Xie Guang hurriedly got up to see her off, but Xie Lanzhi pressed him down.
She left home with two personal guards and returned to the palace, deliberately taking a back road. When she passed the Guobin Mansion, Xie Lanzhi stopped at the gate.
There were two guards at the State Guest House. The guards were about to step forward and ask the woman what she wanted to do when two imperial guards immediately blocked their way.
Upon seeing that it was Xie Jun, the soldier immediately clasped his hands and asked, "May I ask what brings you here at the entrance of the State Guest House, young lady?"
This outsider had quite the air about him. The two guards immediately frowned.
Xie Lanzhi smiled and said, "I heard that an envoy from the Northern Region lives here."
Upon hearing this, the two soldiers felt offended.
They all said, "Our young master is not of the lowly rank of an envoy. Our young master is a member of the royal family of the Northern Region, and his status is not comparable to that of a mere envoy."
"So, the one living inside is Young Master Wu Shang." Xie Lanzhi continued, "That just so happens that I need to find Young Master Wu Shang. I have important matters to discuss with him. Just say that he was sent by Lan Zhang Palace."
Upon hearing the words "Lanzhang Palace," the soldier's eyes lit up, but he then shook his head and reminded him, "The young master is not at the State Guest House; he went out this morning."
Xie Lanzhi said, "Where did he go? If you don't tell me, the one in the palace won't have time in the future, and your young master will have to wait for arrangements before he can enter the palace again."
Upon hearing this, the soldiers hesitated for a moment, considering that the young master had been waiting in Tianjing for almost two months, seeing him gazing expectantly towards Lanzhang Palace every day.
The soldier had no choice but to grit his teeth and share his master's burden: "May I ask, young lady, who you are?"
Xie Lanzhi immediately produced Si Xitong's gold waist tag. The soldier recognized the gold tag and immediately told her, "Young Master was taken away by Master Si this morning."
"I don't think he'll be back today."
"Is your young master very familiar with Master Si?" Xie Lanzhi asked again. The soldier shook his head and did not answer.
Xie Lanzhi didn't ask any further questions. It seemed these two soldiers weren't just ordinary guards. They were probably that scumbag's personal guards.
Xie Lanzhi immediately ordered her personal guards to prepare horses and head to Sibogong, which was originally the residence of Prince Dun.
At Prince Dun's residence, the Minister of Ceremonies was still receiving Wu Shang. When they talked about Lord Wu Zhou, both of them were very saddened.
"So, the reason you didn't arrive in the Southern Region in time back then was because your father wouldn't allow it," said Master Sibo. "He insisted on risking his life himself."
Wu Shang said, "Father said that this marriage would have to be called off sooner or later. I came here today to fulfill Father's last wish."
Even after hearing of his friend's passing, Si Bo Gong continued to act with loyalty and righteousness. His son even inherited his virtues.
He sighed and said, "Now that things have come to this, I can only say that you and Qitong are destined to be apart."
"Do you think it's a pity?" Wu Shang said half-jokingly, "It's a pity for me and His Highness."
Si Bogong suddenly choked. It wasn't just fear; he actually thought highly of the Marshal. The Marshal had given everything for His Highness, even sacrificing her country for love, and handing over the empire she had conquered. In this respect, there was no other woman in the world as devoted and righteous as the Marshal.
People outside used to say that the marshal had killed countless people and was cruel and tyrannical, and could change his mind at any time. But that was just hearsay from people who hadn't met the marshal.
Si Bogong was faced with the intentional questioning from the son of an old friend.
As an elder, even if not for himself, he had to consider the reality before him. To be fair and impartial, he said, "Her Highness is very fortunate. Whether it was avenging her father's death or rising again, it was the Marshal who helped her accomplish it."
"I think that in this world, apart from the marshal, no one has given her everything. Even princes and nobles cannot compare to her."
Wu Shang's smile paused for a moment, then quickly returned to normal.
"But she is a woman."
“Apart from that, she has done nothing to wrong His Highness.” Si Bogong replied seriously, his voice carrying a hint of warning: “On the contrary, if His Highness makes a single wrong move, it would be tantamount to betrayal.”
Wu Shang continued, "You are her imperial uncle."
Si Bogong said, "Therefore, as an elder, I should supervise her even more to prevent her from becoming a disloyal and unjust person in the Si family."
Wu Shang immediately stood up. Seeing that things were not going well, Si Bogong's attitude also changed.
In short, he said what he needed to say. The idea that women's actions violated human ethics and the Three Cardinal Guides and Five Constant Virtues was indeed true. But compared to these things, what was more important was His Highness's outstanding leadership. This chaotic world needed His Highness's leadership. His Highness was the hope for the restoration of the nation, the foundation of the country.
No one wants His Highness to ruin himself because of love. So everyone is trying to avoid this bad luck.
If the son of an old friend wants to break this taboo, Master Sibo does not recommend taking matters into his own hands to resolve this trouble for His Highness.
Seeing his resolute attitude, Wu Shang still asked, "Women cannot produce offspring from one another. Your Highness will be indispensable upon your ascension to the throne..."
Lord Si blocked the entire road. He flicked his sleeve and stepped aside, saying, "My Si family is prosperous and has many descendants every year. Can't we even choose a descendant that will satisfy Your Highness?!"
Upon hearing this, Wu Shang was speechless and had no intention of continuing the conversation.
At the same time, a servant from Prince Dun's residence came to report: "Your Highness, a female general is outside requesting an audience with you."
Si Bogong guessed who it was. He immediately sent Wu Shang away.
Judging from his reaction, Wu Shang quickly guessed who the other person was.
"Let me take a look at that person," Wu Shang said. "I beg you, Uncle."
Si Bogong hesitated. Wu Shang immediately bowed to him again: "This junior has come to return the marriage invitation, just to avoid Your Highness suffering some controversy."
Everyone knew that His Highness relied heavily on Marshal Xie. He couldn't do without her. Although she was already capable of handling things independently, and Marshal Xie had delegated authority to her, a person's habits are hard to change. The Emperor's will was law.
Even if changes are made, His Highness himself will have to pay the price first, which is something no one wants to see.
Besides, no one should oppose His Highness simply because he has married a woman. Now, at the end of the Jin Dynasty, if this shining star were to fall because of personal feelings, it would become a lasting regret for everyone. Therefore, the great scholars remained silent and even helped control the spread of dissenting voices among the people. Everyone clearly understood what was beneficial and what was harmful.
Many people even compared Marshal Xie to a celestial being descended to earth. Xie Lanzhi also garnered considerable popularity among the people.
Xie Lanzhi has now arrived at Prince Dun's residence.
Wu Shang said to him, "Since Uncle values this person so much, then let me see him for myself, so that I can give my mother an explanation."
Thinking of his mother, that esteemed lady, and then considering the situation that required the assistance of the Wu brothers...
After weighing the options, Master Si had no choice but to agree. He even specifically reminded him, "You need to know what you should say and what you shouldn't say."
"nature."
Then Master Si withdrew. Now only Wu Shang remained in the courtyard.
When Xie Lanzhi entered, she felt as if she had been led a short distance before quickly turning towards the central courtyard. Upon arriving at the central courtyard, a young man dressed in a long green bamboo robe stood beside a stone table laden with tea and snacks.
The moment she entered, the other person was observing her.
Xie Lanzhi entered, and after confirming that she did not recognize him, she asked, "May I ask, young master, where is Master Sibo?"
"I am Wu Shang." Wu Shang got straight to the point: "My uncle was unwell and just went to rest. He asked me to entertain you."
Xie Lanzhi's eyes narrowed instantly as she scrutinized him from head to toe for a while. He appeared to have gentle features, a refined gentleman. But his eyes were triangular, like the eyes of a venomous snake.
Is this the second son of Lady Yelü, the one who invited military strategists to come out of seclusion?
The scumbag in the original novel.
Xie Lanzhi's gaze suddenly became aggressive, making no attempt to conceal it. It was extremely blatant.
Rivals are naturally envious of each other. The martial arts merchant was also prepared to retaliate at any moment.
"You are Marshal Xie?" Wu Shang asked knowingly. Yet, deep down, he felt a very uncomfortable feeling about this man. There was a strong sense of incongruity about him.
She was like a ray of moonlight descending from the sky into a deep, dark abyss. She evoked a sense of chaos and unreality.
Is it really possible for someone in this world to embody both extreme evil and extreme good to such an extreme?
Xie Lanzhi said, "You are Wu Shang? Young Master Wu."
Chapter 201 Xie Lanzhi's Bet with Her Rival
The two immediately clasped their hands in a fist salute to each other, appearing humble and polite on the surface. However, the ensuing conversation was not as peaceful as it seemed.
Si Bogong began eavesdropping through the arched gate in the outer courtyard. After the initial greetings, it seemed as if a sudden silence had fallen over the area.
What exactly were they saying?
A moment later, the stone table inside shook, and a teacup fell to the ground. Master Si thought they were fighting and jumped out immediately. Just then, he saw Xie Lanzhi bending down to pick up the teacup.
Wu Shang also bent down to pick up another teacup.
Si Bogong suddenly appeared, and the two of them looked at him. He was the one who felt more embarrassed.
"Uncle, since you're here, please come and sit down," Xie Lanzhi invited him over.
Not wanting to refuse, Si Bogong chose to sit in the middle seat. Wu Shang poured Si Bogong a cup of tea.
Then put down the teapot.
Xie Lanzhi and Wu Shang looked at each other again, remaining silent. It was a silent observation.
It was Si Bogong who started a conversation.
"The situation has been rather unfavorable lately. I wonder what your thoughts are on this?"
Xie Lanzhi said, "With Li Jun and Xie Ji here, there is no need to worry for the time being."
Wu Shang said, "Marshal, you are mistaken. If Yi Fan is not handled properly, he may be attacked from both inside and outside. The situation is not favorable for Yi Fan."
"Oh, it seems Young Master Wu is quite confident about the situation," Xie Lanzhi said. "Then, does Young Master Wu have any solutions?"
"A solution?" Wu Shang said, "In the Northern Region, my maternal clan will be responsible for stopping the civil war. Half of the Yelü clan opposes war, and even more so, they oppose division and civil war. They will not stand idly by."
Xie Lanzhi shook her head and said, "Young Master Wu, have you forgotten the existence of the Eight Generals and the Second Prince?"
Wu Shang was certain she would bring up Yelü Wen, that troublemaker. Now, Lu'erqu was entirely under Yelü Wen's control. As long as Lu'erqu was beneficial to the Northern Hu and Xiongnu, Yelü Wen would have the leverage to win over the royal family. Which side the royal family sided with now would determine half the victory.
“The Second Prince wouldn’t be so foolish. My maternal clan has already sent people to communicate with him. The Second Prince has already made it clear that he will not give in easily.”
"Moreover, Luerqu is located on the border of the Northern Regions, not the Xiongnu. Naturally, the initiative lies with the Northern Regions."
Xie Lanzhi laughed and said, "If the Northern Region were also breached, would this hypothetical scenario still exist?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Shang felt that her assumption was utterly far-fetched.
Si Bogong sensed something amiss. He kept giving Xie Lanzhi meaningful glances, signaling her to be mindful of her image and not to lose her composure just because she was a rival.
Xie Lanzhi couldn't possibly have been unwittingly influenced. These people simply don't understand Aqina.
She said, "If the Northern Regions didn't have the ability to resist the Northern Hu and Xiongnu, would you still be so gullible as to believe Yelü Wen's words?"
Wu Shang fell silent. He asked Master Si, "What does Uncle think?"
Sibo Gong was not very clear about the war, but the firearms of the Hu and Xiongnu were famous far and wide.
He hesitated for a moment, thinking that what the marshal said wasn't impossible. Although it was a bit exaggerated, most people would lean towards Wu Shang's side and believe that Wu Shang's explanation was more realistic.