As an emperor, Wen Yanran only needed to lay out the broader plans and then recline peacefully in her palace, embracing a laid-back, “salty fish” lifestyle. As for translating theory into practice, that fell to her diligent and dedicated subordinates to accomplish step by step.
After several days of communication, Zhang Luo and his team finally uncovered the true intentions of Wu Geqi.
The purpose of the envoy from the Wuliu tribe was likely as Wen Yanran had guessed -officially to deliver people, but secretly to release them. However, Wu Geqi himself harbored deeper ambitions.
Wu Geqi candidly revealed his true identity to the palace officials, explaining that both the chieftain of the Wuliu tribe and the Left General had long harbored rebellious intentions. Though they outwardly claimed allegiance as a tribe, they had essentially declared themselves independent rulers, wavering in their loyalty to the Great Zhou. Within the tribe, only the Right General remained modest, unambitious, and law-abiding. If the imperial envoy was willing to help the Right General become the new chieftain, the Wuliu tribe would pledge allegiance to the Great Zhou afterward. This, he argued, would ensure at least a decade of peace along the borderlands.
In truth, one small reason Wu Geqi made such a proposal was his assumption that Zhang Luo and Chi Yi were subordinates placed by the State Preceptor to control the young emperor. He hoped Wen Jingmei would sympathize with their shared desire to challenge authority and, at the very least as a probing move, assist the Wuliu tribe in changing its chieftain.
Zhang Luo explained, “In truth, the chieftain of the Wuliu tribe and his uncle – the Left General – have been locked in a long-standing conflict. Like the snipe and clam, each too stubborn to yield, Wu Geqi naturally wishes to be the fisherman who profits from their strife. Moreover, as the son of the former chieftain, his reputation for fairness and wisdom has earned him considerable support. Should both Wu She and the Left General perish, and if he then endorses the Right General, it is highly likely that the tribespeople would rally behind them.”
Upon hearing this, Wen Yanran’s lips curved into a faint smile as she remarked slowly, “I, too, am aware of the circumstances within the Wuliu tribe. That Right General is indeed mild-tempered and generous. No wonder this individual seeks to use his name to further their own agenda.”
After saying this, she fell silent, leaning by the window to read for a while.
The palace attendants in the hall stood with bowed heads, as still and silent as sculptures.
Chi Yi and Zhang Luo dared not even exchange glances, standing quietly behind Wen Yanran.
They had investigated the situation within the Wuliu tribe and knew that the Right General held the weakest influence and possessed the gentlest temperament. Regardless of which ambitious schemer sought a puppet, they would most likely choose him.
Just then, Wen Yanran suddenly closed the book in her hands, her eyes taking on a stern gleam. “There is one thing that person said correctly: the Wuliu tribe has indeed long harbored rebellious intentions. Since that is the case, it is only a matter of time before I must subjugate them.”
Upon hearing these words, Zhang Luo’s heart skipped a beat.
Having served the Emperor up to this point, he was well aware of her profound sagacity. Once the Emperor declared her intent to launch a campaign, it meant her determination was unshakable. Moreover, as a close attendant to the sovereign, Zhang Luo instinctively sensed that at this moment, the Emperor already harbored a sliver of killing intent within her heart.
Wen Yanran closed her eyes briefly. When she opened them again, her tone had softened back to its usual calmness, and she even smiled faintly. “Borrowing a knife to kill, diverting trouble to the east, burning bridges after crossing the river… That young prince is certainly well-read. It’s just that I never expected such arrogance from his kind, daring to treat the heroes of the Central Plains as if they were nothing!”
Whether it was Wen Yanran herself, or Chi Yi and Zhang Luo – who had the makings of powerful court officials – they all understood exactly what that young prince intended to do: since the Right General of the Wuliu tribe was modest and unassuming by nature, he was inherently suited to be a puppet ruler in name only. Once the Right General became the chieftain, the real power of the tribe would naturally shift into the hands of Wu Geqi.
So why was Wu Geqi so insistent on involving the Great Zhou in this affair?
There were many possible reasons. Perhaps the situation within the tribe was critical, and his own strength was still insufficient, forcing him to rely on external support. Or perhaps he wanted the Great Zhou to take the blame for him.
It might even be both.
Wen Yanran spoke slowly, “Once this person consolidates his power, he will inevitably frame the Right General with charges of ‘colluding with the Great Zhou to murder the chieftain’ and use this as an excuse to stir up rebellion. As for ten years of peace – it will be more like one or two years at best, or three to five years at worst. Before long, conflict will inevitably erupt along the border.”
There were a few more points she left unspoken. Compared to the Great Zhou, the Wuliu tribe had a smaller population – a disadvantage in terms of national strength, but an advantage when it came to maintaining stability.
The Great Zhou’s vast territory required laws, customs, ethics, and culture to foster a sense of belonging among its people. In contrast, the Wuliu tribe had a smaller population and relatively concentrated settlements. Therefore, overwhelming military force alone could temporarily ensure stability.
When internal strife frequently plagued the Great Zhou, someone like Wu Geqi could easily lead troops to harass the border, using victories in warfare to divert tensions within the tribe. If handled skillfully, Wu Geqi might indeed become the founding ancestor of a new dynasty in the Wuliu region.
Wen Yanran recalled that in some branching storylines of that interactive book, the Great Zhou would ultimately be overthrown by border tribes.
The Emperor leaned against the armrest by the window, remaining silent for a long while before finally instructing the attendant beside her, “Call a musician skilled in playing the qin to perform a few soothing melodies for me.”
The palace servants in the Western Yong Palace had been attending to the Emperor for some time and were quite familiar with her temperament. Without needing further instruction, a single glance from Wen Yanran was enough for them to swiftly move a lounge chair over for the Emperor to recline upon.
Since there was no need to venture outside today, Wen Yanran loosened her hair bun and allowed the attendant to gently comb it out.
Seeing that the Emperor had settled in, Zhang Luo and Chi Yi slowly withdrew from the hall. Once they reached the corridor, they stood still, glancing at each other but remaining silent for a moment.
A shadow of gloom flickered across Zhang Luo’s honest, round face. “That borderland whelp is truly so insolent!”
Chi Yi replied calmly, “Since he is skilled and audacious, looking down upon the people of Jianping as if they were nothing, we cannot allow him to leave here at his leisure.”
Zhang Luo lowered his voice. “The chieftain of the Wuliu tribe once received formal investiture from the Great Zhou – he is a legitimate leader of the borderlands.”
Chi Yi nodded, letting out a cold laugh. “That borderland whelp wants to borrow a knife to kill, but although there are many in this world who wield knives, not everyone will act according to his wishes.”
The two exchanged another glance, each understanding perfectly well what was in the other’s mind.
Zhang Luo spoke deliberately, “The Great Zhou is a state of propriety, and this person is an envoy after all. Regardless of our plans for him, there must be some explanation afterward – in your opinion, should we interrogate him ourselves, or should we hand him over to the Oblique Dungeon?”
Chi Yi pondered for a moment before replying, “Many borderland people are reckless and hold life cheaply; they may not necessarily fear punishment. However, since this person is determined to seek the Great Zhou’s assistance and desires trust, he will likely make some gesture. Go and pique his curiosity – see if you can coax him into revealing something useful.”
Zhang Luo chuckled. “And what about the distinguished guests within Jianping…”
Chi Yi also smiled faintly. “Her Majesty will handle that matter personally – it is not for us to interfere.”
Within the halls of Western Yong Palace.
Wen Yanran could now appreciate the benefits of courtly music – the melodies were soothing and gentle in tempo, making them perfectly suitable as background music without interrupting her thoughts. Of course, she still missed the music playback function of modern smartphones, which not only conserved manpower but also allowed her to listen whenever she pleased. However, in the Great Zhou, the ability to summon musicians to play at a moment’s notice was a unique luxury reserved for the wealthy and powerful, and it came with various ritualistic constraints. For instance, at present, she was the only person in the entire Great Zhou permitted to employ an ensemble of sixty-four musicians.
Since the late emperor’s passing, the musicians of the Imperial Household had rarely been summoned to perform before the sovereign. Now, in Western Yong Palace, they played with utmost dedication, selecting pieces of refined elegance in an effort to help nurture the artistic sensibilities of the emperor, who was renowned for her virtue and wisdom.
If Her Majesty was striving to become a wise ruler for the ages, then they, too, must do their utmost to support her!
Wen Yanran: “…”
As her eyelids grew increasingly heavy, she deeply suspected that aiding sleep was the original purpose of courtly music.
During January, the already bustling Jianping became even more lively than usual. Along Gaosteet, where borderlanders gathered, people drank, sang loudly, and engaged in fights and brawls around the clock, fully showcasing the bold and fierce spirit of the frontier.
Wu Geqi, after all, was young and visiting Jianping for the first time. While awaiting news from the palace, he found it difficult to remain patient, though he dared not show it too openly for fear of arousing suspicion among his companions.
Just as he was growing so anxious he felt about to boil over, word finally arrived from the imperial palace.
The palace official who had previously been in contact with him explained that while Wu Geqi’s proposal indeed held potential, the matter was of such significance that it exceeded their own authority. It required consultation with their superior, and Wu Geqi was invited to meet at the private residence of their senior official.
Although most palace personnel resided within the imperial grounds, officials holding formal ranks, such as the Director of Imperial Household, or those like Chi Yi and Zhang Luo who held the title of court herald, were permitted to stay at their private residences outside the palace.
When acquiring homes, these individuals usually chose locations not too far from the imperial palace to ensure they could promptly attend to the emperor’s summons when required.
To put his prospective collaborator at ease, Wu Geqi deliberately changed into the attire of a scholar from the Zhou region. He then hurriedly rehearsed the proper etiquette for meeting officials several times before taking a carriage to pay his visit.
The closer one got to the imperial palace, the more strictly etiquette was observed. From the outside, this private residence appeared no different from the surrounding houses, aside from its quiet and secluded atmosphere. Guided by a servant, Wu Geqi entered the inner chamber and sat patiently for a while before someone finally walked in.
The newcomer had an honest, round face and appeared exceptionally mild-tempered. He entered with a constant, amiable smile, devoid of the haughtiness often seen among Zhou people, making him instantly likable.
This person was naturally Zhang Luo.
He first exchanged pleasantries with Wu Geqi, leisurely sipped two cups of tea, and then gradually steered the conversation toward the matter at hand.
Zhang Luo remarked, “According to what you’ve said, the Wuliu tribe has many noble figures, and those of higher status than you are countless. With just yourself, how can you guarantee such a significant matter?”
Wu Geqi’s face flushed with embarrassment before he reluctantly replied, “I am not scheming for myself, but for the Right General. Since the chieftain rules unjustly and ruthlessly, and the Left General is tyrannical and unrestrained, the tribespeople naturally lean toward the Right General.”
Zhang Luo chuckled amiably. “In that case, your Right General seems like an honorable man.” He then added, “If the current chieftain of the Wuliu tribe remains in power, you, as his younger brother, are at least a prince of the tribe. But once the Right General ascends, what benefits would you gain?”
Wu Geqi’s tone eased slightly. “The Right General is skilled at recognizing and employing talent. Once he becomes the chieftain, I will naturally assume the position of Right General.”
Zhang Luo’s smile remained unchanged, but inwardly, he understood: since the other party spoke with such confidence about the Right General’s ability to recognize talent, it was likely not out of trust in the Right General’s character, but rather because he believed he had something of value that the Right General could rely on.
“Your elder brother is the chieftain of the Wuliu tribe. Surely he commands troops of his own?”
Wu Geqi replied, “There are five thousand cavalry stationed around the Wuliu royal camp. I alone lead two thousand of them. If the timing is right, I can lead my troops to attack the Left General, leaving the royal camp unguarded – then the major task can be accomplished.”
Zhang Luo glanced at him. “The Wuliu chieftain entrusted you with leading two thousand cavalry, yet you scheme to install the Right General. Isn’t that a betrayal of brotherly loyalty?”
Wu Geqi sneered coldly. “If my brother ruled justly, I would naturally serve him. But he has always been harsh and ungrateful. When there are benefits, he only sends his own trusted followers to seize them. When there are losses, he drags others’ troops in to bear the brunt. It’s not just me – others feel the same resentment. If not for the fact that his mother was my father’s principal wife, who in the tribe would willingly submit to him?” Perhaps stirred by the intensity of his words, he couldn’t hold back and added, “After the young emperor of the Central Plains ascended the throne, didn’t she also execute her own brother? If she can do it, why can’t others? When it comes to betraying brotherly bonds, she set the example.”
Zhang Luo’s hand, holding the teacup, froze in place. He looked at the borderland youth before him, barely able to contain the anger rising within him.
Although the content of their private conversation would not spread beyond these walls, Zhang Luo was acutely aware that even if no one else ever learned of it, he could not bear to utter a single word of criticism against the Emperor. He could not bring himself to feign agreement with the other’s remarks. In Zhang Luo’s heart, the late Seventh Prince, Wen Jiangong, was utterly unworthy of being compared to Her Majesty, let alone this Wuliu youth before him.
For this remark alone, even if Her Majesty were too weary to concern herself with Wu Geqi, Zhang Luo himself would see to it that this man did not live!
