That touch of moisture completely shocked Si Xitong, who looked up at Xie Lanzhi in astonishment. At that moment, she couldn't understand why Xie Lanzhi looked at her with such pity and worry, even more so than Si Xitong herself, and there were even tears welling up in her eyes.
She looked incredulous and asked, "Why?"
"Why...why are you helping me when we're not even related?"
Chapter 6 The Grand Marshal and Madam Si
Xie Lanzhi gently held her in her arms. For the first time, she felt that the woman in her arms was so petite, yet she was so tall that she could almost crush her into her arms.
"There aren't so many whys. If you really need an explanation to dispel your doubts," Xie Lanzhi whispered in her ear while holding her tightly, "then I'll tell you, Si Xitong, even if the whole world wants you dead, you can't die."
"You can't let those people get away with it. And not everyone in this world wants you dead."
"At the very least, I hope you survive and accomplish what you want to accomplish, so that you can leave this world without regrets!"
These words were spoken to Si Xitong, but even more so to herself. What she wanted to do was protect the Empress.
Xie Lanzhi quietly wiped away her tears from an angle where no one could see her.
At this moment, everyone stared in disbelief at the intimate embrace between the two. No one expected that Marshal Xie would cherish a princess of a fallen kingdom so much. All the war and the ulterior motives were cut off by Si Xitong's sword.
The situation also became one-sided.
The Xie generals all stood up, because the Grand Marshal had defined Si Xitong as one of their own, so they would stand on her side!
Xie Guang never expected that the Grand Marshal would fall in love with the princess of a fallen kingdom at first sight.
Even if he was dissatisfied, he had to consider the Grand Marshal's reputation, and even the reputation of the entire Xie family. He had to get through this today, whether he wanted to or not. Otherwise, if word got out that the Grand Marshal had been lusting after a beautiful woman and teasing his subordinates, the Xie family wouldn't say anything, but the Southern Region was going to replace the previous dynasty and become the capital of the Heavenly Dynasty. Facing all the vassal states, the Southern Region couldn't afford to have even the slightest stain on the Grand Marshal's reputation.
Therefore, Xie Guang announced to all the Xie clan generals in public: "What are you all standing there for? Today is the day of the Grand Marshal's selection. Congratulations to the Grand Marshal for choosing a mistress for the Southern Region!"
The Xie family generals stepped forward one after another, and even the soldiers clasped their hands and knelt down before the main seat, their voices booming with congratulations: "Congratulations, Grand Marshal! Congratulations, Madam!"
"Congratulations, Grand Marshal! Congratulations, Madam!"
"Wishing you both a long and happy life together."
Seeing this breathtaking scene, which was actually caused by his own niece, and how she could have risen to power unscathed, truly astonished him.
At the same time, we witnessed once again how the Southern Region under Marshal Xie's rule was united and loyal to its master!
In the chaotic end times of the Western City, all formalities and rituals had long since disappeared twenty years ago. It could be said that blindly following Xie Ying in the presence of the Xie family had almost become a political standard. This was undoubtedly a matter of concern for him, and even for the other princes and nobles present.
Just like today, Marshal Xie can casually dismiss Huang Mang's severed arm, so tomorrow they may suffer the same fate, which is why everyone is filled with fear.
Xie Ying was not even in a position to bear the infamy of a tyrant!
The local princes and nobles had much disagreement on this matter, but they knew very well that their opinions were unimportant and had no influence on the Xie family. On the contrary, they submitted to the power of the Xie family and sought the protection of their territories.
Even if they were forced to bow in reluctance, they would not hesitate to lower their heads.
Especially considering that Huang Mang was lying in a pool of blood on the ground, with his severed arm right in front of Xie Ying, and Xie Ying could still ignore it, it was clear that she had already put Huang Mang in a hopeless situation.
Just as the Xie generals were pleading for Xie Lanzhi to serve as a hostage, a scholar from the Xie clan finally stepped forward and reminded Xie Lanzhi: "Grand Marshal, I am sorry to disappoint you. General Huang, what should we do?"
The cold response caused a variety of reactions from those present. Huang Mang, lying on the ground, was in so much pain that he almost lost his mind. He kept rolling around and howling, and no one nearby dared to offer him any help.
When Si Xitong looked at him, though there was hatred in her eyes, she knew that although she hadn't killed Huang Mang, his men were all ambitious and ruthless. Regardless of whether the Xie family attacked Tianjing or not, the Eight Jin imperial family and Huang Mang's wolves and tigers would still act independently, fighting openly and secretly. In the end, it would still affect the people of Tianjing.
Huang Mang died in the same state.
Tianjing has fallen into a state where it can neither advance nor retreat.
She hesitated for a moment, then gently tugged at Xie Lanzhi's sleeve.
Xie Lanzhi understood what she meant. She didn't want a war so soon either, but she had to deal with Huang Mang, and she had to deal with him very well.
So she took Si Xitong's hand and sat down with him at the newly moved main table, and said to Huang Mang on the ground, "General Huang, you must have personally experienced the cruelty of war after losing your arm."
After a pause, Xie Lanzhi realized she had become quite hypocritical. But in chaotic times, it's not a world of reason; in fact, there isn't even a platform for equal communication.
Today Huang Mang is under her control, but there are also weaker people who submit to Huang Mang. Similarly, if Huang Mang is pitied today, there will be more innocent victims like the Emperor of Xicheng tomorrow, or even innocent civilians who die under Huang Mang's rule. This is how the exploitation continues, layer by layer.
The lower classes have very few options for survival. In chaotic times, for some ruling classes, it might even be a mistake for the lower classes to have enough to eat.
Thinking of this, Xie Lanzhi felt that she didn't need to show mercy to a wolf.
Now that she has shown her ruthless methods, it is time for her to show her compassionate heart.
Xie Lanzhi glanced at Yelü Wen, who, receiving her signal, bent down to help Huang Mang.
Seeing that the Grand Marshal was showing signs of improvement, Xie Guang immediately ordered the physician to come up and help Huang Mang stop the bleeding.
The physician added anesthetic powder to Huang Mang's bleeding, which relieved Huang Mang's pain and made him more conscious.
Yelü Wen seized the opportunity to advise, "General Huang, in order for you to leave the Southern Region alive, I hope you can kowtow to the Grand Marshal and Lady Si and say a few words of congratulations. Only in this way can your life be saved."
Huang Mang struggled with resentment for a moment, but the physician spotted him and inserted the needle, making his scalp tingle.
This situation undoubtedly tells him that everyone can step on him now, and even Xie's physicians do not hesitate to attack him.
Huang Mang felt surrounded by enemies, and an unprecedented desire to survive and sense of crisis overwhelmed his last shred of self-respect.
He finally admitted that he was afraid. He was terrified of Xie Ying!
Huang Mang had no choice but to nod in submission: "Brother Yelü, help this general up. This general... wants to."
Yelü Wen quickly helped him up, but after helping him up, Yelü Wen was helped to the side, leaving Huang Mang to support himself on his left arm and crawl little by little on his knees to the main table. The moment he lowered his head, his face was full of ferocity and hatred, but when he raised his head again, he became a meek little lamb.
He shouted loudly at the two people at the main table. Their figures, backlit, were so dazzling that he could hardly open his eyes. But that was just as well, so that he could reduce the humiliation of kowtowing.
He then said, "Your humble servant, Huang Mang, wishes Grand Marshal Huang and Lady Si a happy marriage and a long and happy life together."
The second person said, "Your subject is willing to follow the lead of the Southern Regions from now on."
The third bow said, "Your Majesty, Lady Zhu of Huang Mang and the Grand Marshal have remained devoted to each other until their hair turned white, their loyalty unwavering."
Each sound he perceived as humiliation.
Si Xitong, seated in the main seat, her phoenix eyes trembled, her ten fingers clenched tightly in her palms. Looking at Huang Mang, who had escaped death, she realized that she was far weaker than she had imagined. Even though that was the best opportunity, she still couldn't kill Huang Mang on the spot.
Feelings of self-blame, guilt, and regret kept weighing on her mind.
Until Xie Lanzhi placed her hand on her wrist and gently patted it: "Qitong, don't be afraid."
Her words of comfort seemed to give Si Xitong a safe harbor, and the sense of security she brought finally calmed Si Xitong down.
Xie Lanzhi sensed that the Empress was adjusting her emotions very quickly and had begun to learn to be patient. She was pleased but also felt very sorry for her.
Facing Huang Mang, who was inherently defiant, Xie Lanzhi chuckled indifferently, "With General Huang's sincerity, the Southern Region will not treat you unfairly."
"Guards, bestow upon General Huang five thousand shi of rice from the Southern Region as a gift from our Southern Region."
"In addition, I will compensate you with a thousand taels of gold and five boxes of precious medicinal herbs. Finally, I will personally certify General Huang's right to the ownership of Tianjing, and General Huang's territory will be included within the protection zone of the Xie family's power, where he will enjoy peace and tranquility."
His words were met with unanimous agreement from those present, who all believed that keeping the peace was of utmost importance.
Xie Lanzhi wasn't foolish enough to kill Huang Mang in public. She remembered Xie Guang saying that Huang Mang was colluding with Yelü Wen and would soon take other actions. Since it was a matter of military and political importance, Huang Mang might once again shake up the situation in the late Western City.
Huang Mang was not one to be subservient to others. Now that Qi Tong had cut off his arm, severely weakening him, it seemed that this wolf would not be able to affect the current situation for the time being.
Compared to the 5,000 shi of grain sent, Huang Mang felt that he had lost something more important: his right arm, and even his dignity.
He could only express his gratitude with a humiliated expression: "Thank you for the great marshal's reward."
Finally, he gritted his teeth and said to Si Xitong, "Thank you... Madam Si!"
Chapter 7 The Chicken Soup for the Bedchamber That Night
After Huang Mang formally submitted to Xie Lanzhi, he and Yelü Wen fled the Southern Region that very afternoon.
When Xie Lanzhi heard about this, she specifically asked, "Did he take those five thousand shi of grain with him?"
When Xie Guang mentioned Huang Mang, he scoffed, "I'm afraid we'll have to send him there ourselves another day."
Xie Lanzhi didn't mention Huang Mang again. After all, the fire in Tianjing hadn't been lit, causing the Xie generals to miss this opportunity to fight. Many people were still arrogant, so why should she continue to fan the flames?
The nobles and aristocrats, who were always extravagant and wasteful, breathed a sigh of relief when they saw that Marshal Xie had no intention of fighting.
However, the situation in the Eight Jin states might change depending on how much favor the princess of the fallen kingdom receives. It remains to be seen how long this princess will remain in Marshal Xie's arms.
Xie Lanzhi has been paying close attention to Si Xitong's health lately. She learned that Si Xitong had been locked in a cage by Huang Mang for ten days, and was not given anything to eat except a sip of water a day.
When they reached the vicinity of the Southern Region, Huang Mang refused to give her any water. If it weren't for a kind woodcutter secretly giving her some water when they passed through a remote village, she probably wouldn't have survived.
Xie Lanzhi was heartbroken after hearing this.
After Si Xitong recuperated at the medical hospital for ten days, Xie Lanzhi felt that her complexion had almost recovered, so she began to keep her by her side.
However, the Empress still seemed unwilling to show her true face, so even after her condition improved, she continued to cover her face with a veil.
Today, she happened to take the Empress to the military camp, specifically to let her meet with Master Sibo. After all, the Empress would be very excited to see her blood relatives after being away for a while.
However, Si Xitong's reaction was completely different from Si Bogong's.
Aside from showing intense emotions when he drew his sword and severed Huang Mang's right arm, Si Xitong's reactions to other matters were generally indifferent.
Xie Lanzhi was worried about her, so she stood outside the main camp tent waiting for Si Xitong. The two were quite far apart, and although they couldn't hear what the uncle and nephew were saying, Xie Guang didn't dare to leave because she hadn't, and instead silently stayed behind her.
Moreover, he seemed hesitant to speak.
After that, Si Bogong said something, clearly very agitated, but Si Xitong suddenly bowed to him and said, "Uncle, I'm afraid I cannot agree."
“Child, don’t be so stubborn. It’s never a good place for you to be near her,” Master Si advised. “Come back to Qi Jin with me. That’s your home!”
Si Xitong shook her head; her personality was something that even nine oxen couldn't change for Si Bogong.
Si Bogong continued, "Could it be that you really want to be the Marshal's wife? Putting aside the fact that you are both women, even if Madam Xie turns a blind eye because of the Marshal's temporary favoritism towards you, do you really think you can become the first wife?"
"Marshal Xie, you also need to have children to carry on the family line!"
Si Xitong simply kept quiet.
Si Bogong was so angry with her that he was about to reprimand her.
Xie Lanzhi suddenly lifted the curtain and walked in, saying, "Master Si, it's time to return my wife."
As soon as Xie Lanzhi appeared, Si Bogong quickly bowed and said, "Your subject greets Marshal Xie."
"We're practically family now, so you may dispense with formalities from me, Master Sibo," Xie Lanzhi said, then informed Xie Guang behind her.