“What Jiang Taohua wants?” Shen Zaiye scoffed, “Do I look like someone who would do things just to please a woman?”
With that, he turned and entered the palace.
With the new emperor’s coronation approaching, Prime Minister Shen, who had been staying in his residence, made an unprecedented visit to the Imperial Study for a private discussion with the new emperor.
Chu Shan and others, upon receiving this news, anxiously guarded outside the Imperial Study, fearing Shen Zaiye might get agitated and directly overthrow the new emperor to usurp the throne.
However, an hour later, Mu Wuxia emerged with Shen Zaiye, calmly addressing those outside, “Prime Minister Shen has served two dynasties. He shall perform the crown-bestowing ritual during the coronation ceremony.”
The crown-bestowing ritual? Chu Shan was stunned, looking at Shen Zaiye behind with a complex expression, “Does this mean the Prime Minister is willing to support the new emperor’s ascension?”
“I never said I was unwilling,” Shen Zaiye smiled. “The new emperor is the people’s choice. How could I not respect that?”
Then why did you make such a fuss earlier and refuse to hand over the imperial edict? Chu Shan frowned, unable to understand immediately. He assumed Shen had changed his mind seeing the situation was settled, so he nodded, “If the Prime Minister thinks this way, it’s certainly a blessing for our Great Wei.”
“Additionally,” Mu Wuxia said seriously, “The envoys returning to Zhao will soon bring news of our alliance. We should also organize our forces and prepare to attack Wu.”
Chu Shan paused, bowing, “Your Majesty, the late emperor’s intention seemed to be attacking Zhao…”
“Zhao has a marriage alliance with Great Wei. Attacking them would be unjust,” Mu Wuxia said solemnly. “Great Wei’s military is strong enough to attack Wu. There’s nothing to fear. As I’ve just ascended the throne without achievements, it might be hard to convince everyone. This time, I shall personally lead our troops to capture ten cities from Wu.”
Hearing this, everyone had their thoughts. Chu Shan frowned, “Your Majesty is young and spirited, I understand. But the decision to attack Wu seems hasty. I’m afraid…”
This diplomatic phrasing meant: You inexperienced youth, you think you can just declare war? Ten cities of Wu? You probably don’t even know the names of their border towns!
Mu Wuxia glanced at him, smiling lightly, “How is it hasty? I was a hostage in Wu for over ten years. No one understands Wu’s situation better than me. Currently, Wu’s royal family is embroiled in intense internal conflicts. The border cities are guarded by the second prince’s troops. If we attack now, Wu’s crown prince might even assist us. The east wind is blowing; how can we not beat the war drums?”
The ministers, hearing this, remembered that the new emperor had indeed been a hostage in Wu for many years. Considering this, his words seemed credible.
Shen Zaiye scanned their expressions and chuckled softly, “It seems His Majesty doesn’t have as much support as it appears. Even his golden words are met with doubt.”
His tone carried a hint of schadenfreude. Hearing this, Chu Shan immediately frowned and said, “We will certainly heed Your Majesty’s words. Since Your Majesty has this plan, after discussing it with the generals, we will present the strategy for attacking Wu to the Imperial Study.”
“Good,” Mu Wuxia nodded. “In war, speed is crucial. I’ll give you one day. Tomorrow, we’ll appoint the commander, raise the flag, and prepare to march.”
“We obey Your Majesty’s command.”
Shen Zaiye watched the group leave, standing behind Mu Wuxia and gazing at the clear sky outside.
“Finally, this day has come,” he said softly. “I wonder how our old friends will feel seeing us again.”
Mu Wuxia pressed his lips together, his eyes somewhat distant, murmuring, “Counting the days, it’s only been just over two years, but why does it feel like half a lifetime has passed?”
“Your Majesty is still young,” Shen Zaiye smiled. “You have a long life ahead. I will certainly help you achieve your wishes and ensure a lifetime of peace and prosperity.”
Feeling a slight movement in his heart, Mu Wuxia frowned and glanced back at him.
“Don’t worry,” Shen Zaiye said gently. “I too will surely live out my days in wealth and honor, dying of natural causes.”
“Good,” Mu Wuxia’s brow relaxed as he led Shen Zaiye out. “Since you’ve said this, I won’t worry anymore. But, didn’t you originally say we’d discuss attacking Wu after the coronation? Why the sudden rush now?”
“It’s not that I’m in a rush,” Shen Zaiye replied. “It’s just that with the alliance between the two countries, some preparations need to be made in advance.”
“By preparations, do you mean getting Zhao to agree to let the third prince lead the army?” Mu Wuxia raised an eyebrow. “Is this person related to you?”
Shen Zaiye answered seriously, “Jiang Changjue is the only capable general in Zhao.”
“I’ve heard of him,” Mu Wuxia stopped and looked Shen Zaiye up and down. “But that’s not what I’m asking. I want to know, is he Sister Jiang’s royal brother?”
Shen Zaiye fell silent, turning his head to look elsewhere.
Mu Wuxia had a sudden realization and then smiled, “The Prime Minister has indeed been thoughtful.”
“I don’t mean to show favoritism,” Shen Zaiye said flatly. “It’s just that he is indeed very suitable.”
“I understand everything,” Mu Wuxia nodded solemnly, though his eyes couldn’t help but show a teasing glint. “To think you’d have a day like this…”
The usually cold-blooded Shen Zaiye, who never involved himself in matters of the heart or showed any favor, was now willing to consider things for Sister Jiang’s sake. He even hurried to add this condition to the alliance treaty. It seems he truly has developed genuine feelings.
This version of Shen Zaiye seemed less disagreeable, no longer a cold stone statue but a man of flesh and blood in the mortal world.
Sister Jiang is truly impressive!
Clearing his throat, Shen Zaiye pressed his lips together and said, “I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll take my leave. Tomorrow is the coronation ceremony. Your Majesty should prepare well.”
“Mm,” Mu Wuxia nodded, standing with his hands behind his back, watching as Shen hurriedly left.
On the day of the coronation, Taohua rose early, meticulously preparing herself. She changed into her ceremonial robes, put on her pearl headdress, and like the other noble ladies of the court, prepared to wait in front of Qianyuan Hall.
As soon as she opened the door of Zhengchun Pavilion, she saw Shen Zaiye. He was also fully prepared, his face stern as he extended his hand to her, “Let’s go.”
Grinning, Taohua placed her hand in his, allowing him to lead her to the carriage. As usual, she stuck her head out to look at the scenery.
In recent days, the distance between her and Shen the Venomous Snake had grown, both physically and emotionally. Although it felt a bit unfamiliar, she thought it wasn’t bad. Returning to her proper position made things more comfortable.
“Pull your head back in,” Shen Zaiye said.
Taohua paused, obediently lowering the curtain and sitting quietly, eyes downcast.
“Do you know the Censor-in-Chief Nian Liguo?” he suddenly asked.
How could she know? Taohua shook her head, “I don’t know him.”
“He’s over fifty now, without children,” Shen Zaiye said expressionlessly. “He once had a son in his forties. That boy used to stick his head out of the carriage to look around. An out-of-control carriage passed by, directly taking off his head. He died on the spot.”
A chill ran down her spine as Taohua touched her neck in shock, “Did that happen?”
“So, stop sticking your head out.”
“…” So he was concerned about her? Taohua pouted. Why couldn’t he just say so earlier? Being so fierce without explaining clearly, how was she supposed to know such things had happened in the capital?
Grumbling a bit, she responded softly, “Thank you for your concern, my lord.”
Snorting lightly, Shen Zaiye turned his head away, his heart feeling a bit lighter.
“I heard you’ll be performing the crown-bestowing ritual for the new emperor later,” Taohua looked at him and suddenly asked, “Is this significant for you?”
Being able to crown an emperor would be significant for anyone, wouldn’t it? Shen Zaiye glanced at her sideways, “Of course.”
Taohua nodded, thinking silently for a while before suddenly asking, “Are you from Wu, my lord?”
His expression changed as Shen Zaiye looked at her sharply, “What nonsense are you talking about?”
She hadn’t originally intended to ask this question, but it slipped out unintentionally. Jiang Taohua quickly covered her mouth, shaking her head, “I misspoke, please don’t take it to heart.”
Narrowing his eyes, Shen Zaiye reached out to pull her closer, his gaze deep as he scrutinized her, “Are you… guessing at something?”
“Don’t take it so seriously, my lord,” Taohua laughed dryly, her gaze wandering. “Your reaction makes it hard for me not to think about it.”
What was just suspicion now seemed like it might be true, given his response.
With a serious expression, Shen Zaiye said, “Some things shouldn’t be guessed at. It’s best if you don’t even think about them, otherwise…”
“I understand, I understand,” Taohua raised both hands. “I won’t think about anything.”
But since he said this, it confirmed one thing.
The coronation ceremony began. The noble ladies were arranged neatly in a section to the left of the steps. Jiang Taohua stood at the front, watching as after a series of rituals, Shen Zaiye took the emperor’s dragon crown and slowly placed it on Mu Wuxia’s head.
Although they were far apart, she could see his expression. It showed satisfaction, joy, and more importantly, the contentment of finally reaping the rewards of much effort.
Why was Shen Zaiye so loyal to this sixteen-year-old child? Why did he insist on helping him ascend to the throne?
What she couldn’t understand before, she finally grasped now.
In Wu’s customs, men wear the Hundred Spring Flowers for blessings in spring. Mu Wuxia had worn it, and so had Shen Zaiye.
This was no coincidence. Shen Zaiye was indeed from Wu.
And Mu Wuxia…
Looking up at the youth in his dazzling golden dragon robe, and the expression of looking down upon the world as he turned, Taohua smiled.
How could a hostage held for over a decade have such bearing and confidence? What Mu Wuxia had learned were things ordinary people had no access to. Moreover, the “imperial sister” he mentioned wasn’t a princess of Great Wei at all.
In other words, he was most likely a prince of Wu.
“Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long, live the Emperor!” The ministers shouted. Jiang Taohua also knelt in obeisance, her heart trembling uncontrollably.
(End of Chapter)