Chapter 157 - 131: The Coming Storm
Chapter 157: Chapter 131: The Coming Storm
But for the stability of the court, there was truly no other way.
In the imperial palace of the Northern Barbarians, the Empress of the Xiao Clan sat in her bedchamber. Reading the intelligence report a subordinate had handed her, her brow gradually furrowed.
The dim candlelight cast flickering shadows across her face.
After a moment, she sighed and turned to the handmaiden behind her. "Summon the Crown Princess. Tell her it’s urgent."
"Yes, Your Majesty." The handmaiden acknowledged the order and quickly withdrew.
A short while later, Xiao Hua walked in, dressed in a black Round Dragon Robe.
Two years had lent her a greater maturity and a deeper charm.
She no longer looked as she had in the past—always malnourished, her complexion pale.
Now, her complexion was fair with a healthy, rosy glow, and her figure had filled out considerably. Even the loose-fitting Round Dragon Robe couldn’t conceal her shapely curves, and she exuded an air of nobility.
Upon seeing her mother, she bowed and asked, "Mother, you wished to see me?"
"Have you been corresponding with Yuan recently?"
"Yes, a letter arrives every few days." At the mention of Lu Yuan, Xiao Hua’s eyes instantly lit up.
"And he hasn’t said anything?"
"No, he just says he’s doing fine. He’s a General now, you know! Yuan is truly incredible," Xiao Hua said with a sigh of admiration.
The Empress couldn’t help but shake her head. Her own daughter had countless Generals under her command, yet she was earnestly praising Lu Yuan for finally becoming one. It left the Empress speechless.
Then she said, "That Yuan... he only ever reports the good news, never the bad. According to our spies in Dayong, his situation is dire. The court is using him as a blade to sever the influence of the aristocracy at the Northern Border."
"Now that it’s over, the entire court’s aristocracy is submitting memorials demanding Lu Yuan be punished. What do you think the Yong Emperor will do to appease their fury?"
"I’ll go to the Northern Border to help him right away." Xiao Hua’s face went pale the moment she heard her mother’s words, and she turned to leave.
"You foolish girl, you always lose your composure when it comes to Yuan. Stop right there! Are you trying to start a war with Dayong, rushing to the border like this? You represent the Northern Barbarians now."
"Besides, even if you go, there’s no guarantee you can save him," the Empress said.
"Then... then what should I do?" Xiao Hua was at a complete loss.
The Empress mulled it over for a moment before speaking. "We are currently at war with the Shengman, and we’ve been on the losing end. You are responsible for this front. If you suddenly abandon your post, I’m afraid the army at the front line won’t be able to hold out."
"Tonight, you will transfer command to Xiao Lie. Let him take charge of the war with the Shengman."
"Then, you will focus exclusively on Yuan’s situation. When you leave, take with you the Unparalleled Marquis of Dayong from the Celestial Prison—the one your grandfather captured all those years ago."
"He is a noble Marquis. There shouldn’t be any problem exchanging him for Yuan."
"After all, in the eyes of the Dayong court, Yuan’s status seems to be quite low."
"The Unparalleled Marquis, on the other hand, is hailed as a once-in-a-millennium talent in Dayong. He’s also a member of the imperial clan. He’s been locked in the Celestial Prison ever since his capture ten years ago."
"Dayong sends envoys every year to negotiate his return in exchange for resources. He carries significant weight."
As soon as the Empress finished speaking, a look of joy spread across Xiao Hua’s face. "I’ll go make the arrangements right away," she said.
"Yes. But remember," her mother added, "do not release the Unparalleled Marquis unless it is the absolute last resort. His talent is truly exceptional. Letting him go would be like releasing a tiger back to its mountain."
"The Northern Barbarians and Dayong will clash again, sooner or later."
"The best solution is to trade for Yuan with resources."
"A person-for-person exchange is the last resort."
"I will have the Border Army stationed near Dayong coordinate with you."
"Understood." Xiao Hua nodded and then left in a hurry.
Watching her daughter’s retreating figure, the Empress’s knuckles turned white as she gripped her teacup.
In her heart, Lu Yuan held a place no different from that of her own son or nephew.
Now that he was in such a perilous situation, the Empress was naturally on edge.
But she couldn’t let it show in front of her daughter, otherwise Xiao Hua would only panic more.
HUFF.
With that exhalation, a black glow enveloped the Empress’s body. Once the light faded, she, too, left the bedchamber.