Chapter 261
Yue Chen and Lin Qingyang often corresponded through Liu Xiaowei. It was evident that Chu Lishu, who had returned to his original state, wanted to infiltrate again as before to gradually subvert the regime. However, overthrowing the government was no longer feasible. Dealing with Xu Lanxin and Zhao Cheng could only be done through warfare.
But if they really went to war, Yuan Ran would likely become the target of everyone’s attacks once again.
Therefore, the issuance of the wrongful edict became extremely important. When a person’s innocence was cleared, people’s tolerance towards them would become very high.
Fortunately, Xu Lanxin was unaware that Yuan Ran was still alive. Currently, her status as the empress dowager and the peculiar situation of having the emperor in her belly were already the focal points of public attention. As long as they produced the wrongful edict, they could definitely divert attention away. It would even be beneficial for Xu Lanxin. Therefore, both Yue Chen and Lin Qingyang believed that Xu Lanxin would not obstruct this.
In addition, the actions of Xu Lanxin and her faction have already attracted significant criticism. Therefore, as long as they use the pretext of “restoring Great Zhou and eliminating chaos” to deal with them, everything can be seen as justified.
The current issue lies in how to mobilize the military forces. The members of the Huo and Yue families are still held hostage in the palace, which undoubtedly puts Huo Luo at a disadvantage.
Although the Western Moon Kingdom was willing to help, their strength was too weak to directly confront Great Zhou for Yuan Ran. Even though the Seventy-Two Fort had been taken by the Dai siblings, they were not enough to face the large army.
Yue Chen speculated that if Chu Lishu wanted to turn the tables, he would likely reveal his identity and persuade the deputy generals who directly commanded troops to defect to Yuan Ran’s side, directly betraying Zhao Cheng and rebelling.
This would require gathering intelligence to assess which of Zhao Cheng’s subordinates could be persuaded to defect.
Yue Chen had a good understanding of the military commanders, so he handled this matter discreetly, while Lin Qingyang was mainly responsible for the false edicts.
With Xu Lanxin’s approval, the issuance of the edicts quickly stirred up a huge public outcry in the capital, with many officials in the court questioning the decision.
The news of the false edicts also spread quickly among the literati. This created a problem because the literati were easily swayed and harbored suspicions about everything. They wouldn’t easily believe the contents of the false edicts, even with accompanying evidence, because the condemned individuals were already dead. To exonerate Yuan Ran would be like slapping themselves in the face for some of the literati, considering they had previously written numerous articles mocking him.
Moreover, they would suspect that Xu Lanxin was deliberately diverting everyone’s attention. Instead, they became even more critical of Xu Lanxin, believing that women shouldn’t meddle in politics and that the emperor should be chosen from among the royal family. Allowing an outsider woman to control the court would bring disgrace to the Great Zhou Dynasty.
Furthermore, many common people were illiterate and could only rely on word of mouth, so much of the information would inevitably be lost or distorted as it was passed along.
Lin Qingyang immediately began to think of other ways to address the situation.
Selecting several key events to create strong memory points, rewriting them into scripts, plays, nursery rhymes, and then spending a fortune to spread them everywhere, from theaters to tea houses, brothels, and beggar gathering spots.
With this wave, Lin Qingyang invested almost all the money he earned from Liu Jingchen, and he didn’t know what the future effect would be.
“You really devoted yourself to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,” Xu Wenze remarked in astonishment.
“I just don’t want the whole world to keep misunderstanding him, Wenze. Can you think of any other way to help me?” Lin Qingyang became more and more enthusiastic, feeling like he wanted to grab someone on the street and explain to them how much injustice Yuan Ran had suffered and how good their Crown Prince was.
“Actually, I think I admired the Crown Prince when I was a child, too. It’s just that because of the age difference, it seemed like we were always so far apart from the Crown Prince, and we never had a chance to get to know him well,” Xu Wenze lamented. “If we had been familiar, I think I would have believed in him just like those who have always supported the Crown Prince.”
“At least you’ve seen him…” Lin Qingyang couldn’t help but imagine how good it would have been if he had come earlier and seen the Crown Prince, who was so glorious and untainted by any darkness.
Xu Wenze looked at Lin Qingyang in confusion. Just as he was about to ask, Liu Xiaowei, who was sitting cross-legged nearby, suddenly opened his eyes and disappeared in a flash.
Both of them looked towards the door.
Before long, the door was forcefully pushed open, without any request or knocking.
As they watched Xu Lanxin enter with a stern face, both Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze felt puzzled but also became alert.
A blood-stained letter was instantly thrown in front of Lin Qingyang.
Lin Qingyang looked closely and was immediately shocked, “Where is the messenger?”
It was… the letter meant for Chu Lishu, delivered by Lu Yi.
Xu Lanxin sneered, “So it wasn’t me who kept you captive, it was because you didn’t want to leave. You’re here to join forces with him again? I had no idea you had such a relationship with your cousin.”
“I’m asking you, what happened to the messenger? What have you done to him?” Lin Qingyang asked anxiously.
“If he’s caught, what you’re seeing now would be his severed head,” Xu Lanxin said coldly.
Lin Qingyang breathed a sigh of relief when he heard that the messenger was unharmed. At least he could still convey a message to Chu Lishu. Then he faced Xu Lanxin calmly and said, “Since you know my cousin isn’t dead, you should also know that I won’t sit idly by. Wasn’t this situation within your expectations?”
Xu Lanxin nodded and said, “It was within my expectations, but I didn’t expect you to deceive my brother’s feelings in order to achieve your goals. On one hand, you’re with my brother night after night, and on the other hand, you’re entangled with your own cousin. I thought you were a straightforward and kind-hearted person, that’s why I spared your life. Was I mistaken?”
Xu Lanxin narrowed her eyes and scrutinized Lin Qingyang seriously. However, her words made Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze embarrassed, as if the misunderstanding was a bit too much.
Xu Wenze directly said, “Sister… this is our private matter, none of your business.”
Xu Lanxin looked at Xu Wenze in surprise and said, “You know about their relationship?”
Xu Wenze nodded.
Xu Lanxin was momentarily stunned, then smiled bitterly and said, “Second brother, have we taught you too naively? How can you be so foolish?”
Xu Wenze’s pale face flushed slightly, but he remained firm and said, “My affairs don’t need your interference. And haven’t you also never told me about your own matters?”
Xu Lanxin didn’t want to discuss this with Xu Wenze and directly changed the subject, saying, “Lin Qingyang, your ability to send messages has reminded me that the defense in the palace is not strong enough and needs to be reinforced. But don’t think about sending him any more messages in the future, because I will definitely eliminate him, and you won’t have another chance to meet.”
Lin Qingyang was instantly provoked, his eyes glaring at Xu Lanxin.
Xu Wenze couldn’t stand it and said, “Sister, why do you have to target Chu Lishu!”
But Xu Lanxin continued, “The fact that he can’t be caught or killed only proves how dangerous he is, doesn’t it? As Yu Suoxi said, such people are easy to become a major threat. His abilities are too strong, and I can’t give him any chance to turn things around. Wenze, standing at the pinnacle of power requires rationality, not emotional attachment. It’s not just about black and white; anyone who poses a threat to you must be eliminated. Those who aspire to achieve great things do not get caught up in trivial matters. Your compassion will eventually harm you. Look, aren’t you being used to deal with our family?”
“I am willing to do whatever it takes, with a clear conscience,” Xu Wenze retorted, unfazed.
Xu Lanxin gave up trying to persuade Xu Wenze directly and turned to Lin Qingyang. “Lin Qingyang, you saved me and the prince’s lives, but my gratitude has its limits. I don’t want to kill you. I still want to give you the honor of being the best servant, even if you are with Wenze, I won’t object. So don’t force me to take action against you.”
Lin Qingyang sneered, no longer intending to speak. However, Xu Wenze interjected, “I won’t let you harm him, even if it means risking my life.”
Xu Lanxin furrowed her eyebrows, scanning between the two of them, then smiled. “Wenze, since you and Lin Qingyang are already in such a relationship, why not let sister help you seal the deal?”
The sudden statement left both Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze dumbfounded.
“I will issue a decree for your marriage.”
Xu Wenze immediately responded, “Sister, are you out of your mind? We’re both men.”
“What’s the big deal? Let’s blaze a new trail, promote our inclusivity. Men marrying men, and I, a woman, can still govern the country. Is that not good? Instead of being constantly criticized, why not just implement it? I’ll support you both. After all, didn’t the former Young Master Lin never shy away from his own cut sleeve status?”
“You… You’re courting disaster! This is absurd!” Xu Wenze was shocked. Despite his belief that love should be the deciding factor in relationships, openly granting marriage and allowing it to happen was going against the tide. How could his sister entertain such thoughts?
“Am I afraid of being even more absurd? This world should have more tolerance and understanding. There’s no need to stick to old conventions and stubbornly cling to tradition. If someone opposes something, they should present solid reasons for their opposition, rather than using phrases like ‘it has always been this way’ or ‘everyone does it like this’ to silence others. As long as it doesn’t harm others and one takes responsibility for their actions, what choices they make should be their personal freedom.”
Xu Wenze was momentarily speechless at the response.
Lin Qingyang chuckled, “Your words are filled with righteousness, yet you’re engaging in coercion. Even if you want to arrange a marriage, it depends on whether I agree or not.”
“I don’t agree,” Xu Wenze immediately declared.
“You two may not agree, but once the news spreads, guests will flock to the wedding banquet…” intervened Xu Lanxin.
Lin Qingyang and Xu Wenze immediately realized that Xu Lanxin wasn’t concerned about whether they would actually get married or not; she simply wanted to use this method to lure Chu Lishu out.
Xu Lanxin must be at a loss on how to capture Chu Lishu but knows he’s likely eyeing the capital city at all times, hence resorting to such a tactic.
“You’re willing to sacrifice your own brother’s reputation just to achieve your goals?” Lin Qingyang’s expression darkened almost to the point of dripping ink.
“You two are a couple, aren’t you? I’m generous and willing to facilitate,” Xu Lanxin raised an eyebrow. “So, Lin Qingyang, calm down. I hope you’ll be loyal to my younger brother in the future. That way, I’ll grant you the highest honor and position.”
Without waiting for Lin Qingyang’s outburst, Xu Lanxin finished speaking and left, with Xu Wenze anxiously catching up.
Liu Xiaowei landed nearby, looking at Lin Qingyang, who was fuming with the letter clenched in his hand.
Lu Shi also rushed in. He had just left to help with something and returned to hear about the arranged marriage and then saw the bloody letter, immediately asking anxiously about it.
Soon, Xu Wenze returned with a pale face. He looked at Lin Qingyang and said, “You two go back first. I’ll go find father. This is definitely not possible.”
It seemed Xu Lanxin wasn’t bluffing; she truly had this plan in mind.
After Xu Wenze spoke, he ran to find Duke Wei Guo.
“It looks like we have to escape,” Lin Qingyang murmured.
“Are you afraid Chu Lishu will act impulsively upon hearing the news? Aren’t you not supposed to leave? If you’re worried, I’ll go check again,” Liu Xiaowei suggested.
“I can’t leave the city, but that doesn’t mean I can’t leave the palace. I can just hide around the city and deal with them. If I’m not around, they can’t issue the marriage decree, and they won’t attract Chu Lishu. His situation must be more difficult than mine right now, and I can’t add to his troubles. Just a little more delay… and maybe I’ll be able to leave,” Lin Qingyang spoke up.
Liu Xiaowei and Lu Shi nodded in agreement.
“We can’t delay any longer. Tonight, while they haven’t had a chance to reinforce their defenses. Uncle, inside the palace…”
“You can rest assured, I’ve already investigated the best escape route. We can leave at midnight,” Liu Xiaowei said.
After discussing their plan, Liu Xiaowei hid in the darkness to observe the changes in the palace guards’ patrols, while Lin Qingyang and Lu Shi prepared themselves for action, waiting until midnight.
During the wait, Lu Shi couldn’t help but curse at Xu Lanxin. Then, he suddenly paused mid-sentence. “But when I came back, I heard her talking about letting you two get married, and those words sounded strangely familiar, like she was talking about tolerance and understanding.”
“It sounded like something a reasonable person might say, but it’s not something ordinary folks would come up with. How could you have heard it before?” Such words in ancient times would be considered heretical; nobody would dare say them, let alone be drowned in spittle. Probably, it’s something she thought of after facing constant criticism since she came into power, to give herself a reasonable excuse, and it just happened to be used tonight for something else,” Lu Shi speculated.
“I really have heard it before. The tone, the wisdom in those words, I remember them all. That’s why I wasn’t surprised when I heard it just now; it sounded right. But I just can’t remember who said it,” Lu Shi argued.
……
In the princess’s chamber of the Western Moon Kingdom, Xinyue urgently pulled Pei Jin aside: “What should we do? Can’t our people rescue Lin Qingyang?”
“At least we know he’s safe. He has a good relationship with Xu Wenze, and Xu Wenze will protect him,” replied Pei Jin, his face serious but calm. “And there’s also Chu Lishu. He’ll intervene eventually. Let’s just watch and wait.”
“This Empress Dowager Xu, isn’t she just a few years older than you? Why is she so scheming and wicked?” exclaimed Xinyue.
“Evil? It’s just a power struggle, survival of the fittest. Others who rise to power might not be any more merciful in their methods; it’s just that she’s targeting people we care about,” Pei Jin remarked.
“Do you know her, Pei Jin?”
“I’ve met her a few times. She’s a lady of high standing, and I was disguised as a man, so there wasn’t much opportunity for interaction. So… Oh, wait, that incident seems to be related to her…” Pei Jin suddenly recalled.
“What?” Xinyue asked curiously.
Pei Jin recalled something she had once discussed with Lin Qingyang and Chu Lishu. It was during a gathering where the Crown Prince mentioned the topic of women being able to read, participate in politics, business, and the military. The incident seemed to have been sparked by… Xu Lanxin.
There was a debate on a topic, where everyone wrote down their opinions and submitted them for selection by Yuan Ran. When Yuan Ran made his selection, everyone agreed with it, but no one stepped forward to claim it. Upon further inquiry, it turned out that it was inadvertently mixed in with submissions from the women’s gathering, written by Xu Lanxin.
Yuan Ran praised a few words, but others immediately changed their attitudes, finding fault and criticizing. Since the young lady was not present, she naturally could not defend herself, and the discussion quickly turned into gender-based attacks.
Yuan Ran suddenly spoke up and said those words.
Xinyue was stunned to hear this. “He’s really amazing. I’ve heard before that he’s different from others, but I didn’t expect him to be this remarkable. I also think that just because I’m a princess doesn’t mean I can only be used for marriage alliances or contacting important officials. If I study hard, I can also protect the country and help my brother handle political affairs.”
Pei Jin nodded and said, “At that time, His Highness also spoke many words about tolerance and understanding, urging everyone to broaden their horizons and not stick to rigid rules. However, very few actually took it to heart.”
…
At midnight, at the Wenbo Pavilion, the three of them met up and set off. Unexpectedly, Uncle’s route happened to pass through the Crown Prince’s Palace.
Because no one dared to approach the Crown Prince’s Palace, it was the safest option, which reassured Lin Qingyang. It would be good to take a look at the Crown Prince’s Palace before leaving.
However, when they stepped into the Crown Prince’s Palace, Lin Qingyang found that there were lights lit, and the palace was already renovated.
The vegetation was no longer withered, and the buildings were no longer decayed. Everything was well taken care of, as if the owner of this palace was still around.
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