The many ministers at the court immediately displayed fascinating expressions, which Feng Miaojun observed with secret amusement. From now on, Fu Lingchuan and the aristocratic families would check each other’s power, allowing her to act freely.
“Very well, Minister Fu has taken his position. Now let us move to the second item on today’s agenda,” she said methodically.
The second bombshell announcement was that following the Southern Continent, the Northern Continent had also erupted in major warfare:
King Xiao Yan of Wei had once again declared war on Yao Kingdom!
These two countries hardly needed an excuse to fight anymore—Xiao Yan could righteously claim to be “avenging his royal father.” The Wei Kingdom had suffered a great defeat in the Wufu Snow Mountain battle two years ago, even losing their sovereignty, which had been a source of shame for its officials and citizens. Fortunately, the past two years had seen good weather and harvests, strengthening the nation. This time, there was hardly any need for mobilization—the enthusiasm for war was already exceptionally high.
Xiao Yan deployed fifty thousand troops, almost following the previous invasion route into the Yao Kingdom. His timing also mirrored what had happened a year ago, taking advantage of Yan Kingdom’s attack on Xi Kingdom.
This timing was carefully arranged. Fu Lingchuan analyzed: “Xi Kingdom’s defeat is only a matter of time, and Wei Kingdom will eventually have to face Yan directly. The problem is that Yao and Yan have always maintained good relations. If the Wei Kingdom finds itself caught in a pincer attack, their future will be quite difficult.”
There was only one way to break this deadlock—to strike first.
Wei and Yao had deep blood feuds. Why didn’t Wei try to follow the same pattern and sign a treaty with the Yao Kingdom? First, Yao Kingdom was not in the same desperate situation as New Xia, both internally and externally. Like people, countries are strongest when they have no desires. A mere few tens of millions would not tempt Miao Fengxian—this approach would likely fail.
Second, the Yao Kingdom was prosperous, far surpassing the impoverished and weakened New Xia. What the Wei Kingdom coveted was the enormous wealth accumulated since the founding of Great Yao. Not to mention, the divine artifact Golden City could play a game-changing role in warfare—everyone understood this.
Therefore, neither side wanted to sign a peace agreement.
But Fu Lingchuan also questioned: “The Wei Kingdom is being so proactive. However, once the Yan-Xi war ends quickly, Yan and Yao might join forces to attack Wei. Doesn’t Xiao Yan worry about this?” Too many factors influenced warfare, making its progress almost uncontrollable. Even a power as strong as the Yan Kingdom had returned defeated from its previous assault on the Xi Kingdom. How could the Wei Kingdom be so confident they could quickly defeat the Yao Kingdom? After the Yan Kingdom consumed the Xi Kingdom, they would likely help the Yao Kingdom deal with Wei.
Xiao Yan’s actions might bring this terrible situation forward prematurely.
Feng Miaojun shared the same doubts. Xiao Yan was an intelligent person, not as obsessive as the old Wei King Xiao Chengzhang, and with Yun Ya as his advisor, he shouldn’t be making such an unwise move.
So, where did Xiao Yan get his confidence for this invasion of Yao?
Thinking of this, Feng Miaojun gritted her teeth in anger: No wonder Yun Ya had tried every means to sign an agreement with New Xia last summer—this had been part of their consideration!
Wei Kingdom’s planning was long-term, and they had likely prepared for another invasion of Yao long ago. Once the agreement was signed, New Xia could no longer send troops to aid the Yao Kingdom!
Because of this matter, the royal court was filled with debate, all discussing how New Xia should position itself. Hou Yanbei said: “To remain uninvolved would invite criticism.”
New Xia had diplomatic relations with the Yao Kingdom, and Queen Langle also had a personal connection with the Crown Princess of Yao. Publicly and privately, the two countries had ties. Could they really just stand by and watch as Yao Kingdom was invaded by Wei without taking action?
Prime Minister Wang Yuan immediately responded: “Our country has signed an agreement with Wei, prohibiting us from sending troops to aid their opponents. This is a covenant established in the name of the nation. If we dare to renege, New Xia will face divine punishment.” The Heavenly Way truly existed, and under its supervision, no one dared to joke about making oaths—the concept of divine punishment was very real in this world.
In truth, all the ministers understood this. Emotionally, the people of New Xia were more inclined to help the Yao Kingdom, but standing between them was a damned agreement.
For two consecutive days, court discussions yielded no results. Feng Miaojun’s face was grave as she left her seat.
Fu Lingchuan waited for her in the corridor outside the court, and as soon as they met, he said in a low voice: “Do you remember the countermeasures we discussed?” After Yun Ya’s proposal, they thoroughly screened every item, anticipating the worst scenarios. The current trouble had been considered in advance.
Feng Miaojun neither confirmed nor denied: “Unless we have no other options.”
While the Hou clan was still pursuing the scattered members of the Shi family, the imprisoned Shi clan patriarch requested an audience with the sovereign. At that time, Feng Miaojun was drinking almond tea and didn’t even look up as she said: “Since he didn’t wish to see me before, there’s no need to see me now.” She had established audience procedures for all the great families, with only one opportunity.
When the Son of Heaven is angered, blood flows like water.
The Shi family even sought out Prime Minister Wang Yuan to intercede, but Wang Yuan shook his head: “I’m afraid it can’t be done. The Shi family has committed treason, an unforgivable crime.” In this series of palace coups, both Fu Lingchuan and Hou Yanbei, the two main protagonists, preserved their lives and even returned to court positions. Though each had their reasons, the Queen absolutely could not give others the illusion that after usurping power or plotting rebellion, they could still live well.
If she wanted to establish authority, she must kill one to warn a hundred. The Shi family had delivered themselves to her gun barrel at this time—weren’t they seeking death?
Sure enough, the Queen’s verdict came down that very day:
Immediate execution!
The execution would take place at the market entrance. Queen Langle wanted everyone to see the consequences of defiance and rebellion!
Prime Minister Wang Yuan made a timely plea for mercy. After the executioner’s blade had already taken several heads, Feng Miaojun changed her decision, sparing the Shi family’s women and children but exiling them to a remote southeastern region.
Commoners gathered to watch the execution, while Wuseier’s nobility was silent with fear.
However, Feng Miaojun wanted more than just their awe. After dealing with the Shi family, the royal court issued new decrees the next day. Each one was heavy-hitting, making the entire city of Wuseier tremble.
The first decree established a rotating garrison system for the capital. From the day of the proclamation, military units from various regions would take turns being dispatched to Wuseier to serve as city guards, rotating annually.
Second, the royal court would send officials to local areas to assist with military and political affairs.
The wording of the third edict was much gentler: noble sons from various regions who entered royal service and contributed through literary or military achievements would not only receive normal rewards, but their family estates would also enjoy graduated tax reductions on agricultural and commercial taxes.
Other minor details need not be elaborated.
Discerning individuals immediately understood that the first two decrees strengthened the royal court’s control over the military, prevented mutinies, and further reduced the power of local aristocratic families. But after striking with a stick, one must also offer a sweet date—thus, the third decree was a pacification measure. After being stripped of military power, the aristocratic families no longer needed to maintain large armies, which made their income more substantial. With the additional tax benefits provided by the royal court, they could live even more comfortably.
This approach would also attract ambitious sons from the local nobility to enter official service in the royal court. Within a few years, the gap between central and local authorities would gradually dissolve.