

Shu Jian replied, “Words from the Book of Rites.”

Shu Shenhui nodded. “Correct!”

“A ruler will certainly have those who pledge loyalty unto death beneath him, but there will also always be wavering people. Such people cannot be killed off completely. Even during the reign of the Sacred Martial Emperor, do you think there were none? They simply didn’t dare harbor duplicitous thoughts due to awe of the Sacred Martial Emperor’s imperial majesty. As a ruler, what you need to do now is become familiar with court administration and gradually establish your authority. When the day comes that your imperial majesty is sufficiently powerful, then you can command at will, using both kindness and severity to make everyone serve you, including those who once wavered.”

“This time, my proposal to marry Jiang Zuzhang’s daughter, besides showing him favor, has another purpose. Everyone knows he was the High King’s former subordinate with close past relations. Now that the High King has fallen, countless eyes are secretly watching him. Yet not only has he not been implicated, he has instead gained even greater court favor. This sends a message to everyone about the court’s attitude: as long as one is not a ringleader, if they serve the court loyally henceforth, past matters will not be held against them. Do you understand, Jian’er?”

The young emperor had a sudden realization. “I understand! Third Imperial Uncle, when you explain books, it’s much more interesting than Grand Tutor Ding! Whenever I hear him speak, I want to sleep!”

“Grand Tutor Ding’s scholarly attainments far exceed mine. You must not be disrespectful!”

“Yes, I understand.” The young emperor obediently replied, then looked at Shu Shenhui with a hesitant expression. Finally, as if making some difficult decision, he gritted his teeth and said with a tragic expression, “Third Imperial Uncle, if someone must marry the Jiang family daughter, it doesn’t necessarily have to be you! I can do it too! I’ll marry her!”

Shu Shenhui probably hadn’t expected such words to come from his mouth. Surprised, he looked him over. “You? Weren’t you just completely dismissive of that female general?”

Shu Jian’s face flushed red. “Third Imperial Uncle, don’t think I’m still young—I know everything! That Wen family lady who just left—you two have mutual affection! It must be because she learned you’re going to marry the Jiang family daughter that she’s so heartbroken. I know Third Imperial Uncle’s heart must be heavy too—”

He suddenly puffed out his chest with a solemn expression like someone going to his death. “Third Imperial Uncle, you’re doing this entirely for Great Wei, for the court! Since that’s the case, I am the emperor! Such a sacrifice is my duty as Great Wei’s ruler and shouldn’t be borne by Third Imperial Uncle! You’ve already worked so hard for me!”

He paused. “If I’m too young to marry immediately, we could first arrange the betrothal and hold the wedding ceremony when I come of age. Wouldn’t the meaning be the same?”

Hearing such words from his nephew’s mouth and seeing his resolute expression, Shu Shenhui suddenly felt somewhat amused, but soon, more than anything, he felt a surge of emotion.

The young emperor’s personality was exuberant and he hated restraint, often causing Shu Shenhui concern, wondering when he would finally mature and truly understand that while emperors enjoy supreme power and glory, their shoulders must also bear equally supreme responsibility. But at this moment, the words coming from his mouth, though still childish, were enough to show his sincere intentions.

He said, “Jian’er, listen carefully. First, this marriage is not a sacrifice for me, but something I have planned. Second, my age matches hers better, and there will be more suitable women for you in the future.”

“But Third Imperial Uncle, you and the Wen family lady are also a match made in heaven! I really can’t bear to see you separated from your beloved—”

“Jian’er!”

Shu Shenhui called his name again, interrupting him. After a pause, he said, “She and I only know each other from childhood due to her grand tutor’s connection, having a bit more history than with others, but no other deep relationship. You must never again mention such words that would damage a young lady’s reputation!”

The young emperor didn’t believe this explanation and muttered quietly, “…I’m not the one saying it. People outside all say this, that she remains unmarried because she’s waiting for Third Imperial Uncle…”

Shu Shenhui frowned, and the young emperor, seeing his expression, immediately shut his mouth.

“Jian’er, remember this,” Shu Shenhui said solemnly. “General Jiang is a famous general of our Great Wei. As for his daughter, though I have never met her, she is incomparable to ordinary people and cannot be treated lightly. How you treat me, you must treat her the same way in the future, without harboring the slightest disrespect.”

“I understand…” the young emperor mumbled vaguely.

Shu Shenhui looked up at the sun’s position. “It’s about time. I should return to the city, and you should return to the palace too. Let’s go.”

Having finally escaped with great difficulty, Shu Jian was very reluctant to go back, but he also understood that today’s situation was special. With such a major incident occurring in the morning, though all key departments throughout the imperial city were under control, Third Imperial Uncle did need to return.

As he dawdled reluctantly, a group of people came rushing from outside, led by Liu Xiang with imperial guards following behind.

Liu Xiang spotted the young emperor at a glance and confirmed he was indeed with the Regent King. He breathed a long sigh of relief, steadied himself, and quickly stepped forward to kneel and request forgiveness: “Your humble minister failed in protecting Your Majesty. Please forgive me, Your Majesty and Regent King!”

It turned out that earlier, he had caught up with the imperial procession. After the young emperor had gotten off the carriage to relieve himself and returned to get back on, they had traveled for some distance when he noticed that one of the attendants walking alongside the carriage was missing. Thinking of some of the young emperor’s past escapades, he became suspicious. So he approached the carriage and, finding an excuse to test with questions, received no response from inside for a long time. Knowing something was wrong, he ordered the imperial carriage to stop. Opening the door, the young emperor was indeed gone—only the attendant wearing the imperial robes knelt inside, pale and trembling.

This caused an uproar among the accompanying princes and officials, who discussed it animatedly. Liu Xiang reported to Empress Dowager Lan in front, who only then learned her son had left midway. Both angry and furious, she immediately ordered the beheading of the attendant who dared to impersonate the emperor. Liu Xiang intervened to dissuade her, saying that since today was the Empress Dowager’s birthday, it was inappropriate to see blood, and thus the attendant barely saved his life. He then had others escort the Empress Dowager back to the palace while he hurried back to search.

Though the young emperor was safe, Liu Xiang had failed in his duties twice in one morning, so his current mood could be imagined.

Fortunately, the Regent King didn’t seem to blame him, only glancing at the young emperor when hearing that Empress Dowager Lan had wanted to execute the attendant in anger.

The young emperor lowered his head.

“Your Majesty, please return to the city,” the Regent King respectfully requested.

This time, Shu Jian didn’t dare delay any longer. Reluctantly, he took the lead in stepping over the threshold. After the Regent King followed in second position, Liu Xiang quickly got up from the ground and led his subordinates to follow.

The group departed, their footsteps gradually fading until silence returned.

The autumn wind swept through the south window, and a yellow leaf drifted down, landing in solitude.

In the dark, secluded northwest corner of the pavilion, the spider struggled upward and finally climbed from the latticed window back to the top of the bookshelf from which it had fallen when its thread broke. However, the broken thread swayed in the wind, and the spider tried again and again to reach it, only to grasp at empty air repeatedly. This continued with seemingly endless determination.

Suddenly, a hand reached out and stopped beside the small creature, quietly waiting for it to climb onto the fingertip. Lifting it gently, the hand placed it at the edge of the broken thread.

Given this opportunity, the small creature immediately grasped hold and quickly climbed up the spider silk, finally returning to its web. Settling in place, without a moment’s rest, it continued busily spinning silk without pause.