novelraw Chapter 1940 A Test
Chapter 1940 A Test
Chapter 1940 A Test
On the day Li Shengxuan summoned Fang Zilan and Prince Rong'an to court, as expected, all the officials unanimously declared that the white jade tiger tally should be handed over to Prince Rong'an for safekeeping.
As for the reasons, they were all high-sounding and plausible: the white jade tiger tally was originally used to command the army in the southeast, and Prince Rong'an was the younger brother of Emperor Tai'an, the most respected head of the imperial clan, so it was most suitable for him to have it in his hands...
Some even subtly suggested that this move would not only suppress the Southeast Camp to prevent Zhou Lang from flaunting his military achievements, but also intimidate the Xiahou family in the Baiyue region…
Fang Zilan watched coldly as the officials spoke spittle flying everywhere, belittling the soldiers of the Southeast Camp who had single-handedly resisted the invasion of Miluo and the Xiahou family who had quelled the pirates and protected the peace of the people, implying that they harbored wolfish ambitions and could not be trusted. She found it utterly ridiculous.
When war broke out, they were the impregnable defense line of the Great Capital, willing to sacrifice themselves even if it meant being shattered to pieces.
When the world is peaceful and prosperous, they are seen as treacherous and cunning individuals who overshadow their superiors and harbor malicious intentions, becoming thorns in the side of their colleagues.
When the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away. It's nothing more than that.
Even the Xiahou family, who remained in the old Baiyue territory, still had people who coveted them. How much more so for her, the Duke of Yue, who had made a name for herself in the capital.
Amidst the chorus of agreement, Zhuge Yu's objection stood out: "Your Majesty, the White Jade Tiger Tally has always been held by the military generals who guard the southeast. I believe it is inappropriate to hand it over to Prince Rong'an."
His words caused an uproar among the officials. No one expected him to speak out, especially since he had remained noncommittal when the matter was raised a few days earlier, as if it had nothing to do with him.
Of course, the officials also felt that this matter had nothing to do with him. As the head of the Ministry of Personnel and the future head of the Zhuge family, who was known for his strategic planning, what could he possibly have to do with the Tiger Tally?
Because the Zhuge family had faded from the battlefield for so many years, the people in the hall had long forgotten that back then, someone from the Zhuge family had also held this white jade tiger tally and risked their lives amidst the clash of swords to protect the people of this region.
“I agree with Lord Zhuge.” Wei Mao stepped forward with a stern face and stood shoulder to shoulder with Zhuge Yu. “Prince Rong’an is of noble status and should not be associated with such a weapon as the White Jade Tiger Tally. It is best not to force yourself.”
“Lord Duke of Wei, you…” Prince Rong’an hadn’t expected Wei Mao to stand up and object. Before he could even retort, a censor beside him said sarcastically, “Lord Duke of Wei is a womanizer, yet he can still command the camp outside the capital. What about Prince Rong’an…”
"What did you say?" Wei Mao narrowed his eyes, calmly interrupting the censor. The chill emanating from him made the censor shiver, stammering, "Nothing..."
Prince Rong'an cursed inwardly that the scribes of the Censorate were spineless, too intimidated by Wei Mao to speak. However, he dared not speak up for himself, for fear that he would appear eager for the White Jade Tiger Tally, which would render all his carefully cultivated image of nonchalance and leisurely pursuit futile.
Just as they were caught in a dilemma, Fang Zilan suddenly spoke up, "I heard that the officials originally submitted a memorial to the throne, intending to give the white jade tiger tally as a wedding gift for Princess Rong'an. How come it has now turned into Prince Rong'an wanting to keep the white jade tiger tally for himself?"
A casual remark caused a barely perceptible change in Prince Rong'an's expression. "Lord Duke Yue, please be careful with your words. I did not..."
"Leaving aside whether presenting a white jade tiger tally as a gift is appropriate," Fang Zilan interrupted Prince Rong'an without hesitation, continuing, "Princess Rong'an is revered as a living bodhisattva by the people of the southeast, her kindness unmatched by ordinary people. How could such a celestial being accept a gift like a white jade tiger tally? Wouldn't that be a defilement?" Upon hearing Fang Zilan's words, the officials exchanged bewildered glances, unable to find a rebuttal. After all, Princess Rong'an rarely appeared in public; who knew what she truly thought?
But as Fang Zilan said, the more famous one becomes, the more indifferent one becomes to power struggles, because once caught in the vortex of power, even a living bodhisattva cannot protect himself, let alone Princess Rong'an.
“Whether or not we release her isn’t the issue.” Fang Zilan sighed softly. “As long as I can see Warners, I’ll find a way to bring her back. But what I’m afraid of is that I won’t be able to see Warners at all tomorrow, that would be terrible.”
"If we don't see Warner tomorrow, what does Sister Lan intend to do?" Zhuge Yu stared at the person in front of her, feeling her unease growing stronger.
A resolute glint flashed in Fang Zilan's eyes, "Then we have no choice but to venture into the lion's den, to kill anyone who gets in our way, until we rescue Warners."
"Such a bold and reckless act is far too risky." Zhuge Yu shook his head in disapproval, but Fang Zilan smiled and asked, "Is A-Yu worried about me?"
Zhuge Yu did not answer Fang Zilan's question, nor did she seem to care. She continued speaking to herself, "I remember that Young Master Zhuge was one of those people who were deeply suspicious of me. Even though I fought with all my might and narrowly escaped death in the Northern War, Young Master Zhuge never truly trusted me. Why is he now worried about my life and death?"
She subtly changed her form of address, her expression hardening slightly. "If I were to die, Young Master Zhuge and His Majesty would surely be relieved, wouldn't they?"
"Times change, and people change too," Zhuge Yu said softly, his clear eyes becoming much deeper. "Lord Fang possesses extraordinary courage and skill, and his actions are truly admirable. Before any evidence is available, I choose to trust Lord Fang. However…"
He paused for a moment, then said, "For a woman like Lady Fang, this is perhaps a bit too much."
Fang Zilan chuckled softly, her smile tinged with bitterness and helplessness, but even more so with unwavering determination. "Young Master Zhuge comes from a prestigious family and is used to a life of ease, never having to exert much effort. But I am different. If I don't fight with all my might, I might not even be able to survive."
Upon hearing this, Zhuge Yu was stunned. Only then did he realize that he, too, was one of those who harbored prejudice.
This world is not fair to everyone. Some people can live a life of luxury because of their birth, while others have to do everything they can just to have enough to eat and wear.
Fang Zilan, standing before him as a woman in the high position of the Lord of the Northern Territory, was tantamount to walking on a knife's edge.
Countless eyes were watching her from behind, and she was constantly on the defensive, facing both open and hidden attacks. She didn't have the confidence to be invincible, yet she carved out her own place with every sword and blade.
“There’s one more thing, I…” Fang Zilan’s voice pulled Zhuge Yu back to reality. He looked at the person in front of him who looked hesitant and wanted to say something, and said, “Sister Lan, please speak your mind. I will do anything I can to help you.”