As these words were spoken, the important officials in the hall all showed expressions of relief and immediately nodded in agreement. Deputy Chief Administrator Ye Shi even stepped forward from the ranks and said, "If Minister Meng were to personally deliver Your Majesty's Imperial Edict before the rebellious troops, they would surely believe the court is genuinely willing to pardon their crimes."
Although Meng Tinghui's rank did not reach that of the two drafting officials, in terms of the emperor's favor, no one at court could currently surpass her. Sending her as an envoy before the rebellious troops would certainly convince them of the court's sincerity in pardoning their grave offenses. If the rebellious troops were to open their camp, surrender their weapons, and release Shen Zhishu from the city, Meng Tinghui would merely be acting as the emperor's envoy and would not merit any great achievement. If the rebellious troops were to suddenly renege, distrust the edict's promises, and capture or kill Meng Tinghui, the court would not lose a loyal and capable minister from the two councils.
Usually, these important officials could hardly bear to be near Meng Tinghui, but for the first time, they felt that her presence at court might not be a bad thing. For a moment, no one in the hall opposed Ye Shi's suggestion. Even Gu Qin nodded slightly and said, "Meng Tinghui has held a court position for less than two years without ever serving in a local administration, remaining constantly by the emperor's side—this also goes against court conventions. If she can go to Chaoan North Circuit to carry out this mission of appeasement, the tide of public criticism against her at court might temporarily subside."
She stood motionless in place, lowering her gaze to the tips of her feet, listening to the discussions of those around her while her mind wandered elsewhere.
Earlier, when she had intended to withdraw from the hall, he had told her it was unnecessary. Clearly, this was a crucial matter involving important officials and the emperor secretly discussing the mutiny of the Imperial Army, yet he did not avoid her and allowed her to hear every word without omission. This was entirely unlike his usual style. He must have anticipated that the situation would unfold this way when he saw her and deliberately kept her here so that the eleven important officials could seize the opportunity to designate her as the emperor's envoy.
Sure enough, as the discussions around her drew to a close, Ying Gua nodded from above and said, "Let Meng Tinghui serve as the envoy, bearing Our Imperial Edict, and proceed to Chaoan North Circuit to appease the Liu Banner rebellious troops."
She lifted her eyelashes but could not discern the expression on his face. After a long moment, she lowered her gaze again and said, "Your servant obeys the decree." Even though her heart was filled with concerns, her words carried no emotion.
Although it was decided that she would carry the edict out of the capital, the matter could not be resolved with just a few words. With the thousand-li reports going back and forth, who knew what changes might occur on that front? Moreover, this was the first time the court had dispatched a female official to the border regions to proclaim an imperial decree. Issues such as whether she would stay at post stations along the way, how the prefectures and counties she passed through should handle her, and how many Imperial Guards infantry and cavalry from the Palace Guard in the capital should accompany her all had to be considered. Beyond this, aside from her, another person had to be selected as deputy envoy to accompany her.
By the time most of the officials from the two councils had finished their discussions, the night had grown deep. On one side, Minister of the Imperial Guards Tian Fu was still arguing with Fang Kai over who should be the new supervisor of the Liu Banner camp, while the Secretariat had already proposed that Drafter of Imperial Edicts Deng Tong serve as deputy envoy and accompany Meng Tinghui.
Ying Gua listened expressionlessly to his ministers' discussions from above, delegating trivial matters to the Secretariat for later deliberation. Only when he heard the proposal to appoint Deng Tong as deputy envoy did he frown and say, "We intend to have Di Nian, a captain of the Divine Guard Army, accompany Meng Tinghui. The Palace Guard will dispatch eight hundred Imperial Guards to accompany them."
The Privy Council officials exchanged glances, their faces showing slight surprise.
There had never been a precedent in the court for appointing a military official as deputy envoy for an appeasement mission. Moreover, Di Nian's status was special—he was the sole heir of the late Duke of Wu—and absolutely no mishap could befall him. No one had expected the emperor to assign Di Nian to this task.Ying Gua's eyes were bloodshot, his face etched with weariness, as if impatient to prolong the matter further. He addressed Gu Qin: "After the Secretariat concludes discussions on various affairs tomorrow, draft a memorial and submit it. Once the Imperial Academy prepares the edict, I shall transcribe it personally. Not the slightest error is permissible in any matter." Turning to Fang Kai, he instructed: "I must trouble you, Fang Qing, to exert extra effort tonight regarding military affairs. Ensure a draft is submitted before dawn tomorrow."
Everyone nodded in assent. Having been awake since midnight, none were without fatigue. Seeing his dismissal, they ceased further debate in the hall and withdrew to their respective offices.
He permitted the officials to depart but declared: "Meng Tinghui shall remain.Knowing he definitely had words for her, she stayed as instructed. Only when the hall stood empty did she lift her gaze to him. "Your Majesty."
Outside, the autumn night wind rustled desolately, devoid of human sounds. His expression instantly turned grave, shedding all traces of earlier exhaustion. His voice emerged sharp and cold: "The rebel army at Liuqi Banner—whether they surrender their weapons or not—shall be entirely buried alive within the city walls."
Her heart jolted violently, shoulders trembling as her eyes widened, fixed intently on him.
She could scarcely believe her ears.
Moments earlier, before eleven Important Officials in the hall, he had clearly stated...
How could she have imagined he would be so ruthlessly cruel? Surely not every soldier in that camp had rebelled. If the aim was to execute those who besieged the city and captured court officials, why issue an order to exterminate thousands of lives?
Her hands and feet turned icy cold as she finally understood why he had schemed to send her to Chaoan North Circuit to pacify the rebels.
If the imperial decree did not pardon the rebels' crimes, they would never open the city gates and release Shen Zhishu. Yet if the rebels surrendered according to his Imperial Edict only to be slaughtered entirely, his reputation as a benevolent and sagely emperor would be ruined. Were an envoy from the dual administrative systems of the court appointed, they would certainly refuse to obey such a brutal strategy, kneeling to admonish him until he abandoned the idea. Only by sending her as envoy could he execute this plan while preserving his brilliance undiminished...
He had saved her life. For him, she would even face death willingly. She loved him so deeply that his desires became her own convictions. How could she refuse to undertake this mere task for him?
She knew she would comply—and he knew even better that she would.
In the Hall of Profound Thought, the imperial desk stood loftily prestigious, behind the dragon throne two pillars bearing vigorous, ancient pine couplets. He remained seated upright, his gaze toward her cold and resolute.
After a long, long while, she finally furrowed her brows and softly responded: "...This subject humbly obeys Your Majesty's will."
The sharp lines of his face abruptly softened. Extending a palm toward her, he said: "Come here."
With the hall empty, she approached the imperial desk and looked up at him, uncertain of his intentions.
He shifted sideways, bending one leg. His gaze toward her gentled slightly as his outstretched hand curved faintly. "Come here," he repeated.
Understanding, she silently advanced two more steps, placing her hand in his palm. Following his pull, she nestled into his embrace, her body lifted to sit across his knees.
His arms encircled her tightly as he tilted his head to kiss her cheek, his lips moving to her ear. In a low voice, he murmured: "When you go to Chaoan, entrust all troop mobilization matters to Di Nian. You need only proclaim the sacred decree. Do not approach the Liuqi Banner city camp under any circumstances."
She lowered her eyes without a word.
Moments ago, he had been so severe and unyielding; now, he was tender and affectionate. She could neither fathom his heart nor grasp his intentions, feeling increasingly that the emperor's mind was inscrutable, his sacred thoughts indiscernible.
Noting her silence, he reached to pinch her chin, lifting her face to peer intently into her eyes. Narrowing his gaze, he asked: "What is it?"She shook her head, forcing a smile as she reached out to wrap her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest and murmuring softly, "It's nothing. Your servant was merely tired for a moment."
He lowered his head to kiss her crown and asked again, "Did you hear clearly what I said earlier?"
She nodded. "Your servant understands. No matter what happens, I will not take a single step near the city barracks."
His lips moved slightly as if he wanted to say more, but in the end, he remained silent. Instead, he raised his hand to tilt her head and leaned down to capture her rosy lips.
Her body stiffened slightly, yet she closed her eyes and yielded to his fervent kiss. Feeling his hands begin to undo her official robes, the hand resting on his back clenched lightly, but she still did not resist, allowing him to knead her body with rough urgency.
He adored her body, cherished her usefulness as a tool, loved how she always yielded to him so completely... But had he ever truly loved her heart? The thought of how he had once issued an edict to suppress the rebellious army without regard for Shen Zhishu's life, followed now by his ruthless order to execute all rebels regardless of surrender, suddenly made her heart ache. Her mind grew muddled, uncertain whether she too might one day face such treatment from him.
She hadn't cared before. She hadn't cared about the future, life or death, love or hatred. But he had repeatedly given her hope and longing, making her misunderstand... misunderstand that he too held some affection for her, even if just a little.
He finally noticed her unusual stillness and paused, his warm palm pressing against her waist as he called out hoarsely, "Meng Tinghui."
She opened her eyes to look at him, seeing his gaze filled with desire yet his expression restrained and hesitant. Suddenly unsure how to respond, she pressed her lips together and remained silent.
After watching her for a moment, he suddenly withdrew his hands and refastened her official robes. His thin lips brushed slowly across her temples as he enunciated each word clearly: "I know you doubt me in your heart." Then he looked down at her and added in a deep voice, "And you have never truly believed my words."
The tip of her nose reddened instantly. "Your Majesty."
He gazed at her. How spirited and unrestrained this woman had once been, her eyes so clear and penetrating that a single glance had made him remember her. But now it had been so long since he last saw that kind of smile from her, those same eyes now clouded by the affairs of court and state—only her heart remained as devoted to him as ever.
Meeting his gaze, she was deeply moved. Suddenly recalling his words from that night, she lifted her head to kiss his lips and said urgently, "Your servant does not—does not doubt Your Majesty."
He was the ruler of a nation, the sovereign of the realm. Even if he suffered from painful sacrifices, he would never show it openly. How could she judge him by ordinary standards? So what if he was stern and ruthless? So what if his decrees showed no mercy? She should understand his difficulties and not doubt him like this. He had entrusted her with his trust, appointing her as his envoy to Chaoan North Circuit—why should she betray that trust now?
His eyes flashed with sudden intensity as he gripped her body tightly and kissed her back with fierce possessiveness.
Meng Tinghui... Meng Tinghui... Meng Tinghui.
From that glorious spring day to this desolate autumn night, these three syllables had rolled through his heart countless times, each character etched into his bones.She loved him so deeply, disregarding everything for his sake, always following his will, never willing to cause him displeasure. Even when he spoke little and offered few explanations, she still trusted him. Even if his imperial position might betray her, she continued to love him.
Such a woman...
How could he not love her in return?
Their lips entwined and robes loosened, she clung to him, breathing softly against his shoulder. He gripped her waist, suddenly rising to press her against the imperial desk, sweeping aside its contents with his sleeve before leaning down to caress her with utmost tenderness. His voice was husky as he murmured, "When you return to the capital, I'll take you to Western Mountain to admire the snow... would you like that?"
The journey to Chaoan spanned nearly a thousand li. By her return to the capital, winter's silver mantle would surely veil the city in swirling snowflakes.
She nearly drowned in this rare tenderness of his, her eyes sparkling with a radiant smile, heart overflowing with joy as if glimpsing a hidden corner of his soul for the first time. She nodded gently, "Yes."
Seeing her smile so brightly, the corners of his lips lifted slightly. Bracing his arms on either side of her, he felt he could never gaze enough upon her smiling eyes and curved lips, leaning in to kiss her again. "Meng Tinghui."
Responding to him, she reached up to trace his face—his eyebrows, the corners of his eyes, his lips... unable to get enough of touching his skin and hair.
Outside, the autumn wind rustled, sweeping fallen leaves into swirling eddies, leaving the palace grounds desolate. Inside the hall, warm candlelight flickered, illuminating the brilliance in his eyes and casting a rosy glow upon her cheeks.
Ten zhang of imperial brocade, three inches of tender crimson, two hearts beating as one... an entire chamber brimming with passion with nowhere to dissipate.
·
On the day Meng Tinghui departed the capital bearing the imperial decree, she was first escorted northward through the city gates by the various guard units of the Forbidden Palace before boarding the specially bestowed carriage guarded by the Palace Guard's Imperial Guards under Di Nian's command. The procession advanced with Yellow Standards lining the route and ornate canopies clustering together, creating an undeniably grand spectacle that fully demonstrated the Emperor's favor and trust in her.
Female officials had never been assigned to external posts, let alone tasked with pacifying rebellious troops in border regions under imperial decree. Thus, although Meng Tinghui had previously been demoted, she once again became the subject of gossip and discussion among the capital's curious populace.
The official road outside the city stretched desolate and dust-choked. The eight hundred Palace Guard troops forming the escort stood assembled along the route, awaiting Meng Tinghui and Di Nian's order to depart.
Seeing that all preparations were complete, Di Nian urged his horse toward the carriage, calling out from a distance, "Minister Meng!"
Though Meng Tinghui had met Di Nian only a few times, she owed him her life from a previous rescue. Traveling with him to Chaoan North Circuit now filled her with unusual reassurance. Moreover, since Di Nian maintained close ties with the Emperor, she genuinely admired this vibrant and exceptionally skilled young commander. Hearing his call, she lifted the carriage curtain and smiled as he approached. "Thank you, Colonel Di. If there are no other matters, please give the order to depart."
Di Nian returned her smile and was about to turn and issue the command when he spotted a horse and rider galloping rapidly from the city gate. Frowning, he paused.
The rider wore robes red as fire, sleeves flying against the wind, revealing pale wrists and a slender waist. Though her riding posture exuded martial spirit, one glance confirmed she was a woman.
Meng Tinghui also noticed the approaching horse. She was about to question why anyone would be permitted to exit the city via this official road at such a time when the woman turned her face upward and urged her mount directly toward the carriage, calling out, "Minister Meng!"
Focusing her gaze, Meng Tinghui recognized Shen Zhili and froze in surprise.Di Nian had already spurred his horse forward to greet her, but Shen Zhili acted as if she hadn't seen him, tugging the reins to gallop past. With no other choice, Di Nian had to wheel around and follow behind her horse as she circled back.
Meng Tinghui stepped out of the carriage and looked at her. "Lord Shen, what brings you here?"
Shen Zhili dismounted and rushed over, disregarding the onlookers, grabbing her hands with reddened eyes. "Lord Meng has been avoiding visitors at your residence these past few days. I had no other choice but to come see you now."
Meng Tinghui frowned. Due to the suddenness of affairs, she had spent little time at her residence recently and had closed her gates to avoid unrelated disturbances. She never expected Shen Zhili would come find her here. Softly, she asked, "What urgent matter brings you, Lord Shen?"
Shen Zhili glanced around, ensuring no idle bystanders were present, then pulled Meng Tinghui aside, her voice choked. "Lord Meng, I beg you to spare my brother's life!"
Meng Tinghui's frown deepened as she averted her gaze. "Why would you say such things, Lord Shen? My mission to Chaoan North Circuit is precisely to pacify the rebel forces and secure the release of Prefect Shen."
Shen Zhili wiped her eyes and continued, "I grew up with His Majesty since childhood, and I know his temperament better than anyone. I dare not speculate on how your mission to Chaoan will unfold, but I implore you to guarantee my brother's safety!"
Meng Tinghui bit her lip slightly and calmly withdrew her hand. Turning to Di Nian, she said, "Colonel Di, please escort Lord Shen back to the city first, then join our departure."
Shen Zhili still refused to leave, but Di Nian strode over in several steps, grabbed her sleeve, and pulled her aside while coaxing, "Just stay in the capital eating well and sleeping soundly! I promise to bring your brother out of Willow Banner Camp completely unharmed! If he loses so much as a single hair, you can chop off one of my fingers!"
Shen Zhili struggled desperately, trying to break free from his grasp, but couldn't match his strength as he half-dragged, half-led her away from the main road.
Meng Tinghui's expression darkened as she walked alone back to the military formation. She quietly instructed the leading officer, "We'll proceed first. Colonel Di will catch up shortly."
The officer acknowledged softly. Watching her return to the carriage and lower the curtain, he deftly cracked his whip through the air and commanded the eight hundred troops to form columns and march.
As the carriage moved and horses trotted, autumn dust rose in clouds along the official road.
Only after the carriage had traveled some distance did she lift the window curtain to look back, but Shen Zhili's fiery red figure was already out of sight.
Remembering his words in the great hall that night, she closed her eyes with a frown, lowered her head, and let the curtain fall.
·
Traveling northward, every government courier station along the way received them with formal courtesy. Though Meng Tinghui only held a fourth-rank position, they treated her as a third-rank official or higher, not daring the slightest neglect.
By the time they reached Qing Province City, twelve more days had passed since receiving the northern military report. During these twelve days, no new orders came from the capital, nor were there any urgent memorials from the north. Presumably, the situation at Willow Banner remained largely unchanged from before.
Meng Tinghui originally intended to bypass Qing Province and head directly outside Willow Banner County, but Di Nian insisted firmly that she rest in Qing Province City for a day or half before planning their next moves. Meanwhile, he himself rode nonstop with orders to Qing Province Camp to arrange troop mobilization.In Qing Province, the prefect Shen Zhishu was held captive in the rebel camp, and all civil and military affairs in the city were temporarily managed by the deputy magistrate Cao Zixiong. Cao Zixiong had previously served for many years in the capital's Privy Council and was well-versed in military matters. After the former deputy magistrate of Qing Province, Wang Qi, was demoted, Cao Zixiong was recommended by Fang Kai and appointed as deputy magistrate of Qing Province.
Cao Zixiong was a cautious and thoughtful man. Despite Shen Zhishu's capture by the rebels, civil affairs in Qing Province remained orderly, and the Qing Province military camp was entirely unaffected by the mutiny of the eastern Imperial Army. All military matters were firmly under Cao Zixiong's control.
When Meng Tinghui and her party were still thirty li from Qing Province, they encountered officials sent by Cao Zixiong to welcome the envoy. They escorted her directly to the city's official posthouse and informed her that Cao Zixiong would personally visit her after concluding his official duties to discuss the proclamation of the imperial decree for pacifying the rebels in Liuqi County.
Meng Tinghui couldn't help but inwardly marvel: Cao Zixiong was clearly a capable official, so why had she never heard of him during her time in the capital?
Of the eight hundred accompanying troops, aside from the dozen or so who accompanied Di Nian to the Qing Province military camp, the rest also entered the city to rest. However, less than an hour after settling in, a minor official from the posthouse came to inform Meng Tinghui that someone outside was asking for her, claiming to be an old acquaintance.
Meng Tinghui hadn't even had time to change out of her official robes. Surprised, she wondered who in Qing Province could be an old acquaintance and asked the official, "Do you know the visitor's name?"
The official wore a respectful and somewhat awed expression as he replied, "The visitor is the head of the Yan family shop in Qing Province City, the eldest daughter of the Yan family from Chongzhou Prefecture—Yan Fuzhi."
Upon hearing this, Meng Tinghui's eyes lit up instantly, her face brimming with smiles. She quickly stood up and said, "Please invite her in at once." After the official left on her orders, she straightened her dress in front of the mirror and hurriedly rummaged through her luggage to see if she had brought any suitable gifts when leaving the capital. For a moment, she didn't even stop to wonder why Yan Fuzhi was in Qing Province.
Soon after, a woman bustled in energetically and exclaimed, "Tinghui!"
Meng Tinghui smiled and looked at her. "You're quite well-informed..." The woman before her was dressed in luxurious attire, her appearance even more stunning than two years ago. Her hair was elegantly styled, her earrings crystal-clear—every detail was impeccable.
Yan Fuzhi's lips curved slightly, as if she couldn't quite manage a full smile. Her eyes swept over Meng Tinghui from head to toe. "You haven't changed at all..." Before finishing her sentence, her delicate brows furrowed tightly, her gaze fixed on the collar of Meng Tinghui's official robe. Her expression grew somber.
Noticing Yan Fuzhi's unusual demeanor, Meng Tinghui was puzzled and asked cautiously with a smile, "Have you encountered something unpleasant?"
Yan Fuzhi closed the door behind her and walked straight to Meng Tinghui's side. After a moment's thought, she looked up, her large eyes filled with gloom. "You've come to Qing Province to proclaim the imperial decree in Liuqi County and pacify the rebels, haven't you?"
Meng Tinghui nodded. Seeing that Yan Fuzhi didn't seem to be here for a casual reunion but rather for this specific matter, she grew even more perplexed, unable to grasp what connection Yan Fuzhi could have with the situation.
Yan Fuzhi lowered her long eyelashes, her lips trembling for a long while before she whispered, "You will save him, won't you?"
Meng Tinghui was taken aback. It took her a moment to realize who "he" referred to. Her heart sank, and a thought flashed through her mind. "You... and Lord Shen?"
Yan Fuzhi's expression shifted slightly. Pressing her red lips together, she reached into her sleeve, pulled out a stack of banknotes, and handed them to Meng Tinghui. "If it's not enough, I'll have someone send more later."Meng Tinghui took it and was startled upon seeing the enormous amount. "What do you mean by this?" she said, pushing the stack of banknotes back.
Yan Fuzhi didn't even look at her, merely lowering her lashes as she spoke: "Lord Meng has been dispatched by imperial decree to pacify the rebel troops here. Consider this a humble commoner's contribution to the court. I only hope Lord Meng can display the Emperor's majestic grace and restore our Qing Province's magistrate, Lord Shen, to the people of the city."
"You're..." Meng Tinghui stood frozen. The address "Lord Meng" grated on her ears, and the Yan Fuzhi before her differed drastically from the bold woman she had bid farewell to two years ago.
This stack of banknotes left her utterly at a loss.
Although she knew that merchants often formed close ties with government officials, and that such bribery and silver-offering practices were hardly unusual, Yan Fuzhi had been managing the Yan family's business in Qing Province for a long time and must have been tainted by such customs. Yet when all this occurred between the two of them, it truly left her struggling to adapt.
After a long pause, she furrowed her brows, slightly turned her body, and said, "Important state affairs are to be decided by the court officials."
Yan Fuzhi stared at her intently for a long while, then suddenly plopped down, lifting her sleeve to wipe her forehead as her eyes reddened. She began crying without regard for her appearance, sobbing and whimpering, "You, Meng Tinghui! How dare you brush me off with such official talk... If he gets killed by the rebels this time, what am I to do?"
Meng Tinghui was taken aback by her outburst, but seeing her like this, she couldn't help but smile. She realized Yan Fuzhi hadn't changed much after all—still the same bold and fiery temperament as before. She hurried forward to comfort her, saying, "Who said Lord Shen would be killed by the rebels? Don't frighten yourself. Take this silver note back quickly. I am carrying out the Imperial Decree and will naturally do everything in my power to rescue Lord Shen."
Yan Fuzhi continued crying uncontrollably, tears streaming down and smudging her powdered makeup. Between sobs, she choked out, "If I had known that day that he would disappear without a trace after leaving, I would never have treated him like that! I... I shouldn't have argued with him, or said I never wanted to see him again..."
Meng Tinghui was at a loss, flustered as she wiped away Yan Fuzhi's tears. She sighed inwardly, wondering how this emotional debt between them had come about, and advised, "Please stop crying. What's done is done—crying your eyes out won't help matters."
Yan Fuzhi shoved the silver note back into Meng Tinghui's arms, crying, "Aren't those rebels just angry that the Transportation Office in Chaoan North Circuit is cutting their military provisions? This silver is enough for them to squander for a year or two. Take it to them when the time comes, and I'll have more silver sent to you from the shops later... The Yan family has plenty of silver, but they must release Shen Zhishu!"
Meng Tinghui found herself torn between laughter and tears. "You..." She reached out to brush aside the hair on Yan Fuzhi's forehead and sighed, "I know the Yan family is the wealthiest in Chaoan North Circuit, but how can you waste the family's silver like this? Moreover, do you think this matter is as simple as just provisions and silver? Lord Shen is in peril, and the Emperor in the capital is deeply concerned about the northern unrest. I left the capital with the Imperial Decree, bearing the Emperor's trust and the court's hopes. Please don't make things more difficult for me."
Yan Fuzhi cried until her eyes were red and swollen, finally calming down after a long while. She said, "That day, when people from the Chong Prefecture Pacification Commissioner's Office came, they said he needed to bring military provisions to Willow Banner Camp to reward the border garrison troops. I found it strange—why didn't they send Cao Tongpan instead of him? He just laughed and told me it was nothing serious, that he'd be back in a couple of days. Who would have thought that after he left, chaos would break out at Willow Banner Camp..."
Meng Tinghui's expression suddenly changed. "What did you say?" She grabbed Yan Fuzhi's hand, her voice turning cold as she asked, "Are you saying that before Prefect Shen left, he didn't know about the mutiny at Willow Banner Camp?"
Yan Fuzhi nodded. "Afterward, I asked Cao Tongpan, and he said he hadn't heard of it either! It was only several days after Shen Zhishu left that rumors started coming from the east, saying the Willow Banner Imperial Guards had mutinied... Tell me, why did he have to run into such trouble?"
Meng Tinghui's fingertips trembled slightly, a chill running through her heart.While in the capital, Minister of the Imperial Guards Tian Fu had clearly stated that Shen Zhishu was dispatched by Chaoan North Circuit Pacification Commissioner Dong Yicheng with provisions and silver to appease the mutinous Imperial Army at Willow Banner Camp—
Yet who could have known that before his departure, he was completely unaware of the Willow Banner Imperial Guards' rebellion!
If Dong Yicheng had truly withheld this information and sent him alone into the midst of the rebellious troops, was this not deliberately pushing him into a pit of fire!
She pondered for a long while, then tightened her grip on Yan Fuzhi's hand and asked, "Is everything you just said true? You must not speak carelessly!"
Yan Fuzhi's willow-like eyebrows shot up, her expression turning grim. "Why would I lie to you? I don't even know whether Shen Zhishu is dead or alive—how could I fabricate such things?"
Meng Tinghui patted the back of her hand and said softly, "You should return to your residence first. I cannot wait until Cao Tongpan closes his office—I must go see him immediately."
Yan Fuzhi wanted to say more, but seeing her solemn expression, she restrained herself. Withdrawing her hand and rising, she took a few steps toward the door but couldn't resist turning back to look at her. "You... you must ensure his safety! I'll come find you later."
Meng Tinghui nodded, watching her leave before turning to fetch her velvet cloak. She summoned two accompanying junior officials to accompany her to the Qing Province government office.
·
At the government office, she successfully met with Cao Zixiong. After some inquiries, it turned out exactly as Yan Fuzhi had said—before Shen Zhishu's departure for Willow Banner County, the Pacification Commissioner's envoy had not mentioned a word about the Willow Banner Imperial Guards' mutiny. The entire Qing Province government had assumed his mission was a routine silver reward distribution and hadn't paid it much attention. To avoid complications, Meng Tinghui didn't tell Cao Zixiong about Dong Yicheng's report to the capital, only stating that once Di Nian returned from Qing Province Camp, she would immediately lead troops to Willow Banner County without waiting another day.
Upon hearing this, Cao Zixiong immediately delegated his official duties to others and insisted on accompanying Meng Tinghui and Di Nian to Willow Banner County. Meng Tinghui naturally refused, citing that Qing Province couldn't be left without leadership. However, shortly after she returned to the official courier station, Cao Zixiong arrived with a few constables, claiming the roads around Willow Banner County were winding and that their group would be essential if Meng Tinghui's party traveled at night. Left with no choice, Meng Tinghui had to permit Cao Zixiong to accompany them.
Not long after nightfall, Di Nian returned to the city from Qing Province Camp. Accompanying him was a young man around twenty years old, who identified himself as Hu Yuelin—a servant who had accompanied Shen Zhishu from the capital to his post. Upon learning that Di Nian had brought Imperial Guards, Hu Yuelin insisted on joining the group to Willow Banner County. Unable to make the decision himself, Di Nian brought him back to the courier station for Meng Tinghui's judgment.
Without hesitation, Meng Tinghui approved Hu Yuelin's request. She ordered everyone to pack lightly and set out for Willow Banner County before complete darkness fell.
While at Qing Province Camp, Di Nian had presented the Privy Council's order, directing Touring Carriage General Song Zhirui to personally select ten thousand troops to advance to Willow Banner County first. They were to station themselves north of Yao Mountain, fifteen li west of Willow Banner County, and refrain from rash actions. As Meng Tinghui's group left the city, eight hundred Palace Guard Imperial Guards formed protective columns on both sides. With only brief rests along the way, they sped rapidly toward Willow Banner County.
They reached thirty li outside Willow Banner County at daybreak the following morning.Meng Tinghui dispatched several Imperial Guards on horseback to ride west and report to Song Zhirui's unit. After discussing with Di Nian, they decided to take only two hundred troops to advance toward Liuqi Camp while dispersing the remaining forces at intervals of five li, each group led by squad commanders. Cao Zixiong and Hu Yuelin naturally accompanied the two toward the camp, switching to ordinary horses. Once Di Nian had arranged all matters, the two hundred Imperial Guards escorted their carriage and horses forward.
When about five li remained, the pale gray outer walls of Liuqi Camp became faintly visible in the distance.
Meng Tinghui abandoned the carriage, requesting a horse to ride alongside Di Nian and the others. Dust swirled across the road, coating her face with fine grit. Turning to look back, she saw only a desolate expanse of rocky wilderness.
Growing uneasy after some distance, Di Nian turned to her and said, "Lord Meng, before departing the capital, His Majesty instructed me not to let you approach the camp."
Meng Tinghui replied softly, "His Majesty also gave me instructions. Colonel Di need not worry."
Hu Yuelin, riding behind them, wore a face full of concern. Noticing this, Meng Tinghui urged her horse closer and asked in a low voice, "Are you aware of the matter between your young master and the Eldest Miss of the Yan family?"
Hu Yuelin froze for a moment, then nodded reflexively.
Meng Tinghui smiled at him but asked no further questions. Lightly pulling the reins, she returned to Di Nian's side and let out a soft sigh. The relationship between Yan Fuzhi and Shen Zhishu was indeed unusual. Recalling how Yan Fuzhi had wept bitterly before her yesterday, her expression darkened slightly as she lifted her gaze toward the increasingly near Liuqi Camp.
The city gates were tightly shut, and from a distance, it was unclear whether guards were stationed on the walls.
When about two hundred paces remained, Di Nian halted Meng Tinghui's horse and glanced back at Cao Zixiong. Understanding the signal, Cao Zixiong led the constables and two hundred Imperial Guards to follow Di Nian as they continued toward the city walls.
Meng Tinghui remained mounted, calmly watching their retreating figures.
The autumn wind swept her robes, the crimson stark against the azure sky. The embroidered Fish Pouch at her waist was exquisite, its Purple Necklace finely woven around her Rhinoceros Belt.
After a hundred paces, sharp whistling sounds suddenly pierced the air ahead. Before anyone could react, several clusters of arrows shot forth, embedding directly in the sandy soil before the front riders' horses.
Neighs erupted as everyone startled.
Di Nian looked up and saw rebel soldiers on the city walls firing from the archery platforms. He immediately ordered a retreat. A junior officer, unable to rein in his horse in time, advanced two more steps. Another arrow whistled, and his horse abruptly knelt on one knee, throwing him to the ground.
Seeing this, Meng Tinghui's face instantly changed. She swiftly dismounted and strode forward.
Di Nian also commanded everyone to dismount and lay down their swords, while ordering someone to shout toward the rebel soldiers on the walls a hundred paces away, announcing that the imperial envoy had arrived and demanding they send someone out to receive the decree.
The rebels on the walls remained unconvinced, loosing another volley of arrows that forced Di Nian and the Imperial Guards to retreat beyond arrow range before they finally lowered their longbows.
Furious, Di Nian kicked up a cloud of yellow sand, cursing, "Damn it all!" He turned and pointed at an Imperial Guard carrying a bow, shouting, "Shoot one of them down for me!"
"Colonel Di!"
Meng Tinghui rushed forward from behind, stopping the guard. Frowning, she said, "No one move recklessly." With that, she spread her official robes' wide sleeves, stepped over the scattered arrows on the ground, and walked alone toward the city walls ahead.Di Nian swiftly stepped forward to block her path, disregarding formalities as he stretched out his arm to bar her way, urgently saying, "What does Lord Meng intend to do? The Emperor has decreed that Lord Meng is not to approach the city camp by even a single step!"
Meng Tinghui gently adjusted her sleeves and replied, "Colonel Di, you lead hundreds of Imperial Guards armed with spears and mounted on horses here. How can the rebels on the city walls possibly believe in the court's sincerity to negotiate peace? If you intend to have archers shoot from a distance, not only are we already beyond their range—even firing dozens of arrows would not reach the walls—but if the rebels see the Imperial Guards taking action, would there be any room left for negotiation? Could Lord Shen Zhishu's life still be spared?"
Di Nian made two gestures behind her, and the Imperial Guards all laid down their swords and bows, retreating further back. Most of these guards were descendants of noble families who had entered the military academy and were specially recruited into the various units under the Palace Guard. Many came from lineages with military achievements, and now, unjustly treated by the rebels on the walls, none could suppress their anger. Their faces were grim, and though they obeyed Di Nian's order to disarm and retreat, their eyes blazed with killing intent.
Meng Tinghui continued, "The rebels are no fools. They know that if the court sends an envoy to negotiate peace, it must be a high-ranking civil official bearing an imperial edict. Although Colonel Di has ordered shouts to be made, if the rebels do not see a civil official present, how would they easily open the gates and send someone out to receive the decree?"
Di Nian frowned and said, "Even so, Lord Meng cannot approach the city alone!" His tone was as firm as thunder.
Meng Tinghui smiled slightly and said, "Colonel Di, rest assured. I am merely taking a dozen steps forward so that the rebels on the walls can clearly see my official robes and headdress, and see that I am unarmed. Only then will they know that the court has indeed sent an envoy to proclaim the imperial edict."
Di Nian thought for a moment, then stepped aside slightly but followed closely behind her as she advanced, muttering under his breath, "No matter what, I cannot allow Lord Meng to go forward alone."
Meng Tinghui smiled wordlessly and walked alongside him for about forty or fifty steps. As expected, no more arrows were shot from the walls. She stopped, raised her head to gaze toward the city, her hands still tucked in her sleeves.
In the distance, the azure sky resembled glazed porcelain; nearby, the city walls stood gray and imposing. Dust swirled around her official boots, and her crimson robes billowed in the fierce wind, the sleeves flapping like the wings of a red butterfly, starkly vivid against the desolate autumn scenery.
Before long, shouts came from the rebels on the walls, declaring that they would absolutely not open the gates to send anyone out to receive the decree. They would only allow the envoy to ascend the walls alone, bearing the edict, and proclaim it before the rebels.
Di Nian fumed, gritting his teeth as he said, "Lord Meng, give me the Imperial Edict. I will go up to the walls and deal with these scoundrels!"
Meng Tinghui lowered her eyes and pondered for a long moment before saying, "The rebels have already seen me here. If Colonel Di ascends the walls with the edict, what would they think? They would surely believe the court lacks sincerity in negotiating peace, and it would be difficult for Colonel Di to return unharmed."
Seeing that he could not persuade her, Di Nian turned to summon his men, determined to prevent her from recklessly ascending the walls.She gently tugged at his sleeve and said in a low voice, "Colonel Di." Seeing him frown and turn his head, she continued, "General Song has ten thousand troops stationed fifteen li to the west. You must remain here to command the forces and must not act recklessly. The court has sent an envoy from afar to proclaim the Imperial Edict. If the rebels do not see the court's sincerity and decide to fight to the death, Lord Shen's life will surely be lost, and both you and I will be deemed guilty before the Emperor. Surely you do not wish to see the situation escalate to that point?"
Di Nian grew impatient and retorted sternly, "Lord Meng, say no more. Either give me the Imperial Edict, or we will remain stalled outside the city with the rebels and see how this ends!"
Meng Tinghui raised her eyes to the top of the city wall. "Stalled? The two of us here face no threat to our lives, but who knows what Lord Shen is enduring inside the city? And who knows what treasonous acts the rebels might commit if they see the Imperial Guards neither advancing nor retreating? If you remain stalled here, will General Song's ten thousand troops wait with you at the foot of barren Yao Mountain, or will they return to the Qing Province camp to await further orders? If the rebels are pushed to desperation and suddenly open the gates to attack, will you disregard the lives of these hundreds of Imperial Guards? We must first enter the city to stabilize the rebels, determine when they are willing to surrender and open the gates, and then secretly dispatch Song Zhirui's forces to the outskirts. Only in this way can we avoid arousing the rebels' suspicion and maintain full control of the situation."
Di Nian stared at her. "Lord Meng, have you considered that you are a woman? If you rashly ascend the city wall, how can you be sure those rebels will not commit unspeakable atrocities?"
Meng Tinghui shook her head. "Since the rebels have captured Lord Shen and are using him to pressure the court into issuing an edict pardoning their crimes, they must have intentions of surrender. Otherwise, why would they have held the city for days without taking action? Demanding that the court's envoy ascend the wall is merely a precaution against ambushes, and their reluctance to open the gates fully is understandable. If they humiliate or capture me, they would be insulting the Emperor's authority, leaving no grounds for pardon—surely they understand this. If they had no desire to live, why would they have been at a standstill until now without killing Lord Shen? It is only because they know of his close relationship with the Emperor and are using him to extricate a path to survival. Since they seek to live, they will certainly not harm or humiliate me. You may set your mind at ease, Colonel Di."
Di Nian pondered this but still frowned in refusal. "Lord Meng, if anything were to happen to you, how could I answer to the Emperor?"
Meng Tinghui smiled faintly. "I have been orphaned since childhood and have no attachments in this world. If there is anything in my heart, it is only loyalty to the Emperor. You, Colonel Di, are well-versed in military strategy and the heir to the Duke of Wu. In the future, you will undoubtedly be a pillar of support for the Emperor within and beyond the court. If anything were to happen to you, not only would I be unable to answer to the Emperor, but I would also be accountable to all the Important Officials of the court. Let me go up to the wall. You can command the troops outside; once the gates open, you can lead the forces to disarm them. If the rebels renege, you can join General Song in besieging the city to suppress them. If you were to go up, how would I, with no knowledge of military affairs, manage outside?"
Di Nian lowered his head, hesitating, and did not reply immediately.She thought for a moment, then added, "Before leaving the capital, His Majesty did not realize how stubborn the rebel army would be, which is why he ordered me not to approach the city camp. Now that we have witnessed the situation, how can we, as officials, fail to share the emperor's concerns and only fear for our own safety? Colonel Di, you must trust me this once."
The dozens of Imperial Guards who had advanced at Di Nian's command stood frozen, neither daring to approach nor retreat, waiting for his orders as they watched the two whispering.
After a long silence, Di Nian waved a hand behind him. "All of you, fall back!" He turned to face Meng Tinghui squarely and said, word by word, "If anything were to happen to you, Lord Meng, I fear even His Majesty would find no peace. I hope you will remember my words."
Meng Tinghui nodded, gave him a slight bow, and smiled faintly. "I have never understood military affairs, so I will not comment on matters outside the city. Colonel Di, you may decide as you see fit. If by nightfall the rebels show no intention of opening the gates, there is no need to wait further. Order General Song to attack the city under cover of darkness."
Di Nian was taken aback by her casual tone. "By nightfall? Lord Meng, do you truly value your life so little?"
Meng Tinghui lowered her eyes and chuckled softly. "It is not that I disregard my life. If the rebels are willing to surrender, they should trust the court's sincerity the moment I ascend the wall. If they refuse to open the gates for an entire day, they must have other plans and truly do not desire to live. In that case, the sooner the court attacks and clears the city, the less suffering Lord Shen and I will endure. A single day already feels too long to me."
Without waiting for Di Nian to respond, she turned to Cao Zixiong and the others. "My decision to ascend the city wall alone today is entirely my own, not forced by Colonel Di. If anything should happen to me, and if there are those in the court who slander Colonel Di in the future, I hope you will bear witness and not allow anyone to tarnish his loyalty to the throne and the nation."
Her tone was calm and her voice soft, yet her words moved everyone present. Di Nian took a deep breath, turned, and ordered his men to shout toward the city wall, announcing that the court's envoy of appeasement intended to ascend alone and requesting that a rope be lowered.
Meng Tinghui carefully straightened her official robes and accessories. Without bidding farewell to Di Nian or the others, she walked slowly toward the city wall. Fifty paces away, she encountered deep trenches and horse traps, which she struggled to cross. By the time she reached the solid brick wall, a long rope with a bamboo basket attached was being lowered from the battlements.
Perhaps out of consideration for her being a woman, the rebels "accommodated" her by not using the ordinary hemp rope for soldiers but providing a wide, large bamboo basket for her to sit in.
As she was hoisted up by the rebel guards, the rope suddenly twisted near the top, tilting the basket and startling her. In the next moment, someone grabbed her arm, pulling and dragging her onto the high platform of the city wall.
A crowd immediately surrounded her, blocking her from view.
Meng Tinghui did not look at them. Instead, she pushed herself up, slowly dusted off her official robes and long skirt, smoothed the stray hairs at her temples, and only then raised her eyes to speak. "I wish to see that Lord Shen Zhishu is unharmed before presenting His Majesty's Imperial Edict for your review."Before these men could speak, they were momentarily stunned by her calm tone. The group of fully armored soldiers looked at her with peculiar gazes, scrutinizing her up and down repeatedly, their expressions as if they had never seen a woman before. After a long while, a man who appeared to be the leader stepped forward and said, "Are you truly the Pacification Commissioner sent by the imperial court?"
Meng Tinghui raised her head to look at the man. His face was covered in stubble, and his eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating he hadn't rested for days. Only the armor of an eighth-rank Military Academy officer he wore remained relatively bright. Though she knew little of military affairs, she understood that in the Imperial Army stationed along the border circuits, rising from an ordinary soldier without official rank to an eighth-rank junior officer required at least ten years of service. This man before her must hold some authority among these rebellious troops.
She lowered her gaze, untied the Fish Pouch from her waist, and placed it in her palm to hand to him. In a cold voice, she said, "Though I wear crimson robes and hold a rank below that of a dual-appointment minister, I enjoy His Majesty's deep trust. By imperial decree, I have come personally as the sovereign's envoy to pacify and urge your surrender to the court. How dare you question me so?"
The man examined the Fish Pouch carefully, then glanced at her official robes before finally setting aside his doubtful expression. "So you are Meng Tinghui, the one who left from Chaoan North Circuit?"
She nodded.
The gazes of those around her shifted again, clearly having heard of her name.
She curled the corner of her lips, thinking that what they had heard was certainly nothing good. In the capital, she had already been labeled a treacherous sycophant—how much worse must her reputation be in these borderlands?
The man turned and shoved a few people beside him, impatiently saying, "What are you all standing around here for? Waiting for me to reward you? Hurry up and inform General Huo that Pacification Commissioner Meng Tinghui has ascended the city wall and wishes to see Shen Zhishu!" After speaking, he turned back to scrutinize Meng Tinghui. "Follow me!"
Meng Tinghui steadied herself and followed the man down the city wall. Casually, she asked, "Might I ask who you are, sir?"
The man was burly, towering over her like a tall tree as they walked. Soldiers along the way shrank back fearfully at the sight of him. Hearing her question, he gave a strange smile and said, "At this point, Lord Meng still has the heart to ask for names?"
Meng Tinghui fell silent, focusing only on watching her steps as they walked.
After descending the city wall, they walked for a long time before entering the inner city. At a glance, the streets were eerily deserted, cold and desolate. Occasionally, soldiers passed by in small groups, all disheveled and lewd in appearance, rowdy and unruly, acting as if they were above the law.
A chill ran down her spine. She abruptly looked up and fixed her gaze on the man, asking, "After you occupied the city, what happened to the commoners inside?"
The man raised an eyebrow, looking utterly unconcerned, and instead retorted, "What do you think happened?"
Meng Tinghui was about to say more when she noticed his eyes fixed intently on something high in the distance. She instinctively turned to follow his gaze—
Not far away, in the center of the city's main road, stood a tall wooden pole with a human head hanging from the top.
The head was unrecognizable, its skull shattered and riddled with arrows. The gleaming arrowheads and blades were almost too numerous to count, the rotting flesh and decaying bones a horrifying sight.
As she took it in, a spasm seized her stomach, and she nearly vomited. Struggling to hold it back, her fingers trembled uncontrollably. Only after a long moment did she lower her gaze and turn back to him.
The man also turned to look at her, a smirk playing on his lips. "Do you know who that is? That's Gao Hai, the magistrate of Liuqi County, who publicly executed soldiers from our camp!"
Meng Tinghui clenched her fists tightly inside her sleeves, forcing her face to remain calm. She knew this man was deliberately trying to frighten her, so she gritted her teeth and remained silent.
Back in the capital, when Tian Fu had reported on the rebel army, she had learned that Gao Hai, the magistrate of Liuqi County, had been brutally killed by the rebels. But witnessing his severed head hung high on a pole, used as a target for the soldiers' archery practice, was a stark and chilling reality that made her legs tremble and her heart grow cold.
It was clear the city had been thoroughly plundered by this rebel camp. Though she did not know the fate of the commoners, she doubted it was anything good. She had imagined countless scenarios of the rebel army on her way here, but she had never anticipated such a gruesome sight!
Only now did she understand why, that day in the Hall of Profound Thought, he had issued such a ruthless and merciless decree to execute all the rebel soldiers.
At the time, she had thought his methods excessively cruel. But now she realized it was not his ruthlessness—it was the rebels' atrocities that were utterly heinous. How could the people's fury be quelled without their execution?
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