Fuzhu's Ballad

45

Chapter 45 Spark Ignition

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As Lan Dan slowly turned the warm wine pot in the porcelain bowl, the green plum wine in the pot exuded a faint aroma of wine and some freshness of plums. Shentu Rui went to take another shower, not due to the heat, but because he was restless. Lan Dan lifted the wine pot out of the hot water, causing a misty fog to envelop the porcelain pot, which looked alluring and charming in the light. Lan Dan gently fanned the mist away with her hand, concerned that Shentu Rui might not be able to sleep without drinking some wine. To avoid any harm to his spleen and stomach, she had specifically instructed Xia Xin to prepare a milder green plum wine.

She was wiping the pot when Shentu Rui rushed into the room, with dripping hair and feet, leaving a trail of footprints. He walked heavily and fast, the wind he brought with him shook the candle flames.

Lan Dan put down the wine pot, glared at him, and complained, “What a mess you’ve made. Dry yourself first before coming back.”

Shentu Rui didn’t care, sat down next to her, and signaled her to pour him a cup of wine. “It’s refreshing this way.”

Lan Dan stood up and hesitated on whether to wipe the water on the floor or his hair. She returned with a handkerchief and stood behind him. He poured himself a cup of wine and looked at her with disapproval, sensing that she did not value his hair that much.

Lan Dan sighed as she looked at the water stains on the mat caused by his wet hair. She knelt down to help him wipe his hair while Shentu Rui slowly enjoyed his drink with a soft chuckle.

“Your Highness… Your Highness…” It was Sun Shi Xiang, who shouldn’t have appeared in the inner courtyard at this hour. His urgent voice suggested that something serious had happened.

Lan Dan felt her heart race. Ever since her experience with stealing babies, she couldn’t stand these sudden, urgent moments. Shentu Rui’s cup fell on the table with a loud bang, startling Lan Dan. Before she could gather her wits, he had already stood up and quickly walked to the door.

“Is it…?” Shentu Rui’s voice was becoming unsteady.

Even Sun Shixiang couldn’t afford to beat around the bush at this moment, and even interrupted, “Yes, yes! The Empress Dowager has no choice but to agree to send troops. Xiao Bing Wen is estimated to reach Tongye in three or two days.”

“Good!” Shentu Rui was extremely excited. “Prepare the horses, I’m going to find Su Yi Ming.”

Sun Shi Xiang responded, and ran out with heavy footsteps. Shentu Rui grabbed a cloak randomly without even bothering to comb his hair, and left in a hurry without saying a word to her.

Lan Dan silently wiped the water on the mat, trying to recall the conversation. Empress Dowager? Fifth Prince? If it was related to the border of Tongye, it should not be the Empress Dowager in the imperial city, then… could it be the Empress Dowager of Beimo? She suddenly realized everything. The Beimo hostage had taken control of Da Min, and his most desired goal would naturally be to take revenge and reclaim Beimo. In order to stabilize the will of the people in the imperial court, it was necessary to set out with a good reputation whenever there was a military conquest. There was no better reason than for the previous dynasty’s Prince to unite with Beimo and counterattack the new dynasty. No wonder Shentu Cheng vigorously reduced taxes, supported agriculture and commerce, and let Lan Huang control the court without excessive killings— it was all to win the people’s hearts as soon as possible.

Lan Dan threw the handkerchief far away at the door. She took the lamp beside her bedroll, lay down, blew on the lamp, and smiled wryly. She had thought that when Shentu Rui released Fifth Brother, it was out of respect for her and Lan Huang, leaving some blood for the Xiao family, but she didn’t expect it was just one part of their prearranged plan. She wasn’t very clever, and neither was Lan Huang, but thinking about it, her sense of defeat wasn’t as strong anymore.